An official website of the United States Government 
Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Photos

Snapshots of what’s happening in the Defense Department.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, speaks briefly with Pope Benedict XVI during his weekly general audience at the Vatican in Vatican City, Jan. 16, 2013. The pontiff thanked Panetta for helping to protect the world.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, speaks briefly with Pope Benedict XVI during his weekly general audience at the Vatican in Vatican City, Jan. 16, 2013. The pontiff thanked Panetta for helping to protect the world.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, right, speaks briefly with Pope Benedict XVI during his weekly general audience at the Vatican in Vatican City, Jan. 16, 2013. The pontiff thanked Panetta for helping to protect the world.

Photo Gallery