← Military & Defence

Military Award Ceremonies

Images depict military personnel receiving various awards and certificates at formal ceremonies, often in front of patriotic backdrops. The mood is celebratory and respectful.

220804-N-FD648-1008 NORFOLK, VA - Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and George H.W. Bush CSG, left, awards a Letter of Commendation to Culinary Specialist 1st Class Joshua Kohmuench aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), August 4, 2022.
220804-N-FD648-1008 NORFOLK, VA - Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and George H.W. Bush CSG, left, awards a Letter of Commendation to Culinary Specialist 1st Class Joshua Kohmuench aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69), August 4, 2022.
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220617-N-XZ205-2076SAN DIEGO (June 17, 2022) Lt. Cmdr. Dave Nissan, a Sailor assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diegos Psychiatry Department (right), awards Lt. Cmdr. (sel.) Anthony Becker, an NMRTC San Diego Psychiatry Residency graduate (left), with a Navy and Marine Corps Corps Commendation Medal during a graduation ceremony at the hospital June 17. NMRTC San Diego's 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.
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YOKOSUKA, Japan (December 2, 2022) Capt. Les Sobol, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), presents frocking letters to Sailors in recognition of their advancement to the next paygrade during a frocking and awards ceremony held at Benny Decker Theater onboard CFAY. 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.
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Boston (July 28, 2022) U.S. Navy Seaman Lance Garrison, from Farmington, Arkansas, was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal aboard USS Constitution. 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.
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YOKOSUKA, Japan (December 2, 2022) Capt. Les Sobol, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), presents frocking letters to Sailors in recognition of their advancement to the next paygrade during a frocking and awards ceremony held at Benny Decker Theater onboard CFAY. 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.
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U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Rusnok, left, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and Akiko Takemoto, an employee of the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni property department, pose for a photo following an Impact Iwakuni award presentation at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 18, 2024. The Impact Iwakuni award is presented monthly to recipients that make a significant positive impact on the community, and Akiko Takemoto won the award for leading and coordinating volunteer efforts and donations for a local animal shelter.
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JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON - (Nov. 23, 2022) A rise in rank is an honor and means a lot to service members who tirelessly perform their duties daily to protect and defend. In recognition of his Naval dedication, Electricians Mate Nuclear Petty Officer Second Class Andrew W. Pluss received authorization to assume the title of and wear the uniform of First-Class Petty Officer. Pluss was pinned by his wife, Marisol Rosado in the presence of command members of the Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) San Antonio.
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U.S. Navy Capt. Cassidy Norman, left, the commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), awards Newport News Shipbuilding contractor Kibret Mehtzun, from Norfolk, Virginia, as Warfighter of the Week, on the floating accommodation facility, in Newport News, Virginia, May 5, 2022. The John C. Stennis is in Newport News Shipyard working alongside NNS, NAVSEA and contractors conducting Refueling and Complex Overhaul as part of the mission to deliver the warship back in the fight, on time and on budget, to resume its duty of defending the United States.
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SILVERDALE, Wash. (Aug. 11, 2022) - U.S. Navy Capt. Michael D. Eberlein, commanding officer, Trident Refit Facility, Bangor (TRFB), presents Melissa L. Van Datta , shop 67G work lead, with a certificate of achievement for the completion of the TRFB Leadership Development Program. The TRFB Leadership Development Program provides extensive training encompassing fleet maintenance functions for current and future leaders at the command.
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U.S. Navy Cmdr. Nicholas Schaal, the safety environmental officer in charge with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, poses with his family for a group photo after his promotion ceremony at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Sep. 1, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.
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220415-N-UN585-2150 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (April 15, 2022) Cmdr. Scott Jones, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71), left, presents a certificate of appointment to Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Devin Samuels, April 15, 2022. Ross, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its 12th patrol in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of regional allies and partners and U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.
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U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley, the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, left, accepts the Admiral James S. Russell Naval Aviation Flight Safety Award from U.S. Air Force Ret. Chad T. Manske, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Daedalian Foundation, right, at Marine Forces Command, Norfolk, VA, May 17, 2022. This award reflects the commands outstanding aviation safety record and mishap prevention culture that resulted in 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing executing nearly 81,000 hours of land based, forward deployed, and sea based (amphibious and carrier) operations with zero Class A flight mishaps in fiscal year 2021. The Daedalian Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Order of the Daedalians, an organization of current and former U.S. military aviators whose mission is to advocate for air and space power and honor those who flew and fly in defense of our nation.
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U.S Army Maj. Gen Greg Brady, Commanding General of 10th Army Air and Missile Defense exchanges gift with Slovak Air Force Brig. Gen Dovhun during a meeting July 1 in Slovakia. Bravo Battery, 5th Battalion, 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment deployed to NATOs Eastern flank in Slovakia after that country generously transferred their S300 missiles to aid Ukraine in the defense of its airspace. Bravo Batterys deployment is just another example of our commitment to defend every inch of NATO territory including the skies.
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The Inter-American Defense College and United States Northern Command hosts the inaugural North American Defense Framework for Women, Peace, and Security Workshop at IADC Kennedy Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 27-29, 2024. The event brought together military and civilian experts from Canada, Mexico, the United States, and the Bahamas. The collaborative event focused on integrating gender perspectives into military education, addressing gender-based violence, and enhancing gender equality in military operations. Participants, representing diverse ranks and branches, formulated actionable recommendations and formed partnerships, signifying a transformative shift toward a more inclusive defense framework. Air Force
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060401-N-6511P-005. Base: USS Bunker Hill (CG 52)
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031002-M-3166S-012. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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220726-N-WF272-1062 YORK, Pa. (July 26, 2022) U.S. Navy Firecontrolman (Aegis) 1st Class Christopher Odierno, a native of San Diego, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, poses for a photo with his family after reenlisting for six more years in the Navy at Navy Recruiting Station York, July 26, 2022. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of Americas Navy.
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U.S. Navy Lt. Renata Kolinko, left, space battle manager for the Joint Task Force-Space Defense and U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Casey Wade Two Bears, right, senior intelligence duty officer for the JTF-SD, cut a cake during the organizations celebration of the U.S. Navys 247th birthday at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Oct. 13, 2022. This years Navy birthday theme of, "On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years," highlighted the Navy's enduring ability to remain fully ready to respond to and effectively deter emergent threats.
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PACIFIC OCEAN (May 20, 2022) - U.S. Navy Captain Timothy Quast, commanding officer of Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), awards Hospital Information Systems Technician 3rd Class, Anthony Kimpton, from New Orleans, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal aboard Mercy. Mercy can steam to assist anywhere to provide relief as a symbol of Navy Medicines abilities around the world, and must be in a five-day-activation status in order to support missions over the horizon, and be ready, reliable and resilient to support mission commanders.
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Capt. Kelly Elmore, center right, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) chief of staff, poses for a group photo with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC), Bethesda, leadership during an awards ceremony in Memorial Auditorium at WRNMMC in Bethesda, Maryland, Oct. 7, 2022. Capt. Steve Aboona, commanding officer of NMRTC, Bethesda, presented 40 individual awards during the award ceremony which recognized various achievements of Sailors assigned to the command.
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221013-N-EJ241-1018DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (Oct. 13, 2022) - Ens. Nicholas Wilkinson, food service officer for U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, left, and Master Chief Anthony Royal, command master chief for NSF Diego Garcia, cut a cake during the 247th Navy Birthday celebration. The cutting of the cake by the oldest and youngest Sailors is a tradition that symbolizes the passing of knowledge from the previous generation of Sailors to the next.
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220422-N-XZ205-1025SAN DIEGO (April 22, 202) Capt. Kim Davis, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diegos commanding officer (left), awards Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Nicole Falkowski, a Sailor assigned to NMRTC San Diego (right), with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during a ceremony at the hospital April 22. The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal is awarded for heroism and meritorious achievement and service. NMRTC San Diego's 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.
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220909-N-N0443-1004 SPARKS, Nev. (Sept. 9, 2022) Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), left, poses for a photo with Machinist Mate 2nd Class James Hypolite, a recruiter at Navy Recruiting Station Sparks, Nevada, during a visit Sept. 9, 2022. As the owner of the Force Development pillar within MyNavy HR, NETC recruits, trains and delivers those who serve the nation, taking them from "street to fleet" by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat ready warfighters.
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Nataly Marquez, middle, a volunteer with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS), is awarded by retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Jack Klimp, left, chief executive officer with NMCRS, and U.S. Marine Corps Col. Todd Ferry, right, deputy commander for Marine Corps Installations East Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, during the NMCRS birthday on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 13, 2022. NMCRS Camp Lejeune celebrates 80 years and appreciates volunteers for providing financial and educational assistance as well as other programs and services, to members of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, their eligible family members, widows and survivors.
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220810-F-LN908-1152INDIAN OCEAN (Aug. 10, 2022) From left to right, Hussein Sheikh Moalim, Somali National Security Advisor; Capt. Chad Graham, commanding officer of the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4); Larry E. André, Jr., U.S. Ambassador to Somalia and Gen. Odawa Yusuf Rage, Somali Chief of Defense Force, pose for a photo after a gift exchange, Aug. 10, 2022. Hershel "Woody" Williams is rotationally deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.
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U.S. Marine Corps Col. Douglas Burke (left), the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Novak (right), the sergeant major of CLR-37, 3rd MLG, awards a volunteer during a volunteer appreciation event on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, May 17, 2022. Volunteers were recognized and awarded for improving the living conditions of Marines and Sailors stationed on Camp Kinser during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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220518-N-XY052-1326: HELOTES - (May 18, 2019) NTAG San Antonio Commanding Officer, CDR Stephanie Simoni, and Chief Recruiter, NCCM Matthew Maduemesi pose with one of the 48 honorees entering the United States Navy during Our Community Salutes-San Antonio's A Night in Your Honor” 2022.
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220506-N-XZ205-1001SAN DIEGO (May 6, 2022) Capt. Kim Davis, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diegos commanding officer (left), awards Hospitalman Joshua Burger, a Sailor assigned to NMRTC San Diego (right), with a Shipmate of the Month Award during a ceremony at the hospital May 6. With input from NMRTC San Diego directorates chain of command, Shipmate of the Month honors Sailors who perform their duties exceptionally well. NMRTC San Diego's 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.
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220729-N-XZ205-1015SAN DIEGO (July 29, 2022) Capt. Kim Davis, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diegos commanding officer (left), awards Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Joseph Richards, a Sailor assigned to NMRTC San Diego (right), with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during a ceremony at the hospital July 29. The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal is awarded for heroism and meritorious achievement and service. NMRTC San Diego's 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.
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AS2(AW) Enrique Whittaker, assigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14, pauses for photos with members of his command and family during his re-enlistment ceremony aboard the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64). The ceremony was facilitated and hosted by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, one of ten U.S. Navy Museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command. The museum is located next door to the battleship in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia and hosts military ceremonies without cost for area commands.
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U.S. Navy Sailor HM3 Santan Parchment, corpsman, Beaufort Naval Hospital, is presented with the Military Person of the Year award by the Beaufort Rotary Club in Beaufort, South Carolina, Nov. 9, 2022. Parchment received the award for being an outstanding service member and volunteering in the local community.
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220415-N-UN585-2098 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (April 15, 2022) Cmdr. Scott Jones, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71), left, presents a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal certificate to Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Terrell Dorsey, April 15, 2022. Ross, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its 12th patrol in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of regional allies and partners and U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.
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U.S. Consul General, Chennai, Judith Ravin, presents gifts to Capt. Willie Carmichael, commanding officer, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Midgett (WMSL 757), and Satish Kumar, Indian Coast Guard East Region Chief of Staff, while the cutter was moored in Chennai, India, on Sept. 17, 2022. The crew of the Midgett is on a several-month deployment to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.
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Chief Master-at-Arms Stephen Vrobel, assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS), poses for a photo during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony at CFAS Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of Chief Petty Officer was created April 1, 1893, and the Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.
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Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Christopher Dame was recently named Junior Sailor of the Quarter, NAS Whiting Field. He is a Facility Watch Supervisor as well as a crew Lead Petty Officer. He is photographed here being recognized for his outstanding performance by the Santa Rosa County Navy League. (Photo: Julie Ziegenhorn, NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs Officer)
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Capt. Kendall Bridgewater, commander, Military Sealift Command Pacific (center left), presents Capt. Michelle Laycock, MT Maersk Peary master, (center right) with a Coast Guard Letter of Appreciation for their participation in a multi-agency search and rescue mission in the Agean Sea. Also pictured are Trevor Fauhey, Maersk Peary's chief mate (left) and Able Seaman Damon Zschoche (right). Maersk Peary is currently in Hawaii, supporting the bi-annual, Rim of the Pacific exercise.
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U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Lionel Kone, a Côte dIvoire native and a logistic specialist with Strike Fighter Squadron 195, receives his certificate of citizenship at a naturalization ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Sept. 21, 2022. The naturalization ceremony was held to acknowledge the MCAS Iwakuni service members becoming citizens of the United States. The ceremony included service members from China, Côte dIvoire, Dominican Republic, and Honduras.
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220415-N-LW757-1036SAN DIEGO (April. 15, 2022) Capt. Kim Davis, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diego's commanding officer (left), awards Personnel Specialist Seaman Apprentice Robert Burger, a Sailor assigned to NMRTC San Diego (right), with a Shipmate of the Month Award during a ceremony at the hospital April 15. With input from NMRTC San Diego directorates chain of command, Shipmate of the Month honors Sailors who perform their duties exceptionally well. 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.
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220909-N-RB168-0207 SOMERSET, Pa., (Sept. 9, 2022) Capt. Chris Brown, commanding officer of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), presents a flag to Scott Close, dean of students and athletic director for Somerset Area Jr.-Sr. High School, during the schools football game. The U.S. Navy sent 22 Sailors from USS Somerset to Somerset County for a multi-day trip to attend the the 21st anniversary observance of 9/11 at the Flight 93 National Memorial, and serve in a uniformed capacity as escorts, honoring the families of the 40 passengers and crew that perished on Flight 93. USS Somerset personnel participated in various service and engagement Community Relations projects (COMRELs) during their trip.
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220713-N-GF955-1099NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (July, 13, 2022) Rear Adm. Douglas Sasse, Reserve Vice Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, right, presents a U.S. 4th Fleet command ball cap to Dr. Eduardo Bouzout, Uruguay Cónsul General of Miami, during a luncheon onboard the Uruguay navy tall ship, Capitán Miranda at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., July 13, 2022. Capitán Miranda is conducting its XXXII Training Trip and is visiting Naval Station Mayport, July 12-17. With 29 midshipmen onboard, this ship visit offers U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet a unique opportunity to build rapport with the future leaders of the Uruguay navy and strengthen friendship and cooperation between our navies. 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 p
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SASEBO, Japan (Feb. 20, 2024) Captain Patrick German, USS New Orleans commanding officer, presents a gift to Kimi Onoda, chairwoman of Japans House of Councillors Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense during the Committee of Foreign Affairs and Defense (House of Councillors, The National Diet of Japan)s visit onboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18). New Orleans is forward deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navys largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Navy
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YOKOSUKA, Japan (January 17, 2024) - Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka's Command Master Chief, Anwar Blakely and Logistics Specialist Second Class Jacques Nguema cut the cake together during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Open Galley event. The event took place at the Commodore Matthew C. Perry General Mess onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). 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.