← Military & Defence

Military Homecomings and Family Embraces

Emotional reunions between military personnel and their families, capturing warmth, affection, and joy in various deployment settings and airport terminals.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cameron Foley, 6th Security Forces defender, speaks with his family before a flight over Tampa Bay at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Dec. 7, 2022. The U.S. Army Reserves invited Foley to join them in the U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk for a training flight following his reenlistment ceremony.

Members of the 207th Horizontal Engineer Construction Company return to the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Ky., Nov. 9, 2017. The Soldiers were returning from the Middle East, where they completed more than 100 work orders and 38 construction projects in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and OperationFreedoms Sentinel throughout six countries in Central Asia.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles B. McDaniel, U.S. Air Force Headquarters director of weather, deputy chief of staff for operations, embraces his family after his fini-flight during the arrival of a KC-46A Pegasus on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 20, 2022. The KC-46A Pegasus is a wide body, multirole tanker that can refuel all U.S., allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures.

Deployed members of the 136th Airlift Wing arrive on board their own C-130H2 aircraft at Naval Air Station Fort Worth JRB, Texas, July 9, 2013 from their combat mission rotation. The unit members have been deployed since February 2013.

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.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cameron Foley, 6th Security Forces defender, speaks with his family before a flight over Tampa Bay at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Dec. 7, 2022. The U.S. Army Reserves invited Foley to join them in the U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk for a training flight following his reenlistment ceremony.

Loved ones welcome home two units of nearly 130 Oklahoma Army National Guardsmen, Wednesday, July 26, 2017, during a ceremony held at the Norman Armed Forces Reserve Center in Norman, Oklahoma. In the formation stood nearly 100 members from 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), who deployed to Ukraine in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine, and more than 30 members from the 45th IBCTs Brigade Special Troops Battalion (BSTB), who deployed in support of a NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.

A Soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment "Viper Battalion," 12th Combat Aviation Brigade embraces his family at the Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany, May 13, 2022. The Soldiers initially deployed to the Baltic region for a training exercise and remained forward to support Operation Assure, Deter, and Reinforce. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

Close to 130 Soldiers with the 65th Field Artillery deploy to Middle East 3-26-2018

Sgt. Joshua Rhim, an all-source intel analyst with Charlie Company, 519th Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, hugs a friend at his promotion ceremony from Specialist to Sergeant on Sept. 1, 2022 in Wiesbaden, Germany. Rhim is currently deployed in Europe with individuals from XVIII Airborne Corps in order to assure NATO allies and deter Russian aggression.

030903-A-4928M-066. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sgt. Brian Corsi spends a moment with his daughter at the departure ceremony for Army Space Support Team 23, 117th Space Battalion, at the Colorado National Guard State Headquarters June 25. ARSST-23 is deploying for approximately one year and will provide space-based products and support to units serving in the Southwest Asia area of operations. An ARSST supports the war fighters by monitoring and providing accurate, timely, and actionable terrestrial and space weather data. They also provide satellite imagery; surveillance; reconnaissance; early warning of missile threats; GPS monitoring and accuracy reporting; and monitoring and reporting of counter-improvised explosive device programs - all of which contribute to situational awareness of the battlefield.

U.S. Army Pfc. Vincent Ortolano, an indirect fire infantryman assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, embraces his family, Dawn (left) and Brittany (right), after a redeployment ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 29, 2022. The ceremony was held at Newman Gym to mark the redeployment of the brigade's Soldiers after a six-month deployment to Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Charles B. McDaniel, U.S. Air Force Headquarters director of weather, deputy chief of staff for operations, embraces his wife after his fini-flight during the arrival of a KC-46A Pegasus on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 20, 2022. The KC-46A Pegasus is a wide body, multirole tanker that can refuel all U.S., allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Chad Beasley, 375th Air Mobility Wing noncommissioned officer in charge of honor guard training, congratulates Senior Airman Miranda Underwood, 375th Medical Group pharmacy technician, during a womens panel on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 24, 2022. Underwood had the opportunity to talk alongside senior leaders and share her life experience before and after joining the military.

Approximately 65 Soldiers from Company B, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor will depart St. Cloud Mar. 16, 2021. This unit is part of the 1,100 Soldiers from Task Force 1-194 who are deploying to the Middle East for a nine-month mission in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

NORFOLK (Dec. 14, 2015) Ensign Carl Segerstrom, from Winchester, Mass., hugs his son after his return to Norfolk from an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 4th, 5th, and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74). (US Navy

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Pfc. Jonathan Ragsdale from the 1st Battalion 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, greets his wife after returning from deployment at Fort Hood, Texas, April 24, 2022. One of 1-44 ADAs missions was to provide defense from tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and threatening aircraft.

An Airman from the 61st Airlift Squadron reunites with his daughters at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, after returning from a deployment April 4, 2022. Airmen from the 19th Airlift Wing 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Carrol R. Williams III with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embraces his mother during his retirement ceremony at the Martinson Pavilion, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 21, 2022. Master Gunnery Sgt. Williams retired after 27 years of honorable service.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Thomas Galoff, participates in a retirement ceremony near Camp Ripley's Town Hall, June 4, 2022. Galoff will retire this summer from his fulltime position 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)

Sgt. Brandon Schu, a firefighter from Omaha, sits with his family, May 17, 2020, for a brief send-off ceremony at the South Omaha Readiness Center. Seven Nebraska Army National Guard Soldiers with the 181st Engineer Detachment (Firefighter Team) are deploying for a yearlong overseas deployment, training and operating alongside Romanian partners. Due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was closed to the public. The event was granted an exception to policy by Governor Pete Ricketts to allow for more than 10 individuals, but other social distancing rules were still implemented. (Nebraska National Guard

A Marine with II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group is reunited with his family, April 12, at Camp Lejeune, N.C. The Marines and sailors of II MHG returned home after a yearlong deployment to Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

030926-M-4330P-002. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: VMA-513

A Marine of the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (4th MEB) is reunited with a loved one upon his return to the base. The 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade's (4th MEB's) ground units are coming ashore at Onslow Beach after disembarking from the amphibious ships on which they were deployed in the Persian Gulf region for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORMDESERT SHIELD Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

110918-N-KB563-180SAN DIEGO (Sept. 18, 2011) Lt. Cmdr. Karl Haywood holds his daughter as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 1 returns to Naval Air Station North Island after completing an eight-month mission as Joint Task Force (JTF) Troy in Baghdad. JTF Troy was responsible for exercising command and control of operational EOD forces throughout Iraq.

Members of Companies A and D, 1st Battalion, 185th Aviation Regiment (1-185th AR), leave Jackson, Miss. for Fort Hood, Texas, on May 14, 2017 for eventual service in Kosovo.Approximately 130 Soldiers are deploying for approximately 10 months in support of Operation Joint Guardian. Of that number, approximately 60 troops are assigned to the regiments headquarters in Tupelo, with the remaining 70 Guardsmen assigned to Companies A and D, 1-185th AR in Jackson. Collectively, the unit will provide rotary wing aviation lift support using UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters during their Balkans deployment.While at Fort Hood, the 1-185th AR will complete required post mobilization training for duty in Kosovo. The unit will then support NATO operations designed to support international efforts to build peace and stability in the region.

A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing, meets their family on the flight line at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, April 6, 2023. The Airman had just returned from a deployment in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. The 6th ARW thanks all their service members and their families for the sacrifices they make throughout their military career. The support of military families serves as the backbone for the 6th ARWs ability to deliver hope and project lethality, anytime and anywhere.

Staff Sgt. John Morrison, 723d Aircraft Maintenance squadron crew chief, embraces his spouse during a redeployment ceremony, Feb. 10, 2019, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Reintegration events like these are especially important to Moodys Airmen and their families as Moody is the most deployed base in Air Combat Command.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Julie A. Hundertmark, commander, 512th Field Hospital and Master Sgt. Oscar Moreno, Senior Enlisted Advisor share a final moment during a Relinquishment of Responsibility Ceremony, April 11, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Moreno will attend the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas.

The first groups of Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division return to Virginia July 10, 2017, after serving on federal active duty since November 2016. The Soldiers served in the Middle East in support of Task Force Spartan Shield as the first intermediate division headquarters under U.S. Army Central Command. Senior leaders from state government and the Virginia National Guard greeted Soldiers when they arrived at Dulles Airport, then the Soldiers reunited with family, friends and fellow Soldiers at Fort Belvoir and Sandston. During the deployment, the 29th ID Soldiers provided mission command for joint training exercises and military-to-military engagements with partner nations to promote regional stability and theater security cooperation. A formal transfer of authority is scheduled for July 13, and the remaining 29th ID Soldiers will return after that.

The 143d Airlift Wing welcomes home more than 100 Airmen from their recent deployment in support of Operation FREEDOM'S SENTINEL, July 4, 2019, Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown, R.I. The Airmen returning Include personnel from a cross-section of aviation operations, aircraft maintenance, and support specialties.

Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Virginia Beach-based 529th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group return to Virginia and reunite with family, friends and fellow Soldiers Sept. 18, 2019, after serving on federal active duty in support of Operation Inherent Resolve since Dec. 2018. During the deployment the 529th was headquartered in Camp Taji, Iraq, and they planned and coordinated combat sustainment support, managing all commodities, operational contracting support as well as maintenance support for numerous units operating in the Central Command Area of Responsibility. Soldiers assigned to the 529th served in 14 locations spread across four different countries.R

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.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Sgt. Israel Sanchez holds his daughter, Azimuth, and son, Rory, before participating in a departure ceremony. More than 160 Guardsmen from the 39thInfantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters departed Camp Joseph T. Robinson April 4, 2023, and will make their way to Grafenwoehr, Germany, for a year-long mission training Ukrainian armed forces.

221027-N-GR655-0261 GROTON, Conn. (October 27, 2022) - Lt. Connor Gagliardi, weapons officer assigned to the USS North Dakota (SSN 784), is greeted by his wife Cassie, older daughter Lucy and newborn daughter Maizie during a homecoming event at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Oct. 27. North Dakota returned to homeport from its 3rd 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 North Dakota and crew operate under Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) FOUR 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.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 2-151st Security and Support Aviation Battalion, South Carolina Army National Guard depart the S.C. Technology and Aviation Center, Greenville, S.C. in a UH-72A Lakota helicopter May, 21, 2018, to provide support to the U.S. Border Patrol in Texas. The helicopter and Soldiers will be providing aerial surveillance support along the Texas border.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Anthony Sullivan, a pilot assigned to the 50th Air Refueling Squadron, is welcomed home by his wife, Cathy Sullivan, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, June 6, 2022. The Airmen with the 50th ARS returned from a six-month deployment in support of U.S. Air Forces Central Command to sustain a regional presence in partnership with Qatar.

Spc. Richard Word, an automatic test systems operator, assigned to 3rd Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, embraces his mother, Rhonda Word, during a welcome home ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 25, 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.

APRA HARBOR, Guam (July 1, 2022) - Senior Chief Petty Officer Yeoman Nick Shortal, 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.

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.

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.

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (Aug. 17, 2022) Sailors reunite with their families after the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) homeport shifts to Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain, Aug. 17, 2022. Naval Station Rota sustains the fleet, enables the fighter and supports the family by conducting air operations, port operations, ensuring security and safety, assuring quality of life and providing the core services of power, water, fuel and information technology.

051006-A-7734M-042. Base: Taylor State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Andres Giraldo, a targeting officer assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps, embraces his daughter, newly promoted 1st Lt. Chesnee Giraldo, a quartermaster officer assigned to the 55th Quartermaster Field Feeding Company, 16th Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, after her promotion ceremony Sept. 9, 2022, in Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Andres is deployed in Europe, near where Chesnee is stationed, making it possible for him to attend her promotion ceremony.

U.S. Army Cpl. John Stubbs, a human intelligence collector assigned to the 10th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, embraces his mother, Laurel Stubbs, who traveled from Salt Lake City to surprise him, during a welcome home ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 22, 2022. The 1st ABCT Soldiers deployed to Germany in support of NATO allies to deter Russian aggression and assure allies, while also supporting a range of other requirements in the area.

2nd Lt. Ashley Hurd spends some time with her children after her OCS graduation. 2nd Lt. Hurd is the first female in the N.C. Guard to commission for an armor unit.FORT BRAGG, N.C. - The North Carolina Army National Guard welcomed 19 new second lieutenants into its ranks during a commissioning ceremony for the Traditional Officer Candidate School Class 60 and Accelerated Officer Candidate School Class 29 held at the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School on 25 August 2018. Family, friends and fellow Soldiers turned out for the event in which Brig Gen. Marvin T. Hunt, N.C. National Guard Director of Joint Staff, administered the oath of office. The North Carolina Military Academys OCS program is designed to train, assess, and evaluate potential commissioned officers in the fundamentals of leadership and basic military skills; instill the professional and physical fitness ethic; evaluate leadership potential; and commission those who qualify as second lieutenants in the

Soldiers assigned to the Utah National Guard's 1st Battalion, 211th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, Aviation Regiment, depart the Army Aviation Support Facility, West Jordan, Utah, May 7, 2020. The battalion, comprised of three companies of AH-64 Apache helicopters and more than 300 soldiers, will provide combat air support to ground forces during the year-long deployment. (Utah National Guard

U.S. Air Force Capt. Craig A. Discala, 122nd Fighter Wing Maintenance Munitions Officer assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Indiana, presents his daughter a challenge coin during his retirement ceremony, May 15, 2022. Discala retired from the military during a regularly scheduled drill.

220811-N-NM271-1106 SAN DIEGO (Aug. 11, 2022) A Sailor assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) greets his family during a homecoming event at Naval Base San Diego. Spruance, a part of Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, returned to Naval Base San Diego after a deployment to U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleets in support of maritime security operations to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

030608-M-5888P-037. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) 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.

Captain Matthew Chasin, the A Co. 1/126th Aviation Regiment commander and UH-60 Black Hawk pilot, holds his two sons inside a UH-60, Feb. 17, 2024, at Quonset Air National Guard Base, North Kingstown, RI. Chasin returned from a 10-month deployment to Kosovo deployed in support of Operation Joint Guardian, a NATO peacekeeping mission under the Kosovo Force (KFOR). Army National Guard

A Soldier assigned to 2nd Squadron, 107th Cavalry Regiment says goodbye to a family member following the units call to duty ceremony Sept. 22, 2022, at the Dayton Masonic Center in Dayton, Ohio. Elements of the Ohio Army National Guards 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted call to duty ceremonies for their units in advance of an approximately yearlong deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

Family and friends welcome deployers home, Oct. 19, 2020, at Army Aviation Support Facility, Tusla, Okla. Soldiers from Bravo Company, 834th Aviation Support Battalion, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard, returned from a 12 month deployment, where they provided support to the 34th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, Minnesota National Guard, in the Central Command area of operations. (Oklahoma Air National Guard

Fourteen Soldiers from the Utah National Guard's 141st Military Intelligence Battalion returned home from a 10-month deployment to Afghanistan Dec. 14, 2015, just in time for Christmas.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Austin Santistevan with Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, congratulates Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Kaleigh Horan, during a Fleet Marine Force pinning ceremony during exercise Native Fury 22 at Yanbu Commercial Port, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aug. 26, 2022. The Fleet Marine Force pin is awarded to U.S. Navy Sailors who are trained and qualified to perform duties in support of the U.S. Marine Corps. Native Fury 22 is a biennial exercise focused on the demonstration of the rapid offload and integration of a Maritime Pre-Positioned Force in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of regional security, crisis response, and contingency operations.

Senior Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician Martin Birch, assigned to USS Gerald R. Fords (CVN 78) USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) aircraft intermediate maintenance department, hugs and kisses his family during Fords Master Chief and Senior Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony, May 20, 2022. Six Master Chiefs and 16 Senior Chiefs were pinned during the ceremony. Ford is in port Naval Station Norfolk preparing for its next underway period.

Staff Sgt. Darrell Anderson, 934th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, hugs his wife Felicia and son after returning from a three-month deployment to Europe on May 19, 2022, at Minneapolis-St. Paul Air Reserve Station. The 934th Airlift Wing performed tactical airlifts and vital aeromedical evacuations in support of U.S. European Command to assure our Allies and Partners in the region and deter any future aggression. (U.S. Air Force Picture by Chris Farley)

041006-F-7564C-121. Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Pfc. Kylie Hathaway celebrates with a fellow graduate on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., May 27, 2022. Hathaway began training on the west coast at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and was transferred to MCRD Parris Island after an injury to her tibia required her to enter a recovery platoon.

Sgt. Ryan Guy, a Woodbine, Iowa, native and military police Soldier assigned to the 186th Military Police Company, Iowa Army National Guard, smiles as a loved one pins his newly-earned Air Assault badge during graduation day of a U.S. Air Assault course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 9, 2022. Over 200 students participated in the 12-day course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. Cadre from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia, traveled as a mobile training team to teach the course.

A sailor from the amphibious assault ship USS TRIPOLI (LPH-10) is reunited with his family following the vessel's return to port. The TRIPOLI suffered hull damage when it struck an Iraqi mine on February 18, 1991 while patrolling in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. The vessel underwent repair in Bahrain and then completed its deployment before returning to Naval Station, San Diego. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: San Diego State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

APRA HARBOR, Guam (Jan. 23, 2018) A Sailor assigned to the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) reunites with his family during his homecoming to Apra Harbor, Guam. Frank Cable departed Guam March 7, 2017, supporting maritime expeditionary operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations and underwent a dry-dock phased maintenance availability at Vigor Industrial shipyard in Portland, Ore.

Lt. Col. Cole Pinheiro, the battalion commander for 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, reunites with his son during one of several welcome home ceremonies at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 16, 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.

230628-N-EU502-1524 SAN DIEGO (June 28, 2023) - Sailors assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) embrace their families 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.

230405-N-EH998-1246 NORFOLK, Va. (April 5, 2023) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) greet their families upon returning to Norfolk Naval Station, April 5, 2023. USS Nitze returns to homeport after an eight-month deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 2nd, 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation.

040712-M-6237R-012. Base: Mcb, Twentynine Palms State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 40606

NORFOLK, Va. (Jan. 16, 2024)- A Sailor assigned to the Tridents of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, reunites with his family after returning to Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, Jan. 16, following a more than eight-month deployment with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. While deployed, the squadron accomplished flying over 2,200 flight hours, executing 46 days of vertical replenishment evolutions, moving over 500 personnel, and executing six tactical evacuations.

Oregon National Guard Soldiers returned home to Portland, Ore., on Aug. 19, 2020 after being deployed in support of Task Force ARROW in Qatar and other overseas assignments. The Soldiers were greeted at the Kliever Memorial Armory in Portland by their friends and family members. (National Guard

A Soldier assigned to the Alpha Company, 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade embraces his family at the Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Germany, June 14, 2022. The 1-214th GSAB spent over three months in Poland working alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

Recruits with Bravo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion and November Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion, receive the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor after successfully completing the Crucible on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Sept. 29, 2022. The Crucible is the culminating event of everything recruits learn in Recruit Training. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Randall D. Whiteman)

ST. LOUIS (Oct. 21, 2022) Chief Gunners Mate James Forbuss, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Mid America, hugs his father during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony, Oct. 21, 2022. NTAG Mid America, part of Navy Recruiting Command, recruits the next generation of Navy Sailors throughout areas encompassing Missouri, Kansas, central and southern Illinois, and a portion of Kentucky.

040601-F-8978W-001. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Jacobitz, 32d Army Air and Missile Defense Command shares an embrace with Brig. Gen. David Stewart, the 32d AAMDC commander, June 23, at Noel Field, Fort Bliss, Texas during the change of responsibility ceremony where Jacobitz relinquished command of the unit to Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Belk. Jacobitz, who in addition to relinquishing his post, is also retiring from the Army after over 30 years of service.

NORFOLK (April 16, 2022) - A Sailor assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57), embraces his daugther after the ship's return to homeport, Naval Station Norfolk, April 16. Mitscher deployed to the European theater of operations and participated in a range of maritime activities in support of Naval Forces Europe and NATO Allies.

HANSCOM, AFB, Mass - Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Division, return home from deployment after nine months of service throughout the middle east. Leaders from the Massachusetts National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters and 51st Troop Command leadership greeted soldiers on the flight line of Hanscom Air Force Base. The Soldiers were then before then transported to Camp Curtis Guild where they were reunited with family and friends. Since its inception in 1636, the Massachusetts National Guard has participated in each of our nations conflicts, steadfastly serving the country and the citizens of the Commonwealth. More than 20,000 Massachusetts National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have deployed since September 11, 2001

NAPLES, ITALY -- Command Master Chief Mitcheal Burgin, congratulates Senior Chief Master-At-Arms Ryan Fea, from Riverside, California, after his a frocking ceremony, May 13, 2022 in Naples, Italy. Navy Region EURAFCENT oversees nine installations in seven countries, enabling U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed, in order to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

111207-N-IE405-279NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA (Dec. 07, 2011) Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Greenslade, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213, hugs his twin daughters after the squadron returned from six-month deployment aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77).

U.S. Air Force Maj. Craig Morash, 74th Fighter Squadron A-10 pilot, is greeted home by his daughter, Adeline, after returning from a deployment Oct. 11, 2011, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Morash was part of a six-month deployment to Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, where he supported Operation Enduring Freedom.

A Soldier with Bravo Battery, 1-147th FieldArtillery Battalion and 147th Forward Support Company, South DakotaArmy National Guard, embraces his family during the units welcomehome ceremony at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls, S.D., Oct. 26,2019. The unit served 10 months in Europe providing rocket artillery andlogistics support to Operation Atlantic Resolve, which builds readiness,increases interoperability and enhances allied nation partnerships betweenmilitaries using multinational training events.

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.

148th Fighter Wing Airmen return from an approximately four month aviation deployment and are greeted by family and friends at the 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth, Minn., July 27, 2022. While deployed the Wing flew over 700 sorties, totaling more than 4,400 flight hours in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Pfc. Isaiah Weber, a cannon crewmember assigned to 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery 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. 26, 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.

Distinguished guests receive flowers during the 1st battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiments (1-6 FAR) Activation Ceremony of Charlie Battery Tower Barracks, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Jan. 10 2024. C BTRY, 1-6 FAR was the first American unit to fire a round on the European Continent, in October 1917 during World War One.

220905-N-VG565-1076Norfolk, Va. (Sept. 5, 2022) - Families welcome home Sailors attached to the Seahawks” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 126 on Naval Station Norfolk during the squadron’s homecoming, September 5. VAW-126, 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.

The 355th Wing held their change of command ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 30, 2022. Col. Joseph Turnham, outgoing Wing commander relinquished command to Col. Scott Mills, the new 355th Wing commander.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Sara Salmeri, 60th Medical Group TRICARE Operations flight commander, and Tech. Sgt. Peter Salmeri, 60th Communication Squadron cyber systems supervisor, pose for a photo with their children for the Military Spouse Appreciation Day campaign at Travis Air Force Base, California, April 7, 2022. May 6th is Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Travis AFB is celebrating by highlighting the resiliency and commitment of spouses in the military community.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, arrives at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Nov. 22, 2022. Minihan visited the 6th ARW to explain the AMC Strategy and the strategic importance MacDill AFB and mobility airmen play in executing agile combat employment.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters with the South Carolina National Guard assigned to Company A, 1-111th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB), 59th Aviation Troop Command, depart for the mobilization station at Fort Hood, Texas from McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, April 22, 2022, in preparation for a deployment in support of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) peacekeeping mission. The South Carolina National Guard conducted a deployment ceremony, April 20, recognizing the deployment of approximately 50 Soldiers and eight UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the 1-111th GSAB to the Sinai Peninsula, in support of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) peacekeeping mission. The MFOs overarching mission is to supervise and monitor the implementation of the security provisions of the Egyptian-Israeli Treaty of Peace, as well as contribute to preventing any violations of the treaty.

A U.S. Marine with Combat Logistics Battalion 26, reunites with his family after 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. 9, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group 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.

LT. CMDR. Gregory F. Atchison, Attack Squadron 35 (VA-35), is reunited with his wife, Laine, and meets his daughter, Leigh, for the first time. Atchison has just returned to Oceana, along with other members of Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) and CVW-3, following deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Hawaii Army National Guard Lt. Col. (P) David R. Hatcher II, commander of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), is pinned to the rank of Colonel by his wife and son during his promotion ceremony Kalaeloa, Hawaii, July 1, 2022. Hatcher enlisted as an infantryman in 1987, commissioned in 2000 and commanded the 1-487 Field Artillery Battalion from 2019 to 2021 prior to assuming command of the 29th IBCT on April 4, 2022.

031005-F-3175F-006. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

060427-N-0184L-015. Base: Naval Air Station Corpus Christi State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. JohnPaul Comeaux, a machine gunner with Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), poses for a photo with his family 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.

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.

The first groups of Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Fort Belvoir-based 29th Infantry Division return to Virginia July 10, 2017, after serving on federal active duty since November 2016. The Soldiers served in the Middle East in support of Task Force Spartan Shield as the first intermediate division headquarters under U.S. Army Central Command. Senior leaders from state government and the Virginia National Guard greeted Soldiers when they arrived at Dulles Airport, then the Soldiers reunited with family, friends and fellow Soldiers at Fort Belvoir and Sandston. During the deployment, the 29th ID Soldiers provided mission command for joint training exercises and military-to-military engagements with partner nations to promote regional stability and theater security cooperation. A formal transfer of authority is scheduled for July 13, and the remaining 29th ID Soldiers will return after that.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Oct. 13, 2022) - Sailors assigned to the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) reunite with their families on the pier after the ship returned to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story following a deployment with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), Oct. 13. 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.

230324-N-LN782-1084 (Mar. 24, 2023) U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command's Pass in Review in Great Lakes, Illinois, Mar. 24, 2023. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp

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