Military Ceremonies and Events

Images depict military ceremonies including Memorial Day events and change of command, showcasing soldiers in uniforms and formal settings.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Maj. Gen. Yoshikatsu Oshima, 3rd Air Wing commander, addresses members assigned to the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron and the Northern Air Civil Engineering Group during a ceremony to commemorate the completion of a bilateral Rapid Airfield Damage Recovery (RADR) pad at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 29, 2022. Draughon Range has been essential in bilateral training between the U.S. Air Force and JASDF, and this addition of the RADR pad will increase bilateral training, enhancing the lethality and interoperability of both forces.

050121-A-5399B-241. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHEAST

Soldiers across Camp Arifjan attended a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by Area Support Group - Kuwait on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, May 30, 2022.

U.S. Army Soldiers attend the 2022 New Jersey National Guard Military Review in Seagirt, New Jersey, Oct. 16, 2022. New Jersey National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are reviewed annually by New Jerseys governor in this 130-year-old event.

Lieutenant General (LTGEN) Earl B. Hailston and LTGEN Wallace C. Gregson exchange handshakes after the ceremonial change of command for III MEF and Marine Corps Bases Japan. After two years as Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force/Marine Corps Bases Japan, LTGEN Earl B. Hailston, relenquished command to LTGEN Wallace C. Gregson during a sunset ceremony aboard Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, on 010731. Base: Camp Courtney State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: III MEF

Governor Gretchen Whitmer reviews the formation of Michigan National Guard troops as their commander-in-chief along with U.S. Army Major General Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, at Camp Grayling Maneuver Training Center, Mich., for the 2022 Pass and Review Ceremony on June 17, 2022. (Army National Guard photo by 2nd Lt. Ashley Goodwin) The Pass in Review Ceremony comes at the end of the Michigan National Guards annual training. Annual training is the two-week yearly training period conducted by all National Guard members to ensure mission-readiness by improving the skill level of Soldiers and Airmen with military duties.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Justin L. Mann, Director of the Joint Staff of the Indiana National Guard, left, presents Col. Joshua C. Waggoner, 122nd Fighter Wing commander, a guideon during a change of command ceremony as Brig. Gen. Michael D. Stohler, Indiana Assistant Adjutant General - Air, ING, stands at attention, at the 122nd Fighter Wing, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, May 14, 2022. A joint promotion and change of command ceremony took place in front of an audience of 122nd FW base members, family and friends.

Commandant Marine Corps General Charles C. Krulak addresses the attending audience during the James Wesley Marsh Center dedication and ceremony, in front of the newly completed center. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Capt. Christopher Bahner, center, addresses Sailors and guests during Electronic Attack Wing Pacific (VAQWP)s change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Washington, August 11, 2022. VAQWP supports the manning, training and equipment of electronic attack squadrons in the Pacific theatre while providing electronic warfare tactical and technical development leadership and expertise.

From left, Maj. Gen. Ken Kamper, commanding general Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill, Maj. Gen. John Rafferty and wife Tracey, Maj. Gen. Brian Gibson and Lt. Gen. James Richardson, acting commanding general. Army Futures Command during the June 16, 2022 Retreat Ceremony in honor of Rafferty and Gibson.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Maj. Gen. Yoshikatsu Oshima, 3rd Air Wing commander, addresses members assigned to the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron and the Northern Air Civil Engineering Group during a ceremony to commemorate the completion of a bilateral Rapid Airfield Damage Recovery (RADR) pad at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 29, 2022. Draughon Range has been essential in bilateral training between the U.S. Air Force and JASDF, and this addition of the RADR pad will increase bilateral training, enhancing the lethality and interoperability of both forces.

The Minnesota National Guard welcomes Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson as the new Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) during a Change of Responsibility ceremony in St. Paul, Minn, on Nov. 10, 2022. She assumes the duties from the outgoing CSEL, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Soper, and will serve as the first Air Force member and second female to hold this position since the inception of the Minnesota National Guard 166 years ago. The CSEL is an advisor to the Guards adjutant general and communicates the commanders directives to the enlisted service members while also serving as the senior representative for enlisted views and concerns. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette)

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, delivers remarks at the activation ceremony for the 10th Space Operations Squadron at Point Mugu, California, June 6, 2022. 10 SOPS will fall under SpOCs satellite communication delta, Space Delta 8, and perform the mission formerly fulfilled by the Naval Satellite Operations Center, which was disestablished the same day.

221203-N-BS627-1139 SIMI VALLEY, CA (Dec. 3, 2022) Chief Aviation Boatswains Mate (Equipment) Lavon Turner, from Meridian, Mississippi, and assigned to the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), sings the national anthem prior to the keynote speaker address from Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III during the Reagan National Defense Forum (RNDF) at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum Dec. 3, 2022. The RNDF, which took place Dec. 2-3, 2022, brought together leaders from across the political spectrum and key stakeholders in the defense community, including Members of Congress, current and former Administration officials, senior military leadership, industry executives, technology innovators, and thought leaders with a mission to review and assess policies that strengthen Americas national defense in the context of the global threat environment.

040910-F-8393S-002. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Team Dover Airmen, family members and guests witness the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron Change of Command ceremony held at the base fire station on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 23, 2022. Outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Matthew Olson, relinquished command of the 436th CES to Lt. Col. Joshua Yerk. Presiding officer for the ceremony was Col. Phelemon Williams, 436th Mission Support Group commander.

The 182nd Airlift Wing color guard posts the colors at the promotion ceremony for vice wing commander U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Asheleigh Gellner in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. Gellner has 22 years of military service and transferred to the wing after graduating the U.S. Naval War College.

A shining dedication for a shining Westover AirmanFamily and friends were present at the dedication/ribbon cutting of the 35-acre solar plant named after the late Master Sgt. Alexander Cotton. He was part of the 439th Contingency Response Flight at Westover Air Reserve Base.Cotton was chosen because of his dedication to Westover, the Air Force, and his solar energy advocacy.Here his memory can shine down on the base.The solar field was built on the east side of the base in Ludlow, where munitions for the 99th Bomb Wing were stored before the 1980s.The area is today owned by Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Co. at the Stony Brook Energy Center.

Members of the Andersen Air Force Base honor guard post the colors to begin the push ceremony for the 71st iteration of Operation Christmas Drop at Andersen AFB, Dec. 5, 2022. Operation Christmas Drop 2022 will deliver over 200 drops of donated goods via airlift to 56 islands across the Pacific benefiting over 23,000 people.

WASHINGTON (Sept. 11, 2012) Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) Leon E. Panetta speaks to Department of Defense civilian and military personnel in the courtyard of the Pentagon on the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

161015-N-AT895-391 BALTIMORE (Oct. 15, 2016) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson delivers remarks during the commissioning ceremony for the Navy's newest and most technologically advanced warship, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000).

Left, U.S. Army Garrison Italy Commander, Col. Matthew Gomlak, and Pv2 Robert Torres, 529th MP Company, the youngest and the oldest military members, as a tradition, cut the cake offered by the local Post Exchange, in honor of the Armys 247th Birthday, June 14, 2022.

Promotion orders are read as U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Dorothy Hinkley, commander of the 129th Medical Group, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, center, is promoted to colonel during a ceremony, Sept. 10, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California. Hinkley earned her commission through the Navy ROTC program and served on active duty with the Navy before transitioning to the U.S. Navy Reserve and later transferring to the Air National Guard.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks to airmen, soldiers, sailors, and marines at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam on October 29, 2010.

Maj. Gen. Andrew M. Rohling, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa outgoing command delivers his farewell speech during the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Change of Command Ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, July 14, 2022.

U.S. Navy Capt. Joseph Harder III, commanding officer, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Europe, Africa, Central, assigned to Naval Support Activity, Naples, speaks during the ribbon cutting ceremony of the revolving bridge over the Navicelli Canal at Camp Darby, Pisa Ammunition Storage Area Italy, Sep. 22, 2022. Camp Darby celebrates the completion of a $42 million infrastructure modernization project, that includes railway bridge over the Navicelli Canal, upgrades to canal docks and a safe zone of loading and unloading ammunition. The project funded by the U.S. government, is a key strategic project and contributes to improving security at the site.

CAPE MAY, N.J. - The newest class from Company Commander School graduates during a ceremony at Training Center Cape May, April 27, 2022, presided over by Capt. Kathy Felger, the commanding officer of the base.Petty officers from around the Coast Guard go through a selection process for the special assignment as a company commander. The school is known for being one of the more challenging trainings in the service as it transforms Coast Guard women and men into the leaders that make up our company commander corps. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Timothy Tamargo

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Michael L. Brooks, the base commander of Marine Corps Base Quantico, gives opening remarks at the Quantico National Cemetery Memorial Day remembrance ceremony in Triangle, Virginia, May 30, 2022. The ceremony is held annually Memorial Day weekend to honor the memory and military service of the service members buried there.

Lt. Col. Daniel Hellinger, 65th Airlift Squadron commander, gives a speech during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 24, 2022. Hellinger is taking command after serving as the 15th Wing Chief of Safety from June 2021 to June 2022.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Stewart C. Smith takes command of the 6th Space Warning Squadron, Cape Cod Space Force Station, Massachusetts, June 23, 2022. Smith, an Air Force Academy graduate, previously served as Director, Force Development, Joint Task Force Space Defense at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Timothy C. Sheehan, outgoing 6th SWS commander, relinquished his charge to Col. Miguel A. Cruz, commander of Space Delta 4, Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. Sheehan has served as 6th SWS commander since 2020.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David A. Ottignon, commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force, gives his remarks during the 39th Annual Beirut Observance Ceremony at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Oct. 23, 2022. The memorial observance is held annually on Oct. 23 to remember the lives lost due to the terrorist attacks at U.S. Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon and Grenada.

220801-N-TT639-1225 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 1, 2022) - Capt. John C. Kiefaber, commanding officer of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), addresses the crew during a change of command ceremony on the flight deck, August 1, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sergeant Salvatore A. Giunta addresses the audience after receiving the Medal of Honor citation, flag and Hall of Heroes plaque in the Pentagon Auditorium on 17 November 2010. US Army

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Niave F. Knell, the deputy commanding general support of the 1st Infantry Division, gives Toni Taylor the American flag during Capt. Larry L. Taylors memorial service at the Chattanooga National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on Feb. 7, 2024. Having flown in 1,200 combat missions, earning 61 combat decorations and embarking on a daring rescue mission during the Vietnam War, Taylor earned a Medal of Honor for his actions. Army

U.S. Air Force Col. John Cluck, commander of the 139th Airlift Wing, gives a speech during a deployers recognition ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, on Sept. 11, 2022. Cluck recognized those who were recently deployed.

U.S. Marine Col. Daniel Whitley, left, the commanding officer of Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, applauds the speaker during the Bonsall Unified School District Purple Star designation ceremony at Bonsall West Elementary School in Oceanside, California, April 5, 2022. The school district earned the Purple Star award for their excellence in serving military-connected students. Whitley is a native of Massapequa, New York.

Gen. Daniel Hokanson, Chief, National Guard Bureau, gives remarks to guests at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center, in Umatilla, Oregon, in honor of Maj. Gen. (Ret) Raymond F. Rees, during a renaming ceremony of the installation on Sept. 29, 2022. Rees is a retired Oregon Guardsman and served as The Adjutant General, Oregon for more than 16 years, providing the state of Oregon and the United States with a ready force of Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen. Rees also held various high-level leadership positions in the National Guard Bureau. He retired from military service in 2013. (Oregon National Guard photo by Aaron Perkins, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Brycen Marner, a 354th Fighter Wing chaplain, delivers the invocation during the Prisoners of War/Missing in Action remembrance ceremony on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Sept. 16, 2022. The National POW/MIA Recognition Day is an annual event held to honor service members who are still missing or were prisoners of war.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jessica Stegeman, a career planner with the School of Infantry - West, narrates during a change of command ceremony at SOI-West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 24, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Coby Moran relinquished command of SOI-West to Col. Seth MacCutcheon. Stegeman is a native of Cincinnati.

130313-N-XJ695-062 NORFOLK (March 13, 2013) Cmdr. Patrick Kulakowski, commanding officer of the guided-missile frigate USS Carr (FFG 52), speaks during the ship's decommissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Carr was commissioned as the 42nd Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate July, 27,1985.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain (May19, 2022) - Marines assigned to Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) conducted the Headquarters Company change of command ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, May 19. During the ceremony, Maj. Alexander Godbey relinquished command to Maj. Tracey Holtshirley. TF 51/5 responds to crises and contingencies; coordinates, plans, and executes operations; conducts theater security cooperation; and advances emerging Naval concepts at sea, from the sea, and ashore in order to support U.S. Central Command, 5th Fleet, and Marine Corps Forces Central Command theater objectives.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with Company A, 1-118th Infantry Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, stand in formation during a deployment ceremony at the Moncks Corner Armory in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Aug. 7, 2022. More than 130 Soldiers from the unit will be mobilized for approximately a year to support Operation Spartan Shield, Task Force Spartan and U.S. Army Central Command.

221104-N-MD461-2103 SAN DIEGO (Nov. 4, 2022) Capt. P. Scott Miller, left, commanding officer of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), addresses the crew during an all-hands call on the flight deck of the ship. Vinson is currently pierside in its homeport of San Diego.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership hosts a hail and farewell ceremony on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 24, 2022. During the ceremony arriving team members were greeted and departing members received awards, parting gifts and shared a few words with fellow staff members, students and faculty.

The Wyoming National Guard partnered with the Veterans Commission to support Task Force Tribute in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Aug. 26, 2022. Task Force Tribute is a veteran-inspired journey across the U.S. honoring the 7,054 fallen service members during combat operations since 9/11. One mile is traveled for each service member lost.

221014-N-DK722-1011 NAVAL SUPPORT FACILITY DEVESELU, Romania (Oct. 14, 2022) The Romanian Military Band parades during a U.S. Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System Romania (USAAMDSRO) change of command ceremony on Naval Support Facility (NSF) Deveselu, Romania, Oct. 14, 2022. AAMDS is under the operational control of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe, based in Naples, Italy, and is part of the European Phased Adapted Approach (EPAA), which protects European NATO allies and U.S. deployed forces in the region.

Capt. Warren Judge, the commanding officer of U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., and members of the recruit ceremonial honor guard participate in the Cape May County Veterans Day ceremony, Nov. 11, 2022, along with other dignitaries including Congressman Jeff Van Drew, Cape May County Commissioners, and other first responders. Every member of our Coast Guard workforce protects our Nation's security and prosperity in times of war and peace. The missions we perform along the U.S. coastlines, on the Great Lakes, on the inland rivers, and around the world enable a safe, secure, and stable maritime system on which our Nation depends.

Ambassador Henry Jardine, the U.S. ambassador to Mauritius and Seychelles, joins Cutlass Express 2023 participants for a closing ceremony at the Coast Guard Training School in Le Chaland, Mauritius, March 17, 2023. Cutlass Express 2023, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa and sponsored by U.S. Africa Command is designed to assess and improve combined maritime law enforcement techniques, promote safety and security in the Western Indian Ocean, and increase interoperability between participating nations. U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

Spectators watch the 52nd Munitions Maintenance Group change of command, July 15, 2022, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The 52nd MMG maintains and employs over a billion dollars worth of U.S. Protection Level-1 assets in support of NATO.

Representatives of the French military stand at attention during a ceremony at Le Balleuli, Tournieres, France, on June 4, 2022 commemorating the Eisenhower Stele where U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower established the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force headquarters in 1944. The ceremony was part of a week of events remembering the DDay landings of WWII.

Left, U.S. Army Garrison Italy Commander, Col. Matthew Gomlak, and Pv2 Robert Torres, 529th MP Company, the youngest and the oldest military members, as a tradition, cut the cake offered by the local Post Exchange, in honor of the Armys 247th Birthday, June 14, 2022.

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

Family of A2C George M. Bevich, Jr. unveiled his plaque during a dorm memorialization ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. A2C Bevich served with the 377th Air Police Squadron with his military working dog Rex in Vietnam. He was the first military working dog handler to perish in Vietnam. June 14, 2022.

Mrs. Fern Sumpter-Winbush, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) principal deputy director, Mr. Johnie Webb, DPAA Deputy Director of Outreach and Communications Directorate, Mr. Ray Kapaun, nephew to Medal of Honor Recipient U.S. Army Chaplain (Capt.) Emil Joseph Kapaun, and U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Ronald Gardner, DPAA senior enlisted advisor, participate in the National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Sept. 16, 2022. The event is held every year on the third Friday of September, honoring prisoners of war and missing-in-action service members. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

COL. John W. May Jr. spoke at the ground breaking ceremony for the new library. Base: Fort Bragg State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

KINGS BAY, Ga. (July 18, 2022) Rear Adm. William Wheeler, Chief of Staff of U.S. Strategic Command, addresses the Blue and Gold crews of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732) before presenting the crews commanding officers with the Omaha Trophy, during a ceremony held at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. The Omaha Trophy is awarded annually to U.S. Strategic Command units who demonstrate the highest standards of performance in the commands mission areas, their role in global operations and the commands continued emphasis on strategic deterrence.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Stuart W. Risch, The Judge Advocate General, places a coin at a Nov. 5, 2022 memorial in honor of Staff Sgt. Travis J. Beck at the Memorial Chapel in Fort Myer, Va. Speakers with the 151st Legal Operations Detachment honored Becks service and shared memories about the loyal Atlanta Braves fan who passed away from pancreatic cancer on Oct. 10, 2022. His military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (1 Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Medal Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Second Award), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Iraqi Campaign Medal with Campaign Star.

031002-F-3939J-040. Base: Camp Butmir State: Sarajevo Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of Air Education and Training Command, gives remarks during the All Veterans Memorial Service in San Antonio, Texas, April 10, 2022. The All Veterans Memorial Service is the oldest military event in Fiesta San Antonio and is hosted by the Alamo Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America. The service, attended by veterans, spouses and survivors, veterans groups, and the general public, honors the sacrifices of past and present U.S. military members.

GEN Lloyd "Fig" Newton, Commander Air Education and Training Command, speaks to the crowd during the 19th Air Force Change of Command ceremonies. On the stand, listening to GEN Newton, are MGEN Kurt Anderson (seated) who received command of the 19th AF from MGEN W. Thomas West (seated far left). Base: Randolph Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan speaks at during the renaming and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Maj. Gen. Linda L. Singh Readiness Center located in Eldersburg, Maryland, Oct. 22, 2022. The new readiness center supports the Maryland Army National Guard's 200th Military Police Company and the 729th Quartermaster Company.

Meeting and press conference, hosted by Secretary Dirk Kempthorne at Main Interior, on inter-state water issues arising from the drought affecting the southeastern U.S., with the Secretary joined by Alabama Governor Bob Riley, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, White House Council on Environmental Quality Chairman James Connaughton, and the Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lieutenant General Robert Van Antwerp

Colonel Roger Duff, of U.S. Army Reserve Special Forces and Bureau of Reclamation Upper Colorado Region Office, listening to Secretary Gale Norton's speech at Department of Interior South Building ceremony marking adoption by Interior employees of U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and 10th Mountain Division as wartime focal points for volunteer activities on behalf of military families

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

Michigan Air National Guard members attend a 110th Wing change of command ceremony at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, June 4, 2022. Col. Daniel J. Kramer II assumed command of the wing from Col. Shawn E. Holtz.

U.S. Army Col. William C. Hannan, Jr., incoming U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, speaks during the change of command ceremony downtown Winchester, Va., July 26, 2022. (Photo by Catherine Carroll, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Public Affairs Office)

Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, Fort Jackson commander, speaks during a change of command ceremony Aug. 31 at Victory Field. Kelly assumed command of the post from Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis during the event.

Maj. Gen. Andrew Gebara, 8th Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center commander, cuts the ribbon with Chief Master Sgt. Steve Cenov, 8th Air Force command chief and J-GSOC senior enlisted leader, during the mission planning building ribbon cutting at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 29, 2022. The 8th Air Force command team leads one of the two active duty numbered air forces in Air Force Global Strike Command and provides strategic deterrence through airpower.

WASHINGTON (Oct. 27, 2022) Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro presents the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award to Arthur P. Miller Jr and Marjorie Miller at the Pentagon Oct. 27, 2022. The award was established in 1996 to honor those with a commitment to patriotism and humanitarian concern for U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

Spc. Kiara Boazman, an automated logistical specialist assigned to 3rd Infantry Division, discusses mold mitigation with local media at Fort Stewart, Georgia Oct. 21, 2022. Boazman discussed living conditions in her barracks and how she mitigates mold issues in her room.

(L to R) Brigadier General Mark Volcheff, Commander 86th Airlift Wing, General (GEN) Gregory S. Martin, US Air Forces Europe Commander, and GEN Michael Ryan, Air Force CHIEF of STAFF, answer questions from the audience during an all hands call attended by GEN Ryan during his final visit to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on 26 Jul 01. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

221203-N-BS627-1136 SIMI VALLEY, CA (Dec. 3, 2022) Chief Aviation Boatswains Mate (Equipment) Lavon Turner, from Meridian, Mississippi, and assigned to the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), sings the national anthem prior to the keynote speaker address from Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III during the Reagan National Defense Forum (RNDF) at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum Dec. 3, 2022. The RNDF, which took place Dec. 2-3, 2022, brought together leaders from across the political spectrum and key stakeholders in the defense community, including Members of Congress, current and former Administration officials, senior military leadership, industry executives, technology innovators, and thought leaders with a mission to review and assess policies that strengthen Americas national defense in the context of the global threat environment.

020527-F-1646G-131. Base: Oahu State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert F. Whittle, deputy commanding general for United States Army North (Fifth Army), speaks during a promotion ceremony for U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck on Fort Hood, Texas Aug. 22, 2022.

Vice President of advancement for Special Olympics Virginia David Thomason speaks to the audience during a Law Enforcement Torch Run with the Special Olympics Eternal Flame of Hope at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 25, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

Left side front view medium close-up as US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Smith, Commander of the the 86th Transportation Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany announces the opening of the wash rack at the ribbon cutting ceremony on 4 August 2000. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Park Police promotion ceremony, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among the dignitaries on hand

Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) speaks during a Space Development Agency ribbon-cutting ceremony June 28, 2022, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. Space Development Agencys Tranche 1 Transport Layer operations are enabled by the Tranche 1 ground segment, which will include two operations centers located at SDA-provided facilities at Grand Forks AFB and Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, Alabama. Space Development Agency is recognized as the Department of Defenses constructive disruptor for space acquisition and will accelerate delivery of needed space-based capabilities to the joint warfighter to support terrestrial missions through development, fielding and operation of the National Defense Space Architecture.

JSC2002-E-26021 (21 June 2002) --- Johnson Space Centers (JSC) Director Jefferson Davis Howell, Jr. speaks from the lectern in Hangar 990 at Ellington Field during the STS-111 and Expedition Four crew return ceremonies. Seated (from left) are General Vasily Tsiblyiev, Deputy Director of the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center; cosmonaut Yury I. Onufrienko, Expedition Four mission commander; astronauts Carl E. Walz and Daniel W. Bursch, both Expedition Four flight engineers; NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe; astronauts Kenneth D. Cockrell, STS-111 mission commander; Paul S. Lockhart, pilot; Franklin R. Chang-Diaz and Philippe Perrin, both mission specialists. Tsiblyiev and Onufrienko represent Rosaviakosmos, and Perrin represents CNES, the French Space Agency.

The eye of a female Honor Guard member is shown in sharp-focus as she participates in the Border Patrol's 98th Anniversary celebration on May 26, 2022, at Alpine Border Patrol Station. The 98th Anniversary is on May 28, but was celebrated days earlier to include as many personnel as possible. Big Bend Sector celebrated the anniversary with a full honor-guard, cake-cutting and honored guests to include retired Border Patrol Patrol Agents in Charge.

U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Morgan relinquished command of the 165th Medical Group, Georgia Air National Guard, to Lt. Col. Chad Asplund on June 12, 2022 in the Fuel Cell Hangar at the 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah, Georgia. Morgan served as the commander of the medical group for 12 years and will retire on June 15, 2022 with a total of 40 years dedicated and honorable service to the United State Air Force.

Sioux City, Iowa Chamber of Commerce president Chris McGowan, U.S Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jonathan Bach, Staff Sgt. Blake Smolinski and Army Maj. Robin Labios stand in front of a table of military service related graduation stoles at an unveiling event in Sioux City, Iowa on May 12, 2022. The stoles are being presented to area graduating high school students who have been accepted to one of the military service academies, enlisted into active duty or joined a component of the National Guard.U.S. Air National Guard photo Senior Master Sgt. Vincent De Groot

Left side front view medium shot as US Air Force MAJ General Silas R. Johnson, Jr., Commander of Air Mobility Warfare Center and Rodeo 2000 during the Rodeo 2000 opening ceremony at Pope Air Force Base on May 7, 2000 during the Rodeo 2000 readiness competition. During the one week competition, more than 100 teams and 2,500 personnel from over 300 Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, U.S. Army units, and foreign nations will compete in airdrops, cargo loading, refueling, pre-flight, combat endurance, combat tactics, as well as other air and ground operations (Army units, foreign nations, airdrops, cargo loading, refueling, pre-flight, combat endurance, combat tactics and air .... Complete Scene Caption: Left side front view medium shot as US Air Force MAJ General Silas R. Johnson, Jr., Commander of Air Mobility Warfare Center and Rodeo 2000 during the Rodeo 2000 opening ceremony at Pope Air Force Base on May 7, 2000 during the Rodeo 2000 readiness competition. During the

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Richard, 35th Fighter Wing commander, gives a speech to honor those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, during the Patriot Day Retreat Ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 9, 2022. The ceremony marked the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks that took nearly 3,000 lives.

Joint Base San Antonio Honor Guard present the colors at an opening ceremony for The Wall That Heals, a 375-foot long replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial temporarily on exhibit at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant, San Antonio, Texas, on Nov. 3, 2022. The wall honors the nearly eight million Americans who served and the more than 58,000 fallen who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

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

Maj. Gen. Andrew M. Rohling, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa commander, addresses Vicenza Military Community members during proclamation ceremony in honor of 2022 Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), at Caserma Ederle Vicenza, Italy, Apr. 4, 2022.

1st Lt. Jessica Messina sings the United States National Anthem during the National Day of Prayer ceremony at Arifjan, Kuwait. The day included men and women of several faiths coming together to pray and remember the importance of spiritual wellbeing for Strong Soldiers.

Guests listen as U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber, outgoing commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, shares remarks during a change of command ceremony at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, Aug. 5, 2022. The passing of colors is a time-honored tradition, symbolizing the passing of responsibilities and authority of command from one leader to another.

040203-F-2703B-056. Base: Bolling Air Force Base State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: JADOC

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Jason Woodworth, the commanding general for Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, gives a speech during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library in Simi Valley, California, Feb. 6, 2023. The ceremony was held in honor of President Reagan as a tribute to his service to the United States, and in celebration of what would have been his 112th birthday.

Brig. Gen. Rodney Boyd, Assistant Adjutant General for the Illinois Army National Guard, delivers the keynote address to service members from each branch of the United States military and civic leaders during the City of Chicago Veterans Day commemoration ceremony at Soldier Field on Nov. 11, 2022. (Photo by Pfc.. Joshua Holladay)

Coast Guard Station Vallejo held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new search and rescue facility in Vallejo Municipal Marina, Friday, Sept. 16, 2022. The unit consists of 27 personnel and three 29-foot Response Boat-Smalls and is responsible for search and rescue and law enforcement missions. The unit's area of responsibility extends from San Pablo Bay to Suisun Bay and as far east as Simmons Point.

220611-N-PC065-1284 IZMIR, Turkey (June 11, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, commander, Task Force 61/2, addresses media and guests during a reception aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Arlington (LPD 24) to conclude exercise EFES 2022, June 11, 2022. EFES22 is an international combined, joint, live-fire exercise focused on increasing force readiness, promoting stability and prosperity in the region, and interoperability between U.S., Turkey, and allied nations. Arlington is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mark Bortnem, commanding officer, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, speaks during the grand opening of a dog park at Laurel Bay Military Housing, South Carolina, Feb. 21, 2024. This is the first dog park to open in Laurel Bay with more to come. Marine Corps

220909-N-OX321-1166 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Sept. 9, 2022) Naval Air Station Sigonella personnel attend the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony held on NAS Sigonella, Sept. 9, 2022. 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.

Foreign Affairs Day 2006 ceremonies, speeches, award presentations. Events included ceremony at the American Foreign Service Association's (AFSA) Memorial Plaque, in the Harry S. Truman Building's C Street Lobby, honoring foreign service officers who died in the line of duty.

U.S. Army Captain Michael C. Gates, Horse Detachment, Regimental Support Squadron (RSS), 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (11th ACR,) departing commander, relinquishes his guidon to Lt. Colonel Robin Boehringer, RSS, 11th ACR, squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony and community cavalry demonstration September, 14, 2022, at the Horse Detachment Stables, Fort Irwin, Calif. Captain Michael C. Gates relinquished command of the Horse Detachment, RSS, 11th ACR, to Captain David P. Richards, with Troops from the 11th ACR and members of the public in attendance.

U.S. Army Captain Michael C. Gates, Horse Detachment, Regimental Support Squadron (RSS), 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (11th ACR,) departing commander, relinquishes his guidon to Lt. Colonel Robin Boehringer, RSS, 11th ACR, squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony and community cavalry demonstration September, 14, 2022, at the Horse Detachment Stables, Fort Irwin, Calif. Captain Michael C. Gates relinquished command of the Horse Detachment, RSS, 11th ACR, to Captain David P. Richards, with Troops from the 11th ACR and members of the public in attendance.

020821-A-4980V-092. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lieutenent General (LTGEN) Libutti and LTGEN Hailston perform the changing of the colors during the Marine Forces Pacific change of command ceremony at Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corp Base Hawaii. Base: Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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