Marine Corps Ceremonies

Images of U.S. Marines participating in reenlistment, promotions, awards, and ceremonial events, showcasing camaraderie, pride, and military tradition.

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS) 2 stand in formation during a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Jan. 19, 2024. The ceremony was held in celebration of MASS-2's 81st Anniversary.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Isabelle M. Anaya, an administrative specialist at 6th Marine Corps District, recites the oath of reenlisment during her reenlistment ceremony held at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. The Marine Corps reenlistment ceremony serves to highlight those who've decided to continue their service, and to re-establish the commitment of Marines to the Corps and to the nation. Anaya is a native of Dumas, Texas, and she enlisted out of Recruiting Substation Metro South on May 2, 2018.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Trystan T. Taft, a combat videographer with Headquarters Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, is promoted to corporal during a promotion and awards ceremony at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Oct. 3, 2022. Taft was appointed a Non-Commissioned Officer alongside three other Marines in front of a battalion formation in order to recognize hard work and dedication to the Marine Corps, as well as celebrate his promotion from lance corporal to corporal.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Roger B. Turner, 1st Marine Division (1st MARDIV) commanding general, awards Marines with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st MARDIV, as winners of the squad competition at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 17, 2022. The competition tested infantry squads in a variety of combat related skills and determined the most effective squad in the division.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Cory Tribble, left, executive officer, Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Bravo Company, and Lance Cpl. Maurice Dellofano, right, a satellite transmissions systems operator with MWCS-18, Bravo Co, salute during the national anthem at the MWCS-18, Bravo Co activation ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 1, 2022. The company activated in accordance with the Marine Corps progression towards Force Design 2030.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Benjamin Fiala, left, commanding officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), recognizes Chief Warrant Officer 2 James Wahl, network engineering officer, H&HS, during an H&HS awards ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, June 10, 2022. Wahls performance impacted over 4000 users across 12 commands, establishing himself as a skilled communicator for which he received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Benjamin M. Friedrick, right, relinquishes command to Lt. Col. Robert D. Barbaree III., left, commanding officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, during the H&HS change of command ceremony on MCAS New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, June 27, 2022. H&HS supports MCAS New River by aiding in readiness, sustainment and aviation support across the air station, providing services to service members and their families.

U.S. Marines attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit graduate from Lance Corporal Seminar aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), April 25, 2022. Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU are on a scheduled deployment under the command and control of Task Force 61/2 while operating in U.S. 6th Fleet in support of U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger, 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks to the Marines and Sailors of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa at U.S. Army Garrison Panzer Kaserne in Boeblingen, Germany, Aug. 9, 2022. Those in attendance were given the opportunity to ask questions and bring up discussion points with Gen. Berger during the visit.

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS) 2 stand in formation during a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Jan. 19, 2024. The ceremony was held in celebration of MASS-2's 81st Anniversary.

Commanding General of I Corps and Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lt. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, greets senior military leadership from participating nations during the opening ceremony of the Cobra Gold exercise, held in Rayong Province, Kingdom of Thailand. Joint Exercise Cobra Gold is the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia and a concrete example of the strong alliance and strategic relationship between Thailand and the United States. This year will be the 43rd iteration of the multilateral exercise held from Feb. 27 to March 8, 2024. (

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Henry Dolberry Jr., center, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, and Maj. Gen. David Maxwell, center, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Command, discuss Pacific operations on MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 17, 2022. Shortly after his arrival to Okinawa, Maxwell toured MCAS Futenma to learn about air operations and capabilities in the Pacific region. During the tour, staff and personnel briefed Maxwell on air traffic control, air defense systems, and future barracks construction.

(220610-N-OI810-0078) GULFPORT, Mississippi (June 10, 2022) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14 conduct morning formation during fiscal year 2022, quarter three, Regional Training Platform (RTP-3) at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, June 10, 2022. RTP-3 provided NMCB-14 Seabees hands-on training opportunities in tactical combat casualty care; maintenance and material management; civil engineering support equipment operations; convoy operations; and Seabee combat warfare and expeditionary skills. NMCB-14 provides advance base construction, battle damage repair, contingency engineering, humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery support to our fleet and unified commanders.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Jonathan Albers, left, a logistics officer with Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, congratulates Cpl. Jose Ramirez, a food service specialist with CLR-17, during a Road Warrior Awards ceremony on Camp Pendleton, California, July 26, 2022. As part of the 1st MLG Safety Program, the Road Warrior Awards recognize individuals and units who set the example in operational safety and mishap prevention.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Joel F. Schmidt, the outgoing commanding officer of The Basic School, and Col. Reginald J. McClam, the incoming commander of The Basic School, speak during The Basic School Change of Command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Quantico, July 14, 2022. The Basic School mission is to train and educate newly commissioned or appointed officers in the high standards of professional knowledge, esprit-de-corps, and leadership to prepare them for duty as company grade officers in the operating forces, with particular emphasis on the duties, responsibilities, and warfighting skills required of a rifle platoon commander.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Shelby Smith, offgoing sergeant major for 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental), addresses Marines and their families, Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 4, 2022. 3rd Maintenance Battalion conducted a relief and appointment ceremony to relieve Sgt. Maj. Shelby Smith. 1st Sgt. Marc Mangio was appointed to temporarily serve as the acting sergeant major.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, takes a post-promotional photo at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 1, 2023. Cavanaugh and respective leadership visited II MEF to tour subordinate commands, discuss capabilities, innovations and meet with Marines.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Isabella Jones, military working dog handler, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, and Cpl. Jarret Determan, military working dog handler, H&HS, render a salute to Col. Mark Bortnem, commanding officer, MCAS Beaufort, during an awards ceremony at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Jan. 19, 2024. This ceremony was held to award Determan and Jones the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Determan and Jones provided immediate medical attention to a fellow patron due to an accidental gunshot wound.

Barracks Marines with Alpha Company and Guard Company conducted M240B machine gun fire and subsequent squad support live-fire at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., June 15, 2022. The range consisted of training with the M240B machine gun, while suppressing fire and denying the enemy from establishing firing positions for their fire support assets. The training hones the Marines capabilities as a squad that is capable of responding to a potential crisis or contingency.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley, the outgoing commander of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command salutes colors during the succession of command ceremony at Camp Elmore, Virginia, Aug. 4, 2022. During the ceremony Langley relinquished his duties to the incoming commander, Brig. Gen. John F. Kelliher III. The commander is responsible for proper employment and support of Marine Corps Forces and executing developmental procedures to fulfill the Service-retained operating forces in support of the Combatant Commander.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Learlin J. Lejeune III, operations officer, 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, speaks after his promotion ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. Lejeune was promoted from major to lieutenant colonel.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Caden Phillips, a combat videographer with Security Battalion, recites the Noncommisioned Officers creed during his promotion to corporal on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. Promotion ceremonies are a significant achievement in a service members career and are a testament to their commitment, mastery of duties and skills, and leadership capabilities. Marines take on greater responsibilities as Non-Commissioned Officers after showing exemplary leadership skills. Phillips requested to be promoted to corporal in the Potomac River, following the Marine Corps' traditions.

040329-M-8530M-051. Base: Camp Al Qaim State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

U.S. Navy Master Chief Loren D. Rucker, left, oncoming command master chief of I Marine Expeditionary Force, reports to U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, commanding general of I MEF during a change of charge ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26, 2024. U.S. Navy Master Chief Charles F. Ziervogel, relinquished his duties as the I MEF Command Master Chief to Rucker.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Gustavo Brown with Headquarters and Service Battalion presents arms during a Change of Command ceremony for Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, July 28, 2022. The ceremony was representing the transfer of command for Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion from Maj. Rork to Maj. Hopkins.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Lance J. Langfeldt, the 6th Marine Corps District commanding officer, congratulates Gunnery Sgt. Shannon K. Schroeder, the 6MCD supply chief, during his promotion ceremony held at 6MCD headquarters, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Dec. 2, 2022. Schroeder, a native of Crestview, Florida, was publicly recognized for proving himself worthy of the next enlisted rank in the U.S. Marine Corps. Schroeder is selected to attend Warrant Officer Basic School in January 2023.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Colin G. Baird, a geospatial analyst with 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal from U.S Marine Corps Lt. Col. Thomas A. Kulisz, the commanding officer of 1st Intelligence Battalion, during an award ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 16, 2022. Baird received recognition for his selfless act to save a civilian from a hiking accident while off duty.

U.S. Marine Corps. Lt. Col. Thomas Fuss, outgoing commanding officer,Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, delivers his citations to the audience at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, June 7, 2022. Change of Command ceremonies are an ongoing tradition in the Marine Corps and represent the transfer of responsibility and authority from one commander to another.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Anthony Henderson presents a Navy Commendation Medal to 1st. Lt. Vadim Ivanov on Camp Lejeune, NC, May 18, 2022. Henderson is the commanding general for 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Ivanov is the 2d MEB aide-de-camp.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Edward Sortino Jr., squadron gunnery sergeant, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, reads the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM) citation for Sgt. Josiah Benton, administrative specialist, during the H&HS awards ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, May 10, 2022. Benton received the NAM for his recognizable perseverance during his time in service.

U.S. Navy Corpsmen recite the Corpsman Pledge during the 124th Corpsmen Birthday celebration at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 10, 2022. Since the establishment of the Navy Hospital Corps in 1898, U.S. Marines and Sailors have worked side-by-side, daily, to ensure readiness and enhance the capabilities of the Marine Corps and the Navy.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Michael S. Cederholm, right, passes the ceremonial colors to Maj. Gen. Scott F. Benedict, during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 30, 2022. The ceremony represented a transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Cederholm to Benedict. 2nd MAW is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Thomas Davis, right, promotes Maj. Learlin J. Lejeune III, operations officer, 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, during a ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. Lejeune was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a battle colors rededication ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 16, 2022. The ceremony commemorated the Regiments 80th anniversary and its legacy of valor, honor, and fidelity. CLR-3 was activated on Camp Elliot, California, Sept. 16, 1942, and has taken part in combat operations from World War II and Vietnam through Iraq and Afghanistan.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Fausto H. Cabrera, the incoming sergeant major for Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, delivers a speech during his appointment ceremony at the Santa Margarita Ranch House on Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26, 2023. Sgt. Maj. Cabrera now stands as the most senior enlisted Marine of MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, which is comprised of five Marine Corps bases and stations in the southwestern United States.

221129-N-XK047-1046PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 29, 2022) - Hospital Corpsman Senior Chief David Toston instructs Marines assigned to 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) on abandon ship procedures on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), Nov. 29. Abandon ship drills demonstrate proper safety procedures in the event the ships crew must abandon ship. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations with the embarked 13th MEU to enhance interoperability with Allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David G. Bellon, Commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South, discusses the importance of the Marine Forces Reserve Band at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, June 15, 2022. The Marine Forces Reserve Band was presented with the Col. George S. Howard Citation of Musical Excellence, which identifies and recognizes active duty and reserve military concert bands that have demonstrated particularly high standards of musical excellence.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger, the 38th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, left, and Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, commander, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLANT), Marine Forces Command (MARFORCOM), Marine Forces Northern Command (MARFOR NORTHCOM), center left, talks with U.S. Marines at the FMFLANT, MARFORCOM, MARFOR NORTHCOM change of command ceremony at the Naval Station Norfolk Pennsylvania House, Virginia, Aug. 30, 2022. FMFLANT, MARFORCOM and MARFOR NORTHCOM provide support to the combatant commander by representing Marine Corps capabilities and interests over all assigned and attached Marine Corps forces. The unit also coordinates Marine Corps-Navy integration of operational initiatives and advises Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command on support to Marine Corps forces assigned to U.S. Navy ships, bases and installations.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Robert F. Rodriguez, the motor transportation chief 6th Marine Corps District, recites the oath of enlistment during his reenlistment ceremony held at 6MCD headquarters, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. The Marine Corps reenlistment ceremony serves to highlight those who've decided to continue their service, and to reestablish the commitment of Marines to the Corps and to the nation. Rodriguez is a native of New Haven, Connecticut, and was accompanied by his wife, Sgt. Yarimar Rodriguez, and their two daughters.

Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, stand by to start the endurance course on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 6, 2022. Marines maneuvered through obstacles as a team during the three-mile course to enhance teamwork and build unit camaraderie.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Paul J. Rock Jr., commander, Marine Corps Forces Central Command bestows the responsibilities of MARCENT Sergeant Major to Sgt. Maj. Jay D. Williamson at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Mar 31, 2023. MARCENT is designated as the Marine Corps service component for U.S. Central Command and is responsible for all Marine Corps forces in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Erick Clark, commanding officer of 4th Marine Regiment, interacts with Marines from 3d Battalion, 2d Marines prior to conducting close air support missions with F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242 utilizing inert munitions at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, June 28, 2022. This training marked the first-ever live close air support missions in Japan with an F-35B. 3/2 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Don Hu, executive officer of II Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, commands a formation of II MSB Marines during the change of command ceremony for Lt. Col. Brian Carthon, incoming commanding officer of II MSB, and Lt. Col. Robert Fairley, outgoing commanding officer of II MSB, on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 8, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. John F. Kelliher III, the outgoing commander of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command salutes colors during the change of command ceremony at the Naval Station Norfolk Pennsylvania House, Virginia, Aug. 30, 2022. During the ceremony Kelliher relinquished his duties to the incoming commander, Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh. The commander is responsible for proper employment and support of Marine Corps Forces and executing developmental procedures to fulfill the Service-retained operating forces in support of the combatant commander.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Douglas P. Bahrns, right, the outgoing battalion commander of 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, congratulates Lt. Col. Jonathan W. Landers, the incoming battalion commander, during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 25, 2022. The ceremony symbolizes the transfer of authority, responsibility, and accountability of the Marines and Sailors under his or her charge.

Key leadership from the Idaho National Guard and several other U.S. states joined partner nations on June 30, 2022 in Morocco to see the capabilities of multinational armies working together simultaneously in a combined arms live-fire mission. During the exercise, Marines called in air strikes simultaneously as Idaho's 1st Battalion of the 148th Field Artillery Regiment fired the M795 high explosive rounds from the M109A6 howitzers as ground support with Oregon, Utah and Wisconsin Army National Guards, a Marine Corps Reserve unit based in California and active-duty Soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas, with preparatory and destructive fires and obscuration using M825 white smoke rounds.

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, march in formation during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 16, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation, which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions.

EAGLE LAKE, Texas Cadets at the Texas ChalleNGe Academy talk to a female chief warrant officer pilot for the UH-72 Lakota helicopter during a visit to the school Sept. 9, 2022 in Eagle Lake, Texas. The Texas National Guard Joint Counterdrug Task Force continues its more than 30 year tradition of supporting the TCAs cadets and cadre in many ways, including a helicopter visit where the cadets get to check out the aircraft and talk with Texas National Guardsmen for motivation, mentorship and comraderie. The Texas ChalleNGe Academy is a 5 1/2 month quasi-military residential academy sponsored by the Texas National Guard where it is the mission to reclaim the potential of at-risk youth through education, training, mentoring and service to community. (National Guard photo by Army Sgt. Christina Clardy)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tyler McClure, a motor vehicle operator with 2nd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, briefs Marines before a convoy operation during a field exercise at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Oct. 18, 2022. 2nd Transportation Battalion supported 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, by providing additional combat service support during Exercise Rolling Thunder.

KEYPORT, Wash. (June 27, 2022) - Sailors assigned to Trident Refit Facility, Bangor (TRFB), stand at attention during a frocking ceremony held outside of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum. TRFB supports the nations strategic deterrence mission by repairing, incrementally overhauling, and modernizing Pacific Fleet strategic ballistic missile submarines during refits.

HÅGATÑA, Guam (July 25, 2022) - Sailors from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 (NMCB 133) bow their heads in reverence during the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument unveiling ceremony in Hågatña, July 21. The six deployed Sailors were instrumental in constructing the monument, which honors gold star families, and service members who lost their lives in the line of duty.

(220610-N-OI810-0153) GULFPORT, Mississippi (June 10, 2022) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14 conduct morning formation during fiscal year 2022, quarter three, Regional Training Platform (RTP-3) at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, June 10, 2022. RTP-3 provided NMCB-14 Seabees hands-on training opportunities in tactical combat casualty care; maintenance and material management; civil engineering support equipment operations; convoy operations; and Seabee combat warfare and expeditionary skills. NMCB-14 provides advance base construction, battle damage repair, contingency engineering, humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery support to our fleet and unified commanders.

BOSTON (Sept. 27, 2022) U.S. Navy petty officers first class, selected for promotion to chief petty officer, participate in a gun drill during Chief Petty Officer Heritage Weeks. During the week, Constitution Sailors teach the selectees a variety of time-honored maritime evolutions while living and working aboard the ship.USS Constitution, is the worlds oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. During normal operations, the active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the ships mission of promoting the Navys history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents. The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 when British canno

U.S Marine Corps Lt. Col. Charles Anklam, the outgoing commander of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, passes the colors to Lt. Col. Mark Paige, the incoming commander during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 10, 2024. During the ceremony, Anklam relinquished command of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment to Lt. Col. Mark Paige.

From left to right, Yuji Tsuhako, a Japanese Security Guard and patrolmen with Provost Marshals Office, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, and U.S. Marine Corps Cpls. Ryan Petty and Ryan Lacerra, listen to a speech given by Col. Jeffrey Hammond, the deputy commander of MCIPAC, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, during a 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.

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2022) - U.S. Marines with All Domain Reconnaissance Company, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare for a Maritime Interception Operation exercise aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) July 12. The 13th MEU is currently embarked aboard the Anchorage, conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Timothy Spreader, a company first sergeant with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (1/8), 2d Marine Division, reads a promotion warrant for Lance Cpl. Cayden Kennon, a rifleman with 1/8, during Spanish FLOTEX-22 aboard the Juan Carlos I near Rota, Spain, June 16, 2022. This exercise features tactical level actions ashore, combined with joint training and planning, aimed at increasing overall bilateral interoperability between nations.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, practice close order drill at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 18, 2022. One purpose of close order drill is to move units from one place to another in a standard, orderly manner.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian Russell, Commanding Officer of II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, passes off the microphone to Lt. Col. Robert Fairley, the outgoing commanding officer of II Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion, during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 8, 2022. Fairley relinquished command of II MSB to Lt. Col. Brian Carthon.

U.S. Marines with Battery A, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, march to their respective 105 mm M101A1 howitzers on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 4, 2022. The Fourth of July has been recognized as the birth of American Independence and is celebrated with a 21-gun salute to give honors to the tradition it upholds.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Scott F. Benedict, left, and Maj. Gen. Michael S. Cederholm, shake hands during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 30, 2022. The ceremony represented a transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Cederholm to Benedict. 2nd MAW is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David Maxwell, commander of Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM), left, speaks about Sgt. Lina Fuerte, a legal services specialist with the Defense Services Organization, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, at her award ceremony on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 16, 2024. Sgt. Fuerte was recognized as MCICOMs Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2023 and was awarded a NAM for her efforts. (U.S Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Joshua Zane, intelligence officer with 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division briefs during a rehearsal of concept for exercise Bougainville II at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 25, 2022. Bougainville II is a field exercise that allows the MLR and its subordinate units to conduct expeditionary advanced base operations across the island of Oahu. BVII displays the MLRs ability to rapidly establish and displace EABs while executing command and control in a dispersed environment.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense receive a demonstration of tools and equipment used for detecting and identifying Radiological Dispersal Devices and Improvised Nuclear Devices at Pyramid Rock Training Area, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, February 26, 2024. Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel visited EOD to familiarize Marines with X-ray interpretation effects in the vicinity of a radiological source. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay M. Bargeron addresses Marines of 3d Marine Division following a battle colors rededication ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan on Sept. 13, 2022. The ceremony commemorates the Divisions 80th Anniversary and its legacy of valor, honor, and fidelity. The 3d Marine Division was activated at Camp Elliot, San Diego, Sept. 16, 1942 and has taken part in combat operations from World War II and Vietnam through Iraq and Afghanistan. The current Marines of 3d Marine Division continue to build on this legacy today as a critical part of the stand-in force within the first island chain of the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michelle Lescano, military police officer, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 26, 2022. Richardson was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for saving the life of another Marine during a dispatch call on May 19, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Nicholas Freeman, commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, speaks during a relief ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 24, 2022. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Roland McGinnis ended his tour as the battalion sergeant major.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Justin Hooker, right, the commanding officer of 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, passes on the non-commissioned officer sword to Sgt. Maj. Christophe Stoudemayer, the incoming sergeant major of 3rd LSB, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 17, 2024. The passing of the NCO sword is representative of the passing of responsibility from the outgoing sergeant major to the incoming sergeant major.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. David M. Elliott, the sergeant major of 2d Marine Regiment, congratulates a Marine with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, during an Annual Rifle Squad Competition award ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 23, 2022. The Marines were awarded for finishing first in the Annual Rifle Squad Competition while deployed to Okinawa, Japan.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Leron E. Lane, the outgoing commanding officer of Headquarters and Support (H&S) Battalion, School of Infantry East (SOI-East) addresses attendees during the H&S Battalion change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, July 15, 2022. H&S Battalion provides essential services to SOI-East by training units and personnel in order to facilitate the development of entry-level students.

Recruits from Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, practice drill indoors during Hurricane Ian on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Sept. 29, 2022. Recruits and drill instructors will use today to study curriculum, practice close order drill, or have staff guided discussions. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Randall D. Whiteman)

Recruits from Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, practice drill indoors during Hurricane Ian on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Sept. 29, 2022. Recruits and drill instructors will use today to study curriculum, practice close order drill, or have staff guided discussions. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Randall D. Whiteman)

040630-M-0374B-002. Base: USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49)

U.S. Marine Cops Col. Samuel L. Meyer (right), the commanding officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks with U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Michael W. Baze (left), commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, Operations Specialist Senior Chief Petty Officer Marvin A. Hudson (center left), and Commander Derek A. Rader (center right) with Amphibious Squadron 7 during the 13th MEU Composite Ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 15, 2022 . Battalion Landing Team 2/4, Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362 participated in the 13th MEU Composite Ceremony which commemorated the 13th MEU officially assuming command over the major subordinate elements in preparation for their upcoming deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corp Maj. Jesse Schmitt, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit Collections Manager, center, gives a speech during his promotion to major during a ceremony on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 3, 2023. Promotion ceremonies are a time-honored tradition in the Marine Corps to recognize and congratulate Marines when they get promoted. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a ready and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

Lance Corporal Robert King, with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, receives blood stripes during a promotion ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on April 3, 2023. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force that provides strategic speed and agility, ensuring Marines are forward deployed and prepared to respond and protect U.S. national security interests around the globe.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Richard Larger, operations officer, with 3d Littoral Anti-Air Battalion, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division sets up a tent during exercise Bougainville II at Puuloa Range, Hawaii, Oct. 28, 2022. To adapt to developing battlefield conditions, alpha command conducted battle turnover and displaced. Bougainville II is a field exercise that allows the MLR and its subordinate units to conduct expeditionary advanced base operations across the island of Oahu. BVII displays the MLRs ability to rapidly establish and displace expeditionary advance bases while executing command and control in a dispersed environment.

Tough Ombres from the 90th Sustainment Brigade conduct a change of command ceremony on Camp Pike in North Little Rock, Arkansas today. U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler, Commander of the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), is officiating the ceremony.Col. Stephen M. Pazak is relinquishing command to Col. Dixon T. Brockbank from Perry, Utah after serving as the brigade's commander since June 1, 2020.

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (Oct. 6, 2022) - Vice Adm. Jim Kilby, commander of Task Force 80 and deputy commander of U.S. Fleet Forces, returns a Sailors salute during an all-hands call aboard the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Sioux City (LCS 11). Sioux City recently returned from a historic deployment to the 5th Fleet and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. Sioux City is one of four ships assigned to Commander, Surface Division 21.

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Division are weighed in preparation for aircraft transportation during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force (ACM) drill at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 1, 2022. Routine short-notice ACM drills ensure III Marine Expeditionary Force Marines remain ready to rapidly deploy and maintain regional security in the Indo-Pacific. 3/3 s forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under the 4th Marines as part of the Unit Deployment program.

(220610-N-OI810-0433) GULFPORT, Mississippi (June 10, 2022) Chief Personnel Specialist Malanie Taylor, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14, signs her reenlistment documents after her reenlistment ceremony during fiscal year 2022, quarter three, Regional Training Platform (RTP-3) at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, June 10, 2022. RTP-3 provided NMCB-14 Seabees hands-on training opportunities in tactical combat casualty care; maintenance and material management; civil engineering support equipment operations; convoy operations; and Seabee combat warfare and expeditionary skills. NMCB-14 provides advance base construction, battle damage repair, contingency engineering, humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery support to our fleet and unified commanders.

Lance Corporal Collin Coppock, with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, has the rank of Corporal pinned during a promotion ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on April 3, 2023. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force that provides strategic speed and agility, ensuring Marines are forward deployed and prepared to respond and protect U.S. national security interests around the globe.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Junior E. Diaz, incoming sergeant major of 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, speaks to Sgt. Maj. Aaron C. Colling, sergeant major of III MIG, during his relief and appointment ceremony held at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 12, 2022. Diaz will be taking over duties as sergeant major of 5th ANGLICO from Sgt. Maj. Rupert K. Palmer. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Lance J. Langfeldt, the 6th Marine Corps District commanding officer, congratulates Cpl. Isabelle M. Anaya during her reenlistment ceremony held at 6MCD headquarters, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. The Marine Corps reenlistment ceremony serves to highlight those who've decided to continue their service, and to re-establish the commitment of Marines to the Corps and to the nation. Anaya is a native of Dumas, Texas, and she enlisted out of Recruiting Substation Metro South on May 2, 2018.

130th Engineer Brigades outgoing commander Col. Stephen J. Kolouch relinquishes command to Col. Margraret L. McGunegle during a change of command ceremony at Hamilton Field, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii on July 12, 2022. The passing of colors ensured that the 8th TSC and its soldiers is never without official leadership, a continuation of trust, and also signifies an allegiance of the soldiers to their unit's commander.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Morris Sharber Jr., the 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Commanding officer with 1st ANGLICO, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, leads Marines in a 10k hike during the ANGLICO Basic Course 1-22 culminating event at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 8, 2022. The ABC training enhances the capabilities of ANGLICO Marines in support of joint, interagency, intergovernmental and multinational operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, the Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command commander, thanks guests and colleagues who have contributed to his success as a general officer during a change of command ceremony at the Naval Station Norfolk Pennsylvania House, Virginia, Aug. 30, 2022. During the ceremony Brig. Gen. John F. Kelliher III, the outgoing commander, relinquished his duties to the incoming commander, Cavanaugh. The commander is responsible for proper employment and support of Marine Corps Forces and executing developmental procedures to fulfill the Service-retained operating forces in support of the combatant commander.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Julie L. Nethercot, commanding General of Parris Island Recruit Depot and Eastern Recruiting Region, observes operations during Littoral Exercise I (LEX I) in Parris Island, S.C., Jan. 26, 2022. During LEX I, Marines and Sailors aboard the Wichita and on various bases throughout the East Coast will be conducting new types of training to prepare for future scenarios in littoral environments. They will be experimenting with new tactics and training with multi-domain reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance teams in accordance with Force Design 2030.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr.)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Bryan A. Eovito, a Florida native and commanding officer of Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Group, right, stands at attention as Sgt. Maj. Tracey D. Nicholson, outgoing sergeant major of MCCOG, left, and Sgt. Maj. Brian A. Woodruff, oncoming sergeant major of MCCOG, march to position during a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, February 15, 2024. MCCOG executes Marine Corps Department of Defense Information Network Operations and Marine Corps Defensive Cyberspace Operations to enhance freedom of action across warfighting domains while denying the efforts of adversaries by degradation or disruption via cyberspace operations. Marine Corps

TINIAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 14, 2022) - Guest speaker Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson, left, Commander, Joint Region Marianas, presented Capt. Lance Flood, 30 NCR outgoing commander, the Legion of Merit for his leadership, during a change of command ceremony held at the 107th Seabee Memorial in Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, Sept. 9.Capt. Flood demonstrated innovative leadership. His efforts have made the Fleet more ready today and set the path toward shaping the Naval Construction Force of tomorrow.30 NCR conducts tactical and operational level planning, maintains major contingency response capability, and executes general engineering across the full range of military operations within the USINDOPACOM area of responsibility, fulfilling CTF 75 requirements in order to support the combatant command and other service component efforts to protect and defend the United States, its territories, allies, and interests; promote regional security and deter aggression. 30 NCR over

U.S. Marines Lt. Col. Michael Hayes, far, oncoming commanding officer, and Lt. Col. Robert Reinoehl, near, outgoing commanding officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, render a salute during a change of command ceremony aboard the installation, June 30, 2022. Reinoehl commanded H&HS for two years and relinquished command to Hayes, previously the MCAS Yuma operations officer.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan Petty, a military police officer with Provost Marshals Office, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, raises his right hand during a reenlistment ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, July 19, 2022. Promoted to Sgt. following his reenlistment, Petty was one of the 25 Marines from H&S Bn., MCIPAC, selected for the fiscal year 2023 Commandants Retention Program. The CRP focused on retaining the most talented first-term Marines who stand out amongst their peers and represent the highest level of performance within their primary military occupational specialty.

U.S. Marine Corps combat marksmanship coaches wait with military family members during a live fire event as part of the A Day in Their Boots event with 2nd Supply Battalion on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 6, 2022. The A Day in Their Boots event, hosted by 2nd Supply Battalion, gave Marine and Navy family members an opportunity to experience Marine Corps training and events to better understand daily life as an active-duty service member.

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, receive a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, at Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro, during exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 18, 2022. These awards were given to show superior performance in their duties during the execution of exercise UNITAS. UNITAS develops and sustains relationships that improve the capacity of our reemerging and enduring maritime partners to achieve common objectives. Additionally, the military-to-military exchanges foster friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding among participating navies and marine corps.

U.S. Army paratroopers with 1st squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) discuss training techniques with their NATO allies during exercise Golden Anvil at the Multinational Training Site in Manjaca, Bosnia Herzegovina, July 2022. Paratroopers and Soldiers from multiple nations spent 15 days improving their interoperability by conducting mounted reconnaissance and security patrols. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

Recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, practice drill formations on the Peatross Parade Deck on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Oct. 30, 2022. Recruits learn close order drill as a means of instilling discipline, teamwork, spatial awareness and as a base to execute combat formations.

Recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, practice firing positions on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., April 12, 2022. Recruits practice shooting positions and simulate the course of fire for a week prior to shooting with live ammunition.

U.S. Marines attached to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) disembark the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) in Morehead City, North Carolina, Oct. 10, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd MEU is operating in the Atlantic Ocean in support of naval operations to maintain maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

040916-M-1226J-020. Base: USMC Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Oranjel Leavy, the outgoing sergeant major of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, delivers remarks during the 15th MEU relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 6, 2023. During the ceremony, Leavy relinquished his post to Sgt. Maj. John Schlaud, after serving as the 15th MEU sergeant major since June 2021.

The U.S. Army Pacific Command team, commander Gen. Charles Flynn, and the Senior Enlisted Advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Brzak, recognize Spc. Logan Michael Dornon with an award for being part of the squad that recently won the 2022 USARPAC Best Squad Competition on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, August 29, 2022. The squad was a five-soldier team from 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and they competed against Army teams from across the Pacific Region. Spc. Dornon and the team are scheduled to compete for the 2022 Department of Defense Best Squad Competition in the coming months.

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