← Military & Defence

Military Family and Community Events

Images feature families and personnel gathered for military ceremonies and community events, reflecting military life and support.

Danny Hockman, post commander with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2582, gives a speech at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Virginia, May 27, 2022. The Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, opened in 2004 as a resting place for more than 12,750 veterans and their family members. Memorial Day was officially established by Congress as a national observance in 1971.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Stewart C. Smith takes command of the 6th Space Warning Squadron, Cape Cod Space Force Station, Massachusetts, June 23, 2022. Smith, an Air Force Academy graduate, previously served as Director, Force Development, Joint Task Force Space Defense at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Timothy C. Sheehan, outgoing 6th SWS commander, relinquished his charge to Col. Miguel A. Cruz, commander of Space Delta 4, Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. Sheehan has served as 6th SWS commander since 2020.

20220810-N-EL850 (Aug. 10, 2022) Families watch the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) departing Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment Aug. 10, 2022. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable warfighting capability as the flagship of a carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Secretary Gale Norton speaking at ceremonies at the War Correspondents Memorial, Burkittsville, Maryland, featuring unveiling of plaque honoring fourprominent journalists killed during war and war-related coverage in Iraq and Pakistan

Danny Hockman, post commander with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2582, gives a speech at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Virginia, May 27, 2022. The Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, opened in 2004 as a resting place for more than 12,750 veterans and their family members. Memorial Day was officially established by Congress as a national observance in 1971.

Held outside the headquarters of the American task force, with some 50 troops in attendance, Navy Chaplain Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) John Franklin, the CABANAS 2001 Chaplain eulogized the victims of the vicious terrorist attacks on the United States. Several hundred US troops still in Salta, Argentina await transportation home, after CABANAS 2001, a multinational peacekeeping exercise that ended September 11, 2001. The Argentinian camp band provided a soulful and respectful rendition of Taps for their new friends. LCDR Franklin said, "the memorial service helps the troops who have sworn to defend the rights of the innocent and defenseless have an outlet for their anger. It allows them .... Held outside the headquarters of the American task force, with some 50 troops in attendance, Navy Chaplain Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) John Franklin, the CABANAS 2001 Chaplain eulogized the victims of the vicious terrorist attacks on the United States. Several hundred US troops still in Salta, Arge

Hometown Heroes stand for a group photo with 20th Fighter Wing (FW) leadership during the Shaw Air and Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 2, 2022. The 20th FW honored 20 individuals, nominated by their peers, for their tireless work within their communities to make them safer and improve the lives of those around them.

The Patriot Guard Riders render honors during the funeral service for U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Megellas in Section 75 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 2, 2022.Megellas is considered the most decorated officers in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division. His awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and other military honors for his World War II European service. Megellas is being considered for the Medal of Honor for his service and leadership during the Battle of the Bulge, an upgrade of the Silver Star he received for this service.Megellass grandson, James Megellas, received the U.S. flag from his service.

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (March 25, 2023) Petty Officer 2nd Class Korey McNally deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, met with Navy Exchange representatives during Camp Lemonniers Information Fair and Block Party about services provided around the base, March 25. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. The base enables maritime and combat operations in the Horn of Africa while fostering positive U.S.-Africa relations.

NORFOLK, VA. (Nov. 30, 2012) Veterans participate in the memorial ceremony commemorating the January 14, 1969 flight deck fire aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise was commissioned in 1961 and is scheduled to celebrate her inactivation, Dec. 1, 2012, after 51 years of service.

060724-N-6214F-013. Base: Beirut Country: Lebanon (LBN)

Families and friends hold signs for Sailors assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92), on pier at Naval Station Everett, Washington, Sept. 6. The Momsen, assigned to Carrier Strike Group Three, returned to Naval Base Everett following an a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleets in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

A student from the Intro to Meteorology course at Yuma Catholic High School raises his hand to ask a question while visiting Cannon Air Defense Complex, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, May 13, 2022. The purpose of the field trip was to educate students on the capabilities of the U.S. Marine Corps weather technology.

Airmen assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Medical Squadron, cheer on their Wingmen during a quarterly awards ceremony at the Phantom Pavilion, October 4, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Embracing the spirit of football season, the theme for the third quarter awards was a tailgating event. Airmen were encouraged to wear their favorite teams jerseys and decorate their sections while they cheered on their Wingmen.

The Ohio National Guard, Sgt. 1st Class Daniel B. Crabtree Special Forces Facility officially unveiled a memorial for SFC Crabtree, October 15, 2022, at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio. Crabtree was killed in 2006 when an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle during his deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Airmen from the 336th Training Squadron cheer during the 81st Training Group drill down on the Levitow Training Support Facility drill pad at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Sept 16, 2022. Keesler trains more than 30,000 students each year. While in training, Airmen are given the opportunity to volunteer to learn and execute drill down routines.

The next of kin address family and friends during Army Private First Class Robert L. Alexander's full military honors funeral in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Nov. 14, 2022.Alexander was killed during World War II and was accounted for on June 21, 2022.In July 1944, Alexander was a member of the 105th Infantry Regiment, 27th Infantry Division, fighting the Japanese on Saipan in the Mariana Islands. Alexander was killed July 7 when the Japanese general on Saipan ordered his forces into a mass suicide, or banzai,” attack against the 105th's lines.Following the end of the war, the American Graves Registration Service (AGRS) was tasked with investigating and recovering missing American personnel in the Pacific Theater. They searched for and disinterred remains on Saipan, but could not identify any as Alexander. He was declared non-recoverable in September 1949.Remains, designated as Unknown X-27 27th Infantry Division Cemetery, were recovered from Saipan and

050109-N-9885M-004. Base: Sultan Iskandar Muda Afb State: Sumatra Country: Indonesia (IDN) Scene Major Command Shown: CVN-72

220921-N-IC246-0043 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sept. 21, 2022) - Clementé Luczon, left, and his wife Carlota Luczon observe colors during Navy Employer Recognition Event (NERE) at Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MESRON) 2 on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Sept. 21. NERE is a professional recognition event for outstanding civilian employers of Navy Reserve Sailors that have demonstrated exceptional support for their citizen-Sailor employees above and beyond the requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. NERE also provides selected civilian employers of Navy Reserve Sailors with a first-hand look at the capabilities, roles, and missions of the U.S. Navy Reserve.

While in Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard and drummers from The U.S. Navy Band visited with over 200 JROTC students from Sierra Vista High School and Bonanza High School. The color guard shared their experiences in the military and why they continue to choose to serve. Students also had the chance to ask the service members questions and get some tips and tricks about presenting the colors.

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.

Jackson and Scott Rayner watch an aerial performance during the Joint Base Andrews 2022 Air & Space Expo at JBA, Md., Sept. 18, 2022. The Joint Base Andrews 2022 Air & Space Expos theme was designated "Innovate, Accelerate, Thrive the Air Force at 75" and showcased performers such as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team and the United States Air Force Academy Wings of Blue.

050622-A-9665L-049. Subject Operation/Series: RED DRAGON Base: Fort Mccoy State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAR

221213-N-PG340-1047 GREAT LAKES, Illinois (Dec. 13, 2022) Navy Band Great Lakes performs at U.S. Navy Recruit Training Commands quarterdeck, Dec. 13. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.

The crowd cheers as the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" fly overhead at the Arctic Thunder Open House at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 31, 2022.This biennial event hosted by JBER is one of the largest in the state and one of the premier aerialdemonstrations in the world. The event features multiple performers to include the JBER JointForces Demonstration Team, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, Pacific Air ForcesC-17 Demonstration Team and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team.

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmrd. Kristy Benjamin, a nurse with SCD-1 NMRC Camp Pendleton, speaks to a patient during Appalachian Care Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) 2022 at Wise, Va., Aug. 16, 2022. IRT is a Department of Defense (DoD) military training opportunity, exclusive to the United States and its territories, that delivers joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness. Simultaneously, IRT provides key services (health care, construction, transportation, and cybersecurity) with lasting benefits for our American communities.

050202-F-2820P-015. Base: Ramstein Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Soldiers, Families and friends of the 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment gather outside Tiffin Universitys Heminger Center, following a call to duty ceremony for the unit Sept. 20, 2022, in Tiffin, Ohio. Elements of the Ohio Army National Guards 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted call to duty ceremonies for their units in advance of an approximately yearlong deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

Mimosa Whiting, assigned to the Communication & Outreach Division at the Naval History and Heritage Command and MMA1(SS) George Horning, assigned to the Historic Ship Nautilus, interact 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.

Students from the 334th Training Squadron cheer during the 81st Training Group drill down on the Levitow Training Support Facility drill pad at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Sept 16, 2022. Keesler trains more than 30,000 students each year. While in training, Airmen are given the opportunity to volunteer to learn and execute drill down routines.

September 11th remembrance ceremony held in front of NASA Research Park Bldg-17 (Lunar Science Institute) hosted by the American Legion, Post 881, Moffett Field.

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 323rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept 14-15, 2022. Col. Lauren A. Courchaine, Commander, 37th Training Wing, reviewed the ceremony

Melvin Bradley, a 4th Infantry Division Vietnam veteran, leads the group in a prayer at the National World War 1 (WWI) Museum and Memorial during the 2022 National Reunion at Kansas City, Missouri, July 27, 2022. The National 4th Inf. (IVY) Div. Association has been supporting the Veterans, Soldiers and friends of the 4th Inf. Div. since 1919.

040107-A-2511W-007. Base: Fort Campbell State: Kentucky (KY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, known as the Thunderbirds, perform during the Aerospace Valley Air Show at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Oct. 16, 2022. Since 1953, the Thunderbirds have served as Americas premier aerial demonstration squadron, entrusted with the mission to recruit, retain and inspire past, present and future Airmen.

High school and community influencers receive a first-hand account of Marine Corp boot camp receiving day during the Educators Workshop at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California on June 27, 2023. The Educators' Workshop program provides selected educators, coaches, directors and influential community members with an experiential opportunity to see how the Marine Corps transforms young men and women into Marines. The program is designed to demystify recruit and officer candidate training, foster stronger relationships among recruiting personnel and the communities they serve, and increase advocacy among influencers who help shape decisions of young men and women.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Yorktown, Virginia to deliver the keynote address at the 225th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Yorktown. Among other dignitaries on hand for the commemorative events were Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen, former U.S. Army Secretary John Marsh, French Ambassador to the U.S. Jean-David Levitte, and French Defense Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie.

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)

GREAT LAKES, Il. (June 1, 2022) Educators with Navy Talent Acquisition Group Southwest and Navy Recruiting Command tour Recruit Training Command and Naval Station Great Lakes as part of the Educator Orientation Visit (EOV) to familiarize teachers with different aspects of the Navy. 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.

030717-D-0405B-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force veterans wait for the memorial service speech during the Vietnam Security Police Association annual reunion, Oct. 7, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The VSPA is an association of U.S. Air Force veterans who served in Vietnam and Thailand between July 1958 and May 1975.

Laura Orr, Director of Education and Darcy Sink, Volunteer Coordinator at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, provide an orientation for area Chief Petty Officers in preparation for the museums CPO Heritage Days training event scheduled for September 19-21, 2022. The museums CPO training event is the largest and longest running event of its kind in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area for newly selected Chief Petty Officers and is held aboard the Battleship Wisconsin and the Nauticus campus in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - TURRET HOMECOMING USS MONITOR

Norfolk (September 19, 2022) BTCS(SW) Tom Dandes, USN (Ret.), Special Events Coordinator at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, reviews guidons on display aboard the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64). The guidons were on display as part of the museums 21st Annual Chief Petty Officer Heritage Days event. The three-day event allows CPO selectees to receive history and heritage training at the museum and aboard the Battleship Wisconsin, and is hosted by the museum and area commands. The event is the largest and longest running of its kind in Virginia. (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released).

220510-N-AH609-1001-GR NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (May 10, 2022) The Naval Support Activity Souda Bay Safety Office in Crete, Greece, hosted a Summer Safety Stand Down event at the base softball field May 10, 2022. Sailors and Civilian employees participated in the safety stand down by attending multiple resource stations to learn how to stay safe while participating in summertime activities. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay 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.

U.S. Air Force 100th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters from RAF Mildenhall, engage with attendees during the Cambridgeshire County Day at the Newmarket July Course, England, June 23, 2022. The County Day was an opportunity to celebrate Cambridgeshire and Her Majesty The Queens Platinum Jubilee.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Toland Taylor, maintenance division officer, Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1), addresses the audience during his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, Oct. 14, 2022. Taylor retired after 21 years of service in the Marine Corps.

GROTON, Conn. (December 8, 2022) - Cmdr. James Henry, commanding officer of the USS California (SSN 781), is greeted by his wife and children during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Dec. 8. California returned to homeport after a four-month deployment in support of the chief of naval operations maritime strategy. The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS California and crew operate under Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) TWELVE and its primary mission is to provide attack submarines that are ready, willing, and able to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe.

220528-N-PW480-0530 CHICAGO (May 28, 2022) Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) Rear Adm. Jennifer Couture speaks with Gold Star family members during a Gold Star Family breakfast in the Walnut Room of Macys Department Store, May 28. Couture joined Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, U.S. government representatives, and senior military officers to commemorate Memorial Day and remember service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice during their service to the United States. NSTC supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and enlisted Sailors. This training includes the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) at more than 160 colleges and universities across the country, Officer Training Command (OTC) in Newport, Rhode Island, Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navys only boot camp, as well as the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) and Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) citizenship development program at more than 60

030716-D-5011J-022. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220715-N-ZR324-2179 DETROIT (Jul. 15, 2022) Members of the Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, pose for a photo after parachuting into Detroits Corner Ball Park, during Detroit Navy Week. Navy Week is an annual series of events held throughout the year in various U.S. cities without a significant Navy presence to provide an opportunity for citizens to interact with Sailors and learn about the Navy and its capabilities.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 14, 2018) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, left, and Chief of the French navy Adm. Christophe Prazuck address U.S. and French navy sailors while visiting the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). George H.W. Bush is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier air wing exercises with the French navy to strengthen partnerships and deepen interoperability between the two nations' naval forces.

Memphis, Tenn. (June 16, 2022) Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard perform at the Memphis Museum of Science and History during Navy Week Memphis. Memphis Navy Week is one of 14 Navy Weeks in 2022, which brings a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel to a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America's Navy closer to the people it protects. Each year, the program reaches more than 140 million people -- about half the U.S. population.

SAN DIEGO (Sept. 30, 2022) - Friends and family welcome home Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) Sailors as the ship returns to San Diego upon completion of Pacific Partnership 2022. Having just completed its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multi-national humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership 2022 host nations included Vietnam, Palau, the Philippines and Solomon Islands. U.S. Service Members carried out the mission alongside partner nation representatives from Australia, Chile, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom.

Home again, 128th Air Refueling Wing (Wisconsin Air National Guard) volunteer members arrive home, happily greeting their family members after deployment in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Operation ENDURING FREEDOM is in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: General Mitchell Angb, Milwaukee State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 48th Security Forces Squadron, is reunited with family and friends after returning home from a seven month deployment, at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 9, 2022. The 48th SFS helps support missions across the United States Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa area of responsibility.

Idaho PGR State Captain Dario Bell talks over escort plans with Arizona State Captain Bill Wooster prior to leaving Jackpot, Nevada.On May 4, 2022 members of the Arizona, Idaho and Oregon PGR collaborated to return the remains of Jerry Lorraine to his birthplace in Salem, Oregon. Lorraine, a Vietnam U.S. Air Force Veteran, residing in Arizona, passed away in December of 2021. His son Jason arranged to return him to his hometown with the help of the PGRs Pony Express. The Arizona PGR met Idaho members in Jackpot, Nevada on the morning of May 4 to transfer and escort Lorraines remains to the Oregon PGR waiting in Ontario, Oregon. Following a brief ceremony honoring Lorraine and making the transfer official the Idaho members escorted Lorraine on his journey home. For the members of the Idaho Patriot Guard Riders Memorial Day is a weekly remembrance. The Patriot Guard Riders are a national organization with state chapters spread out in regional areas. The PGR creed is simple - Standing fo

Inter-American Defense College Leadership, students and staff participate in a 9/11 Never Forget Challenge on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 9, 2022. The event included a 2,200 steps per teams in relay mode activity to remember the fallen, the injured and everyone who was impacted by the events of 9/11. The steps challenge was designed simulate the equivalent steps of the World Trade Center Tower.

Members of the Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Wing participate in a Combat Dining In event at Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, June 12, 2022. A "Combat Dining In" is a military-only, esprit de corps event, in which Airmen participate in various events typically involving water-fights, tug of war and various traditions of speeches, games and challenges.

U.S. service members and families assigned to Shaw Air Force Base (AFB), S.C., observe an MQ-9 Reaper assigned to March Air Reserve Base, Calif., after landing at Shaw AFB, Feb. 14, 2024. The MQ-9 landed at Shaw AFB for the first time while being flown by 25th Attack Group pilots (ATKG). After landing, the MQ-9 was displayed for 25th ATKG members and their families to see the aircraft they operate every day for the first time. Air Force

Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman attends a memorial service held in Frankfort, Ky., May 30, 2022, honoring members of the Kentucky Guard who have died in the line of duty. The names of 13 Soldiers were added to the Kentucky National Guard Memorial at Boone National Guard Center this year, bringing the total number of fallen Airmen and Soldiers to 286.

Families and Friends of deployed 35th Infantry Division Soldiers watch the Kansas City Royals take on the Detroit Tigers at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 11, 2022. The 35th Infantry Division mobilizes and deploys to a theater of operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

U.S. Marine Corps First Sgt. Cydney Rose, receives a gift from Master Sgt. William Pieczarka, during the 2022 DoD Warrior Games in Orlando, Fla. on Aug. 28, 2022. The annual event celebrates the resiliency and dedication of wounded, ill, and injured U.S. Service Members and veterans.

011013-F-9825J-008. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Byrd Field State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - At the U.S. Naval Base San Diego in California, children sign a banner near the Orion boilerplate test vehicle during an outreach event at the naval base. The USS Anchorage is being prepared for the Orion Underway Recovery Test 2. The test vehicle and other hardware will be loaded into the well deck of the ship and head out to sea in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. NASA, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy will conduct the test to prepare for recovery of the Orion crew module, forward bay cover and parachutes on its return from a deep space mission. The underway recovery test will allow the teams to demonstrate and evaluate the recovery processes, procedures, new support hardware and personnel in open waters.The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program will conduct the underway recovery tests. Orion is the exploration spacecraft designed to carry astronauts to destinations not yet explored by humans, including an asteroid and Mars. It will hav

Norfolk (September 19, 2022) BTCS(SW) Tom Dandes, USN (Ret.), Special Events Coordinator at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, reviews guidons on display aboard the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64). The guidons were on display as part of the museums 21st Annual Chief Petty Officer Heritage Days event. The three-day event allows CPO selectees to receive history and heritage training at the museum and aboard the Battleship Wisconsin, and is hosted by the museum and area commands. The event is the largest and longest running of its kind in Virginia. (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released).

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.

Spectators observe the F-35B Lightning II aerial demonstration during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 25, 2022. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing efforts to modernize the force for future conflicts.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jeremy Paplior, director of Technical Training department, speaks with Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) students from Buffalo, New York, during a site visit at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN), Rhode Island, May 4. OCS morally, mentally, and physically develops civilians and fleet sailors into newly commissioned officers and imbues them with the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment to prepare graduates for service in the fleet as Naval officers.

U.S. Army National Guard 1st. Sgt. Daniel Schaab is advanced to sergeant major, at the Ike Skelton Training Site, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 15, 2022. Gathered by family, friends and many teammates, Sgt. Maj. Schaab has made a significant positive impact on the lives and careers of his Soldiers over the years.

Maj. Lauren Schlichting, right wing pilot for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, signs a shirt at the Joint Base Andrews 2022 Air & Space Expo at JBA, Md., Sept. 17, 2022. Airshows provide an opportunity for people to see U.S. military air capabilities in action and meet the service members who fly and maintain the equipment.

Isaiah and Ashley Bonasera wait to greet their Soldier, U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Anthony Bonasera, an indirect fire infantryman assigned to 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, during a redeployment ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug.29, 2022. During their deployment, the 1st ABCT trained at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, and completed Combined Resolve XVII at Joint Multinational Readiness Center with 11 other NATO allies and partners to enhance interoperability and readiness.

Fort Irwin community members lined the streets to wave flags and show their support for Emergency Service Workers during a 911 memorial event Sept. 11, 2022, at Fort Irwin, Calif. The event consisted of an invocation and moment of silence at the post chapel, a community remembrance led by the Horse Detachment Troopers, Regimental Support, Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, which led to the Heritage Centers 911 Memorial display and a static display of FDNY L152. EMS workers including fire, police and medical personnel then joined in a motorcade through the residential areas of Fort Irwin.

Brig. Gen. Walker Field, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and the Eastern Recruiting Region, along with his wife, Mrs. Field, read a christmas story to children of the local community, in Beaufort, S.C., Dec. 10, 2022.Along with the reading, the Parris Island Marine Band performed a Christmas concert for the community.

U.S. service members and their families receive autographs from Atlanta Falcons team members during their visit to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 20, 2022. The National Football League players showed their appreciation for JBLM service members by participating in military demonstrations, touring the units on base and meeting service members.

070224-M-1726S-003. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MCAS YUMA

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Corey Thobe takes command of the 121st Air Refueling Wing Civil Engineering Squadron from Lt. Col. Daryl Brezina at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, June 4, 2022. Thobe and Brezina were joined by their families for a Change of Command ceremony to commemorate the event.

040928-F-9429S-002. Base: Grand Forks Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Anthony Lloyd, an intelligence surveillance reconnaissance systems engineer with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2, grabs a beer from the beer tent during Rocktoberfest, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Oct. 20, 2022. Marine Corps Community Services Cherry Point hosts Rocktoberfest . More than 1,000 service members, civilians, and family members gather and participate in an array of games, listen to live music, and enjoy free food and drinks.

030716-D-5011J-031. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Northern California resident dances while Band of the Golden Wests Mobility Rock Band plays during the California Capital Airshow at Mather Airport in Sacramento, California, Oct. 1, 2022. Airmen representing various units from Travis Air Force Base participated in the event to educate, inspire and share the mission of Air Mobility Command and displayed a static KC-10 Extender, C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III.

240214-N-PN185-1011 - Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee (Feb. 14, 2024) - An audience member at the United States Navy Bands 2024 national tour concert in the Soddy-Daisy High School Gymnasium stands as the Navy Band plays the service songs from the six uniformed services of the United States armed forces. The Navy Band will travel 2500 ground miles over 18 days to 7 states, giving 12 public concerts as well as 5 concerts for students in schools. Navy

Chief Master Sgt. Michael Becker, center, 341st Missile Wing command chief, and Airmen throughout Malmstrom hold homemade signs during morning traffic Sept. 9, 2022, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The annual Signs of Hope event began in 2020 when organizers were trying to find a way to bring encouragement to Airmen during Suicide Prevention Month while still following COVID safety protocols.

010915-A-0000V-010. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - TURRET HOMECOMING USS MONITOR

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

Material from Vice Admiral Allen - VIP Tours - 26-HK-375-30. Hurricane Katrina

Russia, Saint Petersburg, Petrograd, Cruiser Aurora, fired the first shot of the October Revolution, October, 25, 1917, souvenir navy hats

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Yorktown, Virginia to deliver the keynote address at the 225th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Yorktown. Among other dignitaries on hand for the commemorative events were Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen, former U.S. Army Secretary John Marsh, French Ambassador to the U.S. Jean-David Levitte, and French Defense Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie.

The Soldier Recovery Unit, of Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, held a memorial ceremony on May 23, 2022, on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, honoring three of their Soldiers who passed within this last year, and remembering all who have passed while assigned to the SRU. Prior to the ceremony, a breakfast was held for the families and friends, hosted by the SRU command and staff.

A member of the Belgian Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit works with Directorate of Emergency Services, U.S. Army Garrison Benelux, Belgian Firefighters and SHAPE Federal Police at the mobile Emergency Operations Center during a suspicious package training, on Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, March 27, 2022. The training allowed USAG Benelux Directorate of Emergency Services to test interoperability with host nation emergency services.

Jacey Cantu, a family member with Weapons and Field Training Battalion (WFTBN), Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, greets U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Manny during an Easter celebration at Camp Pendleton, California, April 16, 2022. Manny is the Marine Corps Recruit Depot mascot and attended the event to celebrate Easter with the families of WFTBN.

US Army Recruiter converses with a civilian during the Armed Forces Weekend event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway May 21, 2022.

Ellington Joint Reserve Base.. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

110625-N-JN612-001 EVERETT, Wash. (June 25, 2011) Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) report to their designated muster locations in the hangar bay during an abandon ship drill. Abraham Lincoln completed a port maintenance period and is preparing for its next underway phase.

060901-N-6410J-015. Base: Naval Air Station, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Crowds fill the areas along NASA Causeway at NASA's Kennedy Space Center to watch the World Space Expo aerial salute. Seen in flight is the plane used to refuel rescue helicopters in mid-air. Aircraft joining in the expo salute include the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron, the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornets, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle, P-51 Mustang Heritage Flight, the U.S. Air Force 920th Rescue Wing, which was responsible for Mercury and Gemini capsule recovery, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights precision skydivers. The World Space Expo held Nov. 1-4 was an event commemorating humanity's first 50 years in space while looking forward to returning people to the moon and exploring beyond. The expo showcased various panels, presentations and educational programs. It also was a part of NASA's 50th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the 45th Anniversary of the Mercury Program celebration featuring original NASA

Missouri National Guards Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program hosted a week-long refresher course to the states Victim Advocates at the Ike Skelton Training Site, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 15, 2022. The training consisted of lesson seminars, interactive activities, communication assessments and much more. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio)

220530-N-SS492-1040 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (May 30, 2022) -- Event participants at the annual Memorial Day event sponsored by the Bowfin Base SubVets present leis honoring each submarine lost in World War II, at the USS Parche Submarine Park and Memorial at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, May 30, 2022. At the annual Memorial Day event sponsored by the Bowfin Base SubVets, submariners honor those who have sacrificed their lives defending our nation, and all those on eternal patrol.

Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps students from Cabot High School watch a military working dog demonstration during a base visit at Little Rock Air Force Base, June 14, 2022. Students learned about various Air Force career fields and spoke with Airmen about the military life.

A Group of Tyndall honorary commanders take a tour of the installation during Checkered Flag 22-2 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 18, 2022. Checkered Flag is a large-force aerial exercise held at Tyndall which fosters readiness and interoperability through the incorporation of 4th-and 5th-generation aircraft during air-to-air combat training. The 22-2 iteration of the exercise was held May 9-20, 2022.

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