THE head of the US Army described the special relationship between his country and the UK as “critical” for security, on a visit to the region.

Four-star General Robert B “Abe” Abrams - who is the 22nd Commander of US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) – visited the Army Foundation College at Harrogate.

He was there to present the Kermit Roosevelt lecture, one of a series of four annual lectures delivered to the British Army by a US General, and spoke to a packed audience of British Army commanders from across the North.

The lecture - “Surge Ready… Rotationally Focused” - covered FORSCOM’s mission and the US Army’s role in an uncertain world.

Afterwards he said: “This trip has been fantastic and has embodied her desire to foster a better understanding between the United States and United Kingdom's Armies.

“The engagements we've had have left an impression on me and something I will cherish.

“My hope is that continued activities like this will help our long standing relationship between close friends endure, especially for the younger generation that has served together in harm’s way.

“We have shared blood and treasure over our long history and our special relationship is absolutely critical to the security of our nations.”

Before leaving the college General Abrams toured some of the facilities and met some of the junior soldiers training for an Army career.