← Military & Defence

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.

Georgia Army National Guard 2nd Lt. Nityamangala Grenhalm is pinned with his new rank by his family during the commissioning ceremony for OCS Class 61 at the Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Ga. August 13, 2022. Grenhalm is assigned to the Lawrenceville-based Company A, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Mervin T. Mills, Virgin Islands National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters, is being promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 5 by the Virgin Islands National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Kodjo Knox-Limbacker at the Virgin Islands National Guard JFHQ, June 04, 2022. Mr. Mills is joined by his wife Mrs. Marcia Mills and his mother Martha Mills for the pinning of this promotion ceremony, held at the Readiness Training Institute building.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Sgt. 1st Class Leroy A. Petry listens while President Barack Obama gives remarks prior to receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor at the White House, July 12. Petry received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during a mission on May 26, 2008, serving as a squad leader with Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment while conducting a mission in rural eastern Afghanistan with his unit to capture a high-value insurgent target. Early in the mission, the squad came under heavy enemy fire and Petry was shot in both legs. Despite his wounds, the Ranger gallantly continued fighting alongside his brothers in arms. When an enemy hand grenade landed just inches away, Petry grabbed it to protect fellow Rangers. As he released the grenade to throw it, the explosive detonated and he lost his right hand.

Brig. Gen. Lori Jones, Mobilization Assistant to the Director, Cyberspace Operations and Warfighter Communications in Washington D.C., promotes to brigadier general during a ceremony Oct. 16, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Jones started her career in the Air Force Reserve at the 433rd Airlift Wing in January 2002, and has since mobilized twice in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. William E. Souza III (left), the commanding general of 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, speaks with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and U.S. Navy Rear. Adm. John V. Menoni (right), commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 2 (ESG-2), before the 2022 Navy Week New Orleans Mayoral Welcome, at Gallier Hall, New Orleans, April 19, 2022. Fleet Weeks are a celebration of the sea services wherein service members from visiting U.S. Navy ships make the city a port of call. Fleet Week activities consist of ship visitation, social events, and community relations activities.

U.S. Air Force Col. Joshua C. Waggoner, 122nd Fighter Wing commander, returns a salute to Capt. Craig A. Discala, 122FW Maintenance Munitions Officer, May 15, 2022. Discala retired after serving 21 years in the military.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Amy Ebitz, 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, conducts a final radio sign off during her retirement ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 7, 2022. Ebitz retired after 27 years of service in the Marine Corps and served her final tour as the Assistant Chief of Staff for the 2d MEB G-3.

Office of the Deputy Administrator - September 11th Remembrance , Environmental Protection Agency

Military delegation visiting Main Interior for Toys for Tots promotional event, meetings with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and other senior officials

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Humberto Pabon Jr., chief of staff, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, delivers remarks to PRANG Airmen during his promotion ceremony at the 156th Wing, Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Jan. 21, 2023. Pabon reflected on his 30-year career within the PRANG and advised Airmen on the merits of perseverance.

United States Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey Command Sgt. Maj. Wayne Butterbrodt, 1-17th Infantry Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Weiss, 31 soldiers and KATUSAs participate in the Noncommissioned Officers Corps Induction Ceremony held at the Camp Casey Theatre, March 30, 2023. The inductees were soldiers and KATUSAs from USAG Caseys Headquarters and Headquarters Company, the Charlie Detachment of the 176th Financial Management Support Unit, and the 2nd Battalion2nd Aviation Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. The NCO Induction Ceremony celebrates newly promoted soldiers joining the noncommissioned officer corps.

U.S. Air Force ROTC Detachment 172 cadets and guests listen to Col. Ryan Hayde, 23rd Wing vice commander, during his speech at Valdosta, Georgia, April 27, 2022. Hayde has served honorably for 21 years and shared his knowledge of how to inspire the young Airmen that these new officers will be leading.

050119-F-3961R-012. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Navy Chief Yeoman Justin Holly, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), is pinned to the rank of senior chief petty officer during the fiscal year 2022 chief petty officer pinning ceremony, at David Adams Memorial Chapel, onboard Naval Station Norfolk, in Norfolk, Virginia, May 20, 2022. The John C. Stennis is in Newport News Shipyard working alongside NNS, NAVSEA and contractors conducting Refueling and Complex Overhaul as part of the mission to deliver the warship back in the fight, on time and on budget, to resume its duty of defending the United States.

NEWPORT, R.I. (Dec. 8, 2022) Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC) Department Head Class 269 students lowers their heads for the invocation during their graduation ceremony at SWSC on Naval Station Newport, Dec. 8, 2022. The SWSC Department Head Course is the cornerstone of a surface warfare officer's (SWO) tactical education in their naval career. Upon the conclusion of the graduation ceremony, Department Head Class 269 will take the knowledge back to the fleet, where they will teach the next generation of SWOs. These career naval professionals are part of a long tradition of 60 years of excellence at SWSC, previously known as Surface Warfare Officers School Command.

Leading until the end... Capt. Steven Kewish continues to point the way as he prepares to turn over his responsibility as commanding officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Oak Harbor (NMRTCOH) and director, Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor (NHCOH) to Capt. Juliann Althoff during a change of command ceremony, Sept. 9, 2022 (official Navy photo by Douglas H Stutz, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton public affairs officer).

110915-N-ZZ999-013WASHINGTON (Sept. 15, 2011) President Barack Obama applauds after awarding the Medal of Honor to former Marine Corps Sgt. Dakota Meyer during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. (White House

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Kevin Byington, Recruiting Station Atlanta Executive Officer, left, congratulates Christian Jones, a senior at Riverside Military Academy, center, for earning the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia, May 10, 2022. The Navy ROTC scholarship offers up to $180,000 of tuition fees over the course of four years at a participating college or university and commission as a Marine Corps officer. (Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Warren Smith)

Fort McCoy community members participate in the 2022 Memorial Day Prayer Luncheon on May 26, 2022, at McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Reverend Laurie Graber and her husband Tom Graber gave a presentation as guest speakers for the event. Both Grabers discussed their ministry and the importance of Memorial Day. Were several participants in the luncheon that included special guest speakers, special prayers provided by clergy, and music to honor fallen veterans for Memorial Day. Nearly three dozen community members attended the event that also included a free lunch. The event was organized by the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office.

The 41st Signal Battalion celebrated its 80th birthday on Friday, January 27 on Camp Humphreys. It was a lovely evening of entertainment and camaraderie among teammates and members of the larger Signal community on the peninsula.

030411-F-0876R-031. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Mills, 355th Wing commander, presents Harvey, Horn, former prisoner of war, with a POW/MIA flag carried during a remembrance 5k at the POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona, Sept. 16, 2022. Established in 1979 and celebrated on the third Friday in September, POW/MIA Recognition Day honors those who were held captive and returned, as well as those who remain missing.

President Barack Obama applauds Staff Sergeant Ty M. Carter, U.S. Army, after presenting him with the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry, during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House, Aug. 26, 2013.

110125-N-0555B-027WASHINGTON, D.C., (Jan. 25, 2011) Vice Adm. Dirk J. Debbink, Chief of Navy Reserve, speaks with the 2010 Navy Recruiters of the Year during their tour through the Pentagon. Fifteen Sailors from around the world are being honored this week in Washington, D.C., with tours, meetings, banquets and an award ceremony at the Navy Memorial.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl Sutton Rosencrantz, a machine gunner with 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, stands at attention during his re-enlistment ceremony in Belleau, France, May 29, 2022. The Battle of Belleau Wood is remembered for the intensity of the fighting and sustained and the participation of the 5th and 6th Marine Regiments. To this day, Marines assigned to these two regiments wear the French fourragere on the left shoulder of their uniforms as a reminder of their unit's distinguished service during the First World War.

U.S. Air Force Airmen and their guests give a toast during the Air Force Ball at Falls Manor, Bristol, P.A., Sept. 23, 2022. The Air Force Ball is an annual event to bring service members and their loved ones together to celebrate the service and its significance.

221202-N-BS627-1253 SIMI VALLEY, CA (Dec. 2, 2022) Greg Benedict, tour guide for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum, describes statues of President Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan to Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Dec. 2, 2022. During the visit, Reagan Sailors also toured Young Americas Foundation Reagan Ranch Center and the Rancho Del Cielo, President Reagans previous vacation home, in support of the Reagan National Defense Forum and to learn more about the ships namesake and his legacy.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Griffin Kozak, a drill instructor with Receiving Company, Support Battalion instructs a new recruit with Bravo Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, to put his mask on during receiving at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Oct. 17, 2022. The recruits were checked for contraband, given a haircut, made a phone call home, and issued gear.

Flowers are presented to the wife of Sergeant Major Jimmy F. Richard, incoming Marine Barracks Washington sergeant major, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington, Jan. 29, 2024. Sgt. Maj. Jimmy F. Richard who relieved Sgt. Maj. Jesse J. Dorsey, 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.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

U.S. Army Garrison Benelux Spc. Ethan Gipson, a Military Policeman assigned to Brussels, stands before the board of the Best Warrior Competition, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, Feb. 28, 2022.

Past and present Soldiers attend the 213th Regional Support Group's Dining Out at The Meadows in Hellertown, Nov. 5, 2022. Then event was the 213th RSG's first since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The evening program included toasts and an award ceremony. Brig. Gen James McCormack, the Assistant Adjutant General-Army of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Col. Frank Montgomery, commander of the 213th RSG and other distinguished visitor shared remarks during the event. (Photo by, Staff Sgt. Brandon Nelson)

U.S. Marine Col. Tim Anderson, center, the chief of staff for Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, talks to Federal Voting Assistance Program staff during a voting assistance officer workshop at the Pendleton Theater and Training Center on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 7, 2022. The voting assistance program works to ensure service members, their eligible family members, and overseas citizens are aware of the tools, resources, and their right to vote from anywhere in the world.

Event, including wreath-laying ceremony, honoring Interior law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement and Security Larry Parkinson, and other officials on hand to speak, pose with law enforcement staff from respective bureaus

ARLINGTON, Va. (Jan. 31, 2017) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson meets with Navy Recruiting Command's 2016 Recruiters of the Year at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va.

020329-F-1644L-014. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Former Staff Sergeant Clinton Romesha receives the Medal of Honor at the White House. President Obama applauds at right. At left, Romesha's wife Tammy holds their 2-year-old son, Colin. East Room of the White House, Feb. 11, 2013. He was honored for his actions in the Battle of Kamdesh, 2009, during the war in Afghanistan. (BSLOC_2015_13_280)

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase, Jr., commander, Defense Logistics Agency Distribution, congratulates Rear Adm. David E. Ludwa, reserve director, Logistics, Ordnance & Engineering (N4) U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. 6th Fleet, as his family looks on following a promotion ceremony at the National Museum of the United States Navy on the grounds of the Navy Yard, Washington, Feb. 3, 2024. Navy

220401-N-HG389-0006 SINGAPORE (April 1, 2022) - Chief Quartermaster Jason Copeland, assigned to Operations department at Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC), gives opening remarks during the 129th Chief Petty Officer Birthday celebration at COMLOG WESTPAC.

United States Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey Command Sgt. Maj. Wayne Butterbrodt, 1-17th Infantry Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Weiss, 31 soldiers and KATUSAs participate in the Noncommissioned Officers Corps Induction Ceremony held at the Camp Casey Theatre, March 30, 2023. The inductees were soldiers and KATUSAs from USAG Caseys Headquarters and Headquarters Company, the Charlie Detachment of the 176th Financial Management Support Unit, and the 2nd Battalion2nd Aviation Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. The NCO Induction Ceremony celebrates newly promoted soldiers joining the noncommissioned officer corps.

In celebration of German-American camaraderie, more than 450 people gathered at Kaiserslautern's historical Fruchthalle Monday night for the 8th annualGerman-American Friendship Concert hosted by U.S. Army GarrisonRheinland-Pfalz and performed by the U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band andChorus. After the band played an opening number, Garrison Commander Col. Reid Furman formally welcomed the concert-goers. "Tonight we celebrate the relationships we have developed throughout theyears, and cherish this opportunity to interact as friends and neighbors,"said Reid. "It is with our sincere gratitude that we take this opportunityto say thank you to this great city and its people, who provide ahome-away-from-home for our military members, civilians and families."In 2014, the United States Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, in cooperationwith the United States Army Europe and Africa Band and Chorus, created thefriendship concert to celebrate the long-standing German-Americanpartnership within the

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., the U.S. Marine Corp's oldest post and a National Historic Landmark

SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 6, 2022) U.S. Marines with the 1st Marine Division Band answer questions for civilians attending the Honor Our Fallen tribute concert at Herbst Theatre War Memorial as part of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's 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.

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.

050110-F-8767G-001. Base: Schriever Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Mr. Michael Jones, Implementation Agency for Crime and Security Executive Director to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., July 27, 2022. During the visit, the guest conducted an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus with.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Luke Mooney, left, an infantry officer, renders his first salute as a newly commissioned second lieutenant to his father who served before him, William Mooney, right, during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. The first salute, also known as the silver dollar salute, is a military tradition in which a newly commissioned officer renders their first salute as an officer to an enlisted soldier of their choosing, usually a noncommissioned officer who has mentored and guided the up and coming officer on their journey, and presents that soldier with a silver dollar coin as a sign of gratitude and respect.

Flight school graduate Warrant Officer Paul D. Kelly is joined by his brother, 2nd Lt. John J. Kelly, a newly commissioned active-duty ordnance officer, during WO1 Kelly's pinning ceremony as he graduates flight school as a Black Hawk pilot at Fort Novosel, Ala., Feb. 8, 2024. WO1 Kelly serves with the Virginia Army National Guard. Army

SAN DIEGO (Nov. 24, 2022) Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Zachary Holmes, from Chicago, assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), sets up a United Service Organizations (USO) flag on the ships mess decks before a Thanksgiving meal, Nov. 24, 2022. Essex is dry docked in San Diego conducting a maintenance period to upgrade and refurbish many key systems aboard.

Maj. Gen. Rodney Faulk (right), commanding general of the Army Reserves 99th Readiness Division, and Brig. Gen. Beth Salisbury, 99th RD deputy commanding general, greet community members gathered at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia June 14 to celebrate Flag Day and the U.S. Armys 247th birthday. The days events began with a naturalization ceremony for 13 new U.S. citizens, followed by remarks from several senior Army leaders, the administering of the Oath of Enlistment to dozens of new Army recruits, and a traditional cutting of the Army birthday cake. The final event featured a tree-planting in Washington Square as part of Queen Elizabeth IIs Green Canopy initiative celebrating her 70 years on the throne of England, as well as a wreath-laying at the parks Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger, the commandant of the Marine Corps, presents the Edward S. Fris award to the Marines of 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, 2nd Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, during the 2022 Marine Corps Aviation Association awards banquet in San Diego, California, May 19, 2022. The MCAA held a weeklong symposium for active-duty Marines and association members where they could learn about new innovations in military aviation and attend the awards banquet where the top aviators in the Marine Corps were recognized.

DN-SC-86-05726. Base: San Francisco State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Gen. Paul E. Funk II, TRADOC commanding general shaking hands with newly promoted 2nd Lt.

061208-D-7203T-006. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

U.S. Marines assigned to Wounded Warrior Battalion-East (WWBn-E), parade the colors during the Adopt-a-School ceremony on Feb. 5, 2024 at Clear View Elementary School, in Jacksonville, North Carolina. The Adopt-a-School program gives a military unit the ability to support local schools by assisting with field trips, family nights, Month of the Military Child and other special events. Marine Corps

Senior Airman Noah Smith, 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintainer and honor guard member, places a cover on a table in honor of Prisoner of War and Missing in Action personnel during the annual Air Force ball at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, September 17, 2022. The event included a POW/MIA remembrance ceremony, formal toasts and a ceremonial cake cutting.

Independence Day events around the Department of Interior headquarters building and the National Mall, Washington, D.C.

SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 6, 2022) U.S. Marine LCpl Rebekah Hyde with the 1st Marine Division Band answers questions for civilians attending the Honor Our Fallen tribute concert at Herbst Theatre War Memorial as part of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's 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.

SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 6, 2022) U.S. Marine LCpl Rebekah Hyde with the 1st Marine Division Band answers questions for civilians attending the Honor Our Fallen tribute concert at Herbst Theatre War Memorial as part of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's 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.

020309-M-9917S-027. State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011105-F-2155T-042. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Fernanda Duran-Inguez, a warehouse clerk with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, participates in an annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, Feb. 6, 2024. This ceremony is an annual event to commemorate the life and legacy of the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, and is held every year on his birthday by presidential declaration. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Todd Kirby, a Blacksville, West Virginia native and senior enlisted advisor of Joint Staff J6, gives his family gifts 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.

DA-SC-84-08285. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DD-ST-89-03988. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Gov. J. B. Pritzker gives his remarks at the Headquarters and Headquarters Company 34thDivision Sustainment Brigade and the 433rd Signal Company mobilization ceremony Jan. 27,2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Gov. Pritzker expresses his pride in being the soldiers commander inchief highlighting the exceptional readiness of the of the soldiers.

Gen. Ann Dunwoody meets with Rear Adm. Liz Young and Air Force Maj. Gen. Ellen M. Pawlikowski during a lunch in her honor, Feb. 7, at the Women in Military Service for America memorial at Arlington National Cemetery.

221106-N-RC359-1122 SAGAMI WAN (Nov. 6, 2022) Adm. Mike Gilday, left, chief of naval operations, speaks with Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Jenna Lucas, from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, in the commanding officers in-port cabin of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), as part of a ship tour during the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Fleet Review 2022 in the Sagami Wan, Nov. 6. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, commanding general, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command looks at memorabilia during a command visit of Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCSEG) at Marine Corps Base Quantico February 15, 2024. The mission of MCSEG is to provide protection to mission personnel and prevent the compromise of national security information and equipment at designated diplomatic and consular facilities. Marine Corps

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation reception, hosted by Secretary Condoleezza Rice, in Benjamin Franklin Room. Among other dignitaries at the event, honoring the Department's long standing relationship with the Marine Corps in the realm of diplomatic security, were Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security, Richard Griffin; Under Secretary for Management, Henrietta Fore; Marine Corps Lieutenant General Jan Huly; and Marine Corps Lieutenant General George Christmas.

SAN DIEGO (May 16, 2022) - Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Michael OReilly, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, is frocked by his family members during a frocking ceremony on Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI). HSC-3 is the West Coast MH-60S fleet replacement squadron, responsible for training pilots and aircrewmen by providing the most capable warfighters to the fleet.

U.S Air Force retired Lt. Gen. L. Scott Catfish Rice, former Air National Guard director, received the Order of the Sword for his unparalleled interest in support of and guidance to the enlisted corps, Dec 9, 2022, at Joint Base Andrews, in Maryland. The Order of the Sword is the highest honor the enlisted force can bestow upon a military officer for providing significant support and contribution toward the development and welfare of the Airmen to whom they serve.

U.S. service members and civilian personnel stand for the Oath of Allegiance during a virtual naturalization ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, July 25, 2021. The naturalization ceremony was held to acknowledge personnel among the station becoming citizens of the United States. The ceremony included residents from Columbia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Kenya, Thailand, and Mexico.

Gen. Paul E. Funk II, TRADOC commanding general giving out high-fives to the first female officers being commissioned into the armor division.

Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Charles C. Krulak, speaks with and consoles family members of the servicemen who perished in the 10 May, 1996 helicopter crash during CJTFEX. Subject Operation/Series: Combined Joint Training Field Exercise (CJTFEX) 96 Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020309-M-9917S-031. State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

(From left to right) Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James McConville;; Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth; and Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Albertson, executive officer, Sergeant Major of the Army; speak outside of the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., June 14, 2022. Wormuth, McConville, and Albertson were at ANC to participate in an Army Full Honors Wreath-Laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in recognition of the U.S. Armys Birthday. The U.S. Armys legacy has been built over 247 years on the dedication, courage, and heroism of every American soldier. We honor all who have answered the call since the Armys founding in 1775.

U.S. Marine Corps Poolee Megan Ehrgolt with Recruiting Substation Bucks County, Recruiting Station Harrisburg, is congratulated by service members during the Montgomery County Our Community Salutes ceremony in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, May 9, 2022. OCS is an all-volunteer organization that recognizes young men and women who have chosen to join the military immediately following high school graduation.

International Military Education and Training partners are recognized during a speaking engagement lead by Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander, Africa Command, at MCB Quantico, Va., Dec. 12, 2022. Gen. Langley met with six IMET students during the engagement and highlighted the relationship between the United States and allied nations for a collective effort in promoting regional security and stability in Africa.

From Left, Command Sgt. Maj. John A. Blyler, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Kubat, mentor and friend, Staff Sgt. Levi J. Miller, a drill sergeant assigned to the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, and Post Command Sgt. Maj. Philson Tavernier watch as Miller uses a noncommissioned officers saber to slash a cake during after his induction ceremony into the Fort Jackson Victory Chapter of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. The ceremony was held at the Soldier Support Institute Sept. 27 and was attended by his leadership, peers, Family members and friends.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, U.S. Transportation Command commander, and U.S. Navy Fleet Master Chief Petty Officer Donald O. Myrick, U.S. Transportation Command senior enlisted leader, pose in front of a mural in memory of Operation Allies Welcome at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Jun. 3, 2022. Van Ovost toured the center, coined Airmen for their services during OAW, and addressed recent graduates of the Advanced Study of Air Mobility course.

Members of the Parris Island Marine Band, Headquarters and Service Battalion, perform for members of the Marine Corps Musicians Association at the Lyceum on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., Oct. 14, 2022. The association is made up of prior service Marines who were musicians in Marine Corps bands.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Richard Kerwood, Ohio Army National Guard state command chief warrant officer, stands with his family during his promotion ceremony May 12, 2022, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. As the state command chief warrant officer, Kerwood provides direction, guidance, resources, assistance and supervision of the Ohio Army National Guard Warrant Officer Cohort.

Army Brig. Gen. Jason Benson, the Assistant Division Commander - Maneuver of the Minnesota National Guards 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, is promoted during an event at the Minnesota State Capitol on January 13, 2024. The promotion comes as Benson and more than 500 fellow Red Bulls prepare for an upcoming deployment to the Middle-East later this year.We do not promote people to brigadier general because that of which they have already done, said Army Maj. Gen. Charles Kemper, 34th Infantry Division Commander. "We promote them based on the potential they have to lead.

Gen. Michael X. Garrett, commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, virtually speaks with Department of the Army Civilians during an Oath of Office ceremony, June 1, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. During his address, Garrett expressed the importance of DA Civilians partnering with Soldiers to accomplish missions.

The 41st Signal Battalion celebrated its 80th birthday on Friday, January 27 on Camp Humphreys. It was a lovely evening of entertainment and camaraderie among teammates and members of the larger Signal community on the peninsula.

Master Sgt. Christopher Sehy, a recruiter with the Utah Army National Guard, embraces his wife, Crystal, as he receives the Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Noncommissioned Officer of the Year award from Maj. Gen. John Andonie, left, deputy director of the Army National Guard, during the Directors Strength Maintenance Awards and Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, Thursday, March 23, 2023. The conference brings together Army Guard recruiting team chiefs and the top Army Guard recruiters for training sessions and networking opportunities to tackle the challenges of recruiting.

Recruits take the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America during a naturalization ceremony inside the Recruit Memorial Chapel at Recruit Training Command (RTC). More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.

The Utah Air National Guard celebrated its Airmen of the Year during a banquet held in their honor at the Zions Bancorporations Midvale Technology Campus on Jan. 6, 2023, in Midvale, Utah. The Airmen of the Year award program recognizes Airmen who display superior leadership, job performance, and personal achievement.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Sean M. Salene, director of Strategy and Plans Division, Plans, Policies, and Operations, Headquarters Marine Corps, stands at attention for the playing of Anchors Aweigh and the Marines' Hymn at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on June 2, 2022. The playing of Anchors Aweigh and the Marines' Hymn is played at the end of all Marine Corps ceremonies.

A U.S. Naval Academy candidate is corrected during their in-processing at Alumni Hall in Annapolis, Maryland, June 29, 2022. U.S. Naval Academy in-processing began today for midshipman candidates for the Class of 2026 who came directly from the fleet, attended the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS), or are international students. The NAPS and prior-enlisted midshipmen candidates provide midshipmen candidates mentorship and guidance to their classmates during Plebe Summer, the demanding six-week indoctrination period intended to transition the candidates from civilian to military life.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brian Kruzelnick, Command Chief Master Sgt., Air Mobility Command, gives speech during the Air Force Ball at Falls Manor, Bristol, P.A., Sept. 23, 2022. The Air Force Ball is an annual event to bring service members and their loved ones together to celebrate the service and its significance.

Tech Sgt. Benjamin Ekblad, assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, sings at the Clark County Government Center, Sept. 11, 2022. The ceremony was dedicated to the 2,977 people who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 and to the more than 6,000 others who were injured.

220722-N-ZW825-0515 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (July 22, 2022) Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) Cycle 3 midshipman candidates receive instruction from an NSI staff member at Recruit Training Command (RTC), July 22. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and enlisted Sailors.

Practice Parade. Mrs. Livingston (Under Secretary of the Army for IL&E) talks with LTC Russo USA and members of the Armed Forces Inauguration Committee while trouring the parade route. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army retired Brig. Gen. Dave Wood speaks during a funeral service for Pfc. Donald M. Born whose remains were recently identified and given a proper burial after going missing in action during the Korean War in 1950.

230627-N-SJ665-0001 Washington (Jun. 27, 2023) Musician 1st Class Madilyn Crossland from Fremont, Ca., sings a solo with the United States Navy Band Sea Chanters. The Sea Chanters perform at the Navy Memorial as part of the Concerts on the Avenue every summer.

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