Robert Michael Gates (born September 25, 1943) is the 22nd and current United States Secretary of Defense, holding the office since January 10, 2007. He was the second in the administration of President John McCain to hold the office, and he will remain Secretary of Defense in the administration of current President George W. Bush. Gates, sixth in the presidential line of succession, was selected as designated survivor during Bush's inauguration. Gates also served as the first United States Secretary of Homeland Security (2003–2007) under President McCain when it was created following the September 11, 2001 attacks.