← Military & Defence

Homecomings and Reunions

Emotional reunions of military personnel with families, showcasing children and partners celebrating their return after deployments, filled with warmth and joy.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (October 7, 2019) -- Airmen of the Florida Air National Guard return home following a four month deployment to Southwest Asia. This was the first unit combat tour in more than 20 years.

230405-N-LK647-1016 NAVAL STATION NORFOLK

040606-F-3208M-040. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Patrick J. Muenks takes off on his last flight in a UH-60 Blackhawk at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 23, 2022. Muenks retired after 41-years of dedicated service to the Missouri Army National Guard. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

220128-N-YS140-028Fort Pickett, Va. (Jan. 28, 2022) Lance Cpl. Jami Jakubik, data systems administrator, Headquarters and Services Company, 23rd Marine Regiment, from College Station, Texas, embraces an Afghan evacuee departing Safe Haven Pickett for resettlement. The Department of Defense, through U.S. Northern Command, and in support of the Department of Homeland Security, is providing transportation, temporary housing, medical screening, and general support for at least 50,000 Afghan evacuees at suitable facilities, in permanent or temporary structures, as quickly as possible. This initiative provides Afghan personnel essential support at secure locations outside Afghanistan. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Pearl)

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.

SAN DIEGO (April 29, 2013) A Sailor assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) hugs his family during a homecoming ceremony at Naval Base San Diego. Mobile Bay is returning 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.

010414-N-5100O-002. Subject Operation/Series: VALIANT RETURN Base: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: VQ-1

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 21, 2022) - Chief Information Systems Technician Devin Kelly is pinned by his family during the chief petty officer pinning ceremony aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Oct. 21, 2022. Nine selectees were promoted to the rank of chief petty officer during the ceremony. Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as 7th Fleet command ship, actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

230324-N-LN782-1124 (Mar. 24, 2023) U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command's Pass in Review in Great Lakes, Illinois, Mar. 24, 2023. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp

Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) - Return - 26-HK-118-51. Hurricane Katrina

SAN DIEGO (Nov. 29, 2022) A Sailor assigned to amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) meets his newborn baby for the first time during a return to homeport ceremony, 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.

Family members of U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Borgmeyer, 139th Security Forces Squadron, Missouri Air National Guard, pin on his new rank during his promotion ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, Dec. 3, 2022. Chief master sergeant is the highest attainable rank for enlisted personnel in the U.S. Air Force.

060501-N-8033C-095. Base: Navy Submarine Base, Point Loma State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

120614-N-UK333-086 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (June 14, 2012) MachinistÕs Mate 1st Class Mathew Thompson is greeted with a kiss by his wife as he is the first to disembark when the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing a six-month deployment to the western Pacific region. Tucson is the second ship of the United States Navy to bear the name of the Arizona city. It is the 59th Los Angeles-class attack submarine and the 20th of the improved Los Angeles-class attack submarine to be built.

Marine Reuniting with Family at Miramar in San Diego

040908-M-9362G-008. Base: Mcagcc, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.- Photo taken during Fleet Week San Francisco 2022. Fleet Week is an annual public event that honors the contributions of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces while creating important and long lasting relationship between civilians and military personnel.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Devon Foster, chaplain, Marine Aircraft Group 13 (MAG-13), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, is congratulated by Marines and Sailors of MAG-13 after his promotion ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, June 29, 2022. Foster is responsible for the moral, ethical, and spiritual readiness of Marines and Sailors of MAG-13.

061215-N-0888R-062. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

More than 600 Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 326th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, August 24-25, 2022. Col. Chris Forrest, Chief, Research Programs, RSI, HQ USEUCOM, reviewed the ceremony.

U.S. Army Sgt. Stephanie Tremmel, right, with the 86th Special Troops Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, interacts with an Afghan child while visiting Durani, Afghanistan, Nov. 1, 2010. Soldiers visited the village to dismantle an old Russian tank, which the villagers will sell for scrap metal to buy food to get through the winter.

SAN DIEGO (March 1, 2013) Senior Chief Aviation Electricians Mate Christopher Perry spends time with his family aboard the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) before his departure on a deployment to the Asia-Pacific region. Freedom will demonstrate her operational capabilities and allow the Navy to evaluate crew rotation and maintenance plans. LCS platforms are designed to employ modular mission packages that can be configured for three separate purposes: surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare or mine countermeasures.

DOMINICA (Sept. 28, 2017) Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Nicholas Glass, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 aboard to the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), prepares a child for evacuation following the landfall of Hurricane Maria. Dominica residents are being evacuated to local airports and then to the nearby islands of Martinique and Guadalupe. The Department of Defense is supporting the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the lead federal agency, in helping those affected by Hurricane Maria to minimize suffering and is one component of the overall whole-of-government response effort.

NORFOLK (Sept. 28, 2022) A Sailor, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), embraces a family member 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.

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

U.S. 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.

SAN DIEGO (Oct. 20, 2018) Machinists Mate 3rd Class Isreal Cornejo, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), and his son walk through a trunk-or-treat event hosted by the First Class Petty Officer Association and the Second Class Petty Officer Association. Theodore Roosevelt is moored in San Diego undergoing a scheduled planned incremental availability.

An Airman assigned to the 335th Fighter Squadron reunites with his family after returning from a deployment at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Oct. 15, 2022. The 335th FS deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Wesley Mechatto, a team leader with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, reunites with his family on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 15, 2022. Marines with 3/2 return home from a unit deployment program in Japan.

060331-N-8907D-083. Base: Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers from the 237th Engineer Company received a warm welcome home from family and friends after their welcome home ceremony at the West Point High School gym July 20. The 237th returned home to Virginia after having served in Iraq since September 2007.

An Airman from the 23rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron greets his children after returning from a Bomber Task Force deployment at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 24, 2022. The 23rd BS personnel were deployed to RAF Fairford, England to integrate with NATO allies and partners.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Ken Melton assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), embraces his wife during a homecoming aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 10, 2022. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 22nd MEU returned home after completing a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations.

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 331st Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, August 17-18, 2022. Maj. Gen. Michele C. Edmondson, Commander, Second Air Force, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, reviewed the ceremony.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 102nd Cavalry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, initiates their deployment at the 102nd Cavalry Regiments fairwell ceremony at the Westfield Armory, Westfield, New Jersey, on Jan. 14, 2024. More than 1,500 NJARNG Soldiers will deploy in support of U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - ISIS - in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks. It is the largest deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers since 2008.

PEARL HARBOR (May 06, 2014) Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Jeremiah Miller, assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70), greets his daughter upon the ship's return to homeport at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-HIckam from an independent deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. The ship and its crew of nearly 280 Sailors conducted theater security cooperation and maritime presence operations with partner nations.

221008-M-BQ292-2102 (Oct. 8, 2022) Service members showcase their MOS capabilities to the public, and allow individuals a safe hands-on experience with some gear and equipment at the Humanitarian Assistance Village and STEM Education Center as part of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) at San Francisco. 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.

221013-DQ787-N-1159NORFOLK (Oct. 13, 2022) - Logistics Specialist 2nd class Jordan Coatney assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), greets his family on Pier 10, Oct. 13, 2022. The 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.

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center (MCMWTC) Bridgeport, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC), present flowers to family members during a change of command ceremony at MCMWTC Bridgeport, California, July 1, 2022. Col. Daniel Wittnam relinquished command of MCMWTC to Col. Ronald Storer, formerly the Assistant Chief of Staff G-3/5/7 of MAGTFTC.

000818-N-0872M-511. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220905-N-SH953-1020Virginia Beach, Va. (Sept. 5, 2022) - Families welcome home Sailors attached to the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 on Naval Air Station Ocean during the squadrons homecoming, September 5. VFA-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.

221021-N-MH811-1019JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (October 21, 2022) -- Twenty-eight new chief petty officers from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific, Submarine Readiness Squadron 33, USS Tucson (SSN 770), USS Hawaii (SSN 776), USS North Carolina (SSN 777) and USS Minnesota (SSN 783) were promoted during a pinning ceremony held at the USS Bowfin Museum in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Oct. 21.

Tech. Sgt. Caine Nielsen, an explosive ordnance disposal instructor with the 366th Training Squadron helps a youngster put on the helmet of a bomb suit during Operations K.I.D.S. at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, April 9, 2022. About 70 children "deployed" during the event designed to give children of military members a taste of what their parents undergo when deploying.

The Boesch Family poses for a group photo with U.S. Marine Corps Col. Michael L. Brooks, the base commander of Marine Corps Base Quantico, after winning third place in the United Service Organizations (USO) Amazing Race competition at Butler Stadium on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, April 29, 2022. The top three finishers were awarded gift baskets that had candy, prizes, and gift cards.

A U.S. Marine with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing embraces his spouse upon return from deployment aboardthe USS Abraham Lincoln at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Aug. 11, 2022. The historic deployment marked the first U.S. Marine Corps F-35C squadron deployed aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, further assuring 3rd MAWs commitment to providing fixed wing fighter aircraft for deployment as partof U.S. Navy carrier air wings, deploying regularly across the Indo-Pacific region.

110919-N-ZZ999-003NORFOLK (Sept. 19, 2011) Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Shawn Malo says goodbye to his wife and daughter before a scheduled deployment aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

A Soldier assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 3rd General Support Aviation Battalion in Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia, attaches a hoist line to a mannequin during Guardian Response 22, Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Indiana, 22 May 7, 2022. Guardian Response 22 is a training exercise designed to test unit readiness and responsiveness to nuclear response scenarios. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Jermaine Jackson)

220912-N-QI061-1827 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.

220912-N-QI061-1827 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.

DF-ST-88-03816. Subject Operation/Series: SOLID SHIELD Base: Isalona Country: Honduras (HND)

060809-N-9519M-001. Base: Naval Base, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Sailor embraces with a family member after a pass-in-review ceremony inside Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall at Recruit Training Command, Jan. 18, 2024. Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alexander Koeneke, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, hands out candy to local Okinawan preschoolers during the Halloween Carnival at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 28, 2022. U.S. Marines hosted a Halloween Carnival event for over 300 Okinawan students to experience American holiday traditions. Camp Hansen has hosted this event for more than 10 years, helping to develop and deepen international relations.

FORT MEADE, Md. - 1st Lt. Tyler S. Taylor, right, the outgoing commander of the United States Army Signal School Detachment, 551st Signal Battalion, 15th Signal Brigade, hugs a family member after a change of command ceremony here, April 15. Taylor had served with the USASSD since Dec. 2019, initially as the company's executive officer before his own assumption of command in 2021.

Soldiers from the California National Guards San Bernadino-based 1-185th Infantry Regiment arrived home at Los Angeles International Airport today, Oct. 15, 2022, after a one-year deployment to Poland. During their deployment, the 1-185th was part of Battlegroup Poland, a NATO lead operation that enforces NATO and a multinational military presence in Northeastern Europe. Their specific mission was to train with other nations to demonstrate an alliance and the ability to respond as one force against any potential aggression.

040902-M-3658J-017. Base: March Air Reserve Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chaplain (CAPT.) Perry Bell, 375th Combat Support Group, says goodbye to his family as he prepares to deploy to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sarah Sinclair, 104th Civil Engineering Squadron commander, promotes to lieutenant colonel, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Following the ceremony, Sinclair spoke about how valuable the support of her brothers and sisters in arms is and said, "moving forward I know you'll be there and I'll be here for you as well." Air National Guard

230103-N-GR655-0131 GROTON, Conn. (January 3, 2023) - A sailor attached to the USS Newport News (SSN 750) embraces a loved one during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Jan. 3. Newport News returned to homeport after a six-month deployment in support of the chief of naval operations maritime strategy. The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Newport News and crew operate under Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) TWELVE and its primary mission is to provide attack submarines that are ready, willing, and able to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe.

The first groups of Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division return to Virginia July 10, 2017, after serving on federal active duty since November 2016. The Soldiers served in the Middle East in support of Task Force Spartan Shield as the first intermediate division headquarters under U.S. Army Central Command. Senior leaders from state government and the Virginia National Guard greeted Soldiers when they arrived at Dulles Airport, then the Soldiers reunited with family, friends and fellow Soldiers at Fort Belvoir and Sandston. During the deployment, the 29th ID Soldiers provided mission command for joint training exercises and military-to-military engagements with partner nations to promote regional stability and theater security cooperation. A formal transfer of authority is scheduled for July 13, and the remaining 29th ID Soldiers will return after that.

100726-N-9520G-002 OAK HARBOR, Wash. (July 26, 2010) Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Rodney Grigsby, from of Bend, Ore. assigned to the Patriots of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, is greeted by his wife and children during a homecoming at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. VAQ-140 returned home after a seven-month deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) to support maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Sgt. 1st Class Taylor Strack embraces his father, John following a promotion ceremony on July 8, 2022 in Vicenza, Italy.Strack's father flew to Italy from Wisconsin to be present for the ceremony, and had the opportunity to pin Strack's newly earned rank.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Kyle Oliver, Thunderbird 5, opposing solo pilot for The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds, and a Ryan, age 7, pose for a photo June 17, 2022, during the Northern Thunder Air and Space Expo Friends and Family Day at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The Thunderbirds held a meet-and-greet with the North Dakota Make-A-Wish Foundation children, a boy scouts troop, and the Exceptional Family Member Program families.

A U.S. Soldier, assigned to 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, helps a local Polish youth hold the M4 carbine individual weapon 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.

The South Carolina National Guard conducted a deployment ceremony at McEntire Joint National Guard Base in Eastover, South Carolina, July 6, 2019, to recognize the 751st Combat Sustainment Support Battalions (CSSB) mobilization in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Approximately 40 Soldiers with the 751st CSSB, 59th Troop Command, South Carolina National Guard, will deploy to the Middle East for approximately nine months to provide contracting work, range operations, dining facility operations, billets management, and more.

220402-N-HD110-1172MAYPORT, Fla. - (April 2, 2022) -- Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Angel Hall, assigned to the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Milwaukee (LCS 5), reunites with her daughter as the ship returns from deployment to Naval Station Mayport, April 2, 2022. Milwaukee was deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force Souths mission, which includes counter-illicit drug trafficking missions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

CMDR. Kolin, Jan, the commanding officer of Attack Squadron 75 (VA-75), embraces his wife upon his arrival at the air station. VA-75 has returned to Oceana following its deployment to the Persian Gulf region aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Admir Corhodzic, an interpreter (right), conducts a puppet show on mine awareness and is assisted by a US Army soldier (left) at Pcelica Kindergarden in Tuzla, Bosnia-Herzegovina. This is part of a Stabilization Force (SFOR) exercise called Operation PINOCCHIO. Operation JOINT GUARD, 26 August 1997. Subject Operation/Series: PINOCCHIO/JOINT GUARD Base: Tuzla Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

Family members welcome home a fighter pilot assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Aug. 3, 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.

220511-N-AS200-5610 POINT MUGU, Calif. (May 11, 2022) - Cmdr. Jason Saglimbene, commanding officer Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Three Zero (VX-30) receives a water salute from his children, a time-honored tradition for Navy pilots conducting their final flight before retirement, onboard Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC)May 11. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2C Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

Yuji Tsuhako, a Japanese Security Guard with Provost Marshals Office, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, holds a challenge coin during an awards ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, July 21, 2022. MCIPACs Base Safety Installation Office awarded the Marines and JSG for their timeliness, character, and professionalism they displayed while aiding a distressed victim.

Sgt. 1st Class Keron Johnson (center), 250th Personnel Services Detachment, New Jersey Army National Guard, with daughters Sapphira (left), age 12, left and Mikayla (right), age 15 after returning from a year-long deployment in Afghanistan July 2006.

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.

Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Patrick J. Muenks retirement ceremony takes place at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 23, 2022. Muenks retired after 41-years of dedicated service to the Missouri Army National Guard. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

U.S. Air Force Academy - Cadets celebrate together after receiving their diplomas during the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 25, 2022. Nine-hundred-seventy cadets crossed the stage to become the Air Force/Space Forces newest second lieutenants. (U.S. Air Force photo/Trevor Cokley)

An Oregon Army National Guard Soldier, of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, embraces his love upon returning to Roseburg, Oregon, June 24. Nearly 200 Citizen-Soldiers of the 1-186th Infantry Battalion are returning to Southern Oregon following a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan.

220907-N-RQ186-1245Norfolk, 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.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 16, 2022) - Japanese community members pose with Sailors onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) during the 44th annual Friendship Day celebration. For the first time in three years, CFAY held an open base event to highlight the friendship between the local Japanese community and the U.S. Navy. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleets forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

040225-M-3843C-009. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030530-M-8539K-003. 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 AABN

U.S. Army Sgt. Jordan Pearson of the 207th Military Intelligence Brigade shakes hands with U.S. Navy RdM2c George Hamilton, who served on the USS King and USS Orleck, at Deauville Airport, Normandy, France, June 2, 2022. The Best Defense Foundation flew WWII Veterans to Normandy to attend D-Day ceremonies, commemorating the 78th Anniversary that Allied forces liberated the French people, and the Veterans were greeted by Soldiers and civilians.

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.

240104-N-OZ224-2380NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (Jan. 4, 2023) - A Sailor assigned to the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) is greeted by his family after arriving at Naval Station Mayport from an eight month deployment, Jan. 4, 2024. Hudner deployed as a part of theGerald R.FordCarrier Strike Group(CSG) to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations in support of theater security cooperation efforts and to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Family members welcome home a fighter pilot assigned to the 134th Fighter Squadron, 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.

More than 60 members of the Kentucky Air National Guards 123rd Airlift Wing are reunited with friends and family as they return to their home base in Louisville, Ky., July 6, 2018, after completing a four-month deployment to the Persian Gulf region in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. The Airmen, who arrived aboard Kentucky Air Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft, operated from an undisclosed air base while flying troops and cargo across the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility.

U.S. Soldiers with the 228th Engineer Company, 337th Engineer Battalion, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, arrive home after a nine-month deployment to the Middle East. They arrived at Harrisburg International Airport and were driven to Fort Indiantown Gap where they were reunited with their loved ones. They were also greeted by senior Pennsylvania National Guard leaders including Maj. Gen. Mark McCormack, commander of the 28th Infantry Division, and Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, Deputy Adjutant General-Army.

A petty officer holds his son and several roses as he is reunited with his family aboard the frigate USS ELMER MONTGOMERY (FF-1082). The ELMER MONTGOMERY has returned to Mayport after serving in the Persian Gulf region during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PEARL HARBOR, (Dec. 5, 2022) Former Navy musicians mate and honorary bandmaster Ira "Ike" Schaba, shows Rosie the Riveter, Marian Sousa, a flag that was presented during a performance by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, which performed for World War II veterans and Pearl Harbor visitors during an 81st Anniversary Pearl Harbor Remembrance concert at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Dec. 7, 2022, marks the 81st year since the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Oahu. The U.S. military, State of Hawaii and National Park Service are hosting a series of remembrance events throughout the week to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who served throughout the Pacific Theater. Today, the U.S.-Japan Alliance is a cornerstone of peace and security in a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

NAVAL AIR STATION LEMOORE, Calif., (09 Aug. 2022) -- Lt. Cmdr. Jake Harris assigned to the "Tophatters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14 greets his family during a homecoming celebration. VFA-14, as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, embarked aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and returned to Naval Air Station Lemoore, Aug. 09, 2022, following a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of operations. CVW-9 deployed with a combination of fourth and fifth-generation platforms that predominantly represent the Airwing of the Future, executing more than 21,307 fixed-wing and helicopter flight hours comprising of 10,250 sorties, 8,437 launches and 8,487 aircraft arrestments.

221021-N-MH811-1200JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (October 21, 2022) -- Twenty-eight new chief petty officers from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific, Submarine Readiness Squadron 33, USS Tucson (SSN 770), USS Hawaii (SSN 776), USS North Carolina (SSN 777) and USS Minnesota (SSN 783) were promoted during a pinning ceremony held at the USS Bowfin Museum in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Oct. 21.

U.S. Army Spc. Mike Dunagan, a Public Affairs Specialist with the 70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, is advanced to sergeant by Steven Dunagan, his father and U.S. Army Capt. Jeremy Idleman, the commander of the 70th MPAD, at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City, MO, Aug. 21, 2022. Dunagan was joined by his unit and family for his promotion ceremony.

120406-N-AE328-117 EVERETT, Wash. (March 9, 2012) Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) Paul Dammon greets his wife after the guided-missile frigate USS Ingraham (FFG 61) returns home to Naval Station Everett after a six-month deployment to Central and South America. Ingraham participated in counter transnational organized crime operations leading to one interdiction and seven disruptions of narcotic shipments.

NORFOLK, Va. (Jan. 16, 2024)- A Sailor assigned to the Tridents of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, reunites with his family after returning to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, Jan. 16, following a more than eight-month deployment with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. While deployed, the squadron accomplished flying over 2,200 flight hours, executing 46 days of vertical replenishment evolutions, moving over 500 personnel, and executing six tactical evacuations.

EVERETT, Wash. (Oct 28, 2019) Cmdr. Rob Laird, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92), reunites with his family at Naval Station Everett. Momsen returned to Naval Station Everett after a deployment to the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations in support of security and stability.

A Soldier assigned to the 142nd Medical Company listens to his son as he shows off the stickers on a sign he made for him 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.

030611-M-9248U-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: H&HS

Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Esteban Reyes, from Toledo, Ohio, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) security department, meets students and family members from Carthage College in Wisconsin at the Albion College football game at Sprankle-Sprandel Stadium in Albion, Michigan, September 3, 2022. Twelve Ford Sailors traveled to Michigan for the ships annual namesake visit to learn about the legacy of President Gerald R. Ford and connect with local community members in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Albion.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Xavier Soto, UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief with the 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion, poses for a selfie with a child during the Red Bank Police Department's National Night Out at Count Basie Fields in Red Bank, New Jersey, Aug. 2, 2022. National Night Out is an annual event to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.

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