Military Community Engagement

Community leaders interacting with military personnel, showcasing equipment and discussing military missions and contributions.

Officials from the 125th Fighter Wing, Florida Air National Guard, host community leaders from the Jacksonville, Florida area at the Friends of the Fang event held June 24, 2022. Friends of the Fang (FOTF) is a showcase of the wing's vast mission sets, high-end equipment and multi-capable Airmen who live in the communities they serve. The event began with a mission brief from the Wing Commander, Col. George H.H. Downs, who shared the wing's federal and state missions both in peace and wartime, and past and future deployments, among other topics. This included the Wing's two-year involvement in state-wide COVID-19 testing and vaccination missions, as well as federal deployments to the CENTCOM and AFRICOM area of responsibilities. After a brief base tour, attendees were able to view a F-15C jet take-off, as well as a static aircraft display staged in the maintenance hangar. They also engaged with Airmen at stations displaying security forces weaponry, explosive ordnance disposal equipmen

030907-F-2828D-250. Base: Gardez Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Army Capt. Royce Woodward, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division greets Belgium's King Philippe and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, June 17, 2022. The U.S. Army's presence and commitment to the defense of our allies are important symbols of assurance and provide deterrence against potential adversaries.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Alexander Kendall, right, the senior defense official at the U.S. Embassy Guatemala, speaks to U.S. Army Col. Phil Brown, left, the Joint Task Force-Bravo commander, at the security cooperation office in Guatemala City, Aug. 29, 2022. The meeting was a collaborative effort which focused on the commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation which reflect our enduring promise of friendship, partnership and solidarity across the region.

050203-F-8923H-029. Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airman Basic Romario Brown, a 354th Force Support Squadron food service apprentice (left), Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. around the Two Seasons Dining Facility during a visit to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 12, 2022. Brown visited Eielson as part of his tour of the Indo-Pacific region to meet with partners and allies and engage with Airmen.

Governor Phil Scott visited with Soldiers from 3rd Battalion 172nd Infantry-Mountain, who were part of Task Force Avalanche, and assisted with the Kabul Airlift during Operation Allies Refuge. The Soldiers discussed their mission while in Afghanistan.

U.S. Air Force Col. James Cleet, Commander, 133rd Airlift Wing, and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., discuss the eight-bladed propeller upgrade to the C-130 in St. Paul, Minn., May 22, 2022. Klobuchars visit focused on the importance of continued modernization of the Wings C-130 fleet, which is regularly relied upon to support state and federal missions.

Gen. Ed Daly, commander of Army Materiel Command, stands at attention one last time with Lisha Adams as she retires from her role as AMC's Executive Deputy to the Commanding General. The retirement ceremony was 31 May on the AMC Parade Field. The 313th Army Band performed at the ceremony, which was attended by more than 200 employees, retirees and community leaders.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi meets with military service members during her visit to Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 5, 2022. During her visit to Japan, Speaker Pelosi met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to discuss strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Prospective honorary commanders catch a demonstration Oct. 12 from 88th Security Forces Squadron Defenders at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The Honorary Commanders Program objective is to educate local leaders about a units mission and foster a supportive relationship with the community.

Nevada congressional staff and local community leaders visit a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) and high-yield explosive Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) exercise a few miles northeast of North Las Vegas, April 14, 2022. The event gave Nevada National Guard senior leaders a chance to network and showcase the guards involvement in southern Nevada communities and abroad.

220412-N-RC359-1107 YOKOSUKA, Japan (April 12, 2022) U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin from Maryland meets with Sailors on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). During his time aboard, Cardin toured the ships hangar bay, flight deck and bridge alongside U.S. Sen. John Cornyn from Texas and guests. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston, left, laughs with U.S. Army veteran, Joe Doshier, right, president of the 11th Airborne Division Association, following a ceremony, June 6, 2022, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, to mark the activation of the 11th Airborne Division. Doshier and Wayne Porter, not shown, Association secretary and treasurer, served with the 11th in the 1950s when the division was previously active and traveled from Arkansas and Kansas, respectively, with family to attend the ceremony.

050902-A-0000H-136. Base: Gulfport State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: TN 268th Military Police Co

President Gitanas Nausėda of Lithuania, talks to U.S. Army Maj. Artur Stepuro, an exercise planner from the 1st Infantry Division, as Lithuanian Chief of Defense Lt. Gen. Valdemaras Rupšys listens to him speak during Defender Europe at Kaunas, Lithuania, May 27. Defender Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises in Eastern Europe. The exercise demonstrates U.S. Army Europe and Africas ability to conduct large-scale ground combat operations across multiple theaters supporting NATO.

070317-A-2224C-060. Base: Patrol Base Apache State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

041213-F-2270A-028. Base: Shannon Airport Country: Ireland (IRL)

Gen. Paul E. Funk II, commanding general of the Army's Training and Doctrine Command, thanks South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster for his participation in a Partnership for Your Success event held Aug. 17 at Fort Jackson. The PaYS program helps Soldiers serve their country while also preparing for their future.

U.S. Southern Command Commanding General, Gen. Laura Richardson, addresses participants of Multinational Forces South (MNF-S) during PANAMAX 2022 on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, August 10, 2022. Richardson visited the MNF-S headquarters on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston during PANAMAX 2022. PANAMAX is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored multinational command post exercise aimed at reinforcing and enhancing the long-term security of the Panama Canal and the Western Hemisphere, and this iteration took place August 1-12, at bases in Texas, Florida, Virginia and Arizona.

Michigan Senator Deborah Stabenow is greeted by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard, while visiting Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, part of the National All-Domain Warfighting Center in Northern Michigan during exercise Northern Agility 22-2/Northern Strike 22, Aug. 11, 2022. Northern Strike is a multi-component, multinational exercise designed to build readiness and enhance interoperability with allied forces to fight and win. Northern Strike 22-2, Michigans largest and longest exercise designed to validate readiness of the joint reserve force at the National All-Domain Warfighting Center.

JMC Command Sergeant Major Petra Casarez (far left) and JMC Munitions Logistics and Readiness Center Director, Mr. Nate Hawley (far right) provide a tour of the JMC Display Room to Capt. Tom Walker, and Lt Col. Mark Stuart during their visit to HQ, JMC.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Fruehan, 312th Training Squadron fire instructor and noncommissioned officer in charge, answers questions during the Leadership San Angelo base tour, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, April 14, 2022. The community relations themed tour passed through the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academys high bay and discussed vehicles used for training on a daily basis such as rescue trucks and aircraft fire fighting vehicles.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Ryan Miller, commander of the Aerospace Control Alert function at the 177th Fighter Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, left, speaks to members of the New Jersey Governors cabinet at one of the unit's ACA hangars in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Sept. 28, 2022. The cabinet members, members of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and leaders from NJ DMAVA received a briefing from the Wing commander and then toured the 177th FW viewing several operational demonstrations and trying out one of the units F-16 Fighting Falcon flight simulators.

010327-D-2987S-085. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Christian Leonard R. Belo, 35th Comptroller Squadron commander, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 16, 2022. The 35th CPTS vision is to be Pacific Air Forces preeminent comptroller squadron by empowering a highly effective workforce, embracing a resilient/cohesive family environment and continuously seeking innovation to improve processes.

140th Civil Engineering Squadron Commander Lt. Col. William N. Smith (center) and 140th Mission Support Group Commander Lt. Col. Michael J. Bruno explained the great Team Buckley effort with our civilian partners, ensuring Buckley is protected, to U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General David L. Goldfein. General Goldfein visited Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. and toured several static displays while there. The 140th Wing, Colorado Air National Guard took the opportunity to showcase assets from their various missions to include the F-16C+ Fighting Falcon aircraft, the Mission Vehicle and Communications Vehicle from the 233d Space Group's Mobile Ground System, the 140th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight's Bomb Squad Emergency Response Vehicle and Total Containment Vessel, the 200th Airlift Squadron's C-21 aircraft and the 140th Medical Group's Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package truck with associated equipment.

The Honorable F. Whitten Peters, Secretary of the Air Force, briefs members of the Contingency Response Group (CRG), during his tour of the 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. One member of the Contingency group is armed with a M21 sniper rifle. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

STOCKHOLM (June 2, 2022) - Gen. Mark A. Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivers remarks during a bilateral key-leader engagement aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) in Stockholm, Sweden, June 4, 2022. The event marks the beginning of BALTOPS 22. BALTOPS 22 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen the combined response capability critical to preserving the freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

020401-F-7597G-007. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

031022-A-2682N-044. Base: Fort Mcpherson State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro presents U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Richard Denslow, an air defense control officer with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 Reinforced, Aviation Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his efforts to expand MRF-D battlespace coordination, during a visit with MRF-D at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, NT, Australia, June 18, 2022. Secretary Del Toro visited Marines and Sailors with MRF-D 22 and Australian Defence Force personnel as part of the Indo-Pacific battlefield circulation.

Sen. Martin Heinrich tours the Albuquerque Air Tanker Base, along with Team Kirtland leadership, at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., May 31, 2022. The purpose of the tour was to highlight the interagency collaboration and discuss the upgrades to the air tanker base.

Marine Aircraft Group 24 commanding officers, past and present, participate in a change of command ceremony, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 17, 2022. Col. Brian Koch relinquished command to Col. Manlee Herrington.

U.S. Army Col. Thorbjorn Persson, left, surgical team lead of the 8th Forward Resuscitation and Surgical Detachment, discusses the logistics of moving a field hospital with Lt. Cmdr. Lakmal Kadigamuwa, Sri Lanka Navy, during Gobi Wolf 2022 in Bayankhongor, Mongolia, Sept. 6. Gobi Wolf is a disaster response exercise designed to test disaster response processes while maximizing realism through a series of scenarios. It will consist of a field training exercise in mass medical care, hazmat response and search and rescue. (Alaska National Guard photo by Victoria Granado)

Secretary Dirk Kempthorne with officers at the Air National Guard Readiness Center, Andews Air Force Base, Maryland, where the Secretary spoke at a ceremony officially naming the Crisis Action Team room after Major Gregory L. Stone, an Idaho Guardsman killed in a 2003 Kuwait field hospital shooting incident

U.S. Air Force Airman Ronell Joefield, 8th Communications Squadron radio frequency transmission systems (left) and U.S. Air Force Airman Tanner Chaney, 8th CS radio frequency transmission systems (center), speak with Lauren Barrett Knausenberger, Department of the Air Force chief information officer, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Sept. 27, 2022. During her visit to Kunsan, Knausenberger engaged with Wolf Pack leaders and assessed 8th Communication Squadrons operations to ensure the 8th Fighter Wing has the cyber support necessary to accomplish the Fight Tonight mission.

Office of the Secretary - SECRETARY DONALD EVANS AFGHANISTAN TRIP

Employers invited to the 148th Fighter Wings Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Boss Lift receive a tour of an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, September 9, 2022. Employers witnessed what their employees do while on military duty.

Employers invited to the 148th Fighter Wings Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Boss Lift receive a tour of an F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, September 9, 2022. Employers witnessed what their employees do while on military duty.

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates participates in a promotion ceremony during a visit with the 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment at a forward operating base in Afghanistan, March 9, 2010.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks meets with the commander of U.S. Transportation Command, Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, at Transcom headquarters, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Aug. 18, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

President Mario Abdo Benítez of the Republic of Paraguay tours the Hurlburt Field Memorial Air Park with Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Cory M. Olson, AFSOC command chief, Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 31, 2023. The air park represents the history of AFSOC aviation and world-wide special operations capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Bingham, the 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, is greeted by Rhea Law, the President of the University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, Sep. 16, 2022. The Airmen visited USF after having agreed on an educational partnership agreement and a blank purchase agreement with the universitys Institute of Applied Engineering.

Charge dAffaires, U.S. Embassy Kuwait, James Holtsnider, and Task Force Summit Soldiers listen as Sgt. Brian Ouellette, provides a brief regarding his equipment and mission at Camp Beuhring, Kuwait, Aug. 25, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael Downs, Joint Staff deputy director for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations; and director, Joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Operations Center; poses for a photo with Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, and members of the 344th Military Intelligence Battalion at Forward Operating Base Sentinel, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 17, 2022. Downs was the former 17th TRW commander from June 2015 - Aug. 2017.

VIP Visitors - 26-HK-18-3. Army Brig. Gen. Graham with CG personnel indoors2. Hurricane Katrina

021122-F-2167L-032. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

Dr. Susan E. Northrup, Federal Air Surgeon for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, receives a brief on how the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory test and studies head trauma during a site visit August 23, 2022, at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

US Air Force Colonel Pokora (left), 86th Air Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, shows Representative of Virginia, Herbert Bateman, plans for the new passenger terminal on Ramstein due to be finished by spring. US Air Force Colonel Pokora (left), 86th Air Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, shows Representative of Virginia, Herbert Bateman, plans for the new passenger terminal on Ramstein due to be finished by spring.

Sen. Tom Carper, left, greets Lt. Col. Randon Davis, right, 436th Aerial Port Squadron commander, during his visit to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Aug. 25, 2022. Throughout his visit, Carper engaged with Airmen, toured a C-5M Super Galaxy and discussed the Airmens role in security assistance missions in support of U.S. partners and allies.

U.S. Army Col. Matthew J. Gomlak, Garrison Italy Commander, speaks with U.S. Consul General in Florence Ragini Gupta, before the ribbon cutting ceremony of the revolving bridge over the Navicelli Canal at Camp Darby, Pisa Ammunition Storage Area Italy, Sep. 22, 2022. Camp Darby celebrates the completion of a $42 million infrastructure modernization project, that includes railway bridge over the Navicelli Canal, upgrades to canal docks and a safe zone of loading and unloading ammunition. The project funded by the U.S. government, is a key strategic project and contributes to improving security at the site.

U.S. Army Col. Matthew J. Gomlak, Garrison Italy Commander, speaks with U.S. Consul General in Florence Ragini Gupta, before the ribbon cutting ceremony of the revolving bridge over the Navicelli Canal at Camp Darby, Pisa Ammunition Storage Area Italy, Sep. 22, 2022. Camp Darby celebrates the completion of a $42 million infrastructure modernization project, that includes railway bridge over the Navicelli Canal, upgrades to canal docks and a safe zone of loading and unloading ammunition. The project funded by the U.S. government, is a key strategic project and contributes to improving security at the site.

Former Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss and Alan McCoy, grandson of Fort McCoy founder Maj. Gen. Robert Bruce McCoy, have a meeting July 8, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. Descendants of Maj. Gen. Robert Bruce McCoy visited the post July 8 to learn more about their familys military history with the installation.

Swedish military and diplomatic representatives are briefed by a New York National Guard Capt. Michael Meegan, assigned to the 107th Attack Wing, during a static equipment display at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York, on February 7, 2024. The New York National Guard hosted Swedish military and diplomatic representatives to introduce them to the many capabilities of the National Guard and pave the way for possible bilateral ties between the National Guard and Sweden. Army National Guard

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Gen. Michael Garrett, the U.S. Forces Command commanding general, and Lt. Gen. Robert "Pat" White, the 3rd Armored Corps commanding general, pose for a photo after Garretts arrival on ground for a site visit at Fort Hood, Texas, May 10, 2022. Garretts visit lasted three days and toured several locations on base.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, Air Force Special Operations Command commander, speaks with Christopher Maier, Assistant Secretary of Defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, at Hurlburt Field, Florida, July 28, 2022. In his role, Maier oversees special operations, irregular warfare, counterterrorism, and information operations policy issues, among other responsibilities.

020821-F-6184M-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

060712-A-7588H-242. Base: Balad Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ)

030421-A-4962B-007. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kabul Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael G. Koscheski, 15th Air Force commander, arrives at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 27, 2022. Koscheski came to Tyndall to participate in the Department of Defenses largest air-to-air combat exercise, exercise Checkered Flag 23-1.

U.S. Army Col. Richard J. Ikena, commander of the 1st Infantry Division Artillery, greets U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier, of California at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May 27, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division 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.

230131-N-UI066-2049 ADRIATIC SEA (Jan. 31, 2023) An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Sailor shows Rear Adm. Scott Sciretta, commander, Standing Nato Maritime Group 2, right, how EOD equipment works aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during a visit to the ship, Jan. 31, 2023. The George H.W. Bush CSG is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Brig. Gen. Roger Deon, Commanding General of the Army Reserve Aviation Command, engages with Army ROTC Cadets from the University of Louisville on April 1 at Fort Knox, Ky., sharing aviation opportunities offered by the U.S. Army Reserves. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

220423-N-DM318-1048 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (Apr. 23, 2022) Capt. J M Montagnet Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi commanding officer greets The Honorable Rahm Emanuel, the U.S. ambassador to Japan during a stop at the base while en route, for an official visit, to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW 5), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FIVE ONE (HSM-51) and 30 other tenant commands and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Folsom Dam Overlook and surrounding area, Folsom, California, for tours, meetings with Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other personnel on the occasion of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Folsom Dam Joint Federal Project

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command (right), coins Royal Canadian Air Force Sgt. Jeffrey Ryan, an assistant superintendent of training for the 225th Air Defense Squadron (left), for his superior performance during a visit to the Western Air Defense Sector, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Dec. 4, 2022. Ryan is one of 15 RCAF members assigned to WADS as part of the bi-national NORAD agreement for the common defense of the North American continent.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Marsh, 266th Range Squadron commander, speaks to local community members at Hawgsmoke 2022 at Saylor Creek Bombing Range, Idaho, Sep. 8, 2022. Hawgsmoke is an A-10 gunnery and bombing competition consisting of Warthog units from around the world.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (Nov. 17, 2022) Morale, Welfare and Recreation held a luncheon at the to announce the winners of the 2022 Naval Station Great Lakes Captian's Cup. 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.

PEARL HARBOR (June 29, 2022) Commanding Officer of Royal Australian Navy amphibious assault ship HMAS Canberra (L02), Capt. Jace Hutchison RAN, exchanges gifts with U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Michael E. Boyle, RIMPAC 2022 Commander, Combined Task Force, 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 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. (Royal Australian Navy photo by Petty Officer Christopher Szumlanski)

GEN John R. Galvin, supreme allied commander, Europe, speaks with the media during exercise Reforger '91. Subject Operation/Series: REFORGER '91 Base: Flushing Country: Netherlands / Holland(NLD)

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, right, speaks with Capt. Edgardo Moreno, Naval Aviation Schools Commands (NASC) commanding officer, during a tour of NASC onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Oct. 13, 2022. Del Toro visited NAS Pensacola for a tour of the Naval Education Training Command (NETC) and as the guest of honor for the Navy Ball at the National Naval Aviation Museum. NETCs mission is to recruit, train and deliver those who serve our nation, taking them from street-to-fleet by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational and combat ready warfighters.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, flanked by U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Frank Pandolfe and Captain Spencer Abbot, poses for a photo with members of the Marine Security Guard detachment as he visits U.S. Embassy Kigali to greet its staff and their family members during a visit to the Rwandan capital on October 14, 2016, to attend a conference focused on amending the Montreal ozone layer protection protocol.

051222-N-0696M-488. Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Jan. 6, 2024)Master-at-Arms 1st Class Phillip McCohnell, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, shakes hands with Secretary of State Antony Blinken before his departure from Greece, Jan. 6, 2024. Secretary Blinken arrived to Chania, Crete, Greece, as part of a multi-country trip, to meet with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for an exchange of views on the U.S.-Greece bilateral relationship, the Eastern Mediterranean region, and the NATO alliance. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

The 172nd Airlift Wing hosted guest speaker, retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Augustus L. Collins, the former Adjutant General of Mississippi for the Black Heritage Program in Jackson, Mississippi, Feb. 23, 2024. The annual event also included special remarks by Col. Britt Watson, 172nd AW Commander, and musical selections by the 172nd Ensemble. Air National Guard

U.S. Space Force Gen. David T. Thompson, Vice Chief of Space Operations, engages with Col. Jason Vattioni, 377th Air Base Wing commander, during the arrival at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., Aug. 12, 2022. Thompson is responsible for assisting the Chief of Space Operations in organizing, training and equipping space forces in the United States and overseas.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Folsom Dam Overlook and surrounding area, Folsom, California, for tours, meetings with Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other personnel on the occasion of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Folsom Dam Joint Federal Project

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, Deputy Director of the Air National Guard, speaks with Col. William T. Bladen, former Commander of the 104th Fighter Wing, during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Maj. Gen. Pirak assists with formulating, developing and coordinating policies, plans and programs affecting more than 108,300 Air National Guard members and civilians.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Michael Cederholm, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), and Norwegian Maj. Gen. Rolf Folland, chief of the Royal Norwegian Air Force, have a discussion at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 28, 2022. The meeting symbolized 2nd MAW's long-standing, established relationships with allied and partner forces. 2nd MAW is the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

From Right, Robert J. Chartier, Deputy Garrison Manager, U.S. Army Col. Matthew J. Gomlak, Garrison Italy Commander, U.S. Navy Capt. Joseph Harder III, commanding officer, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Europe, Africa, Central, assigned to Naval Support Activity, Naples and U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Commanding General Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, walk along the new swing bridge over the Navicelli canal at Camp Darby, Pisa Ammunition Storage Area, Italy, Sep. 21, 2022. The bridge is a part of the infrastructure modernization project that includes the upgrades to canal docks and a safe zone for loading and unloading ammunition. The $42 million project funded by the U.S. government, is a key strategic project and contributes to improving security at the site.

Gen. Glen VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, welcomes Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, upon his arrival to Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, June 7, 2022. The Secretary traveled to Peterson SFB prior to hosting the Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, and Canadian Minister of National Defence, The Honourable Anita Anand, to participate in roundtable discussions concerning the value of the bilateral relationship and the importance of the defense partnership between the two nations. (Department of Defense photo by Master Sgt. Benjamin Wiseman)

Command Sgt. Maj. Silvester Tatum (left), the senior enlisted leader of the Mississippi National Guard, and Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant general of Mississippi, speak to media teams at the Smith-Wills Stadium in Jackson, Mississippi, Sept. 2, 2022. Nearly 600 Mississippi National Guardsmen were set up across seven sites through Jackson for people to collect bottled water, hand sanitizer and non-potable water from water buffalo trucks.

US Air Force (USAF) MASTER Sergeant Brian L. Peters (left), 188th Fighter Wing (FW) and USAF Colonel (COL) John R. Dallas (center), Commander, 188th FW, Arkansas (AR), Air National Guard (ANG), welcome Arkansas Governor, The Honorable Mike Huckabee, during his visit to Fort Smith, AR. Base: Fort Smith State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and President Donald J. Trump poses for a photo with U.S. and Republic of Korea troops at Camp Humphreys in the Republic of Korea on November 7, 2017.

Tom Udall, U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, center, discusses capabilities of the MC-130J Commando II with two loadmasters from the 353rd Special Operations Wing during a visit to Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland at the beginning of exercise Teak Net 22, May 3, 2022. Udall noted how the interoperability of the two air forces exemplify the values and goals the two nations share for the Indo-Pacific region.

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U.S. Congressman Adam Smit, House Armed Services Committee Chairman, right, is greeted by Lt. Gen. Ryoji Takemoto, Commanding General of the Western Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, left, during a visit to the headquarters of Orient Shield 22 at Camp Kengun, Japan on August 30, 2022. Orient Shield is the largest U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force bilateral field training exercise being executed in various locations throughout Japan to enhance interoperability, and test and refine multi-domain and cross-domain operations. The U.S. shares mutual security and economic interests with like-minded allies and partners including Japan across the Indo-Pacific region.

Rear Adm. Brendan Mcpherson, Commander Coast Guard District Seven, shakes hands with Brig. Gen. Daniel Hibner, South Atlantic Division Commander, following an overflight of areas impacted by Hurricane Ian Sept. 30, 2022 in Clearwater, Florida. Coast Guard assets are conducting search and rescue operations in response to the damages caused by Hurricane Ian at Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater.

221018-DC740-N-1019 SAN DIEGO (Oct. 18, 2022) Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks meets with Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific personnel during a visit to the San Diego-based command Oct. 18. The deputy secretary received briefs on Sea Hunter, a medium-displacement unmanned surface vehicle capable of long-range autonomous operations, and Project Overmatch, a high-priority Department of the Navy effort designed to deliver a more lethal, better-connected fleet of the future.

Vice President of the United States Kamala D. Harris speaks with troops during her departure at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sep. 29, 2022. Vice President Harris joined other dignitaries and world leaders to pay tribute to the life and memory of former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his state funeral.

220423-N-DM318-1097 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (Apr. 23, 2022) CRear Adm. Carl Lahti, Commander, Navy Region Japan/Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan, greets Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan Minister of Foreign Affairs, during a stop at the base while en route, for an official visit, to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW 5), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FIVE ONE (HSM-51) and 30 other tenant commands and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

060724-N-6214F-003. Base: Beirut Country: Lebanon (LBN)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Kelvin Gallman, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing assistant wing commander, speaks with Mr. Shinya Ito, director, Planning Department, Okinawa Defense Bureau, after being frocked to the rank of brigadier general on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 8, 2024. Frocking is a tradition where Marines are advanced to the next pay grade, assuming the title and the responsibilities prior to their official date of promotion.

U.S. President Joseph R. Biden departed Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 24, 2022. During his first visit to Japan since being elected, he met with Japanese government officials in order to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance.

From right, U.S. Air Force Capt. Bogdan Suciu, 405th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron aeromedical evacuation liaison team member, speaks to Rabih Kallas, Al Jarida journalist before doing an aeromedical demonstration during a media day event at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Nov. 14, 2022. The 405th EAES demonstrated how they would carry a stretcher into a C-130J Super Hercules during a medical evacuation.

James Heappey, Minister of State for the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom, speaks with Sgt. 1st Class Marlow Smith, assigned to Joint Special Operations Task Force - Somalia, U.S. Special Operations Command Africa, after the day's training for Justified Accord 2024 (JA24) concluded at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations (CITSO) Training Centre, Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 26, 2024. The British army's 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade is leading urban operations, counter improvised explosive device and small unmanned aircraft systems training during the multinational field training held at CITSO for JA24. JA24 is U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa, running from February 26 - March 7. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), and hosted in Kenya, this year's exercise will incorporate personnel and units from 23 nations. This multinational exercise builds readiness for the U.S. joint force, prepares regional partners for UN

US Air Force Major Rick Petitio, 44th Fighter Squadron, deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan, gives Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld a squadron coin during his visit to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Incirlik is home to Combined Task Force/Operation NORTHERN WATCH, designed to enforce the no-fly zone over Northern Iraq. US Air Force Major Rick Petitio, 44th Fighter Squadron, deployed from Kadena Air Base, Japan, gives Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld a squadron coin during his visit to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. Incirlik is home to Combined Task Force/Operation NORTHERN WATCH, designed to enforce the no-fly zone over Northern Iraq.

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

Vice President of the United States Kamala D. Harris, left, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, commander, United States Forces Japan and 5th Air Force, during her departure at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sep. 29, 2022. Vice President Harris joined other dignitaries and world leaders to pay tribute to the life and memory of former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his state funeral.

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