Ashton Carter, the man who was appointed as Deputy Secretary of Defense in October makes his first trip to Afghanistan.

Carter, second in command of the Defense Department, made the trip to Afghanistan to engage coalition forces and Afghan leaders yesterday.

The purpose of his visit is to re-enforce the United States committment to the people of Afghanistan as well as to thank American and International Security Assistance forces for their work in the region, according to channels.

Dr. Carter previously served as Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics from April 2009 until October 2011. As Under Secretary, Dr. Carter led the Department’s efforts to accelerate the fulfillment of urgent operational needs; increase the Department’s buying power; and strengthen the nation¹s defenses against weapons of mass destruction and other emerging threats.