In his final visit as president to MacDill Air Force Base on Tuesday, President Barack Obama underscored that America's fight against violent extremists during his terms has been effective.

"The organization that hit us on 9/11 is a shadow of its former self," he said.

  • At MacDill, Obama talked about cost of war, ISIS battle
  • 'Terrorists are thugs, they are murderers,' he said
  • Final visit to MacDill Air Force Base as president

He discussed counter terrorism measures and national security, and he also highlighted accomplishments of the United States military.

In his speech, Obama said that on Jan. 20, he will become the first president of the United States to serve two full terms during a time of war. 

Since taking office, Obama has increased the U.S. reliance on special forces to address extremist threats with a limited U.S. footprint.  

"We should take great pride in the progress that we've made over the last 18 years," Obama said. “We are and must remain the strongest fighting force the world has ever known."

Obama spoke about the cost of war, saying the efforts against the Islamic State succeeded the cost "of what we used to spend in one month at the height of the Iraq war." 

Obama also elaborated on the reforms he implemented to keep the U.S. safe. "In the course of my eight years I've never shied away from sending men and women into dangerous areas when necessary. I make no apologies for sending men and women into harm's way when there is a clear mission and it is achievable," Obama said.

Obama also expressed gratitude to the country's special operations forces. "You have made a difference in Afghanistan, and America is safer for it," he said.

However, Obama made it clear that "the terrorist threat is real and it is dangerous."

"We know that, in some form, this violent extremism will be with us for years to come," Obama said. "Terrorists are thugs, they are murderers, and they should be treated that way." 

Obama urged, "We cannot follow the path of previous great powers, who sometimes defeated themselves through overreach." He also added that, "We need wisdom to see that upholding our values and the rule of law is not a weakness. It is our greatest strength."

Although we have "broken the backs of ISIL," "to say we've made progress is not to say that the job is done," Obama said.