Military Homecomings

Heartwarming depictions of soldiers reuniting with family, filled with joy and emotion. Colorful settings highlighting the bonds of family.

Spc. Robert Daniel Hankins, of 1st Battalion, 98th Cavalry Regiment, reunites with his wife, Kala, and son, Weston, at Thompson Field in Flowood, Mississippi, Feb. 27, 2019. Hankins, of Tupelo, was part of a contingent of the Mississippi Army National Guards 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team returning home after serving in Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield for approximately one year. The arrivals, with Soldiers from various brigade subordinate units, are a portion of a series of flights that will return brigade Soldiers home through the end of March 2019.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Shaun Carlson, of the 119th Force Support Squadron, reunites with his son upon his return home after a six-month deployment to southwest Asia Nov. 1, 2017, at Hector International Airport, Fargo, N.D. He is among approximately 140 North Dakota Air National Guard members returning from planned deployments to various locations in southwest Asia over the next several months. It is the largest number of unit members to deploy at one time since the Korean War, when approximately 400 unit members deployed.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 133rd Airlift Wing, along with their families and friends, take part in Family Day activities in St. Paul, Minn., Aug. 21, 2022. Family Day is an annual event recognizing families and thanking them for their support.

060502-N-0924R-075. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Lindsey Schindler with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, embraces her family at the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa homecoming, on MCAS Miramar, California, Aug. 22, 2022. The deployment was a successful integration of elements of three Fleet Marine Force squadrons to provide critical rapid personnel recovery and medical evacuation capabilities to U.S. and partner forces operating in East Africa.

A new U.S. Marine with Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, is greeted by a guest after a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Nov. 4, 2022. Family and friends were able to watch the ceremony in support of Delta Marines.

A U.S. Army Soldier with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon Army National Guard reunites with his son in Springfield, Ore. following a year long deployment in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Resolute Support on May 20, 2015. The battalion supported several security missions across Afghanistan. (Oregon Army National Guard

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.

030716-D-5011J-047. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

111221-N-UK333-093 PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 21, 2011) Sonar Technician (Submarine) 1st Class Philip Martinez is greeted with a kiss by his wife as he disembarks first from the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Columbia (SSN 771). Columbia returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing a six-month deployment to the western Pacific region.

221013-N-CE729-1305NORFOLK (Oct. 13, 2022) - Recently promoted Information System Technician 2nd class Nicholas Thayer, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsage (LHD 3), greets his family on the Pier 10, Oct. 13, 2022. USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), assigned to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, returns from a seven-month deployment operating in the High North and Baltic Sea. More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines assigned to the Kearsarge ARG supported a wide range of interoperability opportunities and exercises across the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations increasing combat readiness and crisis response capabilities while strengthening relationships with both NATO Allies and partners.

240115-N-YM590-1178 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Jan. 15, 2024)- A pilot, assigned to the Golden Warriors of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, reunites with his family after returning to Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, Jan. 15, following more than eight-month deployment with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. While deployed, the squadron accomplished 1,473 carrier traps covering 2,418 flight hours.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kurt Tongren, 120th Fighter Squadron, Colorado Air National Guard, hugs his daughter Lauren at Buckley AFB, Aurora Colo. upon his return from a deployment to the Republic of Korea, May 19, 2015. Integrating with other U.S. Air Force members, flying daily training mission and providing a Theater Security Package in a COANG F-16 Fighting Falcon for the past 90 days, this return home marks the completion of the seventh deployment for the "Redeyes" of the 120th FS along with the 140th Wing since Sept. 11, 2001.

221007-N-WF272-1031 CHESTER, Pa. (Oct. 7, 2022) Navy Counselor 1st Class Robert Lopez, a native of Schenectady, N.Y., assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, assists a Sea Cadet donning a bomb suit at a Navy recruiting setup prior to the Army-Navy Cup XI. Army-Navy Cup is an annual soccer match between the United States Naval Academy and United States Military Academy at West Point athletics, held at Subaru Park Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of Americas Navy.

New Marines with Alpha Company , 1st Recruit Training Battalion, commence Family Day on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Feb. 1, 2024. Family Day marks the conclusion of recruit training and serves as an opportunity for family members to visit with their new Marines. Marine Corps

060724-N-6214F-012. Base: Beirut Country: Lebanon (LBN)

Andrea Boyd kisses her husband Sgt. 1st Class Gary Boyd shortly after he stepped off a bus at the Columbus Christian Center in Columbus, Ohio, Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2010, during a Welcome Home Ceremony. Boyd, along with 27 other Soldiers from the Operational Mentor & Liaison Team 1.3, just returned home from a 13-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom where they conducted more than 180 combat missions, 15 of which they engaged insurgents, alongside the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police Forces. (Ohio National Guard

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Jacquelin Frost

Family and friends wait to 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.

220912-N-QI061-1792 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.

221021-N-OX321-1485 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Oct. 21, 2022) Chief Master-at-Arms Christopher Patrick has his anchors pinned on by his family during a chief pinning ceremony held on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Oct. 21 2022. The purpose of the ceremony is to celebrate the time-honored transition of a petty officer 1st class into a chief petty officer but is undertaken by all E-6 from all branches at the command eligible for advancement to E-7. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

A Chilean family tours the C-130J Super Hercules static display at the Feria Internacional del Aire y Espacio (FIDAE) April 9, 2022, in Santiago, Chile. Airmen from the 136th Airlift Wing were available to shepherd tours and answer questions when the air show opened to the general public in an effort to strengthen international partnerships.

040321-F-7564C-002. Base: Goldsboro State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

APRA HARBOR, Guam (Aug. 23, 2022) - Senior Chief Hull Maintenance Technician John Reed, from Sand Lake, Michigan, assigned to the Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), hugs his daughter following the ships return to homeport in Apra Harbor, Guam, Aug. 23, 2022. Frank Cable, forward-deployed to the island of Guam, repairs, rearms, and re-provisions submarines and surface vessels in the Indo-Pacific region.

Great Lakes Search and Rescue Detachment - Mobile Operations Damages - 26-HK-145-8. Hurricane Katrina

051117-A-9419D-012. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Lansing State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Ian Clark, the former Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander for Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, hugs his son after a speech during a retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station on Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 1, 2022. Clark retired after 33 years of honorable service. Clark is a native of Peterborough, Ontario.

Electronics Technician 3rd Class PaulLantz kisses his partner following the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy's (CG 60) return to Naval Station Norfolk after an eight-month deployment, Jan. 20, 2024. Normandy, part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, was deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

030320-F-7875T-006. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

030814-F-2621S-006. Complete Scene Caption: Garrett Matuszewski (left) a 10-year-old guest of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and US Air Force (USAF) Major (MAJ) Michael Digby, an F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft Pilot, assigned to the 108th Fighter Wing (FW), Ohio National Guard (OHANG), poses for a photograph, on the flight line at Swanton, Ohio. Garrett's wish was to visit a military installation with F-16 fighter aircraft. Members of the 180th FW made sure to make it a memorable trip for Garrett. He spent the day on the flight line watching the jets take off while listening and talking to the pilots on his very own headset, learning about various F-16 flight controls while sitting in the cockpit, and learning how to fly in an F-16 flight simulator. The Make-A-Wish Foundation helps sick and terminally ill children with a chance to fulfill a wish. Base: Swanton State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marine Kissing Wife & Reuniting with Family in San Diego

SAN DIEGO (March 1, 2013) A Sailor assigned to the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) spends time with his family before his departure on a deployment to the Asia-Pacific region. Freedom will demonstrate her operational capabilities and allow the Navy to evaluate crew rotation and maintenance plans. LCS platforms are designed to employ modular mission packages that can be configured for three separate purposes: surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare or mine countermeasures.

Soldiers assigned to the 16th Military Police Brigade return back to Fort Bragg, N.C. to reunite with their families June 27, 2022 following a five-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. The brigade was rapidly deployed to Europe in February to reinforce and reassure our NATO allies.

Lt. Col. Jennifer Venghaus, U.S. Army South Staff Judge Advocate, is promoted to the rank of colonel with the assistance of her Family during a joint promotion ceremony at the Fort Sam Houston Courthouse in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Feb. 9, 2024. The couple met in college at Southwestern University, got married during law school in 2002, and have been serving in the Army together for 20 years. Army

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.

220907-N-RQ186-1233Norfolk, Va. (September 7, 2022) Families welcome home Sailors attached to the Dragon Slayers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11 on Naval Station Norfolk during the squadrons homecoming, September 7. HSC-11, part of Carrier Air Wing 1, embarked on USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), returns to Naval Station Norfolk after 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.

SAN DIEGO (March 4, 2022) A Sailor hugs a family member after completing a seven-month deployment aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52). Pearl Harbor, 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.

U.S. Army Capt. Andrew Green, an operations officer assigned to 3rd Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and his fiancé, Amanda Atrash, embrace during 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.

Family and friends stand during an assumption of responsibility ceremony at the 122nd Fighter Wing (FW) Air National Guard Base in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sept. 10, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Kyle D. Hoopingarner assumed the position of 122nd FW command chief in place of Chief Master Sgt. Michael E. Dixon, Jr. who was named state command chief master sergeant of the Indiana Air National Guard during the ceremony.

051117-A-9419D-016. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Lansing State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Colorado Army National Guard Sgt. David Wilson, 1st Battalion 157th Forward Support Company, escorts Thomas Walter and Melinda Villa while carrying Ezra Villa to the flood evaluation area in Lyons, Colo. Sept. 13, 2013. The CONG is assisting Boulder County authorities transport evacuated residents of Lyons to Longmont, Colo. Using Light Medium Tactical Vehicle. (Colorado National Guard

NORFOLK (Sept. 8, 2022) Sailors aboard the USS San Jacinto (CG-56) greet their families at Naval Station Norfolk after a regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operations, Sept. 8. San Jacinto was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in support of theater security cooperation efforts and to defen U.S, allied and partner interests.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Air Force Academy Cadets participate in the Parents' Weekend Parade at Stillman Field Sept. 1, 2023. The event is held over Labor Day weekend, providing Academy families an extended opportunity to reunite with their cadets and tour Academy facilities.

220626-N-UP745-1255NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (June 26, 2022) Machinist Mate 3rd Class Shelby Hinnit, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), reunites with a loved one as the ship returns to Naval Station Mayport, Florida after a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, June 26. Jason Dunham was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group.

110916-N-ZI300-193SAN DIEGO (Sept. 16, 2011) Ship's Serviceman 2nd Class Nimitz Martin, assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43), hugs his son after returning from a six-month deployment to Central and South America supporting Southern Seas 2011. Thach participated in three major exercises, made 18 port visits in seven countries and transited the Panama Canal and the Straits of Magellan.

101220-N-5292M-534NORFOLK (Dec. 20, 2010) Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class Matthew Mosely receives the traditional first kiss from his wife during a homecoming celebration for the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71). Ross is returning from a seven-month deployment supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Operation New Dawn in Iraq and maritime security operations in the Mediterranean Sea.

Sgt. 1st Class R. W. Lemmons of New Auburn, Wis., a platoon sergeant with the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 829th Engineer Company, spends time with his children Robbie, 3, and Lily, 6, before a formal sendoff ceremony March 28 at Fort McCoy, Wis.The 829th Engineer Company is a vertical engineering company located in Chippewa Falls, Wis., with detachments in Richland Center, Wis., and Ashland, Wis. While normally the unit's mission is building construction, during its deployment to Afghanistan's Regional Command East the approximately 160 members of the 829th will be deconstructing U.S. forward military bases as part of efforts to reduce U.S. troop presence there.The 829th's objective in deconstructing U.S. forward operating bases is to prevent the enemy from reclaiming those materials. The 829th will also recover, organize and redistribute military materials to save taxpayer money. The unit is expected to return in the spring of 2015.The 829th Engineer Company has been training a

Mrs. T. Bates III is comforted by her husband during funeral services for her brother, LCDR James T. Ruffin was listed as missing-in-action after failing to return from flying a mission off the coast of North Vietnam Feb. 18, 1966. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

GROTON, Conn. (December 8, 2022) - A sailor attached to the USS California (SSN 781) is greeted by his child 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.

After participating in the Surgery Desert Storm and Operation Phalanx in the Persian Gulf, the supply ship Hr.Ms. Zuiderkruis (A 832), the L-FREGAT HR.MS. Jacob van Heemskerck (F 812) and the S-Fregat Hr.Ms. Philips van Almonde (F 823) On 19 April 1991 back in the home port Den Helder. Here the welcoming home front for the Heemskerck.

030611-M-9248U-007. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: H&HS

Friends and family welcome 55th Fighter Generation Squadron maintainers, 55th Fighter Squadron pilots and supporting personnel home from deployment at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, April 29, 2022. The 55th Fighter Squadron and Fighter Generation Squadrons returned from a six-month deployment supporting U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility.

Families greet the crew of the Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) as they return to homeport in Apra Harbor Sept. 19, 2022, following a 43-day patrol across Oceania. The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a routine deployment in Oceania as part of Operation Blue Pacific, working alongside Allies, building maritime domain awareness, and sharing best practices with partner nation navies and coast guards. Op Blue Pacific is an overarching multi-mission U.S. Coast Guard endeavor promoting security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity in Oceania while strengthening relationships with our regional partners. (U.S. Coast Guard photo Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Ray Blas)

161118-N-LY160-187 PEARL HARBOR (Nov. 18, 2016) Lt. William Spears, assigned to the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Columbia (SSN 771), is greeted by his wife and childen following the completion of a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean.

Chaplain (Capt.) Perry Bell, 375th Combat Support Group, says goodbye to his family as he prepares to deploy to Saudi Arabia in support of Operation Desert Shield.

Family and friends gather to welcome home Marines from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), 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.

060812-N-3333H-012. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

030313-F-7825H-119. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Charleston State: West Virginia (WV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Dec. 18, 2012) Lt. Cmdr. Pat Hart, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, is reunited with his daughter during a homecoming celebration for the squadron. VFA-143, part of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, returns to Naval Air Station Oceana after a six month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

Two naval aviators are reunited with their families. The F-14A Tomcat aircraft and A-6E Intruder aircraft squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3) and Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) are returning to Oceana following their participation in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. CVW-3 and CVW-17 were deployed in the Red Sea aboard the aircraft carriers USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) and USS SARATOGA (CV-60), respectively. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORMDESERT SHIELD Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221104-N-UN585-1012NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CORONADO, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2022) Air Traffic Controlman 2nd Class Jacob Bukowiecki, right, assigned to Tactical Air Control Squadron ELEVEN, poses for a photograph with his family after receiving a Navy and Marine Corps Medal at NAB Coronado Nov. 4, 2022. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the Navy's highest non-combat honor medal.

Col. Christopher Lantagne, 142nd Wing Vice Commander, shakes the hand of a Vietnam veteran, at Portland International Airport (PDX), September 30th, 2022, Portland, Ore. 142nd Wing leadership, along with members of the United States Coast Guard, were present to send off a group of 56 veterans departing to Washington D.C. as part of the Honor Flight Program. The Honor Flight Program was initiated in 2005, and provides roundtrip flights and chaperones to veterans wishing to visit various war memorials in Washington D.C.

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.

U.S. Army Sgt.1st Class Danny J. Hocker, assigned to 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment is embraced by his family during a welcome home ceremony in Vilseck, Germany, Oct. 23, 2008. Hocker is returning to Germany from a 15th month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (US Army

220422-N-GF955-1038NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (Apr. 22, 2022) Information System Technician 1st Class John Loeffler, assigned to the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS 15) (Blue Crew), embraces his family as the crew returns to Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Apr. 22, 2022 after completing a scheduled deployment. The crew deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to support Joint Interagency Task Force Souths mission, which included counter-illicit drug trafficking missions in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific.

221013-DQ787-N-1146NORFOLK (Oct. 13, 2022) - Logistics Specialist 2nd class Jordan Coatney, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), greets his family on Pier 10, Oct. 13, 2022. The USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), assigned to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, returns from a seven-month deployment operating in the High North and Baltic Sea. More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines assigned to the Kearsarge ARG supported a wide range of interoperability opportunities and exercises across the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations increasing combat readiness and crisis response capabilities while strengthening relationships with both NATO Allies and partners.

U.S. Navy Aviation Boatswains Mate 3rd Class Inam Ulhaq, assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24), reunites with his family aboard the Arlington, Oct. 13, 2022. Arlington is a part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and is returning from a seven-month deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operation, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2 to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

PEARL HARBOR (Feb. 24, 2020) Fire Control Technician 1st Class Quincy Miller, from Savannah, Georgia, assigned to the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775), embraces his family during Texas' homecoming. Texas performed a full spectrum of operations, including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, during the seven-month Indo-Pacific deployment.

051218-A-5011J-012. Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Newly promoted Lt. Col. Daniel Rhoades spends a moment with his daughter, Alix, during his promotion ceremony at the USAMMDA headquarters building, Fort Detrick, Md., Sept. 1, 2022. Rhoades is the medical director for the USAMMDA Warfighter Expeditionary Medicine and Treatment (WEMT) Project Management Office. USAMMDA leads the Department of Defenses medical product development through contracting, agreements and interdisciplinary and integrated-product teams. (Official U.S. Army Photo by T. T. Parish/Released)

060804-N-5384B-196. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Marine from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, poses with his family, Aug. 9, 2022. VMFA-314's 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 part of U.S. Navy carrier air wings, deploying regularly across the Indo-Pacific region.

220809-N-AS200-7432 POINT MUGU, Calif. (Aug. 9, 2022) - Lt. Cmdr. Carlos Molina, assigned to the "Wallbangers" Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 117, is greeted by his family following a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd Fleet and 7th Fleet areas of operations with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, embarked aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alysa Glass, a trumpet instrumentalist left and Cpl. Calvin Arancibia, a trombone instrumentalist with the 2d Marine Division Band, pose for a photo after performing at Chateau-Thierry, France, May 26, 2022. The Marines performed at Chateau-Thierry to commemorate the battles that Marines and American service members fought in the surrounding area during World War I.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Kenneth Mateo, a CH-53E pilot assigned to the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), holds his daughter during a deployment homecoming aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Oct. 9, 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.

New York Air National Guardsmen from the 224th Air Defense Group, stationed at the Eastern Air Defense Sector in Rome, participated in the units Sentinel Watch suicide prevention event on Sept. 10-11. Pictured, from left to right, are 1st Lt. Carmela Ruiz, Tech. Sgt. Mitchell Zecca and Staff Sgt. Cory Boepple, holding the You Are Enough sign. Part of the units #GotMySix National Suicide Prevention Month efforts, the Sentinel Watch focused on improving Airman connectivity, which plays a critical role in reducing suicide risk. The 224th ADG also held a Sentinel March through the Griffiss Business and Technology Park. New York Air National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Tanasha Walker, 224th Air Defense Group.

An Iraqi woman thanks U.S. Army Capt. Jan Rose for care received during a combined humanitarian mission in Tahrir, Iraq, June 30, 2007. Rose is from Charlie Company, 431st Civil Affairs Battalion.

051124-A-5800R-043. Base: Jackson State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 1461st Transportation Co.

SAN DIEGO (July 15, 2022) - Sailors from Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) reunite with their families after the ship returns from deployment.

020105-F-0502F-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

050209-A-8359B-153. Base: Fort Buchanan, San Juan State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040603-F-9105A-008. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

Visitors participate in the first Flowers of Remembrance Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., May 28, 2022. Visitors were given the opportunity to cross the plaza and place a flower in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This event pays homage to the first official Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day, which originally took place at the cemetery in 1868 as a way to honor the sacrifices of those who fought and died in the Civil War.

Capt. Marc Ueda embraces his family, while being welcomed home, Jan. 13, 2024, at Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska. Family and friends welcomed home 10 Nebraska Army National Guard Soldiers with Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 1-134th Cavalry Squadron, as they returned from a 10-month overseas deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility where they were stationed at Grafenwoehr, Germany, as part of the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine, supporting training for Ukrainian Armed Forces counterparts. The Nebraska Soldiers were part of Task Force Bowie - made up of around 160 soldiers in total - which directly trained or supported training for approximately 7,500 Ukrainian troops.

A sailor from the destroyer USS HARRY W. HILL (DD-986) holds his son shortly after arriving at the station. The ship has returned from a WestPac deployment and service in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, San Diego State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marines from 6th Communication Battalion, a Marine Forces Reserve unit based in Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, collect toys in Times Square as part of their Toys for Tots drive, Dec. 19. The Marines will be in Times Square all week loading up their tactical vehicles with toys collected from all of their New York City drop off locations as part of their final collection effort. Last year the Marines from 6th Communication Battalion collected approximately 280,000 toys, the majority of them being collected during this last-week scramble before Christmas.

A U.S. Airman who has recently returned home from a deployment to the United Arab Emirates, poses for a photo with family members at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, April 7, 2022. Airmen from the 633d Air Base Wing, 1st Fighter Wing and 192d Wing worked in conjunction to short-notice deploy U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from the 27th Fighter Squadron to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Alexander Smith, a cavalry scout assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment stands for a photo with a friend following a morale run at the Tower Barracks Physical Fitness Center in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Sep. 11, 2022. The run was held to honor the 21st anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks and recognize the sacrifices of first responders and lives lost on that day.

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.

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.

030206-F-0730D-029. Base: Syracuse State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030603-M-8539K-016. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST Recon

120524-N-NR998-166NEW YORK (May 24, 2012) Ann Curry, an anchor on The Today Show, thanks a Marine for his service while taping The Today Show. Fleet Week New York 2012 marks the 25th year the city has celebrated the nation's sea services for the citizens of New York and the tri-state area. This year, the seven-day event, coincides with the commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, with more than 6,000 service members from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard sea services in addition to coalition ships from around the world.

030716-D-5011J-027. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Hunter Army Air Field State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

110506-N-ZL585-030NEW ORLEANS (May 6, 2011) Lt. Jason Smith, center, and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class John Mocek, both members of the U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, visit with young patients at Children's Hospital New Orleans during New Orleans Navy Week 2011, one of 21 Navy Weeks planned across America this year. Navy Weeks are designed to showcase the investment Americans have made in their Navy as a global force for good and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

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