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Military Family Reunions

Emotional reunions between military personnel and their families, featuring joyful moments with children and loved ones upon returning from deployment.

Sgt. Jared Montgomery spends time with his son after the call to duty ceremony for Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery Regiment Sept. 26, 2018, in Cincinnati. Members are deploying to the National Capital Region in Washington, D.C. to provide personnel support to the homeland defense mission there, including the use of radar, ground based air defense systems and communications equipment. (Ohio National Guard

Sgt. Jared Montgomery spends time with his son after the call to duty ceremony for Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery Regiment Sept. 26, 2018, in Cincinnati. Members are deploying to the National Capital Region in Washington, D.C. to provide personnel support to the homeland defense mission there, including the use of radar, ground based air defense systems and communications equipment. (Ohio National Guard

SAN DIEGO (March 4, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Mark Henderson, from New Bern, N.C., reunites with his family after completing a seven-month deployment aboard amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex, a part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, returned to Naval Base San Diego, March 4, after a deployment to U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet areas of operation in support of regional stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

More than 600 personnel from the Idaho National Guards largest unit deployed August 9 and 10 in support of Operation Spartan Shield in Southwest Asia. The 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Teams Task Force Rattler trained for more than two years in anticipation of this mobilization. Idaho Soldiers will comprise nearly 65 percent of the task force during this rotation, and will include other Soldiers from Montana, Ohio, Oregon and South Carolina. OSS is a joint mission under the United States Central Command and is part of Operation Enduring Freedom. OSS is an ongoing operation and supported primarily by Army National Guard combat units from across the country. The deployment is anticipated to last approximately 12 months and is the second rotation the 116th CBCT is supporting. The first task force deployed in November 2021 and will return in October. The Soldiers mobilizing Wednesday will receive 45 days of additional training stateside before deploying overseas.

Nearly 30 Soldiers with 1st Airfield Operations Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard, returned home Saturday, April 29, 2016, at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Norman, Oklahoma after being deployed to the Middle East for nearly a year. While deployed, the AOB provided air traffic control and airfield operations in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve.

An Airman, who deployed to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, hugs his daughter at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. After 16 consecutive years of active service, the 816th EAS was inactivated, and will be replaced by the 8th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Heinz, a member of the 290th Engineer Detachment and a Norton, Ohio, native, reunites with his 4-year-old daughter, Olivia, before the unit's welcome home ceremony Sept. 14, 2012, in Newton Falls, Ohio. The unit returned from a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where Soldiers conducted survey and design projects including a bridge, water crossing sites, ammunition supply points and helicopter landing zones. (Ohio National Guard

A Vermont Air National Guard member says goodbye prior to his departure from the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, April 28th, 2022. The ceremony recognizes the sacrifices of Airmen and their families ahead of the 158th fighter wings deployment to Europe.

Staff Sgt. Andrew Raynor, holding his son, Jacob, and with his wife Stacy, waves to cheering fans while receiving an honor as the Hero of the Game at a Chicago White Sox home game, August 2, 2022. Raynor is a religious affairs specialist assigned to the 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Raynor has served on six overseas deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Also in attendance with Raynor was his brother, Adam, who is currently serving in the U.S. National Guard.

The Idaho Army National Guard welcomed home, to Boise, nearly 100 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team Soldiers on Nov. 4, 2022, after a yearlong deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Spartan Shield. An additional 100 other Soldiers returned to their communities elsewhere across the state throughout the day. The task force conducted security and stability operations and demonstrated the U.S.s continued commitment to deterring adversaries while supporting regional allies. The task force was relieved in October by another 116th CBCT-led task force, including more than 600 Idaho Soldiers, who are expected to return next year.

Airmen with the South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, return from a successful Air Expeditionary Force deployment in Southwest Asia, October 23, 2018. The South Carolina Air National Guards 169th Fighter Wing deployed F-16 fighter jets and Airmen consisting of pilots, maintenance specialists and support staff to the 407th Air Expeditionary Group in July in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. A Mullins, a Lynchburg, Ohio native and infantry squad leader with 2d Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, reunites with his family at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 9, 2022. I feel excited to be reunited with my family after not seeing them for a long time. I am excited and nervous to meet my daughter for the first time, Mullins says, Im ready to be home and help my wife take care of our daughter.2/6 returned to Camp Lejeune after completing a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations. (U.S.Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Deja Thomas)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Witherly, Chief Enlisted Manager for the 16th Airlift Squadron embraces his daughter after returning home from a deployment at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, May 3, 2022. Ever vigilant in sitting on continuous alert 24 hours, 7 days a week, the 16th routinely responds to short-notice National Command Authority taskings.

A Soldier assigned to 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reunites with his family during one of several welcome home ceremonies at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 28, 2022. During their deployment, the 1ABCT trained in Grafenwoehr Training Area and completed Combined Resolve XVII at Joint Multinational Readiness Center with 11 other NATO allies and partners to enhance interoperability and readiness.

More than 170 Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guards A Battery, 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery, based in Lincolnton, N.C., receive a heros welcome home to applause, hugs and cheers from the leaders and citizens of Lincoln County at Lincolntons Citizen Center, July 17, 2016. The units men and women deployed to the Kingdom of Bahrain for Operation Inherent Resolve supporting military police missions and conducted convoy security operations for logistical supply movements and multinational forces. “We have been through a lot together,” said Army Capt. Bradley Murray, left, commander of the battery.

Soldiers with the 71st Chemical Detachment Company Dragons, 303rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion, 8th Military Police Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, return to Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam from a nine-month deployment to Republic of South Korea, Nov. 7th, 2022. The Dragons conducted equipment and troop decontamination, dismounted reconnaissance and surveillance, and combined arms training that enhanced the Dragons international bonds that enable the force to employ advanced regional stability.

250 New York National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Harlem Hellfighters 369th Sustainment Brigade said goodbye to their families for a year during a farewell ceremony 9 a.m. Sept. 18, 2022, at Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt Manor NY. The Soldiers of the 369th Sustainment Brigade will be deploying to Kuwait for a sustainment operations mission.

221129-N-IL330-1131 SAN DIEGO (Nov. 29, 2022) - Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Andrew Picard, from Sacramento, California, meets his newborn baby for the first time after departing amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Nov. 29, 2022. Tripoli returned to Naval Base San Diego following the ship's maiden deployment where they operated in the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleets in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The first group of Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon returns to Virginia and reunites with loved ones and fellow Soldiers Sept. 22, 2022, in Sandston, Virginia, after serving on federal active duty since November 2021. More than 1,000 Virginia and Kentucky National Guard troops under the command of the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted security operations throughout the Horn of Africa and provided the East Africa Response Force in support of the U.S. government for crisis response throughout East Africa. A transfer of authority ceremony with the New York Army National Guards 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment was conducted Sept. 19. More Soldiers will return to Virginia in the coming weeks after completing administrative tasks transitioning them back to a traditional National Guard status, but an exact date for their return has not been finalized.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division return home to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, July 6, 2022. Elements of the 82nd Airborne Division deployed to Poland to support the United States decision to increase its presence and activities in Europe as part of our Nations strong and unremitting commitment to our NATO Allies. Upon returning to the Home of the Airborne, Paratroopers greeted each other and reunited with family.

Over 100 Ohio Air National Guard members are returning from deployment to the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio, July 6, 2016, following three to six months in support of the C-130H Hercules tactical airlift missions throughout the Middle East. The Ohio Air National Guard unit is always on mission to respond with highly qualified citizen-airmen to execute Federal, State and community missions.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Alpha Co., 2-10 Assault Helicopter Battalion return home to their families on Fort Drum, Ny Sep. 7, 2022. VooDoo Soldiers spent almost a year in Iraq defending the nation.

041112-M-0095Z-183. Base: Ash Shafiyah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

CORONADO, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2017) U.S. Navy Airman Christopher Garnow, assigned to the Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8, meets his daughter for the first time after the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) returned to Naval Air Station North Island. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific. The U.S. Navy has patrolled the Indo-Asia-Pacific region routinely for more than 70 years promoting peace and security.

040712-M-8703S-004. Base: Mcagcc, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Virginia National Guard Soldiers from the Emporia-based 1710th Transportation Company reunite with family, friends and fellow Guard Soldiers Feb. 22, 2014, in Norfolk after serving on federal active duty in Afghanistan since June 2013. The company returned to the United States Feb. 15, and approximately 145 Soldiers returned to airports closest to their home of record. A formal ceremony recognizing their service will take place in about 90 days. The 1710th began serving on federal active duty on April 1, 2013. While in Afghanistan, Soldiers from the 1710th drove more than 304,000 miles of transportation support missions, maintained a 99% operational readiness rate and received a safety streamer for having no serious accidents.

APRA HARBOR, Guam (July 1, 2022) -Lt. Cmdr. Dave Henson, assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Asheville (SSN 758), embraces his family after the submarine returns home to U.S. Naval Base Guam following a regularly-scheduled deployment. Asheville is forward-deployed to the island of Guam and routinely operates in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, conducting maritime security operations and supporting national security interests.

Family and friends greet redeploying members assigned to the 355th Wing and 563rd Rescue Group on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 8, 2022. The members returned home to their families after a deployment overseas.

A Soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, poses with his family during one of several welcome home ceremonies at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 26, 2022. The brigade deployed to Germany in February 2022, as the immediate response force to deter Russian aggression against NATO allies and partners, under the 1st Infantry Division.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Thomas Galoff, stands for a photo near Camp Ripley, June 4, 2022. Galoff will retire this summer with more than 40 years of service. He began his career in 1980 with the Wisconsin National Guards 724th Engineer Battalion as a combat engineer and heavy equipment operator. (Minnesota National Guard Photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

SAN DIEGO (March 4, 2022) Machinists Mate 2nd Class Seth Borden, from Gresham, Ore., meets his newborn child for the first time after completing a seven-month deployment aboard amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex, a part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group, returned to Naval Base San Diego, March 4, after a deployment to U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet areas of operation in support of regional stability and a free and open Indo-Pacific.

030530-M-8539K-009. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 3D AABN

APRA HARBOR, Guam (DEC 08, 2016) - Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Atkins is greeted with the first kiss by his wife Jennifer during a homecoming celebration for Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723). Oklahoma City, one of four forward-deployed submarines homeported in Apra Harbor, returned to Guam this morning after an eight-month maintenance period known as Docking Selected Restricted Availability.

Senior leaders from state government and the Virginia National Guard join family, friends and fellow Soldiers in welcoming home the first groups of Soldiers assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team March 25, 2017, in Roanoke, Virginia. Approximately 450 Soldiers from 1st Battalion, also known as the Red Dragons, began serving on federal active duty conducting security operations in Qatar in May 2016.

220712-N-PW480-0254 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (July 12, 2022) Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) midshipman candidates execute the body drag portion of a physical training session at Recruit Training Command (RTC), July 12. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and enlisted Sailors.

Friends and family welcome Soldiers assigned to the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment home at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, January 28, 2022 after a nine month deployment overseas. The battalion executed missions at 12 locations in nine different countries across the Middle East, Southwest Asia, and Africa. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Soldiers from the Mankato-based 2nd Battalion, 135th Infantry Regiment, are greeted by their friends and families at a welcome home ceremony in Bloomington, June 7, 2017. The Soldiers returned from a nine-month deployment to the Sinai Peninsula. (Minnesota National Guard

A Soldier assigned to the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command hugs his loved one following the completion of a redeployment ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, May 10, 2022. While deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command acted as the 1st Theater Sustainment Command Operational Command Post where they provided mission command of over 12,000 Sustainment Service Members, DA Civilians, and contractors deployed to Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, Jordan, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Sinai Peninsula, supporting more than 60,000 military and civilian personnel.

A New U.S. Marine with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, greets a loved one during a family day ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 15, 2022. After 13 weeks of training, the new Marines reunited with their friends and family for a day of on-base liberty.

A New U.S. Marine with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, greets a loved one during a family day ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 15, 2022. After 13 weeks of training, the new Marines reunited with their friends and family for a day of on-base liberty.

030909-M-7837W-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Naval Air Station, Fort Worth State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael A. Toth, flight paramedic, Company D, 1st battalion 171st General Support Aviation Battalion, New Jersey Army National Guard, hugs family members at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Jan. 3, 2019. The 171st is a medical evacuation company that flies UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters equipped with hoists and configured to carry stretchers in the cabin area. The 171st is deploying to Afghanistan to provide medical evacuation support to United States and Allied forces in support of Operation Freedoms Sentinel.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Richard Kerwood, Ohio Army National Guard state command chief warrant officer, plays with his grandson following Kerwoods promotion ceremony May 12, 2022, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. As the state command chief warrant officer, Kerwood provides direction, guidance, resources, assistance and supervision of the Ohio Army National Guard Warrant Officer Cohort.

220912-N-QI061-1734 NORFOLK (Sept. 12, 2022) A Sailor assigned to the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) greets family after returning to Naval Station Norfolk from a regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operations in support of theater security cooperation efforts and to defend U.S., allied and partner interests, Sept. 12.

Soldiers with the 3/49 Agribusiness Development Team (SC ADT 3/49), South Carolina Army National Guard, embrace family members after the units departure ceremony, McCrady Training Center, S.C., Jan. 10, 2013. The 3/49 ADT is departing to Camp Atterbury, Ind., for train up before their deployment to Afghanistan. The SC ADT 3/49 mission is to teach local farmers agricultural techniques and how to grow sustainable crops to improve their lives and provide for their families. (National Guard

An Airman assigned to the 335th Fighter Squadron reunites with his family after returning from a deployment at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Oct. 14, 2022. While deployed, aircrew remained available at any given time to defend against air or ground threats.

An Airman, who deployed to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, embraces his family at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. After 16 consecutive years of active service, the 816th EAS was inactivated, and will be replaced by the 8th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.

U.S. Navy Chief Machinists Mate (Nuclear) Samuel Willhoite, from Pasco, Washington, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), has his cover placed by his family and fellow chiefs during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony at the Coastal Virginia Church, in Norfolk, Virginia, Oct. 21, 2022. John C. Stennis is in Newport News Shipyard working alongside NNS, NAVSEA and contractors conducting Refueling and Complex Overhaul as part of the mission to deliver the warship back in the fight, on time and on budget, to resume its duty of defending the United States.

110510-N-DU438-098MAYPORT, Fla. (May 10, 2011) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Geoffrey J. Bourget, assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), kisses his son on the pier before getting underway. Gettysburg is deployed as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group and is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

030607-M-9248U-006. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: H&HS

A U.S. Army medic examines an Iraqi child during a medical assessment in the Haswa region of Iraq Sept. 21, 2007. The medic is attached to 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

2nd Lt. Amanda Bickford holds her 4-year old son Owen following the departure ceremony for the 1st Squadron, 152nd Cavalry Regiment at Camp Atterbury on Monday, October 17th.

220805-N-EV253-1242 SAN DIEGO (Aug. 5, 2021) - Cmdr. Chris Eckel, an MH-60S Seahawk helicopter pilot assigned to the "Chargers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14, greets his family during a homecoming celebration. HSC-14, as part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, embarked aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and returned to Naval Air Station North Island, Aug. 10, 2022, following a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of operations. CVW-9 deployed with a combination of fourth and fifth-generation platforms that predominantly represent the Airwing of the Future, executing more than 21,307 fixed-wing and helicopter flight hours comprising of 10,250 sorties, 8,437 launches and 8,487 aircraft arrestments..

Soldiers from the 75th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment redeployed at Fort Sill Feb. 5 and 7 after they spent about a month at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California for an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise.

More than 600 personnel from the Idaho National Guards largest unit deployed August 9 and 10 in support of Operation Spartan Shield in Southwest Asia. The 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Teams Task Force Rattler trained for more than two years in anticipation of this mobilization. Idaho Soldiers will comprise nearly 65 percent of the task force during this rotation, and will include other Soldiers from Montana, Ohio, Oregon and South Carolina. OSS is a joint mission under the United States Central Command and is part of Operation Enduring Freedom. OSS is an ongoing operation and supported primarily by Army National Guard combat units from across the country. The deployment is anticipated to last approximately 12 months and is the second rotation the 116th CBCT is supporting. The first task force deployed in November 2021 and will return in October. The Soldiers mobilizing Wednesday will receive 45 days of additional training stateside before deploying overseas.

250 New York National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Harlem Hellfighters 369th Sustainment Brigade said goodbye to their families for a year during a farewell ceremony 9 a.m. Sept. 18, 2022, at Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt Manor NY. The Soldiers of the 369th Sustainment Brigade will be deploying to Kuwait for a sustainment operations mission.

Soldiers from the 75th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment redeployed at Fort Sill Feb. 5 and 7 after they spent about a month at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California for an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise.

Soldiers with the 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade's 1st Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) Regiment returned to Daytona, March 10. The Florida Guardsmen greeted their families and friends following a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

Police Sgt. Kimberly Munley and Staff Sgt. Zackary T. Filip, embrace during a remembrance ceremony in Ft. Hood, TX, Nov. 5, 2010. The ceremony honored Fifty-two Soldiers and civilians for their efforts to aid the wounded in the wake of the Nov. 5, 2009 shooting at Ft. Hood.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Charles Broun, Commanding Officer of RS Chicago, presents Staff Sgt. Joshua Chacon, a recruiter with Recruiting Station Chicago, with the Centurion Award June 4, 2022. The title "Centurion" is only awarded to Marines who write 100 or more contracts during their 36 months on recruiting duty.

A family member listens as Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, and Alpha and Bravo Troops, 1st Squadron, 102nd Cavalry, New Jersey Army National Guard, sing the Army Song after the farewell ceremony at the armory in Westfield, N.J., Jan. 21, 2019. The three units are deploying to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in support of Operation Spartan Shield. (New Jersey National Guard

060816-N-5484G-053. Base: Naval Air Station, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marine Reuniting with Family at Miramar in San Diego

Capt. Nicholas Dobson, a pilot in the 123rd Airlift Wing, is reunited with his daughter as he returns to his home base in Louisville, Ky., July 6, 2018, after completing a four-month deployment to the Persian Gulf region in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Dobson is one of more than 60 Airmen, who arrived aboard a Kentucky Air Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft, operated from an undisclosed air base while flying troops and cargo across the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility.

Staff Sgt. Carl Lere holds his five-day-old daughter, Summer, as his wife Sara, looks on at the activation ceremony for South Dakota Army National Guards 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade May 8, at the Elmen Center, Augustana College campus in Sioux Falls. The 196th will deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to operate as an area support group command for the Kabul Base Cluster and will provide guidance, policy and oversight for 11 military bases operating throughout the capital region. (

BANGOR, Wash. (May 14, 2016) Lt. Tim Markley, from Mohnton, Pa, assigned to the Blue crew of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Alabama (SSBN 731), meets his newborn baby for the first time as the boat returns to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor following a routine strategic deterrent patrol. Alabama is one of eight ballistic-missile submarines stationed at the base providing the most survivable leg of the strategic deterrence triad for the United States.

A U.S. Air Force pilot signs autographs for the crowd at the National Victory Celebration honoring the coalition forces of Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

000818-N-0872M-503. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Park Drago” Lundgreen, 79th Fighter Squadron (FS) fighter pilot, and his family exit the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct 27, 2022. Lundgreen, along with the 79th FS, returned from their deployment providing combat airpower within the Central Command area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Samantha Smego, operations chief, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced), 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), entertains a Ukrainian girl during a ship tour aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) in Riga, Latvia, Sept. 8, 2022. USS Kearsarge conducted a scheduled port visit in Riga. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, 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.

010414-N-5100O-003. Subject Operation/Series: VALIANT RETURN Base: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: VQ-1

230628-N-EU502-1299 SAN DIEGO (June 28, 2023) - A Sailor assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) hugs his family after the ship arrived pierside at Naval Base San Diego June 28, 2023. Decatur, a part of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, returned following a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations. While on deployment, Nimitz Strike Group conducted operations in U.S. 7th Fleet including: deterrence and presence operations; multinational exercises; integrated multi-domain training; long-range maritime strike exercises; anti-submarine warfare; information warfare operations; air defense operations; multiple ship navigation; and formation maneuvering and refueling-at-sea operations.

171223-N-VC599-074NORFOLK (Dec. 23, 2017) A Sailor attached to the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) greets her child during the ship's homecoming celebration. James E. Williams departed Norfolk May 23 for a scheduled deployment in the Navy's 5th and 6th fleet areas of operation.

110516-N-QY430-138NORFOLK (May 16, 2011) Machinist's Mate Fireman Demontay Blue holds his daughter for the first time during a homecoming celebration for the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) at Naval Station Norfolk. Kearsarge returned from a nine-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. Kearsarge was the command ship of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and supported maritime security operations.

NAVAL BASE KITSAP-BREMERTON, Wash. (May 25, 2022) - U.S. Navy Senior Chief Electricians Mate (Nuclear) Jarrett Perez, attached to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), is pinned by his family during a frocking ceremony at the Naval Base Kitsap auditorium, Bremerton, Wash., May 25, 2022. Theodore Roosevelt is in a docking planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility where the ship will receive scheduled maintenance and upgrades.

New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Theresa Barone-Lopez embraces her daughter Juliana at the Albany International Airport on Jan. 27, 2016. Barone-Lopez was among 50 Soldiers of the 42nd Infantry Division who deployed to Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in April 2015. They served as members of the headquarters element for Joint Task Force Guantanamo, and provided administrative support to the task force. Barone-Lopez lives in Amsterdam, N.Y. ( U.S. National Guard

2nd Lt. Nathan Riggs is pinned his new rank by his wife and daughter during the Officer Candidate School graduation, held at the Edward Cross Training Center, in Pembroke, NH, Sept 11. Riggs will serve as a logistics officer with the 3643rd Brigade Support Battalion upon completion of the Basic Officer Leadership Course.

U.S. Army Pfc. Lisa Dueke, a medic with Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, interacts with an Iraqi patient during a medical operation being conducted in Mamadiyah, Iraq, April 12, 2007.

An Airman assigned to the 335th Fighter Squadron reunites with his family after returning from a deployment at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Oct. 14, 2022. The Airman was deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

A group of U.S. Army Paratroopers, assigned to the Warrior Training Center, help one another rig up into their T-11 parachute during Exrcise Falcon Leap on Eindhoven Air Base, Eindhoven, Netherlands., Sep. 13, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise

U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 are greeted by their family members during the VMM-268 homecoming, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 17, 2022. VMM-268 conducted a six day Trans-Pacific flight, concluding a six month long deployment, in support of the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin retrograde back to Hawaii.

Sgt. 1st Class Damian Gilbert, an Iowa Army National Guard Soldier assigned to the 209th Medical Company (Area Support), holds the hand of a loved one after the conclusion of a send-off ceremony at Clear Creek Amana High School in Tiffin, Iowa, on July 16, 2022. Senior leaders, family and friends gathered in the auditorium to honor the 80 Soldiers who are mobilizing to Poland in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. They will be providing field hospital health service support as part of NATOs Enhanced Forward Presence mission, which enables the U.S. to provide deterrence to adversaries while supporting our NATO partners.

Families and friends of the South Carolina Air National Guard's 169th Fighter Wing greet their loved ones at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C., as they return from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 19, 2016. Approximately 300 U.S. Airmen and 12 F-16 Fighting Falcon jets from the 169th Fighter Wing deployed to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, as the 157th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron in support of the U.S. Pacific Command Theater Security Package.

A-10 Thunderbolt II's from the 124th Fighter Wing conduct target practice at the Saylor Creek Range in southern Idaho, Oct. 14, 2022. As a part of Wing Hawg Day, service members, family and friends were invited to attent to witness the A-10's in action.

Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 prepare to deploy to the Western Pacific aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort as part of the Unit Deployment Program, July 9. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 (VMFA-115), also known as the Silver Eagles, will support multinational exercises improving American forces' ability to work well with allies while exposing the Marines to various training elements. The UDP is designed to balance strategic capabilities in the Pacific theater to train with allies, respond to crises and promote security cooperation across the region.

Staff Sgt. Dean Vandall, Alaska Army National Guard, helps his sister-in-law, Kayla Colyer-Platzer, with her hearing protection prior to an Army Orientation flight at Fort Greely Monday.

SAN DIEGO (Nov. 29, 2022) Chief Hull Technician Angel Alanis, assigned to amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), greets his family during a return to homeport celebration, Nov. 29, 2022. Tripoli returned to Naval Base San Diego following its initial deployment to the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleets in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

110302-N-8467N-005GROTON, Conn. (March 2, 2011) Lt. j.g. Jeremy Leazer gets his picture taken with his 14-month-old daughter by his wife moments after the fast attack submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691) returned home to Naval Submarine Base New London. Memphis completed its final overseas mission to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility and is scheduled to be decommissioned at Submarine Base New London April 1.

040904-M-2697B-039. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Andres Staffnik, a Chief Warrant Officer 2, assigned to Bravo Company, 4th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado, July 21, 2022 shows student Yaregsi Alvarez different functions of the AH-64 Apache helicopter crew station. Students of the Child Youth Services summer program were able to take turns sitting in an Apache pilot seat.

060703-N-3390M-256. Base: Naval Station, Everett State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. j.g. Mark Driver, assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753), embraces his wife, Maya, and son, Kellen, during the boats homecoming to Naval Station Norfolk, May 14, 2022. Albany returned following a six-month deployment that supported national security interests and maritime security operations at sea.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Jaclyn Hoffman, 20th Medical Group nurse practitioner, and her son pose for a photo at the Shaw Air and Space Expo at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 3, 2022. The Shaw Air and Space Expo is dedicated to the Airmen who have served the past 75 years and honors their legacy of innovation and their work to make America the leader in air power and space power.

Spc. Justin Woods, of Madison, is welcomed home, Feb. 18, 2019 at Thompson Field in Flowood by his mother, Dallas Clearman, and brother, Zachary. Woods, with the 2d Battalion, 114th Field Artillery Regiment, was among approximately 250 Soldiers of the Mississippi Army National Guards 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team returning from Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield. The two flights Monday were the first in a series with approximately 3,000 brigade personnel returning home this spring.

041203-F-1166S-005. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Philip Wielhouwer, 74th Fighter Squadron commander, sees his three-week old son Ryan for the first time at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., Aug. 9, 2009. Colonel Wielhouwer is returning from a deployment to Afghanistan.

110629-N-RI884-039PEARL HARBOR (June 29, 2011) Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Debaun, assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), is greeted by his family at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after returning from a seven-month deployment. Paul Hamilton deployed to the western Pacific supporting operations in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Family and friends greet redeploying members assigned to the 355th Wing and the 563rd Rescue Group on the flight line at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Oct. 17, 2022. The members returned home to their families after a deployment overseas.

060313-A-5043I-079. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Ramadi Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 109TH INFANTRY

221204-N-LP924-1203 AZUA, Dominican Republic (Nov. 4, 2022) Capt. Bryan Carmichael, commodore of Amphibius Squadron (PHIBRON) 4, assigned to the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) plays with children at a medical site in Azua, Dominican Republic, Nov. 4, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

060524-N-6433N-027. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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