Military Awards and Ceremonies

Ceremonies depicting rank promotions and awards among military personnel, reflecting camaraderie and achievement within units.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Aselia Isakova, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist with Headquarters Battalion, 3d Marine Division, is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, April 8, 2022. Isakova received the award accompanying her appointment as 3d Marine Divisions Marine of the Year for 2021, in recognition of the excellence and initiative she displayed throughout the year. 3d Marine Division Commanding General Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron and Headquarters Battalion Sergeant Major Sgt. Maj. Robert Schieler presented the award.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Aselia Isakova, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist with Headquarters Battalion, 3d Marine Division, is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, April 8, 2022. Isakova received the award accompanying her appointment as 3d Marine Divisions Marine of the Year for 2021, in recognition of the excellence and initiative she displayed throughout the year. 3d Marine Division Commanding General Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron and Headquarters Battalion Sergeant Major Sgt. Maj. Robert Schieler presented the award.

U.S. Marine Col. Brandon W. Graham, right, the commanding officer for 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, shakes hands with the squad leader of the winning squad at Camp Horno on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 27, 2022. 1st Marines held a week-long regimental squad competition to send the winning infantry squad to compete against squads drawn from other units across the division.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Adam Chalkley, commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, attends a relief and appointment ceremony held by 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental), at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 4, 2022. 3rd Maintenance Battalion conducted a relief and appointment ceremony to relieve Sgt. Maj. Shelby Smith. 1st Sgt. Marc Mangio was appointed to temporarily serve as the acting sergeant major.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jonathan Landers, the battalion commander of 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, speaks with his Marines after an awards ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 16, 2022. During the ceremony, Lance Cpl. George Russo, a Manchester Township, New Jersey, native and a rifleman with 2/8, was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his heroic actions on June 11, 2022. While on liberty in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Russo witnessed a car accident involving five cars. With the tactical first aid kit in his glove box, Russo provided first aid to multiple injured people until first responders arrived.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. George W. Smith, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force (I MEF), talks to Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22 Logistics Combat Element medical staff during a tour at Robertson Barracks, NT, Australia, June 8, 2022. I MEF leadership visited Darwin, Australia to better understand MRF-D 22s capabilities and their operating environment.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, congratulate Staff Sgt. Justin Griffin, special reaction team commander, H&HS, MCAS Beaufort after an award ceremony at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 23, 2022. Griffin was awarded the medal for his heroic actions during a house fire.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Jay D. Williamson, Sergeant Major of Marine Corps Forces Central Command, receives the non-commissioned officer sword during his appointment ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Mar 31, 2023. MARCENT is designated as the Marine Corps service component for U.S. Central Command and is responsible for all Marine Corps forces in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.

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

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Delong, left, and Pvt. Connor Castellow Seidenberg, a new Marine with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, face each other during an Eagle Globe and Anchor ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, June 8, 2022. After completing the 54- hour culminating event, recruits were given their Eagle, Globe, and Anchors, earning them the title United States Marine.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew Tracy, center, commanding officer of 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division awards the Battle of Soochow Creek Bravery and Valor Medal to Cpl. Samuel Duman, an intelligence surveillance reconnaissance systems engineer, Headquarters Battalion, 3d Marine Division, during an award ceremony at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 1, 2022. The Marines received the award for their superior performance supporting 4th Marines during Service Level Training Exercise 1-21. The first Soochow Creek Medal originated in early 1932 and honors the legacy of 4th Marines service in China from 1927-1941.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Rupert K. Palmer(left) passes a noncommissioned officer sword to Lt. Col. Clint W. Alanis(right), commanding officer of 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, during a relief and appointment ceremony held at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 12, 2022. Palmer is passing his responsibilities as the sergeant major of 5th ANGLICO to Sgt. Maj. Junior E. Diaz(center). III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Kabiru Labaran, left, the outgoing sergeant major of 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, receives a meritorious service medal during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 23, 2022. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Kabiru Labaran, the outgoing sergeant major, relinquished his role of battalion sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Hugo Dubon.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Vincent J. Mangle, an administrative clerk with Headquarters Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, is awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during a promotion and awards ceremony at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Oct. 3, 2022. Mangle was presented with a NAM for the numerous hours of volunteer work he dedicated towards the Toys for Tots program.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Richard Marshall Jr., right, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, receives a Meritorious Service Medal from Col. Nathan Marvel, the commanding officer of MAG-39, 3rd MAW, during a change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 25, 2022. Marshall transferred command of the squadron to Lt. Col. Kristofer Skidmore. Marshall is a native of Cleveland, and Skidmore is a native of Lake Ridge, Virginia.

U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Scottie Cox, command master chief of 2d Marine Division (2dMARDIV), receives the Fleet Marine Force device from Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, former commanding general of 2d MARDIV, on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 7, 2022. The FMF pin signifies U.S. Naval officers and sailors who are trained and qualified to perform duties in support of the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Timothy Riemann, inspector instructor of 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, looks at a map among Colombian Marines at Colombian Naval Base Turbo, Turbo, Colombia, Jan. 24, 2023. U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David Bellon, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve, his staff, and leaders of 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion traveled to Colombia to meet with leadership of the Infantería de Marina Colombiana (Colombian Marine Corps) to continue to strengthen the partnership between the two Navies and Marine Corps.

220712-A-JJ498-1001 JOUNIEH NAVAL BASE, Lebanon (July 12, 2022) - Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, speaks to a member of the Lebanese Armed Forces during the start of exercise Resolute Union 22, at Jounieh Naval Base, Lebanon, July 12. Resolute Union 22 is an annual exercise between the U.S. 5th Fleet and Lebanese Armed Forces to enhance security cooperation.

240112-N-BR551-1019 OKINAWA, Japan (Jan. 12, 2024) - Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Isiah Andreen, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, delivers a speech dedicated to the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., Ph.d., to the battalion during morning quarters. King was a minister and prominent civil rights leader from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. NMCB 4 is forward deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific region to support and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the stand-in, crisis response, naval engineering force, NMCB 4 maintains a ready posture to deliver in-theater expeditionary logistics via expeditionary shore infrastructure, forward damage repair, and mobile construction.

U.S. Marines assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Sailors assigned to the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25) man the rails of Somerset as it ports in the Gulf of Thailand to participate in Exercise Cobra Gold Feb. 23, 2024. Cobra Gold demonstrates the U.S. commitment to the region by building interoperability, multilateral cooperative arrangements, advancing common interests, and a commitment to our allies and partners in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Col. Erick Clark (left), commanding officer of 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division, conducts a rapid response inspection at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 11, 2022. Routine short-notice inspections ensure III MEF Marines remain ready to rapidly deploy and maintain regional security in the Indo-Pacific. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Marines with the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Band, perform during Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115s change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina, May 5, 2022. The change of command ceremony represents the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, to the incoming commanding officer.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Nicholas Pugh, outgoing commanding officer, Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Bravo Company, prepares to receive an award during a change of command ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, May 26, 2022. Pugh relinquished command to Maj. Scott Siska.

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Nov. 15, 2022) - Command Master Chief C.J. Eison (center), Navy Medicine Operational Training Command (NMOTC), oversees a simulated combat casualty scenario by Marines of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines and Sailors assigned to the Naval Expeditionary Medical Training Institute (NEMTI), during Operation Firebreak, November 15, 2022. Operation Firebreak is an exercise designed to evaluate operational readiness this iteration specifically focused on the Role 2 providers and the in-field surgical readiness of ERSS team 29 and Fleet Surgical Team 5. Navy Medicine Operational Training Command (NMOTC) is the Navys leader in operational medical training in the fields of aviation, aviation survival, surface and undersea warfare, expeditionary and special operations medicine.

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Division take part in Recon Day hosted by 3d Reconnaissance Battalion on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 2, 2022. This event provided Marines considering lateral moves from other specialties with an opportunity to observe reconnaissance tactics and skills.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Andrew Kelley, the regimental commander of 10th Marine Regiment, addresses the Marines and guests during the Fire Support Battery activation ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 7, 2022. This activation will give fire support Marines the opportunity to gain additional capabilities that will increase their ability to produce lethal and non-lethal effects across the battlefield.

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

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Alusine Kamara, right, passes a guidon to 1st. Lt. Chanchali Agrawal, left, as he assumes command of Combat Logistics Company (CLC) 36 at Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni July 18, 2022. Capt. Alusine Kamara relinquished his duties as commander of CLC-36 after commanding for over 2 years. 1st Lt. Chanchali Agrawal is now the first female company commander for CLC-36, and will be serving temporarily in place of the new company commander.

U.S. Special Operations Forces train Marines assigned to 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines and Soldiers from St. Lucia and Mexico on squad movement tactics at the National Police Traning Academy in Belmopan, Belize as part of the TRADEWINDS22 exercise May 12, 2022. Tradewinds 2022 is a multinational exercise designed to expand the Caribbean regions capability to mitigate, plan for, and respond to crises; increase regional training capacity and interoperability; develop new and refine existing standard operating procedures; enhance ability to defend exclusive economic zones; and promote human rights and adherence to shared international norms and values; fully integrate women into defense, peace and security missions; and increase maritime domain awareness to deter illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Stephen McNeil, left, commanding officer, Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, shakes hands with Sgt. Maj. Jose Romero, offgoing sergeant major, Headquarters Battalion, MCBH, during the Headquarters Battalion relief and appointment ceremony, MCBH, March 31, 2022. Romero was relieved as the Headquarters Battalion Sergeant Major by Sgt. Maj. Matthew Kidder.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Edmund Hipp, right, oncoming commanding officer, Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron (VMX) 1, receives the unit colors from Col. Byron Sullivan, center, outgoing VMX-1 commanding officer, during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, June 30, 2022. Sullivan commanded VMX-1 for two years and relinquished command to Hipp, who previously attended the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Daniel J. Williams, outgoing company commander with Headquarters and Service Battalion, gives a speech during his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Jan. 5, 2024. The ceremony was held in honor of Williams who honorably served in the Marine Corps for more than 20 years.

U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion align in formation during the II MSB change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 8, 2022. During the ceremony, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Robert Fairley relinquished command of II MSB to the incoming commanding officer, Lt. Col. Brian Carthon.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Treveon Johnson, an inventory management specialist with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, loads 9mm rounds into an M18 service magazine during a pistol qualification on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 23, 2022. The 9th ESB Shooting Team Competition and Tryouts was a four-day event that involved firing the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System, M18 service pistol, and the M16A4 Armalite Rifle in timed events to test speed and accuracy. The events top performers will compete in the Far East Shooting Competition scheduled in December.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Ryan Gnecco, left, the sergeant major of Marine Corps Installation East and Brig. Gen. Adolfo Garcia Jr., right, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installation East, speak with Marines during a Presidents Day celebration on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Feb. 19, 2024. The 21 Gun Salute, held in honor of Presidents Day in accordance with Naval Regulations, in which each saluting ship, naval station and installation having a saluting battery shall fire a national salute of 21- guns. Marine Corps photo illustration by Cpl. Megan Ozaki)

U.S. service members with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) honor the fallen during a disinterment ceremony July 11, 2022, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. The remains disinterred will be transferred to the DPAA laboratory for identification. DPAA's mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation

U.S. Navy Sailors with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) receives their Enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist Insignia (FMF) award at Naval Support Facility Indian Head, Maryland, May 4th, 2022. The FMF award is given to Navy enlisted personnel who are attached to deployable U.S. Marine Corps units and pass verbal and written exams qualifying the individual adept in Marine Corps history, and knowledge.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Jefferson Ortiz, company first sergeant for Air Operations Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 271, poses for a photo at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, North Carolina, July 14, 2022. On May 13, 2022, Ortiz, a native of Miami, Florida, performed life-saving actions on a man who had been hit by a car.

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

040705-M-1158H-030. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Foster State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marines with Headquarters Battalion, Marine Force Reserve, take part in a pugil stick competition at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Oct. 26, 2022. The annual pugil stick "King of the Ring" competition is held to foster the spirit of competition and camaraderie within the unit through friendly competition.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Robert Loke, an infantry Marine with Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, directs Marines during an immediate company size reinforcement rehearsal aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Philippine Sea, Jan. 29, 2024. Rehearsals are conducted to improve mission response time in preparation for urgent real-world scenarios. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the USS America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. William Lombardo, Task Force 61/2 (TF-61/2) operations officer, is promoted to colonel by Master Gunnery Sgt. Michael Williams, TF-61/2 senior enlisted advisor, left, and Brig. Gen. Andrew Priddy, commander, TF-61/2, during a ceremony overlooking Mount Vesuvius in Naples, Italy, Sept 1, 2022. TF-61/2 provides command and control amphibious and expeditionary capabilities within the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Commands (AFRICOM) area of operations (AOO) to protect U.S. interests, reassure Allies and Partners, and enable integrated deterrence of adversaries.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Mathew Lindell, a drill instructor with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, briefs recruits on proper weapons handling after a rifle issue at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Dec. 12, 2022. Recruits were issued rifles and briefed on their responsibilities regarding rifle security, safety and handling.

(220611-N-OI810-0069) GULFPORT, Mississippi (June 11, 2022) Steelworker 3rd Class Elijah Fiebke, left, from Knoxville, Tennessee, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14, renders salute to Lt. Cmdr. Saul Ramos, Executive Officer of NMCB-14, during morning formation during fiscal year 2022, quarter three, Regional Training Platform (RTP-3) at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, June 11, 2022. RTP-3 provided NMCB-14 Seabees hands-on training opportunities in tactical combat casualty care; maintenance and material management; civil engineering support equipment operations; convoy operations; and Seabee combat warfare and expeditionary skills. NMCB-14 provides advance base construction, battle damage repair, contingency engineering, humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery support to our fleet and unified commanders.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew C. Danner, 31st Marine Expeditionary Units commanding officer, speaks to Marines attending Corporals Course aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 14, 2022. Corporals Course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to become successful small-unit leaders as they enter the career into the non-commissioned officer ranks. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Alexandra R. Dias, a 6th Marine Corps District administrative clerk, reads the promotion warrants for Lance Cpl. Medwin Loya and Lance Cpl. Leander A. Miranda, 6MCD administrative clerks, during their promotion ceremony held at 6MCD Headquarters, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022. Loya, a native of Port Hueneme, California, and Miranda, a native of El Monte, California, were publicly recognized for proving themselves worthy of the next enlisted rank in the U.S. Marine Corps.

A U.S. Marine with 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, sits aboard an MV-22 Osprey at Landing Zone Falcon, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 6, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms and maneuver across multiple domains.

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

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Darius Banaji, deputy director for operations for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), honors the fallen during a disinterment ceremony August 11, 2022, at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. The disinterred remains were transferred to the DPAA laboratory for identification. DPAA's mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

U.S. Marines with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, receive their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., November 19, 2022. Recruits receiving their EGAs marks their transformation to becoming a U.S. Marine.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Benjamin Fiala, commanding officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), addresses Marines during an H&HS award ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, May 10, 2022. Fiala discussed the demanding work these Marines and Sailor put in day in and day out which attributes to the squadrons overall achievements .

Philippine Marine Corps Maj. Rodel Nono, operations officer, 3rd Marine Brigade, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Corey Lockhart, detachment officer in charge of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, address Philippine Marines and U.S. Marines, sailors and airmen during initial staff introductions following the opening ceremony for KAMANDAG 6 at Camp Rodolfo Punsalang, Palawan, Philippines, Oct. 3, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

Chief Master Sgt. Scott Leach, Joint Intelligence Command U.S. Africa Command senior enlisted leader, center-left, and U.S. Navy Capt. Eric Castillo, USAFRICOM J2 Molesworth outgoing commandant, case the USAFRICOM J2 Molesworth flag at RAF Molesworth, England, Aug. 2, 2022. This symbolizes the deactivation of the unit, making way for the activation of the Joint Intelligence Command, USAFRICOM.

U.S. Marine 1st. Lt. Louis Cordero, with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, addresses Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262 (Reinforced), 31st MEU, after their promotion ceremony aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7), Aug. 4, 2022, in the Philippine Sea. The promotion ceremony took place on the flight deck of LHA-7. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Joseph Bishop, an Austin, Texas, native and infantry officer with 2d Marine Division, prepares a brief during the Division Leader Assessment Program 4-22 on Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, Sept. 14, 2022. The assessment program provides Marines with learning and mentorship opportunities, which helps train and develop Marines that demonstrate an apex level of lethality, endurance and comprehensive warfighting ability.

During US Marine Corps (USMC) 2nd Marine Divisions Mass Reenlistment, Marines stand in formation as 2nd Marine Division Commanding General (CG), Major General (MGEN) Stephen Johnson and Marine Division Sergeant Major (SGM) Hemsworth, personally congratulate the newly re-enlisted personnel on the parade deck, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct close order drill on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., March 30, 2023. Drill formations instill confidence, teamwork and discipline within recruits.

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Anarian Jeffries, a personnel officer assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, from St. Clair, Illinois, is recognized during a battalion formation at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Sept. 1, 2022. During the formation, Marines were awarded, promoted, and addressed by the battalion command team.

U.S. Navy Capt. Henry F. Holcomb, the division chaplain with 1st Marine Division, currently assigned to III Marine Expeditionary Force as part of exercise Freedom Shield 23, left, Capt. Bennett C. Sandford, the III Marine Expeditionary Force chaplain, III MEF, center, and Cmdr. Jeffery B. Jenkins, the chaplain with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF, right, stand together following a combined worship service during FS23 in Pohang, Republic of Korea, March 19, 2023. The service gave ROK, U.S. Navy and Marines the opportunity to practice their religious beliefs together. The ROK-U.S. alliance is vital to the collective defense and security of the Korean Peninsula and the region, and the lynchpin of U.S. joint force posture in Northeast Asia.

U.S. Marine Col. Brandon W. Graham, the commanding officer for 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, congratulates the Marines who competed in the regimental squad competition at Camp Horno on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 27, 2022. 1st Marines held a week-long regimental squad competition to send the winning infantry squad to compete against squads drawn from other units across the division.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. George B. Rowell IV, deputy general for 1st Marine Air Wing, left, and U.S. Navy Capt. Robert D. Stiles, officer in charge of construction, right, observe the military operations in the urban terrain training center during a visit to Guam, September 16, 2022. Multiple key leaders gathered to discuss the future development of the military presence and construction in Guam.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Andrew Irrera, a signals intelligence officer assigned to Task Force 61/2, is promoted to captain during a promotion ceremony in Naples, Italy, July 1, 2022. Irrera is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina and commissioned through the Marine Corps Platoon Leadership Course program. TF-61/2 provides command and control amphibious and expeditionary capabilities on an experimental basis within the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Commands (AFRICOM) area of operations (AOO) to protect U.S. interests, reassure Allies and Partners, and enable integrated deterrence of adversaries.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Lester L. Williams, center, offgoing sergeant major, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, prepares to be awarded during the MCBH Relief and Appointment and Retirement ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Aug. 19, 2022. Williams was relieved by Sgt. Maj. Joseph J. Caputo as the MCBH Sergeant Major. Williams served over 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Miguel Barragan-Palma, with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) is promoted to Corporal at Naval Support Facility Indian Head, Maryland, Oct. 03, 2022. Marines from CBIRF came to show their support and appreciation for the newly promoted.

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

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Edwin Lobos, the sexual assault prevention response victim advocate for Wounded Warrior Battalion - West, left, shakes hands with Brig. Gen. Jason G. Woodworth, the commanding general for Marine Corps Installations West, during a coin ceremony at Wounded Warrior Bn. on Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 11, 2022. Lobos showed exemplary leadership and tact while helping a Marine who was in need of assistance during a sensitive situation. SAPR has a 24/7 resource line that provides aid and support to victims and families who have experienced any form of sexual assault.

U.S. Marine Corps (left) Lt Col. Charles E. Miller, Commanding Officer of 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, briefs (right) Brigadier General Andrew T. Priddy, Deputy Commanding General of II Marine Expeditionary Force, on the scheme of maneuver, during exercise Archipelago Endeavor 2022 (AE22), at Berga Naval Base, Sweden, September 13, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Lester R. Gerber, commanding officer of III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, gives remarks during a ribbon-cutting for the Cook-Chill facility at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, on April 6, 2022. The ceremony recognized the movement from Camp Kinser to Camp Hansen and those who participated in the planning, execution, and construction process. It also showcased the importance of future developments of projects under the Defense Policy Review Initiative as part of the land redevelopment, including returns to the Government of Japan from the U.S. forces.

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, march to chow on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Aug. 13, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps crewmen with Kilo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), Huntsville, Alabama, plan loading operations for a U.S. Air Force MC-130J Commando II from the 27th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, during Emerald Warrior 22.1 at Hurlburt Field, Florida, May 3, 2022. Emerald Warrior focused on U.S. and partner nation relationships while emphasizing joint force interoperability.

20220407-M-DL962-1165 U.S. Navy Sailors participate in a Strike Fighter Squadron 115 (VFA-115) change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Apr. 7, 2022. During the ceremony, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Neal Young was relieved by Cmdr. Michael Riley. VFA-115 is an F/A-18E Super Hornet strike fighter squadron, assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, operating from MCAS Iwakuni. CVW-5 is forward deployed to the air station in support of security and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Marine Corps phot by Lance Cpl. Calah Thompson)

U.S. Marines with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a room clearing drill at Military Operations in Urban Terrain Town, Eastern Training Area, Okinawa, Japan, July 18, 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Peter A. Siaw, sergeant major of I Marine Expeditionary Force, left, passes the I MEF organizational colors to U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, outgoing commanding general of I MEF, during the I MEF change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 16, 2024. Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering relinquished command of I MEF to Lt. Gen. Michael S. Cederholm. I MEF provides the Marine Corps a globally responsive, expeditionary, and fully scalable Marine Air-Ground Task Force, capable of generating, deploying, and employing ready forces and formations for crisis response, forward presence, major combat operations, and campaigns. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Anarian Jeffries, a personnel officer assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, from St. Clair, Illinois, is recognized during a battalion formation at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Sept. 1, 2022. During the formation, Marines were awarded, promoted, and addressed by the battalion command team.

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Anarian Jeffries, a personnel officer assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, from St. Clair, Illinois, is recognized during a battalion formation at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Sept. 1, 2022. During the formation, Marines were awarded, promoted, and addressed by the battalion command team.

Pfc. Kylie Hathaway poses for a portrait on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., May 26, 2022. Hathaway began training on the west coast at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and was transferred to MCRD Parris Island after an injury to her tibia required her to enter a recovery platoon.

BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION, Hawaii (July 11, 2022) A Republic of Korea Marine with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, discusses training with U.S. Marines with 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, attached to 7th Marines, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. The battalion landing team with U.S. Marine Corps 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, attached to 7th Marines, hosted a basic swim confidence-lane and amphibious training event with joint ally forces from Australia, Korea, and Mexico. 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 se

U.S. Marine Corps 2nd LT Rachael K. Green with Logistics Operation School, Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools, controls convoy traffic as security at the entry level point during the Logistics Officers Course Field Exercise (LOCFEX) on Camp Lejeune N.C., December 6, 2022. LOCFEX consists of various practical application exercises in support of combat service support operations.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct close order drill on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., March 30, 2023. Drill formations instill confidence, teamwork and discipline within recruits.

031008-M-5590R-049. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Erica Aguilar, left, the equal opportunity advisor of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, stands at attention during the reading of her award citation on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 5, 2022. Aguilar identified a Marine as a heat casualty during physical training and transported the Marine to the nearest emergency room. Due to Aguilar's quick judgment, the medical staff were able to administer life-saving procedures after the Marine stopped breathing. Aguilar was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for her instincts, decisiveness, and judgment.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Daniel Jernigan, left, and Lt. Col. Robert Stevenson III, right, shake hands after the passing of colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 12, 2024. Stevenson, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 relinquished command to Lt. Col. Daniel Jernigan at the change of command ceremony. MWSS-171, a critical component of Marine Aircraft Group 12, is a premier squadron capable of supporting all essential aviation ground support requirements to U.S. and allied forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines with the Marine Corps Shooting Team compete in the 2022 National Matches on Camp Perry, Ohio, Aug. 3, 2022. Participants compete in six-man-teams, each shooter firing a timed 100-point aggregate using national match M-16 A4 service rifles. Rifles are fired from the 200, 300 and 600 yard lines in both sitting and standing positions. The National Matches, also called the World Series of Shooting Sports, have been a tradition on Camp Perry since 1907; more than 4,500 participants compete annually.

060514-N-4772B-077. Base: USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Adam W. Hess, range safety officer with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, delivers a safety brief during exercise Atlantic Dragon on Camp Blanding, Florida, United States, April 1, 2022. Atlantic Dragon is a force generation exercise pushing Combat Logistics Regiment 37 as an arrival assembly operations group to provide tactical logistics support to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The exercise consists of an experimental maritime prepositioned force's offload tactics of military equipment that will support the field exercise training to increase combat readiness and efficiency. 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Douglas R. Burke, commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 37, recognizes Sgt. Conner Rehn, an intelligence systems technician with CLR-37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, during exercise Atlantic Dragon on Camp Blanding, Florida, United States, April 2, 2022. Atlantic Dragon is a force generation exercise pushing CLR-37 as an arrival assembly operations group to provide tactical logistics support to III Marine Expeditionary Force. The exercise consists of an experimental maritime prepositioned force's offload tactics of military equipment that supports field exercise training to increase combat readiness and efficiency. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEF's comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

A Dutch Marine with Marine Squadron Carib, Netherlands Marine Corps, gives a safety brief to the U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, before a live-fire range during Exercise Tres Kolos in Savaneta, Aruba, Oct. 21, 2022. This exercise promotes partnerships, shares knowledge, and enhances interoperability between the forces in order to strengthen our common defense, foster stability and defeat threats.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, execute a basic warriors stance during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 15, 2023. MCMAP aims to strengthen the mental and moral resiliency of individual recruits and Marines through realistic combative training, warrior ethos studies and physical hardening.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Peter Siaw, sergeant major of Training and Education Command, holds a noncommissioned sword during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, April 7, 2022. A relief and appointment ceremony signifies a formal transfer of responsibility from the unit's senior enlisted advisor another.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan Beachner, a light armored vehicle mechanic with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal aboard amphibious landing docking ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), April 13, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group with embarked 22nd MEU are on a scheduled deployment under command and control of Task Force 6 1/2 while operating in U.S. 6th Fleet in support of U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron (left), commanding general of 3d Marine Division, and Philippine Marine Corps Col. Gregorio Hernandez Jr., exercise director assistant exchange salute during KAMANDAG 6 at Fort Bonifacio, Philippines, Oct. 6, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Alfaro, sergeant major, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, reads Cpl. Jarret Determans, military working dog handler, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), citation during an awards ceremony at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Jan. 19, 2024. This ceremony was held to award Determan and Lance Cpl. Isabella Jones, military working dog handler, H&HS, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Determan and Jones provided immediate medical attention to a fellow patron due to an accidental gunshot wound.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Xander Morris, a light armored vehicle crewman with Mobile Reconnaissance Platoon, Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, relays grid coordinates over a PRC-160 V radio while participating in a tactical exercise during Archipelago Endeavor 22 (AE22) in Berga, Sweden, Sept. 20, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

NAPLES, Italy (April 3, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William Jurney, the commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks to the Marines and Sailors from Task Force 61/2 (TF-61/2) in Naples Italy, about the importance of TF-61/2 actions in support of Force Design and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, April 3, 2022. TF-61/2 will temporarily provide command and control support to the commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet, to synchronize Navy and Marine Corps units and capabilities already in theater, in support of regional Allies and Partners and U.S. national security interests.

040701-M-0748B-028. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, set up tents during a command and control exercise at Jungle Warfare Training Center, Okinawa, Japan, July 20, 2022. The Marines simulated command and control and conducted rapid setup and teardown of their combat operations center in preparation for future exercises and operations. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Division pass in review during a battle colors rededication ceremony on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 14, 2022. The ceremony commemorated the Divisions 80th Anniversary and its legacy of valor, honor, and fidelity. The 3d Marine Division was activated at Camp Elliot, San Diego, Sept. 16, 1942 and has taken part in combat operations from World War II and Vietnam through Iraq and Afghanistan. The current Marines of 3d Marine Division continue to build on this legacy today as a critical part of the stand-in force within the first island chain of the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps. Sg. Maj. William Singleton, Marine Aircraft Group 49 sergeant major, renders a salute to U.S. Marine Corps. Brig. Gen. Leonard Anderson, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing commander, during a relief and appointment retirement ceremony on July 17, 2022 at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, N.J. The relief and appointment is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one senior noncommissioned officer to another. The mission of MAG 49 is to organize, train, and equip combat ready squadrons to augment and reinforce the active Marine forces in time of war, national emergency, or contingency operations, and to provide personnel and assault support capabilities to relieve operational tempo for active duty forces.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Isaac Comfort, training chief, Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, teaches Marines how to clear rooms during a HQBN field exercise, MCBH, Jan. 10, 2024. The FEX was a week-long event conducted in order to increase combat readiness, unit morale and camaraderie.

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