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

RETURNING HOME

A U.S. sailor from the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge embraces her mother after returning from a six-month deployment, Feb. 1, 2008.

The Department of Defense provides the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation's security.

Photos