Gates Visits USS Independence in Mayport, Florida

Department of Defense Photo Essay

  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates delivers the oath of enlistment to U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Nathan Ellsworth during his visit aboard the USS Independence in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. Gates toured the ship and conducted an all-hands call with the crew. Ellsworth is a boatswain's mate. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Gary Granger Jr.
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks during an all-hands call aboard the USS Independence in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Gary Granger Jr.
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks during an all-hands call aboard the USS Independence in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Gary Granger Jr.
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks during an all-hands call aboard the USS Independence in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Gary Granger Jr.
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks during an all-hands call aboard the USS Independence in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Gary Granger Jr.
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks with Sailors during a visit to the USS Independence, Littoral Combat Ship 2, in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Seen from above, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks with a group of sailors during a visit to the USS Independence, Littoral Combat Ship 2, in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates tours the USS Independence, Littoral Combat Ship 2, in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates tours the USS Independence, Littoral Combat Ship 2, in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates tours the USS Independence, Littoral Combat Ship 2, in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates tours the USS Independence, Littoral Combat Ship 2, in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates tours the USS Independence, Littoral Combat Ship 2, in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates tours the USS Independence, Littoral Combat Ship 2, in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates tours the USS Independence, Littoral Combat Ship 2, in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates tours the USS Independence, Littoral Combat Ship 2, in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates tours the USS Independence, Littoral Combat Ship 2, in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates tours the USS Independence, Littoral Combat Ship 2, in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen
  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates tours the USS Independence, Littoral Combat Ship 2, in Mayport, Fla., May 6, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen