Freshman Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) on Thursday will join President Barack Obama at Elmendorf Air Force Base, where Obama is scheduled to address troops stationed in Alaska.

The state’s senior Senator, Republican Lisa Murkowski, will not join the president for the private address, but she welcomed Obama to the state in a written statement.

“I send my warm welcome to him as he visits our state for the first time and experiences Alaska’s beauty and people,— Murkowski said.

Obama is making the brief appearance on his way to Japan and an extended trip through Asia. The trip was delayed by one day as Obama attended a memorial service at Fort Hood, Texas, where 13 were killed last week when a soldier opened fire on the Army base.

“President Obama has promised us that this refueling stop and visit will not ‘count’ as a full visit to Alaska and we look forward to welcoming the entire first family to Alaska in the future,— Murkowski said.