← Military & Defence

Military Ceremonies and Briefings

Images of military personnel attending various official events, including ribbon-cutting ceremonies and career fairs, showcasing camaraderie and professionalism.

Recruiters from the Wyo. Air and Army National Guard play corn hole in front of their booths. Visitors to the booths could talk to the recruiters, score some swag, play on the punching machine, or play mini corn hole at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas, Wyo., on Aug. 17, 2022. The 17th was Military Appreciation Day at the fair. Several service members from the Wyoming Guard were also volunteers at the five-day event.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jacob Pfannenstiel, 81st Force Support Squadron operations officer, delivers remarks during the fuel pier ribbon cutting ceremony at the marina park at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 21, 2022. The pier is one of the few locations that can sell marina fuel to the Keesler community and local civilian boaters on Biloxi's Back Bay.

Airmen of the 139th Airlift Wing put on a career fair for high school students at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 20, 2022. The students learned about the Air National Guard and the various careers offered on base.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, stand in line to receive the flu vaccine at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 24, 2022. Soldiers annually receive the flu vaccine to maintain their health and protection against contagious infections.

Staff Sergeant Catessa Palone promotes on Fort Bragg, N.C., Dec 01, 2022. Palone is the latest Staff Sergeant in the 49th Public Affairs Detachment.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Burns presents a United States Flag to the family of Command Sgt. Maj. Brett A. Fisher, 79th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion, 71st Ordinance Group, 20th CBRNE Command during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony at the Cavalry Parade Field on Fort Riley, Kansas, August 18th, 2022. The flag, flown on the unit's recent deployment in support of Operation Spartan Shield, represents 79th EOD's commitment and support to the Nation while showing appreciation for Fisher's continued service and support.

Recruiters from the Wyo. Air and Army National Guard play corn hole in front of their booths. Visitors to the booths could talk to the recruiters, score some swag, play on the punching machine, or play mini corn hole at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas, Wyo., on Aug. 17, 2022. The 17th was Military Appreciation Day at the fair. Several service members from the Wyoming Guard were also volunteers at the five-day event.

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 174, Marine Aircraft Group 24, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and U.S. Army soldiers with 2-25 Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade (2-25 AVN REGT, 25TH CAB), pose for a photo during an award ceremony at Schofield Barracks motor pool, Hawaii, Jan. 11, 2024. Lance Cpl. Dominic Guerra, and Lance Cpl. Robert Taylor, both bulk fuel specialists with MWSS-174, and U.S. Army Corporal Jie Jiang, a supply sergeant with 2-25 AVN, were awarded the Army Achievement medal for their service and contribution in support of an Army centric exercise.

U.S Army soldiers from 330th Movement Control Battalion embrace their families after coming home from a deployment on Fort Bragg, N.C. 12th Dec. The 330th Movement Control Battalion completed a nine-month deployment to EUCOM in support of Atlantic Resolve.

Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Honor Guard members prepare to perform 25 memorial pushups Jan. 18, 2023, at JBSA-Lackland, Texas, to honor a fallen comrade. 25-year-old Army Cpl. Jason M. Bogar died July 13, 2008, while serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.

21st Theater Sustainment Command Deputy Commander Col. Doug LeVien (l) speaks with featured speaker Sgt. Maj. Brian Pascual, 21st TSC Career Counselor, at the 21st TSC Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month observance May 20, 2022 at Kleber Clock Tower Cafe, Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Soldiers from the 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion, Utah National Guard, were dispatched in support of the Utah County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue efforts to find a missing 65-year-old motorcyclist in and around Mapleton Canyon, May 9, 2022. A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and crew members transported search and rescue volunteers up Mapleton Canyon where they were dropped off to begin their search efforts and later returned back to the incident command center. The Black Hawk crew also conducted search efforts from the air. Local search and rescue support demonstrates Utah National Guard readiness and strengthens partnerships with local civilian agencies.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Blake Nielsen, a tank commander, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, speaks with future Army recruit Simone Sayles while at a tank range on Fort Riley Kansas, Oct. 20, 2022. Several future Army recruits from Kansas were able to visit tank ranges during a live-fire gunnery event.

Col. Taona Enriquez, left, installation commander, and Hanscom Command Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, right, meet with six 66th Force Support Squadron lifeguards at the Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., indoor swimming pool Sept. 16. The lifeguards helped 100 participants complete a 100-meter swim in the deep end of the pool to earn the German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency Aug.16. The German Proficiency Badge is the only foreign badge that United States service members are authorized to wear in dress uniform.

Colonel Jeremy Ford, 152nd Airlift Wing commander, gets sprayed with water and champagne by family and co-workers after his final flight fini-flight with the wing, July 26, 2022. Ford has been the commander of the 152nds High Rollers since 2021 and will be leaving in early August to take a new position with the National Guard Bureau at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va.

U.S. Marines with Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLANT), Marine Forces Command (MARFORCOM), Marine Forces Northern Command (MARFOR NORTHCOM), and their respective Headquarters and Service Battalion (HQSVCBN), Marine Corps Security Force Regiment, Center for Naval Air Technical Training Unit Oceana, Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads Northwest Annex, Naval Air Station Oceana Dam Neck, Marine Corps Intelligence School Dam Neck, enjoy food and refreshments during a regional field meet at Captain Slade Cutter Park, Virginia, August 5, 2022. Marines across various units competed head-to-head in pugil sticks, ground fighting, PVC pipe construction, flag football, resupply runs, rowing, kickball, and tug-o-war in order to win the command trophy. FMFLANT, MARFORCOM, MARFOR NORTHCOM holds field meets regularly to sustain camaraderie and healthy work relations.

Members from the 151st Force Support Squadron cooked and served lunch to more than 200 service members during a joint force exercise on Sept. 8, 2022 at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. They used a Disaster Relief Mobile Kitchen Trailer from the Wyoming Air National Guard. The DRMKT is a full mobile kitchen and is one of 21 in the Air National Guard.

Family members of Capt. Michaela Balumna, the incoming commander of the 274th Movement Control Team, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, receive gifts to welcome them during a change of command ceremony on Fort Stewart, Georgia. Dec, 9, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a tradition where the outgoing commander symbolically relinquishes responsibility and authority by giving up the unit guidon or colors so that they can be received by the incoming commander.

A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, reunites with his family after a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Oct. 9, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit 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.

Fort McCoy community leaders participate in a proclamation signing ceremony April 5, 2022, declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month at McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. The installation held the special proclamation signing ceremony at the center that was organized by the Fort McCoy Army Community Service office and the Fort McCoy Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program office. Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss; Command Sgt. Maj. Raquel DiDomenico, garrison command sergeant major; and other unit leaders were on hand for the presentation.

Senior Airman Nancy Rodriguez, 49th Force Support Squadron food service journeyman, assists a spectator May 8, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The 2022 Legacy of Liberty Air Show and Open house displayed a wide variety of static displays and aerial performances celebrating 75 years of airpower.

Senior Airman Nathaniel Sanchez Conary, 355th Civil Engineering Squadron explosive ordnance disposal technician, gathers the tools needed to inspect a simulated ordnance at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 17. This exercise was a part of Bushwhacker 22-04.

U.S. Airmen go over medical information in a personnel deployment functional line on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, July 20, 2022. The PDF line is a part of a base-wide rehearsal with the goal of being ready to execute rapid global mobility.

Family and friends wait to greet redeploying members assigned to the 355th Wing and 563rd Rescue Group on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. The members returned home to their families after a deployment overseas.

1st Lt. Nicholas Pugliano, left, shows Sgt. Kemoh Smith proper hip and rib alignment during a a hip mobility class for Soldiers from the New Jersey Army National Guard at Fort Drum, N.Y. on July 25, 2022. It was the first time the 10th CAV has instructed National Guard Soldiers on the program, which seeks to increase health and wellness.

U.S. Army Maj. Christopher Bartok, I Corps G6 operations chief, receives a coin from Brig. Gen. Mark Miles, Indo-Pacific Command director for command, control, communications and cyber directorate, during Exercise Yama Sakura 83 at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec. 7, 2022. Since its inception in 1982, Yama Sakura has focused on the development and refinement of joint force lethality between the U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

Service members participate in the 2022 Fort McCoy Military Appreciation Lunch on May 12, 2022, at McCoy's Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Dozens of service members and military retirees participated in the event. The event was organized by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation and was part of the installation observance of May as Military Appreciation Month.

FORT CARSON, Colo. 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Soldiers learn about opportunities with the Colorado Springs Police Department during the Reintegration Expo at the William Bill Reed Special Events Center June 21, 2022. (Photo by Scott Prater)

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Amanda Hoover, the People First Center deputy commandant, speaks with attendees of the ribbon cutting event at the People First Center in Fort Hood, Texas, May 13, 2022. The event included a reception lunch and an award ceremony in addition to the ribbon cutting.

The Ohio National Guard, Sgt. 1st Class Daniel B. Crabtree Special Forces Facility officially unveiled a memorial for SFC Crabtree, October 15, 2022, at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio. Crabtree was killed in 2006 when an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle during his deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Barry East, the noncommissioned officer in charge of health information systems assigned to the 36th Healthcare Operations Squadron, signs the official Linebacker of the Week jersey at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 5, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens mission, vision and priorities.

Master Sgt. Anthony Velazquez, 436th Airlift Wing noncommissioned officer in charge of inspections and exercises, serves Puerto Rican cuisine samples to attendees of the Hispanic Heritage Month Block Party on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 15, 2022. The party featured food, table displays of Latin American culture and DJs playing Latin American music.

U.S. Airmen inspect products from an industry partner during a Tech Expo hosted by the 31st Communications Squadron at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct. 25, 2022. The expo served an opportunity for organizations and units structured under the 31st Fighter Wing and other tenant units to see the latest in emerging technologies, network with industry experts and share ideas and future goals.

Command Sgt. Maj. James D. Wilson, Army aviation branch command sergeant major, congratulates his son Blake and his fellow future Soldiers with a high-five immediately after a swearing-in ceremony during Fort Rucker's Freedom Fest event June 30, 2022.

70th ISRW members participated in the, "Ruck a mile in their Shoes," an event hosted by the 70 ISR Wing SAPR Office and supported by the 70th ISRW Community Action Team, at Fort George G. Meade, MD. At the end of the ruck, members provided donated items and took a pledge to step forward to prevent, report and advocate as part of the SAPR Program.

It was an honor to welcome back Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez, former hospital commander of Blanchfield Army Community Hospital from '96-'98, now serving as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.Dr. Martinez-Lopez took a nostalgic tour of BACH, witnessing the incredible transformations over the past thirty years. The highlight of the day being the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Fort Campbell VA Clinic inside of BACH.

Andrea Ruminski, USACE Infrastructure Assessment Team program manager, left; Maj. Gen. William (Butch) Graham, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers deputy commanding general for civil works and emergency operations; and Col. Brian Hallberg, USACE Hurricane Ian Recovery Office and Norfolk District commander, discuss the Applied Technology Council - 45, or ATC-45, infrastructure assessment mission on Sanibel Island, Florida, Oct. 27. USACE officials, along with local county officials, are supporting the state of Florida and FEMA by assessing buildings to ensure they are safe. The ATC-45 is an industry standard safety evaluation after windstorms and floods. Following the assessments, USACE forwards the information to the local county officials for them to make a final determination. In addition to infrastructure assessments, USACE is actively supporting other Hurricane Ian recovery efforts to include Operation Blue Roof, debris technical monitoring and temporary housing.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Potential cadet candidates arrive at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School for in-processing in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 8, 2022. The prep school offers a select group of enlisted personnel and civilians a pathway to join the cadre at the Academy. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joshua Armstrong)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Kaleb Wagy, the inspector-instructor first sergeant with Charlie Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, speaks to poolees with Recruiting Substation Nampa, Recruiting Station Salt Lake City, during a pool function at Gowen Field Air National Guard Base, Boise, Idaho, Oct. 16, 2022. The pool function consisted of poolees completing a Marine Corps combat fitness test, performing drill movements, receiving knowledge from their recruiters and learning about equipment assets at Charlie Co., 4th LAR Battalion.

U.S. service members and their families meet Atlanta Falcons team members during their visit to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 20, 2022. The National Football League players showed their appreciation for JBLM service members by participating in military demonstrations, touring the units on base and meeting service members.

U.S. Air Force 423rd Security Forces Defenders from Royal Air Force Alconbury and Molesworth, engage with attendees during the Cambridgeshire County Day at the Newmarket July Course, England, June 23, 2022. The County Day was an opportunity to celebrate Cambridgeshire and Her Majesty The Queens Platinum Jubilee.

First Army Division West Commander, Maj. Gen. Charles A. Anderson speaks with Private 1st Class James Armstrong and wife, Roxanne, during a chemical light vigil held at the North Fort Hood training site Friday night in remembrance of comrades and loved ones who were killed and wounded in the shooting tragedy at Fort Hood Nov. 5. Armstrong pulled others out of harm's way despite being shot twice himself.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ronnie McPherson, meteorological and oceanographic analyst forecaster, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, shows students from the Intro to Meteorology course at Yuma Catholic High School a wet bulb globe temperature index during their visit Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 13, 2022. The purpose of the field trip was to educate students on the capabilities of the U.S. Marine Corps weather technology.

Military members and their families visit a booth during National Night Out at Crossroads Elementary School on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Aug. 2, 2022. National Night Out (NNO) is a nationwide event that allows emergency response personnel to heighten awareness and encourage crime prevention. The goal is to strengthen community spirit and send a message that neighborhoods are organized and prepared to observe, report, and remain vigilant. The event was hosted by Security Battalion, with support from Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Quantico.

U.S Army Maj. Jason Barrett, Commander of the 982nd Signal Company Combat Camera Airborne, gives a speech prior to awarding SSG Maria Henriquez, former supply sgt. for the 982nd Signal Company Combat Camera, in East Point, Ga on August 13, 2022. Henriquez served as the Supply Sgt for the 982nd Signal Company Combat Camera from 2019 to 2022.

U.S. Army Spc. Jarrett Dattilo, a Black Hawk Helicopter Maintainer/Crew Chief with the 3rd Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, speaks to a child and her mother, September 24, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Dattilo was interacting with the family as part of the 1st CAB's static display at the Frontiers in Flight Airshow.

US Army Reserve recruiter talks with children during the Armed Forces Weekend event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway May 21, 2022.

From left to right: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cesar Salilican, MSgt. Ramchand Francisco, and Capt. Timothy Nolan, Tagalog interpreters attached to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pose for a photo at Camp Rudolfo Punsalang, Palawan, Philippines, Oct. 14, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tyler Bingham, 821st Contingency Response Squadron combat arms instructor, provides an orientation on military rifles during the Military Child Appreciation Day event at Travis Air Force Base, California, April 28, 2022. The 621st CRW hosted a Military Child Appreciation Day for the contingency response team children stationed at Travis AFB, CA.

Maj. Valerie Brown, the 75th Innovation Command's Talent Management Program Manager, holds a cinderblock while Earl Granville, an Operation Enduring Freedom veteran and amputee, explains the importance of not holding all of life's burdens on one's own, during a resilience class at the 75th Innovation Command Headquarters.

Sgt. Mackenzie Rodgers, a Paladin crew member assigned to the "BattleKings Battalion," 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, speaks to Georgia Tech Research Institute college and high school students about the M109A7 Paladin howitzer during their research visit to Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 19, 2022. The goal of the visit was to educate students and build partnerships through collaboration with GRTI and their affiliate programs, who are researching ways to improve the way artillery Soldiers track ammunition as part of the Army's modernization efforts.

Retired Sgt. Maj. Michael F. Cline, Hall of Fame Boxer, displays his belt and gloves to Marines with Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools during a visit at the Montford Point Museum, Camp Johnson, N.C., June 15, 2022. You never stop. Im 65 years old and Im still not stopping," said Cline. Get out there and do something real with your hands. All you need is desire, dedication and determination. U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Christian C. Bunch.

Chief Master Sgt. Angela Rooneys, 301st Logistics Readiness Squadron senior enlisted leader, addresses her family at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas on June 4, 2022. Rooney expressed that her family and friends were essential to completing 25 years of military service.

Spouses of Dover Air Force Base commanders and senior enlisted leaders visit the 436th Aerial Port Squadron during a spouse immersion tour on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Aug. 3, 2022. Sixteen spouses toured the base and met with Airmen from various squadrons to familiarize themselves with the Team Dover mission.

71st Ordnance Group (EOD) supported the Fountain Fort Carson High School (FFCHS) as they conducted a military appreciation night during their home football game against Pueblo West, Colorado Springs, Co., Sept. 9, 2022 Command Sgt. Major Dave Silva gave an inspiring pep talk to the football team; the coin toss was done by Group Commander Col. Michael Schoonover; the football team ran out with 71st EOD Colors as well; and EOD technicians and Soldiers within 71st EOD Group held a static display at the entrance to the event as well as cheering on the team from the stands.

The Lexington County Blowfish baseball team showed their appreciation for the Army by inviting Fort Jackson trainees, cadre and local area veterans to attend their July 9, 2022, military appreciation double header game against the North Carolina Forest City Owls.More than 500 trainees assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment attended the game and were treated to an evening of food and non-alcoholic drinks during the ball game. Hot dogs, Dippin Dots and soda was among the most popular offerings.Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis, Fort Jackson commanding general, threw the first pitch before the start of the game and was able to meet local area veterans who attended the game as well. This is for you, Michaelis said to the trainees and veterans. Thank you for your service.During game breaks, trainees were invited to the field to compete in various games such as placing their foreheads on baseball bats while spinning in circles before taking off to sprint 200 meters to home plate

The Idaho National Guards 101st Civil Support Team partnered with the Boise Fire Department Technical Rescue Team to participate in a ropes rescue course taught by Boise firefighters. The course, which served as an annual recertification for the CST Guardsmen, entailed two weeklong sessions for the 22-member team. The first week, Oct. 10th through the 14th, 2022, started with the classroom portion of learning about ropes rescue as a prerequisite for the hands-on portion of the training. Using what they learned about the ropes, the CST Guardsmen rappelled from tops of buildings at the Boise Fire Departments Fire Training Center. Once the Guardsmen were proficient at ropes rappelling, they practiced ropes rescues using wire rescue baskets at cliffs near the Table Rock trails in the Boise foothills to simulate a large-scale rescue of multiple people. The second weeklong training, Oct. 24th through 28th, 2022, focused on confined space rescues at Boises Lucky Peak Power Plant. The training

Paratroopers participate in a Combat Water Survival Assessment on the second day of the Small Unit Range Tactics (SURT) course on Fort Bragg, NC, Aug. 16, 2022. This assessment tests a soldiers ability to safely function in a water environment before continuing on to Ranger School.

Brig. Gen. Jeannine Ryder, 59th Medical Wing commander and San Antonio Market director, speaks during the Nurses and Medical Technicians Week kick-off event at Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, May 9, 2022. National Nurses and Medical Technicians Week begins May 6 and ends on May 12, in honor of Florence Nightingale's birthday, the founder of modern nursing.

Maryland's Vaccine Equity Task Force (VETF), delivers masks and COVID-19 home test kits for distribution to Mt. Pleasant Church and Ministries in Baltimore, Maryland on April 13, 2022. The Vaccine Equity Task Force is led by U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Janeen Birckhead, commander of the Maryland Army National Guard, and serves as a clearinghouse for proposals and requests from nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations seeking to serve vulnerable populations.

A crowd of 131st Bomb Wing members and their guests listen to opening remarks by Col. Matthew Calhoun, 131st Bomb Wing commander, during family day at Jefferson barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri, Sept. 10, 2022. Airmen and their guests were provided with a barbecue lunch and a variety of activities during the event, such as face painting, a self-defense demonstration, a heritage vehicle display and a bounce house.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kelly Pohlman, a security forces specialist assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, provides instruction to other security forces specialists, assigned to the 180FW, during Domestic Operations training at the Owens Community College for Emergency Preparedness in Findlay, Ohio, Aug. 6, 2022. The training prepares Airmen to support anti-riot operations with local law enforcement agencies through the use of maneuver tactics aimed at dispersing crowds during their beginning phase(s) or extracting agitators and leaders from larger groups.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned with the 129th Rescue Wing California Air National Guard hosted members from the Nigerian Ministry of the Interior, Minister of Defense, Nigeria Security & Civil Services, and Nigeria Federal Fire Service as part of the State Partnership Program (SPP) at Moffett Air National Guard Base, California, June 13, 2022. The California National Guard and Nigeria State Partnership Program was established through the Department of Defense as a means to develop and strengthen the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria.

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Members of the 354th Range Squadron (RANS) render their squadron salute of four claws at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 12, 2022. The four claw salute was created when RANS was originally called DET 4.

FORT HOOD, T.X. - U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, deputy commander for III Corps & Fort Hood, receives a saber from a member of the Honor Guard to cut his cake after his promotion ceremony, at III Corps Fort Hood, Texas 22 Aug. 2022.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Potential cadet candidates arrive at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School for in-processing in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 8, 2022. The prep school offers a select group of enlisted personnel and civilians a pathway to join the cadre at the Academy.

A Soldier from the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team presents Bridget Ballenger, wife of incoming commander Col. Andrew Ballenger, with a bouquet of white roses on behalf of the unit as a token of welcome and gratitude at the change of command ceremony, Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma, Aug. 14, 2022. Ballenger has served in the Army National Guard for over 30 years and has received many awards, to include a Legion of Merit and two Bronze Star Medals. (Oklahoma Army National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations MG Butch Graham along with USACE South Atlantic Division Commander BG Daniel Hibner stopped by the Emergency Operations Center - Forward in Sarasota, FL while they circulated the areas in southwest Florida recovering from Hurricane Ian, October 11, 2022. During their stop at the EOC they heard about how the Corps of Engineers team is supporting the unified response, how technology is being leveraged to help respond more quickly, and recognized a few individuals who have went above and beyond to help the residents of Florida recover.

Operation Junior Expeditionary Team (OpJET), June 17, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. OpJET provides children the opportunity to see a mock deployment and gives them an idea what their parent experiences when they report for duty away from home, as well as the process when they return.

Virginia National Guard Soldiers, Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Forceassist with shelter set-up Sep. 12, 2018 atthe College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.The state shelters will provide additional capacity to assist residents leaving areas of Virginia under mandatory evacuation orders, and those coming into Virginia from other states who have nowhere else to shelter.

The 2022 Minnesota National Guard Women's Leadership Forum was held at General Mills headquarters in Golden Valley, Sept. 17, 2022. Throughout the day, Minnesota National Guard service members participated in professional development, education and mentorship."A priority for the Minnesota National Guard is partnerships," said Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard. "And General Mills' support demonstrates our shared partnership and the depth of our shared partnership and common goal of diversity and inclusion and the desire to really lift women up." (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Anthony Black, a Psychological Operation Specialist with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, shows communication equipment to Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Capt. Tsutomu Gompei and Col. Yoshiaki Himeda from the Intelligence School and Lt. Col. Akikazu Shibasaki from the Ground Component Command during a visit to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 24, 2022. The purpose of this visit was to strengthen ties with Japan as well as showcase III MIGs abilities. 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. Army Col. Seth Graves, the U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys commander, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Lemon, the U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys senior enlisted leader, light up the USAG Humphreys Holiday Tree at Downtown Plaza, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Dec. 02, 2022. The tree lighting event is held annually to bring families together to during the holidays.

New York Army National Guard Soldiers examine renderings of a new maintenance facility which will be constructed at the New York Army National Guards Glenmore Road Armory complex, following a groundbreaking ceremony on March 31,2023. The ceremony marked the start of construction on a state-of-the-art maintenance facility, budgeted for $17 million, which is being constructed to replace a maintenance shop incorporate in the armory, which was built in 1970-71. The Office of General Services is responsible for the construction of New York National Guard facilities.

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

Operation Junior Expeditionary Team (OpJET), June 17, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. OpJET provides children the opportunity to see a mock deployment and gives them an idea what their parent experiences when they report for duty away from home, as well as the process when they return.

U.S. Air Force Col. Colleen Frohling, 56th Medical Group chief nurse executive, and Chief Master Sgt. Jason Shaffer, 56th Fighter Wing command chief, celebrate breast cancer awareness month Oct. 5, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Luke AFB held an event in partnership with Rebas Vision, an awareness organization that helps supply cancer patients with supplies and commodities.

Keith Sutton, with Environmental Divisions Wildlife Branch, explains the various wildlife on Fort Jackson during the post's Safety Fair held Oct. 4 at Hilton Field.

Soldiers, attached 3d Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), support the Rakkasan Reunion by serving food to Rakkasan Veterans at Fort Campbell, Kentucky on May 16, 2022. 3d Brigade Combat Team 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) hosts the 41th Rakkasan Reunion to celebrate heritage of the unit.

Senior Master Sgt. Mark A. Hartnoll, a quality assurance superintendent with the 124th Maintenance Group, is promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sgt. by Col. John R. Williams, III, commander of the 124th MXG, July 8, 2022, in a ceremony at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. Hartnoll was also presented with a Chiefs coin and a numbered plaque to celebrate his achievement.

Airmen from the 36th Munitions Squadron volunteer during a food distribution line at the Yigo Gymnasium in Yigo, Guam, Oct. 14, 2022. The volunteers were procured through Team Andersens Sister Village Sister Squadron program. The MUNS airmen aided their sister village in distributing thousands of pounds of food to the residents of Yigo and those in need.

PANAMA CITY, FL. (March 27, 2023) - Naval Support Activity (NSA) Panama City was honored to welcome the Commander, Navy Installation Command, Vice Admiral Yancy Lindsey on March 27, 2023, while he visited the base to meet with base leadership and take a tour. During his visit VADM Lindsey made a stop at the NSA Panama City galley to sign a proclamation declaring April as the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) awareness month.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Louis Lacayo, 336th Training Squadron instructor, Master Sgt. Jimmy Atwater, 81st Force Support Squadron first sergeant, and Master Sgt. Stephanie Todaro, 81st Comptroller Squadron first sergeant, release butterflies during the Air Force Families Forever Fallen Hero Butterfly Release at the marina park at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Sept. 23, 2022. The garden serves as a designated location where the families of our fallen heroes can find a serene area to pay tribute to their loved one as well as honoring our fallen service members.

Keith Quinn, Outdoor Recreation manager, and 7th Bomb Wing leadership cut the ribbon during the grand opening ceremony for the Dyess Auto Hobby Shop at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Dec. 1, 2022. The Dyess Auto Hobby Shop is located at building 7101 and will be open Friday - Sunday from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

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Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss and other Fort McCoy community leaders participate in a proclamation signing ceremony April 5, 2022, declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month at McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. The installation held the special proclamation signing ceremony at the center that was organized by the Fort McCoy Army Community Service office and the Fort McCoy Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program office. Poss; Command Sgt. Maj. Raquel DiDomenico, garrison command sergeant major; and other unit leaders were on hand for the presentation.

U.S. Army Florida National Guardsman Sgt. 1st Class Frank Coger prepares for activation in support of Hurricane Irma September 7, 2017, at St. Augustine, Florida. Coger is part of the Staff Coordination and Assistance Team (SCAT) supporting the 164th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) and will work as a liaison between the unit and the Joint Operating Center (JOC) to help place soldiers at Points of Distribution (PODs).

220909-N-OX321-1149 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Sept. 9, 2022) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Aircraft Handling) Bryson Atkins, from Maryville, Tenn., accepts the U.S. flag from the Flag Detail on behalf of the Naval Air Station Sigonella Fire and Emergency Services department during the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony held on NAS Sigonella, Sept. 9, 2022. The ceremony marks the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks and honors those who lost their lives that day and the heroic efforts of emergency personnel. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

U.S. Air Force 423rd Security Forces Defenders from Royal Air Force Alconbury and Molesworth, engage with attendees during the Cambridgeshire County Day at the Newmarket July Course, England, June 23, 2022. The County Day was an opportunity to celebrate Cambridgeshire and Her Majesty The Queens Platinum Jubilee.

Acting Commandant of the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas E. Campbell, discuss drill and ceremony with educators from Richland School Districts Two and One April 8, 2022 on Fort Jackson. The group of teachers, counselors, and administrative staff visited to learn more about what a drill sergeant does daily. The tour consisted of watching first-call procedures and physical training session at B Company, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry; a briefing at the USADSA, visiting various training sites, the Basic Combat Training museum, a barracks tour, eating in a dining facility, and talking with Soldiers who have children attending schools in the two districts. (Photo by Veran Hill)

U.S. Air Force, Staff Sgt. Jessa Mullan, mental health administrator with the 36th Medical Group receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Col. Larry Fenner, 36th Wing vice commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brian Smith, senior enlisted leader for the 36th Operations Group, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 21, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens Mission, Vision and Priorities.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Travis Sites watches as a student navigates a map on a floor mat while wearing alcohol impairment googles as part of Family STEM Night at the former Sino Swearingen hangar at Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport, October 26, 2022. The event was co-hosted by STARBASE Martinsburg and the Air National Guards Drug Demand Reduction Program, in honor of Red Ribbon Week.

220529-N-NT795-718 SAN PEDRO, Calif. (May 29, 2022) Sailors assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 1 pose for a photo with a guest during the Los Angeles Fleet Week Expo. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard team and expedience Americas sea services. During fleet week, service members will participate in various community service events, display capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and the surrounding areas to offer. MESF is a core Navy capability that provides port and harbor security, high value asset security, and maritime security in the coastal and inland waterways.

Master Sgt. Daniel Fields, deputy commandant of the Command Sgt. Maj. Southern Buddy” Hewitt Noncommissioned Officer Academy, provides a tour of the NCOA to Hilton LaBow, who was invited to attend the Basic Leader Course graduation on Sept. 29 and speak with the Soldiers. LaBow is a 10th Mountain Division World War II veteran, originally from Hailesboro, in St. Lawrence County. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

Army Wheelchair basketball players talk with Gen. George W. Casey Jr., U.S. Army Chief of Staff, during the Warrior Games at Colorado Springs, Colo., May 13. Some 200 wounded active duty members and military veterans compete in the inaugural Warrior Games May 10-14.

U.S. Army Spc. Mike Dunagan, a Public Affairs Specialist with the 70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, is advanced to sergeant by Steven Dunagan, his father and U.S. Army Capt. Jeremy Idleman, the commander of the 70th MPAD, at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City, MO, Aug. 21, 2022. Dunagan was joined by his unit and family for his promotion ceremony.

Community members enjoy a free lunch June 14, 2022, at McCoys Community Center as part of the Army Birthday Celebration at Fort McCoy, Wis. The breakfast was part of many events coordinated by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to commemorate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Army at Fort McCoy. The day also included a birthday breakfast, free car washes, and more.

Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, speaks during a swearing-in ceremony at the opening of the post's annual Freedom Fest "Rumble Over Rucker" event to kick off the Independence Day weekend June 30, 2022.

The Soldier Recovery Unit, of Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, held a memorial ceremony on May 23, 2022, on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, honoring three of their Soldiers who passed within this last year, and remembering all who have passed while assigned to the SRU. Prior to the ceremony, a breakfast was held for the families and friends, hosted by the SRU command and staff.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bryan Nguyen, 48th Maintenance Group quality assurance inspector, speaks to Royal Air Force Air cadets on the wing of an F-15E Strike Eagle at RAF Lakenheath, England, Aug. 16, 2022. The RAF Air cadets had the opportunity to learn about the 48th Fighter Wings mission, assets and capabilities.

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