Military Ceremonial Events

Formal indoor events featuring military personnel in uniform, including award ceremonies and meetings, highlighting leadership and ceremonial protocols.

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo meets with military employees of U.S. Embassy Budapest, in Budapest, Hungary on February 11, 2019.

Activities at the National Park Service Superintendents Summit, Cliff Lodge and environs, Snowbird, Utah, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, National Park Service Director Mary Bomar, and Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. among the officials on hand

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - ASSUMPTION OF COMMAND CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, places a medallion around Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Paul E. Herrs neck during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at the Gen. John W. Vessey Recreation Center near Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, in Little Falls, Minnesota. The Court of Honor commemorates the lasting contributions of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of their communities, State, and Nation. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo meets with military employees of U.S. Embassy Budapest, in Budapest, Hungary on February 11, 2019.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Recognition Ceremony, Apr. 28, 2022, Magnolia Halle, San Antonio, Texas. This event was held to honor all promotees to the rank of Chief Master Sgt.

Family and friends of 18 Virginia Air National Guard and three Florida Army National Guard members killed in a March 3rd C-23 Sherpa plane crash in Unadilla, Georgia, pay tribute to the men at a memorial service in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The memorial, which took place at Rock Church, was attended by Deputy Secretary of Defense, Paul D. Wolfowitz (not shown) and various other civilian and military dignitaries and over 4000 members of the community. The 18 airmen were assigned to the 203rd Red Horse Flight at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia and were returning from temporary duty at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The three soldiers were assigned to the .... Complete Scene Caption: Family and friends of 18 Virginia Air National Guard and three Florida Army National Guard members killed in a March 3rd C-23 Sherpa plane crash in Unadilla, Georgia, pay tribute to the men at a memorial service in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The memorial, which took place at R

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Recognition Ceremony, Apr. 28, 2022, Magnolia Halle, San Antonio, Texas. This event was held to honor all promotees to the rank of Chief Master Sgt.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brian Kruzelnick, Command Chief Master Sgt., Air Mobility Command, gives speech during the Air Force Ball at Falls Manor, Bristol, P.A., Sept. 23, 2022. The Air Force Ball is an annual event to bring service members and their loved ones together to celebrate the service and its significance.

KADENA, Japan (Oct. 15, 2022) Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Japan/Commander, Navy Region Japan, raises a toast during the Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa (CFAO) Navy Ball held on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 15, 2022. CFAO maintains and operates facilities to support the U.S. Navy's naval and aviation assets in the Indo-Pacific region.

220402-N-KG461-1052Jacksonville, Fla. (April 2, 2022) Command triads from area commands of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay come together for a toast during the Kings Bay Submarine Birthday Ball. This was the 122nd birthday of submarines in the Navy.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Jay Bargeron, the 3d Marine Division Commanding General, delivers remarks during the 3d Marine Division Marine Corps Birthday Ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 3, 2022. Marines celebrated the 247th birthday with the traditional reading of the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. John A. Lejeunes birthday message and the customary cutting of the birthday cake.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David Ottignon, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, presents letters of appreciation to the family of U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Christopher Rebana, former command master chief of II Marine Expeditionary Force, during a retirement ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 16, 2024. Rebana enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1994 and since has served in various leadership billets including command master chief of 3d Medical Battalion, 2d Marine Logistics Group, 2d Marine Division, and II Marine Expeditionary Force. Marine Corps

Retired Gen. Timothy M. Ray, former Air Force Global Strike Command commander, shakes the hand of retired Chief Master Sgt. Charles Hoffman, former AFGSC command chief, during his Order of the Sword ceremony at Sams Hotel and Casino, Shreveport, Louisiana, May 11, 2022. The Order of the Sword is a special program where non-commissioned officers of a command recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the enlisted corps.

(From left to right) Belgian Chief of Defence Adm. Michel Hofman; Defense Attaché to the US and Canada Rear Adm. Garl Gillis; and Belgian Navy Commander Rear Adm. Jan De Beurme received a briefing from a tomb sentinel from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) on how to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., April 5, 2023. Hofman, Gillis, and Beurme was at ANC to participate in a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Hofman also returned three recently re-ribboned Croix de Guerre Belgian medals which were originally presented to the Unknown Soldiers.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Recognition Ceremony, Apr. 28, 2022, Magnolia Halle, San Antonio, Texas. This event was held to honor all promotees to the rank of Chief Master Sgt.

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) Commander, Rear Admiral Joseph delivers remarks to NECC Sailor of the Year (SOY) candidates, April 1, during a ceremony onboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Fort Story. Utilitiesman 1st Class Kenneth Massey, a Luxemburg, Wisc. assigned to Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 2 in Port Hueneme, Calif., earned the title after edging out six other Sailors.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Victor Bockman, commanding officer of Recruiting Station Harrisburg presents a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal to U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Hector Rivera, a station commander with Recruiting Substation Lancaster, RS Harrisburg, during All Hands training in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, Jul. 27, 2022. Rivera earned this award through his hard work and dedication to the recruiting mission.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 14, 2022) Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Japan / Commander, Navy Region Japan (CNFJ/CNRJ) arrives as a member of the official party at the Navy Ball held at Club Alliance onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) in celebration of the Navy's 247th Birthday. The theme of the 247th Navy Birthday is "On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years," which highlights the U.S. Navy's enduring ability to remain fully ready to respond to and effectively deter emergent threats. 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.

Family and friends of 18 Virginia Air National Guard and three Florida Army National Guard members killed in a March 3rd C-23 Sherpa plane crash in Unadilla, Georgia, pay tribute to the men at a memorial service in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The memorial, which took place at Rock Church, was attended by Deputy Secretary of Defense, Paul D. Wolfowitz (not shown) and various other civilian and military dignitaries and over 4000 members of the community. The 18 airmen were assigned to the 203rd Red Horse Flight at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia and were returning from temporary duty at Hurlburt Field, Florida. The three soldiers were assigned to the .... Complete Scene Caption: Family and friends of 18 Virginia Air National Guard and three Florida Army National Guard members killed in a March 3rd C-23 Sherpa plane crash in Unadilla, Georgia, pay tribute to the men at a memorial service in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The memorial, which took place at R

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Recognition Ceremony, Apr. 28, 2022, Magnolia Halle, San Antonio, Texas. This event was held to honor all promotees to the rank of Chief Master Sgt.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jeremy Phillips, 81st Training Group senior enlisted leader, gives the closing remarks during 81st Training Wings 2023 Annual Awards Ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 29, 2024. During the ceremony, base leadership recognized outstanding Airmen and civilians from across the installation for their accomplishments throughout 2023. Air Force

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

Airmen converse at the Air Force Ball at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, September 16, 2022. The U.S. Air Force has been around for 75 years now, with the AF Ball celebrating it's anniversary.

Musician 3rd Class Jessie Nunn, assigned to Navy Band Northwest, performs at the Seattle Navy League Sea Services Awards Luncheon at Fleet Week, Aug. 4, 2022. Fleet Week Seattle is a time-honored celebration of the sea services and provides an opportunity for the citizens of Washington to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

Retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Charles Rock arrives at the Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) Navy Ball held Oct. 13, 2022 at CFAS in celebration of the U.S. Navys 247th birthday. The theme of the U.S. Navys 247th birthday was "On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years," which highlighted the Navy's enduring ability to remain fully ready to respond to and effectively deter emergent threats.

U.S. Air Force Col. John Dorsch, 24th Special Operations Wing Surgeon General, salutes the American flag during his retirement ceremony, May 26, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Dorsch retired after dedicating over 20 years of service.

Warrant Officer 1 Craig Morgan Greer receives his new rank insignia from his wife, Karen, and John Clement, state field director and military adviser to U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee.

The Utah Air National Guard celebrated its Airmen of the Year during a banquet held in their honor at the Zions Bancorporations Midvale Technology Campus on Jan. 6, 2023, in Midvale, Utah. The Airmen of the Year award program recognizes Airmen who display superior leadership, job performance, and personal achievement.

Senior Airman Noah Smith, 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintainer and honor guard member, places a cover on a table in honor of Prisoner of War and Missing in Action personnel during the annual Air Force ball at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, September 17, 2022. The event included a POW/MIA remembrance ceremony, formal toasts and a ceremonial cake cutting.

10 past Minnesota National Guard service members were honored for their service during the annual Court of Honor induction program ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, near Little Falls, Minnesota. The Court of Honor commemorates the lasting contributions of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of the State and Nation. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Recognition Ceremony, Apr. 28, 2022, Magnolia Halle, San Antonio, Texas. This event was held to honor all promotees to the rank of Chief Master Sgt.

Cadets entering the ceremony

The 168th Wing hosted a Dining Out event in Fairbanks, Alaska, for Airmen to keep Air Force traditions alive and continue morale-building ceremonies. The Air Force Dining Out event started approximately in the 1930s with Army Air Corps General H. Hap Arnolds Wing Dings. The guest speaker at the 2022 168th WG Dining Out was Gregory D. Gadson, a motivational speaker, retired Colonel in the United States Army, and former commander of the U.S. Army Fort Belvoir Garrison. He is also a bilateral above-the-knee amputee.

U.S. Air Force retired Lt. Gen. Brad Webb and his wife, Dawna, laugh as Chief Master Sgt. Cory Olson, command chief of Air Force Special Operations Command, delivers remarks during the Order of the Sword Ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 15, 2022. This was the first dual major command Order of the Sword ceremony held to honor Webb, the former commander of both Air Education and Training Command and AFSOC. This is the highest honor and tribute the Air Force enlisted corps can bestow upon an individual.

2nd Lt. Sean Rochealeau is pinned his new rank by his wife, Jayden, during the Officer Candidate School graduation, held at the Edward Cross Training Center, in Pembroke, NH, Sept 11. Holdsworth will serve as a platoon leader with the Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 103rd Field Artillery Regiment, upon completion of the Basic Officer Leadership Course.

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe Ambassadors Rock Band performs at Katowice City of Gardens in Katowice, Poland, Oct. 15, 2022. The USAFE Band partnered with the U.S. Consulate-Krakow to travel across southern Poland from Oct 11-20, 2022, conducting performances that celebrated the shared spirit of freedom and enduring friendship between the U.S. and Poland. By transcending language and cultural barriers through the universal power of music, military bands promote peace, build relationships, and strengthen unity among people.

Members of the U.S. Army Chorus and Alumni sing during the "Salute to Apollo" ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, July 18, 2009 in Washington. The event was part of NASA's week long celebration of the Apollo 40th Anniversary.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 21, 2022) Chief Naval Aircrewman Operator Chris Murphy, from Crown Point Ind., assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 30, poses for a photo on stage during the fiscal Year 2023 chief petty officer pinning ceremony, at St. Edwards Catholic Chapel, on board Naval Air Station Jacksonville, May 21. VP 30, based in Jacksonville Fla., is the U.S. Navys Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS). VP 30s mission is to provide P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft, P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) specific training to pilots, Naval flight officers, and enlisted aircrew prior to reporting to the Fleet.

230331-N-XP477-1310 SAN DIEGO (March 31, 2023) - Master Chief Operations Specialist Kermit L. Pollard gives remarks during his retirement ceremony at the Murphy Canyon Chapel, March 31, 2023. Pollard is retiring after 27 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Navy.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry reflects on his time in the Navy, and its impact on his career in public service and approach to foreign policy, during a speech at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on January 10, 2017.

Family members attend the Puerto Rico Air National Guard assistant adjutant general-air change of command ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Sept. 17, 2022. The change of command ceremony took place during the September regularly scheduled drill.

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation reception, hosted by Secretary Condoleezza Rice, in Benjamin Franklin Room. Among other dignitaries at the event, honoring the Department's long standing relationship with the Marine Corps in the realm of diplomatic security, were Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security, Richard Griffin; Under Secretary for Management, Henrietta Fore; Marine Corps Lieutenant General Jan Huly; and Marine Corps Lieutenant General George Christmas.

Capt. Jason Weed, commander, Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Squadron (UUVRON) 1, delivers remarks after assuming command of UUVRON-1 during a ceremony at Naval Base Kitsap-Keyport, Washington July 14, 2022. The ceremony also elevated UUVRON-1 to a submarine force major command and established Unmanned Undersea Flotilla (UUV Flotilla) 1 as a subordinate command.

2nd Lt. Bryce Murdick is pinned his new rank by his sister and mother during the Officer Candidate School graduation, held at the Edward Cross Training Center, in Pembroke, NH, Sept 11. Murick will serve as an intelligence officer with the 3643rd Brigade Support Battalion upon completion of the Basic Officer Leadership Course.

Acting Secretary P. Lynn Scarlett and other Interior senior officials at wreath-laying ceremony for law enforcement personnel killed in line of duty

Participants of the 49th annual Norwegian Exchange, from the Norwegian Heimevernet, or Home Guard, and the Minnesota National Guard, community leaders, buddy weekend host families and distinguished guests joined together for a farewell banquet, April 3, 2022 at the Falls Ballroom in Little Falls, Minnesota. During the meal, Norwegian Soldiers modeled the traditional bunard and artist Charles Kapsner presented a gift. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego re-enact the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima during a birthday ball ceremony in San Diego, Nov. 5, 2022. The Marine Corps birthday ball was held in traditional celebration of the founding of the United States Marine Corps on Nov. 10, 1775. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Grace J. Kindred)

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. Jay Raymond, meets with Norway Rear Adm. Nils Andreas, during a bi-lat meeting at the 37th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Col. April 6, 2022.

Capt. David Adams, Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS), speaks to Sasebo City Mayor Norio Tomonaga during the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Sasebo Districts spring gathering celebrating its 70th anniversary at the JMSDF Sasebo District Hirase Gymnasium in Sasebo, Japan April 1, 2023. For more than 75 years, CFAS has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services to empower forward-deployed U.S. and Allied Forces while providing superior support to their families and the community.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (April 10, 2022) Rear Adm. Butch Dollaga, Commander, Submarine Group 7, hands the microphone to Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, during the 122nd Submarine Birthday Ball at Fleet Activities Yokosuka April 10, 2022. The ball was coordinated by Submarine Group 7, which directs forward-deployed, combat capable forces across the full spectrum of undersea warfare throughout the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea.

Marine Corps Heritage Foundation reception, hosted by Secretary Condoleezza Rice, in Benjamin Franklin Room. Among other dignitaries at the event, honoring the Department's long standing relationship with the Marine Corps in the realm of diplomatic security, were Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security, Richard Griffin; Under Secretary for Management, Henrietta Fore; Marine Corps Lieutenant General Jan Huly; and Marine Corps Lieutenant General George Christmas.

A new helicopter training landing pad at Muir Army Airfield is dedicated to Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew Ruffner and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jarett Yoder during a ceremony in the Aviation Maintenance Instruction Building here.The two pilots were killed April 9, 2013 when the AH-64 Apache helicopter they were flying crashed during a flight mission in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. They were serving on a combat deployment with Bravo Company, 1-104th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 28th Combat Aviation Brigade during Operation Enduring Freedom.

DN-ST-89-01208. Base: Emmitsburg State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen dance at the Air Force Ball at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, September 16, 2022. The AF Ball not only celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Air Force being established, but also the 80th anniversary of Whiteman AFB being established.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Shanelle King, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron ramp operations representative and emcee for the 2023 436th Airlift Wing Annual Award Ceremony, speaks to attendees at the Hartly Volunteer Fire Company in Hartly, Delaware, Feb. 23, 2024. More than 275 commanders, first sergeants, supervisors, family members and friends came out to support the 47 nominees and five teams competing in their respective categories. Air Force

PEARL HARBOR (July 2, 2022) - U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Michael Boyle, RIMPAC 2022 commander, Combined Task Force and Royal Australian Navy Commodore Paul OGrady, Combined Force Maritime Component Commander, watch a ceremonial dance during the Chilean reception during Rim of Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July, 2. 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 worlds 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 worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Col. Charles Barkhurst, 88th Air Base Wing vice commander, cheers on participants during the Nov. 12 Veterans Day parade at the Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center Campus in Dayton, Ohio. The parade honored all who serve and have served in the U.S. military.

Master Sgt. Dustin Krupa, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, lights the candle representing the rank of Master Sergeant during Hill Air Force Base's Chief Induction Ceremony held Mar. 31, 2023 in Ogden, Utah. The lighting ceremony represents each of the nine enlisted ranks in the United States Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jonathan M. Drew is promoted to the rank of colonel on June 12, 2022 in the fuel cell hangar prior to taking command of the 165th Operations Group, 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah, Georgia. His wife and children pinned on his new rank during the ceremony.

221202-N-LN782-1007 (Dec. 02, 2022) U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command's Pass in Review in Great Lakes, Illinois, Dec. 2, 22. row of chief combination covers sit on a table prior to a chief petty officer. More than 35,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp

LINCOLNSHIRE Il. (May 19, 2022) Sailors assigned to Naval Station Great Lakes participate in a veterans luncheon at Sedgebrook Senior Living Community. 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.

Past and present Soldiers attend the 213th Regional Support Group's Dining Out at The Meadows in Hellertown, Nov. 5, 2022. Then event was the 213th RSG's first since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The evening program included toasts and an award ceremony. Brig. Gen James McCormack, the Assistant Adjutant General-Army of the Pennsylvania National Guard, Col. Frank Montgomery, commander of the 213th RSG and other distinguished visitor shared remarks during the event. (Photo by, Staff Sgt. Brandon Nelson)

Col. Michael Parks, 507th Air Refueling Wing commander, presents Col. Alvin Bradford, former 507th Medical Squadron commander, with the Meritorious Service Medal on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Oct. 15, 2022. The medal is presented to service members who have displayed outsanding service in their unit.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Sean Kaspar, career recruiter for Eastern Recruiting Region, Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, gives a speech after winning the Sentinel Award, Beaufort, South Carolina, Oct. 13, 2022. The Civitas Awards, hosted by the Beauforts Regional Chamber of Commerce, selected Kaspar as the winner of the Sentinel Award, for outstanding military citizenship.

The Lathrop Highschool Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) Honor Guard perform a prisoner of war and missing-in-action presentation during a POW/MIA recognition ceremony at the Veterans Stand Down at the Pioneer Park Civic Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. The VA Stand Down allows Veterans to receive medical care, information on local community services, food, and winter gear. The event brings the Veterans and the Community together to give back to Veterans while enjoying music, raffles, meals, camaraderie, and services. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Col. Andrew L. Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Dunn, 374th Airlift Wing command chief, right, cut cake with the longest serving and newest enlisted Airmen, center, during Yokotas Air Force Ball for the 75th U.S. Air Force Anniversary at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 18, 2022. It is Air Force tradition for the newest Airman and longest serving Airman to cut the cake.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Dayne Foote, commander of the 36th Security Forces Squadron, holds a candle during the annual Peace Officers Memorial Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony on May 15, 2022, at the Hagatna Police Precinct, Guam. The ceremony was held to honor all the law enforcement agencies on Guam, as well as those protectors who have fallen in the line of duty.

060809-N-1082Z-004. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221015-HG389-0055 SINGAPORE (Oct. 15, 2022) Rear Adm. Mark Melson, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF 73), speaks at the Navy Ball in Singapore in celebration of the Navys 247th birthday, Oct. 15. COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF 73 is the U.S. Navys premiere maritime mobile logistics organization which supports the Seventh Fleet area of operations. Located to Southeast Asia COMLOG WESTPAC logistically supplies the U.S. Navys deployed surface units and aircraft carriers in the Western Pacific along with regional allies and partners, in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe Ambassadors Rock Band performs at Bielskie Centrum Kultury in Bielsko-Biała, Poland, Oct. 17, 2022. The USAFE Band partnered with the U.S. Consulate-Krakow to travel across southern Poland from Oct 11-20, 2022, conducting performances that celebrated the shared spirit of freedom and enduring friendship between the U.S. and Poland. By transcending language and cultural barriers through the universal power of music, military bands promote peace, build relationships, and strengthen unity among people.

U.S. Air Force retired Lt. Gen. Marshall B. Webb, former Air Force Special Operations Command commander and Air Education and Training Command commander, and wife, Dawna, laugh at a speech given during an Order of the Sword ceremony in his honor at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 15, 2022. The Order of the Sword recognizes and honors senior officers with the rank of colonel or above, and civilian equivalents, for conspicuous and significant contributions to the welfare and prestige of enlisted members.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Patrick Shelton, 139th Communications Flight, Missouri Air National Guard, hugs his children during his retirement ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, Dec. 3, 2022. Throughout his 32 years of service, Shelton has served many leadership roles including commander of the 241st Air Traffic Control Squadron, and the commander of the 139th Communications Flight.

Wyoming Army National Guard Recruiting Officer strength manager, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Anthony Finch, shakes the hand of Major Michael Pieper after swearing-in as a Medical officer in the United States Army. Dr. Pieper is a family physician in Afton and the Star Valley area of Wyoming.

Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman speaks with a guest during the U.S. Space Forces 3rd birthday celebration at the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., Nov. 30, 2022. The birthday officially falls on Dec. 20.

U.S. Marines and poolees with Recruiting Station Richmond, 4th Marine Corps District participate in the annual Military Signing Day at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond, Virginia, May 19, 2022. Military Signing Day is hosted by the Virginia Department of Education to show their support to the United States Armed Forces and to recognize students who commit to service in the military.

NAVAL BASE GUAM (Oct. 7, 2022) - Joint Region Marianas (JRM) Fire and Emergency Services (FES) hosted the Fire Academy Class 2022-01 Graduation Ceremony at Naval Base Guam Chapel, Oct. 7. JRM FES graduated nine new firefighters who will serve the community.

Clifford Good, World War II veteran, tells WWII stories to his friends and family during his 100th birthday celebratory luncheon at the First Baptist Church in OFallon, Illinois, Aug. 28, 2022. Good flew nearly 50 combat missions: 33 missions over Italy, 2 missions over southern France, 5 missions over Greece, 4 missions over Germany, 2 missions over Bulgaria and 1 mission over Yugoslavia.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Caitlin Brown, senior public affairs officer for the Chief of the National Guard Bureau pins an award to retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. William Buchanan during a retirement ceremony April 1, 2023, at St. Francis Barracks, St. Augustine, Florida. Buchanan retired from the Florida Air National Guard after 20 years of service.

Army Sgt. Maj. Thomas P. Payne is inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes, in a ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., July 6, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

Participants of the 49th annual Norwegian Exchange, from the Norwegian Heimevernet, or Home Guard, and the Minnesota National Guard, community leaders, buddy weekend host families and distinguished guests joined together for a farewell banquet, April 3, 2022 at the Falls Ballroom in Little Falls, Minnesota. During the meal, Norwegian Soldiers modeled the traditional bunard and artist Charles Kapsner presented a gift. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. University of Southern Mississippi (USM) held a graduation ceremony for students in the Hydrographic Science Program to include an officer from Fleet Survey Team. Naval Oceanography was represented by Mr. Matthew Borbash, Deputy Hydrographer of the Navy. USM is the only university in the United States to offer an undergraduate program in hydrography and one of just two to offer masters and doctoral degree programs in this challenging field. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions faster than the adversary, July 29, 2022.

A U.S. Army Cadet shows off their presentation during Projects Day 2022 at the West Point Club on the grounds of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., April 28, 2022.West Point's 23rd annual Projects Day showcased more than 400 research projects by over 1,000 cadets made possible by over 80 external partners and West Point faculty.

Washington Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Marvin Boyd (right) presents gift to his son Jeremy Boyd (left), at the conclusion of his retirement ceremony, held at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., on Oct., 15, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Boyd retired after 35 years of military service beginning in the U.S. Navy and over thirty years in the Washington Air National Guard. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. (ret.) John Hughel, Washington Air National Guard Public Affairs)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jonathan M. Drew is promoted to the rank of colonel on June 12, 2022 in the fuel cell hangar prior to taking command of the 165th Operations Group, 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah, Georgia. His wife and children pinned on his new rank during the ceremony.

Fort McCoy Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Raquel DiDomenico speaks with students after a presentation at the Wisconsin Association of School Councils Leadership Conference on Monday, April 4 in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. DiDomenico was joined by other Fort McCoy Garrison leaders Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Chad Maynard and Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander Maj. James Lavelle to speak on the importance of leadership to outstanding student council members from middle and high schools from around the state of Wisconsin.

The eight National Guard members selected to have dinner with the Obamas at the White House, gather after a pre-briefing Feb. 29, 2012 in Arlington, Va. The Obamas are paying tribute to all veterans of the Iraq War, and service members representing the 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia were chosen to attend a dinner in their honor.

Military Reception at the White House, 6:00PM. President John F. Kennedy (left, back to camera) visits with guests of a military reception at the White House. Cross Hall, White House, Washington, D.C.

221005-M-BQ292-1034 SAN FRANCISCO (October 5, 2022) U.S. Navy Musician 3rd Class Alexander Charles Bassoon, a player and singer with the U.S. Navy Band Southwest's Woodwind Quintet, sings to a small crowd of locals during a performance outside the Sunset Branch Library as part of San Francisco Fleet Week 2022, Oct. 5, 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas sea services. During Fleet week, service members effects, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

The Air Force Singing Sergeants perform at Disneyland. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. David Moser, 60th Maintenance Group enlisted executive and C-17 Globemaster III crew chief, and his spouse, Sarah Moser, 60th Air Mobility Wing chapel, Protestant faith group coordinator, stand for a portrait during Team Travis Air Force 75th anniversary gala at the Sunrise Banquet Hall in Vacaville, California, Sept. 16, 2022. Airmen provide America with the airpower it needs to defend the nation, deter or defeat our adversaries, reassure our partners and allies and help diplomacy proceed from a position of strength, which was celebrated at this years gala.

Marines with The Commandants Own, U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, pose for a photo with Maj. Gen Jim Lukeman (USMC Ret), Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, after a performance at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico, Virginia, Aug. 24, 2022. The Commandants Own, performed multiple songs to showcase esprit de corps and honor the generations before us.

Retired Brig. Gen. Tyler Smith, corporate coordinator for The Conservation Fund, receives the Bronze Minuteman Award from Maj. Gen. Michael Turley (left), adjutant general, Utah National Guard, and retired Maj. Gen. Jeff Burton (right), deputy commander of the Honorary Colonels Corps, during a special banquet held at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah, March 31, 2023. The Bronze Minuteman Award recognizes community leaders for their extraordinary support and leadership to the citizens of Utah and the military community.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Recognition Ceremony, Apr. 28, 2022, Magnolia Halle, San Antonio, Texas. This event was held to honor all promotees to the rank of Chief Master Sgt.

American and Norwegian Soldiers, distinguished guests, and friends of Camp Ripley attended the Norwegian Meal, March 30, 2022, at the Hangar Conference center at Camp Ripley. The Norwegian meal is brought from Norway and prepared by members of the Heimevernet as a taste of Norway. (Minnesota National Guard Photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Tickner, USACE North Atlantic Division commander and division general, stands with his family after the unfurling of the two-star flag during his promotion ceremony. Pictured (L-R): Audrey Tickner, Mason Tickner, Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Tickner, Sheri Tickner, Brooklynn Tickner, and Capt. Matthew Mahon.

DN-SC-90-04300. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Caroline Miller (center), Commander 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio, and Chief Master Sgt. Casy Boomershine (right), 502nd ABW/JBSA command chief, pose for a photo with Daily Mann (left), Fiesta Queen of Soul, Mackenzie Tijerina (center left), Rey Feo Scholarship foundation, and Elaina McCoulskey, Miss San Antonio Scholarship Organization, 31 Mar 2022, Pfingston basic military center, JBSA-Lackland, Texas.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq ñ Sgt. Madeogarcia Elisan, equal opportunity representative, Headquarters Support Company from San Diego, and Sgt. 1st Class Luis Romero, force protection noncommissioned officer, Company B from New York City, both from the 404th Aviation Support Battalion, Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division ñ Baghdad, perform the Bachata dance during the CAB's Hispanic American Heritage Month Observance celebration on Camp Taji Sept. 27. Soldiers from the brigade enjoyed an array of dances, music and authentic Hispanic cuisine at the celebration.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Scotty Black engages with students at the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (NJSHS) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Apr. 21, 2022. The NJSHS is a Tri-Service program that encourages high school students to conduct original research in the fields of STEM.

The Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nev. played host to the Outstanding Airmen of the Year Awards Banquet on Feb. 5, 2023, which honored the previous year's exceptional Airmen. The event was attended by Airmen, their families, and friends.

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