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. Army Lt. Col. J.B. Vowell greets U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates upon his arrival to Forward Operating Base Joyce, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2010. Gates is in Afghanistan to receive operational updates and thank troops for their service.

OPERATING BASE ARRIVAL

U.S. Army Lt. Col. J.B. Vowell greets U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates upon his arrival to Forward Operating Base Joyce, Afghanistan, Dec. 7, 2010. Gates is in Afghanistan to receive operational updates and thank troops for their service.

Photo Gallery