The U.S. military could sustain its operations in Afghanistan even if it lost access to a key air base in neighboring Uzbekistan, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Monday at the outset of a three-day tour of the region. \"We\'re always thinking ahead. We\'ll be fine,\" Rumsfeld told reporters traveling with him. A frequent visitor to Central Asia since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Rumsfeld arrived here amid growing questions about the U.S. government\'s long-term intentions. The Uzbek government has raised doubt about continued U.S. access to Karshi-Khanabad air base, which has been used as a staging point for operations in Afghanistan since the war started. (AP)