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Photos

Snapshots of what’s happening in the Defense Department.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta watches as a Maori warrior issues a wero, or challenge, during a Powhiri ceremony while visiting Auckland, New Zealand, Sept. 21, 2012. Panetta picked up the rakau tapu, or dart, that the warrior placed at his feet, while keeping eye contact with the warrior. The ceremony is an ancient Maori tradition used to determine if visitors came in peace or with hostile intent.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta watches as a Maori warrior issues a wero, or challenge, during a Powhiri ceremony while visiting Auckland, New Zealand, Sept. 21, 2012. Panetta picked up the rakau tapu, or dart, that the warrior placed at his feet, while keeping eye contact with the warrior. The ceremony is an ancient Maori tradition used to determine if visitors came in peace or with hostile intent.

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta watches as a Maori warrior issues a wero, or challenge, during a Powhiri ceremony while visiting Auckland, New Zealand, Sept. 21, 2012. Panetta picked up the rakau tapu, or dart, that the warrior placed at his feet, while keeping eye contact with the warrior. The ceremony is an ancient Maori tradition used to determine if visitors came in peace or with hostile intent.

Photo Gallery