Ceremonial Military Events

Images of military honors, competitions, and ceremonies, showcasing tradition and the commitment of servicemen to their roles.

Sgt. Timothy D. Bennet Jr, electrician, Headquarters & Support Company, stands for a uniform inspection during the final evaluation of Ceremonial Drill School at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Oct. 7, 2022. This assessment is the culminating event of CDS, a three-week course designed to teach the intricacies of ceremonial drill in keeping with the high standards upheld at Marine Barracks Washington.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Bryan Kummer, with the U.S. Army National Guard, renders a salute to Sgt. Maj. of the U.S. Army Michael A. Grinston during a board 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.

Participants of the 49th annual Norwegian Exchange, from the Norwegian Heimevernet, or Home Guard, and the Minnesota National Guard, community leaders, buddy weekend host families and distinguished guests joined together for a farewell banquet, April 3, 2022 at the Falls Ballroom in Little Falls, Minnesota. During the meal, Norwegian Soldiers modeled the traditional bunard and artist Charles Kapsner presented a gift. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

RICHMOND, Virginia (July 29th, 2022) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith pins anchors on the uniform of Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phillip M. Brashear, son of the late Master Chief Master Diver Carl Brashear during his retirement ceremony after 40 years of service at the Frank B. Lotts Conference Center onboard Defense Supply Center in Richmond, Virginia on July 29th, 2022. CW5 Brashear was appointed as an Honorary Navy Chief Petty Officer by the Master Chief Petty officer of the Navy Russell Smith for his relentless dedication to the United States Navy. Over the course of 17 years, CW5 Brashear inspired Sailors and members of the Chiefs Mess to keep pushing forward in the face of adversity, volunteering his service to the Navy, and accepting responsibility beyond the call of printed assignment.

Sgt. Timothy D. Bennet Jr, electrician, Headquarters & Support Company, stands for a uniform inspection during the final evaluation of Ceremonial Drill School at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Oct. 7, 2022. This assessment is the culminating event of CDS, a three-week course designed to teach the intricacies of ceremonial drill in keeping with the high standards upheld at Marine Barracks Washington.

221005-N-IW069-1092 San Francisco (Oct. 5, 2022) Brig. Gen. Phillip Fretze, commanding general, 1st Marine Logistics Group, arrives at the dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) for a Navy reception during San Francisco Fleet Week. 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)

221012-N-OX321-1153 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Oct. 12, 2022) - Master-at-Arms 1st Class Nicholas Heffel, from Racine, Wis., addresses and thanks Master-at-Arms 1st Class Ryan Gray, far right, during his retirement ceremony after having served 20 years in the Navy, held on NAS Sigonella, Oct. 11, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

U.S. Senator Robert Portman speaks with U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. David Rayburn, a refrigeration and air conditioning technician with the Command Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, at RAAF Base Darwin, Darwin, NT, Australia, April 14, 2022. U.S. Senators visited Darwin to meet U.S. Marines and Sailors with MRF-D 22.

Brig. Gen. Sean Boyette awards Command Sgt. Maj. Theodore Morris the Legion of Merit during Morris's retirement ceremony at St. Francis Barracks in St. Augustine, Fla., Saturday, Feb 3. Morris was honored for more than 39 years of exemplary service in the Florida Army National Guard, retiring in the company of friends and fellow soldiers. Army

U.S. Air Force Capt. Anthony Maggio, 117th Equal Opportunity Officer, is promoted at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Sept. 10, 2022. Maggio recently transferred into the unit and was promoted from first lieutenant to captain.

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo participates in a wreath laying ceremony in Kolonia, Federated States of Micronesia, on August 5, 2019.

U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, are administered the Drill Instructors Creed on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Jan 21, 2022. The Drill Instructors Creed reaffirms the drill instructors commitment to the recruits throughout recruit training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Dakota Dodd)

2nd Lt. Jordan Salzman of Loves Park, Illinois, 2nd Lt. Michael Raymond of St. Jacob, Illinois, and 2nd Lt. Nicholas Marsh of Boise, Idaho, were each awarded the Army Achievement Medal for having the highest overall leadership evaluation scores resulting in a three-way tie throughout the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) Officer Candidate School. Twenty-two Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and one U.S. Army Reserve Soldier graduated from the program Aug. 21 in a ceremony at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Springfield, Illinois. The Illinois Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School transforms enlisted non-commissioned officers and qualified civilians into U.S. Army officers. The future leaders complete more than 661 hours of classroom and field instruction, must meet the commissioning standards of the U.S. Army and be examined, and approved by a federal recognition board.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Salvador Ortiz, an administrative clerk with Recruiting Station Sacramento, is recognized as the youngest Marine during the 247th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada on Nov. 12, 2022. Marines across the globe recognize and acknowledge the sacrifices made to defend democracy, and the Marine Corps enduring legacy as Americas premier fighting force.

U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. George W. Smith Jr., the commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, and retired Sgt. Maj. Brad A. Kasal, the guest of honor, listen to the reading of Gen. John A. Lejeunes birthday message during a Marine Corps Birthday Ball celebration at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, Oct. 28, 2022. Marines with I MEF hosted the ball to mark the 247th birthday of the Corps, and honor the legacy of past generations of Marines.

Colonel John Lubas, deputy commanding officer(operations), 101st Airborne Division (AASLT), salutes during the playing of the national anthem at his promotion ceremony on Fort Campbell., Ky, August 31, 2022. The promotion to a General Officer signifies a milestone of an officers career in the Army.

U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Warren C. Cook Jr., Commanding Officer of the Marine Corps 8th District, praises and awards Staff Sergeant Robert Simms the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal on Sept. 30, 2022 for his valiant efforts in Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC). SSgt. Simms contracted 101 enlisted individuals into the Marine Corps as a canvassing recruiter of Recruiting Sub Station Mesquite. This achievement recongnizes him as a Centurion in the recruiting field and earned him a custom helm given to him by the Recruiting Station Dallas Command.

110613-N-ZB612-047LONDON (June 13, 2011) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead visits with Marines assigned to the U.S. Embassy in London.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks speaks at the National Capital Region ROTC Detachment commencement at Fort Myer, Virginia, May 20, 2022. The class of 2022 had 87 cadets with 14 of them commissioning as Distinguished Military Graduates, the top 20% of cadets in the nation.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomes Brazilian General Sergio Negraes, Brazilian Armys Secretary of Finance and Economics to the IADC campus at Ft. Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 11, 2022. During the visit General Novaes spoke to students and was inducted into the IADC Hall of Honor. Additionally, he participated in an office call with leadership, received a college briefing and took a tour of the campus.

Army Reserve Sgt. Brady A. Benedict (center), a military policeman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 345th Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 95th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), 108th Training Command (IET), stands at attention in front of fellow Soldiers and senior noncommissioned officers while he is promoted to the rank of sergeant by Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels (left), Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew Lombardo, command sergeant major, U.S. Army Reserve, during the Army Reserve Command Sergeant Major Panel held at the Association of The United States Army annual convention in Washington, D.C., October 12. Benedict was the top performing Soldier in the Army Reserve's recent Best Squad Competition that had teams competing from across all components in the Army. He was promoted early, out of the normal promotion cycle, due to his outstanding performance. (Official U.S. Army Reserve Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent C. Powell)

221021-N-LZ839-1088NORFOLK, Va. (October 21, 2022) Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5) Commanding Officer Capt. Joseph Murphy lll gives a speech during the ships chief pinning ceremony at the Nauticus museum, Oct. 21, 2022. During the ceremony, 15 Sailors were promoted to the rank of chief petty officer. The Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony is considered one of the most significant milestones of an enlisted Sailors career.

In the final moments of the commissioning ceremony, the new officers listen to Lt. Col John Hawbakers closing remarks.The Boise State University Spring 2022 Semester has come to an end for the Bronco Battalion. Several cadets received their commission on Friday, May 6, 2022 with family, friends and fellow cadets celebrating their achievement. In the closing moments of the academic year, plans were placed in motion for the semester to come. While some members of the Bronco Battalion will move on, others will step up to fill their vacant seats at the planning meetings every Friday morning following physical training. The lineage of the Bronco Battalion will continue.

Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Rose, a human intelligence collector assigned to the 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, smiles while waiting to receive an award during a Sergeant Audie Murphy Club induction ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 17, 2022. This is the first SAMC Sergeant Audie Murphy Club induction ceremony the 3rd ID has hosted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Being inducted into SAMC indicates that a noncommissioned officer has demonstrated the highest standards of excellence.

Col. Robert A. Sucher, commanding officer, Marine Barracks Washington, speaks during a promotion ceremony at MBW, December 13th, 2022. Chesty XVI, mascot of the Marine Corps, was promoted to the rank of Private First Class by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Andrew Korous, the 8th Marine Corps District Training Team Chief, retires after 30 years of service to the U.S. Marine Corps at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, Nov. 30, 2022. Korous has served at multiple levels from Production Recruiter, Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Recruiter Instructor, Chief Instructor of the Marine Corps Recruiters School and Training Team Chief while serving the Marine Corps Recruiting Command for the last 24 years.

Chief Hospital Corpsman Joshua Wicker, assigned to the mine countermeasures ship USS Warrior (MCM 10), salutes sideboys while being piped aboard as a chief petty officer for the first time during a pinning ceremony at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of chief petty officer was created April 1, 1893, and the chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.

Veterans Day Commemoration was held at Goddard on November 15, 2017. Guest speaker Jared Marinos gave talk Millenial Journey of a Veteran Transition”

As they were seated prior to the start of the ceremony, Cadets Kyle Brown and Christian Lucas congratualted each other.The Boise State University Spring 2022 Semester has come to an end for the Bronco Battalion. Several cadets received their commission on Friday, May 6, 2022 with family, friends and fellow cadets celebrating their achievement. In the closing moments of the academic year, plans were placed in motion for the semester to come. While some members of the Bronco Battalion will move on, others will step up to fill their vacant seats at the planning meetings every Friday morning following physical training. The lineage of the Bronco Battalion will continue.

Command Sgt. Maj. Sherman Waters, senior enlisted advisor, Special Troops Battalion, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, gives a speech during payday activities on Fort Knox, Kentucky, May 6, 2022. The 1st TSC held the payday activities event in order to ensure unit readiness, as well as education in military policies.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, speaks with Marines at Recruiting Station Jacksonville headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida, Nov. 2, 2022. The sergeant major of the Marine Corps visited the recruiting station to speak about Marine Corps recruiting practices and recognize Marines who have been excelling on the special duty assignment.

U.S. Marine Corps retired Lt. Gen. Dennis Crall, a Tampa, Florida native and former director of Joint Staff J6, left, gives a Certificate of Retirement to Master Gunnery Sgt. Todd Kirby, a Blacksville, West Virginia native and senior enlisted advisor of Joint Staff J6, during a retirement ceremony at the Semper Fidelis Chapel, Triangle, Virginia, Jan. 12, 2023. Kirby honorably served for 30 years and held four military occupational specialties during his career.

Marines with the Silent Drill Platoon march into position during a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, May 6, 2022. The hosting official for the evening was Gen. David H. Berger, 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the guest of honor was The Honorable Charles F. Bolden Jr., former administrator of NASA.

U. S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alysa Glass, a trumpet instrumentalist with the 2d Marine Division Band, interacts with civilians after performing at Les Invalides in Paris, France, May 24, 2022. The purpose of their visit to Les Invalides was to perform for the disabled veterans of the French Military who were wounded in war.

NEWPORT, R.I. (July 1, 2022) Master Chief Musician Gresh Laing is rung ashore with his family during his retirement ceremony on Naval Station Newport, July 1, 2022. The Naval School of Music plays a vital role in developing the military musician, and its graduates go on to become musical ambassadors on ships and stations throughout the world.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Zachary Mauney, a squad instructor with Marine Combat Training Battalion, School of Infantry-East, poses for a photo after receiving an award during Intramural Marksmanship Competition awards ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 9, 2022. The Marine Corps Intramural Marksmanship Competition inspires unit cohesion and mission readiness by allowing Marines to compete and improve lethality with both rifle and pistol weapons.

Cmdr. Kenny Myrick, commanding officer of TheaterUndersea Surveillance Command Atlantic (TUSC LANT), delivers opening remarks during the Naval Ocean Processing Facility name change ceremony, Sept. 30, 2022. Naval Ocean Processing Facility (NOPF) Dam Neck officially changed its name to TheaterUndersea Surveillance Command Atlantic (TUSC LANT) during a ceremony held at the command.

NEWPORT, R.I. (Aug. 31, 2022) Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command speaks with students from Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS), on Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport, Aug. 31, 2022. Garvin visited NAVSTA Newport Aug. 31-Sept. 1 to engage with the staff and students of Center for Service Support, Surface Warfare Schools Command, Senior Enlisted Academy, Officer Training Command Newport, Naval Chaplaincy School, Naval Leadership and Ethics Center, and NSCS.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. W. Wes E. Souza, the Commanding General for U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, salutes during a Republic of Korea bootcamp ceremony, Feb. 28, 2024, Pohang, Republic of Korea. ROK Marine Corps has been conducting training for bootcamp since 1949. Marine Corps

Senior leaders congratulate U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Anthony R. Hale, center, the deputy chief of staff for Intelligence, as his wife Stacy, right, looks on, during his promotion ceremony, at the Patriot Room of the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., Jan. 3, 2024. Hale was promoted to the rank of lieutenant general during the event, officiated and hosted by Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. Randy A. George.

Sister and brother Brittinie Alvarez (Air force) and Blake Alvarez (Marine), dressed in uniforms during the Shoshone-Bannock Festival, Fort Hall Idaho.

A new U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor wears his campaign cover for the first time during a Drill Instructor School graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, March 29, 2023. During Drill Instructor School, Marines developed leadership skills, mastered drill, met physical fitness requirements and learned how to make Marines.

BRUCE WILLIS in AIR STRIKE (2018) -Original title: DA HONG ZHA-, directed by XIAO FENG.

Admiral Walker, addressing Delayed Entry Program (DEP) Future Sailors at NRS Wilmington. Photo taken by MarQuan Stith, Public Affairs Officer.

020709-F-0148C-002. Base: Tulsa International Airport State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031031-M-9876R-021. US Marine Corps (USMC) Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGYSGT) Holly James (left), receives an American Flag during her Retirement Ceremony held in Harry Lee Hall, aboard Marine Corps Base (MCB) Quantico, Virginia (VA).

U.S. Marines with the Combat Logistics Regiment (CLR) 27 Sword Detail participate in the CLR-27, 247th Marine Corps Birthday ceremony at Marston Pavilion on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 3, 2022. CLR-27 hosted a Marine Corps Birthday Ball to celebrate the Marine Corps 247th Birthday, to uphold Marine Corps traditions and boost unit morale.

Chief Gunners Mate Joseph Sandman, assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS), salutes sideboys while being piped aboard as a chief petty officer for the first time during a pinning ceremony at CFAS Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of chief petty officer was created April 1, 1893, and the chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.

U.S. Air Force color guard with the 110th Wing, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base prepare to post colors during a military ball, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the base, Battle Creek, Michigan, Aug. 6, 2022. A Military Ball is an opportunity for Airmen and their families to interact in a social but formal setting and builds mutual understanding, respect, and teamwork, while honoring tradition.

NAVAL BASE GUAM (Oct. 24, 2022) Sailors, civilians, and military families gathered to witness the initiation of several of the regions newest chief petty officers during a pinning ceremony at Top o the Mar onboard U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) in Nimitz Hill Oct. 21. The 13 newly pinned chiefs, represented the following commands: - NBG - Commander, Joint Region Marianas- Naval Hospital Guam- 30th Naval Construction Regiment- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 - Naval Recruiting Office Guam- Priority Management Office- Naval Munitions Command East Asia Division Unit Guam and - Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3/Military Sealift Command GuamAs chief petty officer selectees they endured six weeks of chief formation, which included physical training, naval heritage education, honing of the Navys core values, and leadership and teamwork training sessions. (U.S. Navy Photos by LSSCS Christian Dadino)

First Salute

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Andrew Stowers prepares to lead Grace A. Peterson Airman Leadership School class 22-F in to their graduation ceremony Oct. 13, 2022, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. ALS is required for senior airmen selected for staff sergeant to teach them about leadership and Air Force culture and is open to eligible civilians.

The 1st Cavalry Division hosted a retirement ceremony for Sgt. 1st class Daniel Eagle, Sgt. 1st class Michael McKinley, Sgt. 1st class Darrell White Jr., Sgt. Maj. Carey Williams, Sgt. Maj. Duane McClurkin, CW3 Jobeth Yambao, Lt. Col. Orlando Delgado, and Col. Christopher Coglianese, on Cooper Field, Fort Hood, Tx, on June 29, 2022. The First Team extends congratulations to our Retirees and their Families.

Capt. David Adams, Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS), speaks to Rear Adm. Hitoshi Shimizu, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Escort Flotilla Two commander, Rear Adm. Katsuya Suzuki, JMSDF Fleet Air Wing 22 commander, and Major Gen. Shingo Nashinoki, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade commander, during the JMSDF Sasebo Districts spring gathering celebrating its 70th anniversary at the districts Hirase Gymnasium in Sasebo, Japan April 1, 2023. For more than 75 years, CFAS has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services to empower forward-deployed U.S. and Allied Forces while providing superior support to their families and the community.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Mark Gatch, staff non-commissioned officer in charge of Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 4, right, receives an award from Lt. Col. Jason A. Lambert, commanding officer of Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS) 2, left, at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, May 24, 2022. Gatch enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1997 and served 25 years of honorable and faithful service to the Marine Corps.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo chats with U.S. Marines Guards at the U.S. Embassy Beijing meet and greet in Beijing, China on June 14, 2018.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Recognition Ceremony, Apr. 28, 2022, Magnolia Halle, San Antonio, Texas. This event was held to honor all promotees to the rank of Chief Master Sgt.

Chief Warrant Officer of 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, CW5 Barry Sledd, speaks with a veteran at the Veterans Plaza dedication in University Place, Wash. on Nov. 11, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kyle Baldassari, 375th Communications Group commander, renders his final salute to members of the 375th CG during the 375th CG inactivation ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, July 29, 2022. The 375th CG was activated in 2007 and had the responsibility of supporting the mission of the 375th AMW in its global reach mission by providing command, control, communications and computer support to DoD, USTRANSCOM, AMC, 18th Air Force, SDDC, AFNIC, three flying wings, 31 tenant units and direct support to the 618th Air and Space Operations Center global mission.

Col. Darren Wees, left, 704th Test Group Commander, hands the guidon to Lt. Col. Brian Davis charging him with command of the 746th Test Squadron during a Change of Command Ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 8, 2022. Pictured right is Lt. Col. John Wisecup, former 746 TS commander. (U.S. Air Force photo)

031113-M-3856G-010. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chief Warrant Officer Four Timothy Collins' children pin on his ranks during his promotion ceremony at the Wellman Auditorium on the Boone Center in Frankfort, Kentucky Jan. 22, 2024. His children enjoyed doing this for their father. (Kentucky Army National Guard

From left, Sgt. Maj. Jesse J. Dorsey, outgoing sergeant major, Marine Barracks Washington, Col. Robert A. Sucher, commanding officer, MBW, and Sgt. Maj. Jimmy F. Richard, incoming sergeant major, MBW, sing the Marines Hymn during a relief and appointment ceremony at MBW, Jan. 29, 2024. Sgt Maj. Jimmy F. Richard enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2001, deployed and participated in numerous operations, completed eight cycles as a drill instructor, and recently served as the sergeant major of Recruiting Station, Jacksonville, FL.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Recognition Ceremony, Apr. 28, 2022, Magnolia Halle, San Antonio, Texas. This event was held to honor all promotees to the rank of Chief Master Sgt.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brenda Miazga, 17th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron incoming commander, salutes the 17th OMRS flight at the 17th OMRS change of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center, June 2, 2022. Miazga assumed command from Col. Roy Louque who is moving to Nellis Air Force Base.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Stephen A. Griffin, sergeant major, Training and Education Command, gives remarks during an appointment ceremony at the Alfred M. Gray Research Center on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, July 8, 2022. Sgt. Maj. Griffin transitioned to TECOM after serving as the sergeant major of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Okinawa, Japan. TECOM is the Marine Corps lead for the training and education continuum, including individual entry-level training, professional military education, continuous professional development, and unit, collective, and service-level training.

Members of the United States Forest Service Honor Guard practice drill movements with the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Regiment Color Guard at MCRD San Diego, Feb. 1, 2024. The USFS Honor Guard visited the Depot to promote and reinforce the customs, history, and traditions of the Marine Corps. Marine Corps

040214-M-7403H-004. Base: Westpac Express (HSV 4676)

220909-N-FP878-0001COLUMBUS, Ohio (SEP. 9, 2022) - Cmdr. John Mullen, commanding officer of Navy Talent Acusition Group Ohio River Valley, speaks with chief selects prior to issuing "Charge Books to the prospective Chiefs. The Charge book is a Navy tradition that started in the second World War and is used to by chief selects to record wisdom and guidance for future use.

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Recruiting Command wait to graduate from Basic Recruiters Course 2-24 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Feb. 21, 2024. The mission of the BRC is to provide staff noncommissioned officers and noncommissioned officers the basic skills and knowledge in order to successfully inform young men and women about the opportunities and career paths the Marine Corps has to offer. Marine Corps

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Recognition Ceremony, Apr. 28, 2022, Magnolia Halle, San Antonio, Texas. This event was held to honor all promotees to the rank of Chief Master Sgt.

1st Sgt. Timothy Marta assigned to the 151st Legal Operations Detachment, conducts the Last Roll Call during a memorial service for Staff Sgt. Travis J. Beck, who passed away Oct. 10, 2022 pancreatic cancer.

SASEBO, Japan (Oct. 24, 2022) Sailors, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), parade the colors during a Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony in the ships hangar bay in Sasebo, Japan Oct. 24, 2022. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A table is set in honor of Prisoners of War and Missing in Action during a memorial luncheon at Travis Air Force Base, California, Sept. 14, 2022. The rose symbolizes the loved ones and families left behind; the yellow ribbon represents the thousands of yellow ribbons worn by family members as they wait for their loved ones to return and the lone candle symbolizes the frailty of a prisoner.

Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, places a medallion around Sgt. (Ret.) Diane M. Busztas neck during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at the Gen. John W. Vessey Recreation Center near Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, in Little Falls, Minnesota. The Court of Honor commemorates the lasting contributions of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of their communities, State, and Nation. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Marines with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF), attend the 247th Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria,Virginia, Nov. 9, 2022. CBIRFs Ball consisted of a ceremony followed by a speech given by the guest of honor, Major General Allan Pepin, commanding general of Joint Task Force North Capital Region.

In a hangar, the base honor guard surround a table displaying an American flag, a United States military desert camouflage uniform, and a Holy Bible during a memorial ceremony to remember the victims of the June 25 bombing at the Khobar Towers complex. Nineteen U.S. service members were killed and many others were injured in the bombing of the billeting facility in Dhahran. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Dhahran Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) Commanding General addresses students during a first time visit to the James Madison University European Union Policy Studies Florence campus in Florence, Italy on Mar. 29, 2023. This visit educated and highlighted to future federal employees how SETAF-AF collaborates and works with allies and partners in Africa and Europe, bringing real world application to their future potential careers.

North Carolina State Senator Michael Lazzara, left, reads a citation for an award to U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel, right, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune during the 2022 Retiree Appreciation Day and Health Fair at the Marston Pavilion on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 24, 2022. The event provided breakfast, raffles, health screenings, and various educational resources supported by Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune and MCB Camp Lejeune Retired Affairs.

Drill instructors with Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, meet their recruits on pickup day aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., June 25, 2022. Drill instructors are tasked with the everyday training of recruits and ensure that the recruits become thoroughly indoctrinated in love of Corps and country, before graduating recruit training.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. greets Airmen after a ceremony commemorating the Doolittle Raiders in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., April 18. 2022. The Doolittle Raid on April 18, 1942 was the first American air raid on the Japanese home islands during WWII.

U.S. Army Soldiers with Able Company, Recruiting and Retention Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard, teach Cub Scouts how to properly fold the American Flag in a military funeral ceremony at Conlon Hall, Bergen Field, New Jersey, Feb. 6, 2024. Teaching the flag folding ceremony to the Cub Scouts of America is believed to teach the youth of Bergenfield the history and traditions involved in rendering honors at a funeral. Army National Guard

U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Todd Kirby, a Blacksville, West Virginia native and senior enlisted advisor of Joint Staff J6, address his family during his retirement ceremony at the Semper Fidelis Chapel, Triangle, Virginia, Jan. 12, 2023. Kirby honorably served for 30 years and held four military occupational specialties during his career.

Huge smiles for the first two Hampton University female officers being commissioned into Army armor

2nd Lt. Zachary V. Breyfogle, left, honored the tradition of a new officer giving a silver dollar to the first enlisted Soldier who salutes them when he was saluted by his best friend and former battle buddy” Staff Sgt. Michael Youngkin.

Maj. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey, addresses the audience during her promotion ceremony at the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Feb. 3, 2024. Hou commands more than 8,400 Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard. As Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Hou leads, directs, and manages the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in the execution of federal and state missions. In addition, she manages all state veterans programs, commissions, and facilities in New Jersey. (New Jersey National Guard

Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David H. Berger, right, and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Troy E. Black, left, attend the memorial service for Gen. Richard I. Neal, at St. Joseph's Church in Washington, D.C. on July 6, 2022. Gen. Neal, who served as the 26th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, passed away on June 17, 2022.

The Central High School JROTC Color Guard posts the colors at the Joint Force Readiness Center in Cheyenne, Wyo., on June 28, 2023. The Wyoming Army Guard celebrated the signing of its first corporate sponsor, Simon, a Colas Co., to the Army Partnership for Your Success Program.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 103rd Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, attend a Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Feb. 10, 2024. Noncommissioned officers are the primary leaders for the United States Army, responsible for executing the organization's mission and training Soldiers. Army

Friends and family of U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert Brutcher gather for his promotion ceremony at the headquarters of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA), Fort Detrick, Md., Nov. 4, 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)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 21, 2022) Chief Machinist's Mate (Nuclear) Evan Osantowski salutes while walking past the sideboys during the FY23 Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony for Commander, Submarine Group 7, Defense Service Office Pacific, and Commander, Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) held at the CNFJ auditorium onboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Oct. 21, 2022. Seven Chief Petty Officer Selects were promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer during the ceremony. Each Sailor had their anchors pinned and donned the CPO covers for the first time in front of their fellow CPOs, command leadership, family and friends.

President Barack Obama greets, left to right, General David Petraeus, Commander, U.S. Central Command, General Raymond Odierno, Commanding General, Multi-National Force in Iraq, and Christopher Hill, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, prior to a meeting in the Situation Room at the White House May 12, 2009.

Cmdr. Kenny Myrick, commanding officer of TheaterUndersea Surveillance Command Atlantic (TUSC LANT), delivers opening remarks during the Naval Ocean Processing Facility name change ceremony, Sept. 30, 2022. Naval Ocean Processing Facility (NOPF) Dam Neck officially changed its name to TheaterUndersea Surveillance Command Atlantic (TUSC LANT) during a ceremony held at the command.

Retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Charles Rock arrives at the Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) Navy Ball held Oct. 13, 2022 at CFAS in celebration of the U.S. Navys 247th birthday. The theme of the U.S. Navys 247th birthday was "On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years," which highlighted the Navy's enduring ability to remain fully ready to respond to and effectively deter emergent threats.

U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Warren C. Cook Jr., Commanding Officer of the Marine Corps 8th District, praises and awards Staff Sergeant Robert Simms the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal on Sept. 30, 2022 for his valiant efforts in Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC). SSgt. Simms contracted 101 enlisted individuals into the Marine Corps as a canvassing recruiter of Recruiting Sub Station Mesquite. This achievement recongnizes him as a Centurion in the recruiting field and earned him a custom helm given to him by the Recruiting Station Dallas Command.

Chief Machinists Mate Derek Lipchey, assigned to Surface Warfare School Command Engineering Learning Site Sasebo, salutes sideboys while being piped aboard as a chief petty officer for the first time during a pinning ceremony at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of chief petty officer was created April 1, 1893, and the chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brent Chadick, Chief Master Sergeant Leadership Academy instructor, Maxwell Air Force Base-Gunter Annex, Alabama, delivers remarks during the Keesler Senior Noncommissioned Officer Recognition Ceremony inside the Bay Breeze Event Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 21, 2022. Over 25 Airmen were recognized for their promotion to master sergeant.

Master Sgt. Adam Benham, United States Air Force Heritage of America Band percussionist, plays the xylophone during a Veterans Day concert at Edgecombe Community College in Tarboro, North Carolina, Nov. 9, 2022. Through the universal language of music, the Heritage of America Band communicates U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense messages, making lasting connections with their audiences.

U.S. Air Force Airmen and their families attend the 75th Air Force Ball at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 17, 2022. The ball brought Team Moody and their families together to celebrate 75 years of airpower. The Air Force was established through the National Security Act on Sept. 18, 1947.

Retired Maj. Robert Hoffman, right, honored guest, pins a third star on Lt. Gen.

of 3