100901-N-0696M-115 Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, Vice-President Joe Biden and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff share a laugh prior to the U.S. Forces-Iraq change of command ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq on Sept. 1, 2010. Gen. Loyd Austin relieved Gen. Raymond T. Odierno in command of the remaining forces in Iraq and marked the end of U.S. comabat operations in the country. (DoD Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley/Released)