In the course of his duties, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates travels throughout the world visiting U.S. military forces in deployed locations and meeting with defense counterparts in allied and partner nations. Here's a look at Secretary Gates' latest travels.

Gates Urges Graduates to Consider Careers in Public Service

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2011 – U.S. public servants are the most dedicated, capable and honest in the world, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today during a commencement ceremony at Washington State University, in Pullman, Wash. Story

Gates Visits Littoral Combat Ship
USS Independence in Florida

NAVAL BASE MAYPORT, Fla., May 7, 2011 – Seeing one of the littoral combat ships in the flesh was one of the items on Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ bucket list, and he got to mark that off yesterday following a visit to the USS Independence here. Story

Operational Uncertainties Require Flexibility, Gates Tells Airmen

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C., May 6, 2011 – The lesson Americans should take from recent military operations is that we cannot predict where or how U.S. forces will be engaged, and having flexible capabilities is the best defense for the nation, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Story | Transcript

Bin Laden’s Death May Impact Afghanistan Situation, Gates Says

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C., May 6, 2011 – The killing of Osama bin Laden “could be a game changer” that affects the situation in Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said here today. Still, it will take time before the situation clarifies, Gates told about 450 airmen at the 335th and 336th fighter squadrons. Story | Transcript