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Military Leadership and Diplomacy

Images of military leaders and public figures engaging in diplomatic handshakes and discussions, emphasizing collaboration in critical situations.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson greets a helicopter pilot upon his arrival at Osan Air Base outside of Seoul, South Korea, on March 18, 2017.

PHILIPPINE SEA (April 23, 2022) Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, speaks to Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

060114-N-0191T-342. Base: Ingleside State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

231025-N-ZG822-1921 ADRIATIC SEA (Oct. 25, 2022) Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO, speaks with Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during the NATO-led vigilance activity Neptune Strike 2022.2 (NEST 22.2), Oct. 25, 2022. NEST 22.2 is the natural evolution of NATO's ability to integrate the high-end maritime warfare capabilities of a carrier strike group to support the defense of the alliance in Europe.

020821-A-4980V-016. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010518-D-2987S-148. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo visits a new construction site with U.S. Embassy Beirut marines in Lebanon on March 23, 2019.

Public officials, members of the the Alabama National Guard, and others attend a, aircraft arrival ceremony where the 187th Fighter Wing unveiled the new Alabama Air National Guards F-35 Lightning II fighter jet at Montgomery, Ala., February 9, 2024. Key leaders spoke about the heritage of the Red Tails and the importance of being a ready force. Air Force

020111-F-0571M-003. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Jacksonville Iap State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

German Federal Defence Minister Thomas de Maiziere talking to German soldiers, ILA Berlin Air Show, Berlin, Germany, Europe

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Department of Defense's Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany

U.S. Rep. Donald W. Norcross (NJ-1), right, a tours a KC-135R Stratotanker during a visit at the 108th Wing, New Jersey Air National Guard, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Aug. 1, 2022. Norcross is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. The visit highlighted the Wings multiple missions and its importance to the national defense strategy. (New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen)

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.

Congressmen Visit Mobile Aviation Training Center - 26-HK-4-1. Hurricane Katrina

030906-F-2828D-068. Base: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

020207-A-2511W-026. Base: Fort Campbell State: Kentucky (KY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Department of Defense's Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany

Attendees pose for a photo after a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Cook-Chill facility at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, on April 6, 2022. The ceremony recognized the movement from Camp Kinser to Camp Hansen and those who participated in the planning, execution, and construction process. It also showcased the importance of future developments of projects under the Defense Policy Review Initiative as part of the land redevelopment, including returns to the Government of Japan from the U.S. forces.

Royal Visit - Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles - 26-HK-10-62. VADM Allen, Prince of Wales, CAPT Atkin and others walking on road near levee. Hurricane Katrina

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.

050623-F-7203T-389. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry walks with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) Commander Vice Admiral Kevin M. Donegan at NSA Bahrain in Manama, Bahrain, on April 7, 2016.

020123-A-2839B-004. Base: Mannheim Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, SPD, bids farewell to the 20 or so soldiers of the Lithuanian brigade pre-commando at BER Airport. Here with Colonel Andre Hastenrath, leader of the pre-commando. On the left: the inspector of the army, Lieutenant General Alfons Mais. By the fourth quarter of 2024, the preliminary command is expected to grow to a deployment staff of around 150 members of the Bundeswehr. The army brigade will be reorganised in Lithuania with the name Panzerbrigade 45. Following the official commissioning of the brigade in 2025, the other forces will be deployed starting in 2025. The Lithuanian brigade should be operational by the end of 2027. Berlin, 08.04.2024

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and aides to Boston, Massachusetts, for tour of harbor and the historic U.S. Naval vessel, U.S.S. Constitution

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the U.S. Air Force's Ramstein Air Base, Ramstein, Germany

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander coins a Wyoming Air National Guard member for exceptional performance aboard a C-130 Hercules from the 153rd Airlift Wing at the Tunisia International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition 2022 in Hammamet, Tunisia, Oct. 12, 2022. Support to the Tunisia IADE is the embodiment of U.S. Africa Command's dedication to its African partners.

Rockaway, N.Y., Nov. 5, 2012 Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano greets National Guard members who are helping distribute water and supplies to residents impacted by Hurricane Sandy. There is also a Disaster Recovery Center that has been set up in the area for residents to apply for federal assistance. Rockaway, NY, Nov. 6, 2012-DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano greets National Guard members who are helping distribute water and supplies to residents impacted by Hurricane Sandy. There is also a Disaster Recovery Center that has been set up for residents to apply for federal assistance.. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

MAJ. GEN. Philip Conley, commander of the Air Force Flight Test Center, greets Guatemalan Ambassador Rosales during exercise Volant Americas II. Base: Edwards Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220504-N-VQ947-1023 SAN DIEGO (May 4, 2022) Capt. Matthew Thomas, center, commanding officer aboard amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27), poses for a photo with retired wardroom members of the decommissioned Austin-class amphibious transport dock USS Ogden (LPD 5) on Portland’s quarterdeck, May 4, 2022. Portland is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock homeported in San Diego.

The Minnesota National Guard conducted a swearing-in ceremony on the grounds of the Minnesota State Capitol for Rabbi Kamil, the first Rabbi ever to join the ranks of the organization.I have always wanted to join the military, remarked Rabbi Frederick Kamil. To serve those who serve, thats how I want to be a Rabbi.The Minnesota National Guard places a high value on the rights of our personnel to exercise their rights to religious freedom, said Army Colonel Buddy Winn, the Minnesota National Guards State Chaplain. Our unit ministry teams strive to provide timely and effective religious support to all our service members, regardless of faith tradition or affiliation. Adding Rabbi Kamil to the chaplaincy helps us to reach an even more diverse audience, which enhances the spiritual resilience of the force.The Minnesota National Guard has just under thirty chaplains in the state, representing more than 20 denominations. One of the Guards priorities is people, and diversity in the chaplains

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson poses for a photo with Col. Todd Robbins, 354th FW vice commander, left, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brent Sheehan, 354th Fighter Wing command chief, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, on May 11, 2017.

041101-F-3478C-001. Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The honorable Dr. Sheila Widnall, Secretary of the Air Force, and entourage are greeted upon arrival at Hanscom AFB. Greeting Dr. Widnall is COL John D. Piazza, 66th Air Base Wing Commander. Base: Hanscom Air Force Base State: Massachusetts (MA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

President George W. Bush Visit - 26-HK-6-172. Briefing in ATC hangar--POTUS & CAPT David Callahan (CO ATC Mobile) greeting line of USCG personnel. Hurricane Katrina

060724-N-6214F-001. Base: Beirut Country: Lebanon (LBN)

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov pose with U.S. and Bulgarian military police members who train together before the Secretary concluded a visit to Sofia, Bulgaria, on January 15, 2015.

President Mario Abdo Benítez of the Republic of Paraguay participates in a demonstration of Air Force Special Operations and 1st Special Operations Wing capabilities during his visit to Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 31, 2023. The United States is a trusted partner to Paraguay, with shared threats and concerns posed by challenging geopolitical competition. The displays included special tactics, Special Operations Forces Medical Element, an MQ-9, an A-29, a PC-12, a C-146, an MC-130J, and an AC-130J.

United States President, Joseph Biden talks with local state leadership and Oregon Air National Guard leadership upon arriving at Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon on Oct. 14, 2022. This is President Bidens second visit to the state this year.

United States President, Joseph Biden talks with local state leadership and Oregon Air National Guard leadership upon arriving at Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon on Oct. 14, 2022. This is President Bidens second visit to the state this year.

Colonel Dan McDyre, CHIEF of STAFF, 2nd Marine Air Wing, left, escorts President George H.W. Bush and Secretary of the Navy H. Lawrence Garrett III past an AV-8B Harrier aircraft as they look at Marine aircraft following a speech by the president. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041224-F-5586B-465. Base: Camp Victory North State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton is receiving a historical briefing from a Marine on the bvlasted out Japanese artillery bunker behind them at the base of Mount Suribachi. The northern plain of the island is in the background. The Secretary was on the island to take part in the memorial ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the battle for Iwo Jima. Base: Iwo Jima Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo poses for a photo with the Kansas police detachment on March 18, 2019.

Event honoring the 186th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant, at the General Grant National Memorial, New York City, New York, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivering remarks and joining participating dignitaries incluiding U.S. Army Brigadier General Robert Caslen, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy; Adrian Benepe, New York City Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation; Maria Burks, Commissioner of the National Parks of New York Harbor; and Ulysses Grant Dietz, the great-great grandson of General Grant. Also on hand for the event, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony, were members of the U.S. Military Academy Corps of Cadets Honor Guard.

230113-N-PQ495-1074 SAN DIEGO (Jan. 13, 2023) Capt. P. Scott Miller, right, commanding officer of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), and Capt. Erik Kenney, executive officer of Vinson, address the crew during an all hands call. Vinson is currently pierside in its homeport of San Diego.

PENSACOLA, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2022) Quint Studer, a Pensacola, Florida businessman and philanthropist, left, shakes hands with Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), following Studer's remarks about leadership during the NETC fall leadership off-site at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Sept. 27, 2022. Leaders from throughout the NETC Force Development domain attended both in-person and online to discuss issues ranging across the "street to fleet" mission to recruit, develop and deliver combat-ready warfighters to the fleet.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., the U.S. Marine Corp's oldest post and a National Historic Landmark

The Honorable Richard Marles, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, speaks with U.S. Airmen during a visit to Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Australia, Aug. 26, 2022. While in Darwin, Marles learned how the U.S. Air Force and RAAF employ assets to conduct training and strategic deterrence missions with allies, partners and joint forces in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Army Spc. Domingo Soto-Santana, a left-arm amputee, meets Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates outside of the Center for the Intrepid on Fort Sam Houston, Texas, May 3, 2007.

040809-F-5995O-012. Base: Stewart / Newburgh State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

Federal Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, SPD, and Inspector General of the German Armed Forces Carsten Breuer upon their arrival at the airport in Vilnius, Lithuania. Among other things, Pistorius is in Lithuania to visit the troops of the eVA Brigade during exercise GRIFFIN STORM in Pabrade. Vilnius, 26.06.2023., Vilnius, Lithuania, Europe

Material from Vice Admiral Allen - Principal Federal Official - 26-HK-370-88. File Unit includes photographs of Admrial Allen on CNN and Visits by Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton among others. Hurricane Katrina

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - NEWS CONFERENCE WITH ASSISTANT SECRETARY JAMES MAHONEY

Bruce Best, an island liaison and coordinator for Operation Christmas Drop, gives a speech during the Operation Christmas Drop push ceremony on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 5, 2022. Operation Christmas Drop 2022 will deliver over 200 drops to 56 islands across the Pacific, benefitting over 23,000 people.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Department of Defense's Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Center Director Bob Cabana and Vehicle Integration Test Office and former NASA astronaut Jerry Ross walk past an honor guard at NASA's Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to participate in a U.S. Honor Flag presentation ceremony. The flag will be presented to NASA to be prepared to fly aboard space shuttle Atlantis on the Space Shuttle Program's final mission, STS-135. The U.S. Honor Flag has been flown nationwide, at Ground Zero and throughout the world to honor heroes who have lost their lives while serving their community and country, including police officers, firefighters, members of the Armed Forces and astronauts. More than 100 honor guard members traveled to the Space Coast to take part in the ceremony. After the flag returns to Earth, it will continue as a traveling memorial.

Vice President George Bush walks toward the aircraft, as he prepares to depart. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050829-F-6911G-250. Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Department of the Interior-hosted dinner event honoring wounded veterans, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and other senior officials presiding

030912-F-8678S-003. Base: Kirkuk Air Base Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Secretary Dirk Kempthorne meeting at Main Interior with Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen

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

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Buckley, Detachment 24 instructor, gives Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall a tour of the pilot training simulator at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Nov. 4, 2022. Kendall visited Detachment 24 to discuss the innovations of the pilot training program as part of his tour of JBSA, and specifically his immersion of Air Education and Training Command programs.

The honorable Dr. Sheila Widnall, Secretary of the Air Force arrives at Vandenberg AFB to take part in the Guardian Challenge festivities. She is greeted by Brig. GEN. Robert Hinson, Director of Operations, Headquarters Air Force Space Command, and other distinguished visitors from the 30th Space Wing. Subject Operation/Series: GUARDIAN CHALLENGE '97 Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and Mayor of Tulsa G.T. Bynum, view arial flood damage in northeast Oklahoma May 22, 2019.

020524-F-7167W-002. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT FORGE Base: Camp Butmir State: Sarajevo Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

050907-F-1851U-006. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

120117-N-XX999-001VASCO NUNEZ DE BALBOA, Panama (Jan. 17, 2012) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus speaks to the crew aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Ingraham (FFG 61) during a port visit in Vasco Nunez de Balboa, Panama.

060523-N-5822P-112. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo participates in a wreath-laying ceremony in remembrance of the victims of France�s recent terrorist attacks in Paris, France, on November 16, 2020.

061031-N-6247M-002. Base: Oak Harbor State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NAVAL STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA

220423-N-GK686-2108 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Apr. 23, 2022) -Rep. Fred Upton, from Michigan, shows some photos to Boatswains Mate 2nd Class Andrew Matte before enjoying a meal prepared by Ristorante Bella Etna Galley staff on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Apr. 23, 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.

050708-F-7203T-072. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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