Memorials and Commemorative Gatherings

Photos depicting memorial ceremonies and cultural performances by military groups, honoring historical conflicts and promoting peace.

220810-N-OT701-1047 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (Aug. 10, 2022) Jim Neuman, Navy Region Hawaii historian, conducts a historical tour of the USS Arizona Memorial for the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, with their family and friends. The Blue Angels are in Hawaii for the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show which will take place Aug. 13-14, 2022.

Paramotor landing at the center of Palmyra Syria

Okinawan students lay flowers on a memorial during the 2022 Memorial Ceremony for All War Dead in Okinawa, at Peace Memorial Park, Okinawa, Japan, June 23, 2022. Leaders from across Okinawa gathered during the ceremony to honor the lives that were lost during the Battle of Okinawa.

PEARL HARBOR (July 5, 2022) - New Zealands Māori Cultural Group performs during a reception aboard Royal New Zealand Navy auxiliary oiler replenishment ship HMNZS Aotearoa (A 11). The reception was hosted by New Zealand Consulate General, Hawaii, Mr. Mike Ketchen and Commanding Officer of Aotearoa, Cmdr. Dave Barr, for New Zealands Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 partner nations. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Royal New Zealand Air Force photo by Cpl. Dillon Anderson)

Milan, garrison against the war in Ukraine

110212-N-ZS026-405SAN DIEGO (Feb. 12, 2011) Spectators watch as the Parade of Flight ends with a formation of 35 aircraft above Naval Air Station North Island. The Navy is observing the Centennial of Naval Aviation with a series of nationwide events celebrating 100 years of heritage, progress and achievement in naval aviation.

The U.S. Air Force Total Force Band plays in the Tournament of Roses Parade Jan. 1, 2022, in Pasadena, California. Americas Air Force participated in Americas New Year Celebration that includes the Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl Game, to kick-off 2022 and a yearlong celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Department of the Air Force.

The coffin of Marshal and President of Chad, Idriss Deby Itno during his funeral on April 23, 2021. He was killed at the front during the fighting against the rebellion of the Front for Alternation and Concord in Chad (FACT) on April 20 2021. President Idriss Deby Itno had ruled Chad for 30 years.

220810-N-OT701-1047 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (Aug. 10, 2022) Jim Neuman, Navy Region Hawaii historian, conducts a historical tour of the USS Arizona Memorial for the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, with their family and friends. The Blue Angels are in Hawaii for the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show which will take place Aug. 13-14, 2022.

Friends and family members of Pfc. Kham S. Xiong, who was killed Nov. 5, 2009 at Fort Hood's Soldier Readiness Processing Center, gather around his photo following a Remembrance Ceremony held at Fort Hood, Texas Friday. The ceremony honored all 13 Soldiers killed last year.

050209-A-8359B-139. Base: Fort Buchanan, San Juan State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

061219-N-6106R-083. Base: USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63)

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, arrive at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, July 25, 2022. Recruits stored their personal belongings in bins and filed out administrative forms to begin training. Before entering the receving building, recruits were briefed on the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

220730-N-VI040-1160 YAMATO, Japan (July 30, 2022) Capt. Manning Montagnet, Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi commanding officer, along with other NAF Atsugi and Atsugi Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) leaders participate in Yamato Citys 46th annual Awa Odori Festival. During the event, participants paraded through the streets of Yamato with local Japanese citizens performing various traditional dances.

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (June 03, 2022)- Graduates of David Glasgow Farragut High School stand during their graduation ceremony on Naval Station Rota, Spain June 03, 2022. Naval Station Rota sustains the fleet, enables the fighter and supports the family by conducting air operations, port operations, ensuring security and safety, assuring quality of life and providing the core services of power, water, fuel and information technology.

220529-N-DN159-1154 ADRIATIC SEA (May 29, 2022) Sailors perform a traditional Filipino dance called tinikiling during an Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month observance in the hangar bay of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), May 29, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on 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.

Cindy Edwards, councilwoman, city of Jacksonville council, provides remarks during the 13th Annual Montford Point Marine Day Ceremony at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Aug. 25, 2022. The annual Montford Point Marine Day Ceremony honors the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps and recognizes their accomplishments, sacrifices and dedication to our country.

Local citizens and veterans assist in laying wreaths during the Hasso Mongmong-Toto-Maite Marine Depot Memorial Ceremony in Maite, Guam, July 7, 2022. Every year in July, Guam celebrates and remembers the service members who fought in World War II by hosting various events as a part of Liberation Month.

SUBIC BAY, Philippines (June 28, 2013) The U.S. 7th Fleet Band ensemble, Orient Express, performs for children from local orphanages during a community service event as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2013. CARAT is a series of bilateral military exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Liszewski, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Yumi Yoshikawa, the parliamentary vice-minister with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other officials of Okinawa observe aircraft during the Futenma Flight Line Fair on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 1, 2022. Marine Corps Community Services organized a fair open to Status of Forces Agreement personnel and local nationals to help form a stronger alliance between the United States and Japan.

uests enjoy Barracks Marines perform during a Friday Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington D.C., June 24, 2022. The hosting official for the evening was Gen. Eric Smith, 36th Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the guest of honor was Adm. Christopher W. Grady, 12th Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Educators from Lansing, Michigan, and Nashville, Tennessee, experience an Educators Workshop at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, March 1, 2023. The Educators Workshop is designed to inform school staff about the commitment and benefits of service in the U.S. Marine Corps.

At a scheduled anti-war protest, protesters peacefully marched past Aviano Air Base (AB), Italy. During the event, Aviano security forces were on hand along with Italian police and military to handle any emergencies. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

220919-N-IE405-1273 NAPLES, Italy (Sept. 19, 2022) Locals and visitors from around the world witness the televised religious ceremony honoring patron saint San Gennaro occurring inside the Duomo di Napoli, a Naples cathedral, in celebration of Festa di San Gennaro in Naples, Italy, Sept. 19, 2022. Personnel assigned to various tenant commands from U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, locals, and visitors from around the world attended the 2022 celebration in downtown Naples with a religious procession, live music and authentic Italian street food highlighting the festivities. NSA Naples is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

221116-N-OX321-1514 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Nov. 16, 2022) The Sbandieratori and Musici Rione Giovani Maestri (District young master flag-wavers and musicians) perform in front of Ristorante Bell Etna galley during lunch on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Nov. 16, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Central Command.

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 24, 2022) - Ensign Haley Kurkowski, right, leads a group of visitors on a tour of amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23) during the Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) Centennial Celebration, Sept. 24. The NBSD Centennial Celebration honors the partnership between the base and its community by granting public access to a portion of the base to show off Navy assets and provide a better understanding of what happens within the base. Anchorage is homeported in San Diego.

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (Aug. 11, 2022) - Charles Elliott, warehouse manager aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), bottom left, leads a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supply chain tour aboard Mercy in support of Pacific Partnership 2022. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

Annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally and related events on the National Mall, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among officials on hand

031110-M-5607G-003. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MCAS Cherry Point

Army Field Support Battalion (AFSBn) Korea hosted an organizational day on USAG Humphreys to improve esprit de corps and strengthen the bond between Soldiers and family members, Oct. 21, 2022. The day's events featured food, games and sporting events.

Seoul, South Korea, Asia, a members of the Korean Imperial Guard stand outside the Gyeongbokgung Palace during a change of the guard ceremony

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) hosts a ceremony for National POW/MIA Recognition Day at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Sept. 16, 2022. This day was first established in 1979 through a proclamation from President Jimmy Carter, in observance to honor and recognize the sacrifices of those Americans who have been prisoners of war and to remind the nation of those who are still missing in action. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

Spectators observe the F-35B Lightning II aerial demonstration during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 25, 2022. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing efforts to modernize the force for future conflicts.

NORFOLK (Sept. 12, 2022) USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) returns to Naval Station Norfolk after 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.

More than 600 Accelerating the Legacy 2023 participants, to include Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., and retired Lt. Col. James H. Harvey, documented original Tuskegee Airman, join together for a photo following the Accelerating the Legacy 2023 banquet in Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 16, 2023. Accelerating the Legacy is an aviation heritage event that honors the Tuskegee Airmens legacy, offers professional development and networking opportunities to Total Force Airmen, and inspires the next generation of aviation professionals.

221008-N-LH674-1185 SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 8, 2022) 32nd Street Funk Band, from Navy Band Southwest, performs at Fishermans Wharf 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.

Aerial view of a military vehicle moving through a densely packed street with people, Dhaka, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh.

060823-N-6501M-033. Base: Kupang State: East Nusa Tenggara Province Country: Indonesia (IDN)

Senior Master Sgt. Paul Watts (left), the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron fire services flight fire chief and Master Sgt. Jarrod Jensen, the fire services flight deputy, watch a response demonstration during a local training event at Wolmyung Stadium, Gunsan City, Republic of Korea, Oct. 28, 2022. The event welcomed several spectators such as the local fire chief, military leaders and Gunsan City officials, to view firefighting capabilities conducted by all responders. (U.S Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Sadie Colbert)

Team Marine Corps athletes, gather together for a meeting before the 2022 DoD Warrior Games in Orlando, Fla. on Aug. 17, 2022. The annual event celebrates the resiliency and dedication of wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans.

220408-N-SI601-1027 YOKOSUKA, Japan (April 8, 2022) The ceremonial bell is placed on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) for Master Chief Electricians Mate (Nuclear) Nathan Millers retirement ceremony. Millers family and friends attended the ceremony to commemorate his 24 years in the U.S. Navy. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

PEARL HARBOR (July 14, 2022) U.S. Army Soldiers in the 18th Medical Command, 25th Infantry Division, and 8th Theater Sustainment Command conduct a mass casualty response as a part of the Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief scenario during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 in Pearl Harbor, July 14, 2022. Medical exercises like this prepare joint agencies across the Indo-Pacific for potential mass casualty events. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

221211-N-HG389-0107 BANYUWANGI, Indonesia (Dec. 11, 2022) Sailors assigned to Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 watch a traditional Indonesian dance performance during a cultural exchange with Indonesian Navy Sailors during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)/Marine Exercise (MAREX) Indonesia 2022 in Banyuwangi, Dec. 11. CARAT/MAREX Indonesia is a bilateral exercise between Indonesia and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability. In its 28th year, the CARAT series is comprised of multinational exercises, designed to enhance U.S. and partner forces abilities to operate together in response to traditional and non-traditional maritime security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. Task Force 73 is responsible for conducting diving and salvage operations in the Western Pacific.

Morocco, Fantasia, Near Rabat, Men On Horseback With Rifles

Stefanie De Meulemeester, left, and Tom Olaerts, guest singers, perform alongside military bands during the Belgian Defence International Tattoo in Mons, Belgium, May 31, 2022. This five-day festival is the first Belgian International Tattoo, which was originally planned to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Belgium in 2020, but was postponed due to COVID-19. Participating military bands include the Belgian, French, Polish and American bands.

Battle of Pont den Barona Battle of Pont den Barona, Moors and Christians, Es Firó, Soller, Sierra de Tramuntana, Mallorca, balearic islands, spain, europe Copyright: xZoonar.com/BartomeuxBalaguerxRotgerx 21769417

Tattoo on the Parade of the Breda Castle (Royal Military Academy).

221008-N-HP061-1006PATTAYA, Thailand (Oct. 8, 2022) Sailors from Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) and Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Halifax-class frigate HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338) pose for a group photo during a community relations event at the Child Development and Protection Center in Pattaya, Thailand during a port visit, Oct. 8. Higgins is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleets principal surface force.

Battle of the Pont den Barona, Moors and Christians, "Es Firó", Soller, Sierra de Tramuntana, Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain.

Reserve Citizen Airmen in the 433rd Airlift Wing, 960th Cyberspace Wing, 340th Flying Training Group and 23rd Intelligence Squadron take part in San Antonios Fiesta Flambeau Parade, April 9, 2022. This was the first time the four units collaborated to enter a float into the parade.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Isaac Pike, a recruiter with Recruiting Substation Monroe, Recruiting Station Baton Rouge, counts pull ups during a pull up challenge at Ruston High School in Ruston, Louisiana, Sept. 30, 2022. The Marines held a pull up challenge to see if Ruston High School could collectively do more pull ups than Neville High School. The pull up challenge is part of the Great American Rivalry Series. The GARS is hosted by Brainbox Intelligent Marketing and highlights top high school football rivalries nationwide.

Air Force delayed entry program trainees swear in at MCU Park in Brooklyn, New York City Aug. 21, 2012. The Brooklyn Cyclones hosted a Salute to the Air Force Night as part of Air Force Week 2012.

Battle of Pont den Barona, Moors and Christians, "Es Firó", Soller, Sierra de Tramuntana, Mallorca, balearic islands, spain, europe.

Family members and friends go aboard the frigate USS ELMER MONTGOMERY (FF-1082) to be reunited with their loved ones. The ELMER MONTGOMERY and other ships of the aircraft carrier USS SARATOGA (CV-60) battle group are returning to Mayport following their deployment to the Persian Gulf region for 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)

Air show attendees watch the U.S. Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, perform flight demonstrations in F/A-18 Super Hornets during the 2022 Kaneohe Bay Air Show, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 13, 2022. The Blue Angels are comprised of six F/A-18 Super Hornets and one C-130J Hercules who perform aerobatics around the United States. The Kaneohe Bay Air Show, which contained aerial performances, static displays, demonstrations and vendors, was designed to express MCBHs appreciation to the residents of Hawaii and their continued support of the installation.

221008-N-US256-1083 RETHYMNO, Crete (Oct. 8, 2022) Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) take a tour of the city during a Morale, Welfare and Recreation tour in Rethymno, Crete, Oct. 8, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on 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.

Vietnam, Dien Bien Phu. Dien Bien Phu Military Cemetery, graves of Vietnamese soldiers

Police, policia, at the ceremonial changing of the guard in the Plaza de la Aduana, Old City, Cuidad Vieja, Cartagena, Colombia.

Flowers are displayed at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Keesler change of command ceremony in the Bay Breeze Event Center on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Nov. 17, 2022. The ceremony welcomed U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jeff Portell, CNATTU Keesler incoming commander, and said farewell to Cmdr. David Marino, CNATTU Keesler outgoing commander.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 16, 2022) - Japanese community members enjoy a Yokosuka Morale, Welfare and Recreation event during the 44th annual Friendship Day celebration. For the first time in three years, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka 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 Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

030323-F-7372R-025. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Nationlsozialismus Gedenken Auschwitz Geschichte 27.01.2025 Potsdam Landeshauptstadt Platz der Einheit- Bundesweit gedenken Menschen der Opfer des Nationalsozialismus anlässlich der Befreiung des Konzentrationslagers Auschwitz vor 80 Jahren Oberbürgermeister der Stadt Potsdam Mike Schubert Potsdam Brandenurg GER *** National Socialism Commemoration Auschwitz History 27 01 2025 Potsdam State Capital Platz der Einheit Nationwide people commemorate the victims of National Socialism on the occasion of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp 80 years ago Lord Mayor of the City of Potsdam Mike Schubert Potsdam Brandenurg GER

030421-F-7449W-001. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Marine General John Allen, who formerly helped Secretary Kerry by offering ideas for ensuring Israel's security through peace talks with the Palestinian Authority listens on as U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry deliver remarks on Middle East peace at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. on December 28, 2016.

020905-M-4512B-004. Base: Petrovich Country: Macedonia (MKD) Scene Major Command Shown: Civilians

Marines and sailors of 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, are welcomed home by cheering friends and family during their homecoming ceremony at Victory Field Aug. 3. More than 300 returned from Fallujah, Iraq.

Hundreds of veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima, family members and active duty Marines gather for a ceremony commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va., Feb. 19, 2010. In February 1945, the United States launched its first assault against the Japanese at Iwo Jima, resulting in some of the fiercest fighting of the war.

U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Kevin Wilson, a civil affairs specialist assigned to 7th Psychological Operations Group, smiles for a photo with members of the crowd during a community outreach performance by the 25th Infantry Division Tropic Lightning Brass Band as part of Super Garuda Shield 2022 on Aug. 6, 2022 at Taman Tani Merdeka Park, Martapura, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Super Garuda Shield 2022, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. Military and Indonesian National Armed Forces, reinforces U.S. commitments to our allies and regional partners, joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.

After participating in the Surgery Desert Storm and Operation Phalanx in the Persian Gulf, the supply ship Hr.Ms. Zuiderkruis (A 832), the L-FREGAT HR.MS. Jacob van Heemskerck (F 812) and the S-Fregat Hr.Ms. Philips van Almonde (F 823) on 19 April 1991 back in the home port Den Helder. The welcoming home front for the Almonde.

U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Szczepanik, 6th Air Refueling Wing deputy commander, provides opening remarks for the 11th Annual Estelle Memorial 5K at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 26, 2024. The annual memorial run honors U.S. Air Force Maj. Raymond Estelle II who was killed in a shooting incident in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Estelle previously served at MacDill and has the 6th Communications Squadron facility named after him.

230628-N-EU502-1271 SAN DIEGO (June 28, 2023) - Friends and family gather to welcome Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) as the ship arrives 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.

On Thanksgiving, four US Representatives of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs: Committee Chair Rep. Mark Takano, Rep. Colin Allred, Rep. Elissa Slotkin, and Rep. Katie Porter met with service members at Camp Arifjan. Hosted by Area Support Group - Kuwait, they took part in the Army's Thanksgiving tradition of serving behind the food line at a dining facility, chatted with constituents over turkey and stuffing, and toured the base. Lt. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, ARCENT Commander, presented the members of Congress with an American flag flown over the base.

Battle of Pont den Barona Battle of Pont den Barona, Moors and Christians, Es Firó, Soller, Sierra de Tramuntana, Mallorca, balearic islands, spain, europe Copyright: xZoonar.com/BartomeuxBalaguerxRotgerx 21769462

U.S. Marines with 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, tour The Les Invalides Museum in Paris, France, May 25, 2022. This visit is to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their respective countries during World War I.

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe Ambassadors Rock Band performs live for Dzień Dobry TVN, a Polish television program, near the Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków, Poland, Oct. 16, 2022. The USAFE Band partnered with the U.S. Consulate-Krakow to travel across southern Poland from Oct 11-20, 2022, conducting performances that celebrated the shared spirit of freedom and enduring friendship between the U.S. and Poland. The band brings Americas musical heritage and Air Force excellence to audiences across Europe and Africa.

Pentagon tribute in memory of the 5th anniversary of the 911 attacks

Vietnam, Dien Bien Phu. Dien Bien Phu Military Cemetery, memorial

220415-N-LW757-1087SAN DIEGO (April. 15, 2022) Sailors assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diego pose for a photo in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month at the hospital April 15. NMRTC San Diegos mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMRTC San Diego employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians, and contractors in Southern California to provide patients with world-class care anytime, anywhere.

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

Local nurses and first responders participate in a mental health exercise during a community health engagement activity in Sanchez Maria, Philippines, March 30, 2022 as part of exercise Balikatan 22. Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, is a longstanding bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. Balikatan 22 coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation and a shared commitment to advancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines with the 2d Marine Division Band perform during the Belgian Defence International Tattoo in Namur, Belgium, June 1, 2022. This five-day festival is the first Belgian International Tattoo, which was originally planned to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of Belgium in 2020, but was postponed due to COVID-19. Participating military bands include the Belgian, French, Polish and American bands.

U.S. Air Force JROTC students from Windsor High School and U.S. Army JROTC students from the High School of Commerce tour the 104th Fighter Wing Oct. 28, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. The tour program at the 104FW connects members of the community together, while also giving guests the chance to learn about the unit's mission.

010331-M-8539A-002. Subject Operation/Series: MILLENNIUM EDGE Base: Chong Ju Country: South Korea

221007-N-FS414-1044 SOUDA BAY, Crete (Oct. 7, 2022) Dancers perform for Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), during a visit at a traditional Greek taverna during a tour provided by the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation team during a scheduled port visit to Souda Bay, Greece, Oct. 7, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on 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.

060318-N-4856G-049. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, places flowers on a memorial during his visit to Misawa Air Base, Japan, July 22, 2022. Emanuel was confirmed asthe 31st United States Ambassador to Japan on December 18, 2021. Emanuel visited Misawa to meet with base leadership and express his gratitude to the service members.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 16, 2022) - Service members and Japanese community members visit 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 Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

221203-A-IA376-2194 SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Dec. 3, 2022) Sailors, assigned to hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), pose for a group photo with disabled Dominican Republic residents during a subject matter expert exchange panel, Dec. 3, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Troy Taylor was appointed the twelfth Ohio state command chief for the Ohio Air National Guard during a change of authority ceremony on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Maj. Gen. James Camp, the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Ohio National Guard, performed the ceremony as Taylor accepted authority from the previous state command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker.

The U.S. Air Force Total Force Band plays in the Tournament of Roses Parade Jan. 1, 2022, in Pasadena, California. Americas Air Force participated in Americas New Year Celebration that includes the Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl Game, to kick-off 2022 and a yearlong celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Department of the Air Force.

SHIMODA, Japan (May 21, 2022) - The official party of the 83rd Shimoda Black Ship festival poses for a photo at the Gyokusenji Temple. The Shimoda Black Ship festival, or Shimoda Kurofune, celebrates Commodore Matthew C. Perry's arrival to Japan, Japan's subsequent opening to international trade, and the U.S.-Japan alliance. For 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.

GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY, LOS ANGELES (May 27, 2022) - The 1st Marine Divison "Brass Breed" Band perform at the Griffith Observatory during LA Fleet Week 22, May 27. LAFW 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 Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.

Cmdr. Douglas Kennedy, Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) chief staff officer, speaks during the CFAS Holiday Reception at CFAS Dec. 11, 2022. For 75 years, CFAS has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services to empower forward-deployed U.S. and Allied Forces while providing superior support to their families and the community.

U.S. Marines with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and volunteers from Camp Courtney English School carry plants during a town beautification at Kin, Okinawa, Japan, May 21, 2022. Marines with the 31st MEU regularly seek opportunities to build relationships with members of the local community that fosters a clear understanding of the 31st MEUs purpose in Japan, and develops mutual respect between service members and the local Okinawan population. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps' only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) receive patches and plaques from the 1st Commando Parachute Battalion as a token of appreciation during the Joint Combined Exercise Training (JCET) closing ceremony in Ouassa, Benin, Sept. 9, 2022. The 3rd SFG trained alongside the Beninese soldiers for about eight weeks and assessed their force capabilities to identify opportunities for future U.S. engagement and partnership.

220901-N-TT639-1181 SINGAPORE (Sept. 1, 2022) - Sailors and members of the Jollilads Football Club pose for a photo prior to a soccer match in Singapore Sept. 1, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations 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.

PHU YEN, VIETNAM (June 29, 2022) - Students at Luong Van Chanh High School perform with Petty Officer 2nd Yukari Miyake, a vocalist with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force currently accompanying the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band during Pacific Partnership 2022, during a host nation outreach event. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

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