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

Panetta: Future Rests on Partnerships, Modernization

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Nov. 18, 2011 - Partnerships and modernization hold the key to meeting the challenges facing the United States and its allies as they near a turning point after a decade of war and adapt to new challenges and priorities, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said. Story

Panetta, MacKay Look
Ahead in Afghanistan Effort

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Nov. 18, 2011 - The way ahead in Afghanistan was among the topics covered in a meeting between Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Canadian Defense Minister Peter G. MacKay, the North American defense leaders told reporters. Story

Defense Leaders Call F-35 Crucial

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Nov. 18, 2011 - Calling it crucial to the defense of North America, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Canadian Defense Minister Peter G. MacKay emphasized that both nations are committed to developing the F-35 joint strike fighter. Story