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President Barack Obama acknowledged Monday that the Gulf Coast faces an uphill battle following the oil spill that has devastated the region, but pledged that the Gulf Coast will ultimately recover.

"It's going to be painful for a lot of folks," Obama said during an appearance in Theodore, Alabama. "But I promise you ... things are going to return to normal."

Added the President, "This region that's known a lot of hardship will bounce back, just like it's bounced back before."

Obama's remarks came during his fourth trip to the region since the crisis began. Earlier in the day, Obama met with local politicians and business owners, including Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour (R).

On Tuesday, Obama will deliver an adress from the Oval Office on the spill. He is scheduled to meet with BP executives the following day and will, Obama said Monday, hopefully smooth out the claims process.