← Military & Defence

Homecomings and Family Reunions

Photos of soldiers reuniting with their families after deployments, illustrating emotional moments and the bonds of military families.

Soldiers from the 75th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment redeployed at Fort Sill Feb. 5 and 7 after they spent about a month at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California for an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise.

First Lt. Austin Woods holds his son Maximus at the welcome home ceremony for the Ohio National Guards 1st Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery Regiment Aug. 10, 2019, at the Landmark Church in Cincinnati. The unit completed a successful deployment to the Washington, D.C. area where the 1-174th played a pivotal role in supporting the National Capitol Region-Integrated Air Defense System mission, providing personnel support to the ongoing homeland defense mission, which included the use of radar, ground-based air defense systems and communications equipment.

More than 70 members of the Maryland Army National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 115th Military Police Battalion return from an Afghanistan deployment Sept. 25, 2013, at the CSM Blair Lee Crockett Readiness Center in Salisbury, Md. The unit deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in November 2012. They served as advisors and mentors to the Afghan National Police and helped to build Afghanistan's domestic security forces.

Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, Wisconsin adjutant general, and other senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders joined families and friends at a formal sendoff ceremony May 30 for approximately 30 members of the 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment, who will deploy to Kuwait as part of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield. The unit, based in West Bend, Wis., will deploy Soldiers from Companies C, D and E of the 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation for the mission where they will provide helicopter medevac assets and maintenance support to American personnel operating in the region. The battalion is made up of National Guard aviation units spread across Colorado, Nebraska and Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Soldiers will deploy as part of a larger aviation task force being sent to the region. Upon arriving in the Middle East, the unit will provide timely and efficient aeromedical evacuations using the UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and effective enroute care from

Sustainment Bde Return

Maj. Cody Cade embraces his son, Wyatt, 5, while being welcomed home, Jan. 13, 2024, at Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska. Family and friends welcomed home 10 Nebraska Army National Guard Soldiers with Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 1-134th Cavalry Squadron, as they returned from a 10-month overseas deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility where they were stationed at Grafenwoehr, Germany, as part of the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine, supporting training for Ukrainian Armed Forces counterparts. The Nebraska Soldiers were part of Task Force Bowie - made up of around 160 soldiers in total - which directly trained or supported training for approximately 7,500 Ukrainian troops.

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

1st Lt. Nick Anderson, a navigator in the 123rd Airlift Wing, holds his daughter, Piper Kate Anderson, during a welcome-home ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., July 4, 2018. Anderson was one of more than 60 Air Guardsmen returning from a four-month deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. He last saw Piper when she was just 12 days old.

A Soldier assigned to the 35th Corps Signal Brigade holds his baby and greeted by his family at Green Ramp after returning home from deployment to Europe Oct. 28 at Fort Bragg N.C. Elements of the XVIII Airborne Corps completed a nine-month deployment to Germany in support of the NATO Alliance. Americas Contingency Corps rapidly deployed in February 2022 with 300 personnel from the Corps headquarters element to provide a Joint Task Force-capable headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany. The deployment was directed by the Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III as a response to a heightened security environment in Eastern Europe and to reinforce NATOs eastern flank.

Soldiers from the 75th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment redeployed at Fort Sill Feb. 5 and 7 after they spent about a month at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California for an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise.

Maj. Gen. James B. Laster, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, presents Sgt. Joe L. Wrightsman's son, Macae Garcia, 2, with Wrightsman's Navy and Marine Corps Medal during the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, memorial ceremony at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay chapel Jan. 14, 2011. Wrightsman gave his life trying to save an Afghan policeman drowning in Afghanistans Helmand River July 18, 2010. The memorial ceremony honored the lives of Wrightsman and 1st Lt. Scott J. Fleming, who both died supporting combat operations during 3/3's recent Afghanistan deployment.

Airmen and their children participate in a variety of activities as part of a "Take your child to work day" event, June 21, 2022, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. Some of the activities included touring a C-130, visiting the fire department, and watching a flag folding demonstration.

Some U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 4-118th Infantry Battalion, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), attached to the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina National Guard, return home Sept. 30, 2020, with South Carolina National Guard leaders greeting them in Columbia, South Carolina, after a deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield. The 4-118th Infantry Battalion deployed to the Middle East after departing South Carolina in August 2019. The return of the Soldiers from the Middle East is conducted in stages due to mission requirements.

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.

A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 525th Fighter Squadron Expeditionary team reunites with his child after returning from his deployment to Kadena Air Base, Japan, on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 8, 2023. The Expeditionary Fighter Squadron team included 299 active duty and reserve personnel from 8 different JBER squadrons.

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

U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher Restrepo, 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry, spends time with his son after the farewell ceremony for more than 180 New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers from Alpha and Charlie Companies, 2nd Battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, at the Prudential Center, Newark, N.J., Feb. 4, 2019. The Battalion will be deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa. (New Jersey National Guard

U.S. Army Capt. A.J. Armstrong is greeted by his family as 15 Soldiers with the South Dakota Army National Guards 200th Engineer Company arrive at T.F. Riggs High School in Pierre, S.D., May 19, 2018. The Soldiers returned home after a nine-month deployment to Syria where they served as a bridge training team and emplaced and repaired bridges throughout the region to ensure freedom of movement for U.S. military and coalition forces.

More than 150 service members of the 856th Military Police Company from the Arizona National Guard rally together with their families on Bushmaster Field in Phoenix, Arizona for an emotional send off ceremony January 21st. The company prepares to step off on a year long deployment oversees in the Central Command area of responsibility.

050209-A-8359B-186. Base: Fort Buchanan, San Juan State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Indiana National Guardsman Pfc. Ryan Keller of Goshen, Ind., holds his nephew, Declan, following the departure ceremony for the 1st Squadron, 152nd Cavalry Regiment at Camp Atterbury on Monday, October 17th.

Sgt. 1st Class Vincent Humerickhouse, a member of Task Force Tomahawk, reunites with family members at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City, Feb. 23, 2024. Task Force Tomahawk returned from a nine-month deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, where the Citizen-Soldiers provided security at multiple sites across the Horn of Africa as well as manned the East African Response Force. (Oklahoma National Guard

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 325th Brigade Support Battalion show to family members how their electrical supply equipment works at the Tactical Family Day event at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, July 28, 2022. The Tactical Family Day Event allowed Soldiers to show their families what their work "in the field" is like. (U.S. Army photograph by Spc. Joshua Oller/28th Public Affairs Detachment)

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

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

A Soldier from the 228th Engineer Company, 337th Engineer Battalion, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, greets his family after returning home from their deployment at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. on July 13, 2022. The Soldiers returned home after their deployment to southwest Asia

baby snuggles with active duty military mom in uniform

221008-M-BQ292-2077 (Oct. 8, 2022) A child poses for a photo within a 7-ton truck during the Humanitarian Assistance Village and STEM Education Center as part of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW). 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 effects, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

Spc. Salva Faatea of Kaneohe, Hawaii, distributes milk to the children of the Ban Pong Wua School in rural Thailand as part of the Cobra Gold joint humanitarian mission hosted at the Ban Nong Buatong School in the Chanthaburi District of Thailand Jan. 24 to Feb. 11. Present on the new classroom facility job site were the Hawaii National Guard, 230th Engineer Company, Vertical and the Royal Thai Marine Engineer Battalion.

A U.S. Marine greets his family during Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533, Marine Aircraft Group 31, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. VMFA(AW)-533 returned from the Unit Deployment Program which provides forward presence and assists commanders around the globe.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 4th Security Forces Assistance Brigade, take a photo with onlookers before an assurance flyover in Skanderbeg Square, Tirana, Albania, Aug. 22, 2022. The flyover demonstrated the United States' commitment and assurance to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies and partners located in southeastern Europe.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 4th Security Forces Assistance Brigade, meet onlookers before an assurance flyover in Skanderbeg Square, Tirana, Albania, Aug. 22, 2022. The flyover demonstrated the United States' commitment and assurance to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies and partners located in southeastern Europe.

Staff Sgt. Tyler Forsyth from the 241st Engineering Installation Squadron assists guests in the screening tent for the Smoky Mountain Airshow September 11, 2022.Members of the 134th Air Refueling Wing were on hand to assist the public at the Smoky Mountain Air Show, taking place at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base on September 10-11th, 2022.

051124-A-9419D-026. Base: Wyoming State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Pvt. Joseph Tapia, a cannon crew member with A Battery, 3rd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, sits with daughter, Kaylie, during a presentation of gift computers Aug. 7, 2009, at Fort Bragg, N.C., by Operation Homelink, a nonprofit organization that donates computers for families to communicate with their deployed Soldiers.

041027-F-9350J-035. Base: Topeka State: Kansas (KS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220527-N-KD414-2559 POINT MUGU, Calif. (May 27, 2022) Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class Patrick Frazier, assigned to Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW), left and his wife, Yeoman 2nd Class Kaleigh Frazier assigned to Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), reenlisted onboard NBVC, May 27. NBVC is comprised of three distinct facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, and San Nicolas Island. It is the largest employer in Ventura County and actively protects Californias largest coastal wetlands through its award-winning environmental programs.

960903-A-9384H-039. Subject Operation/Series: FAIRWINDS '96 Country: Haiti (HTI)

051201-A-9419D-044. Base: Lansing State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno shakes the hand of an Afghan child recovering at the Staff Sgt. Heathe N. Craig Joint Theater Hospital at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan Feb. 21, 2013.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kyle Ware, a Soldier assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, interacts with his son following the units call to duty ceremony Sept. 25, 2022, at Thomas Worthington High School in Worthington, Ohio. Multiple call to duty ceremonies were conducted across the state for several subordinate elements of the 37th IBCT, as about 1,800 Soldiers are deploying overseas for approximately a year in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

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

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Evan Hoff, the 355th Fighter Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment assistant noncommissioned officer in charge, helps an Eielson Child Development Center student wear a pilot suit 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Mitchell Bedwell, fixed wing aircraft mechanic F/A-18, Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 533, Marine Air Group 31, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, greets his family during a homecoming at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 5, 2022. VMFA(AW)-533 returned from the Unit Deployment Program which provides forward presence and assists commanders around the globe.

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

Troopers from 1st Cavalry Division HHBN participated in welcoming children to their first day of school at Mae Stevens Elementary Learning Academy in Copperas Cove, TX, August 16, 20222. The event was part of Fort Hood's Adopt a School program who's goal is to develop a partnership of support between the installation and various schools in the area.

Airmen with the RAF Lakenheath Fire Department hand out candy during the annual Fire Prevention week parade at RAF Lakenheath, England, Oct. 10, 2022. Fire Prevention week was started after the Great Chicago fire in 1922 as a way to call attention to fire safety.

1st Infantry Division Command Sergeant Major-Riley, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Serrano, hands out stickers to children in front of static displays during Kansas State Universitys Fort Riley Day, September 17, 2022. KSU holds their Fort Riley Appreciation Day annually, where they honor military service members both at home and overseas.

111215-N-PB383-615 SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (Dec. 14, 2011) A Marine assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) walks with children during a community service event at the Help the Cambodian Children Goodwill Center. Pearl Harbor and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th MEU are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.

221007-N-LH674-1032 SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 7, 2022) Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Chris Mankowski, assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion One (ACB 1), talks to civilians at the Humanitarian Assistance Village (HAV) exhibit during San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2022. SFFW 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 the city and its surrounding areas.

YOKOSUKA, Japan, (Oct. 21, 2022) Chief Information Systems Technician Marcus Carter,is pinned to the rank of chief petty officer during a chief pinning ceremony at the Fleet Theater onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). Eighteen Sailors from CFAY and tenant commands were promoted to the rank of chief petty officer during the ceremony. 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.

050526-F-1844A-057. Base: Fob Danger, Tikrit State: Salah Al Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 42ND INFANTRY DIVISION

030429-F-4441R-034. Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Betty, the 88th Readiness Division Command Sgt. Maj., presents 88th Readiness Division unit patches to Ellison Grace Lies as her family looks on. Ellison is currently going through treatment for Leukemia. The ruck march was paused for a short time to honor Ellison for her courage in Sparta, Wis., May 18, 2022.

U.S. Army Sgt. Ashley Kernan, a musician with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Band, gives high fives to children after their performance during a school visit at Zijtaart, Netherlands, Sept. 14, 2022. As a part of the 78th year commemoration of Operation Market Garden, the school visit allows the 101st band to share and honor the history of their predecessors through music and assure the local community of our continuous commitment to our European allies and partners.

120515-N-LP168-153 BANGOR, Wash. (May 15, 2012) Electronics Technician 3rd Class Micah Hanks, assigned to the ballistic missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730), greets his family during the ship's return to its homeport of Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor following a strategic deterrent patrol.

221011-N-AN659-1047 Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash. (Oct. 11, 2022) - Lt. Will Parham, a pilot attached to Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, the Grey Knights’, holds his son outside the aircraft hangar at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), Oct. 11, 2022. VP-46 returned to their homeport at NASWI after a six-month deployment to support operations for Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57 and 67.

USS Harry S. Truman arrives at their homeport of Naval Station Norfolk after a 10 month deployment, Sept. 12, 2022. Truman Sailors were met by over 8,000 friends and family members waiting pierside.

A student is presented with a certificate of achievement by Col. Richard Rusnok, the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni commanding officer, at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 20, 2022. The art show is composed of various projects from students of MCAS Iwakuni schools and was held to recognize their hard work and talent.

North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) Soldiers of the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team reunite with friends, family and fellow Soldiers at the NCNGs Readiness Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Aug. 6, 2020. The Soldiers are home after a year-long deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield.

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

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kyle Jester, 23rd Security Forces Squadron patrolman, shows his daughter an M60 machine gun during a law enforcement display as part of National Police Week at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, May 17, 2022. The law enforcement display gave Moody personnel and their families an opportunity to learn more about the tactics and equipment military and local law enforcement agencies employ.

Brig. Gen. Jose J. Reyes, Puerto Rico Deputy Adjutant General and the dual commander of Joint Task Force Puerto Rico, takes some time from delivering food and supplies to Barranquita, Puerto Rico residents to play with a small child Nov. 13, 2017.

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

FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto RicoArmy Reserve Drill 1st Sgt. Carlos Declet, from the 1st-389th Regiment, reflects about his military profession and role as a father, June 18,2022.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt Krystalyn Coy, a recruiter with the 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri Air National Guard, is promoted to the rank of master sergeant by her daughter during an awards ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, April 30, 2022. Coys job is to recruit officers into the 139th Airlift Wing.

SAN DIEGO (Nov. 29, 2022) Chief Hull Technician Angel Alanis, assigned to amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), greets his daughter during a return to homeport celebration, Nov. 29, 2022. Tripoli returned to Naval Base San Diego following its initial deployment to the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleets in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Mattox, a motor transport operator assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, hugs her daughter, Londyn, after a redeployment ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 29, 2022. The 1st ABCT Soldiers deployed to Germany to assure allies and deter Russian aggression while also supporting a range of other requirements in the area.

Airmen and families from the 142nd Wing celebrate "Family Day" during the September Unit Training Assembly (UTA) at Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Ore, September 11, 2022. Organizers sought to provide family fun while highlighting the various resources available to Airmen and their families. The event was the 142nd's first in-person gathering of family and servicemembers since 2019 due to COVID-19-related restrictions.

060816-N-7498L-024. Base: Naval Air Station, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman Jorge Gonzalez, assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), receives his anchor collar devices from his family during a pinning ceremony aboard the Arlington, Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of chief petty officer was established April 1, 1893 and once a year the U.S. Navy advances selected Sailors to the rank.

NORFOLK (Nov. 3, 2012) A Sailor assigned to the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN 714) holds his newborn for the first time during the submarine's homecoming ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Norfolk travelled more than 30,000 nautical miles during the six-month deployment and conducted port visits to Haifa, Israel; Limassol, Cyprus; Bahrain and Diego Garcia. U.S. Navy

020426-F-3188G-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Minneapolis-St Paul Iap/Ars State: Minnesota (MN) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

A U.S. Air Force military member dons a mission-oriented protective-posture helmet on a student 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.

San Diego (June 05, 2022) Torpedoman 3rd Class Joshua Trumbull reunites with his family on the pier following the return of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757) on Naval Base Point Loma (NBPL) on June 05. Alexandria is returning to NBPL following a seven-month deployment to the western Pacific.

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

Capt. Zack Smith of the 107th Fighter Squadron, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan (SANGB) poses in front of an A-10 Thunderbolt with children attending the Selfridge Air Show. The A-10 Thunderbolt was on display for thousands of spectators during the Air Show to honor the Next 100 years of SANGB Aviation.

Machinists Mate (Auxiliary) 1st Class David Baker, assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753), greets his wife, Alissa, and son, Brantlee, during the boats homecoming to Naval Station Norfolk, May 14, 2022. Albany returned following a six-month deployment that supported national security interests and maritime security operations at sea.

050720-A-1566H-020. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Echo Country: Iraq (IRQ)

NORFOLK (Oct. 13, 2022) - A Sailor assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), greets family after returning to Naval Station Norfolk from a seven-month deployment, Oct. 13. More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines assigned to the Kearsarge ARG supported a wide range of interoperability opportunities and exercises across the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations increasing combat readiness and crisis response capabilities while strengthening relationships with both NATO Allies and partners.

220529-N-NT795-851 SAN PEDRO, Calif. (May 29, 2022) Chief Yeoman Sarah McDonough, a native of Dubuque, Iowa, and assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 1, poses for a photo with a guest during the Los Angeles Fleet Week Expo. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard team and expedience Americas sea services. During fleet week, service members will participate in various community service events, display capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas to offer. MESF is a core Navy capability that provides port and harbor security, high value asset security, and maritime security in the coastal and inland waterways.

030716-D-5011J-043. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chief Cryptologic Technician Collection Matthew Haynes, assigned to Naval Information Forces, is pinned with chief petty officer anchors by his family and advanced to the rank of chief petty officer during a ceremony October 21. During the ceremony, 20 newly appointed chiefs were ceremoniously pinned to the rank of CPO by family members and fellow chiefs.

230628-N-EU502-1477 SAN DIEGO (June 28, 2023) - Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class David Negron, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73), hugs his daughter after the ship arrived pierside at Naval Base San Diego June 28, 2023. Decatur, a part of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, returned following a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations. While on deployment, Nimitz Strike Group conducted operations in U.S. 7th Fleet including: deterrence and presence operations; multinational exercises; integrated multi-domain training; long-range maritime strike exercises; anti-submarine warfare; information warfare operations; air defense operations; multiple ship navigation; and formation maneuvering and refueling-at-sea operations.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col.Ilena OShea, incoming commander of the 165th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Georgia Air National Guard, poses for a photo with her husband, Maj. James OShea, commander of the 165th Maintenance Squadron, and her son after her change of command ceremony on August 6, 2022 in Savannah, Georgia. The OSheas have been serving in the Air National Guard together for over a decade and are now both squadron commanders.

050902-A-9419D-003. Subject Operation/Series: KATRINA RELIEF Base: Taylor State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MI 1776th Military Police Co

A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 86th Maintenance Group helps a child with a set of headphones at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 20, 2022. Different booths were set up throughout the event to help Open House attendees learn more about the capabilities of the maintenance group. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Airman 1st Class Lauren Jacoby)

040617-F-7289C-067. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

A U.S. Sailor, right, plays with children at Calumpang Elementary School in Mabalacat, Pampanga, Philippines, Oct. 14, 2010, after completing volunteer work as part of Operation Goodwill during Amphibious Landing Exercise FY 2011. U.S. Marines and Sailors provided sports equipment, school supplies, shoes and desks as part of Operation Goodwill.

Families 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.

011217-F-0007M-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Moblility Command

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 30, 2022) - Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Savanna Gerber greets her son upon Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercys (T-AH 19) return to San Diego after completion of Pacific Partnership 2022. Having just completed its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multi-national humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership 2022 host nations included Vietnam, Palau, the Philippines and Solomon Islands. U.S. Service Members carried out the mission alongside partner nation representatives from Australia, Chile, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom.

Sergio Matias Chontal-Harter participates in a simulated Army Combat Fitness Test 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 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. Army

little Caucasian boy in military clothes and with toy weapons on the background of the destroyed building

Dorothy F. Jones, a World War II Veteran, greets Soldiers of V CORPS at a welcoming ceremony June 2, 2022 at Aéroport de Deauville Saint Gatien des Bois, France. Together, the US and our indispensable European allies are demonstrating the strength of alliance and dedicated resolve borne out of D-Day 78 years ago and forged over almost eight decades of combat-credible cooperative security.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jennifer R. Huxel, deputy commander of readiness, General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital, Medical Command, and her family are honored during a division retirement ceremony on August 19, 2022, at Fort Riley, Kansas. LTC Huxel, who served 23 years in the military, received the Legion of Merit, The Department of the Army Certificate of Retirement, a Certificate of Appreciation, and a folded American flag.

060127-A-1526R-018. Base: Poptun State: Peten Country: Guatemala (GTM) Scene Major Command Shown: 9341ST MEDICAL BATTALION

110113-N-2953W-299BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Jan. 13, 2011) Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) spend time with children from the Sung Ae Won Orphanage during a community service event. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are on deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Army Gen. Darryl Williams, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, poses with a local Polish youth during the Polish Armed Forces Day "Weekend with the army" military vehicle and equipment exhibition in Warsaw, Poland, Aug. 15, 2022. U.S. Soldiers joined their Polish counterparts for a weekend of activities that included a variety of state, patriotic, religious, cultural, and entertainment events throughout the capital city.

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

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