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.

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.

ENLISTMENT OATH

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.

Photo Gallery