Military Leadership and Ceremonies

Photographs capture military change of command ceremonies with officials in formal settings, highlighting leadership transitions and dignitary attendance.

The Distinguished Visitors stand for the invocation during the closing ceremony in Guatemala City, Guatemala on March 27, 2023. CG23 is an annual Army-led combined, joint, interagency, multi-national partnership-building exercise designed to build capacity, capabilities and interoperability with Central American partner nations.

U.S. Africa Command conducted a change of command ceremony in Stuttgart, Germany, on Aug. 9, 2022. The ceremony, held for Army Gen. Stephen Townsend to transfer command to Marine Gen. Michael Langley, was attended by nearly 400 guests including international, partner-nation, and interagency dignitaries and leaders.

US Army (USA) Lieutenant General (LTGEN) Dan K. McNeill, Commander of Combined Joint Task Force (JTF) 180 (2nd from left), salutes the Colors during the 6th Battalion Afghan National Army graduation ceremony at Kabul Military Training Compound (KMTC) in Kabul, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kabul Military Training Compound Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro interacts with members of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) during a tour at the DPAA Headquarters on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 18, 2022. Del Toro received a tour from DPAA leadership to highlight the many roles and responsibilities the agency serves. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

The Distinguished Visitors stand for the invocation during the closing ceremony in Guatemala City, Guatemala on March 27, 2023. CG23 is an annual Army-led combined, joint, interagency, multi-national partnership-building exercise designed to build capacity, capabilities and interoperability with Central American partner nations.

The official party, from left to right, for the U.S. Africa Command change of command held in Stuttgart, Germany, on Aug. 9, 2022: The Honorable Lloyd Austin III, secretary of defense; Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Gen. Stephen Townsend, outgoing commander, U.S. Africa Command; Gen. Michael Langley, incoming commander, U.S. Africa Command.

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman arrives at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Headquarters in Honolulu, Hawaii, on June 3, 2021.

030828-M-5578G-042. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 3rd Bn, 1ST Marines

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 21, 2022) - Chief Logistics Specialist Ramil Gutierrez salutes the sideboys after being promoted to chief petty officer during the chief petty officer pinning ceremony aboard U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Oct. 21, 2022. Nine selectees were promoted to the rank of chief petty officer during the ceremony. Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as 7th Fleet command ship, actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomes Brazilian General Sergio Negraes, Brazilian Armys Secretary of Finance and Economics to the IADC campus at Ft. Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 11, 2022. During the visit General Novaes spoke to students and was inducted into the IADC Hall of Honor. Additionally, he participated in an office call with leadership, received a college briefing and took a tour of the campus.

U.S. Marine Corps. Col. Llonie Cobb, Marine Aircraft Group 49, commander, attends a change of responsibility on April 29, 2022, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The ceremonial event was held to symbolize the transition of authority from Command Sgt. Maj. Tamara Edwards to Command Sgt. Maj. James Van Zlike. A change of responsibility ceremony is a traditional event meant to reinforce noncommissioned officer authority in the U.S. Army and highlights their support to the chain of command.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander, speaks with South African Air Force Lt. Gen. W.S. Mbambo, Chief of the SAAF, during the Africa Aersopace and Defence Exhibition 2022 opening ceremonies, Sept. 21, 2022, at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion, South Africa. Fostering regional relationships among African partners allows for the opening of dialogue and helps build regional solutions that we can help our African partners implement to address regional concerns.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson poses for a photo with U.S. and ROK forces during his tour of the Joint Security Area (JSA) of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on March 17, 2017.

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo vists and gives remarks to the Colombian Police Anti-Narcotic Directorate in Bogota, Colombia on January 21, 2020.

221114-N-DF135-1133 CARTAGENA, Colombia (Nov. 14, 2022) - Colombian Minister of Defense Ivan Velasquez Gomez speaks at a press conference in front of the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) in Cartagena, Colombia on Nov. 14, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo meets with Pakistani Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa Nishan-i-Imtiaz, at the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C., on July 23, 2019.

220927-N-JO823-2007 WATERS EAST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (Sept. 27, 2022) Republic of Korea (ROK) Gen. Seung Kyum Kim, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Paul LaCamera, Commander, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/United States Forces Korea, Rear Adm. Buzz Donnelly, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, Capt. Fred Goldhammer, commanding officer of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and Capt. Brennan Sweeney, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, pose for a photo in the commanding officers in port cabin during a ship tour in waters east of the Korean peninsula, Sept. 27. The Ronald Reagan CSG is participating with the ROK Navy in Maritime Counter Special Operations Exercise (MCSOFEX) to strengthen interoperability and training. The U.S. routinely conducts CSG operations in the waters around the ROK to exercise maritime maneuvers, strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance, and improve regional security

LTG Henry Shelton, Commander Joint Task Force 180, (left) and MG David Meade, Commander Joint Task Force 190 greet U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, William Swing, at the Port au Prince International Airport on 15 Oct 94, the day President Jean-Bertrand Aristide is returned to power during Operation Uphold Democracy. Subject Operation/Series: UPHOLD DEMOCRACY Base: Port Au Prince Country: Haiti (HTI)

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomes Admiral Karl Schultz, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard to the IADC campus at Ft. Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., April 18, 2022. During the visit Admiral Schultz briefed students on the United States Coast Guard function and missions to students. Additionally, he participated in an office call with leadership, received a college briefing and took a tour of the campus.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Sgt. Maj. David Elliott, sergeant major of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa, shake hands after Del Toro gave a speech to Marines, sailors, and civilians from U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart during his visit to U.S. Army Garrison Panzer Kaserne, Stuttgart, Jan. 22, 2024. Del Toro held a Q&A and spoke with the Marines and Sailors about Naval integration, quality of life concerns, the strength of our fleet, and other matters relevant to the Marine Corps and the Department of the Navy.

010216-F-4581B-003. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, Joint Region Marianas commander, center, U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. George B. Rowell IV, deputy general for 1st Marine Air Wing, left, and Brig. Gen. Fridrik Fridriksson, deputy commanding general for III Marine Expeditionary Force and commanding general for 3D Marine Expeditionary Brigade, right, pose for a photo during a visit to Guam, September 16, 2022. Multiple key leaders gathered to discuss the future development of the military presence and construction in Guam.

Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, visits during Exercise Yama Sakura at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec. 9, 2022. During his visit, Emanuel confirmed the ironclad commitment between the U.S. Forces and JGSDF and the collective strength of the U.S.-Japan security alliance.

220712-N-MM912-2004 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2022) Rear Adm. J.T. Anderson, right, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, exchanges gifts with Vice Adm. Sanjay Mahindru, Republic of India Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 12. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring to safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

220520-N-XZ205-1301SAN DIEGO (May 20, 2022) Rear Adm. Timothy Weber outgoing commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP), gets piped ashore with his family during a change of command ceremony Admiral Kidd Catering and Conference Center, Naval Base Point Loma, Harbor Drive Annex May 20. Rear Adm. Guido Valdes incoming commander, NMFP also assumed the reins of director of the Defense Health Agencys San Diego Market from Weber in a change of directorship ceremony following the change of command.

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo attends a working breakfast at the United States Central Command and the United States Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, June 18, 2019.

Natasha Franceschi, charge daffaires of the U.S. Embassy, Tunisia, and Gen. Ghoul, chief of staff of the Tunisian Army, sit in the viewing area to watch the joint combined arms live-fire exercise during African Lion 22 at the Ben Ghilouf Training Area, June 26, 2022. African Lion 2022 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6 - 30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component, and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal of strengthening interoperability among participants and setting the theater for strategic access.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Yorktown, Virginia to deliver the keynote address at the 225th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Yorktown. Among other dignitaries on hand for the commemorative events were Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen, former U.S. Army Secretary John Marsh, French Ambassador to the U.S. Jean-David Levitte, and French Defense Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie.

United States Marine Corps Lt. Col. Ben Grant, U.S. Central Command J7 Exercise Division Chief and Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) Director of Military Training Brig. Gen. Kayed Jaarat stand with atendees of the final planning conference for Operation Eager Lion 2022, in Amman, Jordan, June 23rd, 2022. Operation Eager Lion 2022 is a multi-lateral exercise focusing on defensive capabilities in combating terrorism, border security, maritime security, disaster response and humanitarian aid. The final planning conference completed the operational and logistical requirements for more than 30 countries forces that participate in training within the territorial borders of Jordan.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks with Albanian Defense Minister Niko Peleshi during a bilateral exchange meeting at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Jan. 26, 2023.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomes Admiral Karl Schultz, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard to the IADC campus at Ft. Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., April 18, 2022. During the visit Admiral Schultz briefed students on the United States Coast Guard function and missions to students. Additionally, he participated in an office call with leadership, received a college briefing and took a tour of the campus.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry speaks with a group of U.S. Marines after posing for a picture with them and conducting an interview with Channel 4 Presenter Jon Snow on September 18, 2015, at the U.S. Embassy in London, U.K.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro speaks with NJROTC students from Troy High School in Fullerton, Calif., following the commissioning of the USS John L. Canley (ESB 6), Feb. 17. The ship is named for Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. John L. Canley, who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2018 for his actions in 1968 during the battle Hue City, Vietnam.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts Jordan's King Abdullah II for talks at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 12, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo participates in a wreath laying ceremony in Kolonia, Federated States of Micronesia, on August 5, 2019.

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo is greeted by General John Nicholson upon arrival to Bagram Airfield on July 9, 2018.

041217-A-2702F-008. Base: Fort Drum State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Kelly McKeague, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Director, hold his hand over his heart in honor of fallen service members during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Dec. 5, 2022. The ceremony was part of DPAAs efforts to disinter the remains of unknown service members lost during WWII and the Korean War. This ceremony marked the completion of phase four out of seven disinterment phases from the Korean War Disinterment Project. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.

David Wisner, Chargé d'Affaires for the U.S. Embassy in Tirana, discusses the training exercise with Albanian special operations forces soldiers and U.S. Green Berets assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) during distinguished visitor presentation as part of a joint combined exchange (JCET) training near Tirana, Albania, Feb. 27, 2024. JCET enhances interoperability with partner nations and strengthens military readiness, teamwork, and joint confidence while promoting peace and stability in Europe. Army

Secretary of Defense Lloyd. J. Austin III visits U.S. Southern CommandJuly 25, 2022. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)

Commander United states Air Forces in Europe, GEN Gregory Martin (right) talks to a member of the 494th Fighter Squadron. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is greeted by USFK Commander General Vincent Brooks upon arrival to Osan Air Base in Osan, Seoul on June 13, 2018.

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo at the commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the end of the World War I in Paris, France on November 11, 2018.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Michael L. Brooks, base commander, Marine Corps Base Quantico, left, and retired Sgt. Maj. Carlton W. Kent, 16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps and guest of honor, right, march forward during MCBQs cake cutting ceremony in honor of the 247th Marine Corps Birthday at Butler Stadium on MCBQ, Virginia, Nov. 9, 2022. The annual cake cutting ceremony is a long-standing tradition which celebrates the establishment of the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps birthday is celebrated every year to commemorate the birth of the Corps and honor the service and sacrifices of all Marines, past and present.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt Rodolfo M. Bellota, Officer Candidate School chief at the Installations and Logistics Department, receives the Legion of Merit medal during his retirement ceremony in Harry Lee Hall on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Dec. 2, 2022. The Legion of Merit is awarded for an individual's outstanding service, fidelity and loyalty to the Marine Corps.

Closing ceremonies commenced today at the Five Hills Training Area in Tavantolgoi, Mongolia, marking the official end to Exercise Khaan Quest 2022.In 2019, more than 30 countries participated. The exercise had not been conducted since then due to the COVID-19 pandemic.This year, Khaan Quest has risen from the ashes of the pandemic and is stronger than ever. Fifteen countries have participated in Khaan Quest 2022 with more participants expected to join in next years exercise. Maj. Gen. Chris Smith, Deputy Commanding General of Strategy and Plans for U.S. Army Pacific, expressed the importance of connecting with participating nations and emphasizing the importance of peace keeping operations.Smith said, It is not only a great opportunity to exchange lessons and techniques, it is an expression of the commitment of the participating nations to the charter of the United Nations and all that it stands for and against. To that end, the exercise draws from a diversity of participants matched b

Thai and U.S. military members congratulate Gen. Chalermphon Srisawasdi, former Royal Thai Armed Forces (RTARF) Chief of Defence, after he received the Legion of Merit pinned by Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, in Bangkok on Jan. 18, 2024. The Legion of Merit is the highest accolade that the U.S. can bestow upon a foreign leader; it is reserved for individuals who have shown exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win.

031007-F-2828D-051. Base: Fort Carson State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060921-N-0696M-005. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050727-F-6911G-020. Base: Balad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

930408-D-2987S-041. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

President Andrzej Duda and Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak stand alongside Polish senior leaders at the Westerplatte Monument in Gdańsk, Poland during a ceremony to commemorate the beginning of World War II on Sept. 1, 1939. Westerplatte honors the courage and patriotism of those who resisted the German invasion 83 years ago. Today, Poland is one of the U.S.s strongest Allies and we share a commitment to freedom and stability throughout the European theater. (Polish Air Force photo by Kapral Wojciech Król, Operational Center of the Ministry of National Defence)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander (center-left), poses for a photo with Maj. Gen. Ayman Abbas, Chief, Air Force Training Division (left), Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Magdy Dwaidar, Director, Egyptian Air Force Museum (middle), and Atef Wahba, Cultural Advisor to the Commander, AFCENT, at the Egyptian Air Force Museum in Cairo, Egypt, Aug. 29, 2022. During his visit, Grynkewich experienced the vibrant culture of Egypt while learning about the countrys unique military history.

Secretary Dirk Kempthorne meeting at Main Interior with delegation from the Idaho National Guard

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo poses for a photo with U.S. Marine Security Guards before departing Ljubljana, Slovenia, on August 13, 2020.

U.S. Navy Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, shakes hands with Japan Self Defense Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Koji Yamazaki, during his visit to the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 4, 2022. Adm. Aquilino met with senior Government of Japan leaders to reaffirm the alliance between the United States of America and Japan to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. JaNae Jensen)

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo attends a football game at his alma mater, West Point, on September 21, 2019.

Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, greets Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall upon his arrival at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Aug. 23, 2022. During his visit to Japan, Kendall highlighted the strategic importance of Yokota Air Base and the Department of the Air Force Operational Imperatives.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, right, shakes hands with Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo, chief of staff of the Indonesian Air Force, after a meeting at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., May 20, 2022. Kendall and Prasetyo discussed partnership between their services.

010605-D-9880W-304. Base: Mijak State: Kosovo Country: Serbia (SER)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Steven R. Rudder, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, interacts with a Japanese delegate during a demonstration aboard JDS Osumi (LST-4001), Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan, June 16, 2022. This iteration of PALS brought senior leaders of allied and partnered militaries together to discuss amphibious force readiness, expeditionary advanced base operations, intermediate force capabilities, and ways to improve interoperability between partners within the Indo-Pacific region. A total of 18 participating delegations from Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, and North America participated in the symposium.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Genevieve Villela, 502nd Comptroller Squadron, financial operations superintendent, answers questions from Carlos Rodgers, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force Financial Management and Comptroller principal deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force, during a site visit to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Feb. 5, 2024. The leaders visited JBSA to meet with local financial management Airmen and to get a first-hand account of JBSA-Lacklands unique and challenging mission. Air Force

Inter-American Defense College Leadership hosts a hail and farewell ceremony on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Jan. 23, 2023. The ceremony was held to honorBrazilian Army Col. Thales Alencar as he prepares to departure his position at the IADC and return to his duties in Brazil.

jsc2019e036800 - At the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia, Expedition 60 crewmember Alexander Skvortsov of Roscosmos (front row, middle) signs a ceremonial book June 28 during pre-launch activities. Looking on are prime crewmates Drew Morgan of NASA (left) and Luca Parmitano of the European Space Agency (right). In the back row from left to right are the backup crewmembers, Soichi Noguchi of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Sergey Ryzhikov of Roscosmos and Tom Marshburn of NASA. Morgan, Parmitano and Skvortsov will launch July 20 on the Soyuz MS-13 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan for a mission on the International Space Station...Andrey Shelepin/GCTC.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III meets with Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Prayut Chan-o-cha at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 12, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol talks with U.S. Marines and sailors at Pohang's Ocheon Market, Sept. 7. The service members have been working alongside Republic of Korea Marine Corps to provide disaster relief in Pohang following Typhoon Hinnamnor. (Photo from "The Office of South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol")

Mr. Mayboua XAYAVONG, Director General of Americas Department for Ministries of Foreign Affairs, and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Darius Banaji, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) deputy director for operations, shake hands after signing a Memorandum for Record (MFR) during Technical Talks on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Sept. 8, 2022. Technical talks are a brief between representatives of the DPAA and Lao People's Democratic Republic, aimed to discuss continued joint field operations throughout the country for the upcoming year, address policy and operational initiatives, and explore how to increase mission effectiveness and efficiency to account for U.S. personnel who are still missing. The MFR is the official document allowing the DPAA mission to continue on the search to recover the remaining 285 Americans still missing in action in Laos.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III delivers remarks at the U.S. Africa Command Change of Command Ceremony at Kelley Barracks, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, Germany, 09 August 2022 (DoD photo by U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Julian W. Kemper).

240110-N-ML137-1212 POLARIS POINT, Guam (Jan. 10, 2024) Under Secretary of the Navy Erik Raven meets Sailors assigned to the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) at Polaris Point during a visit to Guam, Jan. 10. Raven is traveling to Hawaii and Guam to meet with leaders, government officials and service members to discuss the importance of regional security and stability and defense of American interests, as well as our allies and partners.

(Left to right) U.S. Ambassador Richard Bell, Côte dIvoire Navy Captain Guie Mouegnan Ghislain and U.S. Coast Guard Cmdr. Andrew Pate speak to the media aboard USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913) in Abidjan, Côte dIvoire, Aug. 13, 2022. Mohawk is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

United States Armed Forces and Saudi Armed Forces participate in a distinguished visitors visit at the Yanbu Commercial Port, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aug. 10, 2022. Native Fury 22 is a biennial exercise focused on the demonstration of the rapid offload and integration of a Maritime Prepositioned Force in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of regional security, crisis response, and contingency operations.

Maldives Chief of Defence Lt. Gen. Abdul Raheem meets with Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, at Maldives National Defence Forces Headquarters in Malé, Maldives on Jan. 21, 2024. The visit underscored USINDOPACOMs dedication to fostering cooperation and enhancing the partnership between the two nations. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win.

Tanzanian Special Forces Marine rise for the arrival of the official party during a Joint Combined Exchange Training Graduation in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Nov. 15, 2022. The official party included Mr. Robert Rainess, Deputy Chief of Mission at U.S. Embassy Tanzania, and Lt. Col. Gerald Mathis, Defense Attaché. U.S. engagements with partners reinforce the U.S.s dedication to uphold international values of human rights, representative government, and global prosperity.

Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, SPD, bids farewell to the 20 or so soldiers of the Lithuanian brigade's preliminary command at BER Airport. By the fourth quarter of 2024, the pre-commando is to grow to a deployment team of around 150 members of the German Armed Forces. The army brigade will be reorganised in Lithuania with the name Panzerbrigade 45. After the brigade is officially commissioned in 2025, the other forces are to be deployed starting in 2025. The Lithuanian brigade should be operational by the end of 2027. Berlin, 08.04.2024

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James M. Smith (center), commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, Brig. Gen. Wanda N. Williams (right), deputy commanding general of the 7th Mission Support Command, and 21st TSC Command Sgt. Maj. Kofie B. Primus, attended "The Defender 2022 Table Top Exercise" (M3 TTX) June 10, at the Rhine ordnance Barracks, Germany. The exercise was conducted to discuss task organization, security, mobility, support, operations and more, with several units. Soldiers were recognized for doing an outstanding job by being awarded 21st TSC coins, Certificates of Achievements, and Army Achievement Medals.

021123-F-6701P-009. Complete Scene Caption: US Air Force (USAF) General (GEN) Richard B. Myers (right), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of STAFF (CJCS), is met upon his arrival in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, by General Lieutenant Joni Pirtskhalaishvili, CHIEF of the General STAFF for the Republic of Georgia. GEN Myers is meeting with top military officials and the Georgian President to discuss the Georgia Train and Equip Program (GTEP). GTEP is a flexible, time phased training initiative that builds upon a strong military-to-military relationship developed between the US and the Republic of Georgia since the end of the Cold War, and further underscores US support for the Republic of Georgia's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Base: Tbilisi Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO)

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro speaks to multinational marines and sailors while visiting a training area at Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro during exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 8, 2022. UNITAS is the worlds longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.

Delegates enter the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 8, 2022. Ministers of defense and leaders from 50 countries attended the meeting in person and virtually to discuss support from NATO Allies and partners.

Michael Clauss (Center), U.S. Army Central command historian, presents a World War II era Army uniform to members of the Lebanese Army during their visit to Patton Hall September 28. During the visit the delegation received a tour of Patton Hall and met with key leaders, discussing partnerships and interoperability.

President Barack Obama shakes hands a departing White House Military Officer during a departure ceremony in the Oval Office on June 24, 2009.

Royal Thai Armed Forces Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee, chief of Defense Forces, and Robert F. Godec, U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, tour the exercise operations center during exercise Cobra Gold 2024 on Camp Red Horse, Utapao, Rayong Province, Thailand, Feb. 27, 2024. Joint exercise Cobra Gold 2024 is the largest joint exercise involving over 30 participating nations in mainland Asia and is a concrete example of the strong alliance and strategic relationship between Thailand and the United States. This year will be the 43rd iteration of the multilateral exercise, held from Feb. 27 to March 8, 2024. Washington Army National Guard

060214-N-2383B-087. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Ambassador to Germany, Dr. Amy Gutmann, addresses Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division's 1st Armor Brigade during her visit to 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Traiing Area, alongside German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, July 13, 2022. Ambassador Gutmann traveled to 7 ATC to thank the troops for their contributions to the freedom and security of Germany, NATO, and the historic service they provide to the U.S. and its allies in the european theater. (Army photo by Sgt. Spencer Rhodes, 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team)

240227-N-OG286-1028 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (Feb. 27, 2024) - Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, poses for a photo with members of Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi security team after a transit flight en route to his final destination onboard the installation Feb. 27, 2024. NAF Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW) 5, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and 23 other tenant commands, and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific. Navy

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman meets with with members of the Mongolian Armed Forces in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on July 24, 2021.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos discusses relief efforts with Japan Self Defense Forces leaders in Sendai, Japan, on March 23, 2011.

Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director, Army National Military Cemeteries presents an ANC command coin to Gen. Pierre Schill, chief of staff, French Army in the Memorial Amphitheater Display Room at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 23, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brett Allison, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, talks with Mr. Shinya Ito, director general of the Okinawa Defense Bureau, at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 27, 2024. The director generals visit fostered communication regarding VMM-262 operations around Okinawa. Marine Corps

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin poses with Gen. Glen VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command; after arriving at the NORAD and USNORTHCOM headquarters on Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, June 7, 2022. The two leaders met for discussions prior to hosting the Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, and Canadian Minister of National Defence, The Honourable Anita Anand. (Department of Defense photo by Jhomil Bansil)

Maj. Gen. Naonobu Koyama, commander of the 2nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, briefs the functions of the Japanese-developed surface-to-air missile system Kin-SAM to the commander of the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade during Orient Shield 22 at Camp Fukuoka, Japan, Aug. 27, 2022. Orient Shield 22 is the largest U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force bilateral field training exercise being executed in various locations throughout Japan to enhance interoperability and test and refine multi-domain and cross-domain operations.

Karen Durham-Aguilera (right), executive director, Office of Army Cemeteries and Army National Military Cemeteries and U.S. Army Col. David Rowland (center), commander, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) greet Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze (left) upon his arrival to the Memorial Amphitheater Display Room at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Feb. 9, 2023. Burchuladze had just participated in an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman meets with with members of the Mongolian Armed Forces in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on July 24, 2021.

U.S. Navy Adm. John C. Aquilino, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, meets with Japans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yoshimasa Hayashi, during his visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, Oct. 4, 2022. Adm. Aquilino met with senior Government of Japan leaders to reaffirm the alliance between the United States of America and Japan to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

An official of the U.A.E. armed forces greets GEN. Norman Schwarzkopf, commander-in-chief, U.S. Central Command, upon his arrival at Bateen Air Base. Schwarzkopf is visiting the U.A.E. and other coalition countries that assisted in ousting Iraqi forces from Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Bateen Air Base Country: United Arab Emerites(UAE)

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson poses for a photo with local police officers before departing Islamabad at the Pakistani Air Force Base Nur Khan in Islamabad, Pakistan on October 24, 2017.

240118-N-AW702-1003 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (Jan. 18, 2024) -Both Brazilian Navy Master Chief Petty Officer -Fabiano Batista da Silva (left) and Peruvian Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Juan Carlos Escobar Correa (right) are relieved by Brazilian Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Jefferson Espirito Santo Cruz (not pictured) as Technical Assistant in the Inter-American Naval Telecommunications Network (IANTN) Secretariat at the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet compound on Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Jan. 18, 2024. Established in 1962, IANTNs mission is to maintain a permanent link among naval authorities of the Americas. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command hosts the multi-national IANTN staff, which oversees IANTN detachments and operations centers in 19 partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security and stabil

Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell, right; and the U.S. delegation pose for a photo with President Johnson Toribiong of Palau, center, in Ngerulmud, Palau, on June 30, 2011. The delegation, which is visiting nations throughout the South Pacific to enhance bilateral political, economic, and security relations in the region, includes Adm. Patrick Walsh, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, left center; Office of the Secretary of Defense South/Southeast Asia Principal Director, Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Richard Simcock, left; and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Assistant Administrator Nisha Biswal, right center.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson poses for a photo with local police officers before departing Islamabad at the Pakistani Air Force Base Nur Khan in Islamabad, Pakistan on October 24, 2017.

070313-M-0948M-075. Base: Camp Blue Diamond State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: 7TH IRAQI ARMY DIVISION

Moroccan Foreign Minister Salaheddine Mezouar escorts U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry past an honor guard as he arrives for a working dinner at the Guest Palace Residence in Rabat, Morocco, on April 3, 2014.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Christopher Norrie, commanding general, 7th Training Command, greets Morten Bødskov, minister of defence, Denmark upon his arrival to Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 31, 2022. Bødskov was at ANC to participate in an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

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