Emotional Soldier Farewells

Heartfelt moments capture soldiers bidding farewell to family and loved ones before deployment, highlighting personal connections and emotions.

A Soldier assigned to the 371st Sustainment Brigade spends time with Family and friends after the units welcome home ceremony March 10, 2018, in Springfield, Ohio. About 280 Soldiers returned home from an almost yearlong deployment to Southwest Asia. (Ohio National Guard

Soldier kisses loved one before boarding a transport to Fort Dix, N.J. for deployment with his unit. B Company, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team bade farewell to friends, family members, and their hometowns at the Freehold Armory in Freehold, N.J., on Jan. 27, 2019. Numerous New Jersey National Guard units are scheduled to deploy to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Close to 130 Soldiers with the 65th Field Artillery deploy to Middle East 3-26-2018

A Soldier assigned to the 371st Sustainment Brigade spends time with Family and friends after the units welcome home ceremony March 10, 2018, in Springfield, Ohio. About 280 Soldiers returned home from an almost yearlong deployment to Southwest Asia. (Ohio National Guard

Over 100 Ohio Air National Guard members are returning from deployment to the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, July 6, 2016, following three to six months in support of the C-130H Hercules tactical airlift missions throughout the Middle East. The Ohio Air National Guard unit is always on mission to respond with highly qualified citizen-airmen to execute Federal, State and community missions.

Sgt. Madison Dutka, a motor transportation specialist with the 1133rd Transportation Company, is greeted at a welcome home ceremony at the Waterloo Regional Airport in Waterloo, Iowa, Sept. 1, 2023. The 1133rd Transportation Company, consisting of approximately 160 Soldiers, deployed to Poland Nov. 6, 2022.

Staff Sgt. Robert Chavez, a signal support systems specialist who deployed with the 3631st Signal Company, reunites with his children following a 10-month deployment to the Central Command Area of Responsibility in support of Operation Spartan Shield at the Rio Rancho Readiness Center, Nov. 15, 2022. The unit provided communications support to forces across the region.

Families and friends welcome home more than 100 Soldiers from the 34th Combat Aviation Brigades Headquarters Company and 2nd Battalion, 147th Assault Helicopter Battalion, May 2, 2015, after a year-long deployment to Kuwait and Iraq. The Soldiers conducted aviation operations and security cooperation activities at the direction of U.S. Central Command. Their mission expanded to support Operation Inherent Resolve, the military effort to combat emerging militant groups, in September.

Senior Wisconsin National Guard leadership, families and friends welcome more than 30 Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers from a detachment of Company C, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation back to Wisconsin Nov. 8 following a deployment to Afghanistan. The detachment performed medevac and personnel transport missions. Wisconsin National Guard

The first groups of Soldiers assigned to the Winchester-based 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, also known as Task Force Normandy, return to Virginia July 19, 2016, after serving on federal active duty since September 2015.

Pfc. Jordan Wagner, an infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team, greets loved ones during a homecoming ceremony Sept. 9, 2012, at Pope Army Airfield, Fort Bragg, N.C. He and fellow paratroopers are returning from a six-month deployment to Afghanistans Ghazni Province.

KINGS BAY (April 22, 2022) Electronics Technician (Submarines) 1st Class Steve Horner, assigned to the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740), embraces his three children, Perry, Theo and Noelle Horner, 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.

020604-F-0007M-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Maj. Justin McBride, a field artillery officer assigned to 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery 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. 26, 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.

Capt. Brad Loween, of the North Dakota Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security and Support), hugs his son, Sept. 13, 2012, upon his return to Fargo, N.D., after a year-long deployment to Kosovo. Fifty-five North Dakota Guard soldiers served with Kosovo Force 15 (KFOR 15) in support of NATO peacekeeping operations.

Family and friends greet redeploying members assigned to the 355th Wing and 563rd Rescue Group on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 7, 2022. The members returned home to their families after a deployment overseas.

Family members embrace and greet Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers returning from deployment in Poland at the Jackson Armory, Portland, Ore., on Jan. 25, 2022. Soldiers assigned to Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment deployed in Poland in support of the European Deterrence Initiative as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve in April of 2021. (Air National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Sgt. 1st Class Michael Lewis, a motor sergeant assigned to the 232nd Engineer Company, 94th Engineer Battalion, plays with his daughter following a welcome home ceremony held in Swift Gym Oct. 8. The 232nd Engineer Co. completed a nine month deployment to Kuwait and Afghanistan where they were tasked with constructing a retrograde facility in order to reduce the U.S. footprint across regional commands south and southwest in support of U.S. national interests.

Gov. Scott Walker and senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders joinedfamilies and friends at a formal sendoff ceremony Feb. 2 for approximately35 Soldiers from the West Bend, Wis.-based Company C, 1st Battalion, 168thAviation, who will deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom'sSentinel. There they will provide UH-60M Black Hawk aerial medevac assetsand aircraft maintenance support for American personnel operating inAfghanistan.

Luc Soileau hugs his dad, Master Sgt. Marc Soileau, for the first time in nine months at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, August 22, 2018. Soileau deployed to Iraq with over 80 fellow Louisiana National Guardsmen from the 139th Regional Support Group in support of operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 432nd Security Forces Squadron, and their families run during a ruck march during police week at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, May 20, 2022. Police week occurs annually to honor the law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, and to the officers who serve and protect their community.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Thomas Galoff, stands for a photo near Camp Ripley, June 4, 2022. Galoff will retire this summer 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)

Family members embrace and greet Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers returning from deployment in Poland at the Jackson Armory, Portland, Ore., on Jan. 25, 2022. Soldiers assigned to Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment deployed in Poland in support of the European Deterrence Initiative as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve in April of 2021. (Air National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

An Airman assigned to the 911th Security Forces Squadron poses for a photo with his daughter at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, April 9, 2022. April is designated as the Month of the Military Child by the Department of Defense Education Activity and was established to underscore the important role children play in the Armed Forces community.

Family and friends greet redeploying members assigned to the 355th Wing and 563rd Rescue Group on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. The members returned home to their families after a deployment overseas.

Kentucky Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Brigade were greeted by Kentucky National Guard leadership, friends and family at the Bluegrass Airport in Lexington, Ky., as they arrived home from their deployment to Kosovo Nov. 17, 2022.

Airmen from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron wing greet their families after returning from a Bomber Task Force deployment at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sep. 27, 2022. The 23rd BS Airmen deployed to RAF Fairford, England to integrate with NATO allies and partners.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division return home to Fort Bragg, N.C., on July 12, 2022. Elements of the 82nd ABN DIV Immediate Response Force deployed to Poland as part of Task Force-82 to support the United State's decision to increase presence and activities in Europe as part of our Nation's strong commitment to our NATO Allies. (U.S. Army Video by Spc. Lilliana Fraser)

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division return home in Fort Bragg, N.C., June 28, 2022. Elements of the 82nd Airborne Division deployed to Poland to support the United States decision to increase its presence and activities in Europe as part of our Nations strong and unremitting commitment to our NATO Allies.

060908-N-1331S-004. Base: Ns Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041130-F-0007M-001. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chief Warrant Officer (4) Peggy Bates hugs friends after her retirement ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Il Aug 7. Bates retired after 38 years of military service. She enlisted in the ILARNG in August of 1984 as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic with 3637th Maintenance Company in Springfield, IL. CW4 Bates spent the next 22 years as an enlisted Soldier serving in numerous positions to include Parts Clerk, Technical Inspector, Maintenance Control NCO, Operations NCO, and First Sergeant for 3637th Maintenance Company and the 65th Troop Command. She began her Warrant Officer career in 2006 as an Engineer Equipment Maintenance Warrant Officer for B 634th Brigade Support Battalion and converted to a Property Accounting Warrant Officer in 2008. She has served as a Federal Technician for over 37 years. Bates dedication to the ILARNG and the technician program enhanced the logistics community within the entire state.

U.S. Army Spc. Justin Hassebroek, of Sioux Falls, S.D., a member of the South Dakota Army National Guards 1742nd Transportation Company, alongside his wife, Kymberlee, holds his son, Breyton, for the first time at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, Oct. 7, 2014. The 1742nd returned from a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Close to 130 Soldiers with the 65th Field Artillery deploy to Middle East 3-26-2018

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.

A U.S. Army Soldier with the 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard, hugs his son after the welcome home ceremony for the 268 New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers at the National Guard Armory in Teaneck, N.J., Nov. 30, 2019. The Soldiers conducted a variety of missions, including base security, aircraft security, emergency response, intelligence collection, and security force assistance across a broad area of eastern Africa in support of Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa. (New Jersey National Guard

Family and friends gathered with nearly 100 Guardsmen from 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB), 149th Aviation Regiment, Oklahoma Army National Guard for a departure ceremony at Muldrow Army Heliport (Army Aviation Support Facility I) in Lexington, Oklahoma, Sunday. The GSAB is deploying three companies to the Middle East. They are comprised of aviators, maintainers and fuel technicians for CH-47 Chinook helicopters in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Having completed pre-mobilization training at Camp Gruber Training Center near Braggs, Oklahoma, the GSAB will move out to Fort Hood, Texas, for additional training before heading overseas.

A Soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, poses with his family during one of several welcome home ceremonies at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 26, 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.

031217-A-0000D-002. Base: Zalila State: Ninawa Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Master Sgt. Hunter Hurd, a flightline production controller in the 123rd Airlift Wing, is reunited with his family as he returns to his home base in Louisville, Ky., July 6, 2018, after completing a four-month deployment to the Persian Gulf region in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Hurd is one of more than 60 Airmen, who arrived aboard a Kentucky Air Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft, operated from an undisclosed air base while flying troops and cargo across the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility.

030416-M-9902V-015. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Futema State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: HQMC

100108-N-0696M-220A young boy watches soldiers of the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team depart after their deployment ceremony in Burlington, Vt. on Jan. 8, 2010. The unit has been ordered to Afghanistan in the largest deployment of Vermont National Guard troops since World War II.

Staff Sgt. David Saari, of the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, holds hands with his son as he walks to his car with his family upon his return to the Grand Forks International Airport, Grand Forks, N.D., after completing a yearlong deployment to Washington, D.C., where the 1-188th was protecting airspace in the national capital region in support of Operation Noble Eagle.

Maj. Greg Boland hugs his children Rylie and Carter after returning from a deployment Sept. 15, 2013, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Airmen assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron train to provide decisive combat power to combatant commanders for contingency operations down range. Boland is a 480th Fighter Squadron pilot from Reading, Pa.

031112-F-1798W-016. Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Cpl. Colton Duran, an aircraft mechanic for the EA-6B Prowler with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 2, hugs his wife Cathia during a return ceremony at the squadrons hangar aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. More than 100 Marines with the squadron returned from a six-month deployment to Afghanistan Oct 2.

221004-N-CR843-0346NAVAL AIR STATION JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 4, 2022) Aviation Electricians Mate 3rd Class Benjamin Wolfe, assigned to the Fighting Tigers of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 kisses his infant daughter as VP-8 returns to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 4, 2022. VP-8 is returning from a six month deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72 and U.S, Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.

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

PINEVILLE, La. - Louisiana Army National Guardsman, Sgt. Jamie L. Mobley of Dry Prong, La., is reunited with his family after a year-long deployment with the 2228th Military Police Company, 773rd Military Police Battalion, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Governor Bobby Jindal and Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, LANG adjutant general, were on hand to welcome the Troops at a redeployment reception on Camp Beauregard in Pineville, March 6.

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. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Timothy Maciejewski, the staff noncommissioned officer in charge of Provost Marshals Office, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, embraces his son, David, on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, April 12, 2022. Month of the Military Child, celebrated annually in April, recognizes military families and their children for the daily sacrifices and unique challenges they overcome.

110910-M-QG862-031MARJAH, Afghanistan (Sept. 10, 2011) Navy Lt. Robert Sklar, the battalion surgeon assigned to 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, holds a child after providing her with medical care in Pahm Chareh Bazaar. Marines from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regimental Combat Team 5 provided medical care during a medical initiative program at the bazaar.

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.

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (Nov. 27, 2012) Naval Air Crewmen 2nd Class Ryan Roberson greets his wife and for the first time, his 5-month-old daughter, during the homecoming of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46. Sailors assigned to VP-46 returned home to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island from a six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. Americas Sailors are Warfighters, a fast and flexible force deployed worldwide. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting.

Senior leaders from state government and the Virginia National Guard join family, friends and fellow Soldiers in welcoming home the first groups of Soldiers assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team March 25, 2017, in Roanoke, Virginia. Approximately 450 Soldiers from 1st Battalion, also known as the Red Dragons, began serving on federal active duty conducting security operations in Qatar in May 2016.

Capt. Tyler Donnel, Battery B commander, points out the Paladin to 9-year-old Bryson Thacker (left) and his son, 7-year-old Devin during the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Divisions family day in the field, Aug. 7, 2008.

040603-F-3177P-160. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Spc. Max Wenzel hugs his wife upon his return home after a nine-month deployment providing security to the 3-157 Field Artillery Regiment (HIMARS), on the 6th of August, 2022, in Tallahassee, Florida.

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.

Capt. Mathew Garrett, an observer coach/trainer for 1st Brigade Support Battalion, 337th Infantry Regiment, 181st Multifunctional Training Brigade, helps a Herrman Elementary student put on an improvised outer tactical vest May 23, 2022, in Sparta, Wis. The Marauder Battalion participated in a career day event at the elementary school.

Nebraska National Guard Soldiers, families and distinguished guests gathered Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Haymarket Park in Lincoln, Nebraska for departure ceremony for nearly 200 Soldiers of the 67th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade headquarters deploying to the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. The 67th Brigade headquarters will support Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa to conduct operations in the region that enchance partner nation capacity, promote regional security, dissuade conflict, and protect U.S. and coalition interests.

040712-M-6237R-002. Base: Mcb, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 40606

051117-A-9419D-052. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Lansing State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Warrant Office (WO1) Olkowski, Polish Civilian Military Cooperation (CIMIC) unit, distributes toys to children at the Al Azhar Kindergarten School during an humanitarian aid delivery in AL Diwaniyah, Iraq. The CIMIC conducts various projects that aid the rebuilding of the Iraqi infrastructure during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. (Duplicate image, see also DASD0606833 or search 050414A1566H048). Base: Al Diwanyah State: Al Qadisiyah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A change of command ceremony for the 152nd Security Forces Squadron (SFS) was held Feb. 3, 2024 at the Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nev. Col. Justin Galli presided over the ceremony as previous 152nd SFS commander Col. Shaun Cruze relinquished command to Maj. Lewis Roberts.

Marine Week St. Louis

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the Can Do Battalion,” 3rd Battalion 15th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, showcases how much an Improved Outer Tactical Vest weighs for the students of Risen Savior Christian Academy before this year’s upcoming Veterans Day in Pooler, Georgia, Nov. 4, 2022. On Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who have stepped forward to defend our nation throughout our history.

SAN DIEGO (March 4, 2022) Lt. Cmdr. Roberto Johnson, from Orlando Fla., greets his family after completing a seven-month deployment aboard amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex, a part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, returned to Naval Base San Diego, March 4, after a deployment to U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet areas of operation in support of regional stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Senior leaders from state government and the Maryland and Virginia National Guard joined family members, friends and fellow Soldiers in bidding farewell to approximately 80 Soldiers assigned to the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division as they began federal active duty Aug. 1, 2016, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The Maryland and Virginia National Guard Soldiers will provide mission command in the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Ghost Soldiers from 2-3 Infantry Patriots participated in the WashJam this weekend (August 19-20), a collaborative event with Boy Scouts of America and the U.S. Army. Our Soldiers educated the boy scouts and their families on the new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), U.S. Army-issued body armor, Tactical Combat Casualty Care, and of course our Strykers.

African American soldier and son looking out airport window

Lance Cpl. William Boone, a military policeman with Advisor Training Cell, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, and a native of Bedford County, Pa., hugs his girlfriend before he departs for Afghanistan at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 23. The Marines and Sailors of the Advisor Training Cell will spend the next seven months training and developing Afghan National Security Forces in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

220905-N-VG565-1076Norfolk, Va. (Sept. 5, 2022) - Families welcome home Sailors attached to the Seahawks” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 126 on Naval Station Norfolk during the squadron’s homecoming, September 5. VAW-126, 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 Master Sgt. Joshua Parson, maintenance chief, Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 1 (VMU-1), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, listens to comments from his retiring officer during his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, March 24, 2023. Parson retired after more than 20 years of service to the Corps.

040904-M-2697B-043. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

A young spectator interacts with members of the Ranger Training Battalions during the 2010 Best Ranger Competition. Families and spectators were allowed to view specific portions of the competitions to cheer on their teams.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Park Drago” Lundgreen, 79th Fighter Squadron (FS) fighter pilot, reunites with his daughter on the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct 27, 2022. The 79th FS provided combat airpower within the Central Command area of responsibility during their deployment.

030804-F-7825H-133. Base: Charleston State: West Virginia (WV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

GROTON, Conn. (March 19, 2013) Sailors assigned to the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Providence (SSN 719) are welcomed home by their families and loved ones after a scheduled seven-month deployment.

Sgt. 1st Class Travis Smith, an observer coach/trainer for 1st Brigade Support Battalion, 337th Infantry Regiment, 181st Multifunctional Training Brigade, directs a student of Herrman Elementary on how to turn on an M1097 Heavy HMMWV May 23, 2022, in Sparta, Wis. The Marauder Battalion participated in a career day event at the elementary school.

Washington National Guard Soldiers with the 141st Military History Detachment, 96th Troop Command, prepare to say goodbye to family and friends during a pre-deployment ceremony on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Sept. 6, 2022. The 141st MHD will soon deploy to the Middle East to collect historically significant documents, photos, and primary source material for use by future writers of the Army's history.

Family and friends of deployed members of the 16th Airlift Squadron gather in preparation to receive their loved ones back home 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.

070106-M-6412C-005. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: RCT-6

U.S. Army Soldier Staff Sgt. Smith gets promoted to Sergeant 1st Class. She has been a committed and dedicated team member.

011217-F-0007M-005. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Moblility Command

110319-N-YB753-090SAN DIEGO (March 19, 2011) Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Eric Anderson, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, holds his newborn baby for the first time upon return from a deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group stopped in San Diego on its way home to Everett, Wash., following more than six months deployed in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

220517-N-OX321-1033 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (May 17, 2022) - Master Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Richard Johnson, III, has his cover placed on by Master Chief Aircraft Maintenanceman Ruben Barrera during a master chief and senior chief petty officer pinning ceremony on Naval Air Station Sigonella, May 17, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

031021-M-5455N-005. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 26 MEU

NAVAL AIR STATION LEMOORE, Calif., (09 Aug. 2022) -- Lt. Sam Wales assigned to the "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.

Military Family Reuniting at Miramar in San Diego

041130-F-2559D-004. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A young boy holds his dad's hand, a U.S. Marine assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), 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.

U.S. Army Capt. Damien Barrineau, 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, examines a young girls throat while providing medical care to the people of Sayid Ghrib, Iraq, July 27, 2008.

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.

221004-N-CR843-0350NAVAL AIR STATION JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 4, 2022) Aviation Electricians Mate 3rd Class Benjamin Wolfe, assigned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 is reunited with his wife and infant daughter as VP-8 returns to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 4, 2022. VP-8 is returning from a six month deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72 and U.S, Indo-Pacific Command objectives throughout the region.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (April 30, 2014) Master Sgt. Abiub Montes, assigned to the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14 of Fort Lauderdale, Fla and Cryptologic Technician Technical 3rd Class Brett Hopkins from Carrier Strike Group 12 visit children at the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital as part of Fleet Week Port Everglades. This is the 24th annual Fleet Week in Port Everglades, South Floridas annual celebration of the maritime services.

Marine homecoming from deployment; Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii, United States of America

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Oct. 13, 2022) - Cmdr. Beth Nelson, commanding officer of the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), embraces her daughter on the pier after the ship returned to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story following a deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), Oct. 13. More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines assigned to the Kearsarge ARG supported a wide range of interoperability opportunities and exercises across the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations increasing combat readiness and crisis response capabilities while strengthening relationships with both NATO Allies and partners.

An Airman assigned to the 335th Fighter Squadron reunites with his family after returning from a deployment at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Oct. 14, 2022. While deployed, aircrew remained available at any given time to defend against air or ground threats.

U.S. Army Capt. Mia Figgs, media relations chief with the 1st Infantry Division, takes a selfie with a woman as they wait for the start of the parade leading up to the inaugural military tattoo at Vilnius, Lithuania, Aug. 27, 2022. The Big Red One Band is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly performing alongside NATO allies during a historical, inaugural military tattoo hosted by Lithuanian Armed Forces.

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