Military Community Engagement Events

Images of military and community interactions, showcasing educational STEM activities, ceremonies, and outreach programs emphasizing service and honor.

A member of Celebrate Freedom Foundation teaches students about the mechanics of a Cobra helicopter at White Knoll High School in Lexington, South Carolina, Sept. 23, 2022. CFF is a veteran run Non-Profit Organization that conducts STEM based activations across South Carolina by bringing in Cobra helicopters, drones and Humvees and teaching students about the various functions of these vehicles.

A member of Celebrate Freedom Foundation teaches students about the mechanics of a Cobra helicopter at White Knoll High School in Lexington, South Carolina, Sept. 23, 2022. CFF is a veteran run Non-Profit Organization that conducts STEM based activations across South Carolina by bringing in Cobra helicopters, drones and Humvees and teaching students about the various functions of these vehicles.

Airmen assigned to the 325th Fighter Wing work with Air Force Entertainment staff to set up a concert stage at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 12, 2022. The scheduled fall festival includes a headliner concert and activities for families.

Survivor Outreach Services visited Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, Aug. 4, 2022, on their cross-country mission from Oregon to Arlington National Cemetery. Their stop in Delaware was part of a 30-day journey to Arlington, visiting with Gold Star families along the way. Before their orientation, the group held a torch ceremony outside AFMAO to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. It was our honor to partner with this important organization to share our mission and our Airmen's stories.

Service members from the military commands of Joint Base Cape Cod and the Otis Civilian Advisory Council join together to hold a Memorial Day Observance on Joint Base Cape Cod, Massachusetts, May 26, 2022. During the ceremony, a select choir from Bourne Middle School sang, and wreaths of flowers were placed by memorial stones encircling the large reflecting pool in the center of the park, representing and honoring those lost in service to the nation. (Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Francesca Skridulis)

Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) - Marine Safety Office St. Louis - 26-HK-121-181. Hurricane Katrina

Great Lakes Search and Rescue Detachment - 26-HK-143-123. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command employees David Cox, left, and Lorenzo Mack volunteer their grilling skills to cook hotdogs and hamburgers for surviving family members during the Survivor Outreach Services Fall Festival at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation activity field on Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, Oct. 15.

Patrons of Aviation Nation 2022 watch as the U.S. Air Force Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds perform their final show of the season Nov. 6, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The airshow featured 17 performers and served as a way for military members and installations to show appreciation to local communities and showcase Department of Defense and Air Force capabilities.

Arizona National Guard service members prepared and delivered boxes of groceries to area residents Nov. 24, 2020 at a food bank in Casa Grande, Ariz. Arizona Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen continue to support community needs during this state of emergency response.

Soldiers on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, participate in the Twilight Tattoo ceremony, July 22, 2022. The Twilight Tattoo ceremony is a time-honored tradition that provides a glimpse into history through the eyes of the American Soldier.

Exercise operations are shown Aug. 17, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis., for the 2022 Global Medic Exercise. The exercise took place in August 2022 at numerous locations at Fort McCoy. Conducted by the Medical Readiness and Training Command, Global Medic is an annual joint training exercise that provides opportunities for medical personnel to practice critical life-saving techniques in a controlled environment.

Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) - Marine Safety Office St. Louis - 26-HK-121-165. Hurricane Katrina

Community members enjoy a free breakfast June 14, 2022, in front of Rumpel Fitness Center as part of the Army Birthday Celebration at Fort McCoy, Wis. The breakfast was part of many events coordinated by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to commemorate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Army at Fort McCoy. The day also included a birthday lunch, free car washes, and more.

220625-N-IE405-1236 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (June 25, 2022) Families take photos and celebrate the Healthy Lifestyle Festival at U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples Support Site in Gricignano di Aversa, Italy, June 25, 2022. NSA Naples is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District participate in the Omaha District Cotps Day event, June 10, 2022. The event allows for District leadership to acknowledge and recognize the outstanding achievements of its people.

Spectators watch the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform an aerial demonstration at the Titans of Flight Air Expo, Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, April 9, 2022. The airshow showcases more than 50 aerial demonstration performances and static aircraft displays.

Jeremy Evett, right, 423d Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief, briefs Airmen and guests from the 501st Combat Support Wing during an open house at RAF Alconbury, England, Oct. 14, 2022. The open house was part of Fire Prevention Week where firefighters from the 423d CES educated Airmen and dependents on proper fire safety habits.

Team Misawa members watch an F-16 Fighting Falcon perform an aerial demonstration in support of Range Day at Draughon Range near Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 28, 2022. Range Day gives the Misawa community the chance to see the 35th Fighter Wing mission up-close through flight and equipment demonstrations.

Air Mobility Command members, friends and families participate in a sports day and picnic on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 26,2022. Participants took part in this command sponsored morale event to bolster wellness and camaraderie.

111206-N-DR144-779PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 6, 2011) Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Emmanuel Camilo, assigned to the visual landing aids shop of the air department aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), practices rigging the manually operated visual landing aids system during timed drills. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are underway on a deployment to the western Pacific region.

A Montford Point Marine Association alumni listens to a speech given by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, the keynote speaker, during the 13th Annual Montford Point Marine Day Ceremony at the Lejeune Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Aug. 25, 2022. The annual Montford Point Marine Day Ceremony honors the first African Americans to serve in the United States Marine Corps and recognizes their accomplishments, sacrifices and dedication to our country.

221011-N-XU073-1317YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 11, 2022) Sailors prepare hamburgers during the National Night Out event onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). National Night Out is an annual event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie across thousands of communities in the U.S. and worldwide. For 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of U.S. 7th Fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

Tom Dandes, Special Events Coordinator at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum (HRNM) leads a tour of the Battleship Wisconsin for a contingent of sailors from Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic. During the tour, the sailors received some historical information about the Battleship along with some meaningful interpretation. HRNM is one of ten U.S. Navy museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command. The museum is located next to the Battleship Wisconsin in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia.

JACKSONVILLE, FL. (Oct. 21, 2022)Hundreds of children enjoyed the amusement while bouncing high in the variety of bounce houses available at the 2022 NAS Jacksonville Airshow. The show celebrated the Blue Angels heritage, which traces back to 1946 at the squadrons birthplace of NAS Jacksonville. The show also featured aerial performances by other military and civilian flight teams, live entertainment, and the opportunity to see military aircraft and vehicles and the U.S. Special Operations Command Parachute Team.

ESU Incident Command Post New Orleans - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-309-52. Hurricane Katrina

Airmen of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing play Double Dutch during a Juneteenth celebration, June 19, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The celebration was held to commemorate the emancipation of slaves in Texas, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, and to provide Airmen an opportunity to learn more about United States history.

#PYRAMIDE2CHAUSSURES. Handicap International organized a pyramid of shoes on the Republic Square in Paris to protest against the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.#PYRAMIDE2CHAUSSURES. Handicap International a organisé une pyramide de chaussures sur la Place de la République à Paris pour protestercontre l'utilisation des armes explosives en zones peuplées.

Before riders hop onto their motorcycles, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brendon Murphy, 1st Battalion, 5th Aviation Regiment Battalion Aviation Materiel Officer and officer in charge for the ride, gives the participants a safety brief.

Senior Master Sgt. Kathy Backlund, a loadmaster for the 192nd Airlift Squadron, is sprayed with champagne after her final flight "fini-flight" in the C-130 Hercules at Nevada Air National Guard base in Reno, Nev. on July 14, 2022. It's tradition to spray the aircrew with fire hoses and champagne upon arriving to base from their final flight "fini-flight" in the aircraft. Backlund is scheduled to retire later this year after 22 years service.

355th Medical Group Airmen toast in remembrance of fallen troops and all who are deployed during a combat dining-out at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 21, 2022. A combat dining-out is a military tradition consisting of a dinner with bizarre rules, water fights, informal uniforms and a variety of other events.

Soldiers from 2-158th Assault Helicopter Battalion partnered with the University Place Veteran's Plaza committee to return to the work site and continue to donate time and labor to see the project nearer to completion.

A chapel service is held inside a C-5A Galaxy during Big Country Appreciation Day, an annual open house and air show where an estimated 30,000 people attended. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040512-F-6335P-011. Base: Gulfport State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

DN-ST-86-03369. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DPS and TXANG participate in an excercise with the Capitol Area Strike Team

San Pedro, Calif. (May 29, 2022) - People wait in line to tour the ampbious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) at the Main Expo Footprint near the Battleship USS Iowa Museum as part of Los Angeles Fleet Week, May 28, 2022. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.

Maintenance and Logistics Commands Atlantic - Property Inventory Team - Venice - 26-HK-197-11. Hurricane Katrina

Great Lakes Search and Rescue Detachment - 26-HK-143-160. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jonathan Mendozacorona, the Station Commander for Recruiting Substation Lexington, Recruiting Station Columbia, observes students conduct the pull up bar challenge with Celebrate Freedom Foundation at White Knoll High School in Lexington, South Carolina, Sept. 23, 2022. CFF is a veteran run Non-Profit Organization that conducts STEM based activations across South Carolina by bringing in Cobra helicopters, drones and Humvees and teaching students about the various functions of these vehicles.

040626-F-4116H-037. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

APRA HARBOR, Guam (Jan. 12, 2023) Damage Controlman 2nd Class Alexander Olinger and Damage Controlman 2nd Class Demonte Roy teach students from Cmdr. William C. McCool Middle School proper fire hose handling techniques during a tour aboard the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), Jan. 12. Emory S. Land is tasked to provide expeditionary intermediate level maintenance and repairs, as well as provide hotel services and logistics support to deployed guided-missile and fast-attack submarines.

Museum Art Culture Science Air Force Museum Berlin

A fair attendee attempts pull-ups during a Marine Corps pull-up challenge at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, California August 5, 2022. The Marines of Recruiting Sub-Station Santa Rosa hosted a pull-up challenge and talked to fair attendees interested in learning more about the opportunities available within the Marine Corps.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron load cargo on a bus in preparation for a deployment in support of Joint Task Force Odyssey Dawn, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 21, 2011. The U.S. Africa Command task force was established to provide operational and tactical command and control of U.S. military forces supporting the international response to the unrest in Libya and enforcement of United Nations Security council Resolution 1973. UNSCR 1873 authorizes all necessary measures to protect civilians in Libya under threat of attack by Qadhafi regime forces. JTF Odyssey Dawn is commanded by U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III.

Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge - General - 26-HK-134-23. Hurricane Katrina

Team Misawa members listen to music during a Memorial Day state fair at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 30, 2022. Memorial Day honors all the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.

The Wall that Heals, a three-quarter replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. arrived at Harper Creek High School in Battle Creek, Michigan July 13, 2022. Battle Creek citizens welcomed the semi-truck escorted by over 500 motorcyclists, police and fire personnel. Entry is free to the public 24 hours a day and will be in Battle Creek through Sunday, July 17. Volunteers from all over Michigan are ready to assist in finding names and answering questions. (Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Bethany Rizor)

ESU Incident Command Post New Orleans - Miscellaneous - 26-HK-308-31. Hurricane Katrina

Photos from Aviation Training Center, Mobile - 26-HK-423-22. Fly away to JAX first day back. Hurricane Katrina

SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 7, 2022) - Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Nick Ray, a member of the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, from Redding, Calif., packs his parachute during a skydiving demonstration as a part of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2022, Oct. 7, 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.

Airmen of the Judge Advocate General, 139th Airlift Wing, participate as protesters during the Large Scale Readiness Exercise at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, on June 2, 2022. This exercise tests the wings ability to deploy into a contested and degraded environment.

More than 6,000 visitors showed up to an open house hosted by the Vermont Air and Army National Guard, where military aviation, equipment, vehicles, munitions and flight simulators were on display, along with a career fair, musical performances and police dog demonstrations, at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 11, 2022. The event was planned to coincide with the Vermont National Guard's observance of the 21st anniversary of the attacks of 9/11 which saw Vermont Air National Guard F-16s flying patrols over NYC in the immediate aftermath of the attack.

110611-N-WL435-011UMM QASR, Iraq (June 11, 2011) Navy divers assigned to Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.1 and U.S. Army divers assigned to the 7th Engineer Dive Team dress out divers and conduct pre-dive checks before a diving exercise to raise a sunken pier at the port of Umm Qasr. CTG 56.1 supports maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Christopher Kim, the incoming commanding officer of 1st Combat Engineer Battalion (1st CEB), 1st Marine Division, speaks to the Marines and families during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 16, 2022. During the ceremony Lt. Col. Seth Dewey relinquished command of 1st CEB to Lt. Col. Kim.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron participate in a squadron morale day at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, April 15, 2022. Unite program coordinators work directly with squadron commanders to utilize funding allocated by the Air Force supporting the initiative to revitalize squadrons and encourage unit members to build better interpersonal relationships.

Students with Heritage High School and Eugene Ashley High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp, teachers, friends and family of Marines with Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Parris Island prepare for a morning colors ceremony at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina, April 7, 2023. Marines with food services, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort received Letters and Appreciation and challenge coins from Brigadier General Walker Field, commanding general, MCRD Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region, for superior service in their field.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Elizabeth I. Kelson, a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor at Leatherneck Square, leads educators through martial arts techniques during the MCMAP portion of Educators Workshop at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, June 9, 2022. Educators Workshop provides the opportunity for high school teachers to experience and gain insight on some of the challenges recruits face during Marine Corps recruit training.

NAVAL BASE GUAM (May 27, 2022) )- U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) activated an Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC) at the Charles King Fitness Center on NBG as part of the annual heavy weather exercise May 27. The annual exercise, held May 23 - 27, is designed to enhance readiness of military and local agencies to prepare for heavy weather conditions in the region. Commanding officers and participating agencies trained in command, control and communications capabilities, readiness preparation, and personnel in areas of accountability, disaster preparedness and recovery. Part of that training is establishing an EFAC, a central location where military members and their families can access assistance and resources that they may need following a disaster. EFAC service providers include Fleet and Family Support Center, NBG Family and Unaccompanied Housing, NBG Chapel, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Region Legal Service Office, Navy Federal Credit Union, Navy Exchange Guam, Department o

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (Sep. 23, 2022) U.S., Spanish and Italian Marines participate in a cookout after a group training exercise on NAVSTA Rota, Spain, Sep. 23, 2022. Naval Station Rota sustains the fleet, enables the fighter and supports the family by conducting air operations, port operations, ensuring security and safety, assuring quality of life and providing the core services of power, water, fuel and information technology.

Soldiers and their Families from the 16th Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, celebrated Organizational Day on April 30th at Smith Barracks. Activities during the day included: volleyball, horseshoes, kickball, kickball, beanbag toss, dunking booth, and children's activities. These events are a pinnacle point in creating strong cohesive bonds between members within the organization. It allows Soldiers and Leaders to come together and forget about work, to learn and understand each other. This is what creates a successful team.

Great Lakes Search and Rescue Detachment - 26-HK-144-359. Hurricane Katrina

The Suicide and Violence Prevention team host a suicide prevention panel at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 9, 2022. The panel emphasized the importance of mental health and encouraged Airmen and Guardians to utilize the resources available to them to help them thrive in their daily lives.

An attentive audience listens to Brigadier General Francis C. Wilson Commanding General Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, seated in the newly completed circle drive during the James Wesley Marsh Center dedication ceremony. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040613-F-3115R-002. Base: Misawa Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 56th Fighter Wing participate in a 24-hour POW/MIA vigil, Sept. 15, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. National POW/MIA Recognition Day, held every year on the third Friday of September, recognizes service members who were held captive and returned, and those who are still missing.

U.S. Marines and their families celebrate the 125th Celebration of the Marine Corps Exchange at the MCX parking lot on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 17, 2022. The MCX was approved by the Acting Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Roosevelt, and the first establishment of the first Marine Corps Exchange at Marine Barracks, Boston, Massachusetts in 1897.

U.S. Marines, Sailors and their families interact with vendors before the mixed martial arts Fight Night event at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, California, Sept. 23, 2022. Marine Corps Community Services hosted Fight Night for the service members stationed at MCAGCC to give them the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment closer to home.

971231-F-7902R-006. Base: Andersen Air Base Country: Guam (GUM)

A staff member for the Sound of Freedom Golf Course gives out awards at the Sergeants Major Golf Tournament, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 3, 2022. The Sergeants Major Golf Tournament is an annual event that offers veterans, retirees, active-duty service members, and civilians the chance to share in a day of camaraderie and competition.

020410-M-6332G-012. Base: Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Westover Hills Police Department participates in National Night Out hosted by Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth Security Forces. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 1, 2022) Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sean Lynch, assigned to Armed Forces Network (AFN) Yokosuka, takes a video of community members attending a Fire Prevention Week parade onboard Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). Commander, Navy Region Japan Fire and Emergency Services (CNRJ F&ES) Yokosuka hosted a parade and open house as part of Fire Prevention week to spread awareness of fire safety. For 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of U.S. 7th Fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

Military spouses who are a part of the 82nd Airborne Division participate in a "Be A Paratrooper For A Day" event at the United States Advanced Airborne School on Fort Bragg, N.C. on May 3, 2022. The spouses take part in a pre-jump demonstration, Meals Ready-to-Eat (MRE) eating contest, and jumping out of a 34-foot tower.

Several Aircrew members from the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, celebrated their final flights June 16th, 2022, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. The "Fini" flight tradition is one where aircrew members are hosed down with water by their peers, family, and friends upon their completion of their final flight.

Marines with The Commandants Own, U.S. Marine Drum & Bugle Corps perform during an evening parade at Marine Barracks Washington, July 29, 2022. The hosting official for the evening was Lieutenant General Kevin M. Iiams, Commanding General, Training and Education, and the guest of honor was Vice Admiral Jeffrey W. Hughes, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development.

A group of visitors enjoy a tour of Omaha Beach during the D-Day celebrations at Normandy, France, June 1, 2022. This year, U.S. Army Europe and Africa commemorates the 78th anniversary of D-Day, the largest multinational amphibious landing and operational military airdrop in history, and highlights the U.S.' steadfast commitment to European allies and partners.

Tyndall families and their school age children enjoy a bounce house after stocking up on school supplies at the Back to School Bash hosted by the 325th Force Support Squadron, Aug. 4, 2022, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Multiple donors from the local area provided military children ranging from elementary to high school with the essentials to start their school year off right.

Secretary Dirk Kempthorne on visit to Walter Reed Hospital during lead-up to annual Rolling Thunder motorcyle rally through Washington, D.C.

Participants, supporters, vehicles on hand for the annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally, on behalf of the Prisoners of War-Missing in Action (POW-MIA) cause, through Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among the riders

MAYPORT, Fla. (May 17, 2013) Clifford Cellars, a former crew member of the guided-missile frigate USS Stark (FFG 31), rings one bell for each of his 37 fallen shipmates who were lost 26 years ago, during a USS Stark remembrance ceremony at the Naval Station Mayport Stark Memorial.

Participants in the 8th annual Trunk or Treat event hand out candy to children at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 27, 2022. Vehicles that took part in this event were judged based on creativity, originality, effort and authenticity.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom James, commander of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense, gives remarks about the importance of motorcycle safety during the organizations mentorship motorcycle event at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, Aug. 22, 2022. The JTF-SD aims to conduct more frequent motorcycle rides annually in order to ensure the safety of its riders as well as to ensure compliance with the Department of Defense Instruction 6055.4, Motor Vehicle and Traffic Safety, which outlines safety requirements for motorcycles that integrate risk management into techniques and training.

U.S. Park Police motorcycle unit on hand for annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne meeting officers, inspecting vehicles, and participating in the motorcylce procession

Annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally "Ride for Freedom"--on behalf of the Prisoners of War-Missing in Action (POW/MIA) cause--through Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among the participants

Fort McCoy community members participate in a non-appropriated fund sale June 8, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The sale, coordinated by the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR), allowed DFMWR to sell off unused or dated items that were on inventory to the general public. A sale like this is conducted once or twice a year.

A Marine washes his hair outside the Air Combat Element of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) at a hygiene station at Kandahar International Airport, Kandahar, Afghanistan, during OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kandahar International Airport Country: Afghanistan (AFG) Scene Major Command Shown: 26 MEU

U.S. Marines with 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepare their trebuchet during an annual Saint Barbaras Day celebration at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 11, 2024. Artillery units throughout the Marine Corps celebrate St. Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen, with camaraderie-building events such as a regimental run, tug of war, relay races and Humvee pulls.

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (April 2, 2022) Forward deployed military members serving on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ) participate in Running with the Goats 5K/3k Run/Walk, hosted by the CLDJ Chiefs Mess, that started and finished at the base Goat Locker. CLDJ serves as an expeditionary base for U.S. military forces providing support to ships, aircraft and personnel that ensure security throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. CLDJ enables maritime and combat operations in the Horn of Africa while fostering positive U.S.-Africa relations.

From left, U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Fernando Jimenez and Nicholas Simon, 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron ground transportation operations members, grill hamburgers and hotdogs at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, April 15, 2022. Developed by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force in 2018, the Air Force Services Agency oversees the Unite funds, which provide commanders with funds that contribute to unit cohesion programs.

DF-ST-89-04094. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines and their families celebrate the 125th Celebration of the Marine Corps Exchange at the MCX parking lot on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 17, 2022. The MCX was approved by the Acting Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Roosevelt, and the first establishment of the first Marine Corps Exchange at Marine Barracks, Boston, Massachusetts in 1897.

3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Soldiers perform Twilight Tattoo for service member's friends and family, on Summerall Field, Joint Base Myer Henderson-Hall, Va., April 27, 2022. This performance is the final rehearsal of the hour-long pageant to showcase the rich history of the U.S. Army.

Spc. Matthew Smith (left) pets McKiernan after giving him treats with Spc. Jonathan Marshall (middle) and Pfc. Dylan Robbins.

Annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally "Ride for Freedom"--on behalf of the Prisoners of War-Missing in Action (POW/MIA) cause--through Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among the participants

220925-N-LZ839-1295NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 20, 2022) A plank owner reminisces at his old fueling station on the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) after Bataans 25th birthday ceremony, Sept. 20, 2022. Bataan is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.

DF-ST-87-07389. Base: Beale Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Mimosa Whiting, assigned to the Communication & Outreach Division at the Naval History and Heritage Command, interacts with guests on Saturday, 25 June 2022 during the commissioning of USS Montana (SSN-794) at Naval Station Norfolk. Montana is the 21st Virginia Class submarine co-produced by General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) and Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS). Montana is the second U.S. Navy ship to honor the state. The first USS Montana (ACR-13), an armored cruiser, was also built at Newport News Shipbuilding and commissioned July 1908. She served in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, landed Marines during unrest in Haiti in 1914 and escorted convoys during World War I. She was decommissioned in 1921. Two other battleships (BB-51 and BB-67) were to have been named Montana however, were cancelled in 1922 and 1943 respectively.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force members conduct a military working dog demonstration at the National Night Out 2022 event at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo Nimitz Park Aug. 22, 2022. National Night Out is an annual event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie and takes place across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide.

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 22, 2022) Sailors assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) cheer during a baseball game between the San Diego Padres and the St. Louis Cardinals during the ships command picnic, Sept. 22. Essex is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.

221022-N-GK686-1171 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Oct. 22, 2022) Patrons browse the local craft vendors tent during Naval Air Station Sigonellas 2022 Autumn Fest, Oct. 22, 2022. Autumn Fest is an annual event that allows NAS Sigonella personnel to sponsor locals onto the installation to celebrate with base personnel. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Central Command.

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