SHARING IDEAS

Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talk during the kickoff of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., June 29, 2011. Mullen's wife, Deborah, spoke at the event. The partnership promotes meaningful, long-term employment opportunities between America's employers and military spouses. DOD photo by Linda Hosek

FORTRESS SECURITY

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Derrik Browne and Sgt. Jason Andrade provide security during a visit by Army officials to Bala Hesar in Gardez, Afghanistan, June 27, 2011. Bala Hesar is a fortress in Gardez that is home to a new Afghan quick reaction force. Browne and Andrade are assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division's Operations Company, Headquarters Battalion. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Adam L. Mathis

REPLENISHMENT

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter transfers cargo from the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge during a replenishment at sea in the Arabian Sea, June 23, 2011. The sea hawk is part of the Wild Cards of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin B. Gray

FAREWELL HANDSHAKE

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates shakes hands with President Barack Obama while Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, applauds during the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute to honor the retiring secretary at the Pentagon, June 30, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen

VICE PRESIDENTIAL GREETING

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, left, greet Vice President Joe Biden upon his arrival at the Pentagaon before the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute to honor the retiring secretary, June 30, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen

LEAVING THE PENTAGON

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates shakes hands with Defense Department employees as he departs the Pentagon for a final time as secretary, June 30, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen

GATES ADDRESS

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates addresses the audience while President Barack Obama and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, look on, during the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute to honor Gates at the Pentagon, June 30, 2011. DOD photo by Cherie Cullen

FIFE AND DRUM CORPS

The U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps marches on the parade field during the Armed Forces Farewell Tribute to honor Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates at the Pentagon, June 30, 2011. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey