Military Homecomings

Emotional reunions between soldiers and families, capturing moments of affection upon returning from deployments and missions.

U.S. Marine Corps. 1st. Sgt. Kevin Clark, assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), reunites with his kids during a homecoming aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 10, 2022. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 22nd MEU returned home after completing a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations.

Sgt. William "Billy" Pitsiladis, Lincoln, N.D., of theNorth Dakota National Guard's 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security and Support), kisses his son Madden in Bismarck, N.D., after returning home from a year-long mission in Kosovo on Sept. 13, 2012. Fifty-five soldiers of the North Dakota Army National Guard's 1st Battalion,112th Aviation Regiment (Security and Support) served with Kosovo Force 15 (KFOR 15) in support of NATO peacekeeping operations.

99 Members of the 145th Field Artillery Battalion return home from deployment at the Roland Wright Air Base in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 9, 2019.

Elise Hopkins expresses her appreciation to U.S. Air Force Capt. Van Blaylock, Joint Terminal Attack Controller assigned to the 146th Air Support Operations Squadron, for helping her May 22, 2013, in Moore, Okla. On Monday a EF-5 tornado, with winds reaching at least 200 mph, traveled for 20 miles, leaving a two-mile-wide path of destruction, leveling homes, crushing vehicles, and killing more than 20 people. More than 115 Oklahoma National Guard have been activated to assist in the rescue and relief efforts.

Staff Sgt. Timothy Bailey, of the North Dakota Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment (Security and Support), holds the hand of his son Sept. 13, 2012 upon his return to Fargo, N.D. after a year-long deployment to Kosovo. Fifty-five North Dakota Guard Soldiers served with Kosovo Force 15 (KFOR 15) in support of NATO peacekeeping operations.

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.

Members of the 123rd Airlift Wing return to the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., May 6, 2015. The Airmen were redeploying from the Persian Gulf, where they've flown airlift missions in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel since February.

Senior leaders from state government and the Maryland and Virginia National Guard joined family members, friends and fellow Soldiers in bidding farewell to approximately 80 Soldiers assigned to the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division as they began federal active duty Aug. 1, 2016, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The Maryland and Virginia National Guard Soldiers will provide mission command in the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Marine Corps. 1st. Sgt. Kevin Clark, assigned to Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), reunites with his kids during a homecoming aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 10, 2022. Marines and Sailors assigned to the 22nd MEU returned home after completing a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations.

A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, reunites with his family after completing a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Oct. 10, 2022. The ARG and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is operating in the Atlantic Ocean in support of naval operations to maintain maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Five hundred soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, return to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Oct. 6, 2012, after a 10-month deployment to Afghanistan. The soldiers were honored in a homecoming ceremony held at Buckner Physical Fitness Center where they were reunited with their families.

A U.S. Army soldier assigned to the 142nd Area Support Medical Company, Connecticut Army National Guard, holds a child in an embrace at the Connecticut Army National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, Sept. 8, 2022. The 142nd ASMC previously spent the past nine months deployed to Poland providing medical care in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

A Soldier assigned to the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School holds his daughter following a Regimental First Formation at Fort Bragg, North Carolina August 18, 2022. The ceremony marked the completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course where Soldiers earned the honor of wearing the green beret, the official headgear of Special Forces.

USS Harry S. Truman arrives at their homeport of Naval Station Norfolk after a 10 month deployment, Sept. 12, 2022. Truman Sailors were met by over 8,000 friends and family members waiting pierside. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Emily Casavant/ released)

041213-M-3544G-012. Base: USMC Recruit Depot, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010605-A-7788K-001. Base: Fort Carson State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

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.

A Soldier from Angel Company, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team Rakkasans,” 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) embraces his daughter while being recognized at a Welcome Home Ceremony, March 1 at the Fort Campbell Army Airfield, when he returned from a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The majority of Angel Company returned after about six months rather than the full nine months due to the progress of Afghan Security Forces in their area of responsibility, who are now conducting operations independently.

050105-F-7564C-084. Base: Fort Bragg State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Kentucky Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Brigade were greeted by Kentucky National Guard leadership, friends and family at the Bluegrass Airport in Lexington, Ky., as they arrived home from their deployment to Kosovo Nov. 17, 2022.

Airmen with the 182nd Airlift Wing Airmen, Illinois Air National Guard, and their families take part in Family Day at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 10, 2022. The event was organized to promote resiliency in Airmen and families.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Earon Gray, the operations chief for Recruiting Station Phoenix, gets promoted on Sept. 2, 2022, at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona.

Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 145th Field Artillery, headquartered at the Utah National Guards Spanish Fork Armory has continuously supported the Spanish Fork Flag Retirement Ceremony for the past 24 years. Members of the Utah National Guard, Boy and Girl Scouts, civil air patrol, naval sea cadets and other youth groups volunteer to be a part of this dignified U.S. flag retirement of the symbol of our country. Command Sgt. Maj. Spencer Nielsen, senior enlisted leader for the Utah National Guard, was the keynote speaker and has participated in all 24 years of the ceremony.

Soldiers and family members of the Canton, Ga.-based Troop B, 108th Cavalry held a departure ceremony at the Canton Armory Nov. 26, 2018. Troop B, and other units of the Georgia Army National Guards 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are in the final stages of preparation for their deployment to Afghanistan.Georgia National Guard

061210-N-9851B-006. Base: Yokosuka State: Kanagawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63)

031219-F-2621S-039. Base: Swanton State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

040712-M-6237R-014. Base: Mcb, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 40606

Reunion at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada (NV), US Army (USA) Reservist Second Lieutenant (2LT) Johnathan Sowell, 257th Transportation Company (TRANS CO), Las Vegas, NV, hugs his wife Patty and daughter Juanita on returning home from an 18 month deployment in Kuwait and Iraq supporting Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Col. Jamie LaValley, assigned to the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, reunites with his daughter Mira, following a homecoming ceremony held at the William Bill” Reed Center, Fort Carson, Colorado, March 8, 2019. The 4th CAB deployed to Europe as part of the regionally allocated forces supporting Operation Atlantic Resolve, an important mission for strengthening relationships and interoperability amongst Allies and partners while demonstrating our collective security capability.

Col. Jason Bialon, Commander of the 9th Operations Group, greets members of the local community at the Marysville Veterans Day Parade Nov. 11. Marysville showed appreciation to Beale Air Force Base officials with the parade, an annual event.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, JoAnne S. Bass, recognizes Tech. Sgt. David Vera, 6th Maintenance Squadron corrosion control noncommissioned officer in charge, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, August 4, 2022. Vera initiated laser paint removal technology at MacDill AFB, arming the base with the most powerful laser in the U.S. Air Force, mitigating corrosion concerns and saving the 6th Air Refueling Wing ample amounts of time and money. The laser, used to remove paint from various pieces of equipment, is currently undergoing testing with plans to be distributed Air Force wide.

Capt. Jezrael Eggeman, director of personnel for the 179th Force Support Squadron, and her son Jakson are photographed on the flight line June 20, 2018, at the 179th Airlift Wing in Mansfield, Ohio. The 179th AWs “Bring Your Child to Work Day” provided an opportunity for military parents to teach their children more about their jobs in the Air National Guard. (Ohio National Guard

070118-F-5422F-063. Base: Cannon Afb State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Army soldier assigned to the 142nd Area Support Medical Company, Connecticut Army National Guard, holds another soldier from the Connecticut Army National Guard in an embrace at the Connecticut Army National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, Sept. 8, 2022. The 142nd ASMC previously spent the past nine months deployed to Poland providing medical care in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

The 322nd Civil Affairs Brigade, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, held an official change of responsibility ceremony on April 8, at Fort Shafter Flats in Honolulu.

230628-N-EU502-1445 SAN DIEGO (June 28, 2023) - A Sailor assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) kisses his wife 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.

An Airman from the 19th Airlift Wing reunites with his family at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, after returning from a deployment, April 4, 2022. Airmen from the 19th AW deployed to Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, which is known as U.S. Central Commands Theater Gateway, and is capable of responding to contingencies throughout the area of responsibility through tactical airlift operations.

221008-M-VR919-2001 (October 8, 2022) U.S. Navy Equipment Operator 2nd Class Wilson Buitrago, Amphibious Construction Battalion 1, supervises kid gearing up during San Francisco Fleet Week 2022 at Marina Green, California, Oct. 8, 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.

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, greet their Families and friends after a redeployment ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 29, 2022. As the "Hammer of the XVIII Airborne Corps" and part of our nation's contingency response force, units of 3rd ID regularly deploy to support combatant commands all over the world, assisting our allies and partners in a wide range of environments and missions.

APRA HARBOR, Guam (Aug. 23, 2022) - Chief Gunners Mate Peter Lussier, from Wausau, Wisconsin, assigned to the Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), hugs his daughter following the ships return to Apra Harbor, Guam, Aug. 23, 2022. Frank Cable, forward-deployed to the island of Guam, repairs, rearms, and reprovisions submarines and surface vessels in the Indo-Pacific region.

060411-N-6889J-010. Base: Gulfport State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Some U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 4-118th Infantry Battalion, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), attached to the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina National Guard, return home Oct. 8, 2020, with South Carolina National Guard leaders greeting them in Columbia, South Carolina, after a deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield. The 4-118th Infantry Battalion deployed to the Middle East after departing South Carolina in August 2019. The return of the Soldiers from the Middle East is conducted in stages due to mission requirements.

Family members embrace and greet Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers returning from deployment in Poland at the Jackson Armory, Portland, Ore., on Jan. 25, 2022. Soldiers assigned to Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment deployed in Poland in support of the European Deterrence Initiative as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve in April of 2021. (Air National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Capt. Dean Coapman, an infantry officer assigned to 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and his wife, Madison, hold their baby, Rafe, while touring a Bradley Fighting Vehicle following an uncasing ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Oct. 13, 2022. The Raider Brigade is constantly deployment-ready to protect the core principles found in the United States Constitution against all enemies who may jeopardize those values, both foreign and domestic.

030530-M-8539K-022. 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

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.

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 322nd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, July 27-28, 2022. Lt. Gen. Richard W. Scobee, Commander, Air Force Reserve Command, reviewed the ceremony.

021219-F-1443F-005. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

040610-F-7564C-021. Base: Asheville State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, reunites with his family after completing a seven-month deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the U.S. Naval Sixth Fleet area of operations on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Oct. 10, 2022. The ARG and embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is operating in the Atlantic Ocean in support of naval operations to maintain maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

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.

An attendee listens during the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, and Alpha and Bravo Troops, 1st Squadron, 102nd Cavalry, New Jersey Army National Guard, 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

040313-F-0681L-025. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Hector Iap/Angb, Fargo State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sgt. 1st Class Travis Smith, an observer coach/trainer for 1st Brigade Support Battalion, 337th Infantry Regiment, 181st Multifunctional Training Brigade, helps a Herrman Elementary student put on an improvised outer tactical vest May 23, 2022, in Sparta, Wis. The Marauder Battalion participated in a career day event at the elementary school.

99 Members of the 145th Field Artillery Battalion return home from deployment at the Roland Wright Air Base in Salt Lake City, Utah on April 9, 2019.

A member of Task Force Tomahawk reunites with their family during a welcome home ceremony at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma City, Feb. 23, 2024. Task Force Tomahawk returned from a nine-month deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, where the Citizen-Soldiers provided security at multiple sites across the Horn of Africa as well as manned the East African Response Force. (Oklahoma National Guard

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jordan Sampson from the 92nd Aircraft Maintenance Operations Squadron holds his son during a redeployment at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, September 1, 2022. Airmen from the 92nd Air Refueling Squadron returned from deployment.

Soldiers of Detachment 2, Charlie Company, 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, Utah National Guard, deploy for a 12-month deployment to Afghanistan Oct. 17 from the West Jordan Army Aviation Support Facility. The mission of the 17 service members of the 159th will be to provide immediate Medical Evacuation (Medevac) support to coalition forces throughout Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel.

041023-M-0095Z-001. Base: Al Diwanyah State: Al Qadisiyah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

060411-N-6889J-008. Base: Gulfport State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Capt. Mackenzie Paul, a pilot with the 54th Helicopter Squadron, shows a child the control sticks of a UH-1N Huey helicopter at Glenburn Public School, North Dakota, Sept. 27, 2022. Paul and her aircrew spent the morning showing the students at Glenburn Public School the inner workings of the aircraft.

230628-N-EU502-1495 SAN DIEGO (June 28, 2023) - Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class David Negron, assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73), hugs his daughters 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.

KINGS BAY (April 22, 2022) Fire Control Technician Seaman Juan Gonzalez, assigned to the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740), embraces his pregnant wife, Cat Gonzalez, during the ships homecoming ceremony at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, following a routine strategic deterrent patrol. Rhode Island is one of six ballistic-missile submarines stationed at the base providing the most survivable leg of the strategic deterrence triad for the United States.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (Sept. 21, 2012) Fire Controlman 2nd Class Jonathan Schaak feeds his 10-week old son and kisses his wife goodbye before departing aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) for a scheduled 10-month deployment to the western Pacific and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility.

Maj. Thomas Herron of the 35th Infantry Division, was promoted to his current rank during a ceremony at the Division Headquarters in Leavenworth, Kansas, January 6, 2024. Maj. Herron was promoted by his two children, alongside his wife and parents, including his father, who served in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. David Garcia, left, an embark specialist with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312, hugs a fellow Marine after returning home from deployment at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, June 9, 2022. VMFA-312 returned home from a deployment in support of NATOs enhanced Air Policing mission in Eastern Europe. The deployment was conducted in coordination with host nations and military authorities and was a prudent measure to increase readiness and enhance Eastern Europes collective defense. VMFA-312 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

060308-A-5745M-063. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Camp Liberty State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 10TH MTN DIV

U.S. Navy Chief Operations Specialist Andrew Hollabaugh, assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), embraces his son after receiving his anchors during a pinning ceremony aboard the Arlington. The rank of chief petty officer was established April 1, 1893 and once a year the U.S. Navy advances selected Sailors to the rank.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Amber Shannon, noncommissioned officer in charge of the First Term Airman Course, helps her son look through the scope of a M107 50-caliber sniper rifle during a static display for National Police Week at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, May 17, 2022. National Police Week offers honor, remembrance and peer support while allowing law enforcement survivors and citizens to gather and pay homage to those who gave their life in the line of duty.

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. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), greet their families after a deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar , Aug. 11 2022. The historic deployment marked the first U.S. Marine Corps F-35C squadron deployed aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and further assures 3rd MAWs commitment to providing fixed wing fighter aircraft for deployment as a part of the U.S. Navy carrier air wings, deploying regularly across the Indo-Pacific region.

060311-N-7088F-006. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71)

120617-N-CP762-114TOKYO (June 17, 2012) A visitor wears a helmet as Staff Sgt. Max Veliz, a Marine assigned to Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) Company Pacific, 3rd Platoon, looks on during an open ship tour aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) in Tokyo. Blue Ridge's visit to Tokyo is an outward demonstration of U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan, the strong relationship between the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

221021-N-LN285-1332JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (October 21, 2022) -- Twenty-eight new chief petty officers from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific, Submarine Readiness Squadron 33, USS Tucson (SSN 770), USS Hawaii (SSN 776), USS North Carolina (SSN 777) and USS Minnesota (SSN 783) were promoted during a pinning ceremony held at the USS Bowfin Museum in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Oct. 21.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Chantelle Jackson, an administration chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, embraces a loved one upon return from deployment on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 7, 2022. VMM-163 deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), providing capabilities for personnel recovery and casualty evacuation of U.S. forces throughout East Africa. CJTF-HOA supported numerous readiness exercises to ensure the safety and wellbeing of U.S. personnel across Africa by employing their aviation assets for short-notice force deployments across potentially vast distances, and participating in numerous emergency deployment exercises to ensure their preparedness. Jackson is a native of Mile End, Jamaica.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 131st Military Police Company, South Carolina Army National Guard return home to Beaufort, South Carolina, after a nine month deployment to Guantanamo Bay, September 7, 2017.

Sgt. Darrick Cunningham, assigned to the 1137th Signal Company (Tactical Installation and Networking-Enhanced, or TIN-E), hugs a family member following a call to duty ceremony at the First Christian Church in Springfield, Ohio, Jan. 12, 2024. The 1137th will deploy in support of U.S. Central Command.

U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Parker Boden, a new Marine with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, embraces his mother during family day at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, November 17, 2022. Pvt. Boden is a native of Hidden Valley Lake, California and was recruited out of Recruiting Station San Francisco by Sgt. Elizabeth Helbig.

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.

Pfc. Robert Popeleski, a Soldier with C Co., 186th Brigade Support Battalion (Medical), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, shows Isaac Heath around the dashboard of an M997A3 tactical Humvee ambulance during the Vermont National Guard Open House in South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 11, 2022.

USS Harry S. Truman arrives at their homeport of Naval Station Norfolk after a 10 month deployment, Sept. 12, 2022. Truman Sailors were met by over 8,000 friends and family members waiting pierside. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Emily Casavant/ released)

Maj. Thomas Herron of the 35th Infantry Division, was promoted to his current rank during a ceremony at the Division Headquarters in Leavenworth, Kansas, January 6, 2024. Maj. Herron was promoted by his two children, alongside his wife and parents, including his father, who served in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam.

SAN DIEGO (Aug. 7, 2013) Lt. Cmdr. Charles Harris, Gold crew operations officer for the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1), embraces his daughter during a homecoming celebration at Naval Air Station North Island. The ship's Gold crew has been relieved by the ship's Blue crew midway through the ships maiden deployment to the Asia-Pacific region.

Army Sgt. Adam Rients enjoys a moment of laughter with his wife, Christy, and his four year old son, Jacob, after a farewell ceremony for Kentucky AgriBusiness Development Team 3 at the Air National Guard Base in Louisville, March 4, 2011. Sgt. Rients, whose wife is also a Sergeant in the Kentucky Army National Guard, is part of the security forces for Ky. ADT3 and will help provide protection for agricultural team members while they out among the farmers of rural Afghanistan.

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.

U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. FIRST NAME Stark, crew chief, 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard, interacts with attendees at the Joint Base Andrews Air & Space Expo at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, September 17, 2022. The air show marked the Air Forces 75th anniversary.

220810-N-GR655-0163 GROTON, Conn. (August 10, 2022) - Sailors attached to the USS Indiana (SSN 789) are greeted by loved ones during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Aug. 10. Indiana returned to homeport from its 2nd full deployment since commissioning in support of the Navy's maritime strategy - supporting national security interests and maritime security operations - in the 6th Fleet area of operations. The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Indiana 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.

Airmen from the 422nd Air Base Squadron greet Lt. Col. Christopher Hergenreter, right, 422nd ABS incoming commander, and his daughter, after a 422nd ABS change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Croughton, England, June 6, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jacob Crenshaw, assigned to the 44th Medical Brigade, hugs his wife after earning the Expert Field Medical Badge during a ceremony Oct. 28 on Pike Field, Fort Bragg, NC. The EFMB is one of the most challenging skills badges in the Army, and it tests the professional competence and physical endurance of the U.S. Army Combat Medic.

110321-N-BT887-100 SAN DIEGO (March 21, 2011) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Neil Palpallatoc embraces his son before deploying aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7) in support of Pacific Partnership 2011. Pacific Partnership is a U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission designed to strengthen regional partnerships.

soldatin,sohn,begrüßung,söhne,begrüssen,begrüssung,begrüßen ** soldier,son,greeting,soldiers,troops,sons,greet 539-rcl ,model released, Symbolfoto

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Noah Gray, an F/A-18E SuperHornet pilot assigned to Carrier Air Wing 5 and a Bend,Oregon native, hugs his wife upon his return to MarineCorps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Aug. 17, 2022. The airwings return marked the completion of their most recentdeployment aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76),where they provided airpower to protect U.S. forces andallies as they flew missions in support of a free and openIndo-Pacific

Col. Phillip L. Mallory, inbound 154th Wing commander, is greeted by loved ones upon completing an F-22 Raptor sortie Sept. 7, 2022, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Mallory took part in an in-flight change of command ceremony during the ceremonial flight. Prior to assuming command of the Air National Guard's largest wing, Mallory most recently served as the 154th Wing vice commander, the 154th Operations Group commander, and the 298th Air Defense Group commander.

BALTIMORE (Sept. 10, 2022) - Retail Services Specialist Seaman Trai Pryor waves to the child of Lt. j.g. Chandler Walsh, communications officer on USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) pier side at the Port Covington Festival during Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore 2022. Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore is the citys celebration of the sea services with this year marking the City of Baltimore's third time hosting Navy Fleet Week.

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 433rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 8-9 2022, and it marked the return of two-day graduation events to the JBSA-Lackland Parade Field since March 2020. Maj. Gen. Michele Edmondson, 2nd Air Force commander, reviewed the ceremony.

110709-N-ZK021-004OAK HARBOR, Wash. (July 9, 2011) Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Ry Vansickle, from Wichita, Kan., assigned to the Scorpions of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132, is greeted by family during a homecoming ceremony at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island following an eight-month expeditionary deployment supporting Operation New Dawn and Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector. VAQ-132 protected numerous U.S. and Coalition military assets and personnel in the U.S. Central Command and U.S. European Command areas of responsibility.

Staff Sgt. Chad Lawless, of Swartz, La., kisses his wife, Angela, and hugs his daughter, Lily, 4, and sons, Luke, 2, and Levi, 6 months. Lawless met Levi for the first time in person at the welcome-home event in Monroe, La., Dec. 24, 2015. More than 150 members of the Louisiana National Guards 1023rd Engineer Company, 528th Engineer Battalion just completed a 10-month deployment to Kuwait, with additional missions to Jordan, Iraq and Afghanistan.

040602-F-6945C-015. Base: Selfridge Air Natl Guard Base State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Soldier assigned to 1st Battalion, 64th 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. 13, 2022. The 1st ABCT Soldiers deployed to Germany in support of NATO allies to deter Russian aggression while also supporting a range of other requirements in the area.

060908-N-8544C-042. Complete Scene Caption: US Navy SENIOR CHIEF Hospital Corpsman Torsak Vimoktayon holds his six-month-old son after his ship, the Arleigh Burke Class (Flight I) Guided Missile Destroyer USS CARNEY (DDG 64), returned to its homeport of Mayport, Fla., after participating in Exercise UNITAS 2006 Pacific Phase. Navies from seven countries including Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Spain and the US participated in the training. UNITAS Pacific 2006 is designed to train each navy in a variety of maritime scenarios to improve interoperability with seamanship and warfighting training, with each operating as a component of the multinational force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication SPECIALIST 2nd Class Susan Cornell) (Released) Base: Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Daniel G. Dillender, airframes mechanic with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), is reunited with his wife, Angelica Dillender, and their dog Bella at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, San Diego, Calif., March 20, 2014. Dillender was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

of 3