Farewell Message to All Units, Posts and Commands

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates speaks with U.S. Army 1st Lt. Mike Viti, an International Security Assistance Force member and platoon leader, on Combat Outpost Kowall in Afghanistan, March 8, 2011.

DOD file photo by Cherie Cullen

In his farewell message to the troops released June 29, 2011, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said, "I have felt personally responsible for each of you ... You are the best that America has to offer. My admiration and affection for you is without limit, and I will think about you and your families and pray for you every day for the rest of my life."

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates

Admiral Mike Mullen

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen

SpecialsMore »

Featured Photos

  • Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates congratulates Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, after presenting him the Defense Distinguished Service Medal during ceremonies at the Pentagon, June 28, 2011. DOD photo by R. D. Ward
  • The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee meets to consider the appointments of Navy Vice Adm. William McRaven, left, as commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, Army Gen. James Thurman , center, as commander of U.S. Forces Korea, and Marine Lt. Gen. John Allen as commander of U.S and international forces in Afghanistan, in Washington, D.C., June 28, 2011. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey
  • Army Gen. James Thurman, left, nominated commander of U.S. Forces Korea, responds to a question during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., June 28, 2011. Navy Vice Adm. William McRaven, nominated commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, and Marine Lt. Gen. John Allen, nominated commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan, also testified at the hearing. DOD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey
  • U.S. Army soldiers pull security from the top of a mountain during operation Surak Basta III in Paktika province, Afghanistan, June 21, 2011. The soldiers are assigned 101st Airborne Division's Company C, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team. The operation's mission was to infiltrate near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border to stop enemy fighters from entering Afghanistan. U.S. Army courtesy photo
  • As seen through a night-viewing device, U.S. Army soldiers lift off to conduct an air assault mission during the early morning hours in Paktika province, Afghanistan, June 23, 2011. The mission's goal was to infiltrate near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border to stop enemy fighters from entering Afghanistan. The soldiers are assigned to the 101st Airborne Division's Company C, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team. International Security Assistance Force photo
  • U.K. Royal Marine Sgt. Wayne Jackson talks with en elder during Operation Zamrod Olai in northen Nad'Ali district, Helmand province, Afghanistan, June 25, 2011. The operation involved inserting U.K. commandos into an area that had previously seen very little presence of coalition and Afghan forces to disrupt insurgent operations and engage with locals. Jackson is a troop sergeant with M Company, 42 Commando. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Jeremy Ross
  • An Army soldier prepares to airdrop during a joint operations access exercise on Fort Bragg, N.C., June 21, 2011. The two-week exercise prepares airmen and soldiers to respond to worldwide crises and contingencies. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Asha Harris
  • U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Ronnie Guerra signals to operators aboard a landing craft air cushion as it enters the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island in the Atlantic Ocean, June 27, 2011. The Whidbey Island is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, participating in an amphibious landing exercise off the coast of Spain. Guerra is a boatswain's mate. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Rachael L. Leslie
  • U.S. Army Spc. Tracey Hargroves helps haul in lines during a replenishment at sea aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland while on Pacific Partnership 2011, June 27, 2011. The five-month humanitarian assistance initiative is making port visits to Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and the Federated States of Micronesia. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Eli J. Medellin

Pentagon Channel

  • Streaming Live!

    Video Thumbnail: Streaming Live!

    "Serving Those Who Serve" with anytime, anywhere access to military news and information.

  • SecDef: Civilians Needed in Afghanistan

    Video Thumbnail: SecDef: Civilians Needed in Afghanistan

    Secretary of Defense Robert Gates encourages defense leaders to promote opportunities for civilian employees with much-needed skills to deploy to Afghanistan. He also thanks those who've already deployed to serve in combat areas.

  • Around the Services

    Video Thumbnail: Around the Services

    Insurgents attack a hotel in Kabul, Afghanistan.

  • DownRange

    Video Thumbnail: DownRange

    Pilots learn how to stay on target during landings.