U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates shakes hands with Lieutenant General David Rodriguez, Deputy Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan on the tarmac of Kabul Airport, June 7. Gates, who is retiring later this month, wrapped up an emotional farewell visit to military posts in Afghanistan on Monday warning against pulling troops out too quickly.

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates fires the noon cannon, at Peter and Paul Fortress on March 21 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Gates spoke of the possibilty of cooperation between Russia and the U.S on missile defense launch data.