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Military Ceremonies and Leadership Events

Images of military change of command ceremonies, speeches, and receptions with officials, reflecting formal events and camaraderie among military leaders.

Col. Andrew Campbell, 374th Airlift Wing commander, talks about the enduring bond between the United States and Japan, during the Japanese-American Friendship Festivals distinguished visitor reception May 21, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The DV reception provided an opportunity for U.S. military leaders to celebrate the friendship between the U.S. and Japan alongside Japan Self-Defense Force and local Japanese community leaders. The two-day festival was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership, while strengthening the bonds between Yokota and the local communities. Yokota was able to host the event with the support of Japan Self-Defense Force, sister services and the local community.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jeff Portell, Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Keesler incoming commander, speaks at the CNATTU Keesler change of command ceremony in the Bay Breeze Event Center on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Nov. 17, 2022. The ceremony welcomed Portell and said farewell to Cmdr. David Marino, CNATTU Keesler outgoing commander.

030206-F-6701P-018. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Washington D.C. (July 5, 2022) Dr. William A. LaPlante Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainmen address attendees during semi-virtual Change of Leadership ceremony at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., where Lt. Gen. Eric Fick transferred authorities and duties of the F-35 Joint Program Office to Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt during a on July 5, 2022. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle-space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35, which has been operational since July of 2015, is the most lethal, survivable, and interoperable fighter aircraft ever built.

Col. Andrew Campbell, 374th Airlift Wing commander, talks about the enduring bond between the United States and Japan, during the Japanese-American Friendship Festivals distinguished visitor reception May 21, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The DV reception provided an opportunity for U.S. military leaders to celebrate the friendship between the U.S. and Japan alongside Japan Self-Defense Force and local Japanese community leaders. The two-day festival was an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the U.S. and Japan bilateral partnership, while strengthening the bonds between Yokota and the local communities. Yokota was able to host the event with the support of Japan Self-Defense Force, sister services and the local community.

RENO, Nevada (Sept. 10, 2022) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday gives 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. 8-12, for Sailor and leadership engagement.

Reverend Laurie Graber and her husband Tom Graber give a presentation May 26, 2022, during the 2022 Memorial Day Prayer Luncheon at Fort McCoy, Wis. Both Grabers discussed their ministry and the importance of Memorial Day. The Grabers were among several participants in the luncheon that included special guest speakers, special prayers provided by other clergy, and music to honor fallen veterans for Memorial Day. Nearly three dozen community members attended the event that also included a free lunch. The event was organized by the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

GREAT LAKES (July 14, 2022) Capt. Jason J. Williamson, Naval Station Great Lakes' commanding officer, gives his remarks at the awards dinner for the annual Commander, Navy Installations Command Culinary Competition. Seven teams consisting of three chefs each from most Navy regions competed to be called the best chefs in CNIC. This is the seventh time the CNIC Culinary Competition took place at Great Lakes.

Rear Adm. Melvin W. Bouboulis, commander, Coast Guard District 13, speaks at the Seafair 4-Rotary Lunch as part of Fleet Week Seattle, Aug. 3 2022. Fleet Week Seattle is a time-honored celebration of the sea services and provides an opportunity for the citizens of Washington to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

Command Master Chief Dennis Hunt addresses guests at the Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) Navy Ball held Oct. 13, 2022 at CFAS in celebration of the U.S. Navys 247th birthday. The theme of the U.S. Navys 247th birthday was "On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years," which highlighted the Navy's enduring ability to remain fully ready to respond to and effectively deter emergent threats.

Jeffrey L. Langhout, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command's Aviation and Missile Center director, provides an update on aviation science and technology efforts during Fort Rucker's Aviation Industry Days event Aug. 3, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Joshua Lewis, the Commanding Officer of Recruiting Station Sacramento, speaks to Marine veterans during a traditional cake-cutting ceremony luncheon at The Sutter Club in Sacramento, California on Nov. 3, 2022. Marines with Recruiting Station Sacramento attended the luncheon to celebrate the 247th Marine Corps Birthday with Marines who served in the past.

Sacramento District Commander Col. James Handura had the honor of addressing students, family, and friends during the Society of American Military Engineers Sacramento Posts scholarship event. Col. Handura joined National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Herman in handing out $34,500 in scholarship checks to award high school and college students who are studying engineering or related technical disciplines.

Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead speaks to the 138th Field Artillery Brigade, Kentucky National Guard, at their annual brigade ball in Lexington, Ky. on Dec. 3, 2022. Whitehead is the guest speaker at the ball and will be inducted into the Order of St. Barbara as recognition to his 40 years of service.

Army Brig. Gen. Jason Benson, the Assistant Division Commander - Maneuver of the Minnesota National Guards 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, is promoted during an event at the Minnesota State Capitol on January 13, 2024. The promotion comes as Benson and more than 500 fellow Red Bulls prepare for an upcoming deployment to the Middle-East later this year.We do not promote people to brigadier general because that of which they have already done, said Army Maj. Gen. Charles Kemper, 34th Infantry Division Commander. "We promote them based on the potential they have to lead.

Capt. David Adams, Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS), speaks during the 2022 Japan-America Society of Sasebo (JASS) Christmas party held at Hotel Flags Kujukushima in Sasebo, Japan Dec. 9, 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.

Gen. Glen VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, provided the keynote address highlighting the 75th Anniversary of Alaskan Command, a USNORTHCOM subordinate unified command, at the Alaska Aviation Museum, Anchorage, Alaska, May 6, 2022. Alaskan Command, in coordination with trusted partners, conducts homeland defense, civil support, mission assurance, and security cooperation within the ALCOM Joint Area of Operations to defend and secure the United States and its interests. (Department of Defense photo by Chuck Marsh)

Inter-American Defense College Leadership hosts a hail and farewell ceremony on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Jan. 23, 2023. The ceremony was held to honorBrazilian Army Col. Thales Alencar as he prepares to departure his position at the IADC and return to his duties in Brazil.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Mississippi, for touring, participation in events highlighting the restoration project--funded jointly by the National Park Service and the Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign, as part of the National Park Centennial Initiative--aimed at replacing interpretive battlefield markers and conserving the array of bronze statuary and stone monuments at the Civil War site. Joining Secretary Kempthorne for the events, including the unveiling of the first group of 22 metal markers identifying the specific locations of various Union and Confederate artillery batteries during the siege and defense of Vicksburg, were National Park Service Director Mary Bomar, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Chairman John Nau III, and country music star Trace Adkins, among other dignitaries.

A U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Airman assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing presents a speech on the importance of the POW/MIA table at the 75th Annual Air Force Ball at the Carolina Skies Club at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sep. 16, 2022. The tradition of having a separate table for those who were taken prisoner or deemed missing in action dates back to the Vietnam War.

U.S. senior enlisted Sailors from I, II and III Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Third Fleet prepare for a brief during an annual Fleet Marine Force senior enlisted symposium at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 28, 2023. The purpose of the symposium is to bring senior enlisted leaders from U.S. Third Fleet and the operational forces together to discuss force resiliency, troop welfare, Navy and Marine Corps integration, training and enlisted leader development.

Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander, Carrier Strike Group 1, gives a speech at a reception during Portland Fleet Week 2022, June 10. 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.

Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead speaks to the 138th Field Artillery Brigade, Kentucky National Guard, at their annual brigade ball in Lexington, Ky. on Dec. 3, 2022. Whitehead is the guest speaker at the ball and will be inducted into the Order of St. Barbara as recognition to his 40 years of service.

Overall view of Quesada Hall at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia during a hearing by the U.S. House of Representative's National Security Readiness Sub-Committee to discuss readiness and the quality of life issues in today's military. The committee, headed by Congressman Bateman of Virginia, received testimony from senior military leaders from all four branches of the military services. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks at the retirement ceremony of retired Col. Kevin Herrmann, former director of the Total Force Structure Division, at the General Raymond G. Davis Center on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 30, 2022. Herrmann is retiring after 43 years of honorable combined service to the Marine Corps.

Maj. Gen. Case Cunningham, Commander, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center, briefs Nellis Air Force Base honorary commanders and Beale AFB civic leaders before Red Flag Night Launch at Nellis AFB, Nevada, Jan. 31, 2023. This event served as an opportunity to highlight the importance of Red Flag exercises to honorary commanders from Nellis AFB and Beale AFB.

Lt. Col. Joseph Sahl, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District commander, makes opening comments about the class during a graduation ceremony Sept. 14, 2022, at the district headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee. (USACE Photo by Leon Roberts)

The family of U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jeff Portell, Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Keesler incoming commander, view the CNATTU Keesler change of command ceremony in the Bay Breeze Event Center on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Nov. 17, 2022. The ceremony welcomed Portell and said farewell to Cmdr. David Marino, CNATTU Keesler outgoing commander.

Family members of U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Morrison are briefed on his recovery case by Chris Williamson, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Southeast Asia research analyst, during a DPAA Family Member Update (FMU) in Phoenix, Ariz., Feb. 24, 2024. DPAA personnel continuously work toward locating, recovering and identifying the remains of U.S. service members who are still missing from World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War and the Vietnam War. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Clyde Rankins, 633d Logistic Readiness Squadron deployment and distribution flight chief, speaks to the audience during his promotion ceremony to Chief Master Sergeant at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 30, 2022. Approximately 1% of the enlisted Air Force structure makes it to the rank of E-9.

Members of the Beaufort Rotary Club listen to a presentation at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Feb. 7, 2024. The Beaufort Rotary Club members visited Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 and watched a military working dog demonstration. Marine Corps

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky N. Rupp, right, 5th Air Force commander, addresses 5th AF wing commanders and Okinawa local leaders during a social hour at Kadena Air Base, Japan, April 4, 2023. 5th AF leadership met with and talked to local leaders to help strengthen bonds and communication with host nation counterparts.

U.S. Soldiers, Airmen and senior leaders with the Pennsylvania National Guard joined the Fort Indiantown Gap community and Santa Claus for a tree lighting ceremony at the Community Club to kick off the Holiday season.

Mr. Alar Karis, President of Estonia, makes a special visit to meet with LTG Thomas H. Todd III, Deputy Commanding General for Acquisition and Systems and Chief Innovation Officer, Army Futures Command, at the Capital Factory and Army Applications Laboratory on September 23, 2022 in Austin, TX (US Army Photo by Patrick Hunter)

Kennedy Space Center employees attend a Veterans Day observance event on Nov. 7, 2019, in the Florida spaceports Training Auditorium. Those employees standing are being recognized for serving in the United States Armed Forces. During the event, Kennedy was named a Purple Heart Entity by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, becoming the first NASA center to receive this designation for support and services provided to veterans through the centers Veterans employee resource group. Following this recognition, Christopher Vedvick, a combat wounded veteran and Military Order of the Purple Heart department of Florida commander, spoke about his experience serving in the United States Army before retiring, his involvement in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the purpose of the organization.

Madame Marie Schill, spouse of the Chief of the French Army, attends a luncheon with military spouses at the Paradise Point Officers Club on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, August 25, 2022. During her visit, Madame Schill was briefed on the initiatives focused on readiness and resiliency; was informed about Marine, family, veteran support programs and given an understanding of how the Marine Corps approaches care for Wounded Warriors and their families.

Fort McCoy Installation Safety Office Manager Randy Eddy displays the sixth U.S. Army Excellence Safety Streamer Award on Oct. 27, 2022, during the Garrison Commander Town Hall event in building 60 at Fort McCoy, Wis. The installation received the award in September 2022 from the Director of Installation Management Command Directorate-Readiness. Standing with Eddy is Dale Marsolek, also with the Fort McCoy Installation Safety Office.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Kevin Herrmann, former director of the Total Force Structure Division, presents his wife, Mary Hermann, flowers during his retirement ceremony at the General Raymond G. Davis Center on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 30, 2022. Herrmann is retiring after 43 years of honorable combined service to the Marine Corps.

The Fort Campbell Soldier Recovery Unit hosted music therapy partnering with Creativets out of Nashville, Tennessee. The Soldiers collaborated with singer/song writers to create songs that they then played for Soldiers and Staff of the SRU. CreatiVets goal is to offer opportunities for relief and healing for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

230402-N-EJ241-1020DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory - Personnel assigned to U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia, tenant commands and other installation facilities gather at the command chapel on the island for religious service April 2, 2023. NSF Diego Garcia's mission is to provide critical support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean, while supporting multi-theater forces operating in the CENTCOM, AFRICOM, EUCOM, and PACOM areas of responsibilities in support of overseas contingency operations.

Army Reserve Disability Program Manager Derrick Caulkins provides opening remarks during the 2022 Fort McCoy, Wis., observance Oct. 20, 2022, of Disability Employment Awareness Month at McCoy's Community Center. According to the Library of Congress at https://www.loc.gov/accessibility/disability-employment-awareness-month, in October, Americans observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month by paying tribute to the accomplishments of the men and women with disabilities whose work helps keep the nations economy strong and by reaffirming their commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens. The event was organized by the Army Reserve Equal Employment Opportunity Office at Fort McCoy and by Master Sgt. Ana Guzman with the Fort McCoy Equal Opportunity Office.

220901-N-PW480-0026 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Sep. 1, 2022) - Commander, MyNavy Career Center, Rear Adm. Stu Satterwhite, speaks inside of Ross Theater during a visit to Naval Station Great Lakes, Sept. 1. Satterwhite met with command pay and personnel administrators assigned to Great Lakes-area commands to discuss changes to pay processes and other improvements.

230405-N-EJ241-1017DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory - Lt. Cmdr. Michael J. Monroig, the chaplain aboard U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia, speaks during religious service April 5, 2023. NSF Diego Garcia's mission is to provide critical support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean, while supporting multi-theater forces operating in the CENTCOM, AFRICOM, EUCOM, and PACOM areas of responsibilities in support of overseas contingency operations.

Lee Ielpi, Board of Directors for the 9/11 Tribute Center, talks to Airmen from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst at the 9/11 Tribute Center in New York City, Aug. 20, 2012. Ielpi spent 26 years in the New York Fire Department and recounted the events of September 11th to the Airman.

Retired U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Charles Rock addresses guests at the Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) Navy Ball held Oct. 13, 2022 at CFAS in celebration of the U.S. Navys 247th birthday. The theme of the U.S. Navys 247th birthday was "On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years," which highlighted the Navy's enduring ability to remain fully ready to respond to and effectively deter emergent threats.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Feb. 20, 2013) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus speaks with Sailors and Marines during an all-hands call in the Fleet Theater at Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Mabus thanked those gathered for their service and addressed current issues facing the fleet including sequestration, time on deployment, and management of resources.

Fort McCoy Installation Safety Office Manager Randy Eddy displays the sixth U.S. Army Excellence Safety Streamer Award on Oct. 27, 2022, during the Garrison Commander Town Hall event in building 60 at Fort McCoy, Wis. The installation received the award in September 2022 from the Director of Installation Management Command Directorate-Readiness. Standing with Eddy is Dale Marsolek, also with the Fort McCoy Installation Safety Office.

031113-M-3856G-011. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. E. Benjamin Smith, III, 367th Recruiting Group commander, Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., provides closing remarks to attendees during the Air Force Reserve Recruiting Deployment for Training evening awards dinner Nov. 8. More than 400 Airmen from across the Air Force Reserve Recruiting Service attended the annual DFT program Nov. 5-9, 2022 in Orlando, Fla.

From left to right, retired U.S. Air Force Capt. Don Wylie, pilot, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Charlie Plumb, pilot, retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Lynn Beens, pilot, and retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. William Tschudy, naval flight officer, recount experiences of the Vietnam War during a keynote address and roundtable discussion at Travis Air Force Base, California, March 31, 2023. The event was part of the 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming commemoration to honor and celebrate American POWs returning from Vietnam in 1973.

SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 5, 2022) - Rose Gottemoeller, a lecturer from Stanford University, speaks at the Senior Leaders Seminar as part of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2022, Oct. 5, 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas 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 the city and its surrounding areas.

Fairborn Chamber of Commerce members receive a briefing Oct. 13 on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base by Col. Charles Barkhurst, 88th Air Base Wing vice commander. The WPAFB tour fosters a stronger relationship between the base and local community.

Fort McCoy Installation Safety Office Manager Randy Eddy displays the sixth U.S. Army Excellence Safety Streamer Award on Oct. 27, 2022, during the Garrison Commander Town Hall event in building 60 at Fort McCoy, Wis. The installation received the award in September 2022 from the Director of Installation Management Command Directorate-Readiness. Standing with Eddy is Dale Marsolek, also with the Fort McCoy Installation Safety Office.

WASHINGTON (Sept. 2, 2022) - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday delivers remarks during the change of office ceremony for the Vice Chief of Naval Operations held at the Pentagon, Sept. 2. Adm. Lisa Franchetti was sworn in as the 42nd Vice Chief of Naval Operations when she assumed duties from Adm. William Lescher during the ceremony.

NORFOLK, Va. (July 2, 2022) - Rear Adm. (ret.) Mike Shatynski speaks about the National Museum of the Surface Navy project during the 31st Commissioning Anniversary and Celebration Dinner, July 2, 2022. July 4, 2022 marks 31 years since the U.S. Navy commissioned the first Aegis-equipped guided-missile destroyer, USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51).

Retired Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst, director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, provides the keynote address during the Ohio Military Hall of Fame Class of 2022 induction ceremony April 22, 2022, at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium in Columbus, Ohio. The OMHOF recognizes Ohio veterans who were awarded medals for valor during their military service. The class of 2022 comprises 17 Ohio veterans who served in the Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

A group of Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers sit a table during the CATCH Night of Champions event at The Henry hotel in Dearborn, Mich., on October 13, 2022

William Mcgoven, the quality assurance for the Directorate of Public Works, speaks about handling mold issues for U.S Army barracks at Moon Theater on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sep. 12, 2002. Considering recent and ongoing issues with mold in military barracks, 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield leadership acknowledged concerns with mold in single Soldier housing and communicated the plan to combat it as part of a community-wide effort.

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo delivers remarks at an event in honor of Veterans Day, at the Department of State, Washington, D.C., November 12, 2019.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Austin Renforth, commanding general of Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), speaks to guests during a Service Members of the Quarter Honoree Luncheon at MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, California, Aug 31, 2022. The Armed Services YMCA hosted the luncheon to congratulate the honorees on their outstanding service.

U.S. Air Force Maj. James Dunn, 386th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron commander, gives closing statements to attendees of Discover America Week at the Crowne Plaza Auditorium in Kuwait City, Kuwait, Oct. 24, 2022. The 386th ECONS goes out quarterly to the event to make contacts with local vendors hoping to do business with the U.S. military.

Dr. Stephen Carney, command historian, Arlington National Cemetery, gives a history lecture to visitors in the Memorial Amphitheater during the first Flowers of Remembrance Day at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., May 28, 2022. Visitors were given the opportunity to cross the plaza and place a flower in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This event pays homage to the first official Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day, which originally took place at the cemetery in 1868 as a way to honor the sacrifices of those who fought and died in the Civil War.

010420-D-9880W-009. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Military retirees and their family members participate in the 2022 Retiree Appreciation Day on Sept. 9, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Hundreds of people attended the event that was coordinated by the Fort McCoy Soldier for Life/Retirement Services Office with the Fort McCoy Directorate of Human Resources. It was the first Retiree Appreciation Day at the installation since 2019.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Williamsburg, Virginia, for Colonial National Historical Park touring, discussions with National Park Service Director Mary Bomar and Colonial National Historical Park staff, and keynote address at the 2007 National Association of State Park Directors and National Park Service Leadership Council Conference

Eric Williams, 436th Operations Support Squadron honorary commander, recites the HCC Oath during the 2023 HCC Induction Ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Oct. 20, 2022. Forty-two local civic and business leaders were inducted into the HCC program. Williams, Delaware State Police Museum operations manager, will serve as the HCC for the 436th OSS.

Retired Gen. Timothy M. Ray, former Air Force Global Strike Command commander, shares his appreciation towards the enlisted force during his Order of the Sword ceremony at Sams Hotel and Casino, Shreveport, Louisiana, May 11, 2022. The Order of the Sword ceremony was patterned after two orders of chivalry founded during the Middle Ages in Europe: the (British) Royal Order of the Sword and the Swedish Military Order of the Sword, still in existence today.

The Utah Air National Guard celebrated its Airmen of the Year during a banquet held in their honor at the Zions Bancorporations Midvale Technology Campus on Jan. 6, 2023, in Midvale, Utah. The Airmen of the Year award program recognizes Airmen who display superior leadership, job performance, and personal achievement.

Lisa Castleberry speaks to the Marines of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit Command Element, II Marine Expeditionary Force, during her retirement ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 24, 2022. Castleberry has served as the Deployment Readiness Coordinator with the 26th MEU for 12 years as a trusted advisor to a number of commanders and sergeants major, joining her today in-person and from afar to celebrate her lasting legacy.

Matthew Headrick, Military Educator at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum (HRNM), presents a history program to Sailors assigned to U.S. Fleet Forces Command on Thursday, June 30, 2022. The program centered around the history of African Americans in U.S. Navy, and is one of the many historical programs available to area commands without cost. The Hampton Roads Naval Museum interprets the history of the U.S. Navy in and around Hampton Roads, Virginia, from the Revolutionary War to the present day for U.S. Navy personnel and the general public. The museum performs this mission through collection, research, preservation and interpretation of historic artifacts and educational programs. The museum is located in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia.

SAN DIEGO (Oct. 21, 2022) Capt. Aaron Taylor, commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), speaks during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony held onboard Naval Base San Diego, Oct. 21, 2022. Fifteen Essex Sailors were advanced to the rank of chief petty officer.

Military retirees and their family members participate in the 2022 Retiree Appreciation Day on Sept. 9, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Hundreds of people attended the event that was coordinated by the Fort McCoy Soldier for Life/Retirement Services Office with the Fort McCoy Directorate of Human Resources. It was the first Retiree Appreciation Day at the installation since 2019.

220717-N-EQ038-1035 PEARL HARBOR (July 17, 2022) Secretary of the Navy The Honorable Carlos Del Toro addresses partner-nation news media while visiting Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 17. 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.

American Legion Nicholson Post 38 Commander Anna Sanders reads the detailed timeline of September 11, 2011 to the audience during a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony held by the American Legion Nicholson Post 38 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sept. 11, 2022. The 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at American Legion Nicholson Post 38 is an annual event. During the event, Louisiana natives who lost their lives September 11, 2001 were named and highlighted.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Scott Pleus, 7th Air Force commander, delivers a speech during the 75th Air Force Ball at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 15th, 2022. Pleus highlighted exceptional Airmen for their contributions throughout the Peninsula.

030220-M-5150A-002. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Ripper Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 7th Marines

060201-F-5107H-066. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Ashley Aczon-Skjelstad, the daughter of the late Medal of Honor recipient Army Staff Sgt. Edward N. Kaneshiro, unveils the plaque to be hung in Pentagon Hall of Heroes, after Kaneshiro and five other Medal of Honor recipients were inducted in the Hall of Heroes, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., July 6, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

U.S. Airmen with the 81st Training Wing sing the Air Force song during 81st Training Wings 2023 Annual Awards Ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 29, 2024. During the ceremony, base leadership recognized outstanding Airmen and civilians from across the installation for their accomplishments throughout 2023. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nicole Stenstad, 16th Airlift Squadron commander, gives remarks during the 16th AS Change of Command Ceremony on Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 10, 2022. The ceremony honored Lt. Col. James Long as he relinquished command of the 16th AS and welcomed Stenstad as she assumed command.

LT. GEN. Carol A. Mutter, Director of Manpower, Headquarters Marine Corps addresses officers of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot on a recent tour of the depot to review manpower issues concerning the base. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the audience listened to 10 past Minnesota National Guard service members during the annual Court of Honor induction program ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, near Little Falls, Minnesota. The Court of Honor commemorates the lasting contributions of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of the State and Nation. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

ROBINSON MANEUVER TRAINING CENTER, N. Little Rock, Ark.: Arkansas National Guard 206th Coast Artillery, CW4 (Ret) Steve Keeton, tells the story of a conserved 206th CA flag at the Arkansas National Guard Museum on Thursday, May 26, 2022. This flag flew during the Battle of Dutch Harbor in 1942 and has recently undergone a $19,000 conservation process.

Sam Sandoz, Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce president, delivers remarks during the 41st Annual Salute to the Military inside the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, Oct. 4, 2022. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce hosted event recognized the men and women who serve in the military along the Gulf Coast.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

The Wyoming Outriders held a special presentation during the deployment ceremony for the loss of one of their Soldiers, CW2 Issac Hubenthal. The personalized shadowbox was presented to his parents to honor Issac and his family.

060925-N-1831S-061. Base: Fort Story State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DR. DEBORAH BARNHART SPEAKS AT REMEMBRANCE DAY EVENT AT USSRC

221029-N-LP924-1162 PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (Oct. 29, 2022) Lt. Chad Haan, Navy Chaplain from Grand Rapids, Michigan, says a few words at a Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) seminar, attended by Sailors attached to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), Oct. 29, 2022. 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.

Stephanie Reyes (center), 502nd Air Base Wing honorary commander, and Melissa Ochoa (left), 502nd Judge Advocate honorary commander, look at wall decorations during an honorary commanders program tour, Aug. 17, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The honorary commanders program enhances the knowledge of community leaders regarding the missions, policies, programs and people of the U.S. military, while fostering a supportive relationship between the military and the community.

Airmen from the 81st Training Group attend the 81st Training Group Airman's Ball inside the Bay Breeze Event Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Sept. 30, 2022. The event was geared toward Airmen in training on how to participate and act during a formal military ball so they can feel confident in their abilities when arriving at their follow-on locations. The Airmen served in key positions throughout the ball such as emcees, color guard, POW/MIA table ceremony, national anthem singer and the invocation.

Morgan Fox Charles, grandson of 1st Lt. John R. Fox, spoke during the 2nd annual Buffalo Soldier Day Ceremony held at Fitch Auditorium, July 28.

U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Garlow, front left, 100th Air Refueling Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Tiffany Griego, 100th ARW command chief, address the audience of U.S. Air Force Airmen, civilians and invited guests at a premiere of the first episode of the upcoming Masters of the Air miniseries at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Jan. 19, 2024. The upcoming nine-part series on Apple TV+ highlights the legacy of the Eighth Air Force and 100th Bomb Group at Thorpe Abbotts, England, to which the 100th ARW has direct ties.

Material from Vice Admiral Allen - Aftermath - 26-HK-372-34. Hurricane Katrina

A U.S. Marine veteran pays his respects to a bed of flowers during the Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans Association of North County building in Oceanside, California, May 30, 2022. VANC has been providing care to veterans for over 30 years and assists those in need through their non-profit donations. They hold an annual remembrance ceremony on Memorial Day to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Richard H. Breen, Jr., Defense Health Agency Director of Strategic Communications, delivers remarks at the Patriot's Day Observance Ceremony held at the Defense Health Headquarters on Sept. 9, 2022 in memory of the 21st anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.

CPL Sharrion D. Bradford receives her diploma from BGEN William Weise, director of operations, Headquarters Marine Corps, during graduation exercises at the Marine Security Guard School, Marine Corps Development and Education Command. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, greets educators, first responders and business owners in the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Fords (CVN 78) in port cabin during a ship visit, Oct.11, 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.

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