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		<title>Photo Essay Photos - U.S. Dept. of Defense</title>
		<link>http://www.defense.gov/photoessays/index.aspx</link>
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			Photo Essays MRSS feed
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		<pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 17:27:28 EDT</pubDate>
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			<title>Photo Essay Photos - U.S. Dept. of Defense</title>
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			<link>http://www.defense.gov/photoessays/index.aspx</link> 
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<item><title><![CDATA[Obama Speaks at Air Force Graduation]]></title><description><![CDATA[President Barack Obama speaks with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz after delivering the commencement speech for the U.S. Air Force Academy's graduation ceremony at the academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 23, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 17:09:14 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Air Force photo by Mike Kaplan]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2876</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2876</guid><media:description><![CDATA[President Barack Obama speaks with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz after delivering the commencement speech for the U.S. Air Force Academy's graduation ceremony at the academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 23, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120523-F-ZJ145-808c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120523-F-ZJ145-808c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta, Dempsey, Clinton Testify on Law of the Sea]]></title><description><![CDATA[Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testify on Law of the Sea Convention before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington, D.C., May 23, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 12:41:01 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2874</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2874</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testify on Law of the Sea Convention before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington, D.C., May 23, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120523-D-TT977-053a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120523-D-TT977-053a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Paratroopers, Afghan Forces, District Subgovernor Patrol Ghazni Province]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army paratroopers and Afghan soldiers and policemen conduct a presence patrol in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, May 19, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 23 May 2012 08:46:10 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2873</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2873</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army paratroopers and Afghan soldiers and policemen conduct a presence patrol in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, May 19, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120519-A-3108M-002a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120519-A-3108M-002a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta Meets With Iraqi Minister at Pentagon]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta escorts acting Iraqi Defense Minister Sadun al-Dulaymi  through an honor cordon at the Pentagon, May 22, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 22 May 2012 12:08:03 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by Erin Kirk-Cuomo]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2871</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2871</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta escorts acting Iraqi Defense Minister Sadun al-Dulaymi  through an honor cordon at the Pentagon, May 22, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120522-D-BW835-033c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120522-D-BW835-033c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Paratroopers, Afghan Forces Conduct Patrol in Ghazni Province]]></title><description><![CDATA[A U.S. Army paratrooper provides overwatch security to fellow paratroopers and Afghan soldiers after a firefight in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, May 17, 2012. The agricultural areas surrounding Combat Outpost Giro are a haven for insurgent activities.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 22 May 2012 08:30:19 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2870</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2870</guid><media:description><![CDATA[A U.S. Army paratrooper provides overwatch security to fellow paratroopers and Afghan soldiers after a firefight in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, May 17, 2012. The agricultural areas surrounding Combat Outpost Giro are a haven for insurgent activities.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120517-A-3108M-025a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120517-A-3108M-025a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S., Romanian Troops Discuss Future Projects in Qalat]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Marc Sheie speaks with a village elder in northern Qalat, Afghanistan, May 16, 2012. Sheie, commander of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul, discussed future projects with the village elder during a visit by U.S. and Romanian soldiers to assess security and irrigation there.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 11:43:14 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Turner]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2869</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2869</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Marc Sheie speaks with a village elder in northern Qalat, Afghanistan, May 16, 2012. Sheie, commander of Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul, discussed future projects with the village elder during a visit by U.S. and Romanian soldiers to assess security and irrigation there.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120516-F-QE261-050a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120516-F-QE261-050a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Airmen Perform at Air Show on Joint Base Andrews]]></title><description><![CDATA[Members of the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron, perform for thousands of people at the 2012 Joint Service Open House and Air Show on Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 19, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 10:13:19 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2868</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2868</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Members of the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron, perform for thousands of people at the 2012 Joint Service Open House and Air Show on Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 19, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120519-A-AO884-042a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120519-A-AO884-042a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Airmen Conduct Combat Search and Rescue Training Near Nevada Base ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Air Force Capt. Yuriza Castillo-Aguirre and Staff Sgt. Kyle Bone review authentication information to portray downed pilots during training for combat search and rescue from the Air Force Weapons School near Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., May 17, 2012. Castillo-Aguirre and Bone are assigned to the 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron. The school provides selected officers with the most advanced training in weapons and tactics employment. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 06:51:45 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Harris]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2867</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2867</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Air Force Capt. Yuriza Castillo-Aguirre and Staff Sgt. Kyle Bone review authentication information to portray downed pilots during training for combat search and rescue from the Air Force Weapons School near Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., May 17, 2012. Castillo-Aguirre and Bone are assigned to the 960th Airborne Air Control Squadron. The school provides selected officers with the most advanced training in weapons and tactics employment. ]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120517-F-RM405-022a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120517-F-RM405-022a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Soldiers Inspect Storage Units in Afghan Center]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Neal, center, talks through his interpreter to an Afghan man at the Khoshi District Center in Afghanistan's Logar province, May 12, 2012. Neal is assigned to the 201st Georgia Agribusiness Development Team 2, part of a mission to inspect cool storage units to help the Afghans become better farmers.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 06:40:03 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Spc. Austin Berner]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2866</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2866</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Neal, center, talks through his interpreter to an Afghan man at the Khoshi District Center in Afghanistan's Logar province, May 12, 2012. Neal is assigned to the 201st Georgia Agribusiness Development Team 2, part of a mission to inspect cool storage units to help the Afghans become better farmers.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120512-A-BZ540-001a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120512-A-BZ540-001a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Soldiers, Afghan Police Search Village in Ghazni Province]]></title><description><![CDATA[Afghan police lead coalition forces to the village of Spine Gundey in the Gelan district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province, May 10, 2012. Afghan forces are taking the lead in security operations throughout Afghanistan.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 21 May 2012 06:28:11 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Spc. Andrew Baker]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2865</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2865</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Afghan police lead coalition forces to the village of Spine Gundey in the Gelan district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province, May 10, 2012. Afghan forces are taking the lead in security operations throughout Afghanistan.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120510-A-Ni188-016a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120510-A-Ni188-016a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Obama, Panetta Attend NATO Summit in Chicago]]></title><description><![CDATA[British Prime Minister David Cameron, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, U.S. President Barack Obama and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen observe a NATO color guard before a moment of silence honoring service members killed or wounded in Afghanistan at the NATO summit in Chicago, May 20, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 20 May 2012 20:33:16 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2864</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2864</guid><media:description><![CDATA[British Prime Minister David Cameron, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, U.S. President Barack Obama and NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen observe a NATO color guard before a moment of silence honoring service members killed or wounded in Afghanistan at the NATO summit in Chicago, May 20, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120520-D-TT977-068.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120520-D-TT977-068.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[French Defense Minister Visits Pentagon]]></title><description><![CDATA[Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, escorts French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian, center, into the Pentagon May 19, 2012. Panetta and Le Drian met to discuss defense issues of mutual concern.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 19 May 2012 18:35:11 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD Photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2863</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2863</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, escorts French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian, center, into the Pentagon May 19, 2012. Panetta and Le Drian met to discuss defense issues of mutual concern.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120519-D-BW835-019.JPG&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120519-D-BW835-019.JPG&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta Attends Evening Parade at Marine Barracks]]></title><description><![CDATA[Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos and his wife Bonnie welcome Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and  his wife Sylvia at the commandant's home before evening parade at Marine Barracks Washington May 18, 2012, in Washington, D.C. ]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 19 May 2012 11:39:35 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo ]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2862</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2862</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Marine Corps Commandant Gen. James F. Amos and his wife Bonnie welcome Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and  his wife Sylvia at the commandant's home before evening parade at Marine Barracks Washington May 18, 2012, in Washington, D.C. ]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120518-D-BW835-001.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120518-D-BW835-001.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leaders Induct Posthumous Medal of Honor Recipient Into Hall of Heroes]]></title><description><![CDATA[Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno delivers remarks during the ceremony to posthumously induct Medal of Honor recipient Army Spc. 4 Leslie H. Sabo Jr. into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon, May 17, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 16:12:41 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo By Glenn Fawcett]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2861</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2861</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno delivers remarks during the ceremony to posthumously induct Medal of Honor recipient Army Spc. 4 Leslie H. Sabo Jr. into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon, May 17, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120517-D-NI589-084a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120517-D-NI589-084a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Naval Academy Plebes Tackle Obstacles During Sea Trials]]></title><description><![CDATA[A U.S. Naval Academy freshman, or plebe, carries his classmate during the academy's annual Sea Trials in Annapolis, Md., May 15, 2012. The endurance exercise for the academy's freshmen also serves as a leadership challenge for upper classmen, who direct each event.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 15:31:46 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexia Riveracorrea]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2860</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2860</guid><media:description><![CDATA[A U.S. Naval Academy freshman, or plebe, carries his classmate during the academy's annual Sea Trials in Annapolis, Md., May 15, 2012. The endurance exercise for the academy's freshmen also serves as a leadership challenge for upper classmen, who direct each event.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120515-N-AC575-053a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120515-N-AC575-053a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Obama Awards Medal of Honor Posthumously to Soldier]]></title><description><![CDATA[President Barack Obama awards the Medal of Honor posthumously to Army Spc. 4 Leslie H. Sabo Jr. and presents it to Sabo's widow, Rose Mary Sabo-Brown, during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., May 16, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 12:24:56 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Eboni Everson-Myart]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2859</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2859</guid><media:description><![CDATA[President Barack Obama awards the Medal of Honor posthumously to Army Spc. 4 Leslie H. Sabo Jr. and presents it to Sabo's widow, Rose Mary Sabo-Brown, during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., May 16, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120516-A-WP504-55e.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120516-A-WP504-55e.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta, Leaders Attend Marine Corps Aviation Centennial Observance]]></title><description><![CDATA[Marines pass in review before Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta during the observance of the Marine Corps Aviation Centennial in Arlington, Va., May 16, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 17 May 2012 06:54:04 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2858</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2858</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Marines pass in review before Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta during the observance of the Marine Corps Aviation Centennial in Arlington, Va., May 16, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120516-D-NI589-154a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120516-D-NI589-154a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Paratroopers Engage in Activities on Afghanistan Base]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army 1st Lt. Daniel Loeffler drives an all-terrain tactical vehicle on Forward Operating Base Warrior in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, May 12, 2012. Loeffler, a logistics officer, is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 15:16:19 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2857</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2857</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army 1st Lt. Daniel Loeffler drives an all-terrain tactical vehicle on Forward Operating Base Warrior in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, May 12, 2012. Loeffler, a logistics officer, is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120512-A-3108M-001a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120512-A-3108M-001a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Week in Photos 5/12 - 5/18]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Pfc. Kristina Batty dons a headscarf to meet with female Afghan villagers in Afghanistan's southern Ghazni province, May 5, 2012. Batty, a medic for a female engagement team, is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 16 May 2012 14:58:49 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod ]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2856</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2856</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Pfc. Kristina Batty dons a headscarf to meet with female Afghan villagers in Afghanistan's southern Ghazni province, May 5, 2012. Batty, a medic for a female engagement team, is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team. ]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120505-A-3108M-003c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120505-A-3108M-003c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Paratroopers Continue Mission in Ghazni Province]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Pfc. Kristina Batty dons a headscarf to meet with female Afghan villagers in Afghanistan's southern Ghazni province, May 5, 2012. Batty, a medic for a female engagement team, is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 15 May 2012 08:56:09 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2854</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2854</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Pfc. Kristina Batty dons a headscarf to meet with female Afghan villagers in Afghanistan's southern Ghazni province, May 5, 2012. Batty, a medic for a female engagement team, is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120505-A-3108M-003a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120505-A-3108M-003a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Odierno Attends Ellis Island Award Ceremony]]></title><description><![CDATA[Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and his wife, Linda, observe the New York skyline from the upper deck of a ferry, May 12, 2012. Odierno was in New York to receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which recognizes citizens who have contributed to the national identity while preserving the values and heritage of their ancestors.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 14:36:35 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2853</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2853</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and his wife, Linda, observe the New York skyline from the upper deck of a ferry, May 12, 2012. Odierno was in New York to receive the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which recognizes citizens who have contributed to the national identity while preserving the values and heritage of their ancestors.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120512-A-AO884-105a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120512-A-AO884-105a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dempsey Gives Commencement Address at Norwich University]]></title><description><![CDATA[Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, right, receives a tour of Norwich University campus from retired Army Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, chairman of the university's board, before Dempsey gives the university's commencement address in Northfield, Vt., May 13, 2012. Norwich is the nation's first private military university and the birthplace of Army ROTC.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 14:03:55 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Sun L. Vega]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2852</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2852</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, right, receives a tour of Norwich University campus from retired Army Gen. Gordon R. Sullivan, chairman of the university's board, before Dempsey gives the university's commencement address in Northfield, Vt., May 13, 2012. Norwich is the nation's first private military university and the birthplace of Army ROTC.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120509-M-FG262-068.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120509-M-FG262-068.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Provincial Team Gathers Information in Farah Province]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Spc. Terry Proud pulls security during a mission in Farah City in Afghanistan's Farah province, May 12, 2012. Proud is assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah, whose members met with Farah City citizens to gather information and opinions about the living conditions there.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:41:42 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Lovelady]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2851</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2851</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Spc. Terry Proud pulls security during a mission in Farah City in Afghanistan's Farah province, May 12, 2012. Proud is assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah, whose members met with Farah City citizens to gather information and opinions about the living conditions there.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120512-F-YA200-298c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120512-F-YA200-298c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Paratroopers Patrol in Ghazni Province]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army paratroopers listen to a briefing before a patrol with Afghan soldiers in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, May 8, 2012. The soldiers are assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team. The battalion deployed to Ghazni in March 2012 to help bring security to Highway 1, the country's most important road for travel between Kabul and Kandahar.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 00:11:21 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2850</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2850</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army paratroopers listen to a briefing before a patrol with Afghan soldiers in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, May 8, 2012. The soldiers are assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team. The battalion deployed to Ghazni in March 2012 to help bring security to Highway 1, the country's most important road for travel between Kabul and Kandahar.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120508-A-3108M-002a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120508-A-3108M-002a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Paratroopers Conduct Mission in Ghazni Province]]></title><description><![CDATA[A U.S. paratrooper patrols as the sun rises in a village in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, May 4, 2012. The soldier is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 14:01:16 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2848</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2848</guid><media:description><![CDATA[A U.S. paratrooper patrols as the sun rises in a village in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, May 4, 2012. The soldier is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120504-A-3108M-004.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120504-A-3108M-004.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Army Guardsmen Provide Security During Road Mission ]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Nelson, right, and 1st Lt. Brandon Bowden pull security during a road assessment mission in Farah province, Afghanistan, May 9, 2012. Their unit includes Alaska National Guard infantrymen, who are responsible for ensuring the safety of those assigned to Forward Operating Base Farah. The base includes soldiers, sailors and airmen working with various government and nongovernment agencies to promote governance and stability.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 13:51:20 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jonathan Lovelady]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2847</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2847</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Nelson, right, and 1st Lt. Brandon Bowden pull security during a road assessment mission in Farah province, Afghanistan, May 9, 2012. Their unit includes Alaska National Guard infantrymen, who are responsible for ensuring the safety of those assigned to Forward Operating Base Farah. The base includes soldiers, sailors and airmen working with various government and nongovernment agencies to promote governance and stability.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120509-F-YA200-279.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120509-F-YA200-279.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Week in Photos 5/5 - 5/11]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Pfc. Jeffery Penning and an Afghan security guard pull security during a roving patrol on Observation Post Mustang in Afghanistan's Kunar province, May 3, 2012. Penning is assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 11:08:46 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jenny Lui]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2846</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2846</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Pfc. Jeffery Penning and an Afghan security guard pull security during a roving patrol on Observation Post Mustang in Afghanistan's Kunar province, May 3, 2012. Penning is assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120503-A-TT389-014c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120503-A-TT389-014c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[First Lady, Dr. Biden Host Event for Military Mothers]]></title><description><![CDATA[First Lady Michelle Obama, second from left, and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, pose with military families during a Joining Forces Mother's Day event at the White House in Washington, D.C., May 10, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 00:22:40 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by Linda Hosek]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2845</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2845</guid><media:description><![CDATA[First Lady Michelle Obama, second from left, and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, pose with military families during a Joining Forces Mother's Day event at the White House in Washington, D.C., May 10, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120510-D-0653H-037.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120510-D-0653H-037.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps Leaders Welcome Chinese Minister of National Defense]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser, center right, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, hosts an honor cordon to welcome Chinese Minister of National Defense Gen. Liang Guanglie to the command's headquarters in Miami, May 8, 2012. U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta hosted Gen. Liang at the Pentagon, May 7, 2012, as part of the first U.S. visit by a Chinese defense minister in nine years.  Liang has been visiting U.S. military installations and meeting with U.S. military leaders to discuss U.S.-China cooperation in areas of mutual interest. ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 14:21:04 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jason Philip]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2844</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2844</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser, center right, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, hosts an honor cordon to welcome Chinese Minister of National Defense Gen. Liang Guanglie to the command's headquarters in Miami, May 8, 2012. U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta hosted Gen. Liang at the Pentagon, May 7, 2012, as part of the first U.S. visit by a Chinese defense minister in nine years.  Liang has been visiting U.S. military installations and meeting with U.S. military leaders to discuss U.S.-China cooperation in areas of mutual interest. ]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120508-A-BS728-011.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120508-A-BS728-011.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta Welcomes Finnish Defense Minister]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, escorts Finnish Defense Minister Stefan Wallin through an honor cordon at the Pentagon, May 10, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 12:47:39 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2843</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2843</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, escorts Finnish Defense Minister Stefan Wallin through an honor cordon at the Pentagon, May 10, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120510-D-NI589-058b.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120510-D-NI589-058b.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta, Dempsey Attend Law of the Sea Convention]]></title><description><![CDATA[Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta delivers the keynote address at a forum for the Law of the Sea Convention in Washington, D.C., May 9, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 18:17:01 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo By Glenn Fawcett]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2842</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2842</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta delivers the keynote address at a forum for the Law of the Sea Convention in Washington, D.C., May 9, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120509-D-NI589-255d.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120509-D-NI589-255d.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta Hosts Chinese Minister of National Defense at Pentagon]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta conducts a joint press briefing with Chinese Minister of National Defense Gen. Liang Guanglie at the Pentagon, May 7, 2012. Liang has been visiting U.S. military bases and meeting with U.S. military leaders to discuss U.S.-Chinese cooperation in areas of mutual interest. 
]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 19:12:43 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2841</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2841</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta conducts a joint press briefing with Chinese Minister of National Defense Gen. Liang Guanglie at the Pentagon, May 7, 2012. Liang has been visiting U.S. military bases and meeting with U.S. military leaders to discuss U.S.-Chinese cooperation in areas of mutual interest. 
]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120507-D-TT977-162a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120507-D-TT977-162a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Marines Patrol Durzay Region in Afghanistan]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Vincent Goitortua scans for potential threats while his fellow Marines speak to a group of local farmers about illicit poppy growth in the area during a security patrol in the Durzay region of the Garmsir district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 30, 2012.
Goitortua is assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, which was making the final patrol of a seven-month deployment. 
]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 15:37:57 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2840</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2840</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Vincent Goitortua scans for potential threats while his fellow Marines speak to a group of local farmers about illicit poppy growth in the area during a security patrol in the Durzay region of the Garmsir district in Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 30, 2012.
Goitortua is assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, which was making the final patrol of a seven-month deployment. 
]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_570483a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_570483a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chinese Minister of National Defense Visits Naval Base San Diego]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt, commander of U.S. Naval Surface Forces,  greets Chinese Minister of National Defense Gen. Liang Guanglie and his delegation upon their arrival in San Diego, May 5, 2012. Liang is visiting U.S. military bases and meeting with U.S. military leaders to discuss U.S.-Chinese cooperation in areas of mutual interest including humanitarian and disaster relief assistance and counter-piracy measures. ]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 06 May 2012 11:22:43 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Christine Walker-Singh]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2839</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2839</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt, commander of U.S. Naval Surface Forces,  greets Chinese Minister of National Defense Gen. Liang Guanglie and his delegation upon their arrival in San Diego, May 5, 2012. Liang is visiting U.S. military bases and meeting with U.S. military leaders to discuss U.S.-Chinese cooperation in areas of mutual interest including humanitarian and disaster relief assistance and counter-piracy measures. ]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120505-N-DG226-270.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120505-N-DG226-270.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta Addresses Troops on Fort Benning, Ga.]]></title><description><![CDATA[Army Gen. Robert Brown, center, greets Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta as he arrives for a visit with troops on Fort Benning, Ga., May 4, 2012. Panetta later addressed the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division during a town hall meeting.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 05 May 2012 12:14:00 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett ]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2838</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2838</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Army Gen. Robert Brown, center, greets Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta as he arrives for a visit with troops on Fort Benning, Ga., May 4, 2012. Panetta later addressed the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team of the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division during a town hall meeting.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_7143920701_594950200e_oB.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_7143920701_594950200e_oB.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Week in Photos 4/28 - 5/4]]></title><description><![CDATA[A U.S. paratrooper uses his weapon's scope to scan the area while pulling security during a combined patrol in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, April 28, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 22:29:12 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2837</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2837</guid><media:description><![CDATA[A U.S. paratrooper uses his weapon's scope to scan the area while pulling security during a combined patrol in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, April 28, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120428-A-3108M-008a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120428-A-3108M-008a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Paratroopers, Afghan Soldiers Conduct 72 Hour Patrol Ghazni Province, Part 3]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jason Gregory and Pfc. Colton Unger are joined by fellow paratroopers as they leave an Afghan army compound during a combined patrol clearing operation in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, April 30, 2012. Gregory, a platoon sergeant, is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 01:15:42 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2836</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2836</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jason Gregory and Pfc. Colton Unger are joined by fellow paratroopers as they leave an Afghan army compound during a combined patrol clearing operation in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, April 30, 2012. Gregory, a platoon sergeant, is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120430-A-3108M-001a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120430-A-3108M-001a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta Attends 10th Anniversary of Pentagon Force Protection Agency]]></title><description><![CDATA[Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta delivers remarks at the Pentagon Force Protection Agency's 10th anniversary event at the Pentagon, May 2, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 16:26:12 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD Photo By Glenn Fawcett]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2835</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2835</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta delivers remarks at the Pentagon Force Protection Agency's 10th anniversary event at the Pentagon, May 2, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120502-D-NI589-0105c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120502-D-NI589-0105c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Paratroopers, Afghan Soldiers Conduct 72-Hour Patrol in Ghazni Province, Part 2]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Spc. Craig Moon and fellow paratroopers load concertina wire onto the front of a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle after using it to make a temporary control point to search vehicles during a clearing operation with Afghan soldiers in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, April 29, 2012. Moon is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 16:12:52 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2834</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2834</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Spc. Craig Moon and fellow paratroopers load concertina wire onto the front of a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle after using it to make a temporary control point to search vehicles during a clearing operation with Afghan soldiers in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, April 29, 2012. Moon is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120429-A-3108M-002a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120429-A-3108M-002a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Paratroopers, Afghan Soldiers Conduct 72-Hour Patrol Ghazni Province, Part 1]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army 1st Lt. Timothy Harting stands by as an Afghan soldier questions a villager about the presence of insurgents in the area during a combined patrol in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, April 28, 2012. Harting, a platoon leader, is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 14:09:04 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2833</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2833</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army 1st Lt. Timothy Harting stands by as an Afghan soldier questions a villager about the presence of insurgents in the area during a combined patrol in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, April 28, 2012. Harting, a platoon leader, is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120428-A-3108M-001a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120428-A-3108M-001a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Odierno Presents Silver Star Medal, Observes Training on Fort Polk, La.]]></title><description><![CDATA[UH-72A Lakota helicopters provide air transportation for Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and his staff during his visit to the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, La., May 1, 2012. The helicopter crews are assigned to the Company A, 5th Aviation Battalion.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 11:16:35 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Teddy Wade]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2832</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2832</guid><media:description><![CDATA[UH-72A Lakota helicopters provide air transportation for Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno and his staff during his visit to the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, La., May 1, 2012. The helicopter crews are assigned to the Company A, 5th Aviation Battalion.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120501-A-AO884-007a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120501-A-AO884-007a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Obama Visits Troops on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. President Barack Obama interacts with troops on Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan's Parwan province, May 2, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 09:09:12 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Roland Hale]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2831</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2831</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. President Barack Obama interacts with troops on Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan's Parwan province, May 2, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_050212-A-PP425-005a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_050212-A-PP425-005a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wounded Warriors Compete in Cycling Events]]></title><description><![CDATA[Army competitors rush forward from the starting line as they compete in the men's handcycle 10K during the first day of the 2012 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 1, 2012. The Army won first and third places in the race.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 07:03:48 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Cody Starken]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2830</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2830</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Army competitors rush forward from the starting line as they compete in the men's handcycle 10K during the first day of the 2012 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 1, 2012. The Army won first and third places in the race.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120501-A-xxxxx-081a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120501-A-xxxxx-081a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Soldiers Collect Identity Data in Kunar Province]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Cpl. Esteban Lopez and an Afghan guard provide security at an entrance to Contingency Operating Post Pirtle King in Afghanistan's Kunar province, April 18, 2012. Lopez is assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's Company A, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 15:39:03 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Trey Harvey]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2829</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2829</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Cpl. Esteban Lopez and an Afghan guard provide security at an entrance to Contingency Operating Post Pirtle King in Afghanistan's Kunar province, April 18, 2012. Lopez is assigned to the 4th Infantry Division's Company A, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120418-A-LK610-010a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120418-A-LK610-010a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dempsey Visits Air Force Academy]]></title><description><![CDATA[Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, walks with Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael C. Gould, superintendent of the Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 30, 2012. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 10:42:27 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by D. Myles Cullen]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2828</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2828</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, walks with Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael C. Gould, superintendent of the Air Force Academy, in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 30, 2012. ]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120430-D-VO565-001.JPG&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120430-D-VO565-001.JPG&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[First Lady, Dempsey Attend Opening for 2012 Warrior Games]]></title><description><![CDATA[First Lady Michelle Obama and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, applaud as members of the Marine team make their way down the Olympic pathway during the 2012 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 30, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 09:06:13 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Heidi Agostini]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2827</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2827</guid><media:description><![CDATA[First Lady Michelle Obama and Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, applaud as members of the Marine team make their way down the Olympic pathway during the 2012 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 30, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120430-M-0944A-950c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120430-M-0944A-950c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panette Meets With Filipino Defense Secretary at Pentagon]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary of Leon E. Panetta hosts an honor cordon to welcome Filipino Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin at the Pentagon, April 30, 2012. ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 07:11:53 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD Photo By Glenn Fawcett]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2826</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2826</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary of Leon E. Panetta hosts an honor cordon to welcome Filipino Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin at the Pentagon, April 30, 2012. ]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120430-D-NI589-0605.JPG&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-05/hires_120430-D-NI589-0605.JPG&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta, Clinton Meet With Filipino Leaders in Washington, D.C.]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, center right, and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, center left, meet with Filipino Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Filipino Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin at the State Department in Washington, D.C., April 30, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 23:27:28 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by Glenn Fawcett]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2825</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2825</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, center right, and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, center left, meet with Filipino Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Filipino Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin at the State Department in Washington, D.C., April 30, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120430-D-NI589-0075a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120430-D-NI589-0075a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta Meets with Italian Defense Minister]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, escorts Giampaolo Di Paola,  Italy's defense minister, through an honor cordon at the Pentagon, April 30, 2012.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:02:40 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2824</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2824</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, escorts Giampaolo Di Paola,  Italy's defense minister, through an honor cordon at the Pentagon, April 30, 2012.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120430-D-BW835-022.JPG&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120430-D-BW835-022.JPG&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Soldiers Conduct Pre-Deployment Training on Fort Bliss]]></title><description><![CDATA[Soldiers pull security during a situation training exercise at Kamal Jabour, a mock Afghan village located on a training facility Fort Bliss, Texas, April 26, 2012. The soldiers are assigned to the 1st Armored Division's Company C, 4th Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:32:24 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Wilbanks]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2823</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2823</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Soldiers pull security during a situation training exercise at Kamal Jabour, a mock Afghan village located on a training facility Fort Bliss, Texas, April 26, 2012. The soldiers are assigned to the 1st Armored Division's Company C, 4th Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120426-A-DU849-001a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120426-A-DU849-001a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Troops Attend School Opening in Marjah District]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ian J. Duncan kicks a soccer ball to an Afghan boy during opening ceremony of the Green School in the Marjah district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, April 25, 2012. ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 07:01:09 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Michael Snody]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2822</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2822</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ian J. Duncan kicks a soccer ball to an Afghan boy during opening ceremony of the Green School in the Marjah district of Afghanistan's Helmand province, April 25, 2012. ]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120425-M-MM392-003a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120425-M-MM392-003a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta Visits Los Candores Air Base in Iquique, Chile]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chilean Defense Minister Andres Allamand and U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, speak with Chilean special forces soldiers after a demonstration of their capabilities on Los Candores Air Base in Iquique, Chile, April 27, 2012. Chile is the final stop on a five-day trip to the region meeting with counterparts and military officials to discuss an expansion of defense and security cooperations. ]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 28 Apr 2012 09:13:09 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2821</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2821</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Chilean Defense Minister Andres Allamand and U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, speak with Chilean special forces soldiers after a demonstration of their capabilities on Los Candores Air Base in Iquique, Chile, April 27, 2012. Chile is the final stop on a five-day trip to the region meeting with counterparts and military officials to discuss an expansion of defense and security cooperations. ]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120427-D-TT977-092.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120427-D-TT977-092.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta Meets With Chilean Leaders]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, and Chilean Defense Minister Andres Allamand review Chilean troops during a welcoming ceremony in Santiago, Chile, April 26, 2012. Panetta is on a five-day trip to the region to meet with counterparts and military officials in Colombia, Brazil and Chile to discuss an expansion of defense and security cooperations.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 19:05:01 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2820</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2820</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, and Chilean Defense Minister Andres Allamand review Chilean troops during a welcoming ceremony in Santiago, Chile, April 26, 2012. Panetta is on a five-day trip to the region to meet with counterparts and military officials in Colombia, Brazil and Chile to discuss an expansion of defense and security cooperations.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120426-D-TT977-032c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120426-D-TT977-032c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dempsey Attends NATO Meetings in Brussels]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, right, talks with Brendan Nelson, Australia's ambassador to the European Union, at a North Atlantic Council meeting in Brussels, April 26, 2012. ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:44:04 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by D. Myles Cullen]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2819</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2819</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, right, talks with Brendan Nelson, Australia's ambassador to the European Union, at a North Atlantic Council meeting in Brussels, April 26, 2012. ]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120426-D-0193C-003a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120426-D-0193C-003a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Soldiers Compete in 'Mudder' Challenge in Kuwait]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Carrico carries a sandbag over a dirt hill during the Tough Mudder Centurion Challenge on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, April 21, 2012. Carrico commands the 1st Cavalry Division's 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:02:18 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John Couffer]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2818</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2818</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Carrico carries a sandbag over a dirt hill during the Tough Mudder Centurion Challenge on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, April 21, 2012. Carrico commands the 1st Cavalry Division's 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120421-A-AX263-089a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120421-A-AX263-089a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Soldiers Patrol in Taghawarq Village in Afghanistan]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army 1st Lt. David Horn looks inside a window while on patrol during Task Force Blue Geronimo in Taghawarq village, in Afghanistan's Khost province, April 14, 2012. Horn is assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, Airborne, 501st Infantry Regiment.]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:52:16 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Spc. Amber Leach]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2817</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2817</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army 1st Lt. David Horn looks inside a window while on patrol during Task Force Blue Geronimo in Taghawarq village, in Afghanistan's Khost province, April 14, 2012. Horn is assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, Airborne, 501st Infantry Regiment.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120414-A-LP603-019a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120414-A-LP603-019a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta Visits War College, Marine Base, WWII Memorial in Brazil]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta departs Brazil's World War II Memorial after a wreath laying ceremony, Rio de Janeiro, April 25, 2012. Panetta is on a five-day trip to the region to meet with counterparts and military officials in Colombia, Brazil and Chile to discuss an expansion of defense and security cooperation. ]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:13:01 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2816</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2816</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta departs Brazil's World War II Memorial after a wreath laying ceremony, Rio de Janeiro, April 25, 2012. Panetta is on a five-day trip to the region to meet with counterparts and military officials in Colombia, Brazil and Chile to discuss an expansion of defense and security cooperation. ]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120425-D-TT977-071a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120425-D-TT977-071a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Provincial Reconstruction Team Visits Prison in Farah City, Afghanistan ]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Armstrong scans his sector from a doorway while pulling security during a prison visit in Farah City, Farah province, Afghanistan, April 24, 2012. Armstrong is assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah security forces.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:56:40 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Benjamin Addison]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2815</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2815</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Armstrong scans his sector from a doorway while pulling security during a prison visit in Farah City, Farah province, Afghanistan, April 24, 2012. Armstrong is assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah security forces.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120424-N-II659-213a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120424-N-II659-213a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Week in Photos 4/21 - 4/27]]></title><description><![CDATA[The American flag reflects in the glasses of an U.S. Army officer as he reenlists as a paratrooper on Combat Outpost Qara Baugh in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, April 22, 2012. The soldier is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:25:35 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Reed Knutson]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2814</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2814</guid><media:description><![CDATA[The American flag reflects in the glasses of an U.S. Army officer as he reenlists as a paratrooper on Combat Outpost Qara Baugh in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, April 22, 2012. The soldier is assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120422-A-HG822-001a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120422-A-HG822-001a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[U.S. Sailors Conduct Operations in Indian Ocean]]></title><description><![CDATA[The USS Carl Vinson leads the USS Bunker Hill and the USS Halsey during a passing exercise with Indian navy ships during Exercise Malabar 2012 in the Indian Ocean, April 16, 2012. The Vinson, Bunker Hill and Halsey comprise Carrier Strike Group 1 and are participating in the annual bilateral naval field training exercise with the Indian navy to advance multinational maritime relationships and mutual security issues.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:21 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Navy photo by Seaman George M. Bell]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2813</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2813</guid><media:description><![CDATA[The USS Carl Vinson leads the USS Bunker Hill and the USS Halsey during a passing exercise with Indian navy ships during Exercise Malabar 2012 in the Indian Ocean, April 16, 2012. The Vinson, Bunker Hill and Halsey comprise Carrier Strike Group 1 and are participating in the annual bilateral naval field training exercise with the Indian navy to advance multinational maritime relationships and mutual security issues.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120416-N-ZI635-241a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120416-N-ZI635-241a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta Visits Leaders in Brazil]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Thomas A. Shannon Jr. greets U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta upon his arrival in Brasilia, Brazil, April 24, 2012. Panetta is on a five-day trip to the region to meet with counterparts and military officials in Colombia, Brazil and Chile to discuss an expansion of defense and security cooperations]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:16:45 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2812</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2812</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Thomas A. Shannon Jr. greets U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta upon his arrival in Brasilia, Brazil, April 24, 2012. Panetta is on a five-day trip to the region to meet with counterparts and military officials in Colombia, Brazil and Chile to discuss an expansion of defense and security cooperations]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120424-D-TT977-160c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120424-D-TT977-160c.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Marines Prepare for 2012 Warrior Games in Colorado]]></title><description><![CDATA[Marines laugh during cycling practice for the 2012 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 23, 2012. The event, which runs from May 1 through May 5, offers competitions for wounded warriors in swimming, track and field, cycling, shooting, archery, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:22:18 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Aaron Hostutler]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2811</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2811</guid><media:description><![CDATA[Marines laugh during cycling practice for the 2012 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 23, 2012. The event, which runs from May 1 through May 5, offers competitions for wounded warriors in swimming, track and field, cycling, shooting, archery, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120423-M-EV637-024.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120423-M-EV637-024.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panetta Meets with Colombian Leaders]]></title><description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta shares a laugh with Colombian Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzón Bueno in Bogota, Colombia, April 23, 2012.  ]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:06:26 EST</pubDate><author><![CDATA[DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley]]></author><link>http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2810</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.defense.gov//PhotoEssays/PhotoEssaySS.aspx?ID=2810</guid><media:description><![CDATA[U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta shares a laugh with Colombian Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzón Bueno in Bogota, Colombia, April 23, 2012.  ]]></media:description><media:thumbnail url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120423-D-TT977-194a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0'/><media:content url='http://www.defense.gov//Services/ImageResizer.aspx?img=/dodcmsshare/photoessay/2012-04/hires_120423-D-TT977-194a.jpg&amp;w=160&amp;h=0' type="image/jpeg" /></item></channel></rss>
