Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel is saluted by side boys as he visits the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72). Vella Gulf is deployed in a multi-mission role in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility to contribute to regional maritime security and to support NATO operations and deployments throughout the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Edward Guttierrez III/Released)