NORFOLK, Va. – U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, will visit Allied Command Transformation HQ today as part of a visit to the Norfolk area. This visit will be an opportunity to talk about how NATO's structures face future challenges on behalf of the Allied Nations.

Secretary Clinton will have a meeting with the Commander, General Stéphane Abrial, and address assembled ACT staff.

"The Secretary's visit highlights the importance the US attaches to NATO's transformation – or preparation to meet the full range of future security challenges. It also serves to raise awareness of the presence of this strategic headquarters and the role it plays as link between the other 27 European and North American allies and the US military" said SACT's political Advisor, U.S. Ambassador Ravic Huso.

After her discussions at the HQ, the Secretary will deliver remarks at a banquet later in the evening which ACT is proud to co-host with the World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads.

"All the men and women who serve in my Headquarters are honoured to host Secretary Clinton. I look forward to exchanging views with her on a range of issues central to the work of my command and to NATO's continued relevance and vitality to European and North American security. I am particularly eager to discuss ACT's on-going work to translate political and military guidance into capabilities that will enable NATO to fulfil its key missions of ensuring our collective defence and to respond effectively to crises" said General Abrial.

ACT (Allied Command Transformation) is one of the two strategic commands of NATO. Its HQ is located in Norfolk Naval Support Activity base and has a staff of around 700 members. They are highly qualified civilian and military personnel, designated by the 28 Nations of NATO usually for three year tours. Together, they bring the impressive variety of experience and skills necessary to drive NATO's transformation process.