Military Award Ceremonies

Images of military personnel receiving awards and recognition in formal ceremonies, showcasing uniforms and certificates in varied settings.

U.S. Air Force Col. Abraham Jackson, right, U.S. European Command Joint Intelligence Operations Center Europe Analytic Center outgoing commander, receives the Meritorious Service Medal during the JIOCEUR Analytic Center change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Molesworth, England, July 7, 2022. The change of command ceremony is rooted in military history dating back to the 18th century representing the relinquishing of power from one officer to another.

220826-N-EJ241-1024DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (Aug. 26, 2022) - Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Michael S. Villeda, assigned to U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, receives an Armed Forces Service Medal from Capt. John F. Wilson, commanding officer of NSF Diego Garcia during awards at quarters. NSF Diego Garcia provides logistic, service, recreational, and administrative support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 13, 2022) Mr. Giannis Grivas is acknowledged as the Safety Person of the Year by Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, during an award ceremony on Oct. 13, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Col. Abraham Jackson, right, U.S. European Command Joint Intelligence Operations Center Europe Analytic Center outgoing commander, receives the Meritorious Service Medal during the JIOCEUR Analytic Center change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Molesworth, England, July 7, 2022. The change of command ceremony is rooted in military history dating back to the 18th century representing the relinquishing of power from one officer to another.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt.Travis Javier, the non commissioned officer in charge of programs with the 36th Maintenance Squadron, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul R. Birch, 36th Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John E. Payne, 36th Wing command chief, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 7, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens mission, vision and priorities.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt.Travis Javier, the non commissioned officer in charge of programs with the 36th Maintenance Squadron, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul R. Birch, 36th Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John E. Payne, 36th Wing command chief, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 7, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens mission, vision and priorities.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Jan. 12, 2023) Master-at-Arms 1st Class Joseph Sherwood, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, receives a frocking letter from Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, Greece, during an award ceremony on Jan. 12, 2023. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Capt. Chris Bryant, commanding officer, Center for Information Warfare Training, presented the Navy Civilian Service Commendation Medal to James JimBob Carragher, retired cryptologic technician collection master chief, and deputy information technology division program manager for CIWT, during his retirement ceremony at Information Warfare Training Command Corry Station on Sep. 30. Carragher retired from CIWT with a combined 47 years of federal service with the Navy.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Leon Yang, a resource advisor assigned to the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Birch, commander of the 36th Wing, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Nicholas Taylor, the command chief of the 36th Wing, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 7, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens mission, vision and priorities.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (June 29, 2022) Mass Communication Specialist Third Class Karri Langerman receives a promotion memorandum from Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, during a frocking ceremony held in the base gym on June 29, 2022. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay 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 preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 28, 2022) Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Joshua Fein, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives a frocking letter from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during a frocking ceremony at the Fitness Center on Nov. 28, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Army Col. Ronald Iammartino Jr, Commander, 2d Theater Signal Brigade, presents a Certificate of Achievement to U.S. Army Sgt. Jakob Dehoop during a short ceremony July 29, 2022 at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. Dehoop was recognized for his contributions to making the 2d Theater Signal Brigade's Change of Command ceremony a success. (U.S. Army photos by Candy Knight)

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 13, 2022) Mr. Eleftherios Daskalakis receives a twenty years of service certificate from Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, during an awards ceremony, Oct. 13, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Jan. 11, 2024) Master-at-Arms 1st Class Colin McNeill, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, is certified as a Navy Security Force Senior Specialist by Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during an awards ceremony on Jan. 11, 2024. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Brig. Gen. Thomas Vickers gives Capt. Christopher Lee his graduation certificate. Lee, along with fifteen others, graduated from the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Foundation Course on May 27, 2022 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. He and the others will work to combat sexual harassment and assault in their units and the Army.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Timothy P. Herrington was recognized for more than 28 years of service to the Mississippi Army National Guard during a retirement ceremony held at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 6, 2022. Herrington previously served as a commissioned officer obtaining the rank of colonel. Herrington was present the Legion of Merit, the Mississippi Magnolia Cross and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. His wife, Carmen, was presented the Mississippi Magnolia Necklace and a certificate of appreciation. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Jovi Prevot)

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Corrine Ramos receives her Flag Letter of Commendation certificate from Capt. Steve Aboona, commanding officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command, Bethesda, during an awards ceremony in Memorial Auditorium at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Oct. 7, 2022. Aboona presented 40 individual awards during the award ceremony which recognized various achievements of Sailors assigned to the command.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Dec. 8, 2022), Air Traffic Controller Airman Brandan Asare, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, receives a Letter of Commendation from Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, Greece, during an award ceremony on Dec. 8, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Senior Airman Jakob Stokes, 168th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 168th Wing received the Alaska Domestic Emergency Ribbon upon returning home from assisting communities affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok in Nome, Alaska, Sept. 30, 2022. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

CSS-15 Awards

Alaska Army Guard Maj. Walter Hotch-Hill, 49th Missile Defense Battalion (Ground-based Midcourse Defense), presents the Certificate of Retirement to Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Sallaffie, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, during a retirement ceremony at the National Guard armory in Bethel, Aug. 19, 2022. Sallaffie served more than 23 years in the National Guard and active-duty components of the U.S. Army, and officially retired July 31, 2022.

U.S. Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Stanley Niedorowski presents Chief Master Sgt. Shawn Sperrey his certificate for the promotion to the rank of CMSgt. on February 3rd, 2024, 101st Air Refueling Wing, Bangor, Me. The Chief Master Sgt. certificate shares what the highest enlisted rank entails in terms of duty and responsibility as well as proper terms of address of either Chief Master Sgt, or Chief. Air National Guard

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 28, 2022) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Tynesha Willis , assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives a frocking letter from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during a frocking ceremony at the Fitness Center on Nov. 28, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Aug. 25, 2022) Machinists Mate 2nd Class Justin Segarra, assigned to Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, during an award ceremony, Aug. 25, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Brig. Gen. Thomas Vickers gives Sgt. 1st Class Lucretia Laysmith her graduation certificate. Laysmith, along with fifteen others, graduated from the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Foundation Course on May 27, 2022 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. She and the others will work to combat sexual harassment and assault in their units and the Army.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 28, 2022) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Haley Mynatt, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives a frocking letter from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during a frocking ceremony at the Fitness Center on Nov. 28, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Senior Airman Emily Shrader, from the 49th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, accepts the Honor Guardsman of the Quarter Award during the 49th Wings 1st quarter awards ceremony, June 10, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Quarterly award winners were selected based on their technical expertise, demonstration of leadership and job performance.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (June 29, 2022) Master-at-Arms Second Class Matthew Bakken receives a promotion memorandum from Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, during a frocking ceremony held in the base gym on June 29, 2022. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay 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 preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 10, 2022) Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, recognizes Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Paris Footman as NSA Souda Bays Sailor of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2022 during an awards ceremony on Nov. 10, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Sgt. Patrick Duffy, 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion received the Alaska Domestic Emergency Ribbon upon returning home from assisting communities affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok in Nome, Alaska, Sept. 30, 2022. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

U.S. Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 172 accept a plaque in recognition of their selection for the James E. Hatch Award, awarded to MWSS of the Year, presented by Maj. Gen. Eric Austin, the commanding general of 1stMarine Aircraft Wing (MAW), during the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) awards luncheon at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma, April 5, 2023. The MCAA awards are presented annually to individuals and units that represent the best of the best in Marine Corps aviation, rewarding operational readiness and technical ingenuity throughout the service.

Staff Sgt. Alexander Bruno (third from the left), religious affairs non-commissioned officer, 519th Hospital Center, poses for a photo with his leadership after making the commandants list during the U.S. Air Force Kisling NCO Academy graduation, Feb. 13, on Vogelweh Air Base. Bruno is not the first 21st Theater Sustainment Command Soldier to attend the Kisling NCOA, but he is the first to make the commandants list.

Airborne Test Force (ATF) Soldier Justin DeVaul celebrated his promotion to Sgt. 1st Class on the afternoon of April 14. DeVaul was surrounded by Yuma Test Center Commander Lt. Col. Alicia Johnson, ATF Chief Warrant Officer 3 David Minnis, fellow Soldiers and his wife Sgt. 1st Class Jerica DeVaul who did the honors of replacing his insignia patch.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Anthony Maggio, the Equal Opportunity Director at the 117th Air Refueling Wing, holds a retirement ceremony at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Jan. 6, 2024. Maggio retired after 22 years in the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard.

U.S. Army Capt. Jacob Girard, commander, Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, passes the unit lineage token to U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Moulton, 86th Troop Command, Vermont Army National Guard, during a Casing of the Colors ceremony in Waterbury, Vt., December 3, 2022. Following their transfer to Massachusetts, Bravo Batterys lineage and honors transfer to the 172nd Law Enforcement Detachment of Garrison Support Command.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 28, 2022) Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Kelvin Ruiz, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receives a frocking letter from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during a frocking ceremony at the Fitness Center on Nov. 28, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Col. Matt Husemann, left, 436th Airlift Wing commander, presents Jason Minto, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations multimedia specialist, with a certificate and coin as the weeks top performer at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Aug. 10, 2022. Minto was coined by Husemann for his outstanding performance.

A student from Matthew C. Perry Intermediate School, left, poses for a picture with U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Paul Cordes, the executive officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, during an art awards presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 22, 2024. The air station presented awards for its monthly art competition in which students attending schools at the air station showcase their artistic talent through different art mediums. Marine Corps

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 10, 2022) Ms. Christy Eschenbacher receives a Letter of Commendation from Capt. Odin Klug, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, during an award ceremony on Nov. 10, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Labonte, former member of the 101st Maintenance Squadron, holds his retirement ceremony, September 10th, 2022, at the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Bangor, Maine. Labonte retires after 26 years of service.

Boston (May. 12, 2022) Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Ryan Byrne is awarded Sailor of the Quarter. 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 cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ships wooden hull.

Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Commander and 46th Chief of Civil Engineers Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey presents the Legion of Merit, gold star in lieu of a third award, to Capt. Tim DeWitt, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Fast East commander, during a change of command and retirement ceremony for DeWitt where he was relieved by Capt. Lance Flood on board Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, Oct. 28.

Master Sgt. Paul W. Hiller receives the Bronze Star Medal Sept. 1, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. Hiller planned and executed the recovery of multiple at-risk Afghan citizens and their families from three different airfield gates at great risk to his own safety. He was personally responsible for delivering more than 100 Afghans to asylum.

220519-N-UD000-1094 NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (May 19, 2022) USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Command Master Chief Ron Glass, presents a gift and a letter from Doro Bush Koch, the ships sponsor and daughter of president George H.W. Bush, to Capt. Robert Aguilar during a change of command ceremony aboard the the ship May 19, 2022. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Dennis Velez relieved Cheeseman, as Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable war fighting capability as the flagship of the carrier strike group which maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Yorktown, Va. (January 30, 2024) MA3 John Ulrich is presented with a citation by Captain Dan Patrick, Commanding Officer, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown during an all hands award quarters event at the installations Nelson Chapel.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James M. Smith, commanding general (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Howard, outgoing senior enlisted advisor (right), both with the 21st Theater Sustainment Command smile for the camera after an award ceremony prior to a change of responsibility ceremony, June 3, 2022, at the NCO Field, Daenner Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Command Sgt. Maj. Kofie Primus assumed responsibility of the unit from Howard.

220406-N-UD000-1112 NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (April 6, 2022) Rear Adm. Fred Pyle, director, Maritime Operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, awards Rear Adm. Rick Cheeseman the Legion of Merit during a change of command ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) April 6, 2022. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Dennis Velez relieved Cheeseman, as Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10. CSG-10 is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat Americas adversaries in support of national security. It achieves its mission by projecting the combined power of George H.W. Bush, Carrier Air Wing 7, Destroyer Squadron 26, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).

SAN DIEGO (Sep. 1, 2022) - Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, presents Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) Terry Clark, during a scheduled visit to Afloat Training Group, Pacific. Kitchener evaluated the current state of readiness and spoke with leadership.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jacquita Melton assumed the role of Command Chief of the Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Wing in Springfield, Ohio during a change of authority ceremony held Dec. 3, 2022. Melton is the ninth command chief master sergeant of the Ohio National Guard's 178th Wing.

220604-N-RL456-0006MAYPORT, Fla. (June 4, 2022) Mass Communication Specialist Daniel Cleary, a native of Indianapolis, Ind. and resident of Jacksonville, Fla., is presented a frocking letter prior to being advanced to first class petty officer by Capt. Richard S. Lofgren, commanding officer, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet reserve component, June 4, 2022. Making first class is such a big honor to me because it means the Navy sees what I have done during my service and thinks Im ready for more, said Cleary. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Commands joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.

Seabee Chief Michael Baxter (left) was presented the Naval Commendation Medal by Cmdr. Sterling Ingram (right), NAVFAC Washington public works officer, Public Works Department Washington, during a retirement ceremony held onboard the United States Naval Observatory.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Sean Choquette, 12th Air Force (Air Force Southern) vice commander, awards Master Sgt. Christopher Wilson, 563d Rescue Group pararescueman, the Bronze Star Medal during an award ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Dec. 12, 2022. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to military personnel who have distinguished themselves by heroic or meritorious achievement or service without participation in aerial flight.

230406-N-MR862-048 TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (April 6, 2023) Capt. Robert Skillz” Majoris, commodore, Strategic Communications Wing (SCW) 1, awards Master-At-Arms Seaman Heriberto Hernandez, with a frocking letter, meritoriously promoting him to petty officer 3rd class at an awards quarters April 6, 2023. SCW-1 is a tenant command of Naval Air Forces Command, ensuring National Security through the deterrence of adversarial nuclear ambitions.

Sgt. Maj. Travis Kulp, Joint Force Headquarters, Alaska National Guard received the Alaska Domestic Emergency Ribbon upon returning home from assisting communities affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok in Nome, Alaska, Sept. 30, 2022. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

220527-N-EJ241-1014DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (May 27, 2022) - Culinary Specialist 1st Class Christian A. Uy, assigned to Naval Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal from Capt. Richard D. Payne, commanding officer of NSF Diego Garcia during awards at quarters. NSF Diego Garcia provides logistic, service, recreational, and administrative support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Jan. 11, 2024) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Megan Harper, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, is certified as a Navy Security Force Senior Specialist by Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during an awards ceremony on Jan. 11, 2024. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Fort Hood, Texas - Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center command team, Col. Daniel Moore, commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Forker, Jr., present Lt. Col. Daniel Brillhart, physician, CRDAMC, with the Purple Heart during an award ceremony held at the hospital Sept. 7.

041101-F-4800M-043. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Brian Goggin, left, receives his appointment certificate from U.S. Army Lt. Col. Seth Allen, right, University of Connecticut ROTC professor of military science, during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. Goggin will be an infantry officer.

U.S. Air Force Col. Teresa Frank, 125th Mission Support Group commander, left, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Sarah Clark, outgoing 125th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, pose for a photo after Clark received the Meritorious Service Medal at the 125th LRS change of command ceremony at the 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville, Florida, Jan. 6, 2024. Clarks leadership helped the 125th LRS receive their first-ever selection by the National Guard Beureau as the 2022 Daedalian Major General Carter Logistics Effectiveness Award.

221028-N-PS730-1066 NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (October 28, 2022) Command Master Chief Petty Officer Lance Connolly presents Cmdr. Timothy Battles the ships commissioning pennant aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) during a change of command ceremony, October 28. Cmdr. Erik Reynolds relieved Battles of command.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (January 18, 2024) Sailors stationed aboard Naval Station Great Lakes and its tenant commands are presented lone Sailor statues from the Navy League at a Sailor of the year ceremony at the National Museum of the American Sailor, Jan. 18, 2024. Since its founding in 1902, the Navy League has provided a voice for stronger sea services. The Navy League has grown to become the foremost citizens organization serving, supporting and standing with all U.S. sea services.

Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, presents Col. Darrell Doremus, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence strategic plans director (G-5), with the Legion of Merit medal May 26, 2022, at Fort Rucker, Ala. The Legion of Merit Award is one of the highest honors given in the military.

220413-N-JL161-1039 WASHINGTON (April 13, 2022) Musician 1st Class Chris Dechiara receives a gift from his section leader, Senior Chief Randall Johnson., during his retirement ceremony. The retirement ceremony commemorates years of dedicated service.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (July 21, 2022) Michael Tyburski is acknowledged as the Senior Civilian Employee of the Quarter by Navy Capt. Rafael C. Facundo, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece, during an awards-at-quarters ceremony in the base gym on July 21, 2022. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay 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 preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Lt. Col. William Hassey, outgoing 13th Space Warning Squadron commander, is presented a Meritorious Service Medal by Col. Miguel Cruz, Space Delta 4 commander, during the Squadron Change of Command at Clear Space Force Station, June 16, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jahmal Lawson receives the Distinguished Graduate Award during the graduation ceremony for Airman Leadership School class 22-5 and NCO Academy class 22-6, July 20, 2022, at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

Lt. Col. Patrick Cornwell receives the Minnesota Distinguished Service Medal at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, July 10, 2022. Cornwell served as the Camp Ripley Deputy Commander for 23 months, overseeing the base through a global pandemic and the largest state activation in Minnesota's history."The people up here are great," said Cornwell. "I'm happy to be here on the weekends because I still get to enjoy Camp Ripley and do my best to mentor some of the staff here as we go forward."(Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Army Col. Patrick Nelson, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) commander and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ian Peoples pose with a Certificate of Retirement during a retirement ceremony hosted by 3rd Battalion, 7th SFG(A) on Camp Bull Simons, Florida. Feb. 23, 2024. Army

Retirement ceremony for Col. Stephen Schmidt

220805-N-JO823-1236 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 5, 2022) Rear Adm. Michael Donnelly, right, Commander, Task Force 70, and Vice Adm. Tatsuya Fukuda, Commander, Fleet Escort Force, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force pose for a photo after a press conference aboard the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during an embarked tour in the Philippine Sea, Aug. 5. Fukuda and his staff, as well as members of the Japan Ministry of Defense and media personnel, observed flight operations and toured various parts of the ship during their time aboard. 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric J. Adams, Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools (MCCSSS), awards an Instructor of the Year award to Gunnery Sgt. Dan Medina, an instructor with Ground Supply School, MCCSSS, at Camp Johnson, N.C., April 5, 2022.

Senior Airman Bailey J. Melum, Airman Leadership School graduate, accepts the Distinguished Graduate Award from Master Sgt. Troy Campbell, Holloman Top III representative during the graduation of ALS class 22-6, July 7, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The distinguished graduate award is presented to the top ten-percent of graduates for their performance in academic evaluations and demonstration of leadership.

U.S. Army Reserve Master Sgt. Christopher Gervasio, with the United States Army Marksmanship Unit, receives first place award in division A long range competition during the awards banquet for the 62nd annual Interservice Rifle Championships in Quantico, Virginia, June 27, 2023. The matches began in 1960 to promote the Competition-In-Arms Program, which was established in 1901 to encourage interest and improvement in marksmanship by refining skills through advanced marksmanship training and competition.

220527-N-EJ241-1026DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (May 27, 2022) - Yeoman Seaman Ash R. Calipes, assigned to Naval Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal from Capt. Richard D. Payne, commanding officer of NSF Diego Garcia during awards at quarters. NSF Diego Garcia provides logistic, service, recreational, and administrative support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf.

220627-N-XY052-1050: JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON - (June 27, 2022) Congratulations to Fire Controlman (Aegis) 2nd Class Petty Officer Morgan Thorness who received his frocking letter from Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) San Antonio Commanding Officer, CDR Stephanie Simoni during a promotion ceremony held at NTAG Headquarters. Thorness, who was pinned by his grandparents is now authorized to assume the title of First Class Petty Officer was thankful for the promotion and thanked all present. NTAG San Antonios area of responsibility includes more than 30 Navy Recruiting Stations and Navy Officer Recruiting Stations spread throughout 144,000 square miles of Central and South Texas territory. (U.S. Navy Photos by Edward S. Jones, NTAG San Antonio, Public Affairs Officer) #americasnavy #ForgedByTheSea #KnowYourMil #takingcareofourown #navyrecruiting #navyoutreachanddiversity #militarycityusa #BuildYourFuture #StartNow #TakeControl #NTAGSA #NewBeginnings #Forging #changin

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks participates in the Suicide Prevention recognition ceremony hosted by William Booth, Director, Defense Human Resources Activity, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 7, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (February 15, 2024) Sailors stationed aboard Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) receive awards from NSGL Commanding Officer, Capt. Steve Yargosz, Feb. 15, 2024. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation. Navy

NAVSCIATTS Cmdr. Don Speights and Command Master Chief Jonas Marnick acknowledge Petty Officer 2nd Class Jean Ramos Ortiz and his spouse, Michett, for their support after a recent car accident where several Partner Nation security force professionals attending Semester 23-1 received minor injuries requiring medical assistance. EN2 Ramos received the U.S. Navy Achievement Medal, gold star in lieu of the fifth award, and Michett received a letter of appreciation.The Ramoses provided off-duty emergency medical coordination and rapid chain of command notification at the site of the crash. Both parties also provided critical foreign language support between the students from the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, the first responders, and hospital personnel.NAVSCIATTS is lucky to consider the Ramoses as part of our family!!

NAPLES, ITALY -- Rear Adm. Scott Gray, commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central (EAURAFCENT), awards Personnel Specialist 1st Class Jasmine Darrisaw with a Navy Commendation medal during his change of command onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, May 26, 2022. Navy Region EURAFCENT oversees nine installations in seven countries, enabling U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed, in order to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomes Brazilian General Sergio Negraes, Brazilian Armys Secretary of Finance and Economics to the IADC campus at Ft. Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 11, 2022. During the visit General Novaes spoke to students and was inducted into the IADC Hall of Honor. Additionally, he participated in an office call with leadership, received a college briefing and took a tour of the campus.

Col. Ben Maltz presents his wife Brenda Maltz with a Certificate of Appreciation for the United State Army for her support during Col. Ben Maltz's 22-year career to the Washington National Guard during Col. Maltz's Retirement Ceremony, April 2, 2022 at the Pierce County Readiness Center, Camp Murray, Wash. Col. Maltz retired from the Washington National Guard after serving for 22 years.

WASHINGTON, DC (July 14, 2022) - Capt. Mark Burns (left), Naval Support Activity Washington commanding officer, frocks Master-at-Arms Seaman Alvaro Chavezdirzo (right) to petty officer 3rd class.

District of Columbia National Guard holds promotion ceremony for Maj. Michelle A. Watkis, in D.C. Armory, February 3, 2024. During the ceremony Watkis received the Meritorious awards for her exemplary work throughout her career. Army

031008-M-9876R-048. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NORTH CHICAGO Il. (Nov. 15, 2022) Capt. Jason J. Williamson, commanding officer of Naval Station Great Lakes, awards Sailors and staff for their performance during an annual training assessment. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

SILVERDALE, Wash. (May 13, 2022) - Trident Refit Facility, Bangors (TRFB) Command Master Chief Timothy Glazner (left) and Chief Machinists Mate Paul Williams (right), code 320 leading chief petty officer, pose for a photo after Williams was gifted a Washington state plaque for his end of tour at TRFB. Williams was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and received recognition for his dedication to duty, diligence, and leadership. TRFB supports the nations strategic deterrence mission repairing, incrementally overhauling, and modernizing Pacific Fleet strategic ballistic missile submarines during refits.

Operations Specialist 1st Class Nathan Brown receives his Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal certificate from Capt. Steve Aboona, commanding officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command, Bethesda, during an awards ceremony in Memorial Auditorium at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Oct. 7, 2022. Aboona presented 40 individual awards during the award ceremony which recognized various achievements of Sailors assigned to the command.

Lt. Gen David G. Bellon, left, Commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South, Troy L. Glines, recipient, and Gregg T. Habel, Executive Director, Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South, pose for a photo after awarding Glines for thirty-five years of service in the government at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, June 14, 2022. Glines began his 35-year career in 1986 when he left his hometown of Spokane, WA, and joined the US Air Force as an Inventory Management Specialist. In 2006, Mr. Glines received the Armed Forces Civilian Service Medal in recognition of service and support in the immediate relief efforts after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

030620-M-3377M-022. Base: Mfr New Orleans State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MFR HQ

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NSWCPD) Commanding Officer Capt. Dana Simon presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to Eric McFetridge, the Large Marine Gas Turbine Engine Depot Lead Engineer, for his demonstrated technical and program management excellence in support of the Marine Propulsion Program. NSWCPD employees were recently honored during the Commands 2022 Command Awards Ceremony.

Capt. Georgia Stoker, Officer-in-Charge of the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute, and Capt. Matthew Hebert, commander of Navy Medicine Operational Training Command, present Capt. Charlie Plumb with a plaque in appreciation of sharing his story at the 49th Anniversary for Operation Homecoming. (Navy photo by HM2 Paige Wilkening)

221020-N-EV253-1020 SAN DIEGO (Oct. 20, 2022) - (From left) Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, Commander, U.S. Naval Air Forces, left, presents the 2021 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Aviation Safety Award to Master Chief Jose Pena, command master chief of the Merlins of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, alongside Cmdr. Carl Glass, HSC-3s executive officer, and Capt. David Ayotte, the Merlins commanding officer, during an award ceremony held aboard Naval Air Station North Island, Oct. 20, 2022. Also known as the Safety S award, the distinction is awarded annually to those Navy and Marine Corps commands that have demonstrated exceptional and sustained safety excellence.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Feb. 15, 2024) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Airman Victor Fabela, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, is recognized as the Blue Jacket of the Quarter for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 by Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during an awards ceremony on Feb. 15, 2024. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation that enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Navy

U.S. Army Col. Travis McIntosh, 10th CAB Commander, and Falcon Soldiers, welcomed Col. Michael Babin, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Commander, and Canadian Troops to Fort Drum, NY June 21, 2022. The RCAF 1 Wing Troops flew to Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield on their CH-147F, the equivalent to our CH-47F Chinook helicopter.

Ms. Eileen Imamoto-Gaza receives Regional Health Command Employee of the Year. (from left) Col. Martin Doperak, and Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Forker Jr.

NAVAL BASE GUAM (April 1, 2022) - U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Luckett recognized NBG Sailors during an end-of-tour award ceremony at the NBG Headquarters April 1.- Master-at-Arms 1st (MA1) Class Jayme Wolff, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal - MA1 Jose Guzman, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal- Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jaeger Alvarez, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal- Master-at-Arms 3rd (MA3) Class Erik Gilbert, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal - MA3 Alberto Castillejo, Letter of Commendation

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 10, 2022) Captain Hank Kim, Pacific Partnership 2022 (PP22) mission commander (left), poses with Australian Army Captain Isabella Negus after a promotion ceremony aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) while underway for PP22. Now, in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

Senior Airman Robert T. Logan, Airman Leadership School graduate, accepts the John L. Levitow Award during the graduation of ALS class 22-6, July 7, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The Levitow award is presented to the student demonstrating the highest level of leadership and scholastic performance, and is determined by the assignment of points by their peers.

Italian Navy Rear Adm. Marco Casapieri, chief of naval air forces, presents an award to U.S. Marine Corps Col. Dustin Byrum, commanding officer, Headquarters Marine Air Group 31, during an award ceremony for the Italian Delegation at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Nov. 29, 2022. Casapieri gave Byrum a commendation letter and a plaque for supporting the Italian Navy F-35B pilots and maintainers and assisted in the development of their organic F-35B training program that will be located at Amendola Air Base, Italy.

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