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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.
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.
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060913-N-4776G-081. Base: Naval Base, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)Capt. Kimberly P. Toone is pinned by her husband and daughter as she assumes command during a change of command ceremony held for Navy Medicine Operational Training Command (NMOTC) at the National Naval Aviation Museum aboard Naval Air Staiton Pensacola, Sept. 30. NMOTC oversees 6 detachments and 12 training centers in more than 60 facilities spread across the U.S. with more than 65 instructional programs within aviation, surface and undersea warfare in addition to expeditionary forces and special operations medicine.Airman 1st Class Dexter Lynn, 3rd Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III loadmaster, speaks with his father, Greg and sister Avery after returning back to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Oct. 3, 2022. Members from the 3rd AS, 436th Mission Generation Group and 436th Security Forces Squadron were greeted by family, fellow squadron and Team Dover members after returning from a deployment to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The C-17 Globemaster III, operated by 3AS, is capable of rapid strategic delivery of troops and all types of cargo to main operating bases or directly to forward bases in a deployment area.110620-N-RI884-147JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (June 20, 2011) Cmdr. David Miller, commanding officer of the guided-missile frigate USS Rueben James (FFG 57), holds his daughter during a homecoming celebration after the ships return to homeport after a five-month deployment in the western Pacific Ocean. Reuben James conducted fisheries patrols in the exclusive economic zones of various Pacific Island nations and integrated operations with coalition partners.NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (May 19, 2022) - Master Chief Hull Maintenance Technician David Leonard assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft Carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), receives cover from daughter Emma Leonard at the Victory Arch in Newport News, Va. George Washington is undergoing refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipyard. RCOH is a multi-year project performed only once during a carriers 50-year service life that includes refueling the ships two nuclear reactors, as well as significant repairs, upgrades, and modernization.Col. Jeremy Ford, 152nd Airlift Wing commander, completes his "fini flight" or final flight at the Nevada Air National Guard base in Reno, Nev. July 26, 2022. The fini flight is an Air Force tradition which marks a pilot's departure from a unit, or last time they fly an aircraft, which is often followed by a champagne-and-water shower following landingSenior Airman David McMillen holds his son, Easton, while watching the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department extinguish a fire during a training demonstration on Spouse Appreciation Day May 10, 2013, at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. The 28th CES Fire Department included family members in the exercise by giving them the opportunity to operate the fire hoses in the fire response vehicles. McMillen is a heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician assigned to the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron.New cadets, class of 2026 reunites with their loved ones after the Acceptance Day parade at the plain in West Point, NY on August 13, 2022. Acceptance Day is at the end of Cadet Basic Training officially accepting the new cadets into the Corps of Cadets.050902-F-4884R-221. Base: Louis Armstrong Iap, New Orleans State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Dec. 18, 2012) Lt. Taylor Rives, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103, is reunited with his wife 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.031206-F-0017M-216. Base: Byrd Field State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACCSoldiers with the 1946th Financial Management Support Detachment, District of Columbia National Guard, are greeted by family, friends, senior leadership and D.C. National Guard Family Programs reps at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Feb. 16, 2024. Guard members returned from a nine-month deployment to Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, providing financial management support to Kosovo Forces assigned to the NATO peacekeeping mission. Air National GuardA U.S. Air Force Airman from the 525th Fighter Squadron Expeditionary team poses for a photo with his wife and children after returning from his deployment to Kadena Air Base, Japan, on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 8, 2023. The Expeditionary Fighter Squadron team included 299 active duty and reserve personnel from 8 different JBER squadrons.After an 11-month tour of service in Afghanistan, more than 150 Michigan National Guard Soldiers from the 1460th Transportation Company were welcomed home Sept. 23, 2014 at H.H. Dow High School in Midland, Mich. Gov. Rick Snyder and Maj. Gen. Gregory Vadnais, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard, joined family, friends, local business leaders, government officials, the northern Michigan Patriot Guard Riders and community members on the football field and bleachers with messages of pride and welcome.A new U.S. Marine with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, is greeted by a loved one during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 24, 2022. Graduation took place after the completion of recruit training.BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Dec. 21, 2012) Cmdr. Jeff Bernard, commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS La Jolla (SSN 701), gives small stuffed animals to the daughters of Republic of Korea navy Sailors. La Jolla is in Busan for a scheduled port visit during its deployment to the western Pacific.U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Johanna Ficcadenti, 119th Security Forces Squadron, conducts a physical search for weapons and contraband while training with simulated suspect Senior Airman Danielle Neece, 119th Support Group, at the N.D. Air National Guard Base, Oct. 21, 2022.SAN DIEGO (May 16, 2022) - Master Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Luaiva Solomuli, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, is congratulated by member of the Chiefs Mess during a frocking ceremony on Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI). HSC-3 is the West Coast MH-60S fleet replacement squadron, responsible for training pilots and aircrewmen by providing the most capable warfighters to the fleet.Marine Reuniting with Family at Miramar in San Diego2nd Lt. Sean Rochealeau is pinned his new rank by his wife, Jayden, during the Officer Candidate School graduation, held at the Edward Cross Training Center, in Pembroke, NH, Sept 11. Holdsworth will serve as a platoon leader with the Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 103rd Field Artillery Regiment, upon completion of the Basic Officer Leadership Course.061109-N-4515N-145. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)111223-N-UK333-100PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Dec. 23, 2011) Lt. j.g. Cosmas Samaritis is greeted with a kiss from his wife as he disembarks the Virginia-class submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) when it returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing its maiden six-month deployment to the western Pacific region. Texas is the second Virginia-class attack submarine constructed and the first submarine to be named after the Lone Star State.U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division return home to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, July 6, 2022. Elements of the 82nd Airborne Division deployed to Poland to support the United States decision to increase its presence and activities in Europe as part of our Nations strong and unremitting commitment to our NATO Allies. Upon returning to the Home of the Airborne, Paratroopers greeted each other and reunited with family.Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Patrick J. Muenks retirement ceremony takes place at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 23, 2022. Muenks retired after 41-years of dedicated service to the Missouri Army National Guard. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)030530-M-5888P-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: HQBN 1MARDIV Comm Co.Husband & Wife Reuniting on Military Base in San Diego240115-N-YM590-1066 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Jan. 15, 2024)- Cmdr. Kyle Mason, the executive officer of the Ragin Bulls of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, reunites with his family after returning to Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia, Jan. 15, following a more than eight-month deployment with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. While deployed, the squadron accomplished over 2,206 carrier traps and 2,709 flight hours over the course of 1,750 individual sorties.Norfolk, Va. (September 1, 2022). Lt. Aaron Antonio, assigned to the San Antonio-Class Amphibious Transport Dock USS New York (LPD 21), is promoted to Lieutenant Commander during a ceremony aboard the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64). The ceremony occurred in front of the Battleships iconic turret No. 1 and was attended by members of his family and command. The ceremony was hosted and coordinated by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, one of ten U.S. Navy museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command. The museum offers military ceremonies for area commands without cost as part of their military outreach offerings.GREAT LAKES, Ill. (June 27, 2022) - Family members and loved ones congratulate Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) midshipman following a graduation ceremony in the Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall at Recruit Training Command (RTC), June 27. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and enlisted S220510-N-VP266-1141 WASHINGTON (May 10, 2022) -- U.S. Navy Aviation Electronics Mate 1st Class Scott Barclay, assigned to Naval Support Activity Annapolis, poses for a photo with his child during a baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, May 10, 2022. Navy Day at Nationals Park is an event that honors the U.S. Navy.020208-F-1279W-032. Base: Jacksonville Iap State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACCNAVAL BASE KITSAP-BREMERTON, Wash. (Sept. 13, 2019) Chief Hospital Corpsman Richard Utley is pinned by his wife and his mother during the fiscal year 2020 chief petty officer (CPO) pinning ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Twenty-five Sailors were pinned to CPO during the ceremony. Nimitz is currently in port preparing for future operations.Louisiana Army National Guardsman 1st Lt. Ross D. Bethea of the 927th Engineer (Sapper) Company, 769th Engineer Battalion, is hugged and greeted by family members at a homecoming reception at Louisiana Aircraft in Baton Rouge, La., Mar. 5. The 927th just returned from a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.MAYPORT, Fla. (May 22, 2012) Ship's Serviceman 3rd Class Robert Gomez, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), sees his newborn daughter for the first time during a homecoming celebration at Naval Station Mayport. The Sullivans completed a seven-month deployment after participating in several exercises with NATO allies in support of maritime security operations.010414-N-6436W-010. Subject Operation/Series: VALIANT RETURN Base: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Fleet Imaging CenterMarine Reuniting with Family at Miramar in San Diego180202-N-GZ228-089SAN DIEGO (Feb. 2, 2018) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Jesse Soto holds his newborn child for the first time during the homecoming of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6). America, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is returning from a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East. The U.S. Navy has patrolled the Indo-Pacific region routinely for more than 70 years promoting peace and security.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.US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Greg Duke, 6th Aircraft Generation Squadron, gets a big welcome home hug as he steps off the first of eight KC-135 Stratotankers (Partially shown) to return from Kosovo operations. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, hosts a change of command ceremony on June 29, 2022. 3rd ABCT commander, Col. Justin Y. Reese, relinquished command to Col. John B. Guilliam.Soldier Returning Home030112-F-0718S-009. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE061212-N-9486C-001. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: USS BUFFALO (SSN 715)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)PEARL HARBOR (May 31, 2019) Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class Brandon Case, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93), is greeted by his son during a homecoming ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, May 31, 2019. Chung Hoon is returning to their Pearl Harbor homeport following a deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet and 5th Fleet areas of operations as part of the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group.041210-M-9015W-014. Base: Al Asad State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)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. 24 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 Guard021101-M-0431C-007. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)240115-N-YM590-1240 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Jan. 15, 2024)- A pilot, assigned to the Tomcatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, 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 over 2,669 sorties totaling more than 4,153 flight hours and 1,991 carrier arrested landings.060905-N-4965F-009. Base: Naval Station, Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)220512-N-XG173-1277 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (May. 25, 2022) Senior Chief Sonar Technician (Submarine) Donald Mattes, from Crown Point, Indiana, assigned to the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) reunites with his family after the boat returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam from deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. North Carolina performed a full spectrum of operations, including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, during the extended seven-month, Indo-Pacific deployment.U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing embrace each other at the base of the jet bridge on a Boeing 767 on the flightline at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 15, 2022. The 77th Fighter Squadron and accompanying personnel were tasked to deploy to provide combat air power to the Central Command Area of Responsibility.DN-SD-01-00180. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)SENIOR AIRMAN William Slaybaugh gives his daughter a hug while saying goodbye to his family prior to boarding a bus to travel to his departure aircraft on the Green Ramp at Pope AFB, N.C. SENIOR AIRMAN Slaybaugh, a member of the 23rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Pope is deploying to Ramstein Air Base, Germany and then to Tuzla Air Base, Bosnia to establish a Mobile Aeromedical Staging Facility (MASF) in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT ENDEAVOR Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)SAN DIEGO (Sept. 7, 2012) Cmdr. Jeff Saville, a Navy chaplain, tours his son around the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) during a family day cruise. Bunker Hill hosted more than 180 guests to show them the operational capabilities and life aboard the ship.A sailor holds his daughter during a reunion with his family aboard the frigate USS ELMER MONTGOMERY (FF-1082). The ELMER MONTGOMERY has returned to Mayport after serving in the Persian Gulf region during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)U.S. Marine Corps. 1st. Sgt. Kevin Clark, assigned to 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.A Sailor assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) reuintes with her family on pier at Naval Station Everett, Washington, Sept. 6. The Momsen, assigned to Carrier Strike Group Three, returned following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleets in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.110319-N-CH132-106SAN DIEGO (March 19, 2011) Aviation MachinistÕs Mate 3rd Class Ryan Caceres reunites with his wife after a six-month deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is returning home from a six-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.U.S. Air Force Airmen hand out medals to Air Force Marathon race finishers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 17, 2022. More than 8,500 runners and 1,500 volunteers from all 50 states and 18 different countries came out to run in the races 26th year.U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Lester L. Williams, offgoing sergeant major, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, is congratulated by attendees during the MCBH Relief and Appointment and Retirement ceremony, MCBH, Aug. 19, 2022. Williams was relieved by Sgt. Maj. Joseph J. Caputo as the MCBH Sergeant Major. Williams served over 30 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.NORFOLK (Sept. 8, 2022) A Sailor assigned to the USS San Jacinto (CG-56) embraces his spouse after returning to 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 defend U.S., allied and partner interests.240115-N-YM590-1225 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Jan. 15, 2024)- Family members of pilots assigned to the Tomcatters of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 31, rush to reunite with their Sailor after the squadron return 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 over 2,669 sorties totaling more than 4,153 flight hours and 1,991 carrier arrested landings.zuhause,soldatin,stress,posttraumatische belastungsstörung,häusliches leben,zu hause,streß,ptbs ** home,soldier,emotional stress,post-traumatic stress disorder,homes,soldiers,troops,ptsd mmq-1409 ,model released, SymbolfotoYOKOHAMA, Japan (Feb. 14, 2023) Lt. j.g. Nicolas Tobin, U.S. Navy Staff Chaplain, assigned to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, hands flowers to a service-veteran family member during a war memorial ceremony for the Japanese/POW(s) Friendship Program, Feb. 14, at Yokohama Commonwealth War Cemetery. The cemetery includes a large urn containing the ashes of 335 Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen from the United States, the British Commonwealth, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, who died as POWs in Japan. The ceremony is sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Commander, Navy Region Japan, bringing families of U.S. prisoners of war to Japan for a week-long reconciliation tour.A Soldier assigned to 2nd Squadron, 107th Cavalry Regiment, takes a family photo 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.OAK HARBOR, Wash. (April 3, 2018) Sailors assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP) 40 are greeted by friends and family upon returning from deployment to the U.S. 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleets areas of operations. VP-40 is a maritime patrol squadron assigned to Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10 and stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.Chris Matthews, a vehicle crash victim who lost his family to a drunk driver, gives his testimony on the effects of driving under the influence during Every 15 Minutes, a driving-under-the-influence simulated vehicle crash followed by a mock trial at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, May 26, 2022. The MCAGCC Provost Marshal Office put on the dramatic special demonstration for Marines and Sailors at the Combat Center to raise awareness about drunk driving and how it affects those directly and indirectly involved.A Soldier assigned to the Alpha Company, 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, reunites with 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.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.220402-N-OG067-1103NORFOLK, VA. (April 02, 2022) - Lt. Cmdr. Victor Buhl, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), stands with his wife and son on the flight deck during a baptism, April 2, 2022. Bataan is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Patrick J. Muenks retirement ceremony takes place at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 23, 2022. Muenks retired after 41-years of dedicated service to the Missouri Army National Guard. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)A Sailor assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) reuintes with her family on pier at Naval Station Everett, Washington, Sept. 6. The Momsen, assigned to Carrier Strike Group Three, returned following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleets in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.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.220525-N-LN285-2355 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (May 25, 2022) -- Electronics Technician (Nuclear) 3rd Class Matthew Webb, from Peoria, Ill., assigned to the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) reunites with his family after the boat returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam from deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. North Carolina performed a full spectrum of operations, including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, during the extended seven-month, Indo-Pacific deployment.Interior medium shot, side view, 6 year old Alechia Sanville welcomes STAFF Sergeant Tim Francis, USAF, 436th Security Forces Squadron from deployment to Ali al Salem AB, Kuwait. Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, 22 February 2000. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)An ex-army lieutenant who was discharged from the army after admitting that he was gay is fighting to repeal the "Don't ask...Don't tell" act. He is with the organization, "KnightsU.S. Air Force Col. Corey Simmons, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, poses with his family after his final flight at Travis Air Force Base, California, July 22, 2022. A final flight, also known as a "fini flight," is an Air Force tradition typically marking an aircrew members departure from the his or her unit or the last time flying a specific aircraft. Simmons and his family arrived at Travis AFB July 2020 and will depart to Scott AFB, Illinois, July 2022..220331-N-KB401-1085 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (March 31, 2022) -- Electrician's Mate (Nuclear) 3rd Class David Honegger, from Chicago, assigned to the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Missouri (SSN 780) kisses his wife after the boat returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam from deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. Missouri performed a full spectrum of operations, including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, during the extended seven-month, Indo-Pacific deployment.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 returned home to MacDill following a six-month deployment where they were tasked to deliver coalition air power and support to secure and stabilize the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.The family of Sgt. Baron Carwyle, of Pontotoc, welcome him home, Feb. 18, 2019 at Thompson Field in Flowood. Carwyle, with the 2d Battalion, 114th Field Artillery Regiment, was among approximately 250 Soldiers of the Mississippi Army National Guards 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team to return from Kuwait in support of Operation Spartan Shield. The two flights Monday were the first in a series with approximately 3,000 brigade personnel returning home this spring.220428-N-UJ449-2104 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (April 28, 2022) Capt. Kevin Pickard, Naval Air Station Sigonella commanding officer hugs his wife Amy after celebration of his final flight on NAS Sigonella, April 28, 2022. 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.After 72 years, Pfc. Kenneth LeRoy Bridger was finally laid to rest and closure was given to his family during a full military honors graveside ceremony held in Twin Falls, Idaho, on May 21. Bridger was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, while serving alongside his fellow U.S. troops during the war against North Korea. Bridgers remains were identified on Jan. 26, 2022. Bridger was just 17 years old when he went missing and was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He enlisted into the U.S. Army from Colville, Washington, but his remaining family resides in Idaho where he was laid to rest next to his brothers and his mother. Bridgers four living siblings, along with their families, attended the private ceremony. The U.S. flag were presented from the Idaho National Guard and Bridgers four living siblings also received POW/MIA flags from the National League of the POW/MIA Families and local POW/MIA Awareness Associations in his honoU.S. Air Force Col. Adam Bingham, 6th Air Refueling Wing commander, hugs Goldstar family member, Mitch Mesenburd, during an all-call as part of Wingman Day at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 21, 2022. During his address, Mesenburg spoke about his experience on losing family members to suicide and encouraged Airmen to stay connected to one another. Throughout the year, MacDill holds Wingman Days for Airmen to focus on resiliency.A baby doll sits at the feet of U.S. Army Sgt. Patrick Fuhrman as he waits to donate it during Operation Toy Drop at Ft. Bragg, N.C., on Dec. 8, 2007. The annual Randy Oler memorial Operation Toy Drop is a community service operation hosted by the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) supporting the military and local citizens in the Fayetteville, N.C., area.220718-N-RB283-0013USS Port Royal (CG-73) homecoming after being deployed since January 2022. Families welcomed sailors with signs and hugs at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 14, 2022.