Leon Edward Panetta was sworn in as the 23rd defense secretary on July 1, 2011. In the course of his duties, the secretary will travel throughout the world visiting U.S. military forces in deployed locations and meeting with defense counterparts in allied and partner nations. Biography

Some Guidelines Met for Ending
Libya Mission, Official Says

ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT, Oct. 7, 2011 - Three of the four guidelines laid out this week by Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta for ending Operation Unified Protector in Libya have been met, a senior defense official said. Story

Panetta Visits Military Bases in Italy

NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy, Oct. 7, 2011 - On his way home from a week-long trip to countries in the Middle East and NATO headquarters in Belgium, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta made stops at two military bases in Italy to thank U.S. and NATO troops for their service. Story