Gov. Scott Walker visits with Wisconsin National Guard troops at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

MADISON — Gov. Scott Walker on Thursday, December 29th headed to Cuba to visit Wisconsin National Guard troops at Guantanamo Bay.

The Department of Military Affairs flew Walker and his entourage to the military base Thursday morning. The Milwaukee-based 32nd Military Police Company is providing support for Joint Task Force Guantanamo and the Joint Detention Group.

The task force operates detention camps for prisoners captured in Afghanistan and elsewhere since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Military Affairs Lt. Col. Gary Thompson said Thursday Walker will visit with the troops, but won't have any contact with prisoners. The governor plans to return to Wisconsin Friday.

President Barack Obama has been critical of the continued operation of Guantanamo. He says spending hundreds of millions of dollars to keep fewer than 60 men in isolation undermines U.S. standing in the world and emboldens violent extremists.