The decision whether to repeal the Pentagon’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy must not be left to the courts, asserted Defense Secretary Robert Gates. In testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee Dec. 2, Gates called on the Senate to pass a bill overturning the ban on declared homosexuals serving in the military before year’s end. Gates said it is “only a matter of time” before federal courts again intervene over DADT, bringing the “very real possibility that this change would be imposed immediately by judicial fiat.” The Defense Secretary said that would be “by far the most disruptive and damaging scenario” imaginable for morale and combat readiness. Gates called potential repeal of the policy “a matter for the Congress to decide,” stating that any change should be made by the representatives elected by the American people, and should allow adequate time for “a well prepared and well considered implementation.” (Gates prepared remarks)
Less than a day after arriving in the Middle East, F-15E Strike Eagles from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. defended Israel from an Iranian attack in April 2024. DUDE flight, four F-15Es from the 335th Fighter Squadron, downed two dozen Iranian drones in roughly 45 minutes.