Military Leadership Engagements

Photos capturing military leaders speaking to troops and holding ceremonies, illustrating the importance of communication and leadership within military structures.

U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Martin, 423rd Air Base Group commander, speaks during a 426th Air Base Squadron change of command ceremony at Jåttå Military Compound in Stavanger, Norway, June 16, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority from one commander to another.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall smiles while a question is asked by a service member during the Air Combat Command all call at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 23, 2022. Kendall is responsible for organizing, training and equipping the U.S. Air and Space Forces and accountable for the welfare of nearly 700,000 active duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian Airmen and Guardians, as well as their families.

The 121st Air Refueling Wing holds a promotion ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Caron at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2024. Family and friends joined Caron to celebrate his ascension to the 9th and highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. Air National Guard

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Christopher Steele, the commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, speaks about MRF-D 22 during a senior leaders course at Robertson Barracks, NT, Australia, May 11, 2022. The course was designed to give civilian and military leaders insight and hands-on experience with current operational forces.

Congressman Jim Banks, the U.S. Rep. for Indiana's 3rd congressional district, speaks during Service Academy Day, April 23, 2022, at the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Indiana. During Service Academy Day, students and their families learned about the five service academies and their admissions process.

U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Martin, 423rd Air Base Group commander, speaks during a 426th Air Base Squadron change of command ceremony at Jåttå Military Compound in Stavanger, Norway, June 16, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority from one commander to another.

Civilian critical infrastructure leadership and I.T. professionals take in a briefing during the Cyber Yankee visitors day on June 16, 2022 in Niantic, CT. Cyber Yankee is an annual exercise that pits Blue Teams (network defenders) against a Red Team (network intruders/attackers) on a cyber range which is modeled after a critical infrastructure company's network. The Red Team models their tactics after those used by criminal, state actors, and non-state actors using recent and traditional tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs). The goal is to prepare Blue Team members and civilian partners to better defend networks and respond to cyber attacks. Participants included critical infrastructure companies, National Guard units from each New England state, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and each branch of the U.S. military less U.S. Space Force.

Col. Curtis W. King, Chief of Air Defense Artillery and Commandant answers questions at the ADA Symposium 2030 - Enabling the Maneuver Commander, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Our theme for this years symposium is ADA for Army 2030 - Enabling the Maneuver Commander. This theme originates from Air Defenses significant growth and modernization efforts to provide additional capability and capacity to the operational force. Invited speakers include senior leaders of the Army with vast AMD experience to include General James Dickinson, LTG Daniel Karbler, MG Sean Gainey, and the AAMDC Commanders. Additionally, LTG Donahue will provide a Corps Commander's perspective of what capabilities are required from Air Defense Artillery to enable the maneuver force. These discussions will aid in the development of the AMD force for the Army of 2030.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, speaks during Industry Day at the Keystone Conference Center as part of the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations annual conference. The event offered a chance for employers and college representatives to network with Soldiers, Airmen and other employees at Fort Indiantown Gap. Pennsylvania National Guard leadership, including Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, offered remarks during the event.

Tech. Sgt. Dominic Garcia, 5th Civil Engineering Squadron, explains the purpose of the CBRN robot Oct. 06, 2022 at a Military Affairs Commity (MAC) lunch at Minot N.D. MAC lunches are held for military and Civic leaders to discuss current issues and strengthen community relations.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Thomas M. Bedell, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, speaks to educators from San Antonio and Dallas, Texas during the 2022 Marine Corps Educators Workshop on MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Aug. 4, 2022. The Educators Workshop gives high school teachers an opportunity to witness recruit training and interact with Marines stationed at three installations in California during a five-day all-expense paid trip. While visiting Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, MCAS Miramar and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, the teachers gain knowledge that they can share with high school students interested in Marine Corps Service.

A discussion panel of six Airmen from the 97th Air Mobility Wing clap after an introduction at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, April 19, 2022. The discussion panel spoke about Altus present state and what is currently being done to improve the base.

Fort Stewart Directorate of Public Works professionals and 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team unaccompanied housing managers gather for the weekly meeting to discuss barracks maintenance concerns at the brigades headquarters July 27, 2022 on Fort Stewart, Ga. The tiger team tracks open work orders and shares best practices on fixing barracks issues.

Attendees of the Mobility Air Force Data Link Users Group discuss community airframe updates and future data link capabilities during break-out sessions at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, Missouri, February 8, 2024. During the event, hosted by the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center, more than 100 subject matter experts gathered to discuss tactical data link and attend briefings from some of the top leaders in the field. Data Link provides the capability for air and ground crews to be able to establish and maintain tactical coordination anywhere in the world. Air National Guard

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss provides closing remarks during the 2022 Memorial Day Prayer Luncheon on May 26, 2022, at McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Reverend Laurie Graber and her husband Tom Graber gave a presentation as guest speakers for the event. Both Grabers discussed their ministry and the importance of Memorial Day. Were several participants in the luncheon that included special guest speakers, special prayers provided by clergy, and music to honor fallen veterans for Memorial Day. Nearly three dozen community members attended the event that also included a free lunch. The event was organized by the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office.

Dr. Mara Karlin, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategies, Plans, and Capabilities, attends a brief from Marine Rotational Force - Darwin 23 and Headquarters Northern Command staff at Larrakeyah Defence Precinct, Northern Territory, Australia, June 28, 2023. Dr. Karlins visit highlighted U.S. commitments to the Indo-Pacific region.

UNIVERSAL CITY, TEXAS - (September 23, 2022) Guest speaker, Hull Maintenance Technician Master Chief (Ret.) Albert Cardenas shares stories of the time spent with Engineman First Class Petty Officer James W. Howes while serving in the United States Navy during Howes retirement ceremony at VFW Post 4676, Universal City, Texas.

On April 29, 2022 a ceremonial cake-cutting was held on the Quarterdeck to honor the service of our civilian corps. The cake was cut by our most senior and junior civilian employees for length of service. Ms. Suzanne Crider is 40-year civilian employee from our Patient Administration Office, and Mr. Jesse McGaha from our Materials Management Department onboarded just a few days prior to the birthday.

U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Jacob C. Simmons, Space Operations Command (SpOC) senior enlisted leader at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, middle, speaks while U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, SpOC commander, and members of the audience listen during an all call at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, July 7, 2022. Whiting and Simmons held an all call during their visit to Vandenberg to cover topics such as space force culture, capabilities and significant adversarial events.

PEARL HARBOR (July 7, 2022) U.S. Navy Chief of Chaplains, Rear Adm. Gregory Todd speaks to partner-nation members during the International Chaplaincy Symposium at Joint Base Pearl Harbor as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 7. 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 world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Royal Australian Navy photo by LSIS Kylie Jagiello)

Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, commander, Military Sealift Command (MSC), speaks at the 2022 National Defense Transportation Association - U.S. Transportation Command Fall Meeting, St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 19, 2022. Wettlaufer described MSCs view of their partnership with commercial industry and the maritime transportation ecosystem in an era of strategic competition. The Fall Meeting provides a unique forum where Department of Defense and industry professionals gather to discuss defense logistics and transportation challenges, opportunities, innovations, new technologies, best practices, and adapting logistics for a contested environment in the 21st century.

221018-N-WF272-1137 PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 18, 2022) Rear Adm. Alexis Lex” Walker, commander, Navy Recruiting Command, speaks with Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia Sailors about the current and future state of Navy recruiting during his scheduled visit to NTAG headquarters, Oct. 18, 2022. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Holmes, an aircraft electrical system technician with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, speaks with educators from San Antonio and Dallas, Texas during the 2022 Marine Corps Educators Workshop on MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Aug. 4, 2022. The Educators Workshop gives high school teachers an opportunity to witness recruit training and interact with Marines stationed at three installations in California during a five-day all-expense paid trip. While visiting Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, MCAS Miramar and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, the teachers gain knowledge that they can share with high school students interested in Marine Corps Service.

Col. Kenneth McGhee, 91st Missile wing commander, speaks to the Military Affairs Committee and with community leaders at the Armed Forces Reserve Center, Minot, North Dakota, Sept. 1, 2022. This lunch allows community leaders to engage and discuss important topics that are happening both on Minot Air Force Base and the City of Minot.

Educators, school administration and support personnel from Pyramid Lake Junior and Senior High School, a tribal secondary school in Nixon, Nevada, tour the Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nevada, August 1, 2022. These tours help the Nevada Air Guard connect with and open conversations with members of the surrounding communities and give the public a better understanding of the various mission types that the NVANG executes on a daily basis at home and abroad. The tour consisted of a welcome from wing leadership, a tour of the fire house, a demonstration of the various equipment used by the aircrew flight equipment section, a tour and overview of a C-130 Hercules Aircraft given by loadmasters and a flight engineer, a tour of the indoor shooting range and a conversation with Tech. Sgt. David Almada, an Airman from the 152nd Communications Flight who also grew up in Native American Culture.

PEARL HARBOR (June 30, 2022) - U.S. Navy Capt. Dustin Wallace, Fleet Judge Advocate of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, speaks at the International Legal Symposium during Rim of Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, June 30. 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 the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss addresses event-goers during a Community Leader Engagement on April 19, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than a dozen community leaders from Tomah, Sparta, and other nearby municipalities gathered at Fort McCoy to see the posts mission first-hand. During their visit, the community leaders received a driving tour of the installation and made stops at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility on South Post, Fort McCoy Commemorative Area, Fort McCoy Simulations Training Complex in the 200 block on the cantonment area, Garrison Headquarters, and McCoys Community Center where they received a lunch.

Professor Gerald Iguchi, a doctorate holder who serves as a history professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, gives his presentation May 19, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The presentation was in support of Fort McCoy's observance of Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The heritage month recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

Chaplain Lartey conducts invocation for the graduates from the Youth Challenge Academy receive their diploma upon completion of a 5 and a half month long "military-style" course, at the University of the District of Columbia, August 21st 2022.

UNIVERSAL CITY, TEXAS - (September 23, 2022) Executive Officer for Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) San Antonio, CDR Stacey ONeal addressed the crowd during the retirement ceremony for Engineman First Class Petty Officer James W. Howes at VFW Post 4676, Universal City, Texas.

Members of the Fort McCoy workforce listen to Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger during his Town Hall sessions on October 27, 2022. He discussed his assessment from his first 90 days in command, results from the command climate survey, and his vision and goals for the future. The installation held two sessions for the workforce, and recorded the event for those who could not attend. Col. Messenger assumed command on July 14, 2022.

Twenty-four military service members gained an array of knowledge over four weeks and graduated from the Benavidez Leader Development Program (BLDP) Feb. 23 at the Thayer Award Room. This year, the 24 NCOs from the BLDPs ninth cohort encompassed several different organizations including the USMA Staff, the Department of Military Instruction, the Brigade Tactical Department (BTD/U.S. Corps of Cadets), the West Point Band, and other organizations outside of the academy including the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. The BLDP is a four-week executive education and leader development program that was established in 2015 for noncommissioned officers serving as Tactical NCOs at USMA. The program is designed with two goals in mind, to prepare the NCOs to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets while also preparing them to excel as senior NCOs at all levels and all echelons of the military.

A retirement ceremony is held for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, the eleventh Ohio state command chief, on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Her retirement followed a change of authority ceremony.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Erin Key, rear left, a maritime enforcement specialist assigned to USCGC Stone (WMSL 758), discusses Coast Guard law enforcement policies and procedures with Brazilian officials and U.S. Embassy personnel aboard the Stone in Rio de Janeiro, March 9, 2023. Stone is on a scheduled multi-mission deployment in the South Atlantic Ocean to counter illicit maritime activities and strengthen relationships for maritime sovereignty throughout the region.

221109-N-OM737-1036ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 9, 2022) Chief Warrant Officer 3 Paul Jaynes, assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), speaks during the USS Bataans Marine Corps birthday celebration on the ships mess decks, Nov. 9, 2022. The celebration consisted of words from command representatives, reading of the message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps and a cake cutting.

Leaders from Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Jacksonville meet with representatives of other warehousing commands around Jacksonville for a July 28 visioning meeting. The meeting was in response to a Department of Defense warehouse reform initiative.

Dr. Janet Berreman, the Kaua'i District Health Officer, discusses the Tropic Care mission and impact with senior leaders from our supporting agencies and sister services visited Kauai Community College Tropic Care Site during a Distinguished Visitor tour to see the hard work and dedication of their Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Medical Professionals, as well as the impact they were making in the community.

Members attend the change of command ceremony for the 39th Electronic Warfare Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Jan. 19, 2024. The 39th EWS mission is to deliver combat relevant electronic warfare capabilities through intelligence and software to sense, maneuver, and attack in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander, speaks during the annual Salute to Veterans at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Nov. 9. During the event, base officials recognized more than 90 local veterans for their service.

Professor Gerald Iguchi, a doctorate holder who serves as a history professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, gives his presentation May 19, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The presentation was in support of Fort McCoy's observance of Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The heritage month recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander, speaks at the first Air and Space Power Symposium part of the Africa Aersopace and Defence Exhibition 2022, Sept. 22, 2022, in Pretoria, 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.

In the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Training Auditorium, STS-95 Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr. (at podium) addresses KSC employees who were invited to hear the STS-95 crew describe their experiences during their successful mission dedicated to microgravity research and to view a videotape of the highlights of the mission. The other STS-95 crew members are (seated, from left to right) Pilot Steven W. Lindsey; Mission Specialist and Payload Commander Stephen K. Robinson; Mission Specialists Scott E. Parazynski and Pedro Duque, with the European Space Agency (ESA); and Payload Specialists Chiaki Mukai, with the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), and John H. Glenn Jr., a senator from Ohio and one of the original seven Project Mercury astronauts. Later in the afternoon, the crew will participate in a parade down State Road A1A in nearby Cocoa Beach, reminiscent of those held after missions during the Mercury Program

U.S. Air Force Col. Anadis Collado, 628th Medical Group commander, left, thanks the remaining official party during the 628th MDG change of command ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 24, 2022. Collado moves from the position of Deputy Command Surgeon, U.S. Southern Command, where she provided medical policy, resourcing, strategic planning, and direction supporting the Commander, six military service components, and 31 partner nations within Latin America and the Caribbean.

Col. Timothy Hood, 93rd AGOW commander introduces himself to the new honorary commanders at an orientation event at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 24, 2022. The 93rd AGOW while not part of the 23rd Wing, is a vital partner to the Flying Tigers making their involvement in the HCC program crucial to providing the community with a familiarization of the mission.

Col. Jay Geaney, the 189th Operations Group commander preps aircrew for a brief given by members of the 192nd Airlift Squadron, Oct. 21, 2022, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Due to the C-130 legacy fleet being grounded, Geaney worked within the Air National Guard's C-130 community to find a temporary solution to the student training workload assigned to the wing.

030208-F-0017M-005. Base: Sandston State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A retirement ceremony is held for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker the eleventh Ohio state command chief on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Her retirement followed a change of authority ceremony.

A retirement ceremony is held for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker the eleventh Ohio state command chief on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Her retirement followed a change of authority ceremony.

Scott Wiedmann, the acting director of the Federal Voting Assistance Program, talks to U.S. Marines and sailors during a voting assistance officer workshop at the Pendleton Theater and Training Center on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 7, 2022. The voting assistance program works to ensure service members, their eligible family members, and overseas citizens are aware of the tools, resources, and their right to vote from anywhere in the world.

Fort McCoy Garrison Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Amy Noble with the Fort McCoy Garrison Religious Support Office speaks during the Fort McCoys 2022 National Hispanic Heritage Month observance Sept. 15, 2022, at McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Licensed Counselor Carmella Navarro was the guest speaker. Navarro has experience working with the Army Reserves 85th Support Command and much more as a licensed clinical professional counselor. Navarro shared many personal experiences in her presentation. The 2022 National Hispanic Heritage Month observance at Fort McCoy was organized by Guzman with the Fort McCoy Equal Opportunity Office. In addition to the guest speaker, the banquet room at McCoys Community Center was adorned with materials highlight Hispanic Heritage, and more.

LTG Scott McKean, Deputy Commanding General, Army Futures Command; Director, Futures and Concepts Center, opens up the first day of the Defence iQ International Armored Vehicle Conference in Austin, TX on June 29th, 2022.

General Glen VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, speaks during the USNORTHCOM 20th Anniversary Ceremony Sept. 30, 2022, at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. USNORTHCOM was established Oct. 1, 2002 to provide command and control of Department of Defense homeland defense efforts and to coordinate defense support of civil authorities. (Department of Defense photo by Joshua Armstrong)

NAPLES, ITALY -- Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Comer, public affairs officer for Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central, presents base highlights at an all-hands call in Naples, Italy, May 12, 2022. 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.

Cadets listen to Dr. Donald Millers lecture at the U.S. Air Force Academy Feb. 9, 2024. Miller is the author of Masters of the Air: Americas Bomber Boys Who Fought the Air War against Nazi Germany. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Maj. Mark Mr. Chow Silvers, an F-15 Eagle pilot with the 131st Fighter Squadron, 104th Fighter Wing, Massachusetts Air National Guard, explains flight maneuvers to 104FW spouses and Airmen prior to a combined spouse lift and incentive flight at the Pioneer Valley Club on Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, October 27, 2022. Spouse lifts, as well as incentive flights, are important opportunities to boost morale and give spouses the unique chance of experiencing the 104FW mission firsthand while aircrew members accomplish essential training tasks.

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

KC-135A Stratotanker aircrews from the 71st Air Refueling Squadron and B-52G Stratofortress aircrews from the 596th Bombardment Squadron hold a joint mission briefing during Proud Shield '92, a Strategic Air Command bombing and navigation competition. Subject Operation/Series: PROUD SHIELD '92 Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Central's Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark, speaks to the University of South Carolina chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution in Columbia, S.C., May 11, 2022. USC NSDAR is a non-profit, non-political womens volunteer service organization that serves its community through historic preservation, patriotic endeavors, and promotion of education.

Lt. Ben Fite, an oncology clinical nurse specialist aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH-20), speaks about the prevention of hospital-acquired infections during a women, peace and security event at the Centro Universitario de Izabel, Oct. 27, 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.

A scene is shown May 10, 2022, of a special signing ceremony for a memorandum/agreement between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy in Black River Falls, Wis. The ceremony was held at the Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal Office Building on the east side of Black River Falls and included Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss and Command Sgt. Maj. Raquel DiDomenico, garrison command sergeant major, and Ho-Chunk Nation Chief Clayton Winneshiek and Ho-Chunk Nation President Marlon WhiteEagle. This memorandum of understanding between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy represents Fort McCoys assumption of the U.S. Armys legal responsibility under multiple federal laws and presidential executive orders to protect natural, historic, and sacred places with traditional religious and cultural importance to all Native American peoples, but especially those of the Ho Chunk Nation, on whos aboriginal territory the Fort McCoy military installation is now located.

Senior leaders, staff and representatives of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune listen to the presentation of the Commander-in-Chief's Award for Installation Excellence on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 14, 2022. The competitive presidential award recognizes exceptional performance by installations across the services for efforts to support mission accomplishment and improve work and life for the warfighters, base personnel and their families.

U.S. Air Force Col. Benjamin Schill, the 149th Fighter Wing Operations Group commander, proposes a toast to the crowd during an F-16 fighter pilot graduation ceremony on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 21 2022. The 149th FW Operations Group is responsible for the units F-16 student pilot training mission.

Scott Wiedmann, the acting director of the Federal Voting Assistance Program, talks to U.S. Marines and sailors during a voting assistance officer workshop at the Pendleton Theater and Training Center on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 7, 2022. The voting assistance program works to ensure service members, their eligible family members, and overseas citizens are aware of the tools, resources, and their right to vote from anywhere in the world.

Gen. Glen VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, addressed an international group of senior leaders at the Arctic Security Forces Council Roundtable in Fairbanks, Alaska, May 3, 2022. The event, themed Security Through Partnerships: Stronger Together was hosted by USNORTHCOM in conjunction with U.S. European Command and the Norwegian Defense Staff and included discussions about defense and security issues, the strategic importance of the Arctic and the asymmetric advantage gained through strong alliances and partnerships built on the foundation of shared values, experience and vision.

GS Spouses 4U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland Pfalz, Army Community Service held a Gold Star Spouses Day Recognition Ceremony April 5 at the Rheinlander Convention Center in Baumholder to honor the sacrifices and legacies of Gold Star Families and their fallen loved ones. Gold Star Spouses whose service member died while on active-duty status receive either the Gold Star Lapel Button or the Lapel Button in remembrance of service members who gave their lives on behalf of our forever grateful nation. Since January 2017, USAG-RP ACS provides a monthly support meeting for Survivors to share their unique experiences and to offer and receive support. The program has grown to 36 active Survivor Families over the last 3 years.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ellen Smith, Education and Incentives Division Chief with the Pennsylvania National Guard, speaks during Industry Day at the Keystone Conference Center as part of the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations annual conference. The event offered a chance for employers and college representatives to network with Soldiers, Airmen and other employees at Fort Indiantown Gap. Pennsylvania National Guard leadership, including Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, offered remarks during the event.

U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, and Youngwan Kim, the consulate general of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles, watch the presentation of the colors during a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 28, 2022. The ceremony was held to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of the Inchon landing and Operation Chromite.

At Naval Medical Center San Diegos (NMCSD) auditorium, Civil Service personnel attended a town hall Aug. 5, designed to communicate the key principles and objectives of the Defense Health Agencys (DHA) Realignment of Personnel, Property and Systems (RePPS) to administratively transfer 1,900 NMCSD civilian team members from the Navy to the DHA. Capt. Kim Davis, NMCSD's director, addresses the attendees. NMCSD's mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMCSD employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians and contractors in Southern California to provide patients with world-class care anytime, anywhere.

Inter-American Defense College Staff, Faculty and Students tour Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pa., Sept. 23, 2022. The Park protects and interprets the landscape of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. There are 43,000 American Civil War artifacts that are displayed in the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center. The Visit It is an academic field study that is part of the master's program offered by the college.

Gregory Wegner, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, gives his presentation April 21, 2022, during the installation observance the Holocaust Days of Remembrance and Holocaust Remembrance Day at Fort McCoy, Wis. Wegner served as the guest speaker for the event. According to the National Archives at www.archives.gov, International Holocaust Remembrance Day is an international memorial day designated by the United Nations to mark the anniversary of the January 27, 1945, liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau the largest Nazi concentration and death camp. The Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust is an annual commemoration designated by Congress to mark the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising in 1943. In 2022, Holocaust Remembrance Day was recognized on April 28, 2022.

240227-N-N3764-1060QUITO, Ecuador (Feb. 28, 2024) - Delegation leaders sign the minutes during the closing ceremony of the U.S./Ecuador Maritime Staff Talks (MSTs) in Quito. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet conducts an annual MST with the Ecuadorian Navy to discuss upcoming operations and exercises that will improve interoperability and increase the readiness of both countries maritime forces. Signed minutes form the action items for both navies to strengthen their maritime partnership. U.S. Marine Corps Forces South and U.S. Coast Guard Eleventh District also participated in the MST with Ecuador. USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security and stability. Navy

U.S. Soldiers and Airmen with the Pennsylvania National Guard offered civilian employers of Guardsmen and Reservists an opportunity to visit Fort Indiantown Gap to get a first-hand look at what their employees do when away for drill, training or deployment. The event, called a Boss Lift, was held in conjunction with the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve organization.

SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 5, 2022) - Panelists speak at the peer-to-peer medical exchange as part of San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) 2022, Oct. 5, 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

NEWPORT, R.I. (July 1, 2022) Master Chief Musician Gresh Laing gives remarks during his retirement ceremony on Naval Station Newport, July 1, 2022. The Naval School of Music plays a vital role in developing the military musician, and its graduates go on to become musical ambassadors on ships and stations throughout the world.

040315-F-8970C-005. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Chiefs of Delegation and Alumni from 36, 41, 43, 46, 47, 49, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 and 61 for a 60th anniversary Celebration on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Oct. 7, 2022. During the celebration visitors participated in a campus tour, a Panel on Ethics and Strategic Leadership, a BBQ and an Alumni Recognition Ceremony, including the release of the 60th Anniversary Book Strengthening Strategic Leadership in the Americas.

Fort McCoy community members participate in the 2022 Memorial Day Prayer Luncheon on May 26, 2022, at McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Reverend Laurie Graber and her husband Tom Graber gave a presentation as guest speakers for the event. Both Grabers discussed their ministry and the importance of Memorial Day. Were several participants in the luncheon that included special guest speakers, special prayers provided by clergy, and music to honor fallen veterans for Memorial Day. Nearly three dozen community members attended the event that also included a free lunch. The event was organized by the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office.

220401-N-LZ839-1010NORFOLK, VA. (April 01, 2022) - Senior Chief Operations Specialist James Maudsley, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), addresses the crew during a Chief Petty Officer Birthday Ceremony, April 1, 2022. Bataan is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Tony McQueen, commanding general of the U.S. Army Medical Research Development Command, briefs service members from across the Department of Defense as part of USAMRDCs annual Capability Days event, Fort Detrick, Md., April 5, 2023. Service members from across the DODs medical development enterprise joined the USAMRDC team here to learn about the continuum of combat casualty care, from moment of injury through aerial medical evacuation, and the capabilities USAMRDC and its subordinate units are currently developing for the U.S. Joint Force. The USAMRDC Capability Days event is the culmination of months of planning between the command and teams with its subordinate units and is an opportunity for the U.S. Armys premier medical development commands - under the USAMRDC umbrella - to showcase the latest technologies under development for Americas Warfighters.

Lt. Col. Daniel T. Coulter, commander, Troop Battalion, Tripler Army Medical Center, presides over a change of command ceremony, where Capt. Ashley C. Robbins handed the Bravo Company reigns to Capt. Deriek D. France at TAMC, May 20, 2022.

Capt. Kenneth J. Froberg, Commanding Officer, Recruit Training Command (RTC), gives a speech during a naturalization ceremony inside the Recruit Memorial Chapel at Recruit Training Command (RTC). More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.

Mejghan Haider, Director, NASA Ames Research Center provide a briefing on the history and future plan of NASA Ames to members of the Bundeswehr Command and Staff College students at Moffett Air National Guard Base, Calif., August 16, 2022.

Airmen of the 168th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, volunteer with community partners to serve other Veterans during the 2022 Veterans Stand Down at Pioneer Park Civic Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. The VA Stand Down allows Veterans to receive medical care, information on local community services, food, and winter gear. The event brings the Veterans and the Community together to give back to Veterans while enjoying music, raffles, meals, camaraderie, and services. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, is briefed by a 62nd Airlift Squadron member during a base visit at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Aug. 24, 2022. During his visit, Martin spoke with 62nd AS leadership regarding the improvement of future aircrew training.

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo delivers remarks and answers questions at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. on November 11, 2019.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (Oct. 20, 2022) Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, speaks with local civilian clergy members, along with Oahu-based military chaplains, during an Oahu ministry meet and greet.

220502-N-SS492-1007 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (May 2, 2022) Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet provides opening remarks for the 2022 Submarine Warfare Commanders Conference (SWCC) on the historic submarine base at Pearl Harbor on Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam, Hawaii, May 2, 2022. COMSUBPAC is hosting submarine force commanders from the Royal Canadian Navy, the French Navy, the Royal Australian Navy, the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, and the Republic of Korea Navy. The SWCC serves to strengthen a free and open Indo-Pacific region through expanded cooperation between submarine warfare commanders of allies and partners.

TUNIS, Tunisia (May 24, 2022) Adm. Robert P. Burke, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, delivers remarks during the opening ceremony for exercise Phoenix Express 2022 at La Goulette Naval Base in Tunis, Tunisia, May 24, 2022. Phoenix Express 22, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa, is a maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in the Mediterranean.

220428-N-JU575-2671 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (April 28, 2022) Renee Birnberg Silberman guest speaker, spoke about her familys history during the Holocaust to over 400 Sailors from Surface Combat Systems Training Command Great Lakes and Surface Warfare Engineering School Command Great Lakes during the Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at Ross Theater at Naval Station Great Lakes. She is the co-chair along with her husband, Dr. Joseph Silberman, of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum's Children of Survivors Chicago area cohort, as well as a docent at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Williams, 560th Flying Training Squadron commander, gives a brief during an honorary commanders program tour, Aug. 17, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The honorary commanders program enhances the knowledge of community leaders regarding the missions, policies, programs and people of the U.S. military, while fostering a supportive relationship between the military and the community.

Lori Whitmire, a Naval History and Heritage Command historian, gives a presentation to Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4 staff members. The presentation focused on historic naval battles and highlighted how CSG 4 can apply past lessons to present and future fleet-wide training events and exercises. CSG 4 mentors, trains and assesses East Coast CSGs, amphibious ready groups, Marine expeditionary units, and independent units preparing to deploy.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership greeted Ecuadorian dignitaries for an Ecuadorian Independence Day event hosted by students at the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 10, 2022. IADC students celebrate the Independence Day of all nations represented by students with a presentation about the country and food from the same.

221119-N-YD731-1014 Adriatic Sea (Nov. 19, 2022) Cmdr. Shawn Navinskey, commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, speaks in an aviation safety meeting aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Nov. 19, 2022. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group 10, George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG). The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, VFA-103, VFA-136, VFA-143, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46. The George H.W. Bush CSG is on 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.

Inter-American Defense College held its World Situation Conference on Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 8-10, 2023. During their conference Participants engaged in a strategic-level analysis organized by Brazilian Army and professor Col. Fábio Araújo. The conference offered students a global and sub-regional understanding of geo-politics, enabling them to analyze various aspects such as politics, socio-cultural factors, economics, defense, security, science, technology, key nations, state actors, regional alliances, and governmental or international non-governmental organizations. The focus of Committee I involves an in-depth examination of national and sub-regional security, defense, and development policies, along with strategic trends that will influence the Western Hemisphere in the next 10 years.

U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Gen Dustin Shulz, director of intelligence, U.S. Southern Command, speaks during a promotion ceremony. U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Melissa Adamski was promoted in an event held at the National Museum of the United States Army, Ft. Belvoir, Va., Feb. 25, 2024. Army Reserve

Audience members listen as Gregory Wegner, Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, gives his presentation April 21, 2022, during the installation observance the Holocaust Days of Remembrance and Holocaust Remembrance Day at Fort McCoy, Wis. Wegner served as the guest speaker for the event. According to the National Archives at www.archives.gov, International Holocaust Remembrance Day is an international memorial day designated by the United Nations to mark the anniversary of the January 27, 1945, liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau the largest Nazi concentration and death camp. The Days of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust is an annual commemoration designated by Congress to mark the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising in 1943. In 2022, Holocaust Remembrance Day was recognized on April 28, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer Fabian Marin, the Installation Personnel Administration Center director, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, listens to a speech during his retirement ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, July 29, 2022. Marin enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1995, and honorably retired after 27 years of service.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes the Brazilian Defense Ministrys Escola Superior de Defesa Leadership, Students and Staff to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2022. During the visit the students were briefed by leadership and received an orientation class by a college faculty member.

240213-N-PN185-1001 - Alabaster, Alabama (Feb. 13, 2024) - United States Navy Band euphonium instrumentalist Chief Musician Bryce Edwards, a native of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, speaks to JROTC students about military careers at Thompson High School. The Navy Band is currently on its 2024 National Tour, and will travel 2500 ground miles over 18 days to 7 states, giving 12 public concerts as well as 5 concerts for students in schools. Navy

Dr. Catherine Lena Kelly ask a question to a panel during Silent Warrior 2022 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, August 15, 2022. Silent Warrior 2022 is a Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA) directed forum with 37 nations gathered to focus on improving the security, resiliency and prosperity of Africa.

230327-N-DB801-0314MIAMI - (March 27, 2023) - Ambassador James Story, U.S. Ambassador to the Venezuela Affairs Unit located at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia, provides a U.S. State Department perspective for students attending the Combined Force Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) flag course at USSOUTHCOM headquarters, March 27-31, 2023. This years course features 16 partner nation senior officers and 19 U.S. flag and general officers. The purpose of the CFMCC flag course is to improve the effectiveness of senior leaders (flag and general officers) who routinely work together at the operational level of command and control. Rear Adm. Jim Aiken, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT), serves as host for this iteration of the course. USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security, and stability.

of 2