Defense boss off duty after arm surgery
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is recuperating after arm surgery, and a deputy is temporarily in charge, a spokesman said Friday.
Gates underwent an operation to repair a damaged tendon in his left arm. The procedure was done under general anesthesia and lasted less than two hours, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said.
Gates was at home Friday afternoon and expected to resume his duties today, Morrell said. He was not expected back in the office until Monday, however.
The left-handed Pentagon chief will wear a sling for one to two weeks, Morrell said.
Gates told reporters Thursday he had injured the arm while handling snow equipment during Christmas.
Gates broke the other arm last year when he fell on ice outside his home.
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