Defense Recognition Ceremonies

Contemporary military events and briefings, highlighting recognition ceremonies and updates for family members of service members.

A family member asks a question during the Korean War and Cold War Annual Government Briefings at Arlington, Virginia, July 26, 2022. Over 400 family members and veterans gathered during the two-day event to recieve updates regarding their loved ones who are still unaccounted. This event marked the first of its kind since 2019, breaking the three-year hiatus and giving families the opportunity to meet in person and hear from the people driving the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency's (DPAA) mission.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks participates in the Suicide Prevention recognition ceremony hosted by William Booth, Director, Defense Human Resources Activity, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 7, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

A Louisiana Tech student briefs Air Force Global Strike Command leaders and Louisiana Tech University officials on capstone project results at the Louisiana Tech Academic Success Center in Bossier City, Louisiana, May 11, 2022. AFGSC, Cyber Innovation Center in Bossier City, and Louisiana Tech University are celebrating the second anniversary of the Global Strike National Security Fellowship Program. Administered through a Partnership Intermediary Agreement with AFGSC, the program brings students and professors from Louisiana Tech and AFGSC project officers together in the spirit of collaboration and innovation.

Vice Adm. Doug G. Perry, the leader of both Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFC-NF) and the U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F), addressed the Norfolk Rotary Club at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club on Feb. 21, 2024. During his talk, Perry highlighted the functions and significance of C2F and JFC-NF, as well as the pivotal role of NATO alliances and partnerships. He noted that the U.S. 2nd Fleet, which was reactivated in 2018 due to evolving global security challenges, is focused on preparing and deploying naval forces for operations in the Atlantic and Arctic. These operations aim to maintain secure access, prevent aggression, and protect the interests of the U.S., its allies, and partners. Navy

A family member asks a question during the Korean War and Cold War Annual Government Briefings at Arlington, Virginia, July 26, 2022. Over 400 family members and veterans gathered during the two-day event to recieve updates regarding their loved ones who are still unaccounted. This event marked the first of its kind since 2019, breaking the three-year hiatus and giving families the opportunity to meet in person and hear from the people driving the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency's (DPAA) mission.

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger talks to guests Aug. 18, 2022, at the Community Appreciation Night event at McCoy's Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Nearly 60 people participated in the event that brings together Fort McCoy personnel with community leaders from nearby cities, townships, towns, and villages. It was the first event like this at the post since 2019.

More than 150 attendees came out for the Retiree Appreciation Day, held at Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois Oct. 1. Briefings ranging from medical benefits to legal assistance were presented in efforts to keep local retirees abreast of current policies impacting them and what benefits they are entitled to in a retiree status. (Photo by Staci-Jill Burnley, USAGRIA Public Affairs)

Newly promoted U.S. Army Col. Robert Brutcher speaks at the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) headquarters building as part of his promotion ceremony, Fort Detrick, Md., Sept. 1, 2022. Brutcher is the military deputy project manager for the USAMMDA Warfighter Brain Health Project Management Office. USAMMDA leads the Department of Defenses medical product development through contracting, agreements and interdisciplinary and integrated-product teams. (Official U.S. Army Photo by T. T. Parish/Released)

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks participates in the Suicide Prevention recognition ceremony hosted by William Booth, Director, Defense Human Resources Activity, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 7, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

Dr. Lucy Greene, Moody support committee, listens to remarks during a 23rd Health Care Operations Squadron change of command ceremony at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 8, 2022. A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority from one officer to another.

Senior military leaders from seven partner nations kicked off planning for the 29th iteration of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) military exercise at the 2022 Senior Leadership Summit in Victoria, British Columbia, Nov. 30 - Dec. 1. The seminar - hosted by Commander, Maritime Forces Pacific, and Deputy Commander, RIMPAC Combined Task Force, Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. Christopher Robinson - provided an opportunity for RIMPAC 2022 Senior Leadership Group and Executive Steering Committee members to discuss lessons learned from RIMPAC 2022 to guide RIMPAC 2024 planning. (Royal Canadian Navy photo by Sailor 1st Class Kendric Grasby)

Fort McCoy Installation Safety Office Manager Randy Eddy displays the sixth U.S. Army Excellence Safety Streamer Award on Oct. 27, 2022, during the Garrison Commander Town Hall event in building 60 at Fort McCoy, Wis. The installation received the award in September 2022 from the Director of Installation Management Command Directorate-Readiness. Standing with Eddy is Dale Marsolek, also with the Fort McCoy Installation Safety Office.

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger gives a presentation Oct. 27, 2022, discussing the garrison, leadership, and more during a town hall discussion with Fort McCoy, Wis., workforce members at the installation. Messenger held two sessions for workforce members to discuss a recent climate survey and to review his first three months in command, and to give perspective on the way ahead within the garrison.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks at the retirement ceremony of retired Col. Kevin Herrmann, former director of the Total Force Structure Division, at the General Raymond G. Davis Center on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 30, 2022. Herrmann is retiring after 43 years of honorable combined service to the Marine Corps. (US Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kayla LeClaire)

The Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger delivers remarks during the Marine Corps Recruiting Command change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., on July 21, 2022. Major Gen. Bohm served from July 2020 to July 2022 and is assuming command as the inspector general for the Marine Corps.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Chelsea Payne, incoming 354th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron (OMRS) commander, delivers a speech during a 354th OMRS assumption of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 27, 2022. The assumption of command ceremony announces the arrival of a units new commander.

Col. Dale Harrell, 88th Medical Group commander, discusses Wright-Patterson Medical Center services with Retiree Appreciation Day attendees Oct. 28, 2022, at Hope Hotel. The annual event had to be canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Sgt. 1st Class Trudy Tyson, sexual assault response coordinator, Area Support Group - Kuwait, closes out a class about healthy relationships and boundary setting as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the MWR theater on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, 6 Oct. 2022. Classes like this help build healthy, strong relationships, strengthen resilience to stressful situations, and educate Soldiers on resources available to them.

The 2022 Human Resources Professional Development Training Course (HRPDTC), took place, April 20-22, 2022. Held both in person at the U.S. Naval War College and virtually, the three-day annual HRPDTC provided human resources (HR) officers with a deeper understanding of the MyNavy HR enterprise, MyNavy HR Transformation initiatives, and HR community issues. Through a blend of academic instruction, discussion sessions and practical exercises, students learned about recent changes in strategy; workforce planning; personnel policy, management and execution; force development; talent management; leadership theory; and how to integrate this knowledge to meet the Navy's current and future HR challenges and opportunities. The HRPDTC is offered through the HR Center of Excellence at Naval Education and Training Commands Center for Service Support.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks participates in the Suicide Prevention recognition ceremony hosted by William Booth, Director, Defense Human Resources Activity, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 7, 2022.

061025-N-6266K-003. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Ryan Hanson, garrison commander, speaks during the Community Information Town Hall held April 19 at the NCO Club.

A retirement ceremony is held for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, the eleventh Ohio state command chief, on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Her retirement followed a change of authority ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Venning, 81st Training Wing command chief, explains the Missing Man Table during 81st Training Wings 2023 Annual Awards Ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 29, 2024. During the ceremony, base leadership recognized outstanding Airmen and civilians from across the installation for their accomplishments throughout 2023. Air Force

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

U.S. Air Force Colonel Jeremy Guenet, vice commander, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard provide welcome introductions to members of the Bundeswehr Command and Staff College students during their visit at Moffett Air National Guard Base, Calif., August 16, 2022. The students received briefings and static display tours of the wings aviation and pararescue asset as part of the students West and East coast destinations throughout the U.S. The special two year leadership program is designed to broaden the horizon of German future military leaders.

Adjutant General and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., right, speaks to members of the New Jersey Governors cabinet at the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Sept. 28, 2022. The cabinet members, members of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and leaders from NJ DMAVA received a briefing from the Wing commander and then toured the 177th FW, viewing several operational demonstrations and trying out one of the units F-16 Fighting Falcon flight simulators.

220914-N-UB993-1199NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 14, 2022) Evelyn Honea, Navy Ombudsman-at-Large, speaks with local command Ombudsmans in an effort to assist the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea improve the quality of life for Sailors and their families at Naval Station Norfolk, Sept. 14, 2022. MCPON Honea conducted his first fleet visit to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development, and quality of life.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brendan Hopkins, 458th Airlift Squadron outgoing commander, gives his farewell speech as commander during a change of command ceremony at Hangar 3 on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 26, 2022. The ceremony represents a time-honored military tradition providing an opportunity for Airmen to witness the transfer of power to their newly appointed commanding officer. (U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Mark Sulaica)

The Norwegian Home Guard provides a traditional Norwegian meal that consists of multiple types of seafood, reindeer, pork, duck, sauces, vegetables, and desserts to the Minnesota National Guard as a part of a cultural event during the 51st Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange at Camp Ripley Training Center in Little Falls, Minnesota on February 7th, 2024 (Minnesota Army National Guard

Gregory Wegner, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, gives his presentation April 21, 2022, during the installation observance the Holocaust Days of Remembrance and Holocaust Remembrance Day at Fort McCoy, Wis. Wegner served as the guest speaker for the event. According to the National Archives at www.archives.gov, International Holocaust Remembrance Day is an international memorial day designated by the United Nations to mark the anniversary of the January 27, 1945, liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau the largest Nazi concentration and death camp. The Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust is an annual commemoration designated by Congress to mark the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising in 1943. In 2022, Holocaust Remembrance Day was recognized on April 28, 2022.

WASHINGTON (Sept. 2, 2022) - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday delivers remarks during the change of office ceremony for the Vice Chief of Naval Operations held at the Pentagon, Sept. 2. Adm. Lisa Franchetti was sworn in as the 42nd Vice Chief of Naval Operations when she assumed duties from Adm. William Lescher during the ceremony.

220626-N-FB730-1016 TUNISIAN SEA (June 26, 2022) Sailors attend a Catholic Mass in the focsle aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), June 26, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 23, 2022) - Chief Damage Controlman Kevin Underritter addresses Sailors and their families and friends about damage control during a family day cruise aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23). Friends and family members were invited aboard Anchorage to experience a day in the life of a Sailor at sea first-hand. Anchorage is currently home ported in San Diego as part of Amphibious Squadron SEVEN, along with USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) and USS Makin Island (LHD 8).

U.S. Air Force Col. Chad Holesko, Maintenance Group Commander assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, presents a mission brief to U.S. Senator Rob Portman during a visit to the wing, Oct. 7, 2022. Portman visited the 180FW as part of his Ohio defense tour aimed at increasing the range of capabilities for military installations throughout Ohio. The 180FW is the states only fighter unit, flying the F-16 Fighting Falcon. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker.

U.S. Marine Master Sgt. Chad Falkos retires from service after 21 honorable yeears, Chicago, IL, March 10, 2023. Master Sgt. Falkos last served as Recruiting Station Chicago's Operations Chief. Falkos was an 8412, Career Recruiter, having served in billets such as Station Commander, Recruiter Instructor, and Operations Chief

220624-N-DB801-0009MAYPORT, Fla. - (June 24, 2022) -- Rear Adm. Wesley McCall, Commander, Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE), gives remarks at a U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet and CNRSE hosted retired flag officer and general officer breakfast at Naval Station Mayport, June 24, 2022. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Commands joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.

TUMON, Guam (Jan. 18, 2024) - Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander, Joint Region Marianas, meets with members of the Rotary Club of Guam at the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, Jan. 18. During the meeting, Huffman shared his priorities in the region, military updates, and some of his experiences over the course of his career. Rotarians shared their thoughts and posed questions to the admiral about the future of the militarys presence in Guam.

Moments leading up to the naturalization ceremony at the USAG Bavaria Tower View Conference Center, Garrison Commander Col. Christopher Danbeck shared heartfelt words with the 41 candidates, April 13, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Scott Hendrix, 815th Airlift Squadron commander, briefs ROTC cadets on the 815th AS mission and capabilities at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Sept. 16, 2022. Keesler hosted ROTC cadets from Louisiana State University and Tulane University for a base tour to demonstrate mission capabilities and Air Force career opportunities.

The commanding general of Installation Management Command, Lt. Gen. Omar J. Jones IV and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason R. Copeland meet with Fort Novosel garrison directors during a working lunch at Divots Bar & Grill on Feb. 28, 2024.

NAPLES, ITALY -- Command Master Chief Mitcheal Burgin, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central, command master chief, speaks during an all-hands call in Naples, Italy, May 12, 2022. Navy Region EURAFCENT oversees nine installations in seven countries, enabling U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed, in order to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Military retirees and their family members participate in the 2022 Retiree Appreciation Day on Sept. 9, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Hundreds of people attended the event that was coordinated by the Fort McCoy Soldier for Life/Retirement Services Office with the Fort McCoy Directorate of Human Resources. It was the first Retiree Appreciation Day at the installation since 2019.

U.S. Air Force Col. John Cluck, commander of the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, talks about the mission of the 139th AW with civic leaders, during a base tour at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, in St. Joseph, Missouri, October 14, 2022. The group interacted with Airmen, received briefings, and toured various parts of the base. The group consisted of elected officials, local businesses and community leaders.

220521-N-HV010-1069 SAN DIEGO, (May 21, 2022) Capt. Ted Carlson, commanding officer of Naval Base San Diego, provides remarks during the Mess Attendant 1st Class Charles Jackson French pool dedication ceremony held at the surface rescue swimmer training pool at Naval Aviation Schools Command Swim Site (NASC), at Naval Base San Diego, May 21, 2022. The event officially marked the dedication and naming of the NASC training pool to the Charles Jackson French Training Pool.

Retired Gen. David Perkins as the moderator; Gen. James Rainey, Army Futures Command commander; Mario Diaz, Deputy Under Secretary of the Army; Lt. Gen. Milford Beagle, Jr., Combined Arms Center commander; and Jim Greer, Combined Arms Center speak to the audience on the direction towards future combat at 2022 AUSA Convention on October 10, 2022, in Washington, D.C.

SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 5, 2022) - Col. Serhii Korol, right, head of the Department of Military Surgery of the Ukrainian Military Medical Academy, from Kyiv, Ukraine, speaks at the peer-to-peer medical exchange as part of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2022, Oct. 5, 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, delivers his remarks during the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Symposium at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia, Aug. 8, 2022. The symposium is designed to provide an educational summit for sergeants major and master gunnery sergeants serving at a general officer command and Navy senior enlisted advisors serving at the Marine Forces level on important and emerging topics in the Marine Corps. The symposium provides a platform for the attendees and presenters to share insights and experiences, which is a key tool for shaping the future of the Marine Corps. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Karis Mattingly)

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with Company B, 1-118th Infantry Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, and Company I, 237th Support Battalion, South Carolina Army National Guard, stand in formation during a deployment ceremony at the General Mark Clark National Guard Armory in North Charleston, South Carolina, Aug. 7, 2022. More than 160 Soldiers from the unit will be mobilized for approximately a year to support Operation Spartan Shield, Task Force Spartan and U.S. Army Central Command.

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U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Spencer Caraballo, 123rd Fighter Squadron pilot, delivers a briefing regarding F-15C operations to middle school students from St. John Fisher School during a tour of Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Ore., Jan. 10, 2023. The public tour gave local students an opportunity to see the 142nd Wing's mission up close and familiarize themselves with the various jobs that encompass the Wing's mission.

Jacksonville, Fla. (Jan 11, 2024) - Matthew Swartz, executive director and chief of staff for U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Industry Day 2024 keynote speaker, addresses military and local industry business leaders during Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast's Industry Day 2024 via video teleconference on January 11 at the University of North Florida. More than 750 industry professionals registered for this years event.

The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa and Camp Lemonnier Sexual Assault Prevention and Response team hosted a kickoff event for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 4, 2023. SAAPM is observed annually in April and provides the opportunity to raise awareness and help prevent sexual violence.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division celebrate All American Week with a prayer breakfast, Sept. 27, 2022, on Fort Bragg, North Carolina. All American Week consists of many sporting events, the Old Timers Breakfast, a memorial ceremony, 10-miler, family fun run, 34-foot tower, Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and concludes with the Divisions pass and review to celebrate Americas Guard of Honors culture and legacy.

MONTEREY, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2013) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert speaks to and answers questions from officers about the status of the Navy during an all hands call at the Naval Postgraduate School.

Fort McCoy Installation Safety Office Manager Randy Eddy displays the sixth U.S. Army Excellence Safety Streamer Award on Oct. 27, 2022, during the Garrison Commander Town Hall event in building 60 at Fort McCoy, Wis. The installation received the award in September 2022 from the Director of Installation Management Command Directorate-Readiness. Standing with Eddy is Dale Marsolek, also with the Fort McCoy Installation Safety Office.

Jake Rademacher, director of movies Brothers After War and Brothers at War, speaks to the Fairbanks community veterans, both past and presently serving, Airmen, Soldiers, and family members during the Brothers After War Resiliency Workshop held at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb 2, 2024. The 168th Wing hosted Rademacher as part of a seminar and lunch sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation to further a sense of community and connection among Veterans. Air National Guard

U.S. Park Police promotion ceremony, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among the dignitaries on hand

Johnie Webb, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), Outreach and Communications deputy director, discusses recovery operations in Vietnam during the American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Aug. 27, 2022. DPAA's mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

Lt. Gen. John Kolasheski, commanding general of V Corps, speaks at a ceremony welcoming WWII veterans to France at Deauville-Normandie, June 2, 2022. Approximately 30 WWII veterans were flown from the U.S. to Normandy, France, on behalf of civilian benefactors in order for them to attend multiple ceremonies associated with the 78th D Day anniversary. (U.S. Army photograph by Staff Sgt. Alexander Skripnichuk)

U.S. Air Force Col. Asheleigh Gellner, the vice wing commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, addressed the wing during her promotion ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. Gellner has 22 years of military service and transferred to the wing after graduating the U.S. Naval War College.

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Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Novosel commander, presented the "State of Fort Novosel" in a speech to the Dothan Chamber of Commerce, Dothan, Ala., Jan. 30, 2024. The annual update included topics such as installation construction projects, support to Army recruiting efforts, community engagement programs, and how the Wiregrass can continue supporting Army aviation and Fort Novosel.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Maura M. Hennigan, commanding general of Education Command, gives her remarks during the Education Command Appointment Ceremony at Warner Hall on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, July 22, 2022. The ceremony was held to appoint Hennigan as the new commanding general of Education Command.

Col. Andy Nuce, commander of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA), speaks during Maj. Daniel Rhoades promotion to lieutenant colonel as part of a promotion ceremony at the USAMMDA headquarters building, Fort Detrick, Md., Sept. 1, 2022. Rhoades is the medical director for the USAMMDA Warfighter Expeditionary Medicine and Treatment (WEMT) Project Management Office. USAMMDA leads the Department of Defenses medical product development through contracting, agreements and interdisciplinary and integrated-product teams. (Official U.S. Army Photo by T. T. Parish/Released)

U.S. Soldiers and Airmen with the Pennsylvania National Guard and Civil Air Patrol provide information to members of the state legislature and general public about their units during Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans Day at the state capitol.

Educators from Recruiting Stations Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, and Twin Cities observe the morning colors ceremony as part of the 2024 Educators Workshop at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Feb. 23, 2024. Participants of the workshop visit MCRD San Diego to observe recruit training and gain a better understanding about the transformation from recruits to United States Marines. Marine Corps

Beale Air Force Base civic leaders explore the Thunderbirds History museum during a tour at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 1, 2023. The Honorary Commander program introduces the surrounding civic leaders to Airmen and their missions.

Sebastian Demmel, a wood sculptor from Germany, presents the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) commander Colonel Luke VanAntwerp, a hand-carved wooden piece of art during the 10th Group 70th Anniversary Ball at the Broadmoor Event Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 18, 2022. Demmel has been making custom wooden pieces for Special Forces Soldiers for over 50 years from his workshop in Bad Toelz, Germany.

230120-N-PQ495-1028 PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 20, 2022) Sailors aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) listen during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in the mess decks of the ship. Vinson is currently underway conducting routine maritime operations.

Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) Director Sam Cox delivers remarks during a ribbon-cutting ceremony showcasing the commands newest conservation and preservation site. The new state-of-the-art Naval History and Research Center (NHRC) will house NHHCs Navy Art Collection and Underwater Archeology Branch (UAB) of the Collection Management Division and Histories and Archives Division, including the Navy Library and Archives Branch.

060527-N-9543M-007. Base: New York State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NORFOLK, Va. (July 2, 2022) -Capt. (ret.) Rick Easton, president of USS Arleigh Burke Association, right, leads a toast during the 31st Commissioning Anniversary and Celebration Dinner, July 2, 2022. July 4, 2022 marks 31 years since the U.S. Navy commissioned the first Aegis-equipped guided-missile destroyer, USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51).

MESA, Ariz. - Brig. Gen. Royce P. Resoso, 335th Signal Command deputy commanding general, and Col. Patrick E. Hughes, 505th Signal Brigade commander, traveled to Mesa, Arizona, to conduct Relinquishment of Responsibility and Retirement ceremonies for Command Sgt. Maj. James A Milligan at Herrera Hall on the U.S. Army Reserve Center, February 24, 2024.A native of Monaca, Pennsylvania, Milligan entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1991. He earned a Associates Degree in Business at the University of Phoenix in 2009, and he has attended many Army courses that included Basic Infantry Rifleman and Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic schools. He joined the Army Reserve in 2000 and reclassified to the Army Signal Corps in 2009.Dozens of old colleagues and family members came from around the country to celebrate Milligans retirement, where he gave a heart felt speech. He thanked his wife Jennifer and three children, Micael, Jeffery and Julia, for their sacrifice throughout his military career. United States s

Key personnel from the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Lockheed Martin, Pratt and Whitney, Headquarters Marine Corps, and Joint Program Office attend the F-35 Site Activation Task Force (SATAF) fourth semi-annual meeting, Cherry Point Inn, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, Sept. 21-22, 2022. The first F-35 Lightning II squadron to be activated on MCAS Cherry Point will be VMFA-542 and is expected to be operational by June 2023.

Soldiers, Families and friends of the 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment attend a call to duty ceremony for the unit at Tiffin Universitys Heminger Center Sept. 20, 2022, in Tiffin, Ohio. Elements of the Ohio Army National Guards 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted call to duty ceremonies for their units in advance of an approximately yearlong deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

DD-SN-03-00655. Complete Scene Caption: Retiring Senator John Tower, Texas, Chairman Senate Armed Services Committee, receives awards from Secretary of Defense Caspar W. Weinberger, Secretary of the Services, John O. Marsh Jr., USA; John F. Lehman, USN, Verne Orr, USAF and MASTER CHIEF PETTY Officer, Navy, William H. Plackett assisted by Sergeant Major, Marine Command CHIEF MASTER Sergeant William B. Tapp Jr. Also in attendance were Defense Secretary William H. Taft IV, Joint Chiefs of STAFF; General John W. Vessey Jr., USA, Chairman, General John A. Wickham Jr., USA, Admiral James D. Watkins, USN, General Charles A. Gabriel, USAF and General Paul X. Kelly, USMC; Major General Colin L. Powell, USA, Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense; Major General Buford D. Lary, USAF, Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense; Lieutenant General Fred K. Mahaffey, USA, Deputy CHIEF of STAFF, Operations and Plans and Director, Washington Headquarters Services, David O. Cooke. C

SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 5, 2022) - Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander of Navy Medicine West, Chief of Navy Medical Service Corps, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, gives opening remarks at the peer-to-peer medical exchange as part of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2022, Oct. 5, 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

Material from Vice Admiral Allen - Principal Federal Official - 26-HK-370-51. File Unit includes photographs of Admrial Allen on CNN and Visits by Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton among others. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 121st Logistics Readiness Squadron, 121st Air Refueling Wing, participate in a suicide awareness run at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, June 4, 2022. The Airmen ran 2.2 miles to bring awareness to the average suicide rate of 22 veterans per day and discussed techniques to help prevent suicide.

Fort McCoy Installation Safety Office Manager Randy Eddy displays the sixth U.S. Army Excellence Safety Streamer Award on Oct. 27, 2022, during the Garrison Commander Town Hall event in building 60 at Fort McCoy, Wis. The installation received the award in September 2022 from the Director of Installation Management Command Directorate-Readiness. Standing with Eddy is Dale Marsolek, also with the Fort McCoy Installation Safety Office.

U.S. Air Force Col. (ret.) Jeffrey Weed, former 56th Fighter Wing vice commander, reads an eyewitness account of Frank Luke Jrs acts of heroism during World War I on May, 7, 2023, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The eyewitness account led to Luke becoming the first aviator to receive the Medal of Honor.

Gen. Ed Daly, commanding general of Army Materiel Command, speaks about the strength of the Armed Forces during the annual Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon June 29 in Huntsville. About 600 business and community leaders attended the event as part of the annual Armed Forces Celebration hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) hosts a ceremony for National POW/MIA Recognition Day at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Sept. 16, 2022. The event is held every year on the third Friday of September, honoring prisoners of war and missing-in-action service members. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

The Pennsylvania National Guard held its annual Guard Day at the Capitol Sept. 20 in Harrisburg, Pa. to showcase its mission and capabilities to state legislators, staff and visitors through numerous displays. The Pennsylvania House and Senate passed resolutions proclaiming September 20, 2022 to be Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans Day in the commonwealth. Guard members representing a variety of units and functions of the Pennsylvania National Guard spent the morning setting up colorful visual displays in the rotunda. Knowledgeable Soldiers and Airmen explained to curious legislators, staff and visitors their unique roles in the 18,000-member force, the second largest Guard in the nation.

Randy McNally, U.S. Army Garrison Benelux education services officer, makes welcoming remarks in the Supreme Headquarters Allied Power Europe (SHAPE) Cinema Alliance Auditorium during the garrisons first academic graduation ceremony, Oct. 14, 2022. (Photo by Henri Cambier)

051026-A-7356L-025. Base: Aberdeen State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHEAST

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

Rear Adm. Anne M. Swap, National Capital Region (NCR) Market director and officiating officer, shares remarks during a retirement ceremony held for Army Brig. Gen. Jack M. Davis. Davis retires from his last tour of duty, WRNMMC as hospital director, following 40 years of military service during a retirement ceremony held in the hospitals Memorial Auditorium, Sept. 9.(DOD Photograph by Harvey A. Duze, Office of Command Communications - WRNMMC)

Training Center Cape May's Command Master Chief Petty Officer Radford Hoffpauir welcomes participants to the 2022 Drill Instructor Summit as part of the Council on Recruit Basic Training, Oct. 19 , 2022, in Cape May, N.J. The summit is designed to facilitate dialogue between the services, aid in the exchange of ideas, discuss societal trends affecting basic military training, and identify best practices which serve to benefit enlisted training across the services.U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Timothy Tamargo

U.S. Soldiers and Airmen with the Pennsylvania National Guard provide information to members of the state legislature and general public about their units during Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans Day at the state capitol.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Pat Mahaney, academic partner, Columbia University, speaks during the Dense Urban Terrain (DUT) Operations Academics Forum at the Philadelphia Marriott Old City in Philadelphia, Pa., July 26, 2022. Task Force 46 and over 600 personnel from its federal, state, local, private and academic partners collaborated to successfully complete the most recent DUT exercise. The DUT series of exercises began in 2018 and has become one of the Nations premier all-hazard and homeland defense exercises designed to enhance interagency interoperability in the event of Americas worst day.

221005-N-IW069-1009 San Francisco (Oct. 5, 2022) Capt. Lynelle Boahmah, a surgeon assigned to U.S. Third Fleet gives opening remarks during a peer to peer medical exchange during San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW). SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas Sea services. During Fleet Week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas. (Navy Photography by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Isaiah M. Williams)

Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Hope Horan, assigned to U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command (MSC), stands by as Capt. Janice Smith, Chief of Staff, MSC, delivers opening remarks at Horan's frocking ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk May 25, 2022. During the event, service members gathered to show support for Horans milestone achievement of Master Chief Petty Officer.

030620-M-3377M-012. Base: Mfr New Orleans State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MFR HQ

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

Norfolk (September 20, 2022) Retired U.S Army Chief Warrant Officer Five Phillip Brashear speaks to Chief Petty Officer selectees from various commands in the Hampton Roads, Virginia region as part of the 21st Annual Chief Petty Officer Heritage Days Event. The event was hosted by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, and allowed selectees to receive history and heritage training at the museum and aboard the Battleship Wisconsin. CW5 Brashear served in the U.S. Navy in an enlisted capacity. He later joined the Virginia Army National Guard where he became a Warrant Officer Pilot in 1991. He eventually retired from the U.S. Army Reserve. CW5 Brashear was appointed as an Honorary Navy Chief Petty Officer by Master Chief Petty officer (MCPON) of the Navy Russell Smith in July 2022 for his relentless dedication to the U.S. Navy. CW5 Brashear is the third son of the late Master Chief Carl Brashear, the subject of the Hollywood movie, Men of Honor. Through his fathers legendary American Military He

Phil VanEtten, the USO Okinawa area director, speaks during a USO Futenma event highlighting Okinawa Memorial Day at USO Futenma on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, June 23, 2022. Members with USO Futenma hosted a ceremony to commemorate the 77th anniversary of Okinawa Memorial Day, paying respects to the 240,000 lives lost during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (Oct. 25, 2022) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday gives remarks as the guest speaker at the 2022 CNO Naval History Essay Contest at the United States Naval Academy, Oct. 25. Started in 2017 by then CNO Adm. John Richardson, the goal of the contest is to inspire insight and dialogue from across the widest spectrum of academic, operational, military, and civilian personnel, both from within the naval services and from those with a sincere interest in the history of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

U.S. Air Force Airmen attending an Order of the Sword ceremony for retired Lt. Gen. Marshall B. Webb, former AFSOC commander and AETC commander, sign a scroll at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 15, 2022. The Order of the Sword is an honor awarded by noncommissioned officers to recognize an individual who has contributed significantly to the well-being and development of the enlisted force.

Coast Guard Personnel - Press Conference - 26-HK-83-31. 930 Press Conf--LA state official at podium, near CAPT Frank Paskewich, SECNOLA CO. Hurricane Katrina

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