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 fires the "Noon Cannon" during a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg, Russia, on March 21, 2011.

Secretary Gates fires the "Noon Cannon" during a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates fires the "Noon Cannon" during a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg, Russia, on March 21, 2011.

Photo Gallery