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.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates listens to a reporter's question during a press briefing with Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa at the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, Japan, on Oct. 21, 2009. Gates is in Japan to discuss defense issues as the first cabinet-level U.S. official to visit the new Japanese Democratic Party government since it took office last month.

Secretary Gates listens to a reporter's question during a press briefing.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates listens to a reporter's question during a press briefing with Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa at the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, Japan, on Oct. 21, 2009. Gates is in Japan to discuss defense issues as the first cabinet-level U.S. official to visit the new Japanese Democratic Party government since it took office last month.

Photo Gallery