Military Ceremonies and Historical Visits

Photos of military ceremonies, chronicling significant visits and discussions about military history and national heritage.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, fields questions from the pentagon press core during a press briefing at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Aug. 31, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania for tours, discussions with Park Service personnel

030313-F-5171M-008. Base: RAF Fairford State: Gloucestershire Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

Carl DeHaven, an 83-year-old veteran of the Battle of Iwo Jima recalls seeing the flag raised on top of Mt. Suribachi for the first time as he sees it again here during a ceremony commemorating the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Va., Feb. 19, 2010. In February 1945, the United States launched its first assault against the Japanese at Iwo Jima, resulting in some of the fiercest fighting of the war.

U.S. Air Force Cyber Systems Group Change of Leadership ceremony July 27, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

Material from Vice Admiral Allen - Aftermath - 26-HK-371-71. Hurricane Katrina

BGEN William J. Breckner Jr. is interview by an Air Force major from the public affairs office of the secretary of the Air Force during media training at the Pentagon. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, fields questions from the pentagon press core during a press briefing at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Aug. 31, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

Diplomatic security detail personnel accompanying Japan's Foreign Minister, Taro Aso, during visit to Washington, D.C.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Department of Defense's Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany

A U.S. Army Soldier takes notes during an eight-hour, ACE Suicide Intervention program held in Kuwait City, Kuwait, Sept. 16, 2022. Over 40 Soldiers from multiple units and missions attended the training led by Chaplain (Maj.) Christopher T. Montgomery, operations chaplain for Area Support Group - Kuwait (ASG-KU), Capt. Sarah Skelton, aeromedical and SERE psychologist assigned to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, 36th Infantry Division, and Staff Sgt. William D. McMurray, religious affairs non-commissioned officer from Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. Soldiers from many different units stationed across the Middle East attended the group training to explore various suicide prevention scenarios and exercise new communication techniques as suicide intervention specialists.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct 20, 2022) Captain Scott Spears speaks with Sailors assigned to Commander, Submarine Group 7 (CSG-7) during a tour of the Pathfinder-class oceanographic survey ship USNS Mary Sears (T-AGS 65), Oct. 20, 2022. U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command directs and oversees more that 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare area to make better decisions, based on assured environmental information, faster than the adversary. CSG-7 directs forward-deployed, combat capable forces across the full spectrum of undersea warfare throughout the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea.

Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Colin Kahl holds a press briefing at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., June 1, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Taryn Sammet)

070228-A-3155B-084. Base: Bayji State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ)

NAVAL BASE KITSAP-BREMERTON, Wash. (Nov. 10, 2022) - U.S. Navy Capt. Brian Schrum, commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), speaks to the attendees of a celebration for the U.S. Marine Corps 247th birthday aboard the barge assigned to the ship. Theodore Roosevelt is undergoing a docking planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility where the ship is receiving scheduled maintenance and upgrades.

PEARL HARBOR (July 9, 2022) Commodore Paul OGrady, Combined Force Maritime Component Commander, right, speaks with Expeditionary Strike Group 3, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Michael Baze, aboard Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), July 9. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Marine Raiders with Marine Forces Special Operations Command conduct a key leader engagement during RAVEN, April 29, 2022. The goal of a KLE is to build a professional connection with local national officials and to foster a better relationship with our foreign allies. RAVEN is a training exercise held to evaluate all aspects of a Marine Special Operations Company prior to a special operations deployment.

Mr. Rob Frankovich, Soldier Training Support Program assigned to the 7th Army Training Command, right, talks about Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) with and Mr. Tom K. Hennessey, Training Support Specialist assigned to the Training Support Center Italy, center, and Mr. John P. Doyle, the new Training Support Activity Europe Director, left, on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy Oct. 19, 2022. The EST provides Soldiers with the opportunity to increase their marksmanship proficiency on a wide array of dismounted and crew served weapons systems with virtual fire scenarios and pop up targets.

Department of the Interior-hosted dinner event honoring wounded veterans, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and other senior officials presiding

031105-F-2828D-011. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Ward Zischke, 88th Readiness Division historian, talks about the Invalid Corps and 88th Division peacekeeping operations in Italy after World War II.

110704-N-CZ945-378NOUMEA, New Caledonia (July 4, 2011) Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk, commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, looks at a photograph of Noumea, New Caledonia, during World War II at the officer's club at the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia (FANC) military base in Noumea, New Caledonia. The U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked staff are underway on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

220521-N-HV010-1103 SAN DIEGO, (May 21, 2022) Rear Adm. Stephen Barnett, commander, Navy Region Southwest provides remarks during the Mess Attendant 1st Class Charles Jackson French pool dedication ceremony held at the surface rescue swimmer training pool at Naval Aviation Schools Command Swim Site (NASC) at Naval Base San Diego, May 21, 2022. The event officially marked the dedication and naming of the NASC training pool to the Charles Jackson French Training Pool.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania for tours, discussions with Park Service personnel

010912-N-3235P-015. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Sherwin Buquid from Pili, Philippines, assigned to the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) air department, briefs the ninth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (Ret.) John Herdt during a ship tour, Jan. 20, 2022.. Ford is in port at Naval Station Norfolk for a continuous planned maintenance availability.

Mr. Sunny Dixon, Co-Anchor at WTOC, Channel 11 television news station, located in Savannah, Georgia (GA), conducts a tour of the station for US Marine Corps (USMC) Marines from Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina (SC). (Substandard image). Base: Savannah State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Military delegation visiting Main Interior for Toys for Tots promotional event, meetings with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and other senior officials

031212-F-4350W-001. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Army Capt. Sarah Carl, a circulator from 256 Field Hospital Twinsburg, Ohio, speaks to the Belizean media during Resolute Sentinel 22 at Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan, Belize, Aug. 25, 2022. We value the strong relationship forged between our countries based on mutual respect, and participating in Resolute Sentinel improves our ability to work together.

Coast Guard Personnel - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-90-131. Coast Guard air crew member being interviewed by camera crew indoors. Hurricane Katrina

031201-F-2828D-034. Base: Brussels Country: Belgium (BEL)

LINCOLNSHIRE Il. (May 19, 2022) Sailors assigned to Naval Station Great Lakes participate in a veterans luncheon at Sedgebrook Senior Living Community. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Valley Forge National Historical Park in Pennsylvania for tours, discussions with Park Service personnel

A Navy journalist works on a story in his hotel room following Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Ash Shuaybah Country: Kuwait (KWT)

060130-N-0696M-027. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Anthony Todd” Taylor, 908th Program Integration Office director addresses the attendees of the weekly PIO planning meeting May 19, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The PIO is one of the organizations responsible for the 908th Airlift Wing’s transition from the C-130H Hercules to the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter. Their weekly team meetings brought together members from Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Reserve Command and the 22nd Air Force.

Secretary Dirk Kempthorne previewing new Interior Museum exhibit, "The Vietnam Veterans Memorial: America Responds," commemorating the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the Memorial through photographs, drawings, and models illustrating the Memorial's creation as well as personal objects left at the Wall by the general public

Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby holds a press briefing, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 26 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

COL. Daniel Mamaugh, 12th Support Group Commander, fields questions from acting media during a major accident response exercise. The exercise, part of the 12th Flying Training wing Quality Air Force Assessment, tested the wing's ability to react to a truck accident/hazardous waste spill scenario. Base: Randolph Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Camp Victory, BAGHDAD - Lt. Col. Harold Turner snaps his son Brett a salute after he swears him into the Iowa Natonal Guard on Friday.

Romanian Air Force Lt. Col. Istrate shares information in a meeting on July 1 in Bucharest, Romania. 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment deployed troops to Romania in February 2022 to provide short-range air defense for U.S. maneuver forces arrayed along NATOs Eastern flank. 10th AAMDC deployed to reassure our NATO Allies, train with host-nation forces and contribute to a wide range of contingencies.

DF-ST-88-03422. Subject Operation/Series: COPE NORTH Base: Misawa Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken tours evacuation operations at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on September 8, 2021.

220717-N-YF131-1005 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 17, 2022) U.S. Navy Capt. Patrick Baker, executive officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), greets distinguished visitors 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.

031105-F-2828D-002. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Tour of the Naval vessel, USS Normandy, by Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and aides during the Secretary's visit to Virginia

In support of MICC Tasker T-22-263-02 ACC Command Video

1979 - MSGT Wayne L. Fisk is interviewed on the Channel Two Evening news. Fisk has been selected as one of the 10 Oustanding Young Men of the Year by the United States Jaycees.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Daniel Fullerton, the chaplain of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), conducts a Roman Catholic Ash Wednesday service aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 14, 2024. Chaplain Fullerton arrived from the USS America to give Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Sailors with the USS Green Bay, the opportunity to practice their faith and strengthen their spiritual fitness while underway. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navys largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Marine Corps

The Honorable Douglas R. Bush, assistant secretary of the army for acquisition, logistics and technology, signs a guest book in the V Corps headquarters building during a visit to Camp Kościuszko, Poland, Sep. 8, 2022. Mr. Bush's visit included, a tour of the Abrams Tank Academy at Biedrusko Training Area and Victory Corps Forward in Poznan; with discussions focusing on current V Corps capabilities, assumption of units, training for increased readiness, and enforcing the European Theater's eastern flank.

Media and NASA Social participants view Orion recovery operations and tour the USS Arlington at the Norfolk Naval base in Virginia on Aug. 15, 2013. Part of Batch image transfer from Flickr.

980620-F-9580Z-047. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Gleaves Whitney, executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, speaks to Sailors assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during a visit to the Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as part of a namesake visit, September 1, 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, Michigan.

Marine Safety Unit - 26-HK-132-19. Hurricane Katrina

Office of the Secretary - Seafarer's Union and U.S.S. Bellatrix in Harvey, Louisiana New Orleans

Fox Sports Host Terry Bradshaw prepares to launch a football into the crowd of Sailors and Marines gathered on the flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during the taping of the FOX NFL Sports Pre-Game show. The FOX NFL Sports host is on board to tape the NFL Pre-Game Show aired on the FOX Network. TRUMAN is on a scheduled six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf. Base: Uss Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, where he toured facilities, viewed aircraft, and met with personnel of the Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds

LINCOLNSHIRE Il. (May 19, 2022) Sailors assigned to Naval Station Great Lakes participate in a veterans luncheon at Sedgebrook Senior Living Community. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

U.S. Air Force Airmen and civilians discuss the Extend the Bench program at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, September 28, 2022. The first meeting for Extend the Bench is primarily to discuss and find who is compatible and able to commit.

Chilean officers aboard the Chilean flagship BLANCO ENCALADA (DLH 15) take part in a Exercise TEAMWORK SOUTH '99 brief in the Port city of Valparaiso, Chile. The Joint US, Chilean, and Canadian Forces will be conducting operations off the South American coast through July. Subject Operation/Series: TEAMWORK SOUTH '99 Base: Blanco Encalada (DLH 15)

031215-F-6470S-001. Base: Columbus State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Scott Lucas, 81st Training Wing operation/contingency plans and programs chief, reviews a press kit during a press conference inside Wall Studio during an active shooter exercise inside the Levitow Training Support Facility at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 20, 2022. The scenario included two active duty Air Force members who simulated opening fire in order to test the base's ability to respond to and recover from a mass casualty event.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and aides to Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii for commemorative events on the 65th anniversary of the Japanese attack

Admiral Collins Visit - 26-HK-3-1. Hurricane Katrina

After participating in the Surgery Desert Storm and Operation Phalanx in the Persian Gulf, the supply ship Hr.Ms. Zuiderkruis (A 832), the L-FREGAT HR.MS. Jacob van Heemskerck (F 812) and the S-Fregat Hr.Ms. Philips van Almonde (F 823) On 19 April 1991 back in the home port Den Helder.Hier the welcoming home front of the Zuiderkruis.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and aides to Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii for commemorative events on the 65th anniversary of the Japanese attack

Department of the Interior University-sponsored reception marking the opening of the Interior Museum exhibit, "The Vietnam Veterans Memorial: America Responds," with remarks by guests including Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan Scruggs

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Nathan Eubank, meteorology and oceanography (METOC) analyst forecaster with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), opens a terminal aerodrome forecast manual on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, June 1, 2022. Cpl. Eubank, the recipient of this months MCAS New River Go-Getter award, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2018 from Deer Park, Texas.

040717-F-6470S-001. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050726-N-2383B-031. State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: CNO

030524-M-9812M-058. Subject Operation/Series: COBRA GOLD 2003 Base: U Tapao Country: Thailand (THA) Scene Major Command Shown: USMC

Scotty Hogan loves to travel - sit down with him and he will regale you with stories of his globetrotting, first as a U.S. Navy Aviation Electrician's Mate then as a civilian traveler and educator. Today, Hogan is a Technical Writer and Public Affairs Specialist with the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) at Fort Detrick, Md. Hailing from the very center of Appalachia to parents Sidney and Sandra - from the small town of Rhodell, W. Va., population 139 as of 2020 - Hogan felt drawn to the Navy due to his wanderlust and his fathers influence, he said, enlisting immediately after high school in 1998. “I wanted to travel, and I thought the Navy would give me the opportunity to do that. Additionally, my father really encouraged me to join one of the military services.” Landing aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) - literally, he joined the ships crew onboard the forward-deployed Kitty Hawk, flying onto ship in a C2 Greyhound during a resupply in the Persian Gulf - Hog

U.S. Marine Corps Retired Lt. Col. Michael Kelly educates Marines on the Battle of Belleau Wood in Belleau, France, May 27, 2022. This visit is to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their respective countries during World War I.

040309-F-9927R-002. Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Los Angeles (May 28, 2022) - Sailors, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), tour the Peterson Automotive Museum as part of Los Angeles Fleet Week. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.

GEN. Charles A. Horner (retired) talks during an informal interview. He is the former commander of Air Force Space Command and a veteran of Desert Storm. GEN. Horner said that, with the improved technology, and with the emphasis on well-trained competent individuals, instead of the reliance on numbers, the USAF would be in good shape going into the next century. Exact Date Shot Unknown Published in AIRMAN Magazine September 1996. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060829-N-7163S-003. Base: Cleveland State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Air Force Major General Charles J. Wax, Commander, Army & Air Force Exchange Service, explains to Brenda Howard that installing lighting in low lit clothing areas attracts attention to them. MGEN Wax paid a visit to Misawa Air Base, Japan's, base exchange to listen to and offer ideas on how to improve store appearance. Base: Naval Air Facility, Misawa State: Aomori Country: Japan (JPN)

CHIEF Photographer's Mate Ed Bailey, USNR-R, stands by to document activities during Fleet Week. Base: New York State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Area IV's youngest Soldiers receive an overview of what Army Emergency Relief can do for them during a briefing by AER Director (and former 19th ESC commander) Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Raymond Mason on Camp Henry, Daegu, Republic of Korea Oct. 20, 2022. AER provides grants, interest-free loans and scholarships to promote readiness and relieve financial distress of Soldiers and their Families. AER has provided over $2 Billion in assistance since its founding in 1942. Then Brig. Gen. Mason commanded 19th ESC from Oct 2006 to Oct. 2007.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks uses the 1MC on the USS Porter to addresses the crew on the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, Oslo, Norway, May 24, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Britt Slabinski, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, gives a speech during a remembrance ceremony for the 81st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans Dec. 7, 2022. Civilians, veterans and service members came together to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who perished during the attack on Dec. 7, 1941, and to thank the service members who fought bravely during WWII.

Department of the Interior-hosted dinner event honoring wounded veterans, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and other senior officials presiding

RENO, Nevada (Sept. 10, 2022) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday greets retired Adm. Bill Gortney before giving remarks as the guest of honor at Tailhook 2022 at the Nugget Casino Resort in Reno, Nevada. Tailhook is the largest annual Naval Aviation conference with this years theme being: 100 Years of Carriers. Gilday traveled to Nevada and California, Sept. 8-13, for Sailor and leadership engagement.

Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby holds a press briefing, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 20, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Taryn Sammet)

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Mississippi (Nov. 15, 2022) - Rear Adm. Lorin Selby, Chief of Naval Research, visits the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command on an official visit to become familiar with Naval Oceanography activities at Stennis Space Center. 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.

Medal of Honor recipient retired U.S. Navy Lt. Michael E. Thornton, receives a warm welcome at the 12th Annual Gathering of Heroes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 7, 2022. The Gathering of Heroes honors past, present, and future Marines. Thornton was one of five Medal of Honor recipients who were special guests at this years event.

Lawrence H. Einhorn, M.D. stands in the audience during a ceremony. Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Brown, senior enlisted adviser of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and a Greenwood resident, was awarded the Legion of Merit in a ceremony at the IU Health Cancer Pavilion, May 12, 2022.

Sailors from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) met with Japanese civilians during the "Navy Café" community relations event at the Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) Cultural Exchange Center. The event creates a welcoming environment for Japanese and Americans to better understand each other's way of life on either side of the main gate. CFAY has been serving and supporting the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and numerous military and civilian personnel and their families for 75 years.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the U.S. Air Force's Ramstein Air Base, Ramstein, Germany

970423-F-3798Y-017. Base: Grand Forks Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Detectives assigned to the Fort Hood Directorate of Emergency Sevices respond Nov. 5 to a shooter barricaded in the post's deployment readiness center. Thirteen people died and 30 more were wounded in the incident.

020708-M-5455N-023. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

General David Petraeus and Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker testify before Congress about the situation in Iraq

Donald E. Plater, executive director with Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Florida, receives a tour of the Guardian Centers training facility during Emerald Warrior 22.1 in Perry, Georgia, May 9, 2022. Emerald Warrior provides annual, realistic pre-deployment training encompassing multiple joint operating areas. The exercise prepares special operations forces, conventional force enablers, partner nations and interagency elements, to integrate with and execute full-spectrum special operations in any environment, sharpening U.S. forces abilities to operate around the globe. ( U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Wendy Day)

Katrina Response Ops - Coast Guard Air Station - Clearwater, Florida - 26-HK-163-91. Hurricane Katrina

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