The Department of the Air Force held a retirement ceremony for General Mike Hayden in the Officers' Club Capitol Ballroom at Bolling Air Force Base. On 1 July, 2008, General Hayden would be ending nearly 39 years of active duty in the Air Force while continuing as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency. After recognition of his service by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, General Hayden reflected on his experiences throughout his Air Force career, including the last two years at the CIA.