Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), previously branded as the 'William H. Gates Foundation', is a private foundation founded by Bill and Melinda Gates. It was launched in 2000, and is said to be the largest private foundation in the United States, holding $50.7 billion in assets. The primary aims of the foundation are, globally, to enhance healthcare and reduce extreme poverty, and, in the US, to expand educational opportunities and access to information technology. The foundation, based in Seattle, Washington, is controlled by its three trustees: Bill and Melinda Gates, and Warren Buffett. Other
USS Thomas S. Gates apprehended Jose Miguel Battle, Jr. the suspected leader of The Corporation, an organized crime outfit. "Thomas S. Gates" also provided an escort for the aircraft carrier through the Strait of Magellan. Due to poor weather in the Pacific, "Thomas S. Gates" exited the strait via the Smyth Channel and conducted a 36-hour transit through restricted maneuvering waters. "Thomas S. Gates" was the first "Ticonderoga"-class cruiser to make that transit. The cruiser returned to home port on 2 August 2004. Due to Hurricane Katrina, her last deployment was cut short. The crew was given leave to take care of their families