MRAP SHIPMENT

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Michael Purcell, from the 437th Aerial Port Squadron, chains down a mine resistant ambush protected armored vehicle on to a C-17 Globemaster aircraft at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., July 28, 2007, for shipment to Iraq. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeromy K. Cross

GATES, RICE EN ROUTE TO SAUDI ARABIA

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice fly in an E4-B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft from Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 31, 2007. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie A. Thurlby

ARMED SERVICES HEARING

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen and Commander, U.S. Strategic Command Gen. James E. Cartwright, prepare to testify during their confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee for appointment to chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, July 31, 2007. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

GATES, RICE VISIT SAUDI ARABIA

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice attend a welcome reception upon their arrival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 31, 2007. Gates and Rice are in Saudi Arabia to meet with King Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz to discuss regional affairs and the United States' long-term relationship with Saudi Arabia. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie A. Thurlby

GATES, RICE VISIT SAUDI ARABIA

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates are greeted by Saud Al-Failsal, Saudi Arabian foreign minister, and Saudi Assistant Minister of Defense Prince Khalid Bin Sultan, upon their arrival at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 31, 2007. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie A. Thurlby

GATES, RICE VISIT SAUDI ARABIA

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice attend a meeting with King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 31, 2007. Gates and Rice are in Saudi Arabia to discuss regional affairs and the United States' long-term relationship with Saudi Arabia. Defense Dept. photo by Cherie A. Thurlby

ARMED SERVICES HEARING

Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Mike Mullen testifies during his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee for appointment to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC, July 31, 2007. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley

ARMED SERVICES HEARING

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.), left, and ranking member John Warner (R-Va.) listen to Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Mike Mullen's opening remarks during his confirmation hearing for appointment to Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC, July 31, 2007. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley