Historic Military Ceremonies

Images from notable military events featuring crowds, dignitaries, and ceremonies including honors, reunions, and naval ship events.

DN-ST-86-02878. Base: Annapolis State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-04324. Country: Japan (JPN)

Members of the media gather around President George Bush as he meets with military personnel and civilians during his tour of the region. Bush is in Florida to assess damage and observe disaster relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. Base: Homestead Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A view of the crowd waiting to see the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) recommissioned. Base: Long Beach Naval Shipyard State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-05968. Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Office of the Secretary - Seafarer's Union and U.S.S. Bellatrix in Harvey, Louisiana New Orleans

LT. Robert Wetzel greets some of the well-wishers who turned out for a ceremony to honor him and two other former prisoners of war. Wetzel, LT. Jeffrey Zaun and LT. Lawrence Slade had been held by Iraq after being shot down during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A crew member from the guided missile frigate USS MCCLUSKY (FFG-41) speaks with a Russian sailor during a steel beach picnic on the pier sponsored by the crew of the MCCLUSKY. The frigate is making a port call in Vladivostok. Base: Vladivostok State: Siberia Country: Russia (RUS)

DN-ST-86-02878. Base: Annapolis State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-90-00432. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

S66-59966 (11 Nov. 1966) --- Astronauts James A. Lovell Jr. (leading), command pilot, and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., pilot, walk up the ramp at Pad 19 after arriving from the Launch Complex 16 suiting trailer during the prelaunch countdown. Moments later they entered the elevator which took them to the white room and the waiting Gemini-12 spacecraft. Liftoff was at 3 46 p.m. (EST), Nov. 11, 1966.

CMDR. Frank W. Stewart, commanding officer of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS LOUISVILLE (SSN-724), is reunited with his son following the vessel's arrival in port. The LOUISVILLE has returned to San Diego following its deployment to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, during which it became the first submarine to launch a Tomahawk land attack missile in a wartime situation. The submarine tender USS DIXON (AS-37) is moored to a pier in the background. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORMDESERT SHIELD Base: Naval Submarine Base, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-03717. Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A sailor puts his arms around loved ones upon returning to home port after 11 months at sea aboard the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB 62). Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A mother holds her child as she awaits the arrival of her husband aboard one of the ships of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) battle group. The vessels are returning to Norfolk following deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Trip to Western States: White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. President John F. Kennedy (near center left, wearing sunglasses) and others view missile demonstrations at the White Sands Missile Range in White Sands, New Mexico; Naval Aide to the President, Captain Tazewell T. Shepard, Jr., and Military Aide to the President, General Chester V. Clifton, stand at far right. Notes: Scratches in left portion of image are original to the negative.

Accompanied by Air Force Public Affairs Director Brigadier General Michael P. McRaney, Secretary of the Air Force Edward C. Aldridge Jr., speaks to journalists at Air Force Plant 42 during the rollout ceremony for the advanced technology bomber. Base: Palmdale State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-02112. Base: Augusta Bay, Sicily Country: Italy (ITA)

Family members of U.S. military personnel prepare to evacuate from Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

Family and friends of crew members board the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) following the vessel's six-month Mediterranean deployment. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Trip to Western States: Honolulu, Hawaii, visit to USS Arizona Memorial, 2:40PM. Associate Press Secretary, Andrew T. Hatcher (walking at center, wearing sunglasses), and Assistant Press Secretary, Malcolm Kilduff (standing at center, looking at the ground), visit the USS Arizona Memorial during President John F. Kennedys visit to Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii; spectators line both sides of the walkway. Notes: Scratches and blemishes throughout image are original to the negative.

DN-ST-87-08222. Base: Baltimore State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Back view of the guests attending the commissioning ceremony for the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS BALTIMORE (SSN-704). Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-90-00230. Base: Naval Base, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Ex-POW, U.S. Air Force CPT Martin James Neuens (Captured 12 Aug 66) takes a bag of cookies from the crowd of well wishers that gathered to say farewell to the returnees as they depart for the United States and home. CPT Neuens was released in Hanoi by North Vietnam on 4 Mar 73. Subject Operation/Series: HOMECOMING Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

Members of the Northeastern Navy Band, conducted by CHIEF Musician Robert Flower, perform during the commissioning of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS PITTSBURGH (SSN 720). Base: Naval Submarine Base, New London State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-01251. Base: New York Harbor State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-86-03843. Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A distinguished guest speaks during the commissioning of the fleet oiler USS MONONGAHELA (AO 178). Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

UN dignitaries arrive at the airport in Sarajevo for peace talks. The representatives are surrounded by armed military and civilians. Subject Operation/Series: PROVIDE PROMISE Base: Sarajevo Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

A crowd of well-wishers greets LT. Lawrence Slade following a ceremony honoring him and his fellow Navy pilots, LT. Robert Wetzel and LT. Jeffrey Zaun. The pilot's aircraft were shot down over Iraq during Operation Desert Storm and the men held as prisoners of war until their release on March 4th. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Officers stand at attention and salute the Navy color guard during the commissioning ceremony for the recently formed US Naval Space Command. Base: Dahlgren State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-01131. Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-00276. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A group of men who served with retired Admiral Arleigh Burke during World War II wave from the crowd as Burke arrives for the christening and launch of the guided missile destroyer ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51). Burke commanded Destroyer Squadron 23, known as the "Little Beavers," for 20 weeks during the war. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Relatives and friends of members of the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit welcome the men home from Lebanon. Base: Mcas, New River State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the first Air Force all-female flight crew to fly an overseas mission pose for German and American reporters and photographers. They flew a C-141 MEDEVAC aircraft from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., to Rhein-Main with a stop-over at Lajes Field, Azores. Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Members of the media from Scott, AFB, Air Force News and other organizations wait for the remains of USAF Lieutenant Michael Blassie, to arrive at Scott AFB, Illinois. The remains of Lieutenant Blassie are being returned to his family after lying unidentified for fourteen years in the Tomb of the Unknowns. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-02341. Base: Fort Lauderdale State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two women hand out flowers to members of Amphibious Construction Battalion One (ACB-1) riding in an M-939 5-ton cargo truck during the "San Diego Salutes the Troops" parade. The parade is being held in honor of all veterans, with special recognition being given to units that took part in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORMDESERT SHIELD Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Official Christening and Launch USS MASON (DDG 87) Launch party: (L to R) Rear Admiral (RADM) W. E. Meyer, USN (Ret); RADM William W. Cobb Jr., NAVSEA PEO TSC; Honorable John E. Baldacci, Rep. Maine; Honorable Thomas H. Allen, Rep. Maine; Honorable Susan M. Collins, Senator-Maine; Captain R. Hepburn, USN; RADM James A. Johnson, CNO representative; The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of eh Navy, Honorable Olympia J. Snowe, Senator, Maine, and ships sponsor; Mr. Allan C. Comeron, CEO General Dynamics Company; RADM David L. Brewer III, principal speaker, Matrons of Honor: Mrs. Kathleen Mason Bond and Mrs. Barbara B. Graham; Mr. James W. Graham; Mrs. C. Griffiths, Commander (CDR) David.... Complete Scene Caption: Official Christening and Launch USS MASON (DDG 87) Launch party: (L to R) Rear Admiral (RADM) W. E. Meyer, USN (Ret); RADM William W. Cobb Jr., NAVSEA PEO TSC; Honorable John E. Baldacci, Rep. Maine; Honorable Thomas H. Allen, Rep. Maine; Honorable Susan M. Collins, Senator

A large crowd waits to go aboard the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB 62) upon the ship's return to home port after 11 months at sea. A banner hanging in front of the amphibious assault ship USS PELELIU (LHA 5) proclaims, "We Love Big J.". Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An aviator is reunited with his children after arriving at the station along with other members of Carrier AIR WING 1 (CVW-1). The wing, stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66), has returned from 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)

DD-ST-89-03738. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-07520. Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Inspection tour of NASA installations: St. Louis, Missouri, McDonnell Aircraft, 3:27PM. President John F. Kennedy views a mock-up of the Gemini space capsule, during a tour of the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation plant in St. Louis, Missouri. On platform, in foreground (L-R): McDonnell engineer, Elbert Wiegand (seated in cockpit of the two-man spacecraft); Vice President of the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation and General Manager of Projects Mercury and Gemini, Walter F. Burke (back to camera); President Kennedy; Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, James S. McDonnell; Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Dr. James E. Webb. Also pictured: Senator Alexander Wiley (Wisconsin); Director of Defense Research and Engineering for the Department of Defense, Dr. Harold Brown; Director of Manned Space Flight, D. Brainerd Holmes; Director of the Bureau of the Budget, David E. Bell; Senator Edward V. Long (Missou

DA-ST-85-02289. Subject Operation/Series: URGENT FURY Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Officers and enlisted men aboard the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66) look out over the crowd on the pier as they stand behind the state flags hanging from the railings around the ship's bridge. The AMERICA is returning to Norfolk following its deployment to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-06788. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A view of the crewmen going aboard the guided missile frigate USS REID (FFG-30) during commissioning ceremonies. Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DD-ST-89-03792. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-08816. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the Naval Academy's Class of 1991 line up at the base of the platform to receive their diplomas during the academy's graduation and commissioning ceremony. Nearly 20,000 guests attended the ceremony, during which 937 midshipmen were graduated. Base: US Naval Academy, Annapolis State: Maryland(MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-00204. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

DN-ST-87-04532. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-87-03335. Base: Rhein-Main Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

DN-SC-86-03266. Base: Brunswick State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Four survivors of the World War II Bataan Death March ride in an automobile past the reviewing stand during the "San Diego Salutes the Troops" parade. The parade is being held in honor of all veterans, with special recognition being given to units that took part in operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORMDESERT SHIELD Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV-41) listen to an address by CHIEF of Naval Operations Adm. Frank B. Kelso II. The MIDWAY is deployed in the Persian Gulf region in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

DN-ST-86-04510. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-12691. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

S65-61830 (18 Dec. 1965) --- Astronauts James A. Lovell Jr. (left), Gemini-7 pilot, and Frank Borman, command pilot, are shown just after they arrived aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp. Greeting the astronauts are Donald Stullken (at Lovell's right), Recovery Operations Branch, Landing and Recovery Division, Dr. Howard Minners (standing beside Borman), Flight Medicine Branch, Center Medical Office, Manned Spacecraft Center, and Bennett James (standing behind Borman), a NASA Public Affairs Officer. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Gemini-7 spacecraft splashed down in the western Atlantic recovery area at 9 05 a.m. (EST), Dec. 18, 1965, to conclude a record-breaking 14-day mission in space.

DF-ST-88-10205. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Debbie Schmitt, a Senior MASTER Sergeant, and members of the Flaming Arrow Patrol Boy Scout Troop wave during the National Orange Show Parade. Based personnel helped handicapped scouts participate in the annual event. Base: Norton Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-03745. Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

September 11 demonstration, 1976, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona. Miquel Roca i Junyent.

Ex-POW and U.S. Navy LCMDR Danny Elloy Glenn (Captured 21 Dec 66) visits with a group of well wishers and friends who came to say goodbye as he leaves for United States. LCMDR Glenn was released in Hanoi by North Vietnam on 4 Mar 73. Subject Operation/Series: HOMECOMING Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

Sailors from the destroyer USS O'BANNON (DD-987) wear helmets customized with their ship's colors while holding an 26-foot personnel boat alongside the O'BANNON as an officer climbs aboard. The O'BANNON is preparing to depart from Charleston to take part in Unitas XXXII, a combined exercise involving the naval forces of the United States and nine South American countries. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXXII Base: Naval Base, Charleston State: South Carolina(SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-11283. Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Children hold balloons at the welcome home ceremony for A-7E Corsair II aircraft pilots. The pilots, from the Light Attack Squadrons 25 (VA-25) and 113 (VA-113), return from aboard the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61). Base: Naval Air Station, Lemoore State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

East Germans brave the weather as they gather for the official opening of the Brandenburg Gate. Base: Berlin Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A bow-on view of the nuclear-powered attack submarine NORFOLK (SSN-714). The speakers platform and a large audience are on the pier, in the foreground, during its launching. Base: Newport News State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

United States Air Force and Navy members pose for a photograph during Exercise Sandgroper '82. Subject Operation/Series: SANDGROPER '82 Base: Pearce Royal Australian Afb Country: Australia (AUS)

DN-ST-86-00397. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A panel of NASA and contractor senior staff, plus officers from the 45th Space Wing, discuss safetyand health-related concerns in front of an audience of KSC employees, as part of Super Safety and Health Day. Moderating at the podium is Loren Shriver, deputy director for Launch & Payload Processing. Seated left to right are Burt Summerfield, associate director of the Biomedical Office; Colonel William S. Swindling, commander, 45th Medical Group, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.; Ron Dittemore, manager, Space Shuttle Programs, Johnson Space Center; Roy Bridges, Center Director; Col. Tom Deppe, vice commander, 45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base; Jim Schoefield, program manager, Payload Ground Operations, Boeing; Bill Hickman, program manager, Space Gateway Support; and Ed Adamek, vice president and associate program manager for Ground Operations, United Space Alliance. The panel was one of the presentations during KSC's second annual day-long dedication to safety. Most normal work activ

DN-ST-87-01167. Base: New York Harbor State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chai Zemien, Chinese ambassador to the United States, and part of the delegation from the People's Republic of China are given a tour of t he Navy recruit receiving barracks. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CHIEF MASTER Sergeant James C. Binneker, left, CHIEF MASTER Sergeant of the Air Force, presents an award to STAFF Sergeant Maryellen M. Hammock during a luncheon honoring the 12 outstanding airmen of 1986. Base: Bolling Air Force Base State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-90-01374. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Honored guests watch the "San Diego Salutes the Troops" parade, an event being held to honor all veterans, especially those units that took part in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. The officers in the front row are, from left: MAJ. GEN. John C. Grinalds, commanding general (CG), Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, Calif.; LT. GEN. Walter E. Boomer, CG, 1ST Marine Expeditionary Force; Vice Adm. Edwin R. Kohn, commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; and MAJ. GEN. James M. Myatt, CG, 1ST Marine Division. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Air Force Colonel James Rowe, STAFF Judge Advocate, awards a Special Olympic athlete a medal during Mississippis Special Olympics. Base: Keesler Air Force Base State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh speaks during the commissioning of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS PITTSBURGH (SSN 720). Base: Naval Submarine Base, New London State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

North i.e. West End parade for returning prisoners of war , Parades & processions, Veterans. Edmund L. Mitchell Collection

DN-ST-86-02302. Subject Operation/Series: OCEAN VENTURE '84 Base: Naval Air Station, Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Armed Forces Inaugural Committee behind the scenes. The ballroom floor filled with guests at the Pension building during the celebration of the Inauguration of President Clinton. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-02494. Base: Naval Operating Base, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Family and friends of crew members aboard the frigate USS MARVIN SHIELDS (FF-1066) stand on the pier as they await the ship's return to port. The vessel is returning to San Diego following deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-12072. Base: Tempelhof Air Base Country: West Germany (FRG)

Veterans and spectators watch the dedication day parade for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Mrs. Jane Brakensiek Sisler breaks the traditional bottle of champagne on the stem of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) vehicle transport ship USNS SISLER (T-AKR 311) to officially christen the ship. The ship is named for her late husband who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1967. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-89-05553. Base: Attu, Aleutian Islands State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The crew of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) participates in a sunrise Easter service on the flight deck. Base: USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69) Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Trip to North Carolina: Visit to Fort Bragg, North Carolina. President John F. Kennedy visits 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. President Kennedy; Elvis Jacob Stahr, Jr., Secretary of the Army. Pope Air Force Base, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

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