IN-FLIGHT INTERVIEW Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, right, responds to questions by NBC's "Today" show host Matt Lauer while en route to Kabul, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2009. Gates is on his first trip to Southwest Asia following President Barack Obama's decision to send an additional 30,000 troops to the region. SHARE: Download: Full Size (0.06 MB) Credit: VIRIN: 840819-E-BSV65-477.jpg Photo Gallery