Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation set conditions so that these contributions do not simply increase the foundation's endowment, but effectively work as a matching contribution, doubling the foundation's annual giving. Bloomberg News noted, "Buffett's gift came with three conditions for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: Bill or Melinda Gates must be alive and active in its administration; it must continue to qualify as a charity; and each year it must give away an amount equal to the previous year's Berkshire gift, plus an additional amount equal to 5 percent of net assets. Buffett gave the foundation two years to abide by the third requirement."
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