The Annual Nimitz Dinner will take place on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in support of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation and the National Museum of the Pacific War.

This year’s featured speaker is Robert M. Gates, the 22nd Secretary of Defense.

About Gates
Robert M. Gates served as Secretary of Defense from 2006 to 2011 and worked under eight U.S. presidents across both political parties. He is the only Secretary of Defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in office by a newly elected president.

Before joining the Pentagon, Gates served as president of Texas A&M University and spent nearly 27 years with the CIA, eventually becoming Director of Central Intelligence. He also served for nearly nine years on the National Security Council staff.

Gates received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, as well as numerous national security and intelligence awards. He is Chancellor of William & Mary, a principal at Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel, LLC, and the author of four books on leadership, national security, and public service.