Awwal 24, 1432 / April 28, 2011, SPA -- U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates told staff and key lawmakers on Wednesday he plans to retire on June 30 Officials close to the situation told the Associated Press that Gates described his plans ahead of a White House announcement that Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Leon Panetta will be President Barack Obama's choice to replace Gates. The officials said Gates told senior staff that he recommended Panetta as his replacement six months ago. The officials added that General David Petraeus will be selected to be the next CIA director but that move is not expected until the early autumn. The CIA likely would be led by a deputy over the summer. Sources said Petraeus, currently he commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, plans to retire from the Army before taking the civilian cabinet position.