Bill Gates assets reportedly valued at more than $34.6 billion. The Foundation allows benefactors to access information that shows how its money is being spent, unlike other major charitable organizations such as the Wellcome Trust. Gates has credited the generosity and extensive philanthropy of David Rockefeller as a major influence. Gates and his father met with Rockefeller several times, and their charity work is partly modeled on the Rockefeller family's philanthropic focus, whereby they are interested in tackling the global problems that are ignored by governments and other organizations. , Bill and Melinda Gates were the second-most generous philanthropists in America, having
USS Thomas S. Gates western Mediterranean. She then underwent a period of maintenance in Marseille, France (11–22 October) before she participated in Exercise National Week (24–31 October), during which she conducted turnover with her relief, the cruiser at Pollensa Bay, Majorca (29 October). Out-chopping to Commander, 2d Fleet, on 31 October 1989, "Thomas S. Gates" then conducted her return transit to Norfolk (31 October-10 November 1989). From 15 August 1990 to 28 March 1991, "Thomas S. Gates" deployed in support of Desert Shield and Desert Storm. With only five days of intensive preparations, "Thomas S. Gates" deployed as an element of the battle group