← Military & Defence

Family Reunions with Soldiers

Heartwarming scenes of soldiers reuniting with family members after deployments, capturing emotions and the bond between them.

An Oklahoma National Guard Soldier with Task Force Lexington spends time with his loved ones before their 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.
An Oklahoma National Guard Soldier with Task Force Lexington spends time with his loved ones before their 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.
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U.S. Air Force Capt. Chase Todd, 459th Airlift Squadron UH-1N Huey pilot, places a helmet on a child during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 22, 2022. The two-day festival was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership, while strengthening the bonds between Yokota and the local communities. Yokota was able to host the event with the support of Japan Self-Defense Force, sister services and the local community.Pilots assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron pose with attendees for a photo during Friendship Festival 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan May 21, 2022. The two-day festival was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership, while strengthening the bonds between Yokota and the local communities. Yokota was able to host the event with the support of Japanese Self-Defense Force, sister services and the local community.120726-N-IO627-077 YOKOSUKA, Japan (July 26, 2012) Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Michael Tawney, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), meets his newborn son for the first time after the ship pulled into Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka following a patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. George Washington is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan and is the world's only forward deployed nuclear powered aircraft carrier.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 GuardFamilies and friends of the South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing greet their loved ones at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., as they return from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 19, 2016. Approximately 300 U.S. Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcon jets from the 169th Fighter Wing deployed to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, as the 157th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron in support of the U.S. Pacific Command Theater Security Package.U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ryan Scott, 2-10 AHB Commander, conducts his last flight as battalion commander on Fort Drum, Ny. July 15, 2022. Lt. Col. Scott was pinned his Master Aviator Wings afterwards, after completing 15 years of service and 2,000 flight hours.NORFOLK (Sept. 28, 2022) A Sailor, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), embraces their partner upon returning to Naval Station Norfolk after a regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operations, Sept. 28. Gonzelez was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in support of theater security cooperation efforts and to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.Chief Petty Officer Jordan Perry advances to Chief Warrant Officer and has his cover placed on his head by his daughter in North Kingston, RI on June 1, 2022. Perry is an Electronics Technician at Base Boston and works as the First District R21 Field Chief.A Soldier assigned to the 142nd Medical Company embraces his loved one after returning from deployment 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.Command Sgt. Major Marlow R. Parks, Command Sgt. Maj. of 2-82 Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, interacts with Polish civilians during a local Harvest Festival. Maintaining a good relationship with the Polish civilians helps to strengthen the trust and partnership between the U.S. and Poland.050112-A-9419D-001. State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 1776th MP CoA U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, meets their family on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 6, 2023. The Airman had just returned from a deployment in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The 6th ARW thanks all their service members and their families for the sacrifices they make throughout their military career. The support of military families serves as the backbone for the 6th ARWs ability to deliver hope and project lethality, anytime and anywhere.Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Tonee Barachina, assigned to USS Gerald R. Fords (CVN 78) air department, receives her cover from her husband and daughter during Fords Master Chief and Senior Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony, May 20, 2022. Six Master Chiefs and 16 Senior Chiefs were pinned during the ceremony. Ford is in port Naval Station Norfolk preparing for its next underway period.110310-N-DX615-069PEARL HARBOR (March 10, 2011) The son of Chief Information Systems Technician Jess Eisele wears his fatherÕs cover during a celebration for the arrival for the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) at Pearl Harbor for a port visit. Abraham Lincoln is returning to homeport in Everett, Wash., after a six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.DN-ST-89-07521. Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)SAN DIEGO (April 29, 2013) Information Systems Technician 1st Class George Augiero, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), embraces his family after arriving at Naval Air Station North Island. The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group returned from an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.NAVAL BASE KITSAP-BREMERTON, Wash. (May 25, 2022) - U.S. Navy Senior Chief Electricians Mate (Nuclear) Jarrett Perez, attached to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), is pinned by his family during a frocking ceremony at the Naval Base Kitsap auditorium, Bremerton, Wash., May 25, 2022. Theodore Roosevelt is in a docking planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility where the ship will receive scheduled maintenance and upgrades.030429-F-9471G-005. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobilty CommandNORFOLK (April 16, 2022) - A Sailor assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57), embraces his son after the ship's return to homeport, Naval Station Norfolk, April 16. Mitscher deployed to the European theater of operations and participated in a range of maritime activities in support of Naval Forces Europe and NATO Allies.An Airman from the 19th Airlift Wing reunites with a loved one at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, after returning from a deployment, April 4, 2022. Airmen from the 19th AW deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, which is known as U.S. Central Commands Theater Gateway, and is capable of responding to contingencies throughout the area of responsibility through tactical airlift operations.221008-M-VR919-2007 (October 8, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Nathan Johnson, officer selection officer, Recruiting Station San Francisco, prepares child for pilot simulation during San Francisco Fleet Week 2022 education center at Marina Green, California, Oct. 7, 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.Military Couple Greeting Each Other On Home LeaveU.S. Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Miche'al Strayhorn is advanced to sergeant major during a ceremony at Ike Skelton Training Site, Jefferson City, Missouri, August 4, 2022.She is currently the J1 Directorate Sergeant Major at Joint Force Headquarters, Jefferson City, Missouri.030428-F-0558K-091. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC030530-M-8539K-017. 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 AABNU.S. Air Force Col. Robert McAllister, 87th Air Base Wing Vice Commander, greets fellow wingmen at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurt, N.J., Oct. 5, 2022. McAllister has returned to JB MDL from his six month deploymentU.S. Air Force Col. Robert McAllister, 87th Air Base Wing Vice Commander, greets fellow wingmen at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurt, N.J., Oct. 5, 2022. McAllister has returned to JB MDL from his six month deploymentMarines with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, embrace their families for the first time after the Family Day ceremony on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Dec 1, 2022. The Marines were released to spend time with their friends and families.Chief Warrant Officer 2 Marcus Dunmore, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, receives the Army Achievement Medal from Lt. Gen. Bill Burleson, Eighth Army commanding general, during the 2022 General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award ceremony held at USAG Humphreys, South Korea, Dec. 5, 2022.A Soldier assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School poses for a photo with his family following a Regimental First Formation at Fort Bragg, North Carolina May 12, 2022. The ceremony marked the completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course where Soldiers earned the honor of wearing the green beret, the official headgear of Special Forces.Members of the Utah National Guard's 65th Field Artillery Brigade return to Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base January 31, 2019. More than 100 soldiers left in March and spent the past ten months deployed and returned to Utah in two groups.040225-M-3843C-007. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)230628-N-ZQ263-2037 SAN DIEGO (June 28, 2023) A U.S. Navy Sailor assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73 greets his family after the traditional first kiss after returning from deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz arrives in San Diego concluding a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations (AO). Nimitzs presence in U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet AOs reinforced the United States commitment to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.230405-N-EH998-1231 NORFOLK, Va. (April 5, 2023) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) greet their families upon returning to Norfolk Naval Station, April 5, 2023. USS Nitze returns to homeport after an eight-month deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 2nd, 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.Family, fellow squadron and Team Dover members wait for deployed personnel to deplane at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Oct. 3, 2022. Deployed personnel were greeted upon returning to Dover after being deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar.Norfolk, Va. (September 1, 2022). Lt. Aaron Antonio, assigned to the San Antonio-Class Amphibious Transport Dock USS New York (LPD 21), is promoted to Lieutenant Commander during a ceremony aboard the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64). The ceremony occurred in front of the Battleships iconic turret No. 1 and was attended by members of his family and command. The ceremony was hosted and coordinated by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, one of ten U.S. Navy museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command. The museum offers military ceremonies for area commands without cost as part of their military outreach offerings. (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released).Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomed General de Ala DEMA Miguel Eduardo Hernández Velazquez,Incoming Chief of Delegation of Mexico to the IADBfor a visit to the IADC Campus on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Jan. 27, 2023. During the visit, the distinguished visitor conducted an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ariane Friend, 1st Squadron, 102nd Cavalry, New Jersey Army National Guard, poses for a photo with her children before the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, and Alpha and Bravo Troops farewell ceremony at the armory in Westfield, N.J., Jan. 21, 2019. The three units are deploying to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in support of Operation Spartan Shield. (New Jersey National GuardFamilies, 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.Norfolk, Va. (September 1, 2022). Lt. Aaron Antonio, assigned to the San Antonio-Class Amphibious Transport Dock USS New York (LPD 21), is promoted to Lieutenant Commander during a ceremony aboard the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64). The ceremony occurred in front of the Battleships iconic turret No. 1 and was attended by members of his family and command. The ceremony was hosted and coordinated by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, one of ten U.S. Navy museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command. The museum offers military ceremonies for area commands without cost as part of their military outreach offerings. (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released).ROTA, Spain (March 20, 2016) Yeoman 1st Class Michael Traynor reunites with his family after the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) returns to Rota, Spain March 20, 2016. Ross is forward deployed to Rota, Spain, and is conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.164th Airlift Squadron members conduct the ceremonial final formation flight of two C-130H Hercules during the 179th Airlift Wing Flying Legacy ceremony at Mansfield Lahm ANGB, Ohio, April 23, 2022. After being selected to become the nation's first Air National Guard Cyber Wing, the unit is transitioning from flying a C-130H Hercules and honored their unit's historical heritage as a flying unit dating back to 1948 with lineage reaching back to 1942 including the 363rd Fighter Squadron of World War II.GREAT LAKES, Ill. (June 27, 2022) - Family members and loved ones congratulate Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) midshipman following a graduation ceremony in the Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall at Recruit Training Command (RTC), June 27. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and enlisted SA young Poznan resident poses in military body armor assigned to U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Bijan Shokrgozar, with 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during a table display at the Camp Kościuszko Military Picnic at John Paul II Park, Poznań, Poland, July 30, 2022. The military picnic is part of a series of events celebrating the renaming to Camp Kościuszko and the shared history and commitment to collective defense between the United States and Poland.CLAY NATIONAL GUARD CENTER, Marietta, Ga. December 7, 2017 - Georgia Army National Guard Maj. Mike Viskup, commander of Company B, 2-245th Aviation Regiment is embraced by girlfriend Katie Huckaby after his return from a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan.Georgia National Guard photograph by Capt. William Carraway / ReleasedU.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Benny Hubbard, the district Sgt. Maj. for Gulf Region South, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, shakes hands with an Iraqi child prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Salah Hadi Obid Elementary School in Afak, Iraq, Oct. 11, 2006. The construction of the school was funded, contracted and inspected by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.U.S. Army Sgt. Moroni Lima, a bridge crewmember assigned to the 250th Engineer Company (Multi-Role Bridge Company), who was attached to the 142nd Area Support Medical Company, Connecticut Army National Guard, poses for a photograph with his family at the Connecticut Army National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, Sept. 8, 2022. The 142nd ASMC previously spent the past nine months deployed to Poland providing medical care in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.Congratulations to Col. Kara-Marie Delaney on her promotion.TERNATE, Republic of the Philippines (March 16, 2010) - Lt. CMDR. Ray Bailey, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Chaplain, plays with one-year old Christian Mendoza during a community relations project at San Juan Elementary School, March 15. Marines and sailors with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st (MEU) delivered toys, clothes, and school supplies to the school where Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) servicemembers helped pass out the supplies. The two nations conduct COMREL events around the country in conjunction with medical, dental projects, and bilateral training exercises during exercise Balikatan 2010 (BK 10).Returning soldier greeting family in airportAir Commandos and families of the fallen Talon 13 aircrew members stand during the playing of Taps at a remembrance ceremony Aug. 5, 2022, at Hurlburt Field, Florida. All 10 aircrew members of Talon 13 perished following a crash that occurred while conducting a training flight Aug. 7, 2002, in Puerto Rico.U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Austin Derosa, a Soldier assigned to 10th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, walks with Luis Carreras, emeritus ambassador of the U.S. Army Reserve, to place new signs at Warriors Walk during a three-day refurbishment project on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 5th, 2022. Like any other monument in Coastal Georgia, weather eventually starts to damage the memorials placed throughout Warriors Walk.221013-N-CE729-1305NORFOLK (Oct. 13, 2022) - Recently promoted Information System Technician 2nd class Nicholas Thayer, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsage (LHD 3), greets his family on the Pier 10, Oct. 13, 2022. USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), assigned to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, returns from a seven-month deployment operating in the High North and Baltic Sea. 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.Maj. Brandon Tellez greets his wife and 15-month-old son Jan. 28, 2013, at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.Nearly 200 people and a few F-22 Raptors from the base returned from a nine-month deployment to Southwest Asia. Tellez is an F-22 pilot assigned to the7th Fighter Squadron.Colonel Jeremy Ford, 152nd Airlift Wing commander, gets sprayed with water and champagne by family and co-workers after his final flight fini-flight with the wing, July 26, 2022. Ford has been the commander of the 152nds High Rollers since 2021 and will be leaving in early August to take a new position with the National Guard Bureau at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va.CMDR. Doug Dupouy, Fighter Squadron 74 (VF-74), is reunited with his family after arriving at the station. Dupouy, along with other members of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) 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)030814-F-2621S-001. Complete Scene Caption: US Air Force (USAF) STAFF Sergeant (SSGT) Mike Green, an F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft Crew CHIEF, assigned to the 108th Fighter Wing (FW), Ohio National Guard (OHANG), poses for a photograph holding his 10-year-old guest, Garrett Matuszewski, Make-a-Wish Foundation cancer patient. Garrett's wish was to visit a military installation with F-16 fighter aircraft. Members of the 180th FW made sure to make it a memorable trip for Garrett. He spent the day on the flight line watching the jets take off while listening and talking to the pilots on his very own headset, learning about various F-16 flight controls while sitting in the cockpit, and learning how to fly in an F-16 flight simulator. The Make-A-Wish Foundation helps sick and terminally ill children with a chance to fulfill a wish. Base: Swanton State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)NORFOLK, Va. (June 24, 2022) Operations Specialist Seaman Gustavo Gomez, from San Antonio, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) embraces family on the pier following a return to Naval Station Norfolk after a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, June 24. Gravely was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.000818-N-0872M-506. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)U.S. Marines and families with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501, Marine Aircraft Group 31, play games during VMFAT-501s Family Day at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Aug. 26, 2022. This Family Day created opportunities for Marines and families to continue to build and strengthen unit morale for VMFAT-501s mission.A family member of a U.S. Marine with 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, puts on an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) 10 bomb suit 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.Portrait of a small boy in a military uniform.020319-F-3354H-004. Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)220912-N-QI061-1792 NORFOLK (Sept. 12, 2022) A Sailor assigned to the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) greets family after returning to Naval Station Norfolk from a regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operations in support of theater security cooperation efforts and to defend U.S., allied and partner interests, Sept. 12.051201-A-9419D-045. Base: Lansing State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)U.S. Marines with Marine Forces Reserve volunteer at a Toys for Tots distribution event at Believers Life Family Church, Gretna, Louisiana, Dec. 11, 2022. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. The Toys for Tots program aims to provide happiness and hope to disadvantaged children through the gift of a new toy during the holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by Marines and Toys for Tots Foundation offer these children recognition and a positive memory that can last a lifetime.U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- U.S. Air Force Academy cadets participate in the annual Acceptance Day Parade. During this event, cadets receive their fourth-class shoulder boards to recognize completing Basic Cadet Training (BCT) and to signify their acceptance into the Cadet Wing. The parade takes place on the Academys Stillman Field in Colorado Springs, Colo., August 5th, 2022.A community member takes a selfie with Maj. Denard Honeysuckle, U.S. Army Garrison Benelux - Brussels provost marshal, June 25, 2022 at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium. U.S. Army Garrison Benelux hosted the 2022 Chièvres Air Fest June 24 and 25 at Chièvres Air Base in celebration of the decades of partnership between the U.S. Army and its host nation community.A Harlowtown elementary student smiles at his teacher during the Local Integrated Response Plan public display Sept. 12, 2022, in Harlowtown, Mont. The LIRP is an open display of capability to the public and included a UH-N1 Huey helicopter landing on a football field. Members of the Harlowtown community were able to talk with personnel, sit inside the armed rescue vehicles and helicopter and ask questions about the security provided by Malmstrom Air Force Base.Washington National Guard service members take part in the annual Washington State Summer Con at the state fairgrounds in Puyallup, Wash., June 17-18, 2022. Guests got to meet Guardsmen, learn about military equipment, and the mission of the Washington National Guard.Platoon leader CPT David Best from Bravo Company 1/17th Infantry 172nd Stryker BDE Ft. Wainwright, AK stops in to check on his favorite Iraqi family June 16, 2006 during a foot patrol in Badush west of Mosul, Iraq. CPT Best has been checking in on this family about once a week since January 2006. He says, "the family has kind of adopted me, and since January you can see the kids getting bigger."France Television reporters interview U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Alex Pelbath, 437th Operations Group, about his role and experience as an aerial mission commander during Operation Allies Refuge at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Aug.16, 2022. This August marks the first anniversary of the largest non-combatant evacuation operation in history, with nearly 800 aircraft from more than 30 nations evacuating 124,000 people from Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, over 17 days.BOSTON - Cpl. Robert Mabry of 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines, India Company, out of Nashville, Tenn., explains the uses of a M1151 high mobility, multi-purpose, wheeled vehicle to a young girl at Joe Moakley Park, Boston during a static display set up for Marine Week Boston, May 8, 2010. Marine Week provides an opportunity to increase public awareness of the Marine Corps' value to our nation's defense and to preserve and mature the Corps' relationship with the American people.220907-N-RQ186-1233Norfolk, 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 Sgt. Maj. Russell D. Boley, the new sergeant major of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 29, celebrates with his family during a relief-and-appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, April 22, 2022. The ceremony represented the passing of office from Sgt. Maj. Chad M. Coston to Boley. MAG-29 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.Sitting in the cockpit, US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Backelor talks with a little girl named Alexandria during a Recruiting Exposition on Armed Forces Day hosted by Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan. Members of the 127th Wing Squadrons showed their Employers and guests who are interest in joining the Air National Guard, what their jobs are all about. Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)Children pose for a picture while sitting on a AH-64 Apache attack helicopter of the 1st Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, during the Arctic Thunder Open House at 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.U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ryan Scott, 2-10 AHB Commander, conducts his last flight as battalion commander on Fort Drum, Ny. July 15, 2022. Lt. Col. Scott was pinned his Master Aviator Wings afterwards, after completing 15 years of service and 2,000 flight hours.U.S. Army Sgt. John Karabin, Bravo Company Forward 2, 104th Brigade Engineer Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard, poses for photo after the farewell ceremony for Bravo Companies Forward 1 and 2, 104th Brigade Engineer Battalion, at the Kathedral Event Center at Hammonton, N.J., Feb. 1, 2019. Forward 1 is deploying in support of Operation Spartan Shield while Forward 2 is deploying in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (New Jersey National GuardU.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. Charles Nelson, a network chief with Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, hugs his family after returning from Finland on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 8, 2022. Task Force Red Cloud, headquartered by elements of CLB-6, was deployed to Finland in support of Exercises SYD 2022 and Freezing Winds 2022 to enhance U.S. and Finnish select interdependence in the maritime domain; solidify bilateral maritime maneuver within the Finnish littoral environment; and foster strong relationships between U.S. Marine Corps and Finnish Defense Force sustainment units.Ex-POW, U.S. Navy CMDR Charles E. Southwick (Captured 14 May 67) gets a kiss from a young girl as he prepares to board the C-141 Starlifter for the flight to the United States. CMRD Southwick was released in Hanoi by North Vietnam on 4 Mar 73. Subject Operation/Series: HOMECOMING Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)Retired U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Murphy, an Invictus Game competitor and MaryTherese Griffin Complete an interview April 12, 2022 on Fort Belvoir, VA. Team U.S is a part of more than 500 participants from 20 countries who will take part in The Invictus Games The Hague 2020 featuring ten adaptive sports, including archery, field, indoor rowing, powerlifting, swimming, track, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair ruby, and a driving challenge.An Eielson Child Development Center student and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Grant Saum, the 354th Fighter Wing director of staff, pose for a photo on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 1, 2022. During the immersion, the CDC students learned firsthand about the different equipment and gear aircrew and pilots use.040317-F-3983J-036. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)Marines with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, participating in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force display interact with the audience after their demonstration during the 2009 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show Oct. 3. Hundreds of spectators showed their support with high-fives to the participating Marines.More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 322nd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, July 27-28, 2022. Lt. Gen. Richard W. Scobee, Commander, Air Force Reserve Command, reviewed the ceremony.STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Mississippi (May 23, 2022) - Rear Adm. Ronald Piret, Commander, Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Command, presided over the promotions of Naval Oceanographys newest Senior and Master Chief Aerographers Mates at NASA Stennis Space Center, Mississippi May 23, 2022. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions faster than the adversary.A sailor holds his daughter upon his arrival at the station aboard one of five ships of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) battle group. The vessels have returned from the Persian Gulf area after being deployed during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)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.NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (Nov. 19, 2012) Lt. Cmdr. Chris Singletary, assigned to the Chargers of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 14, walks with his son on the flight line during a homecoming celebration. HS-14 completed a deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).NORFOLK (Sept. 8, 2022) Sailors aboard the USS San Jacinto (CG-56) greet their families at Naval Station Norfolk after a regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operations, Sept. 8. San Jacinto was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in support of theater security cooperation efforts and to defen U.S, allied and partner interests.Sergio Matias Chontal-Harter participates in a simulated formation for retreat with Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger and 1st Sgt. Jacob Pattison with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort McCoy, on Feb. 12, 2024, at the garrison headquarters at Fort McCoy, Wis. Matias, 6, interviewed Messenger as part of a school social studies project. Matias is the son of a Fort McCoy employee, and he also experienced what it's like to participate in the Army Combat Fitness Test and how to participate in retreat at the end of the duty day. ArmyParents clap for students as they enter Lakenheath Elementary School during a Flood the Walk event in support of Month of the Military Child at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, April 14, 2022. During the month of April, the Department of Defense celebrates the Month of the Military Child to highlight the sacrifices military children make on the homefront while their parents serve the United States.120627-N-UM744-007GROTON, Conn. (June 27, 2012) Sonar Technician (Submarine) 2nd Class William Wade, assigned to the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Annapolis (SSN 760), talks to his two-year-old daughter while holding his eight-week-old son for the first time moments after returning home from a six-month deployment. Annapolis departed Groton in January for a six-month deployment during which they operated in the 5th and 6th Fleet area of responsibility.220809-N-AS200-4722 POINT MUGU, Calif. (Aug. 9, 2022) - Lt. Nick Neighbors, assigned to "Wallbangers" Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 117, is greeted by his family following a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of operations with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, embarked aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). 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.More than 600 Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 321 Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training on April 7, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Col. Todd Dyer, 99th Air Base Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Trey Morgan III, 99th Air Base Wing command chief, reviewed the ceremony.220626-N-UP745-1337NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (June 26, 2022) Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Seaman Steven Lester, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), reunites with a loved one as the ship returns to Naval Station Mayport, Florida after a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, June 26. Jason Dunham was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.Airmen, friends, and family members of the 158th Fighter Wing await the arrival of fighter pilots from an overseas deployment, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Aug. 2, 2022. This week, F-35A Lightning II Aircraft, equipment, and personnel from the 158th Fighter Wing begin returning home from a three month overseas deployment at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform for the Fairchild Skyfest Air Show at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 15, 2022. The Thunderbirds represent the pride, precision, and professionalism of nearly 700,000 total force American Airmen around the globe.