Emotional Military Reunions

Captivating moments of soldiers reuniting with families after deployments, showcasing emotional connections and the human side of military service.

U.S. Marine Corps. 1st. Sgt. Kevin Clark, assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), reunites with his kids during a homecoming aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 10, 2022. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 22nd MEU returned home after completing a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations.

Local elected officials and senior leaders from the Virginia National Guard join family, friends and fellow Soldiers in welcoming home the final groups of Soldiers assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team April 1, 2017, in Roanoke, Virginia. Approximately 450 Soldiers from 1st Battalion, also known as the Red Dragons, began serving on federal active duty in May 2016 and conducted security operations in Qatar.

Soldiers from Alpha Company, 777th Aviation Support Battalion, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard, reunite with family and friends after spending nearly a year overseas in the Middle East. The welcome home ceremony took place at the Armed Forces Reserve Center Norman, Oklahoma, April 25, 2017.

Family and friends greet redeploying members assigned to the 355th Wing and the 563rd Rescue Group on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 17, 2022. The members returned home to their families after a deployment overseas.

Soldiers assigned to the Utah National Guard's 1st Battalion, 211th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, Aviation Regiment, depart the Army Aviation Support Facility, West Jordan, Utah, May 7, 2020. The battalion, comprised of three companies of AH-64 Apache helicopters and more than 300 soldiers, will provide combat air support to ground forces during the year-long deployment. (Utah National Guard

U.S Army soldier from 330th Movement Control Battalion embraces daughter after a deployment on Fort Bragg N.C. Dec. 12th. The 330th Movement Control Battalion completed a nine-month deployment to EUCOM in support of Atlantic Resolve.

U.S. Marine Corps. 1st. Sgt. Kevin Clark, assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), reunites with his kids during a homecoming aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 10, 2022. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 22nd MEU returned home after completing a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations.

A Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment "Viper Battalion," 12th Combat Aviation Brigade embraces his family at the Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany, May 13, 2022. The Soldiers initially deployed to the Baltic region for a training exercise and remained forward to support Operation Assure, Deter, and Reinforce. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

Members of Alpha Company 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment depart for a deployment to Southwest Asia on Memorial Day. 30 May 2022, Army Aviation Support Facility, Quonset Air National Guard Base, Rhode Island. The guardsmen will head first to Fort Bliss, Texas, for mobilization and then head to Southwest Asia.

Troopers of 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade redeploy to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on Jun. 5 and 7, 2022. The squadron was on a 9 month rotation to the Republic of Korea in support of 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Axe hugs his wife and kids on the flight line at the 180th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard during a homecoming reception April 20, 2016, in Swanton, Ohio. More than 200 Airmen from the 180FW were assigned to the 112th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron while deployed to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region in support of a Theater Security Package, providing influence and detterence through force presence and helping to ensure national interests abroad.

The first group of Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon returns to Virginia and reunites with loved ones and fellow Soldiers Sept. 22, 2022, in Sandston, Virginia, after serving on federal active duty since November 2021. More than 1,000 Virginia and Kentucky National Guard troops under the command of the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted security operations throughout the Horn of Africa and provided the East Africa Response Force in support of the U.S. government for crisis response throughout East Africa. A transfer of authority ceremony with the New York Army National Guards 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment was conducted Sept. 19. More Soldiers will return to Virginia in the coming weeks after completing administrative tasks transitioning them back to a traditional National Guard status, but an exact date for their return has not been finalized.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Thomas Galoff, participates in a retirement ceremony near Camp Ripley's Town Hall, June 4, 2022. Galoff will retire this summer from his fulltime position with more than 40 years of service. He began his career in 1980 with the Wisconsin National Guards 724th Engineer Battalion as a combat engineer and heavy equipment operator. (Minnesota National Guard Photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Alpha Co., 2-10 Assault Helicopter Battalion return home to their families on Fort Drum, Ny Sep. 7, 2022. VooDoo Soldiers spent almost a year in Iraq defending the nation.

Soldiers assigned to 8th Ordnance Company, 264th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command embrace their families after arriving at Fort Bragg N.C. Oct. 31 following a nine-month deployment to Europe in support of the NATO Alliance. The unit was rapidly deployed in February 2022 to assure our NATO Allies and reinforce NATO's eastern flank.

BANGOR, Wash. (Sept. 5, 2017) Cmdr. Paul Reinhardt, commanding officer of the Blue crew of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Alabama (SSBN 731), embraces his family at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor following a routine strategic deterrent patrol. Alabama is one of eight ballistic-missile submarines stationed at the base providing the most survivable leg of the strategic deterrence triad for the United States.

More than 600 personnel from the Idaho National Guards largest unit deployed August 9 and 10 in support of Operation Spartan Shield in Southwest Asia. The 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Teams Task Force Rattler trained for more than two years in anticipation of this mobilization. Idaho Soldiers will comprise nearly 65 percent of the task force during this rotation, and will include other Soldiers from Montana, Ohio, Oregon and South Carolina. OSS is a joint mission under the United States Central Command and is part of Operation Enduring Freedom. OSS is an ongoing operation and supported primarily by Army National Guard combat units from across the country. The deployment is anticipated to last approximately 12 months and is the second rotation the 116th CBCT is supporting. The first task force deployed in November 2021 and will return in October. The Soldiers mobilizing Wednesday will receive 45 days of additional training stateside before deploying overseas.

Airmen from the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, are greeted by family members at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Nov. 19, 2020. The Airmen were deployed to U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility where they provided C-130 Hercules aircraft support for Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Resolute Support.

041006-F-0086S-003. Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

99 Members of the 145th Field Artillery Battalion return home from deployment at the Roland Wright Air Base in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 9, 2019.

030530-M-8539K-014. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 3D AABN

An Iowa Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 209th Medical Company (Area Support) holds a loved one after the conclusion of a send-off ceremony at Clear Creek Amana High School in Tiffin, Iowa, on July 16, 2022. Senior leaders, family and friends gathered in the auditorium to honor the 80 Soldiers who are mobilizing to Poland in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. They will be providing field hospital health service support as part of NATOs Enhanced Forward Presence mission, which enables the U.S. to provide deterrence to adversaries while supporting our NATO partners.

Members of the 134th Air Refueling Wing were on hand to assist the public today at the Smoky Mountain Air Show, taking place at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base on September 10th, 2022.Staff Sgt. Dallas Cooper from the 119th Command and Control Squadron greets guests at the screening tent.

U.S. Air Force Col. Gordon Meyer presents the Home Front Hero Award to children of airmen who were deployed at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. The award recognizes children of deployed airmen for their outstanding efforts.

Spc. Joshua Peach, an Iowa Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 209th Medical Company (Area Support), holds a loved one after the conclusion of a send-off ceremony at Clear Creek Amana High School in Tiffin, Iowa, on July 16, 2022. Senior leaders, family and friends gathered in the auditorium to honor the 80 Soldiers who are mobilizing to Poland in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. They will be providing field hospital health service support as part of NATOs Enhanced Forward Presence mission, which enables the U.S. to provide deterrence to adversaries while supporting our NATO partners.

A Soldier assigned to 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reunites with his family during one of several welcome home ceremonies at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 28, 2022. The brigade deployed to Germany in February 2022, as the immediate response force to deter Russian aggression against NATO allies and partners, under the 1st Infantry Division.

Second Lt. Tucker Palmatier greets his wife Rebecca and daughters, Noelle and Jenna, prior to a welcome home ceremony for the 637th Chemical Company Aug. 11, 2019, at Northmont High School in Clayton, Ohio. The 637th was deployed overseas in support of Operation Spartan Shield, serving as the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense response force for the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

U.S. Army Spc. Joshua Milton, a motor transport operator assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, holds his daughter, Malaya, after a redeployment ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 29, 2022. The ceremony was held at Newman Gym to mark the redeployment of the brigade's Soldiers after a six-month deployment to Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany.

Seth Byers joins his Grandfather CW3 Todd King in the formation being held at the homecoming ceremony for the 507th Engineer Company on 09 March 2013, Portage, Michigan.Following a 10-month tour of duty in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, more than 160 Michigan Army National Guard Soldiers from the Kalamazoo-based 507th Engineer Company return home.

Families, friends and colleagues welcomed home 50 Soldiers with the 1057th Military Police Company (Team One) from their nearly 10-month overseas deployment to the Middle East during a brief ceremony at the Weborg 21 Centre in Gering, Nebraska, Aug. 22, 2022. The Soldiers were met with signs, smiles and hugs as they got off the bus before attending the ceremony. Team One of the 1057th Military Police Company was deployed to Kuwait and was recently replaced by the other half of the unit.

An Iowa Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 209th Medical Company (Area Support) holds loved ones after the conclusion of a send-off ceremony at Clear Creek Amana High School in Tiffin, Iowa, on July 16, 2022. Senior leaders, family and friends gathered in the auditorium to honor the 80 Soldiers who are mobilizing to Poland in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. They will be providing field hospital health service support as part of NATOs Enhanced Forward Presence mission, which enables the U.S. to provide deterrence to adversaries while supporting our NATO partners.

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 433rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 5-6, 2022. Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, reviewed the ceremony.

020614-F-5171M-023. Base: Minneapolis-St Paul Iap/Ars State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030926-M-4330P-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: VMA-513

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Marc Davenport, a radio operator with Reconnaissance Detachment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, holds his daughter during a homecoming aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, October 10, 2022. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 22nd MEU returned home after completing a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations.

040712-M-6237R-009. Base: Mcb, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 40606

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reunites with his family during of a redeployment ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 18, 2022. The ceremony was held at Cottrell Field to mark the redeployment of the brigade after a six-month deployment to Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany.

U.S. Army Cpl. John Stubbs, a human intelligence collector assigned to the 10th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and his mother, Laurel Stubbs, share a tearful embrace during a welcome home ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 22, 2022. The Raider Brigade is constantly deployment-ready to protect the core principles found in the United States Constitution against all enemies who may jeopardize those values, both foreign and domestic.

An Iowa Army National Guard Soldier with the 186th Military Police Company puts a protective vest on a student at Heritage Elementary School during a STEM+Art event in Ankeny, Iowa, on April 14, 2022. 186th MP Company Soldiers showed how science, technology, engineering and math are used in the Iowa National Guard to protect Soldiers and complete missions through interactive displays.

The Rhode Island Army National Guard and approximately 400 loved ones, welcomed home more than 100 soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment after a ten-month deployment to Kosovo, Feb. 17, 2024, at Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown, RI. They were deployed in support of Operation Joint Guardian, a NATO peacekeeping mission under the Kosovo Force (KFOR). KFORs mission is to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement in Kosovo in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1244. Army National Guard

Members of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, reunite with their loved ones following the end of the 2022 show season at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Nov. 6, 2022. The team performed nearly 70 shows during the season, representing the pride, precision, and professionalism of nearly 700,000 total force American Airmen across the globe.

Staff Sgt. Jason Gillespie, with the 637th Chemical Company, kisses his wife, Amanda, the units family readiness group treasurer, after the units call to duty ceremony Sept. 29, 2018, in Tipp City, Ohio. While deployed, the 637th Chemical Company will serve as the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense response force for the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (Ohio National Guard

A Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment "Viper Battalion," 12th Combat Aviation Brigade embraces his family at the Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany, May 13, 2022. The Soldiers initially deployed to the Baltic region for a training exercise and remained forward to support Operation Assure, Deter, and Reinforce. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

U.S. Army Capt. Pedro E. Zamora, commander, Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard, spends time with his son before the farewell ceremony for more than 190 New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers from Bravo and Delta Companies, 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, at the National Guard Armory in Jersey City, N.J., Feb. 5, 2019. The Battalion will be deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa. (New Jersey National Guard

Members of the 123rd Airlift Wing return to the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., May 6, 2015. The Airmen were redeploying from the Persian Gulf, where they've flown airlift missions in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel since February.

U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Smith is greeted May 14, 2010, at Hector International Airport in Fargo, N.D., upon returning from a peacekeeping deployment to Kosovo.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 102nd Cavalry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, initiates their deployment at the 102nd Cavalry Regiments fairwell ceremony at the Westfield Armory, Westfield, New Jersey, on 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.

An Airman hugs his partner after returning home from a deployment at an undisclosed location at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 17, 2022. The members returned home to their families after a deployment overseas.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Jose Mercado, the 129th Rescue Wing headquarters first sergeant, hugs wife Cheryl after she returned from a flight in one of the wing's HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters during the wings spouse flight, Sept. 11, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California. The orientation flights built greater connection between family members and the wing, while simultaneously providing aircrew with training in how to work with non-military passengers.

An Iowa Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 209th Medical Company (Area Support) hugs a loved one after the conclusion of a send-off ceremony at Clear Creek Amana High School in Tiffin, Iowa, on July 16, 2022. Senior leaders, family and friends gathered in the auditorium to honor the 80 Soldiers who are mobilizing to Poland in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. They will be providing field hospital health service support as part of NATOs Enhanced Forward Presence mission, which enables the U.S. to provide deterrence to adversaries while supporting our NATO partners.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Alpha Co., 2-10 Assault Helicopter Battalion return home to their families on Fort Drum, Ny Sep. 7, 2022. VooDoo Soldiers spent almost a year in Iraq defending the nation.

U.S. Army Sgt. Javier Hernandez, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, is interviewed during one of several welcome home ceremonies at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 9, 2022. The 1st ABCT Soldiers deployed to Germany in support of NATO allies to deter Russian aggression while also supporting a range of other requirements in the area.

A U.S. Marines with 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, pose for a photo during a unit family day on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 6, 2023. Marines with 2nd Supply Battalion conducted a unit family day to increase camaraderie, boost morale, and to grow connections with friends and family.

U.S. Navy Capt. Jerry Bailey, the outgoing commanding officer of Field Medical Training Battalion - West, and Capt. William Plummer III, the incoming commanding officer of FMTB-West, hug each other during a change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 8, 2022. Bailey will move to his next assignment as deputy commander of Navy Medical Forces Pacific after commanding FMTB-West for two years. Bailey is a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Plummer III is a native of Denver.

1_230th Assault Helicopter Battalion arriving return home, to Tennessee, from a 11 month long deployment in Kosovo. The 1-230th AHB has been at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo for the last nine months as part of Kosovo Force - KFOR, a NATO led mission that builds peace and maintains stability in the area.

Soldiers assigned to the 16th Military Police Brigade return back to Fort Bragg, N.C. to reunite with their families June 27, 2022 following a five-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. The Brigade was rapidly deployed to Europe in February to reinforce and reassure our NATO allies.

040712-M-6237R-019. Base: Mcb, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 40606

US Marine Corps (USMC) Lance Corporal (LCPL) Brandy L. Guerrero, Radio Operator, Communications Detachment, Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group 11 (MSSG-11), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC), kisses an Iraqi baby waiting to be examine during a Humanitarian Assistance Operation (HAO) in the village of Ash Shafiyah, Iraq. This HAO provided medical and dental treatments to more than 100 Iraqis during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Base: Ash Shafiyah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Five-year-old Maddie Lovell, right, clings to her father, U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jacob Lovell, of 585th Military Police Company, during a welcome home ceremony, at Marysville High School, in Marysville, Ohio, Aug. 13, 2010. Lovell and about 170 other Soldiers, of 585th Military Police Company returned home, from the unit's first deployment, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, after training over 500 Iraqi Police officers, conducting anti-terrorism and force protection missions, and providing Provost Marshall law enforcement, in Iraq's Anbar Province.

U.S. Army Captain (Capt.) Jaime Dvorak, a Rule of Law Attorney, from 3rd Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, greets a young girl with a kiss on the cheek in the Al Shekhan Courthouse in Al Shekhan, Iraq on Sep. 9, 2008. Capt. Dvorak is assessing the courts personnel, management, case load, and security, to determine how well they are functioning.

U.S. Soldiers with the 742nd Support Maintenance Company, South Carolina Army National Guard, are bid farwell by family and friends during a deployment ceremony held at Eagle Aviation in Columbia South Carolina, Feb. 26, 2017. More than 140 Soldiers from the unit will be mobilized for approximately a year to support Operation Atlantic Resolve and U.S. Army Europe. The unit will provide maintenance and repair capabilities of vehicles, electronics, and small arms weapons while assigned to the 16th Sustainment Brigade in eastern Europe.

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Shults, an F/A-18E SuperHornet pilot assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5, reunites withhis family upon his return to Marine Corps Air StationIwakuni, Japan, Aug. 17, 2022. The air wings returnmarked the completion of their most recent deploymentaboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), where theyprovided airpower to protect U.S. forces and allies asthey flew missions in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific

Museum staff, Camp Ripley personnel and Navy Veterans watch the unloading of section from the former Los Angeles Class Attack Submarine, USS Minneapolis-St. Paul SSN-708 August 29, 2022. The sections are part of the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum collection and plan to be on display in the near future.

030716-D-5011J-038. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040904-M-2697B-038. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220527-N-KD414-2556 POINT MUGU, Calif. (May 27, 2022) Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class Patrick Frazier, assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW), left and his wife, Yeoman 2nd Class Kaleigh Frazier assigned to Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), reenlisted onboard NBVC, May 27. NBVC is comprised of three distinct facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, and San Nicolas Island. It is the largest employer in Ventura County and actively protects Californias largest coastal wetlands through its award-winning environmental programs.

030505-F-8156G-001. Base: RAF Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Dec. 18, 2012) Lt. Cmdr. Nate Lyon, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, is reunited with his wife and children during a homecoming celebration for the squadron. VFA-83, part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, returns to Naval Air Station Oceana after a six month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

030530-M-8539K-008. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 3D AABN

Deploying Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment, as well as other Soldiers from units who will join the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), bid farewell to family and friends Aug. 25, 2019, before departing for pre-deployment training. The 30th ABCT, which consists of 4,200 Soldiers from North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and West Virginia, will be deploying to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield in the coming months.

220907-N-RQ186-1183Norfolk, Va. (September 7, 2022) Families welcome home Sailors attached to the Dragon Slayers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11 on Naval Station Norfolk during the squadrons homecoming, September 7. HSC-11, part of Carrier Air Wing 1, embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), returns to Naval Station Norfolk after a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

220907-N-RQ186-1183Norfolk, Va. (September 7, 2022) Families welcome home Sailors attached to the Dragon Slayers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11 on Naval Station Norfolk during the squadrons homecoming, September 7. HSC-11, part of Carrier Air Wing 1, embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), returns to Naval Station Norfolk after a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Brandon Mokris, the Command Element logistics officer with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), reunites with his son after returning from deployment aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 11, 2022. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 22nd MEU returned home after completing a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations.

Spc. Cody Michel, a combat engineer assigned to Company A, 224th Brigade Engineer Battalion, Iowa Army National Guard, and Sgt. Kaleb Michel, a recruiting noncommissioned officer with the IAARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion, pose for a photo after earning their Air Assault badges together on graduation day of a U.S. Air Assault course smile for a group photo at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 9, 2022. Kaleb recruited his brother Cody in 2021. Over 200 students participated in the 12-day course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. Cadre from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia, traveled as a mobile training team to teach the course.

SAN DIEGO (May 15, 2017) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Derek Russell greets his son as the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) returns to Naval Base San Diego from a deployment. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) completed a scheduled seven-month deployment to the Pacific, Middle East, and the Horn of Africa.

More than 700 Airmen assigned to Flights 91-106, graduated from U.S. Air Force Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, January 10-11, 2024. Brig. Gen.Akshai M. Gandhi, Chief of Staff, South Carolina Air National Guard, reviewed the ceremony.

Gov. Tony Evers and senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders joined families and friends at a formal sendoff ceremony for the 829th Engineer Company Oct. 19 in Spooner, Wis. The company -- part of the Wisconsin Army National Guards 724th Engineer Battalion - consists of a heavy equipment platoon in Spooner and two vertical construction platoons located in Ashland, Wis. The 829th Engineer Company will head to Fort Bliss, Texas to complete mobilization training before deploying to the Middle East to support the 113th Engineer Battalion of the Indiana Army National Guard. Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs

Gold Star Mother and Survivor Outreach Services Coordinator Jean Harris hugs Illinois Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. David Schreffler of the 183rd Wing as the Gold Star 500 as the riders arrive at the Great Lakes Community Center, part of the Naval Station Great Lakes near North Chicago, Illinois, on Sept. 24. Schreffler rides in honor of Harris' son, Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. Joshua Harris, who was killed in action in Afghanistan on Sept. 18, 2008. Schreffler is also a member of Sgt. Joshua Harris VFW Post 2868 in Brookfield, Illinois, and has participated in the Gold Star 500 for six years, since the inaugural ride. Several Illinois National Guard active and retired service members participate in the more than 500-mile bicycle ride that raises awareness of the approximately 300 Illinois service members who have fallen since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, including 34 members of the Illinois National Guard. This year's Gold Star 500 included 16 Polish riders w

U.S. Soldiers with the 1069th Military Police Company, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade arrive home and reunite with loved ones after a year-long deployment to Cuba. The Soldiers were also greeted at Harrisburg International Aiport by Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, Pennsylvania Deputy Adjutant General-Army, and other senior leaders with the Pennsylvania National Guard.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Earon Gray, the operations chief for Recruiting Station Phoenix, gets promoted on Sept. 2, 2022, at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona.

030716-D-5011J-039. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

KINGS BAY (April 22, 2022) Information Systems Technician (Submarines) 2nd Class Darien Hill, assigned to the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740), kisses his girlfriend, Patricia Prather, during the ships homecoming ceremony at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, following a routine strategic deterrent patrol. Rhode Island is one of six ballistic-missile submarines stationed at the base providing the most survivable leg of the strategic deterrence triad for the United States.

060723-N-4124C-107. Base: Sasebo Country: Japan (JPN)

Air show attendees speak with a U.S. Air Force Airman at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz.,March 25, 2023. The airshow was open to the public as a way to connect the base and localcommunity while also highlighting the mission and capabilities of the U.S. Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Duke Richardson, Air Force Materiel Command commander, celebrates with a U.S. Space Force Guardian after finishing the Air Force Half Marathon Sept. 17, 2022, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. More than 8,500 runners and 1,500 volunteers from all 50 states and 18 different countries came out to run in the races 26th year.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Tim Charlebois, a F/A-18F SuperHornet pilot assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5, gives his sona toy upon returning to Marine Corps Air StationIwakuni, Japan, Aug. 17, 2022. The air wings returnmarked the completion of their most recent deploymentaboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), where theyprovided airpower to protect U.S. forces and allies asthey flew missions in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific

U.S. Soldiers with the 1069th Military Police Company, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade arrive home and reunite with loved ones after a year-long deployment to Cuba. The Soldiers were also greeted at Harrisburg International Aiport by Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, Pennsylvania Deputy Adjutant General-Army, and other senior leaders with the Pennsylvania National Guard.

230628-N-EU502-1472 SAN DIEGO (June 28, 2023) - A Sailor assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) hugs his wife after the ship arrived pierside at Naval Base San Diego June 28, 2023. Decatur, a part of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, returned following a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations. While on deployment, Nimitz Strike Group conducted operations in U.S. 7th Fleet including: deterrence and presence operations; multinational exercises; integrated multi-domain training; long-range maritime strike exercises; anti-submarine warfare; information warfare operations; air defense operations; multiple ship navigation; and formation maneuvering and refueling-at-sea operations.

More than 200 Airmen from the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing returned from a three month deployment to Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, in support of ongoing NATO missions over Europe, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vt., Aug. 6, 2022. This marked the return of all Vermonters who were deployed to Europe over the the previous three months.

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (Aug. 9, 2016) Lt. Erik Dippold, a Navy pilot assigned to EA-18G Growler Airborne Electronic Attack Aircraft with Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133 is welcomed home by his wife and daughter at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. VAQ-133 conducted an eight-month, regularly scheduled, 7th Fleet deployment aboard the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) supporting stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

NAVAL AIR STATION LEMOORE, Calif., (09 Aug. 2022) -- Cmdr. Marvin Wynn, Executive Officer, "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, greets his family during a homecoming celebration. VFA-14, as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, embarked aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and returned to Naval Air Station Lemoore, Aug. 09, 2022, following a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of operations. CVW-9 deployed with a combination of fourth and fifth-generation platforms that predominantly represent the Airwing of the Future, executing more than 21,307 fixed-wing and helicopter flight hours comprising of 10,250 sorties, 8,437 launches and 8,487 aircraft arrestments.

U.S. Marines, Sailors, civilian personnel and their families listen as the invocation is given during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Hangar 3090 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, July 7, 2022. Hangar 3090, will be the new home of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 and will set the standard for future F-35B Lightning II hangars.

060406-N-8825R-021. Base: Naval Station, Everett State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

MSgt. Bryce Weight, an Alaska Air Guardsmen with the 176th Security Forces Squadron, holds his daughter with her welcome home sign in hand, at Ted Stevens-Anchorage International Airport upon his return from Kandahar, Afghanistan on June 22, 2020. 12 AKNG Airmen deployed in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel, a NATO-led continuation of the Global War on Terrorism.

Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Fisher, a member of the Oklahoma National Guard's Task Force Lexington, spends time with his son before his departure ceremony in Lexington, Oklahoma, June 12, 2022. Roughly 100 Soldiers assigned to TF Lexington are preparing to deploy to the Middle East in support of Inherent Resolve. TF Lexington is comprised of aviators, flight medics, aircraft maintainers, and fuel technicians from multiple companies under 90th Troop Command.

The 121st Air Refueling Wing holds a promotion ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Caron at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2024. Family and friends joined Caron to celebrate his ascension to the 9th and highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. Air National Guard

050608-M-7772K-037. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Ripper State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment "Viper Battalion," 12th Combat Aviation Brigade prepares to embrace his children on Katterbach Kaserne, Germany, May 13, 2022. The Soldiers initially deployed to the Baltic region for a training exercise and remained forward to support Operation Assure, Deter, and Reinforce. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

240115-N-YM590-1103 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Jan. 15, 2024)- A pilot, assigned to the Fighting Blacklions of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, reunites with her family after returning to Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, Jan. 15, following a more than eight-month deployment with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. While deployed, the squadron accomplished 1,943 sorties covering 3,137 flight hours with a 97% sortie completion rate.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Spencer Woods, Crew Chief for the 16th Airlift Squadron embraces his loved one after returning home from a deployment at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, May 3, 2022. Ever vigilant in sitting on continuous alert 24 hours, 7 days a week, the 16th routinely responds to short-notice National Command Authority taskings.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis presides over a deployment ceremony for the members of the 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment of the Colorado Army National Guard Jan. 2, 2020, leaders, family, friends, and coworks bid them farewell before they deploy to Kosovo for general aviation missions in support of NATO's Operation Joint Guardian (KFOR 27). The ceremony was held in the CW5 David R. Carter Army Aviation Support Facility on Buckley Air Force Base, in Aurora, Colorado.

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