Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates speaks with members of the press onboard an E4-B National Airborne Operation Center aircraft on the way to Kiev, Ukraine, Oct. 21, 2007. Gates is traveling to the Ukraine to attend the Southeastern European Defense Ministerial, which the United States helped to develop about a decade ago to promote peace and stability and enhance regional security cooperation in southeastern Europe. DoD photo by Cherie A. Thurlby (Released)