Ceremonial Military Events

A collection of dignitaries attending memorials and ceremonies related to military service, showcasing solemnity, formal attire, and patriotic symbols.

Event honoring the 186th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant, at the General Grant National Memorial, New York City, New York, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivering remarks and joining participating dignitaries incluiding U.S. Army Brigadier General Robert Caslen, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy; Adrian Benepe, New York City Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation; Maria Burks, Commissioner of the National Parks of New York Harbor; and Ulysses Grant Dietz, the great-great grandson of General Grant. Also on hand for the event, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony, were members of the U.S. Military Academy Corps of Cadets Honor Guard.

Memorial service in the Dean Acheson Auditorium for Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent Stephen Sullivan, killed on September 19, 2005 as the result of a bomb explosion while conducting a protective assignment in Mosul, Iraq. Secretary Condoleezza Rice and other Department officials delivered remarks at the service.

MIAMI, Florida (Dec. 1, 2022) - U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Western Hemisphere Daniel Erikson, gives opening remarks at a ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the U.S. Southern Commands Human Rights Initiative (HRI). More than 100 participants representing Western Hemisphere militaries, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and academia gathered at the SOUTHCOM headquarters for the commemoration. Since 1997, HRI has brought together military, public security, government, and civil society representatives from across the hemisphere with the aim of developing comprehensive and effective human rights programs for defense and security forces. (Photo by Jose Ruiz, U.S. Southern Command Public Affairs)

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa deputy commander, hosts the U.S. Air Forces in Europe 80th Anniversary Ball at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, April 8, 2022. Ramstein AB conducts USAFEs only airlift, airdrop and aeromedical evacuation flying operations providing rapid mobility and expeditionary combat support for military operations.

WASHINGTON (March 21, 2013) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus presents Under Secretary of the Navy (UNSECNAV) Robert Work with the Distinguished Public Service Medal, the Department of the Navy's highest award for civilians, during a farewell ceremony in the Pentagon auditorium. Mabus presented the award for Work's exemplary service and execution of strategic guidance for the Navy and Marine Corps while serving as the Under Secretary of the Navy.

Event honoring the 186th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant, at the General Grant National Memorial, New York City, New York, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivering remarks and joining participating dignitaries incluiding U.S. Army Brigadier General Robert Caslen, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy; Adrian Benepe, New York City Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation; Maria Burks, Commissioner of the National Parks of New York Harbor; and Ulysses Grant Dietz, the great-great grandson of General Grant. Also on hand for the event, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony, were members of the U.S. Military Academy Corps of Cadets Honor Guard.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - ASSUMPTION OF COMMAND CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Ellis Island, New York City, New York, where he addressed newly naturalized U.S. citizens during Citizenship Day ceremonies, met with National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Park Police personnel, and joined U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Emilio Gonzalez for announcement of joint USCIS-NPS program to welcome new citizens at National Park sites

060131-N-0696M-151. Base: Baltimore State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro answers questions from Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) students, faculty and staff during a Secretary of the Navy Guest Lecture (SGL) on Aug. 18, 2022. The SGL series exposes NPS students, faculty and staff to prominent speakers recognized as distinguished leaders in their fields of expertise.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Williamsburg, Virginia, for Colonial National Historical Park touring, discussions with National Park Service Director Mary Bomar and Colonial National Historical Park staff, and keynote address at the 2007 National Association of State Park Directors and National Park Service Leadership Council Conference

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks speaks during the U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Feb. 5, 2024. (DoD

020131-F-4029D-017. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

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

051117-A-9419D-033. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Lansing State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. (Ret.) Kevin A. Olson addresses the crowd during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022. After receiving their medallion, each inductee was given the opportunity to speak.Its an honor to be among the inductees today, said Olson. My career has been crafted around people like this. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Congressman Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), addresses the 131st Annual National Guard Association of the United States Conference on Sept. 12, 2009 in Nashville, TN. Abercrombie was awarded the Harry S. Truman Award for his contributions to the National Guard.

Veterans Day ceremony and aftermath at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., where Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivered the opening remarks, and joined participating dignitaries including the former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, along with Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan Scruggs, Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation Founder and President Diane Carlson Evans, Mary "Edie" Meeks of the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation, William Hansen of Lockheed Martin, and William Murdy of Comfort Systems. Ceremony, co-hosted by the Memorial Fund and the National Park Service, highlighted the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Bruce L. Stowe addresses the crowd during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022. After receiving their medallion, each inductee was given the opportunity to speak.I was truly blessed to work with and for so many fantastic officers, noncomissioned officers, Soldiers and civilians over the course of 34 years in the Minnesota National Guard,” said Lepowsky. There’s so many people I wish I could thank today; we just simply don’t have enough time.” (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

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

U.S. Air Force Col. Frank Walker (ret.), addresses the audience as the key note speaker during the Armed Forces Appreciation Luncheon at Firekeepers Casino and Hotel, Battle Creek, Mich., May 13, 2022. The community-focused luncheon is hosted by the Military Affairs Committee at the Battle Creek Area Chamber Foundation and highlights awards recipients from the Defense Logistics Agency, Army and Air National Guard and the Navy and Marine reserves stationed in Battle Creek, Mich. From the 110th Wing, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Senior Airman Courtney Wallace, 110th Security Forces Squadron, Staff Sgt. Wendy Dannemiller, 217th Combat Operations Squadron and 1st Lt. Jordan Walker, 272nd Cyber Operations Squadron received Omar N. Bradley Awards in recognition for outstanding mission support in 2021.

Department of the Interior University-sponsored reception marking the opening of the Interior Museum exhibit, "The Vietnam Veterans Memorial: America Responds," with remarks by guests including Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan Scruggs

DF-ST-88-05327. Base: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040130-F-1199H-004. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

060202-N-0696M-159. Base: Washington 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

Matthew Tueller, U.S. ambassador to Iraq, speaks at the Ambassadors Day event at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 21, 2022. During the CJTF-OIR-hosted event, representatives from more than 25 Coalition countries discussed the CJTF-OIR mission and broad efforts to tackle enduring regional security and stability challenges.

000915-N-2383B-504. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060826-F-0193C-009. Base: Fort Wainwright State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Event honoring the 186th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant, at the General Grant National Memorial, New York City, New York, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivering remarks and joining participating dignitaries incluiding U.S. Army Brigadier General Robert Caslen, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy; Adrian Benepe, New York City Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation; Maria Burks, Commissioner of the National Parks of New York Harbor; and Ulysses Grant Dietz, the great-great grandson of General Grant. Also on hand for the event, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony, were members of the U.S. Military Academy Corps of Cadets Honor Guard.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass delivers a keynote address, Airmen: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, during the 2022 Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md., Sept. 21, 2022.

A midshipmen asks U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry a question following his speech U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on January 10, 2017. In his remarks, the Secretary reflected on his time in the Navy, and its impact on his career in public service and approach to foreign policy.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks during the Military Womens Memorial 25th Anniversary Ceremony at the Military Womens Memorial in Arlington, Va., Oct. 15, 2022.

Adm. Frank B. Kelso II, chief of naval operations, addresses members of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce during a speech at the San Diego Hilton. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

020911-D-9880W-029. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dirk R. Kloss addresses the crowd during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022. After receiving their medallion, each inductee was given the opportunity to speak.The thing you don’t get to pick is your unit of assignment,” said Kloss. I got a lot of different units of assignment and each and every time, the accomplishments that they talk about here today really belong to the people in those formations.” (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dirk R. Kloss addresses the crowd during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022. After receiving their medallion, each inductee was given the opportunity to speak.The thing you don’t get to pick is your unit of assignment,” said Kloss. I got a lot of different units of assignment and each and every time, the accomplishments that they talk about here today really belong to the people in those formations.” (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

051224-N-0696M-328. Base: Forward Operating Base Courage State: Ninawa Country: Iraq (IRQ)

061025-N-0696M-149. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

Marine Corps. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Karen M. Walker speaks during the Military Womens Memorial 25th Anniversary Ceremony at the Military Womens Memorial in Arlington, Va., Oct. 15, 2022.

DN-ST-88-09104. Base: New York State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Military Womens Memorial President Army Chief Warrant Officer Five (Ret.) Phyllis J. Wilson speaks during the Military Womens Memorial 25th Anniversary Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Oct. 15, 2022

Lt. Gen. (Ret) Thomas Spoehr, Director, Center for National Defense, The Heritage Foundation, Dr. Melanie Sisson, Fellow-Foreign Policy, Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology, Brookings, Dr. Michael Clarke, Senior Fellow, Centre for Defence Research, Australian Defence College, Canberra, Australia, Mr. Richard McManus, Senior Technical Advisor, U.S. Strategic Command, J5 and Mr. Ed Ferguson, Minister Counsellor Defence, British Embassy participate in a panel discussion at United States Strategic Command's 13th annual Deterrence Symposium in La Vista, Nebraska, 27 July 2022. The Deterrence Symposium is the premiere event for United States Strategic Command, drawing from academic, government, military, and international experts, with the goal of exploring a broad range of deterrence issues and thinking.

Col. Eric Guttormsen, 108th Wing commander, gives his remarks during the 108th Mission Support Group change of command ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 24, 2022. Col. Lola Washington assumed command of the 108th MSG from Col. Bernadette Maldonado who served as commander since May 2021.

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

Inter-American Defense College Staff, Faculty and Students tour Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pa., Sept. 23, 2022. The Park protects and interprets the landscape of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. There are 43,000 American Civil War artifacts that are displayed in the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center. The Visit It is an academic field study that is part of the master's program offered by the college.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Yorktown, Virginia to deliver the keynote address at the 225th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Yorktown. Among other dignitaries on hand for the commemorative events were Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen, former U.S. Army Secretary John Marsh, French Ambassador to the U.S. Jean-David Levitte, and French Defense Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie.

Sen. Charles C. Mathias, Jr., D-Md, speaks at the commissioning ceremony for the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS BALTIMORE (SSN-704). Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Newly promoted chief of the National Guard Bureau Gen. Craig R. McKinley addresses attendees at the Air National Guards Senior Leadership Conference in November. McKinley along with over 800 senior leaders and staff attended the conference held in Lansdowne, Va., outside of Washington. (USAF

Department of the Interior University-sponsored reception marking the opening of the Interior Museum exhibit, "The Vietnam Veterans Memorial: America Responds," with remarks by guests including Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan Scruggs

DN-ST-85-10180. Base: Naval Submarine Base, New London State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Navy Senior Chief (Ret.) Kristy L. Grayson speaks during the Military Womens Memorial 25th Anniversary Ceremony at the Military Womens Memorial in Arlington, Va., Oct. 15, 2022.

Angelo Munsel, Brookwood American Military Cemetery superintendent and events Master of Ceremonies, introduces distinguished guests during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Brookwood American Military Cemetery, England, May 29, 2022. Memorial Day provides us a solemn opportunity to remember our fallen brothers and sisters in arms, reflect upon their courageous sacrifice, and show gratitude for the freedom they gave their lives to defend. It also affords us the opportunity to pay homage to those families who lost their loved ones in service to the Nation-and continue to feel the full weight of that sacrifice today.

DN-ST-87-00373. Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital physician, Dr. Michael A. Helwig, medical director of Soldier Health Services, was named Civilian Hero of Military Medicine, by the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine during an award ceremony in Washington D.C., May 5. As the head technical advisor for Fort Campbells COVID-19 response he enabled Soldier readiness by pioneering protocols for pre- and post-deployment testing to limit spread, evaluation criteria for hospital admission, and home monitoring.

MSFC Director Todd May conducts All Hands meeting with Marshall Personnel following State of NASA address by Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot

060407-N-0696M-531. Base: New York City State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060828-F-0193C-002. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) 21st Annual Conference, with activities in the Dean Acheson Auditorium and the Benjamin Franklin Room. Among officials participating were: Director of National Intelligence, John Negroponte; Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security, Richard Griffin; Deputy Assistant Secretary and head of the Diplomatic Security Service, OSAC Co Chair Joe Morton; .

Jacqueline Melcher, director of the 88th Civil Engineer Groups Installation Management Division, delivers remarks after being presented with the Command Civilian Award for Valor during a ceremony March 28, 2023, in the Wright-Patt Club, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Melcher was honored for her actions Oct. 16 when she entered a burning vehicle to provide first-aid to an accident victim in nearby Chester Township.

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

Department of the Interior University-sponsored reception marking the opening of the Interior Museum exhibit, "The Vietnam Veterans Memorial: America Responds," with remarks by guests including Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan Scruggs

Senators Hagel, Biden and Levin propose symbolic opposition to President Bush's surge plan for Iraq

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Apr. 11, 2023) Iván Duque, former President of the Republic of Colombia addresses the Brigade of Midshipmen and guests during the 2023 Naval Academy Forrestal lecture series in Alumni Hall. Duque spoke about leadership in times of crisis. The purpose of this series is to enhance the Brigade of Midshipmens awareness and appreciation of the social, political, and cultural dimensions of the Nation and world. Featured are leading representatives from various disciplines—government, the arts, humor, literature, education, sports, politics, science, and other fields.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes the Brazilian Defense Ministrys Escola Superior de Defesa Leadership, Students and Staff to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2022. During the visit the students were briefed by leadership and received an orientation class by a college faculty member.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

Veterans' Employment and Training Service - Salute to All American Veterans

The Honorable John E. Baldacci, US Representative, Maine, addresses the gathered crowd a the christening and launch ceremony for the guided missile USS The Sullivans (DDG-68). Congressman Baldacci was the principal speaker. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, United States Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, meets with attendees at the USFJ and 5th AF Holiday Reception at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Dec. 12, 2022. The Yokota Officers club hosted the event to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.

Condi Rice, Robert Gates and Peter Pace speak to the media

Guest speaker retired U.S. Air Force Col. Cesar "Rico" Rodriguez provides comments during the U.S. Air Force 75th Ball at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, Sept. 17, 2022. The theme of this year's Air Force Ball was "Proud Past, Promising Future," and allowed participants to connect, engage and boost morale among the active duty, reservists, civilians, and private sector partners to foster an ongoing kinship within the Military City, USA, community.

WASHINGTON D.C. (Sept. 7, 2022) Former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) James Herdt, the 9th MCPON, speaks to enlisted leadership at the 2022 Senior Enlisted Leadership Mess Symposium. The Leadership Mess is composed of command master chiefs (CMC) serving numbered fleets, operational forces, and various flag officer details. The annual symposium is an opportunity for senior enlisted leaders to see, solve, and share best practices while exchanging ideas and feedback to leadership in an effort to improve the Navy.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

Marine Corps. Lt. Col. (Ret.) Karen M. Walker speaks during the Military Womens Memorial 25th Anniversary Ceremony at the Military Womens Memorial in Arlington, Va., Oct. 15, 2022.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Greek Defense Minister Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos engage in a bilateral exchange at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., July 18, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

000914-N-1026B-002. Base: Us Naval Academy, Annapolis State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031008-F-2828D-103. Base: Colorado Springs State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S Rep. Julia Brownley, of Westlake Village, welcomes guests as she delivers opening remarks at the commissioning of USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) on April 1 at NBVC Port Hueneme.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker presents a proclation recognizing September 25 as Gold Star Mothers Day in Illinois to recognize the mothers who suffered the supreme tragedy in the loss of their sons and daughters in wars and remember the sacrifice they have made. Since 1936, Gold Star Mothers and Family Day has taken place to recognize the loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. (Illinois National Guard photo by Army Sgt. Trenton Fouche)

MONTEREY, Calif. (Aug. 17, 2022) Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro prepares to present Professor Emeritus Rudy Panholzer, recently retired Space Systems Academic Group Chair at Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) and Del Toros former professor and thesis advisor, with the Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the highest civilian recognition by the U.S. Navy, in Monterey Aug. 17, 2022. Del Toro is visiting San Diego and Monterey to visit with Sailors and Marines at installation commands, engage with leadership at SWFOTS, and to discuss strategic initiatives at NPS.

The Honorable Philip D. Murphy, Governor of New Jersey speaks with the troops of the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team during their farewell ceremony at the Cure Insurance Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, Jan. 14, 2024. More than 1,500 NJARNG Soldiers will deploy in support of U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - ISIS - in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks. It is the largest deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers since 2008.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Oct. 11, 2015) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens delivers remarks during the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel's 240th Navy Birthday Service Celebration. Stevens spoke about the Navy's rich heritage and ensuring leaders establish and maintain the conditions that provide everyone with an opportunity to be successful.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he participated in ceremonies commemorating the 144th anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, conversed with National Park Service staff and visitors, and toured the Park, including the construction site for the new Visitors Center

Larry Gravis, retired Air Force colonel and former commander of Arnold Engineering Development Complex, gives the keynote address during an Air Force 75th Birthday celebration at the Arnold Lakeside Complex Sept. 16, 2022, at Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee, headquarters of AEDC. The event was hosted by the Arnold Company Grade Officers Council.

Staff Sgt. (RET) Cesar F. Bautista, former WHINSEC instructor, delivers remarks during the ceremony. U.S. Army Photo by SPC Jaden Witt

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Yorktown, Virginia to deliver the keynote address at the 225th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Yorktown. Among other dignitaries on hand for the commemorative events were Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen, former U.S. Army Secretary John Marsh, French Ambassador to the U.S. Jean-David Levitte, and French Defense Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie.

Sam Sandoz, Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce president, delivers remarks during the 41st Annual Salute to the Military inside the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, Oct. 4, 2022. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce hosted event recognized the men and women who serve in the military along the Gulf Coast.

On 15 July 2022 the U.S. Fort Dix Headquarters Celebrated the 105th Fort Dix Birthday Celebration” which was held at Infantry Park on Fort Dix. The Celebration and Cake Cutting was attended by the Base Commander COL Jon. A. Brierton and the Invocation and Benediction by Chaplain COL Jason B. Logan. During the ceremony Brandon Gilliland from the TBSA/Billeting assisted in the cake cutting as a representative of the Fort Dix Civilian workforce. For those in attendance they were given Official Party Remarks by CSM Anthony Young, USAR Ret. The CSM Anthony Young last duty assignments were in dual roles as the MOB Command Sergeant Major and the ASA-Dix Command Sergeant Major for Fort Dix from 1 April 2006 to 15 Aug 2013. CSM (R) Anthony Young retired with over 37 years of Military Service in the Regular Army and Army Reserves. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix [TSC Training Support Center)

Sgt. (Ret.) Diane M. Buszta addresses the crowd during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022. After receiving their medallion, each inductee was given the opportunity to speak.This is something that Ive been involved with and known about for many years and would have never dreamed that I would be on this stage today, accepting this honor, said Buszta. Especially since I started my military career right here at Camp Ripley over 44 years ago. I am humbled and honored to share the stage and this award with the top-notch military soldiers that were nominated this year. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

NEWPORT, R.I. (Sept. 20, 2022) Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. George Easley, first director of the Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA), signs the SEA visitors log after his interview with Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) historians, Sept. 20, 2022. NHHC strives to preserve and present an accurate history by locating, collecting, and preserving documents, artifacts, photos, oral histories, and art that best represent the history of the U.S. Navy.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

U.S. Air Force Capt. Stephen Lager, a chaplain, administers the invocation during the 75th Annual Air Force Ball in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sept. 10, 2022. This years Air Force Ball theme was Leaders in Innovation and celebrated great leaders within the Air Force.

Army Col. (Ret.) Lucretia M. McClenney speaks during the Military Womens Memorial 25th Anniversary Ceremony at the Military Womens Memorial in Arlington, Va., Oct. 15, 2022.

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