Military Ceremonies and Gatherings

Images feature military personnel at ceremonies, including promotions, retirements, and commemorations, showcasing respect and tradition within the military community.

SAN DIEGO (May 16, 2022) - Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Michael OReilly, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, is congratulated by member of the Chiefs Mess during a frocking ceremony on Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI). HSC-3 is the West Coast MH-60S fleet replacement squadron, responsible for training pilots and aircrewmen by providing the most capable warfighters to the fleet.

060911-N-1113S-004. Base: Naf Atsugi Country: Japan (JPN)

SAN DIEGO (May 16, 2022) - Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Michael OReilly, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, is congratulated by member of the Chiefs Mess during a frocking ceremony on Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI). HSC-3 is the West Coast MH-60S fleet replacement squadron, responsible for training pilots and aircrewmen by providing the most capable warfighters to the fleet.

Force Master Chief (FORCM) Greg A. Vidaurri shakes hands with FORCM Jason R. Dunn in the presence of Vice Adm. Yancy B. Lindsey, Commander, Navy Installations Commander (CNIC), after being relieved as the CNIC force master chief during a change of office at the historic Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C. Vidaurri retires after serving in 14 duty stations within 32 years of naval service.

120504-N-SI773-279Port Hueneme, Calif. (May 4, 2012) Chief Builder Keith Genereux, a Seabee assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, renders a final salute while passing through sideboys at his retirement ceremony. Genereux retired at the Seabee Museum in Port Hueneme, Calif. Family, friends and members of Naval Base Ventura County were in attendance to show support for Genereux, as he ceremoniously retired from 21 years of faithful service.

AGANA HEIGHTS, Guam (Oct. 13, 2022) - Joint Region Marianas Commander Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson joins the Guam High School (GHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) to commemorate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Navy at the school Oct. 13. During his visit to GHS, Nicholson spoke with students about the important contributions they make as DoD family members and answered questions about a career in the military. (U.S. Navy photos by Shaina ONeal)

Pensacola, FL - NIOC Pensacola held its monthly Awards Ceremony on 15 February 2024.

NORFOLK (Sept. 14, 2012) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West high fives a group of newly frocked chief petty officers during a pinning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk.

220701-N-PV401-3032 PEARL HARBOR (July 1, 2022) - Brig. Gen. Joseph Clearfield, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 Fleet Marine Forces, attends a reception aboard Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Winnipeg (FFH 338) during RIMPAC 2022. 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.

221021-N-VI040-1200 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (Oct. 21, 2022) Master Chief Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Jonard Sygaco recites the Chief Petty Officers Creed during a Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony held onboard Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Oct. 21, 2022. NAF Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW) 5, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and 23 other tenant commands, and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

NAVAL BASE GUAM (Oct. 24, 2022) Sailors, civilians, and military families gathered to witness the initiation of several of the regions newest chief petty officers during a pinning ceremony at Top o the Mar onboard U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) in Nimitz Hill Oct. 21. The 13 newly pinned chiefs, represented the following commands: - NBG - Commander, Joint Region Marianas- Naval Hospital Guam- 30th Naval Construction Regiment- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 - Naval Recruiting Office Guam- Priority Management Office- Naval Munitions Command East Asia Division Unit Guam and - Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3/Military Sealift Command GuamAs chief petty officer selectees they endured six weeks of chief formation, which included physical training, naval heritage education, honing of the Navys core values, and leadership and teamwork training sessions. (U.S. Navy Photos by LSSCS Christian Dadino)

U.S Marines and Sailors attend the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 24, 2022. During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, outgoing commander, relinquished command to Brig. Gen. Kyle B. Ellison, incoming commander, symbolizing the transfer of authority, responsibility, and total commitment to all Marines and Sailors.

Capt. Matthew Mulcahey, the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) executive officer, conducts a division in the spotlight uniform inspection on engineering department's repair division, Oct. 14, 2022. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

Maj. Gen. David W. Maxwell takes command of Marine Corps Installations Command (MCICOM) during a ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall on July 15, 2022. The ceremony recognized the significance of the passage of command and formally appointed the incoming commander.MCICOM exercises command and control of Marine Corps installations via regional commanders in order to provide oversight, direction and coordination of installation services and to optimize support to the Operating Forces, tenants and activities.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (April 8, 2022) Chief petty officers assigned to Naval Station Great Lakes pose for group photos. 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.

WASHINGTON (Sept. 7, 2022) U.S. Pacific Fleet Command Master Chief James "Smitty" Tocorzic listens to remarks during the 2022 Senior Enlisted Leadership Mess Symposium, Sept. 7, 2022. The Leadership Mess is composed of command master chiefs (CMC) serving numbered fleets, operational forces, and various flag officer details. The annual symposium is an opportunity for senior enlisted leaders to see, solve, and share best practices while exchanging ideas and feedback to leadership in an effort to improve the Navy.

220521-N-JC800-0025 SINGAPORE (May 20, 2022) - (From left) Lt. Mikaela Dosen, a U.S. Naval aviator assigned to Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOG WESTPAC/CTF73) , and Cmdr. Jason Butler, a U.S. Navy aviator assigned to Military Sealift Command Far East (MSC FE) spend time with Ambassador Jonathan Kaplan, the U.S. Representative to the Republic of Singapore, during a red carpet event for the premier of Top Gun: Maverick at the Shaw Theaters.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 16, 2022) Capt. Rich Jarrett, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, left, congratulates Senior Chief Yeoman Jason Martin for being pinned to senior chief during a pinning ceremony onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). For 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.

240124-N-KG461-2002KINGS BAY, GA. (Jan. 24, 2024) United States Naval Community College (USNCC) Command Master Chief Joseph Rosado speaks to Sailors at Trident Training Facility on Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, GA. USNCC is the official community college for the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The mission of USNCC is to advance warfighting advantage and enhance operational readiness by providing world-class, naval-relevant education to a globally deployed force.

220917-N-GF955-1184RIGA, Latvia (Sept. 17, 2022) U.S. Navy Cmdr. Aaron Arky, right, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), and Capt. Maris Polencs, commander of the Latvian navy, exchange gifts during a tour of the ship in Riga, Latvia, Sept. 17, 2022. Paul Ignatius 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.

221020-N-PN850-1030 WASHINGTON (Oct. 20 , 2022) Chief Musician Joshua I. Arvizu is pinned by his family and loved ones as one of the newest Chief Musicians of the Navy Band

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command held a remembrance ceremony to honor the 81st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7. The ceremony honored the Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and Airmen who gave their lives that day in defense of the United States, and marked their sacrifice with a bell ringing. 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, April 11, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Keith A. Parrella, former commanding officer of Marine Corps Embassy Security Group (MCESG), receives an award from Lt. Gen. David J. Furness, during the change of command ceremony in Quantico, Va., June 24, 2022. The change of command ceremony represents the official passing of authority from the outgoing commander, to the incoming commander.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Cory T. Curtis, the sergeant major of Recruiting Substation Montgomery, hands the station's colors to Maj. Vincent L. Thompson, the outgoing commanding officer of RS Montgomery, during RS Montgomery's Chain of Command ceremony in Montgomery, Alabama, July 1, 2022. The change of command ceremony, a tradition passed down through the generations, represents the official passing of authority from the outgoing Marine, to the incoming Marine.

Lt. Col. Bradley J. Butler Retirement Ceremony

U.S. Navy Sailors participate in a chief petty officer pinning ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of chief petty officer was created April 1, 1893, and the chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Krause, a chaplain with 7th Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, takes the oath of office during his promotion ceremony on Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 13, 2022. Promotion ceremonies mark a significant achievement in a service members career and are a testament to their commitment, mastery of duties and leadership capabilities. Newly promoted Lt. Cmdr. Krause was promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer at the same unit 20 years prior. (U.S Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kristy Ordonez Maldonado)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Jason L. Morris, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region (WRR), engages with Capt. Freddy Morales (ret.), senior military instructor of the Rio Rancho High School Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC), in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Nov. 1, 2022. MCJROTC benefits students by pushing them physically and mentally, preparing them for their future endeavors whether they pursue military service or not.

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo greets the U.S. Marine Security Detachment at the U.S. Embassy Mexico City in Mexico on July 13, 2018.

220330-N-PU674-1010 PENSACOLA, Fla. (March 30, 2022) Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), right, presents the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Maj. Larry Black during the 2021 Military Instructor of the Year (MIOY) ceremony in the NETC headquarters courtyard. Black, an instructor for the University of South Florida Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps, was selected as the NROTC MIOY.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Phillip N. Ash, left, awards Maj. James P. McMenamin, outgoing commanding officer of Recruiting Station Baltimore, during a change of command ceremony in Baltimore, Maryland, Jun. 17, 2022. The change of command ceremony signified the transfer of command from Maj. McMenamin to Maj. Charles A. Jedlicka.

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Mississippi (Nov. 29, 2022) - Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command hosted a visit by the Naval Research Labs (NRL) Research Advisory Council to give their members an understanding of the historic and ongoing direct impact of NRL research on Naval Oceanography operations. 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.On the tour were Capt. Gregory Petrovic, NRL Commanding Officer; Dr. Bruce Danly, NRL Director of Research; Mr. Todd Schafer, NRL Associate Director of Research, Business Operations; Dr. Douglas Todoroff, NRL Associate Director of Research, Ocean and Atmospheric Science and Technology; Dr. Steven Meier, NRL Associate Director of Research, Naval Center for Space Technology; Dr. Peter Matic, NRL As

U.S. Navy Chief Religious Program Specialist Jason Cooper, the sub-area 8 coordinator for the 2022 Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Active duty Fund Drive with Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, receives the Navy Achievement Medal Silver Star in Lieu of Sixth Award during an Active Duty Fund Drive Recognition Ceremony at the Pennsylvania House, Norfolk, Aug. 25, 2022. An award ceremony was held to congratulate the Marines and Sailors who coordinated the NMCRS 2022 Active Duty Fund Drive, which raised nearly $900,000 within the Hampton Roads region. The NMCRS is a non-profit organization that provides loans, financial education and disaster relief assistance to service members and their families.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes General William Arnulfo López Chay, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of National Defense of Guatemala and other dignitaries to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 28, 2022. During the visit, General López attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, spoke with Class 62 students and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, left, the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, talks with Victor Martino, right, the captain of the USNS Newport (T-EPF 12), during a ship tour in Baltimore, Maryland, Sept. 9, 2022. Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore is an annual public event that celebrates the contributions of the U.S. sea services and maritime capabilities from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. More than 2,300 service members participated in Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore 2022 engaging and assisting with ship tours, live bands and static equipment displays.

Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class Frank Weyer, from Jonesville, Michigan, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) aircraft intermediate maintenance department, speaks with a member of the Albion community during a panel with Ford's Sailors for a Gerald R. Ford Institute for Leadership in Public Policy and Service event at Albion College in Albion, Michigan, September 2, 2022. Twelve Ford Sailors traveled to Michigan for the ships annual namesake visit to learn about the legacy of President Gerald R. Ford and connect with local community members in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Albion.

Cmdr. Douglas Kennedy, chief staff officer of Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS), pins Lt. j.g. Zachery Bixby, assistant security officer of CFAS, with the Navy Security Force Officer insignia during a qualification ceremony at CFAS Dec. 13, 2022. For 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.

Stands for playing of the Colors: Lt. Gen. Edward D. Banta, Gen. David W. Maxwell, and Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel stand for the playing of colors during a ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall on July 15, 2022. The ceremony recognized the significance of the passage of command and formally appointed the incoming commander.MCICOM exercises command and control of Marine Corps installations via regional commanders in order to provide oversight, direction and coordination of installation services and to optimize support to the Operating Forces, tenants and activities.

NEWPORT, R.I. (June 30, 2022) Capt. Charles Varsogea, incoming commanding officer of the Naval Chaplaincy School (NCS), speaks during an assumption of command ceremony at Naval Station Newport, June 30, 2022. NCS trains Navy chaplains and religious program specialists to fulfill a critical role in helping the Department of the Navy achieve and maintain a ready force by preparing religious ministry team members to minister across the sea services to build personal, unit, and family readiness and strengthen spirit, moral character, and toughness.

U.S. Navy Capt. Kevin J. Brown, left, commander and director, Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, and U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel, right, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, stand at attention during the 2022 Retiree Appreciation Day and Health Fair at the Marston Pavilion on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 24, 2022. The event provided breakfast, raffles, health screenings, and various educational resources supported by Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune and MCB Camp Lejeune Retired Affairs.

221004-N-OX321-1445 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Oct. 4, 2022) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday speaks with Sailors and their families during an awards ceremony held on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Oct. 4, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

Recruit Training Command celebrates 130 years of tradition and leadership with a Navy Chief Petty Officer Birthday Ceremony at Battle Stations USS Trayer (BST-21) in Great Lakes, Illinois. Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes five warfighting competencies of firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding, and small arms handling and marksmanship along with physical fitness and lessons in Navy heritage and core values, Warrior Toughness, Life Skills, teamwork and discipline. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navys only boot camp.

Rear Adm. Mark Sucato, commander, Navy Region Northwest, speaks to guests during the Oregon School Superintendents Luncheon as part of Portland Rose Festival and Fleet Week 2022, June 9. Portland Fleet Week is a time-honored celebration of the sea services and provides an opportunity for the citizens of Oregon to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services

220707-N-VI910-1296 PEARL HARBOR (July 7, 2022) Capt. Przemyslaw Kaczynski, right, chief of staff, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, exchanges gifts with Republic of Korea Navy Rear Adm. Sangmin Ahn, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 176, aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) while moored at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. 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.

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.

220913-N-WF272-1013 LAUREL, Md. (Sept. 13, 2022) Cmdr. Todd Winn, a native of Aurora, Colo., commanding officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, notifies Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Joshua Blankenship, a native of Roanoke, Va., that he has been meritoriously advanced to the rank of petty officer first class. The Meritorious Advancement Program allows commands to identify and promote the most talented, experienced and proficient Sailors based on demonstrated performance and ability. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of Americas Navy.

AGANA HEIGHTS, Guam (Oct. 13, 2022) - Joint Region Marianas Commander Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson joins the Guam High School (GHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) to commemorate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Navy at the school Oct. 13. During his visit to GHS, Nicholson spoke with students about the important contributions they make as DoD family members and answered questions about a career in the military. (U.S. Navy photos by Shaina ONeal)

AGANA HEIGHTS, Guam (Oct. 13, 2022) - Joint Region Marianas Commander Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson joins the Guam High School (GHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) to commemorate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Navy at the school Oct. 13. During his visit to GHS, Nicholson spoke with students about the important contributions they make as DoD family members and answered questions about a career in the military. (U.S. Navy photos by Shaina ONeal)

221018-N-WF272-1037 PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 18, 2022) Rear Adm. Alexis Lex” Walker, center, commander, Navy Recruiting Command, tours Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia headquarters during his scheduled visit, Oct. 18, 2022. During his visit Walker spoke to leadership and Sailors about the current and future state of Navy recruiting. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.

Norfolk, Va. (June 22, 2022) - Rear Adm. Michael A Wettlaufer, Commander, Military Sealift Command, addresses the annual Military Sealift Command (MSC) Leadership Symposium. The symposium brings together MSC Leaders from around the globe to identify and address challenges, and share best practices in a collaborative environment.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Christopher A. Ashinhurst, the Commanding Officer of 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, gives a speech during a graduation ceremony for Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, April 22, 2022. Following graduation, the Marines were given 10 days of leave before taking the next step in training at the School of Infantry at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes dignitaries from the Brazilian Ministry of Defense to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2022. During the visit, the dignitaries attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, center, the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, and Rear Adm. Nancy S. Lacore, right, the 93rd commandant of Naval Distrct Washington, converse with Fox News media personnel during a ship tour of the USS Minneapolis-St. Paul (LCS 21) in Baltimore, Maryland, Sept. 9, 2022. Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore is an annual public event that celebrates the contributions of the U.S. sea services and maritime capabilities from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. More than 2,300 service members participated in Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore 2022 engaging and assisting with ship tours, live bands and static equipment displays.

Cmdr. Richard Rosenbusch, from New Baltimore, Michigan, USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) assistant air officer, signs a Ford commissioning book during a dinner with students, community members and veterans at Albion College in Albion, Michigan, September 2, 2022. Twelve Ford Sailors traveled to Michigan for the ships annual namesake visit to learn about the legacy of President Gerald R. Ford and connect with local community members in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Albion.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Paraguayan General Brigadier Néstor Daniel Zalazar Echauri, Incoming Chief of Delegation of Paraguay to the Inter-American Defense Board for a campus Tour on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 22, 2022. During the visit, The General attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

NEWPORT, R.I. (Sept. 22, 2022) Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC) Department Head Class 268 students lower their heads for the benediction during their graduation ceremony at Naval Station Newport, Sept. 22, 2022. The SWSC Department Head Course is the cornerstone of a surface warfare officer's tactical education in their naval career. The graduates will take the knowledge back to the fleet, where they will teach the next generation of surface warfare leaders. These career naval professionals are part of a long tradition of 60 years of excellence at SWSC, previously known as Surface Warfare Officers School Command, as the Navy continues to build, maintain, train, and equip a combat-credible, dominant naval force to keep the sea lanes open and free, deter conflict, and when called upon, decisively win the nations wars.

NEWPORT, R.I. (Sept. 22, 2022) Surface Warfare Schools Command (SWSC) Department Head Class 268 students lower their heads for the benediction during their graduation ceremony at Naval Station Newport, Sept. 22, 2022. The SWSC Department Head Course is the cornerstone of a surface warfare officer's tactical education in their naval career. The graduates will take the knowledge back to the fleet, where they will teach the next generation of surface warfare leaders. These career naval professionals are part of a long tradition of 60 years of excellence at SWSC, previously known as Surface Warfare Officers School Command, as the Navy continues to build, maintain, train, and equip a combat-credible, dominant naval force to keep the sea lanes open and free, deter conflict, and when called upon, decisively win the nations wars.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Robert Mackey, an administrative specialist with Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, receives a Certificate of Commendation, a Certificate of Appreciation and a small gift during an Active Duty Fund Drive Recognition Ceremony at the Pennsylvania House, Norfolk, Aug. 25, 2022. An award ceremony was held to congratulate the Marines and Sailors who coordinated the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) 2022 Active Duty Fund Drive, which raised nearly $900,000 within the Hampton Roads region. The NMCRS is a non-profit organization that provides loans, financial education and disaster relief assistance to service members and their families.

040417-N-6278K-075. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: USS George Washington (CVN 73)

Vice Adm. Yoshihisa Inui, commandant of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Yokosuka District

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes the Brazilian Defense Ministrys Escola Superior de Defesa Leadership, Students and Staff to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2022. During the visit the students were briefed by leadership and received an orientation class by a college faculty member.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Justin Ansel, the assistant chief of staff for the Marine Forces Reserve G-3/5, from Mandeville, Louisiana, attends the unveiling of a permanent memorial in honor of Mandevillee Police Captain Vincent Liberto Jr., in Mandeville, Sept. 14, 2022. Liberto served 10 years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve before being honorably discharged as a sergeant. He was shot and killed in the line of duty, Sept. 20, 2019. U.S. Marine Corps Col. Justin Ansel, the assistant chief of staff for the Marine Forces Reserve G-3/5 and a Mandeville resident, attended the dedication on behalf of the Marine Corps. We as officers owe it to America to give back someone whos better physically, mentally, morally. Thats what we do in the Marine Corps, said Ansel. We make Marines; we make them better mentally, physically, and morally, and then they go back into their communities. Vinnie Liberto is just a perfect example of this. His irrational call to serve continued from his Marine Corps servic

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David Bellon, commanding general of Marine Corps Forces, South, left, and Bernadette Meehan, U.S. ambassador to Chile, shake hands during a meeting at the U.S. Embassy Chile, Santiago, Chile, Nov. 15, 2022. Bellon and his staff traveled to Chile to conduct key leadership engagements with leadership of the Cuerpo de Infanteria de Marina de Chile (Chilean Marine Corps) to continue to strengthen the partnership between the two Navies and Marine Corps.

Royal Australian Navy Lt. Cmdr. Adam Klyne (left), U.S. Navys Nuclear Power Training Unit - Charleston student, shakes hands with Royal Australian Navy Rear Adm. Ian Murray during a graduation ceremony aboard USS Yorktown (CV 10) at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Jan. 12, 2024. During the ceremony, the first three Royal Australian Navy officers graduated from the school, marking a significant step in Australias goal to operate conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines.

220909-N-IE405-1005 NAPLES, Italy (Sept. 9, 2022) Members assigned to the U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples Fire and Emergency Services take a moment to pay their respects and pray during the 9/11 commemoration ceremony held at the U.S. Naval Hospital Naples' Support Site in Gricignano di Aversa, Italy, Sept. 9, 2022. NSA Naples is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

050725-N-2383B-057. Base: Annapolis State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: CNO

U.S. Senator Robert Portman converses with U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. David Rayburn, a refrigeration and air conditioning technician with the Command Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, at RAAF Base Darwin, Darwin, NT, Australia, April 14, 2022. U.S. Senators visited Darwin to meet U.S. Marines and Sailors with MRF-D 22.

221023-N-DL524-1089 MIAMI (Oct. 23, 2022) Army Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command, and distinguished visitors tour hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

220526-N-IW069-1047 SAN DIEGO (May 26, 2022) Chief Machinists Mate Joseph Middleton (center), is advanced to senior chief petty officer during a pinning ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island, May 26. Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) is currently pierside in its homeport of San Diego.

KHALIFA BIN SALMAN PIER, Bahrain (May 16, 2013) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus administers the Oath of Office to Ensign Earl Thurman aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61). Monterey is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

220518-N-OL632-1089 NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (May 18, 2022) Senior Chief Aviation Boatswains Mate (handling) Shawn Johnson, has cover placed on him by Master Chief Aviation Boatswains Mate Eric Tomczak, during a pinning ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), May 18, 2022. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable warfighting capability as the flagship of a carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (Sept. 11, 2012) Capt. Jeffery James, commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, salutes as the American flag is raised to half-staff at the Missing Man Memorial during a Patriots Day ceremony to commemorate the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

NAVAL AIR FACILITY MISAWA, Japan (July 20, 2022) - Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and his wife, Betty Del Toro, are greeted by Naval Air Facility Misawa and Misawa Air Base leadership at the Naval Air Facility Misawa passenger terminal on July 20, 2022. The Honorable Carlos Del Toro is conducting a tour of U.S. Indo-Pacific commands including Naval Air Facility Misawa.

NEWPORT, R.I. (Aug. 31, 2022) Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command, right, speaks with Command Master Chief Baron Randle, director, Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA), on Naval Station (NAVSTA) Newport Aug. 31, 2022. Garvin visited NAVSTA Newport Aug. 31-Sept. 1 to engage with the staff and students of Center for Service Support, Surface Warfare Schools Command, SEA, Officer Training Command Newport, Naval Chaplaincy School, Naval Leadership and Ethics Center, and Navy Supply Corps School.

061024-N-8273J-003. Base: Hong Kong Country: China (CHN)

Stephen B. Wittle, Marine Corps Recruiting Command deputy assistant chief of staff, G3, receives an award from Maj. Gen. William J. Bowers, MCRC commanding general, and Sgt. Maj. Adan F. Moreno, MCRC sergeant major, at James Wesley Marsh Center, on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., September 30, 2022. Marines and civilians received awards for their contribution and dedication to the MCRC mission.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Adam L. Chalkley, commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, gives the first slice of cake to the guest of honor, Maj. Gen. Kotaro Takeuchi, commanding general of the Kyushu Depot, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, while conducting the ceremony for the 247th Marine Corps Birthday during a bilateral key leader engagement for exercise Keen Sword 23, on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 10, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3rd MLG, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self-Defense Force. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

NEWPORT, R.I. (June 30, 2022) Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command, gives remarks during the Naval Chaplaincy School (NCS) assumption of command ceremony at Naval Station Newport, June 30, 2022. NCS trains Navy chaplains and religious program specialists to fulfill a critical role in helping the Department of the Navy achieve and maintain a ready force by preparing religious ministry team members to minister across the sea services to build personal, unit, and family readiness and strengthen spirit, moral character, and toughness.

Recruits take the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America during a naturalization ceremony inside the Recruit Memorial Chapel at Recruit Training Command (RTC). Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes five warfighting competencies of firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding, and small arms handling and marksmanship along with physical fitness and lessons in Navy heritage and core values, Warrior Toughness, Life Skills, teamwork and discipline. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navys only boot camp.

Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, visits with troops before the pre-race ceremonies at the Indy 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, May 29, 2022.

220713-N-CH260-2087 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 13, 2022) Rear Adm. J.T. Anderson, right, commander, Carrier Strike Group 3, speaks to Peruvian Navy leadership aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. 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.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (April 6, 2023) Commander Navy Region Hawaii Command Master Chief Mario Rivers presents Chief Petty Officer Michelle Marcial a coin during her reenlistment ceremony on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Commander Navy Region Hawaii is the regional coordinator for all shore-based naval personnel and shore activities in Hawaii - as well as the Navys representative to the Hawaii community.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomes Brazilian General Sergio Negraes, Brazilian Armys Secretary of Finance and Economics to the IADC campus at Ft. Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 11, 2022. During the visit General Novaes spoke to students and was inducted into the IADC Hall of Honor. Additionally, he participated in an office call with leadership, received a college briefing and took a tour of the campus.

220910-N-RB168-0082 SOMERSET, Pa., (Sept. 10, 2022) Capt. Chris Brown, commanding officer of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25), gives a speech at the Somerset County Courthouse. The U.S. Navy sent 22 Sailors from USS Somerset to Somerset County for a multi-day trip to attend the the 21st anniversary observance of 9/11 at the Flight 93 National Memorial, and serve in a uniformed capacity as escorts, honoring the families of the 40 passengers and crew that perished on Flight 93. USS Somerset personnel participated in various service and engagement Community Relations projects (COMRELs) during their trip.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomed General de Ala DEMA Miguel Eduardo Hernández Velazquez,Incoming Chief of Delegation of Mexico to the IADBfor a visit to the IADC Campus on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Jan. 27, 2023. During the visit, the distinguished visitor conducted an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

Recruits take the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America during a naturalization ceremony inside the Recruit Memorial Chapel at Recruit Training Command (RTC). Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes five warfighting competencies of firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding, and small arms handling and marksmanship along with physical fitness and lessons in Navy heritage and core values, Warrior Toughness, Life Skills, teamwork and discipline. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navys only boot camp.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., the U.S. Marine Corp's oldest post and a National Historic Landmark

Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, congratulates Gen. Chalermphon Srisawasdi, former Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) Chief of Defence, after presenting him with the Legion of Merit in a ceremony in Bangkok on Jan. 18, 2024. The Legion of Merit is the highest accolade that the U.S. can bestow upon a foreign leader; it is reserved for individuals who have shown exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Ecuadorian Air Force Brigadier General, Celiano Cevallos Calderón, Military and Aerospace Education Command, Commander and Ecuadoran Air War College students to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 23, 2022. During the visit the students were briefed by leadership and received an orientation class by a college faculty member.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Colonel Pablo De Leon, Guatemala Delegate to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., May 17, 2021. During the visit, the Colonel De Leon conducted an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

GEN. Wesley K. Clark, Commander in CHIEF of US Southern Command, shakes hands with SGT. MAJ. Franklin D. Thomas at his retirement ceremony. Country: Panama (PAN)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Uiliami Fihaki, an enlisted conductor with Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band, conducts a performance during a live concert for the local community at Plaza de Espana, Hagatna, Guam, Jan. 23, 2023. The MARFORPAC Band participated in multiple community engagements during their visit to Guam as part of the Naval Support Activity, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz Reactivation and Naming Ceremony. In order to encourage music education and showcase the vibrant history and tradition of military music, the band is active in providing clinics and concerts for the communities they serve. The MARFORPAC Band performs throughout the Indo-Pacific at more than 400 commitments each year from ceremonies to parades. The primary mission of the band is to provide musical support for military and civic ceremonies.

220610-N-XB010-1009 SASEBO, Japan (June 6, 2022) Captain Kelly T. Fletcher, the new commodore of Amphibious Squadron 11, assumes command from Capt. Greg Baker, center, during a change-of-command ceremony in the hangar bay of forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). Amphibious Squadron 11 is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., the U.S. Marine Corp's oldest post and a National Historic Landmark

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Ecuadorian Air Force Brigadier General, Celiano Cevallos Calderón, Military and Aerospace Education Command, Commander and Ecuadoran Air War College students to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 23, 2022. During the visit the students were briefed by leadership and received an orientation class by a college faculty member.

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Jason G. Woodworth, the commanding general for Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and Rep. Mike Levin, the representative for Californias 49th Congressional District, pose for a photo during a Memorial Day event held at the Semper Fi Marine Monument in San Clemente, California, May 30, 2022. The city of San Clemente adopted 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, in 1996. The Heritage of San Clemente Foundation donated a plaque with the names of the 13 service members killed during the attack at Abbey Gate in Kabul in August 2021, and presented the plaque during the ceremony.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, and his wife Sherry Cavanaugh listen to the opening remarks during a reception aboard the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) in Baltimore, Maryland, Sept. 9, 2022. Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore is an annual public event that celebrates the contributions of the U.S. sea services and maritime capabilities from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. More than 2,300 service members participated in Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore 2022 engaging and assisting with ship tours, live bands and static equipment displays.

RADM Alan Reyes, Deputy Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command, stops for a photo opportunity an unveiling and dedication of a Virginia Historical Marker honoring Filipino Sailors in the U.S. Navy on May 28, 2022. The event occurred at the Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

KOROR, Palau (July 13th, 2022) - Captain Hank Kim, Pacific Partnership 2022 mission commander, right, speaks with Honorable J. Uduch Sengebau Senior, Vice President and Minister of Justice of the Republic of Palau, left, and Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Marianas during a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief conference in Palau during Pacific Partnership 2022. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

DM-SC-88-03555. Base: Marine Corps Station, Futenma State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark J. Schindler, the adjutant general of Pennsylvania, shakes hands with the family of Pfc. Donald M. Born, a U.S. Soldier from Lancaster who was missing in action during the Korean War, and was laid to rest 72 years later at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Aug. 30, 2022, under the care of Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard.

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