Military Command Visits

Group photos of military command teams and soldiers during visits, recognitions, and ceremonies in various military establishments.

The command team from 311th Signal Command, which included Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler and Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan DeHart visited the 41st Signal Battalion and had the opportunity to to recognize and give coins to some soldiers there.

The command team from 311th Signal Command, which included Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler and Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan DeHart visited the 41st Signal Battalion and had the opportunity to to recognize and give coins to some soldiers there.

The command team from 311th Signal Command, which included Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler and Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan DeHart visited the 41st Signal Battalion and had the opportunity to to recognize and give coins to some soldiers there.

U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, pose for a photo during an Annual Rifle Squad Competition award ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 23, 2022. The Marines were awarded for finishing first in the Annual Rifle Squad Competition while deployed to Okinawa, Japan.

U.S. Army Soldiers of the 87th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Divsion, witness the presentation of a 90-day, DUI-free streamer to the battalion's Bravo Company, presented by Col. David Key and Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Campbell, the 3rd DSB command team, on Fort Stewart, Georgia, March 31, 2023. The 3rd DSB is composed of a diverse group of people from across America, every one of which has pledged to uphold the Constitution and the Army Values of leadership, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. Provider Soldiers treat one another with dignity and respect, foster trust and confidence in our profession, and are people of character, presence and intellect.

4th Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard held a change of command ceremony at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center on Thursday, August 4, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Timothy W. Shubert relinquished command to the incoming commander, Maj. Rusty Gates.

Instructor Certification Program class 22-6 graduated September 30, 2022, at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee. During this course, students develop two lesson plans, teach them to a group of their peers and receive objective feedback on their strengths and weaknesses.

The 192nd Wing's Intelligence Squadron, Virginia Air National Guard, poses for a group photo outside their work center May 15, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

040705-M-1158H-027. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Foster State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

040705-M-1158H-026. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Foster State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and other Sullivan Cup competitors receive preliminary marksmenship instruction to prepare for a stress shoot on Fort Benning, Georgia, May 4, 2022. The Sullivan Cup requires mastery of individual tasks, technical aand tactical competence, and the ability to demonstrate an array of maneuver, sustainment and gunnery skills.

Commanding Officer Capt. David Thomas and staff at Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River complete the monthly FOD (Foreign Object Debris) Walkdown on Thursday, July 28, 2022, led by the command's aviation boatswain's mates. While a traditional "FOD Walk" takes place on a flight deck or runway to clear debris and avoid a flight mishap, the FOD Walks at the clinic target litter to keep the area looking beautiful for patients and staff. It's also good practice for when the command's sailors deploy.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (Sep. 6, 2022) Chief Navy Counselor (select) Tray Bynam, center, poses for a photo with the Naval Station Great Lakes chief petty officer mess. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Isabella Jones, military working dog handler, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, receives the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Col. Mark Bortnem, commanding officer, MCAS Beaufort, during an awards ceremony at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Jan. 19, 2024. This ceremony was held to award Cpl. Jarret Determan, military working dog handler, H&HS, and Jones the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Determan and Jones provided immediate medical attention to a fellow patron due to an accidental gunshot wound.

060106-M-2697B-002. Base: Marine Corps Air Base Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MCAS BEAUFORT

U.S. Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit are congratulated after being promoted at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on April 3, 2023. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force that provides strategic speed and agility, ensuring Marines are forward deployed and prepared to respond and protect U.S. national security interests around the globe.

PEARL HARBOR (July 15, 2022) U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and Republic of Singapore Navy leaders pose for a group picture prior to departing from a helicopter landing zone (HLZ) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, at Ford Island, Hawaii, July 14, 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Col. David Zinnante, U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence chief of staff, and Sgt. Maj. James Musnicki, Sgt. Maj. of Academic Affairs, MEDCoE Office of the Commandant, pose with Humvee drivers Sgt. Stephen Fatheree and Spc. Ruth Marcum, both assigned to the 188th Medical Battalion, at the staging area before the start of the Battle of Flowers Parade, San Antonio, Texas, April 8, 2022. The Battle of Flowers Parade is the founding event of Fiesta San Antonio, which MEDCoE is proud to participate in as a member of Military City USA.

U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Scottie Cox, command master chief of 2d Marine Division (2dMARDIV), receives the Fleet Marine Force device from Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, former commanding general of 2d MARDIV, on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 7, 2022. The FMF pin signifies U.S. Naval officers and sailors who are trained and qualified to perform duties in support of the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Joseph Garwacki, outgoing 344th Military Intelligence Battalion commander, Col. Loren Traugutt, 111th Military Intelligence Brigade commander, and Lt. Col. John McAllister, incoming 344th MI BN commander, stand at attention during the 344th MI BN change of command ceremony at Fort Concho, San Angelo, Texas, June 21, 2022. Traugutt oversaw the transfer of command from Garwacki to McAllister.

Virgin Islands National Guard Staff Sgt. Rashad Gomez, 661st Military Police Law and Order Detachment, briefs soldiers on Random Access Measure, St. Croix Marine Center, September 9, 2022.Soldiers performing RAMs can deter attacks on installations.

Warrant Officer Candidate Jolene Trout stands in front of a formation prior to the start of the sign, song and hat ceremony. This ceremony is a tradition that originated in the 1950s that marks the class's advancement to the next phase of WOCS.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. John F. Kelliher III, the deputy commander of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, front row, third from right, hosts the U.S. Navy Foreign Attaché Affairs Meet the Fleet program at Marine Forces Command headquarters on April 22nd, 2022. The program provides Senior Foreign Military Attachés the opportunity to meet with senior leadership, interact with service members, and become acquainted with the capabilities of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 146th Field Artillery Regiment, 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, stand in formation during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Thurston County Readiness Center in Tumwater, Wash. on June 25, 2022. The new readiness center will be the home of 2nd Battalion, 146th Field Artillery Regiment and serve as the hub for the Washington National Guards operations in Southwest Washington.

Pictured left to right are Command Sgt. Maj. Maurice D. Parker, Col. William H. Bestermann, Lt. Gen Laura A. Potter, Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund and Col. Mark A. Denton.

220819-N-NA571-2005 NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CORONADO, Calif. (Aug. 19, 2022) Director, Expeditionary Warfare, Brig. Gen. Marcus Annibale, center left, and Capt. Rafael Miranda, commanding officer of Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 (ACB 1), greet each other at the entrance to ACB 1 headquarters on Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Aug 19, 2022. ACB 1 conducts ship-to-shore transportation and construction support as a part of joint amphibious operations around the world.

Members from the 459th Airlift Squadron greet Col. Andrew J. Campbell, 374th Airlift Wing commander, after his fini flight, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 10, 2022. Campbell is scheduled to leave Yokota to become Air Mobility Commands deputy director of Operations at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

U.S. Marines with Truck Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division stand together with a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle at the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600, Charlotte Motor Speedway's Memorial Day race in Charlotte, North Carolina, May 27, 2022. The Silent Drill Platoon, 6th Marine Corps District, and Truck Company represented the Marine Corps to the public over Memorial Day weekend.

The U.S. Army Central command team and staff pose for a group photo with the United Arab Emirates Land Forces during a key leader engagement at Patton Hall in Shaw Air Force Base, SC on September 27, 2022. These meetings are vital to maintaining strong partner nation relationships which shape future regional defense and bilateral cooperation.

NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 13, 2022) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) James Honea congratulates Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (CNSL) staff chief petty officer selectees, at CNSL headquarters Sept. 13. Honea is conducting his first fleet engagement to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development and quality of life.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department pose for a photo after winning the annual Guns and Hoses competition at Aviano Air Base, Italy, May 18, 2022. Airmen from the 31st Security Forces Squadron and 31st CES competed in an obstacle course themed after challenges from their respective jobs in honor of Police Week. Police Week recognizes the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement members, paying special tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy hospital corpsmen with Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, receive a brief during a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 26, 2022. CLB-22s MCCRE is the battalion's final evaluation to demonstrate combat readiness through proficiency in core mission essential tasks before they begin a change of operational control (CHOP) to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Members of the 102nd LRS render a saulte at the ceremony. The 102nd Logistic Readiness Flight was redesignated as the 102nd Logistic Readiness Squadron at Otis Air National Guard Base.

A team from the Illinois Army National Guard's North Riverside, Ill.-based 1970th Quartermaster Co. are shown with their commander, Capt. Mike Wilson (center), at a site housing asylum seekers in Chicago. Governor JB Pritzker issued an emergency disaster proclamation on Sept. 14 and activated approximately 75 members of the Illinois National Guard to ensure all state resources are available to support asylum seekers arriving nearly daily to Chicago from the State of Texas. The proclamation enables the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and other state agencies, in close coordination with the City of Chicago, Cook County, and other local governments, to ensure the individuals and families receive the assistance they need. This includes transport, emergency shelter and housing, food, health screenings, medical assessments, treatments, and other necessary care and services.

221101-N-LP924-1039 SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras (Nov. 01, 2022) Maj. Gen. José J. Reyes, right, from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, the Adjutant General of Puerto Rico, greets Laura Elena Noriega, the Director of the Womens Shelter in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, during a Women, Peace, and Security Seminar (WPS) as part of Continuing Promise 22, Nov. 01, 2022. Continuing Promise 22, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

(220610-N-OI810-0289) GULFPORT, Mississippi (June 10, 2022) Chief Personnel Specialist Malanie Taylor, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14, recites the oath of enlistment during her reenlistment ceremony during fiscal year 2022, quarter three, Regional Training Platform (RTP-3) at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, June 10, 2022. RTP-3 provided NMCB-14 Seabees hands-on training opportunities in tactical combat casualty care; maintenance and material management; civil engineering support equipment operations; convoy operations; and Seabee combat warfare and expeditionary skills. NMCB-14 provides advance base construction, battle damage repair, contingency engineering, humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery support to our fleet and unified commanders.

Country artist Drake White, center left, and The Big Fire guitarist Graham Mallany, center right, pose with Soldiers from the 188th Medical Battalion and 264th Medical Battalion, 32d Medical Brigade, U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, at Fort Sam Houstons Quadrangle, July 19, 2022. White visited Fort Sam Houston to film an upcoming docuseries called Inside the Base, which follows leading country artists as they tour U.S. military bases across the nation. (U.S. Army photos by Lauren Padden)

United States Air Force Airman Leadership School Class 22-4 Commandants Award nominees stand with the Commandant, Chief Master Sgt. Shaun Withers, June 3, 2022, at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center in East Tennessee. The awardee is announced at the graduation ceremony Tuesday morning.

030822-A-0405B-005. US Army (USA) Major General (MGEN) MG Buford C. Blount (foreground left), Commander, 3rd Infantry Division (ID), listens as Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Julian Kellman, briefs members of the Color Guard, as the remaining elements of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion (H&HB), 1/3 Air Defense Artillery (ADA) and 2nd Artillery 1/3 ADA, Georgia Army Reserve (AR), prepare for a Redeployment Ceremony at Cottrell Field, Fort Stewart, Georgia (GA), following a deployment to Iraq, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Aug. 19, 2022) Members of Naval Support Activity Souda Bays Multicultural Committee organize an early Womens Equality Day commemoration, Aug. 19, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., Allied, and Partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Airmen with the 627th Security Forces Squadron pose for a group photo before participating in a five-mile ruck in honor of National Police Week at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 19, 2022. Police Week consisted of various events such as an opening ceremony, a shooting competition and a five-mile ruck for military police and defenders.

U.S. Soldiers congratulate Sgt. Nathaniel Hendrix during his promotion ceremony on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. It is an Army tradition for all attendees of a promotion ceremony to congratulate and give a few words of advice to the person being promoted.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 117th Air Control Squadron, Georgia Air National Guard, pose for a group photo on May 5, 2022, in Savannah, Georgia.

6th Marine Corps District Commanding Officer Col. Lance J. Langfeldt and Sgt. Maj. Frank O. Robinson present Gunnery Sgt. Kayala Steele, the administrative chief, with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal at the 6MCD Headquarters on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Aug. 24, 2022. The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal is a decoration recognizing outstanding meritorious service. At the end of her tour of duty, Steele was awarded for her outstanding work ethic and performance as the Administrative Chief at 6MCD.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (April 6, 2023) Chief Petty Officers, assigned to Commander Navy Region Hawaii, pose with Chief Petty Officer Michelle Marcial during her reenlistment ceremony on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Commander Navy Region Hawaii is the regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in Hawaii - as well as the Navys representative to the Hawaii community.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division pose for a group photo on Fort Stewart, GA, July 28, 2022. During the Best Squad Competition, competitors were tested on a wide range of subjects including land navigation, marksmanship, casualty care, physical fitness, small-unit tactics and endurance.

Staff Sgt. Sara Kolinski, 104th Fighter Wing Barnestormer Training Flight Cadre, was presented her award for being the Air National Guard Region One 2020 Airman of the Year on May 14, 2022 at Barnes Air National Guard Base. Massachusetts Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Sean Sullivan presented Kolinski with her award.

Participants in a Community Leader Engagement event stop for a photo April 19, 2022, in front of Garrison Headquarters at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than a dozen community leaders from Tomah, Sparta, and other nearby municipalities gathered at Fort McCoy to see the posts mission first-hand. During their visit, the community leaders received a driving tour of the installation and made stops at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility on South Post, Fort McCoy Commemorative Area, Fort McCoy Simulations Training Complex in the 200 block on the cantonment area, Garrison Headquarters, and McCoys Community Center where they received a lunch.

U.S. Army Spc. Rhianna Ballenger stands with U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Corban Lundborg and Senior Airman Joseph Leveille during the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 23, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the physical, tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

070219-A-8962K-009. Base: Fort Pickett State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. William Hunter, 81st Training Wing commander, provides welcoming remarks to members of the Biloxi and Jackson County School Districts administration outside of the Bay Breeze Event Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, July 7, 2022. The visit included tours of the student dorms and the weather and air traffic control training courses.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mark Bortnem, commanding officer, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, Sgt. Maj. Bryan Alfaro, sergeant major, MCAS Beaufort, Cpl. Jarret Determan, military working dog handler, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), MCAS Beaufort, and Lance Cpl. Isabella Jones, military working dog handler, H&HS, take a group photo after an awards ceremony at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Jan. 19, 2024. This ceremony was held to award Determan and Jones the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Determan and Jones provided immediate medical attention to a fellow patron due to an accidental gunshot wound.

Massachusetts Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Sean Sullivan and 104th Fighter WIng Command Chief Stephen Jeffers held leadership time with 104FW Airmen on May 14, 2022 at Barnes Air National Guard base. The 104FW regularly holds leadership time in both small and large groups to give Airmen time with leadership and to develop leadership skills.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment graduate from Basic Leader Course (BLC) at 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 11, 2022. The 7th Army NCOA mission is to train and develop future leaders who are adaptive, disciplined and ready to lead effectively at the squad and team levels.

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo visits a new construction site with U.S. Embassy Beirut marines in Lebanon on March 23, 2019.

220518-N-KN989-1008 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (May 18, 2022) Service members pose for a photo during the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) award ceremony at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Chapel, May 18, 2022. The NMCRS provides financial relief to active duty and retired Marines and Sailors as well as their eligible surviving family members through interest-free loans and grants.

Leadership Craven Class of 2022 poses for a photo with leadership personnelon Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, Sept. 8,2022. This annual program is run by the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerceand gives local leaders, business owners, and professionals knowledge of theeconomic and social impact of their neighboring Marine Corps installation.

U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors visited Rio De Janeiro to discuss the integration of male and female recruit training with the Fuzileiros Navais, which the U.S. Marine Corps began in 2019. Marines from Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California conducted an assessment of Brazilian recruit training processes and infrastructure to aid in Brazils first group of female recruits that will begin training in February 2024 and to prepare for a future subject matter expert exchange to be conducted later this year.

Gen. Laura Richardson, U.S. Southern Command Commanding General, visits Tolemaida Military Base, Colombia to meet with Colombian Army Maj. Gen. Luis Mauricio Ospina Gutiérrez, Commander of the National Army and visit the Soldiers who took part in Exercise Southern Vanguard 23 on Nov. 15, 2022. Exercise Southern Vanguard is U.S. Army South's premier training exercise taking place at the operational and tactical levels intended to increase interoperability between the United States and Western Hemisphere forces. This year's iteration, Exercise Southern Vanguard 23, involves Soldiers from U.S. Army South and the U.S. Army National Guard training alongside Colombian Army soldiers in varying terrain while conducting weapon familiarization lanes culminating in a bilateral military training operation.

U.S. Air Force Col. Blaine Baker (center left), 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, and Airman Evin Hughes, 97th Communications Squadron network operations technician, cut a ribbon to celebrate the completion of a new dormitory at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, June 13, 2022. The new dorm cost an estimated $24.6 million and will support 116 permanent-party Airmen.

U.S. Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, render a salute during the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade assumption of responsibility ceremony at Caserma Del Din, Oct. 4, 2022, Vicenza, Italy. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

Soldiers of Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, assemble at sunset to honor the retirement of HHT's 1st Sgt. Douglas Stewart at Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho, Vt., Oct. 15, 2022. This formation marks the last in which Stewart participates before retirement from service.

Soldiers of Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, assemble at sunset to honor the retirement of HHT's 1st Sgt. Douglas Stewart at Ethan Allen Firing Range, Jericho, Vt., Oct. 15, 2022. This formation marks the last in which Stewart participates before retirement from service.

ET shop with ET3 Sherer.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Mississippi, for touring, participation in events highlighting the restoration project--funded jointly by the National Park Service and the Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign, as part of the National Park Centennial Initiative--aimed at replacing interpretive battlefield markers and conserving the array of bronze statuary and stone monuments at the Civil War site. Joining Secretary Kempthorne for the events, including the unveiling of the first group of 22 metal markers identifying the specific locations of various Union and Confederate artillery batteries during the siege and defense of Vicksburg, were National Park Service Director Mary Bomar, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Chairman John Nau III, and country music star Trace Adkins, among other dignitaries.

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) Band also known as "Cleared Hot", plays at the city of Burleson's annual Fourth of July celebration in Chisenhall Park, Burleson, Texas, July 4, 2022. The 3rd MAW Band is stationed on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif. and provides musical support for military units, civilian community relations, recruiting and troop morale.

Soldiers and Family members gathered August 3, 2022 on Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, for Public Health Activity - Italy change of command ceremony.

Members of a special legislative staff delegation visit a training operations area Aug. 16, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Fort McCoy Garrison officials supported a special staff delegation visit Aug. 15-16 on post to review ongoing training for Blake Souter, a military legislative assistant/national security advisor to a current U.S. senator, as well as five military- and one civilian-affiliated liaison staff.

Coast Guard Vice Adm. Kevin Lunday, Atlantic Area Commander, presents the crew of the USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB-4) with the Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon on Aug. 22, 2022. This award was presented to recognize their operational support of counter-narcotics and efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

041004-F-9905C-027. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members from Idahos Joint Forces Headquarters and the 124th Fighter Wing tour the Idaho Youth Challenge Academy, Oct. 21, 2022 in Pierce, Idaho. IDYCA is a state-run, quasi-military, in-residence, alternative highschool program focused on rehabilitating at-risk youth.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 106th Financial Management Support Unit graduate from Basic Leader Course (BLC) at 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 11, 2022. The 7th Army NCOA mission is to train and develop future leaders who are adaptive, disciplined and ready to lead effectively at the squad and team levels.

The Inter-American Defense College and United States Northern Command hosts the inaugural North American Defense Framework for Women, Peace, and Security Workshop at IADC Kennedy Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 27-29, 2024. The event brought together military and civilian experts from Canada, Mexico, the United States, and the Bahamas. The collaborative event focused on integrating gender perspectives into military education, addressing gender-based violence, and enhancing gender equality in military operations. Participants, representing diverse ranks and branches, formulated actionable recommendations and formed partnerships, signifying a transformative shift toward a more inclusive defense framework. Air Force

Guests and Fort McCoy staff members participating in a Community Leader Engagement event stop for a group photo during a visit to Veterans Memorial Plaza on July 6, 2022, at the Commemorative Area at Fort McCoy, Wis. Nearly two dozen community leaders from Tomah, Sparta, Black River Falls, Volk Field, La Crosse, and other nearby municipalities gathered at Fort McCoy to see the posts mission first-hand and learn more about the Army mission at the installation.

Maj. Gen. Michele Bredenkamp, the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) commanding general, right, and Maj. Gen. Andrew M. Rohling, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa commander, meet in front of the Eternal Flame memorial on Caserma Ederle during Bredenkamps visit to Vicenza, Italy, Apr. 7, 2022.

U.S. Army Soldiers from McDonald Army Health Center dismantle the steel rods that were used to support a COVID-19 drive through test site next to the health center at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, August 30, 2022. The temporary test site was assembled in February, 2020, and was broken down as its service was no longer required.

Master Sgt. Bonnie Clark, fourth Soldier to the right on one knee, Sgt. 1st Class Renaldo Cooper, in the middle, and Equal Opportunity Leaders of 3rd Infantry Division and 188th Infantry Brigade gather together for a picture after receiving EOLC certificates June 8, 2022 on Fort Stewart. The purpose of the EOLC is to prepare the graduates of the class to perform duties of an EOL at both battalion and/or company level.

Maj. Gen. Michael McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. James D. Wilson, U.S. Army aviation branch command sergeant major, stand with country music singer Riley Green at Fort Rucker, Alabama, August 29, 2022.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Travis Burchalter, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command noncommissioned officer in charge of summer camp, provides instruction to a group of high school students during their tour of the U.S. Army Transportation Museum at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, July 18, 2022. The summer camp is designed to promote and foster camaraderie, team work, fun, and esprit de corps between Fort Eustis and the local Newport News community.

Students in the Fort McCoy Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Academys Basic Leader Course (BLC) get a class photo completed May 19, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The NCO Academy was activated at Fort McCoy in 1988. The academy is one of the largest tenant organizations at the installation providing institutional training with more than 1,800 students attending annually for the Battle Staff Noncommissioned Officer Course and BLC.

YOKOHAMA, Japan (June 8, 2022) Volunteers of a cleanup event at the Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery pose for a photo. Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka's (CFAY) Ikego Detachment organized a volunteer event to assist in the upkeep of the Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery. For 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

Gen. Stephen Townsend, the commander of U.S Africa Command, awards the Meritorious Public Service Medal to Mrs. Alicia Rohling before a change of command ceremony U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, July 14, 2022.

Participants in a Community Leader Engagement event stop for a photo April 19, 2022, in front of Garrison Headquarters at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than a dozen community leaders from Tomah, Sparta, and other nearby municipalities gathered at Fort McCoy to see the posts mission first-hand. During their visit, the community leaders received a driving tour of the installation and made stops at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility on South Post, Fort McCoy Commemorative Area, Fort McCoy Simulations Training Complex in the 200 block on the cantonment area, Garrison Headquarters, and McCoys Community Center where they received a lunch.

QUANTICO, Va. (Aug. 25, 2022) Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and his wife, Betty Del Toro, visits the U.S. Marine Memorial Chapel in Quantico Aug. 25, 2022. Del Toro visited to pay respects to the 13 service members lost during the bombing attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 26, 2021.

040901-M-5607G-002. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Group Photo from the Cybersecurity Capacity Building Program conference between INDOPACOM, cyber experts from the Washington Air National Guard, Royal Thai Armed Forces, Indonesian National Armed Forces and the cyberspace operations professional from the Vietnamese military.

Lance Cpl. Martin W. SandersMartinez, with Headquarters and Service Battalion, and Cpl. Opha May, the depot mascot, pose for a photo with Brig. Gen. Julie L. Nethercot, Depot and Eastern Recruiting Region Commanding General, and Sgt. Maj. Edwin A. Mota, Depot and eastern Recruiting Region Sergeant Major, on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., May 20, 2022. SandersMartinez and Opha May will spend their time after the Marine Corps in Chicago, Ill.

Team Mohawk, representing the U.S. Army Forces Command, poses for a photo while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

U.S. Marines with Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, win a ground fighting competition during a field meet at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 16, 2023. Marines with FMFLANT, MARFORCOM, MARFOR NORTHCOM, and their respective Headquarters and Service Battalion, competed in physical fitness relays, ground fighting, and tug-o-war in order to win a day of liberty. The unit holds quarterly field meets to increase command networking and boost morale.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Edward J. Cochrane, left, a field medical service technician with Bravo Surgical Company, 3d Medical Battalion, poses for a photo with Chief Hospital Corpsman Elmer Aquino with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pearl Harbor, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 30, 2022. On Jan. 12, 2022, Cochrane saved the life of Aquino. After finding Aquino unconscious, Cochrane utilized his basic life support techniques to provide lifesaving intervention.

Smokey, U.S. Space Force Colonel Schlak, 509th MSG Squadron commander, the Whiteman Air Force Base Fire Department mascot, U.S. Air Force Colonel Daniel Diehl, 509th Bomb Wing commander, Sparky, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel Michael Pluger, 50th Civil Engineering Squadron commander pose for a photo together at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, October 15, 2022. The fire department held the annual Fire Prevention Week parade with participating fire departments from communities around base.

Representatives from U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, the U.S. Air Force 86th Airlift Wing, the German-American and International Women's club, the Ramstein Area Chief's Group, the Sergeant Major's Association and the City of Kaiserslautern attended the American Kindergraves Memorial Service at the Daenner Kaserne and the Kaiserslautern Main Cemetery, May 14, 2022. From 1952-1971, 457 American infants were buried in the Kaiserslautern main cemetery. In addition to being a symbol of partnership between Germany and the U.S., the American Kindergraves has helped families manage the pain of their loss and keeps them connected to family histories.

220930-N-AS200-0113 - SAN NICOLAS ISLAND, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2022) - Sailors assigned to Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), San Nicolas Island pose for a candid photo. NBVC is a strategically located Naval installation composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2D Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

Members of the 325th Security Forces Squadron marine patrol unit pose for a group photo at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, July 28, 2022. Security forces Airmen selected for this specialized mission are expected to uphold high levels of responsibility, show exceptional leadership and be able to pass a standardized swim test.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Sept. 23, 2022) - Capt. Odin J. Klug (right), commanding officer, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, stands with Master-at-Arms 1st Class Angela Sweeney (left), and Military Working Dog Diego after Dog Bite Training on Sept. 23, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

SAN DIEGO (Sept 16, 2022) - Newly-graduated Warfare Tactics Instructors (WTI) gather for a group photo following their graduation ceremony at Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) on Naval Base San Diego Sept. 16, 2022. There were 38 WTIs who graduated after approximately four months of advanced courses to become warfighting experts in one of the four surface warfare areas - amphibious warfare (AMW), anti-submarine warfare/surface warfare (ASW/SUW), integrated air and missile defense (IAMD), and mine warfare (MIW). WTIs are an elite cadre of surface warfare officers selected to become experts in tactics and doctrine development. This new generation of surface warriors are charged with increasing the tactical proficiency and lethality of surface ships while maintaining sea control and maritime dominance.SWOs interested in joining the SMWDC team and becoming WTIs can email SWO_WTI@navy.mil for more information. Learn more about SMWDC visit www.facebook.com/SMWDC o

Military spouses who are a part of the 82nd Airborne Division participate in a "Be A Paratrooper For A Day" event at the United States Advanced Airborne School on Fort Bragg, N.C. on May 3, 2022. The spouses take part in a pre-jump demonstration, Meals Ready-to-Eat (MRE) eating contest, and jumping out of a 34-foot tower.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. - Sailors from the USS Delbert Black (DDG-119), Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Miami and South Florida Wildlife Center staff worked together to repair and restore wildlife habitats at the South Florida Wildlife Center in Fort Lauderdale Florida on May 4. Fleet Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase the awareness of the Navys role and purpose in our national defense.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Allen Robinson, command chief warrant officer, Michigan National Guard, left, stands with Chief Warrant Officer 5 Patrick Nelligan, command chief warrant officer, U.S. Army Reserve Command, at Grayling Army Airfield during Northern Strike, Aug. 13, 2022. Northern Strike 22 brings approximately 7,400 participants from 19 states and 4 coalition countries to Northern Michigan to validate the readiness and interoperability of multicomponent, multinational and interagency partners from Aug. 6 to 20, 2022, at the National All Domain Warfighting Center.

U.S. service members pose for a photo at the Hasso Inalåhan Memorial in Inalåhan, Guam, July 13, 2022. Ceremonies and various events are commencing all across Guam during July to remember the lives lost during World War II before being liberated in 1944.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomed General Laerte de Souza Santos, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the Brazilian Armed Forces and other distinguished guests for a visit to the IADC Campus on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Oct. 17, 2022. During the visit, the guests conducted an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

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