Military Ceremonies and Honors

Images of military commemorations, ceremonies, and honors, celebrating bravery and historical military events across nations.

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment conduct the Battalion's Pass in Review during the change of command ceremony at Howze Parade Field, Fort Rucker, Alabama, June 24, 2022. Ceremonial Pass in Reviews allows a newly assigned commander to inspect their troops.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, senoir leaders across the Army, and civillians honor the heroic actions of D-Day at the Airborne Memorial Ceremony in Normandy, France, June 6, 2022. Paratroopers come to Normandy to celebrate the triumph and victory of the 82nd Airborne Division in liberating Normandy from Nazi rule.

U.S. Army paratroopers with the 173rd Airborne Brigade participate in a ceremony honoring the fallen U.S. troops in Operation Overlord or D-Day at the Normandy American Cemetery in Coleville, France, May 29, 2022. On June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 soldiers from the Allied Forces stormed Normandy Beach in what is known as the largest seaborne invasion in history. Approximately 4,000 Soldiers lost their lives, and the battle changed the course of World War ll. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photograph by Staff Sgt. Alexander Skripnichuk)

Polish Armed Forces Brig. Gen. Piotr Fajkowski, 15th Mechanized Infantry Brigade passes the guidon to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sean M. Castilla, incoming commander of Battlegroup Poland, commander 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (3-8 CAV) during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Oct. 4, 2022. The 3-8 CAV is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment conduct the Battalion's Pass in Review during the change of command ceremony at Howze Parade Field, Fort Rucker, Alabama, June 24, 2022. Ceremonial Pass in Reviews allows a newly assigned commander to inspect their troops.

U.S. Army Sgt. Jordan Zietz, an Infantryman assigned to the 4th Infantry Division, renders a salute, June 4, 2022, during the Four Braves 90th Infantry Division 78th Commemoration Ceremony, at Monument des 4 Braves, Periers, Normandie, France. The 90th Infantry Division, also known as the "Tough Ombre" division, landed at Utah Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944, as part of the massive Allied invasion of western Europe.

Troopers assigned to 1-12 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division participated in a WWII Commemoration Wreath Laying Ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie Municiple Cemetery in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland Sept. 1, 2022. Participating in events like these promote partnership between U.S. and Polish forces and the civilian population.

Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief, National Guard Bureau, talks with multinational troops supporting a NATO mission, Ādaži Military Base, Latvia, June 16, 2022.

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - The 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Commander Col. Benjamin D. Jahn, signified the transfer of leadership by returning the unit's guidon to senior enlisted adviser, Command Sgt. Maj. Eric W. Curran, during the 1st SFG (A) change of command ceremony July 15, 2022, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

Joint Base San Antonio members take part in the Excellence in Competition Pistol Shoot, May 20, 2022, at JBSA Chapman Annex, Texas. Personnel must earn at least 30 credit matches, either national or combat, and may be awarded multiple badges if they earn the required points. The Air Force awards EIC badges for excellence in individual competitions only. Points can be earned through competitions held by other services or in the private sector and count as credit toward the award of the appropriate distinguished badge.

Lt. Col. Kevin Easter relinquishes command of the 1-229th Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade to Lt. Col. Nicholas Holten at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on Jun. 10, 2022.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jefferson D. Burges, Commander of the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, and incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Frank E. Batts, stand at attention during assumption of responsibility ceremony at Caserma Del Din, Oct. 4, 2022, Vicenza, Italy. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

Tech. Sgt. Chiesa Moffett, 726th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron passenger services non-commissioned officer in charge, briefs participants of the African American Heritage Councils Walk In Their Shoes event on the importance of educating children about Juneteenth at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, June 15, 2022. U.S. President Joseph R. Biden designated Juneteenth a federal holiday June 17, 2021.

A group of Portugees Paratroopers stand in formation during the opening ceremony for Exercise Falcon Leap on Camp Orange Barracks, Schaarsbergen, Netherlands., Sep. 12, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise

Paratroopers assigned to 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division attend an award ceremony for fellow Paratroopers on Fort Bragg, NC, Aug. 23, 2022. Paratroopers received awards for their achievements and efforts in Poland. Paratroopers do what is right all the time, when no one is watching or telling them to do it.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division march to Sainte-Mère-Église following the Airborne Memorial Ceremony in Normandy, France, June 6, 2022. Paratroopers come to Normandy to celebrate the triumph and victory of the 82nd Airborne Division in liberating Normandy from Nazi rule.

Finnish soldiers assigned to the Pori Brigade, and U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, go over a sand table before a combined arms rehearsal at Niinisalo, Finland, July 21, 2022. The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and the Pori Brigade of the Finnish army began summer training in Finland to strengthen relations and help build interoperability between the two nations.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Ares Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (3-4 ABCT) prepare to receive a coin from Lt. Col. Darius Žūkas, commander of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Algirdas Battalion during the closing ceremony of Exercise Iron Wolf 22 at Pabradė Training Area, Lithuania, Oct. 28, 2022. The 3-4 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division and the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division perform a transfer of authority ceremony for the transfere of U.S. Army operations in support of Atlantic Resolve, Zagan, Poland, June 23, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

040323-F-0451J-016. Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSOC

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Wyatt Morrison, a platoon leader assigned to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat, 4th Infantry Division, stands with Portuguese counterparts during a rehearsal of concept drill at Exercise Justice Eagle, Smardan Training Area, Romania, on Sept. 18, 2022. As part of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, continues to reinforce NATOs eastern flank and engage in multinational exercises like Justice Eagle with Allies and partners across the European continent to reassure our Nations Allies.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to NATO eFP Battle Group Poland, including Soldiers of the U.S. Army 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3/1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, the Romanian Sky Guardians, U.K. The Royal Lancers, Prince of Wales Troop, and the 11th Croatian contingent, Panzer Battery, conduct a pass-and-review parade during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 2023. The 3/1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

020729-F-9753B-015. Base: Ghedi Air Base Country: Italy (ITA)

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, senoir leaders across the Army, and civillians honor the heroic actions of D-Day at the Airborne Memorial Ceremony in Normandy, France, June 6, 2022. Paratroopers come to Normandy to celebrate the triumph and victory of the 82nd Airborne Division in liberating Normandy from Nazi rule.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division march to Sainte-Mère-Église following the Airborne Memorial Ceremony in Normandy, France, June 6, 2022. Paratroopers come to Normandy to celebrate the triumph and victory of the 82nd Airborne Division in liberating Normandy from Nazi rule.

Albanian special operations forces soldiers and U.S. Green Berets assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) build camaraderie during distinguished visitor ceremony as part of a joint combined exchange (JCET) training near Tirana, Albania, Feb. 27, 2024. JCET enhances interoperability with partner nations and strengthens military readiness, teamwork, and joint confidence while promoting peace and stability in Europe. Army

Soldiers of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, and Members of the Northern Army, Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) hold a ceremony to start Yama Sakura 83, Dec. 4, 2022. The goal of the exercise is to strengthen multi-domain and cross-domain interoperability and readiness between the U.S.-Japan alliance to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Croatian army Maj. Nenad Vecenaj, left, outgoing commander of the 10th Croatian Contingent, Thunder, NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland, presents a coin to the U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Allison, command sergeant major of Battle Group Poland and the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Jan. 24, 2023. The Croatian army is proudly working alongside the 1st Infantry Division, NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, under America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

As part of military medicine's "Pivot to Readiness", the U.S. Army Medical Command is reorganizing and re-designating its Regional Health Commands to Medical Readiness Commands. During four ceremonies the Regional Health Commands will reflag and become Medical Readiness Commands.We are building the future of Army Medicine. Medical reform and restructuring will enhance the ability to recruit, organize, train, and equip medical Soldiers and leaders capable of supporting the current and future force.

U.S. Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade stand at attention during a ceremonial uncasing of their flag, streamers and colors following the units arrival to the Grafenwöhr Training Area in Grafenwöhr, Germany, Oct. 6, 2022. After many years, the 101st Airborne Division once again joins the 1st Infantry Division in Europe to work alongside other NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps.

U.S. Soldiers with the 519th Hospital Center Color Guard prepares to change the colors during a change of command ceremony, June 29, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Lt. Col. William D. Spruill assumed command of the unit from Lt. Col. Julie A. Hundertmark.

The 35th Corps Signal Brigade hosted an uncasing ceremony at Fort Bragg N.C. on Oct. 14 2022. The ceremony was a celebration to mark the return of the 35th Corps Signal Brigade to its home station. The brigade was activated on Jan. 11, 1943 and spent 40 years at Fort Bragg, before relocating to Fort Gordon, Georgia on Aug. 23, 2007. Now, after spending 15 years at Fort Gordon, the 35th CSB is returning home to Fort Bragg to enhance mission planning, and be in closer proximity to its XVIII Airborne Corps clients and all of its communication systems. The brigade will bring approximately 125 Soldiers to Fort Bragg to provide cutting edge telecommunications capability to Americas Contingency Corps. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Maxine Baen)

U.S. Army Col. Werner J. Barden, 519th Hospital Center commander, Lt. Col. Julie A. Hundertmark, outgoing 512th Field Hospital commander and Lt. Col. William D. Spruill, incoming 512th Field Hospital commander, inspect the troops during a change of command ceremony, June 29, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Spruill assumed command of the unit from Hundertmark.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Wesley E. Shields, Paratroopers assigned to the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, stands at attention during assumption of responsibility ceremony at Caserma Del Din, Oct. 4, 2022, Vicenza, Italy. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

Soldiers with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 58th Infantry Regiment, listen to a range brief during Buddy Team Tactics at a Fort Benning range on 28 September 2022.

U.S. Army Veteran Robert Heurgue tours his old drop zone with Maj. Gen. Christopher LaNeve in Normandy, France, June 3, 2022. Heurgue dropped into Normandy while assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division 78 years ago.

U.S. Army and International Paratroopers attend a Ch-47 Chinook Helicopter aircraft safety brief during Leapfest 2022 at the Quonset Army Aviation Support Facility in Washington County, Rhode Island, August 3, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Eric A. Rhoades (center) prepares for the passing of the guidon to symbolize the assumption of command and responsibility of 42d Transportation Company during the activation ceremony, Oct. 14, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany

Airmen stand in formation during a retirement ceremony for U.S. Air Force Col. Sigurd Lokensgard, former commander of the 129th Maintenance Group, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, Aug. 6, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base, California. Lokensgard is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate who retires with more than 30 years of service.

Polish Military Contingent members salute the Polish flag while it was being raised during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Dec. 1, 2022. The Polish Military Contingents mission at Incirlik AB consists of on-call duty and monitoring the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea in collaboration with NATO Permanent Maritime Groups and NATO Naval Command. The 39th Air Base Wing collaborates with Poland and other allies across the European theater to defend NATOs southern flank.

The 82nd Airborne Divisions All American Chorus performs at the Eternal Heroes Monument in Normandy, France, June 2, 2022. World War II Veterans and representatives of the 82nd Airborne Division and 101st Airborne Divisions (Air Assault) came to honor fallen Paratroopers who liberated Ravenoville in June of 1944.

Polish Land Forces Gen. Jarosław Mika, general commander of Branches of the Armed Forces, greets Polish soldiers who are taking part in a combined static display of U.S. and Polish armies military vehicles at the Camp Kościuszko Military Picnic at John Paul II Park, Poznań, Poland, July 30, 2022. The military picnic is part of a series of events celebrating the renaming to Camp Kościuszko and the shared history and commitment to collective defense between the United States and Poland.

Private First Class Root is seen standing at the start line of the Norwegian Ruck March carrying Delta 5-7s guidon. Soldiers from 5-7 ADA rucked along side members of the 82nd Airborne's 3rd Brigade on a 18.5 mile course on Milec Air Base in Poland.

Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve service members attend the Queen Elizabeth II remembrance ceremony, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Sept. 19, 2022. Coalition members from Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand honored Queen Elizabeth II following her death on Sept. 8, 2022, after serving as the British sovereign and head of the Commonwealth for more than 70 years.

Troopers assigned to 1-12 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division participated in a WWII Commemoration Wreath Laying Ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie Municiple Cemetery in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland Sept. 1, 2022. Participating in events like these promote partnership between U.S. and Polish forces and the civilian population.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, commander of the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), delivers his speech during the Transfer of Authority ceremony in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Feb. 4, 2023. The 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Air Force airborne cryptologic language analyst students assigned to the 517th Training Group gather to speak with Lt. Col. Matthew Weilbacher, 488th Intelligence Squadron director of operations and Chief Master Sgt. Chet Cooper, 488th IS senior enlisted leader, at Presidio of Monterey, Calif., May 11, 2022. More than 20 operational commanders, senior enlisted leaders, functional managers and operational leaders gathered at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center for the 517th Training Groups VisitPalooza. VisitPalooza is an event hosted by the 517th TRG, allowing visitors the opportunity to get a glimpse of students' lives as they go through the strenuous curriculum.

Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion attend an award and promotion ceremony for fellow Paratroopers on Fort Bragg, NC, Aug. 5, 2022. Paratroopers recieved awards for work done both in Poland and in Garrison.

The 7th Army Training Command transfers authority from Command Sgt. Major Mark A. Morgan to Command Sgt. Maj. Paul M. Fedorisin during its Change of Responsibility Ceremony on the Tower Barracks Parade Field, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Feb 15, 2024. The change of responsibility ceremony is a time-honored tradition commemorating the symbolic relinquishment of responsibility from one senior noncommissioned officer to another by passing the organizational colors. Army

Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion attend an award and promotion ceremony for fellow Paratroopers on Fort Bragg, NC, Aug. 5, 2022. Paratroopers recieved awards for work done both in Poland and in Garrison.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston, U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, and senior enlisted soldiers of the Lithuanian Land Forces pose for a photo at Camp Herkus, Lithuania, May 3, 2022. Grinston is the Army Chief of Staff's adviser on matters affecting the enlisted force and devotes most of his time traveling to observe training and interacting with Soldiers and their Families. (U.S. Army photo)

U.S. Marine Corps Col Robert Hallett meets with Finland Navy Capt Kilpi, Uusima Commanding Officer, Task Force 61/2 (TF-61/2), Helsinky, Finland, May 18, 2022.

Earlier this week military representatives from the NATO alliance visited us in Latvia. TF Heavy CAV showcased its capabilities and created a shared understanding as we continue to build trust in our Allies and partners across Europe!

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force members work alongside U.S. Army Soldiers as part of Yama Sakura 83 at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec. 5, 2022. The Yama Sakura training event encourages participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the US-Japan security alliance and for the continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The commune of Amfreville honors the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment and 82nd Airborne Division at the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment Memorial in Picauville, France, June 1, 2022. U.S. Army Col. Richard Taylor of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div., Battalion S3 Maj. Craig Barnhill of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and members of Amfrevilles local legislation provided remarks and laid wreaths in remembrance of the 507ths heroic actions in 1944.

U.S. Army Capt. Erick T. Furgal, left, outgoing commander Bravo Company, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. John G. Wildt, right, commander of 307th Military Intelligence Brigade, during the change of command ceremony for Bravo Company, 307th Military Intelligence at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 16, 2024. Army

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, embraces German Army Lt. Gen. Jürgen-Joachim von Sandrart, commander of NATO Multinational Corps Northeast during a combined-arms live-fire exercise in Pabrade, Lithuania Feb. 19, 2024. The 3rd Division's mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe. Army

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Randy Gillespie, outgoing command sergeant major, prepares to hand off the guidon to Brig. Gen. Jan C. Norris, outgoing commander, during a change of command ceremony at Palm Circle in Fort Shafter, Hawaii on July 15, 2022. Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler is entrusted with taking command of the 311th Signal Command (Theater) upon Norris departure.

U.S. Soldiers with Regional Health Command-Europe render honors during a redesignation ceremony on Sep. 30, 2022 in Landstuhl, Germany. RHC-Europe redesignated to Medical Readiness Center-Europe.

US Army General Tommy R. Franks, Commander in CHIEF US Central Command (US CENTCOM) and other dignitaries watch a check point control demonstration during the start of Central Asian Peacekeeping Battalion (CENTRASBAT) 2000 Almaty, Kazakhstan (KAZ), 15 September 2000. CENTRASBAT 2000 is a multi-national peacekeeping and humanitarian relief exercise sponsored by US CENTCOM and hosted by the former Soviet Republic Kazakhstan in Central Asia, 11-20 September 2000. Exercise participants include approximately 300 US troops including personnel from US CENTCOM, the USA's 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C., and 5th Special Forces Group, Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, and 300 Kazakhstan soldiers.... Complete Scene Caption: US Army General Tommy R. Franks, Commander in Chief US Central Command (US CENTCOM) and other dignitaries watch a check point control demonstration during the start of Central Asian Peacekeeping Battalion (CENTRASBAT) 2000 Almaty, Kazakhstan (KAZ), 15 September 2000. CENTRASB

U.S. Soldiers assigned to NATO eFP Battle Group Poland, including Soldiers of the U.S. Army 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division, the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2 ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division (1 CD), operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID), the Romanian Sky Guardians, U.K. The Royal Lancers, Prince of Wales Troop, and the 11th Croatian contingent, Panzer Battery, conduct a pass-and-review parade during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 2023. The 2 ABCT, 1 CD is among other units assigned to the 4 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Airmen from the 374th Security Forces Squadron walk away after firing a salute during a police retreat ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2022. The 374th SFS held the ceremony during Police Week to honor law enforcement personnel as well as recognize the dangers and risks they face every day.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), host a D-Day commemoration ceremony and ruck march June 6, 2022, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, to remember the sacrifices of Allied forces during the storming of the Normandy beachhead during World War II.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment conduct an after action review after an iteration of the Mortar Training and Evaluation Program (MorTEP) at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, June 28, 2022. MorTEP tests mortar teams on their abilities to safely and accurately employ their weapon system.

U.S. Army Cpt. Catherine Bradshaw, middle, Echo Troop commander, and 1sg. Christopher Koverman, Echo Troop 1st Sergeant, 3-6 Air Cavalry Squadron, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Speak to a Polish Officer assigned to the 56th Observation Escadrille about the future of Polish aviation in Wroclaw, Poland, Dec. 8, 2022. U.S. soldiers conducted fuel check training alongside Polish forces. The squadron conducted training in order to compare quality assurance methods with our Polish partners

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ethan Durham, a CH-53E Super Stallion pilot with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, gives a eulogy during a memorial ceremony honoring five Marines of HMH-361 at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Feb. 16, 2024. More than 550 Marines, family and friends gathered to pay tribute to the five Marines who lost their lives as the result of a CH-53E mishap on Feb. 6, 2024, in Pine Valley, California. Marine Corps

82nd Airborne Division Chorus performs at a football game on September 17, 2022 at the Methodist University, N.C. Methodist University hosted a veteran game in honor of all service members.

020927-F-8063B-003. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Soldiers assigned to various units within U.S. Army Europe and Africa footprint are recognized for accomplishments during the Basic Leader Course (BLC) at 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 11, 2022. The 7th Army NCOA trains U.S. and multinational Soldiers using the BLC curriculum from the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence.

WIESBADEN, Germany -- Canadian Lt. Gen. Jocelyn (Joe) Paul, Commander Canadian Army, met with U.S. Army Gen. Darryl Williams, U.S. Army Europe and Africa Commanding General, while visiting U.S. Army Europe and Africa headquarters, Feb. 14, 2023. The two leaders discussed NATOs collective defense and support to Ukraine.

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. - Cadets from the Kansas and Oklahoma Army National Guard are debrief after a simulated mission by their training officers at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, June 4, 2022. Working together with the cadre from Officer Candidate School in Oklahoma brings us closer together as a team, said Capt. Adam Taylor, of the Kansas ARNG.

Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion attend an award and promotion ceremony for fellow Paratroopers on Fort Bragg, NC, Aug. 5, 2022. Paratroopers recieved awards for work done both in Poland and in Garrison.

U.S. Army Col. Eugene Ferris, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division gives a speech prior to awarding Lt. Col. Kwame Boateng with the Meritorious Service Metal during a Change of Command Ceremony on Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 22, 2022. Lt. Col. Kwame O. Boateng relinquishes command of the 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion to Lt. Col. Damon M. Torres.

Warrant Officers assigned to the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bulls" come together for a group photo at Fort Cavazos, Texas, Feb. 28, 2024. A Warrant Officer is an expert in their field that administers, manages, maintains, operates, and integrates Army systems and equipment across the full spectrum of Army operations. (Minnesota National Guard

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division march to Sainte-Mère-Église following the Airborne Memorial Ceremony in Normandy, France, June 6, 2022. Paratroopers come to Normandy to celebrate the triumph and victory of the 82nd Airborne Division in liberating Normandy from Nazi rule.

Members of 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force prepare to conduct tactical movement rehearsals prior to the start of Garuda Shield 22 near Barrigada, Guam, July 29, 2022.Garuda Shield, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. military and Indonesia National Armed Forces, reinforces the U.S. commitments to our allies, and regional partners, joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together. #SuperGarudaShield #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific

Soldiers of the XVIII Airborne Corps participate in a staff ride to learn about the Battle of Normandy from retired Col. Keith Nightingale. As part of the 78th Anniversary of D-Day. Nightingale has been educating soldiers about the importance of D-Day from a strategic and operational standpoint for more than 40 years.

Soldiers from U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, 7th Army Training Command and partners stand for a group photo during The African Land Forces Colloquium 2022, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Sept. 14, 2022. ALFC 22 brought African Land Force Commanders together along with select U.S. Army and allied and partner army leaders to address land force security challenges. ALFC22 emphasized U.S. Army institutional training and ways to "Train to Fight."

Brigadier General Patrick Thibodeau Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, interacts with Brigadier Jean Laurentin Deputy Commander, 1st United Kingdom Division United Kingdom, while they visit the Joint Multinational Readiness Center during The African Land Forces Colloquium 2022, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Sept. 15, 2022. ALFC 22 brought African Land Force Commanders together along with select U.S. Army and allied and partner army leaders to address land force security challenges. ALFC22 emphasized U.S. Army institutional training and ways to "Train to Fight."

U.S. Army incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Frank E. Batts, Command Sgt. of the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, provides remarks, during assumption of responsibility ceremony at Caserma Del Din, Oct. 4, 2022, Vicenza, Italy. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

The 104th Maintenance Operations Flight spent the afternoon on April 8, 2022 volunteering at the Friends of the Homeless shelter in Springfield, Massachusetts. The 104MOF helped the staff and clients weed garden beds, build trellises, and plant the spring gardens. The 104MOF regularly volunteers in our community at various organizations. The Friends of the Homeless shelter, run by Clinical and Support Options, provides a warm bed and hot shower to over 1,000 people each year, as well as assign them a caseworker for behavioral and mental health needs. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

Gourbesville celebrates the 82nd Airborne Divisions contributions to the liberation of Normandy in Picauville, France, June 1, 2022. U.S. Army Col. Richard Taylor of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div., provided remarks in celebration of the 78th Anniversary of the Normandy invasion.

U.S. Marines with Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 224, Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, participate in the change of command ceremony for VMFA(AW) 224 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Jan. 11, 2024. Lt. Col. John Schranz relinquished command of VMFA(AW)-224 to Lt. Col. Jarrod Allen.

Soldiers with the 34th Infantry Division pose for a group photo while at Fort Cavazos, Texas, Feb. 18, 2024. (Minnesota National Guard

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3/1 ABCT), Greywolf Brigade, operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division and 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2 ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division (1 CD), Black Jack Brigade, operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID), conduct the uncasing and casing of the unit colors during the Transfer of Authority ceremony in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Feb. 4, 2023. The 2 ABCT, 1 CD is among other units assigned to the 4 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

The 16th Special Troops Battalion recently conducted a Change of Command Ceremony as outgoing Battalion Commander LTC Hans Lokodi relinquished Command to LTC Hardy Johnson the incoming Battalion Commander. The Change of Command was carried about by 16th Sustainment Brigade Commander COL Angel R. Estrada. The 16th Special Troops Battalion conducts operations in multiple countries concurrently. They are vital in the tasks include human resources, financial management and the full spectrum of services required to sustain the brigade and battalion headquarters operations across U.S. Army Europe, U.S. European Command, and on order, the U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility.

Soldiers of 2-151st Infantry Battalion Task Force Nighthawk attend a service conducted by Chaplain Cpt. Richard Wolfe Jr. at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center, in Hohenfels, Germany, Oct. 9, 2022.

U.S. Army soldiers assigned to Second Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment showcase their vehicles capability to U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, Honorable Celeste Wallander, at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania on May 11, 2022. Joint NATO Force presence and commitment to the defense of our allies are important symbols of assurance and provide deterrence against potential adversaries.

Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve service members attend the Queen Elizabeth II remembrance ceremony, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Sept. 19, 2022. Coalition members from Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand honored Queen Elizabeth II following her death on Sept. 8, 2022, after serving as the British sovereign and head of the Commonwealth for more than 70 years.

Julius Brown,6, patiently waits to embrace his father, Staff Sgt. Julian A. Brown , Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 4th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain (Light Infantry) Division, on July 15, 2014 during a welcome home ceremony at Magrath Sports Complex in Fort Drum, N.Y. Approximately 300 3BCT Soldiers were reunited with their friends and loved ones during the event. 3BCT deployed to Afghanistan as a security force advise assist brigade in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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

Gourbesville celebrates the 82nd Airborne Divisions contributions to the liberation of Normandy in Picauville, France, June 1, 2022. U.S. Army Col. Richard Taylor of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Abn. Div., provided remarks in celebration of the 78th Anniversary of the Normandy invasion.

070101-A-4746S-057. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Echo Country: Iraq (IRQ)

A group of Airmen rally before a ruck march in honor of police week at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, May 16, 2022. The ruck, along with other events on base, were a part of the bases efforts to honor police week.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jon T. Hannah, 422d Air Base Group commander, speaks during a change of command ceremony at RAF Welford, England, May 26, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

A group of German Paratroopers stand in formation during the opening ceremony for Exercise Falcon Leap on Camp Orange Barracks, Schaarsbergen, Netherlands., Sep. 12, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the North Carolina Air National Guard enjoy food, beverages, and conversation during a grand-opening of the Epic Center held at the North Carolina Air National Guard Base, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, April 2, 2022. The Epic Center boasts plenty of space for ceremonies, large-gatherings indoors and outdoors, as well as an outdoor fire place with cover and space heaters.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher Ruano, 1st Combat Camera Squadron aerial combat camera craftsman, provides instruction during Exercise Green Goblin at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Dec. 6, 2022. This four-day exercise provides relevant and essential night-vision training to prepare combat camera Airmen with enhanced photographic and video capabilities required to capture imagery in low-light and no-light environments.

A group of British Paratroopers waits in formation to board the aircraft with their Polish parachute during Exrcise Falcon Leap on Eindhoven Air Base, Eindhoven, Netherlands., Sep. 13, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise

Airmen assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing listen to Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass during an all-call at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 4, 2022. Bass spoke to Team MacDill about her priority of focusing on the needs of Airmen and accelerating change to stay ahead of the United States adversaries.

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