NEW : Defense Secretary Ryan Crocker meeting with officials in Panetta . Libya also will pass along holiday wishes to the troops . and it 's important that we go there and express my thanks , our thanks as a nation , for their service and for their sacrifice , '' he said . Turkey is a key ally in the Middle East , Panetta says . Libya represents what the Arab Spring is all about , he says .
NEW : Defense Secretary Ryan Crocker meeting with officials in Panetta . Libya also will pass along holiday wishes to the troops . Turkey is a key ally in the Middle East , Panetta says . Libya represents what the Arab Spring is all about , he says .