Gates Visits Texas Air Force Bases

Department of Defense Photo Essay

  • U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick, Col. Eric Wilbur and Chief Master Sgt. Juan Lewis greet Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates upon his arrival at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, July 24, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates observes Air Force Basic Military Trainees in the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives Chamber during a visit to Kelly and Lackland Air Force Bases in San Antonio, Texas, July 24, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates watches as Air Force Basic Military Trainees disassemble and reassemble M16 rifles during a visit to Kelly and Lackland Air Force Bases in San Antonio, Texas, July 24, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates meets with Air Force Basic Military Trainees after watching them disassemble and reassemble M16 rifles during a visit to Kelly and Lackland Air Force Bases in San Antonio, Texas, July 24, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates receives a tour of the Basic Military Training dormitory during a visit to Kelly and Lackland Air Force Bases in San Antonio, Texas, July 24, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks with a trainee during a tour of the Basic Military Training dormitory during a visit to Kelly and Lackland Air Force Bases in San Antonio, Texas, July 24, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates thanks Air Force Basic Military Trainees for serving their country during a visit to Kelly and Lackland Air Force Bases in San Antonio, Texas, July 24, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates receives a briefing about the Improvised Explosive Device training given to Air Force Basic Military Trainees during a visit to Kelly and Lackland Air Force Bases in San Antonio, Texas, July 24, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates addresses the audience during a coin ceremony for Air Force Basic Military Training graduates on a visit to Kelly and Lackland Air Force Bases in San Antonio, Texas, July 24, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates addresses the audience during a coin ceremony for Air Force Basic Military Training graduates on a visit to Kelly and Lackland Air Force Bases in San Antonio, Texas, July 24, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
  • An Air Force Basic Military Trainee waits to pass out coins during a coin ceremony for basic training graduates at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, July 24, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates addresses the audience during a coin ceremony for Air Force Basic Military Training graduates on a visit to Kelly and Lackland Air Force bases in San Antonio, July 24, 2008. Gates toured the Air Force's Basic Military Training facility and praised the trainees on their perseverance and dedication. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
  • A training instructor hands out coins during a coin ceremony for Air Force Basic Military Training graduates on a visit to Kelly and Lackland Air Force Bases in San Antonio, Texas, July 24, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Air Force Basic Military Training graduates stand at parade rest during a coin ceremony at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, July 24, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Air Force Basic Military Training graduates recite the Airman's Creed during a coin ceremony at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, July 24, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks with members of the press after visiting Kelly and Lackland Air Force Bases in San Antonio, Texas, July 24, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie Cullen