Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates presents U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, outgoing commander, U.S. Strategic Command, with the Defense Distinguished Service Award at the U.S. Strategic Command change-of-command ceremony on Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Jan. 28, 2011.

Chilton, who was relieved by Gen. C. Robert Kehler, retired after a 34-year career in which he was the first former astronaut to achieve four-star general officer rank.

DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley