← Military & Defence

Family and Military Ceremonies

Moments capturing military family interactions during deployment ceremonies, remembrance events, and engagement activities with children and parents.

Military families participate in the 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron equipment issue portion of the Junior Expeditionary Forces event at the 355th LRS Mobility Readiness building at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 7, 2022. This event, hosted by the Davis-Monthan Military and Family Readiness Center, was a re-creation of a deployment line where parents had the opportunity to show their kids what they experience when they deploy.

A child gives bunny ears to Governer of the State of Minnesota Tim Pawlenty and a U.S. Army Soldier after a deployment ceremony for Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry Unit in Rochester, Minn., July 15, 2007. The Soldiers will leave for Camp Atterbury, Ind., on July 18, 2007, for training for their next mission to Kosovo. Training will include driving military vehicles on the narrow roads of Kosovo and identifying and reacting to land mines.

Jiffy Helton, a Gold Star mother, reflects on the loss of her son, 1st Lt. Joseph D. Helton, during last roll call at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 8, 2022. 1st Lt. Helton was killed in action near Baghdad while serving on a deployment in 2009. The last roll call is a military tradition held to pay honor to a deceased servicemember and serves as a reminder that their absence leaves the entire formation incomplete. During the ceremony, servicemembers who served alongside 1st Lt. Helton conducted roll call. When they reached the name of the deceased, they call out his name, followed by the silence from no response. A servicemember then goes on to explain that this Airman was killed in action and what they were doing.

Military families participate in the 355th Logistics Readiness Squadron equipment issue portion of the Junior Expeditionary Forces event at the 355th LRS Mobility Readiness building at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 7, 2022. This event, hosted by the Davis-Monthan Military and Family Readiness Center, was a re-creation of a deployment line where parents had the opportunity to show their kids what they experience when they deploy.

051006-A-7734M-033. Base: Taylor State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030906-F-0017M-107. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Byrd Field State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

220128-N-YS140-024Fort Pickett, Va. (Jan. 28, 2022) Lance Cpl. Jami Jakubik, data systems administrator, Headquarters and Services Company, 23rd Marine Regiment, from College Station, Texas, embraces an Afghan evacuee departing Safe Haven Pickett for resettlement. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Pearl)

Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers from Bravo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery, are greeted by their families at Jackson Armory, after returning from a yearlong mobilization overseas, Portland, Ore., Aug. 13. This is the first arrival of two groups who mobilized to Qatar in September 2019. Known as Task Force Arrow these these Citizen-Soldiers were charged with securing critical infrastructure and personnel, and acted as a quick reactionary force throughout the region. Returning Guard members come from Portland, Forest Grove, McMinnville and Salem communities. The Task Force demobilized at Ft. Bliss, Texas where they completed an additional 14-day quarantine prior to their departure for Oregon. (Oregon National Guard

Several Aircrew members from the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, celebrated their final flights June 16th, 2022, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. The "Fini" flight tradition is one where aircrew members are hosed down with water by their peers, family, and friends upon their completion of their final flight.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Sarah Grawcock, a combat photographer and mascot handler with Headquarters and Service Battalion, and Pfc. Bruno, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and Western Recruiting Region mascot, interact with participants of the "In Their Boots" and "Devil Pups" events at MCRD San Diego on Feb. 16, 2024. The Devil Pups event is aimed at providing children ages 5-12 with engaging activities that introduce them to aspects of the Marine Corps lifestyle, fostering learning and discipline in a fun environment. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), return to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar after a deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, Aug. 11 2022. The historic deployment marked the first U.S. Marine Corps F-35C squadron deployed aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and further assures 3rd MAWs commitment to providing fixed wing fighter aircraft for deployment as a part of the U.S. Navy carrier air wings, deploying regularly across the Indo-Pacific region.

040605-F-7152S-012. Base: Owens Community College State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The welcome of the returned soldiers of SFIR-3 is allincurious.

DN-ST-89-07518. Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Idaho National Guard participated in Boise's downtown Idaho Veterans Parade on Nov. 5, 2022 to honor veterans, past and present.

A family of a U.S. Marine assigned to Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), waits for their dad 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.

NORFOLK, Va. (Jan. 14, 2024)- The families of Sailors assigned to the Bear Aces of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124 wait for their Sailors upon returning to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, Jan. 14, following a more than eight-month deployment with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. While deployed, the squadron accomplished 1,640 flight hours over 610 sorties.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kyle Engasser, an F-15 Eagle pilot with the 131st Fighter Squadron, helps a student from Westfield Intermediate School try on some aircrew flight equipment during a tour of the 104th Fighter Wing June 3, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Tours provide the public the unique opportunity to experience and interact with 104FW personnel and equipment.

Evan tinkers with a dummy M240 machine gun while sitting in a UH-1N Huey helicopter, June 18, 2022, at the Northern Thunder Air and Space Expo on Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The UH-1 is a light-lift utility helicopter that has been used for a variety of Air Force missions since 1970.

030430-A-9157N-005. Subject Operation/Series: NEW HORIZONS 2003. Base: Constanza Country: Dominica (DMA)

EDUCATING OUR YOUTH: More than 25 teenagers from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County, Idaho, toured Gowen Field as part of their out-of-school program to learn more about the Idaho Army National Guard's equipment and missions on July 8.During the day, teens visited with the Idaho National Guard's 204th Regional Training Institute, where they enjoyed learning about and climbing around on some of the organization's tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Heavy Equipment Transporters and trailers.For lunch, they got to experience a meal fit for a Soldier by chowing down on some "Tailored Operational Training Meals", similar to the more common "Meals Ready-to-Eat" but packaged with less calories.Later, the group visited with the Idaho Army National Guard's State Aviation Group, where they got to interact with some of its rotary wing pilots and crew chiefs. To end the day, they climbed around several UH-60 Black Hawks and felt what it's like to sit behind the helicopter's steering system.

San Pedro, Calif. (May 29, 2022) - Sebastian Medina shares his excitement with his friend, Joseph Park, while they tour Los Angeles Fleet Week (LAFW) as part of a Make-A-Wish visit during (LAFW) in San Pedro, Calif., May 29, 2022. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Negron)

240115-N-YM590-1212 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Jan. 15, 2024)- Family members of a pilot assigned to the Tomcatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, wave flags as planes taxi on the flightline after returning to Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, Jan. 15, following more than eight-month deployment with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. While deployed, the squadron accomplished over 2,669 sorties totaling more than 4,153 flight hours and 1,991 carrier arrested landings.

041230-F-7564C-047. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Bragg State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Family and friends stand during an assumption of responsibility ceremony at the 122nd Fighter Wing (FW) Air National Guard Base in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sept. 10, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Kyle D. Hoopingarner assumed the position of 122nd FW command chief in place of Chief Master Sgt. Michael E. Dixon, Jr. who was named state command chief master sergeant of the Indiana Air National Guard during the ceremony.

Family members watch as the plane carrying the 142nd Medical Company taxis toward them at the Connecticut National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, September 8, 2022. The 142nd spent the past nine months deployed to Poland to provide medical care and patient transport in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

A grandfather checks a child's earplugs prior to the arrival of aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW-1). The various squadrons, stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66), are returning to Oceana following deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Fort Drum community members watch a military working dog team from the 8th Military Police Detachment demonstrate their skills during National Night Out on Aug. 2 at Adirondack Creek Community Center. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

060913-N-4451V-072. Base: Naval Base, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011083108 FEMA partners-Emergency Operations.. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

221031-N-XU073-1091YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 31, 2022) Community members participate in a trunk-or-treat event hosted by Yokosuka Child & Youth Programs onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Bradley Peak, a mission crew commander with the 128th Airborne Command and Control Squadron, Georgia Air National Guard, and U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jarred Mattox, left, recruiting office supervisor with the Georgia Air National Guard, interact with children during a recruiting event held at Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, Sept. 17, 2022. Georgia Air National Guard leaders, recruiters, and Airmen engaged with the community during the event prior to a Mercer University football game.

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.

ST. LOUIS (May 10, 2016) -Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Hunter Mason and Electronics Technician (Radar) 3rd Class Matt Brunty, give out a Navy ball cap and stickers to a child in Cardinal Glennon - Childrens Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. Navy Weeks focus a variety of outreach assets, equipment and personnel on a single city for a weeklong series of engagements with key influencers and organizations representing all sectors of the market. During a Navy Week, 75-100 outreach events are coordinated with corporate, civic, government, education, media, veterans, community service and diversity organizations in the city.

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. (June 11, 2022) Recruiters assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Mid America hand out stickers to children at the Spirit of St. Louis Airshow, June 11, 2022. The U.S. Navy flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels, are the headliners of the show, with their appearance marking the St. Louis-made F/A-18 Super Hornet making its debut and return to the area.

021103-A-4339E-020. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Sayed Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

LAS VEGAS -- Lt. Col. Ron Stefanik, 926th Group commander, shakes a wounded veterans hand in the welcome line at The Venetianl on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11, 2010. The all expenses paid weekend getaway was planned by ThanksUSA, an organization created in an effort to thank the men and women of our armed forces and their families for their service to the country with scholarship programs and events like the "Tribute to the Troops."

020319-F-3354H-017. Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050124-F-6019H-003. Base: Mcconnell Air Force Base State: Kansas (KS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Georgia Tech Research Institute college and high school students receive an operations class for the M107A9 Paladin howitzer, assigned to the "BattleKings Battalion," 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, during a research visit to Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 19, 2022. The goal of the visit was to educate students and build partnerships through collaboration with GTRI and their affiliate programs, who are researching ways to improve the way artillery Soldiers track ammunition as part of the Army's modernization efforts.

Adam Nielsen, a former Kentucky National Guard Soldier, receives some assistance with a rubbing of the name of a fallen comrade, Staff Sgt. Nicholas R. Carnes, following a memorial service at Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky., May 30, 2022, honoring members of the Kentucky Guard who died in the line of duty. Carnes, who was killed in a firefight in Afghanistan on Aug. 26, 2007, was Nielsens squad leader during the deployment.

Joint Task Force-Bravo service members assigned to Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, hand bags of goods to local citizens May 7, 2022, during Chapel Hike 89 in Las Mesas, Honduras. More than 100 volunteers hiked with 25-pound bags of donated goods to provide to the town.

030603-M-8539K-005. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST Recon

A young boy waves American Flags as family members await their loved ones, Soldiers assigned to the 142nd Medical Company, to arrive at the Connecticut National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, September 8, 2022. The 142nd spent the past nine months deployed to Poland to provide medical care and patient transport in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

001022-M-4122I-010. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031005-F-3175F-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

030605-M-9248U-003. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: H&HS

020504-F-3188G-005. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Minneapolis-St Paul Iap/Ars State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers assigned to the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 734th Regional Support Group, launch t-shirts into the crowd during the Johnston Green Days parade in Johnston, Iowa, on June 18, 2022. The 734th Regional Support Group, headquartered at Camp Dodge, participated in the three-day celebration of the city that neighbors Iowas largest training base.

Asia Talbott, an instructor for the Basic RiderCourse (BRC), instructs U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jarvis Perkins, an administrative specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station New River, during a BRC class at the Motorcycle Training Facility on Camp Johnson, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 7, 2022. The BRC provides the basic mental and physical skills needed for riding and consists of 15-hours of instruction (5 hours classroom/10 hours riding), range exercises, and individual rider coach feedback while learning to ride.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Jehonathan Destine (far left), assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, assists the devil pups in training with an activity to identify the various Marine Corps uniforms and their purposes at the combat fitness test field, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, May 21, 2022. Marine Corps Community Services Cherry Point hosted Devil Pups to allow children of Marines to get a taste of Marine Corps recruit training.

230324-N-LN782-1119 (Mar. 24, 2023) U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command's Pass in Review in Great Lakes, Illinois, Mar. 24, 2023. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp

Miscellaneous - Coast Guard Operations - 26-HK-435-96. Hurricane Katrina

A child records the U.S. Air Force Total Force Band on his phone as they play in the Tournament of Roses Parade Jan. 1, 2022, in Pasadena, California. Americas Air Force participated in Americas New Year Celebration that includes the Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl Game, to kick-off 2022 and a yearlong celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Department of the Air Force.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 8, 2022) Capt. Les Sobol, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), gives an introductory speech for the annual Ikego Fire Prevention Parade & Open House, hosted by Commander, Navy Region Japan Fire and Emergency Services (CNRJ F&ES). The event was held to educate service members and their families about fire safety. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

040513-M-8683D-008. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Surobi Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: 3d BN 6th Mar

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.

DN-SN-89-10775. Base: Naval Base, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Pilot for a Day, Carter Winters poses for a photo in the cockpit of an F-16 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Jan. 19, 2024. Winters was able to tour the wing and experience the daily routine of an F-16 fighter pilot.

The crowd waits in line to tour the inside of a CH-47 Chinook display at the Arctic Thunder Open on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. This biennial event hosted by JBER is one of the largest in the state and one of the premier aerial demonstrations in the world. The event features multiple performers to include the JBER Joint Forces Demonstration Team, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Pacific Air Forces C-17 Demonstration Team and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.

030517-M-4547R-014. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD 2003 Base: Camp Red Horse, Utapao Country: Thailand (THA)

Oregon National Guard Brig. Gen. Mark Crosby, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, greets spectators at the beginning of the 71st Annual Linn County Veterans Day Parade in Albany, Oregon on Nov. 11, 2022. The event is recognized as one of the largest Veterans Day parades in the United States each year. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division march to Sainte-Mère-Église following the Airborne Memorial Ceremony in Normandy, France, June 6, 2022. Paratroopers come to Normandy to celebrate the triumph and victory of the 82nd Airborne Division in liberating Normandy from Nazi rule.

031219-F-0881Z-001. Base: Baghdad International Airport Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 323rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept 14-15, 2022. Col. Lauren A. Courchaine, Commander, 37th Training Wing, reviewed the ceremony

U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center clothing designer Emily Madden evaluates the fit of a Marine wearing Marine Corps Systems Commands redesigned physical training uniform prototype during a limited user evaluation at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 13, 2022. Select Marines will wear the updated prototype while they exercise for a 30-day trial period. Afterward, MCSCs clothing and equipment team will collect Marines feedback and make any necessary adjustments to the design.

As part of Operation Tomodachi, the United States military has humanitarian assistance capabilities positioned in the affected region that are supporting emergency relief efforts at the request of the government of Japan.

A child watches as a the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds prepare to perform during the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 30, 2022. The Thunderbirds have the honor of representing nearly 700,000 active duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and civilian Airmen across America and deployed around the world.

190819-N-LI768-2102PEARL HARBOR (August 19, 2019) Damage Controlman 2nd Class Ronald McKeever, assigned the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112), holds up his daughter during a homecoming ceremony following a three-month deployment. Michael Murphy was deployed to the U.S. 3rd and 4th fleet areas of operation.

U.S. Army Col. Bryan Logan, Joint Base San Antonio and 502nd Air Base Wing vice commander, speaks with Chris Carmona, Leadership San Antonio member, before the Air Force basic military training graduation ceremony at the parade field, JBSA-Lackland San Antonio, Texas, Jan. 18, 2024. Senior military leaders on JBSA provided San Antonio community leaders with an interactive military experience to give them a better understanding of the JBSA mission.

230902-N-LK647-1230 EAST MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Sep. 02, 2023) Boatswains Mate 3rd Class Kade Wakefield, assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), signals the distance of a pallet to the ship, as Normandy conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment oiler USNS Laramie (T-AO 203), Sep. 02, 2023. Normandy is part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group and is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Evacuees from Tacloban Airport exit a U.S. Air Force C-130H aircraft at Villamor Air Base, Republic of the Philippines, during Operation Damayan Nov. 19, 2013.

Secretary Dirk Kempthorne on visit to Walter Reed Hospital during lead-up to annual Rolling Thunder motorcyle rally through Washington, D.C.

A Florida State Seminoles women's soccer team athlete performs ammunition can lifts at Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, March 31, 2022. The 6MCD staff and the Jacksonville Officer Selection Team held leadership discussions with FSU staff and athletes and led them in events such as Battle Position, the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer, and the Marine Corps Flight Orientation Program.

Two young boys hold signs they made for their dad, 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.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Aug. 5, 2022) Members of Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) and the Fleet and Family Support Center celebrate the new school year with informational booths and snacks at the red brick area in front of the base commissary. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families. (U.S. Navy Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Conner Houghtaling)

020706-M-1132B-001. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MCB CVIC

A C-17 Globemaster III aircraft from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., evacuates Haitian Americans from Toussaint Louverture International Airport, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Jan. 18, 2010. The C-17 crew is assigned to the the 729th Airlift Squadron, March ARB, Calif.

7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Soldiers and Families celebrated an evening of fun and scares during the Annual Truck or Treat at Camp Bull” Simons, Fla., Oct. 28, 2022.

U.S. Army Trooper from the Horse Detachment, Regimental Support Squadron (RSS), 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (11th ACR,) introduces equine Troopers to members of the Fort Irwin community after a change of command ceremony and cavalry demonstration September, 14, 2022, at the Horse Detachment Stables, Fort Irwin, Calif. Fort Irwin is a small, isolated community and so giving back, not only to the regiment, but also to the larger community is what the horse detachment is here for, said Capt. Michael Gates, outgoing 11th ACR Horse Detachment commander.

040525-F-4185F-031. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division are joined by school children from the Netherlands and Germany to pay honors to the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment at the Liberation Monument in Beek, Netherlands, on September 16, 2022. The 82nd Airborne Division jumped onto the nearby Drop Zone "N" on September 17, 1944, as part of Operation Market Garden during World War II.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Katie Menges, left, 423rd Civil Engineer Squadron contingency support directorate Airman, teaches a student about civil engineering during Camp KUDOS (Kids Understanding Deployment Operations) at Royal Air Force Alconbury, England, May 20, 2022. KUDOS is a program developed to give children a deeper understanding of the military deployment process, the training parents receive, and to better deal with a loved ones absence.

230411-N-BR419-1024 YOKOSUKA, Japan (April 11, 2023) Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), participate in a pre-deployment information fair during a command picnic while in-port Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, April 11, 2023. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports Alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

French civilians take part in the Gavin Ceremony in Saint Mere Eglise, France, June 3, 2022. Paratroopers and the citizens of Saint Mere Eglise celebrate and honor Gavins contributions and mastery while in command of the 82nd Airborne Division during the invasion.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (July 4, 2022) Sailors and their families onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) participate in the annual Independence Day celebration. The festivities included musical performances, food, various activities and a fireworks exhibition. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleets forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

120617-N-CP762-137TOKYO (June 17, 2012) Damage Controlman 1st Class Nathan Alberti, a Sailor aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), gives a fire fighting demonstration to a child during an open ship tour in Tokyo. Blue Ridge's visit to Tokyo is an outward demonstration of U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan, the strong relationship between the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

A man dressed as Santa Claus gives treats to a US Navy Sailor and family members at Naval Base San Diego, CA. This is part of a celebration honoring the US Navy Attack Submarine USS POGY (SSN 647) part of Operation SCIENTIFIC EXERCISE 96, which spent 50 days underneath the arctic ice cap during a 93-day planned deployment. Subject Operation/Series: SCIENTIFIC EXERCISE 96 Base: Naval Air Station, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 11, 2022) Service members attached to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) and their families attend a holiday parade, hosted by Morale, Welfare and Readiness (MWR), in Ikego Housing Detachment. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

U.S. Marines and their families celebrate the 125th Celebration of the Marine Corps Exchange at the MCX parking lot on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 17, 2022. The MCX was approved by the Acting Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Roosevelt, and the first establishment of the first Marine Corps Exchange at Marine Barracks, Boston, Massachusetts in 1897.

221208-N-WF272-1765 BRICK TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Dec. 8, 2022) Brick Memorial High School students interact with an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit 12 remote controlled bomb-disposal robot while on lunch break during a Navy EOD Teams educational visit to the school on Dec. 8, 2022. The team, composed of members of EOD Mobile Unit 12, EOD Enlisted Community Management BUPERS-32, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, and Navy Recruiting Command, held interactive training using various robots, and discussed a variety of EOD and diver opportunities in the service.

010418-F-8748C-001. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn.- Elliott Crabtree, age 7, was chosen to be "Pilot for a Day" here. Crabtree got to tour different facilities around the base and meet Airmen from the 134th ARW. (Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Melissa Dearstone)

220404-N-OG286-1190 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (April 4, 2023) Sailors assigned to Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan, attend a Month of the Military Child opening ceremony at Shirley Lanham Elementary School onboard the installation. NAF Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW 5), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FIVE ONE (HSM-51) and 30 other tenant commands and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

SALT LAKE CITY (Sept. 14, 2017) Lt. Cmdr. Timothy Anderson, executive officer of USS Constitution, shows off a constitution cutlass at the local Ronald McDonald House during Navy Week Salt Lake City 2017. Navy Week programs serve as the principal outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, helping Americans understand that their Navy is deployed around the world, around the clock, ready to defend America at all times.

061202-N-1595A-004. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO

Military spouses who are a part of the 82nd Airborne Division participate in a "Be A Paratrooper For A Day" event at the United States Advanced Airborne School on Fort Bragg, N.C. on May 3, 2022. The spouses take part in a pre-jump demonstration, Meals Ready-to-Eat (MRE) eating contest, and jumping out of a 34-foot tower.

230628-N-EU502-1249 SAN DIEGO (June 28, 2023) - Friends and family gather to welcome Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) as the ship arrives 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cadin Caldwell, rescue specialist, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, shows a child firefighting equipment during the Marine Corps Birthday Bash at MCAS Yuma, Arizona, Nov. 5, 2022. Marine Corps Family Team Building hosted the event to give children an opportunity to celebrate the Marine Corps 247th birthday and learn about Marine Corps history and traditions.

The children of airmen hunt for Easter Eggs at the track, Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Ala., April 9, 2022. This is part of the celebration of the Month of the Military Child.

021116-F-1443F-004. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

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