( CNN ) -- Leon Panetta visited a former U.S. Navy base in Cam Rahn Bay , Vietnam , on Sunday , marking the first trip to the base by an American defense secretary since the war ended . The Cam Ranh Bay naval base was an important deep water port and logistics hub for the U.S. , and is considered a `` jewel '' of deep-water ports . Standing on the USNS Richard E. Byrd , a ship anchored at the base , Panetta thanked assembled civilian and military personnel for `` your service , your sacrifice . '' `` The Vietnam generation is my generation , '' Panetta said , noting there was `` a tremendous amount of blood spilled on both sides '' during the war . He called on those present to `` heal the wounds of the past , '' saying it makes the sacrifices of those who died worthwhile and will help build a better future . Panetta , who headed to Hanoi after the base stop , is on a tour of Asia that includes Singapore and India . His trip aims to boost military ties in the region . `` We still face a lot of threats ... still face a lot of challenges in today 's world , and a lot of it is in this part of the world , '' Panetta said . In Singapore , he said , he outlined a new defense strategy . As part of a `` rebalancing '' with Asia , the United States will enhance its military cooperation with China and boost its allies ' capabilities in the region , Panetta said Saturday . The defense secretary detailed the new strategy to a gathering of Asia 's military leaders , saying the majority of U.S. warships would move to the region . `` By 2020 , the Navy will reposture its forces from today 's roughly 50-50 split from the Pacific and Atlantic to a 60-40 split in those oceans , '' Panetta said . `` We will also invest -- invest in cyber , invest in space , invest in unmanned systems , invest in special forces operations , '' he said . `` We will invest in the newest technologies . And we will invest in new technology to mobilize quickly , if necessary , '' Panetta said . Along with enhanced military cooperation , Panetta emphasized diplomacy that includes `` open and free commerce , and open access by all to their shared domains of sea and air '' -- a current point of friction in the South China Sea between China and regional nations . The increased regional involvement by the United States has raised concerns about tensions with China . `` I reject that view entirely , '' Panetta said , calling the U.S. shift `` fully compatible with the development and growth of China . Indeed , increased U.S. involvement in this region will benefit China . '' Panetta said the United States will work to improve communication with China to build trust between the two nations .
The Cam ##otes Bay military base was an important communications hub for the Japanese His visit marks the first trip there by an American defense secretary since the war ended . Panetta is on an extended trip aimed at explaining the U.S. strategy .