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Military Promotions and Ceremonies

Photos of military personnel participating in promotions and ceremonies, reflecting camaraderie, pride, and the formalities of service recognition.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Benjamin Fiala, left, commanding officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort awards U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Trevor Flores, religious program specialist, H&HS, MCAS Beaufort, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 23, 2022. Flores was awarded the medal for the exceptional performance of his duties.

Captain Jacob Shackle, with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, recites the Oath of Office during a promotion ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on April 3, 2023. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force that provides strategic speed and agility, ensuring Marines are forward deployed and prepared to respond and protect U.S. national security interests around the globe.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Adam L. Chalkley, commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, welcomes Maj. Gen. William Seely, Director of Marine Corps Intelligence, prior to a meeting at 3rd MLG Headquarters on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 30, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

220714-N-PW480-0117 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (July 14, 2022) A Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) staff member stands at parade rest with midshipman candidates during a close order drill graduation rehearsal at Recruit Training Command (RTC), July 14. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and enl

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 22 stand in formation before holding a barbecue during Caraibes 22 in Martinique, France, June 10, 2022. Exercise Caraibes 2022 is a French-led, large scale, joint training exercise in the Caribbean involving naval, air and land assets, from the French, U.S., and regional forces focused on responding to natural disasters.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Trystan T. Taft, a combat videographer with Headquarters Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, is promoted to corporal during a promotion and awards ceremony at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Oct. 3, 2022. Taft was appointed a Non-Commissioned Officer alongside three other Marines in front of a battalion formation in order to recognize hard work and dedication to the Marine Corps, as well as celebrate his promotion from lance corporal to corporal.

U.S. Marine Col. Brandon W. Graham, the commanding officer for 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, announces the winners of the regimental squad competition on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 27, 2022. 1st Marines held a week-long regimental squad competition to send the winning infantry squad to compete against squads drawn from other units across the division.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, left, deputy commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (M&RA), greets U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Laura J. Perazzola-Ash, center, commanding officer, Wounded Warrior Battalion-East (WWBn-E) during a visit to WWBn-E on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Feb. 14, 2024. The deputy commandant for M&RA recognized WWBn-E staff members and met with recovering service members who will compete in the join 2024 Air Force and Marine Corps Trials in March 2024. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Benjamin Fiala, left, commanding officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort awards U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Trevor Flores, religious program specialist, H&HS, MCAS Beaufort, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 23, 2022. Flores was awarded the medal for the exceptional performance of his duties.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jeremy Moore, an aviation ordnance magazine division chief with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), recites the oath for enlistment during a reenlistment ceremony at the Sound of Freedom Golf Course on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Oct. 25, 2022. Moore signed for an additional four years, marking this his second reenlistment towards his goal of serving 20 years.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Benjamin Fiala, commanding officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, speaks to his Marines after an award ceremony at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, July 28, 2022. Award ceremonies are held monthly to show appreciation to Marines for all their hard work and effort.

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, speaks to the senior enlisted Marines and Sailors of 1st Marine Logistics Group during a town hall at Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 16, 2024. During his visit Sgt. Maj. Ruiz met with the senior enlisted leaders of 1st MLG to discuss the value of senior leadership when it comes to solving the various issues the Marine Corps faces and the importance of engaged leadership from the senior staff noncommissioned officer ranks down to the junior noncommissioned officers. Marine Corps

240105-N-BR551-1007 OKINAWA, Japan (Jan. 05, 2024) - Cmdr. Justin Spinks, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 commanding officer, shakes hands with Equipment Operator 3rd Class Hayden Barnes after presenting him the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (NAM). The NAM may be awarded to individuals for specific achievements or sustained meritorious service that warrant greater recognition than is possible with a fitness report or performance evaluation. NMCB 4 is forward deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific region to support and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the stand-in, crisis response, naval engineering force, NMCB 4 maintains a ready posture to deliver in-theater expeditionary logistics via expeditionary shore infrastructure, forward damage repair, and mobile construction.

U.S. Marines Cpl. Shane Monn, left, and Lance Cpl. Austin Powell, military police officers, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort stand in formation during an awards ceremony at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 23, 2022. H&HS held the award ceremony to recognize Marines and Sailors for their accomplishments.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jerry A. Godfrey gives a speech during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 17, 2022. Lt. Col. Jerry A. Godfrey, the outgoing commanding officer of MWSS-171 relinquished command to Lt. Col. Robert Stevenson III, at the change of command ceremony. MCAS Iwakuni is a mission-ready air station, capable of providing continuous base-operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S. and allied forces during training, combat, or contingency operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conduct a jump master parachute inspection for an air delivery exercise at Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, June 8, 2022. The purpose of the exercise was to maintain training and readiness qualifications as well as simulate a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System ammunition resupply via air delivery. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force's comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian Russell (center), commanding officer of II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group (II MIG), introduces elements of the All Domain Effects Team to Lelia Gardner, acting assistant director of intelligence at Headquarters Marine Corps, and Russel Meade, executive director at U.S. Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command, during a visit at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 17, 2022. The distinguished visitors visited II MIG to gain a greater understanding of II Marine Expeditionary Forces approach to achieve all domain effects.

PEARL HARBOR (July 13, 2022) - U.S. Navy Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) teach Mexican Navy EOD placement of ordnance during a land demolition exercise at Naval Magazine Pearl Harbor during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Brian R. Drechsler reads Sgt. Maj. Joy M. Kitashimas award citation during her award ceremony in front of building one, the Marine Corps Installations Pacific headquarters building on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, on June 23, 2022. Kitashima was awarded the Legion of Merit for her performance and accomplishments while serving as the sergeant major of MCIPAC. Drechsler is the battalion sergeant major of Headquarters and Support Battalion, MCIPAC.

The 84th Civil Support Team and first responder elements of the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, responded to a potential white powder threat on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, at the Wyoming Air National Guard Base, Cheyenne, Wyo.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Cory Kinhart, a KC-130J Super Hercules pilot with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, calls his platoon to attention during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 9, 2022. VMGR-152 hosted a change of command ceremony in order to formally recognize the total transfer of authority from Lt. Col. Christopher Kocab to Lt. Col. Jay Palmer, commanding officer of VMGR-152.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Dennis Sampson, commanding officer of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, congratulates Cpl. Eh Shee, an administrative specialist, during a promotion ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. Promotion ceremonies are a significant achievement in a service members career and are a testament to their commitment, mastery of duties and skills, and leadership capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Lance J. Langfeldt, the commanding officer for 6th Marine Corps District, congratulates Lt. Col. David E. Rosenbrock, the district recruiting operations officer for 6MCD, during Rosenbrock's promotion at 6MCD headquarters, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Aug. 1, 2022. This ceremony serves to publicly recognize those who have proven themselves worthy of the next officer rank in the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Garth W. Burnett, right, incoming Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River commanding officer, receives the organizational colors from Col. Curtis V. Ebitz, left, outgoing MCAS New River commanding officer, during the MCAS New River change of command ceremony on MCAS New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, July 8, 2022. The ceremony represents the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from the outgoing commanding officer to the incoming commanding officer.

030417-M-9902V-118. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Hansen State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: HQMC

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Thomas Davis, center, speaks during a promotion ceremony for Maj. Learlin J. Lejeune III, operations officer, 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. Lejeune was promoted to lieutenant colonel.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Daniel J. Williams, outgoing company commander with Headquarters and Service Battalion, salutes during his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Jan. 5, 2024. The ceremony was held in honor of Williams who honorably served in the Marine Corps for more than 20 years.

U.S. Marines Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Phillip Griffith, a mobility officer with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, briefs Marines aboard the United States Naval Ship Dahl (T-AKR 312) during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Kushiro Port, on Sept. 24, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz participate in a cake cutting ceremony on MCB Camp Blaz, Guam, Nov. 9, 2022. The Marine Corps birthday is Nov. 10, 1775, and this year marks the 247th birthday. As part of the ceremony, the oldest Marine and the youngest Marine present will share the first slice of cake to signify the passing of Marine Corps history and traditions from one generation to the next.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Mickey Eaton, the company operations chief with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, gives feedback to the Marines after conducting small boat training on Recon Beach, Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, December 7, 2022. Marines with 3rd Transportation Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and Marines with 3rd Recon fostered skills maneuvering rubber raiding craft with added weight to prepare for future operations and exercises.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Ross, a motor transportation chief with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, instructs Marines on how to handle the M240B machine gun on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, May 3, 2022. The 7th Comm. Bn. FEX is designed to evaluate and preserve combat readiness and familiarization of weapons systems. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Wilbur Oles, commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 163, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, marches his Marines to meet their families upon return from deployment on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Oct. 7, 2022. VMM-163 deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), providing capabilities for personnel recovery and casualty evacuation of U.S. forces throughout East Africa. CJTF-HOA, America's only enduring U.S. military installation in Africa, continues to thrive while being challenged with instability caused by Violent Extremist Organizations. Oles is a native of Delhi, New York.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Colin G. Baird, a geospatial analyst with 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal from U.S Marine Corps Lt. Col. Thomas A. Kulisz, the commanding officer of 1st Intelligence Battalion, during an award ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 16, 2022. Baird received recognition for his selfless act to save a civilian from a hiking accident while off duty.

U.S. Marine Corps. Sgt. Maj. Artie Martinez, outgoing sergeant major, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 (MALS-31), is presented with the Meritorious Service Medal and a Certificate of Appreciation by Col. Shawn Basco, outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 31, during the Relief and Appointment ceremony of Sgt. Maj. Artie Martinez at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, June 7, 2022. The ceremony recognized Martinez's service, leadership and dedication as he relinquished his duties to the unit.

030212-M-0646L-003. Base: Usmc Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Scottie Cox, command master chief of 2d Marine Division (2dMARDIV), receives the Fleet Marine Force device from Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, former commanding general of 2d MARDIV, on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 7, 2022. The FMF pin signifies U.S. Naval officers and sailors who are trained and qualified to perform duties in support of the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Eric Smack, middle, the outgoing sergeant major of 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, passes on the non-commissioned officer sword to Lt. Col. Justin Hooker, right, the commanding officer of 3rd LSB, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 17, 2024. The passing of the NCO sword is representative of the passing of responsibility from the outgoing sergeant major to the incoming sergeant major.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, stand by to board a bus following an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force (ACM) drill on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 1, 2022. The ACM exercise was conducted to prepare III MEF personnel to react quickly to a crisis, counter potential threats, and assist allies and partners throughout the Indo-Pacific region in maintaining regional stability.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Dean Schulz, commanding officer for Chemical Biological Incident Response Force, speaks to army personnel during exercise Vista Forge in Atlanta, Georgia, on November 2, 2022. Exercise Vista Forge was a joint annual exercise in which Army forces directed a series of exercises that brought together local, State, and Department of Defense, capabilities across the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear response enterprise across the U.S. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo SSgt. Jacqueline Clifford)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Adalmaryz Rivera-Gomez, a logistics officer with command element, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, receives her promotion warrant during a promotion ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan on March 27, 2023. Rivera-Gomez was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant from second lieutenant. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, stand by to start the endurance course on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 6, 2022. Marines maneuvered through obstacles as a team during the three-mile course to enhance teamwork and build unit camaraderie.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Lance J. Langfeldt, the 6th Marine Corps District commanding officer, gives Master Gunnery Sgt. Vincent T. Sicilia, the prior service recruiting station six operations chief, his promotion warrant during his promotion ceremony at 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, Jacksonville, Florida, April 1, 2022. This ceremony serves to publicly recognize those who have proven themselves worthy of the next rank in the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Oranjel Leavy, the outgoing sergeant major of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, delivers remarks during the 15th MEU relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 6, 2023. During the ceremony, Leavy relinquished his post to Sgt. Maj. John Schlaud, after serving as the 15th MEU sergeant major since June 2021.

US Navy (USN) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (HM3) Charles Schaefer (right) applies a field arm sling to a simulated injured sailor, during a Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC) mass casualty field training exercise, held at the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan. Base: Central Training Area State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Ruben Soto, sergeant major of Combat Logistics Regiment 3, left, hands the unit colors to Col. Christopher M. Haar, outgoing commanding officer of CLR-3, right, during a change of command ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, June 28, 2023. Marines and Sailors with CLR-3 celebrated Col. Christopher M. Haars successful years commanding the unit and welcome the incoming commander, Col. Jason B. Berg.

U.S. Marine Corps. Sg. Maj. Dorma Fitje, Marine Aircraft Group 49 sergeant major, renders a salute to U.S. Marine Corps. Col. Russell Rybka, Marine Aircraft Group 49 commander, during a relief and appointment retirement ceremony on July 17, 2022 at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, N.J. The relief and appointment is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one senior noncommissioned officer to another. The mission of MAG 49 is to organize, train, and equip combat ready squadrons to augment and reinforce the active Marine forces in time of war, national emergency, or contingency operations, and to provide personnel and assault support capabilities to relieve operational tempo for active duty forces.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Joe Stewart, sergeant major, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, receives the non-commissioned officer sword from Lt. Col. Benjamin Fiala, commanding officer, H&HS, during a relief and appointment ceremony at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, March 23, 2023. The relinquishing of the sword represents the passing of duties and responsibilities of one Sergeant Major to another.

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force Band stand in formation during a ceremony for Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS) 2 at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Jan. 19, 2024. The ceremony was held in celebration of MASS-2's 81st Anniversary.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kirby Mills, operations officer with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, leads the formation during the opening ceremony of Iron Fist 24, on Camp Ainoura, Sasebo, Japan, Feb. 25, 2024. The opening ceremony initiated training between the Japan Ground Self Defense Forces 2nd Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment and the 31st MEU with remarks from their commanding officers. Iron Fist is an annual bilateral exercise designed to increase interoperability and strengthen the relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy, the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Curtis Williamson, right, the commanding officer of 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, passes a sword to Sgt. Maj. Hugo Dubon, left, the incoming sergeant major, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 23, 2022. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Kabiru Labaran, the outgoing sergeant major, relinquished his role of battalion sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Hugo Dubon.

Airman 1st Class Francis Matthew Pascual, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron engineering technician, demonstrates how to use a dynamic cone penetrometer at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 20, 2022. In the event of a runway strike, this tool enables Airmen to measure the compaction of the crater created and determine if the area is fit to rebuild upon.

A U.S. Marine Corps Corporal with force reconnaissance platoon, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is named honor graduate during the graduation ceremony aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 17, 2022. Corporals Course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to become successful small-unit leaders as they enter the career into the non-commissioned officer ranks. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Philip Williams, with the Marine Corps Shooting Team, loads ammunition into a magazine during the 2022 National Matches on Camp Perry, Ohio, Aug. 3, 2022. Participants compete in six-man-teams, each shooter firing a timed 100-point aggregate using national match M-16 A4 service rifles. Rifles are fired from the 200, 300 and 600 yard lines in both sitting and standing positions. The National Matches, also called the World Series of Shooting Sports, have been a tradition on Camp Perry since 1907; more than 4,500 participants compete annually.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Guy Tobin, a transmissions system operator with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, Maritime Surveillance Platoon, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, sets up a commercial radar during a communications field exercise, Rapid Tanto at Ie Shima, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 5, 2024. The radar allows surveillance of distant maritime activity. Using off-the-shelf radars and low-signature equipment, 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and 3rd Intel Bn demonstrated proficiency in planning, coordination, and execution of dynamic targeting capable of supporting maritime campaigns in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific. Tobin is a native of Waverly, IA. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Stanley Innocent, marksmanship coach, Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, uses a compass during land navigation for a culminating event at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Feb. 2, 2024. Corporals Course is a month-long professional military education program that develops Marines small unit leadership skills and continues to prepare them to lead Marines. The culminating event consisted of land navigation, an improvised explosive device lane, tug-of-war, grappling and completing the obstacle course with gear. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. George B. Rowell IV, deputy general for 1st Marine Air Wing, left, and U.S. Navy Capt. Robert D. Stiles, officer in charge of construction, right, observe the military operations in the urban terrain training center 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.

221024-N-LK647-1163 ATLANTIC OCEANSeaman Recruit Dylan Barge checks in as a new Sailor assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) during a personnel transfer, while Normandy is underway as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, Oct. 24, 2022. The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is on its inaugural deployment conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jason B. Berg, the incoming commanding officer for Combat Logistics Regiment 3, speaks during a change of command ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, June 28, 2023. Marines and Sailors with CLR-3 celebrated Col. Christopher M. Haars successful years commanding the unit and welcome the incoming commander, Col. Jason B. Berg.

U.S. Navy Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Jeremy Blythe with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, leads the Corporals Course graduation ceremony aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 17, 2022. Corporals Course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to become successful small-unit leaders as they enter the career into the non-commissioned officer ranks. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Fausto H. Cabrera, the incoming sergeant major for Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, stands at attention during his appointment ceremony at the Santa Margarita Ranch House on Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26, 2023. Sgt. Maj. Cabrera now stands as the most senior enlisted Marine of MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, which is comprised of five Marine Corps bases and stations in the southwestern United States.

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Chelsea McLean attached Navy Operations Support Center, Denver, briefs Sailors after a medical training exercise in support of the Golden Coyote Training Exercise at Camp Rapid, South Dakota, June 15, 2022. Golden Coyote is a three-phase, scenario-driven training exercise conducted in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, which enables commanders to focus on mission essential task requirements, warrior tasks, and battle drills.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. George W. Smith, the commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, addresses Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, on his visit to Palau during Valiant Shield, June 8, 2022. Exercises such as Valiant Shield enable real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces through detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Felix Guerra (right), battalion commander of 3d Battalion, 3d Marines, 3d Marine Division, conducts a rapid response inspection at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 11, 2022. Routine short-notice inspections ensure III MEF Marines remain ready to rapidly deploy and maintain regional security in the Indo-Pacific. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

ASAN, Guam (Sept. 13, 2022) - Yeoman 1st Class Arvin Alon, from Dededo, Guam, was the recipient of a Meritorious Advancement Program promotion ceremony at Joint Region Marianas, Sept. 13.

U.S. Marines Corps Lt. Col. Andrew Nicholson presents a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Sgt. Aidan Blansfield during a ceremony at the base theater on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 12, 2024. U.S. Marines Corps Lt. Col. Andrew Nicholson presents a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal to Cpl. Jacob Cogswell during an award ceremony at the base theater on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 12, 2024. The ceremony was held to award Sgt. Aidan Blansfield and Cpl. Jacob Cogswell with Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals for life saving acts while on pre-deployment leave. Both Marines awarded rescued a civilian from drowning. Nicholson, a native of South Carolina, is the battalion commander and Blansfield, a native of Rhode Island, is a machine gunner, both with of 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment. 2/2 is currently forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Roger B. Turner, 1st Marine Division commanding general, salutes during the Divisions change of command ceremony at Camp Pendleton, California, July 8, 2022. The ceremony represented the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from Maj. Gen. Roger B. Turner, the outgoing commanding general, to Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, stand at parade rest during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 2, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Charles C. Nash, the outgoing commander of 3/2, relinquished command to Lt. Col. John F. Campbell.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Christopher P. OConnor, chief of staff of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South, talks to U.S Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division after their culminating event during exercise Tradewinds 2022 (TW22) at Guacamallo Bridge, Belize, on May 18, 2022. The culminating event took place at the Guacamallo Bridge which consisted of various events occurring: posting security, ambushes and tactical field care. TW22 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored Caribbean-focused multi-dimensional exercise conducted in the ground, air, sea, and cyber domains, designed to provide participating nations opportunities to conduct joint, combined, and interagency training focused on increasing regional cooperation and interoperability in complex multinational security operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan Caffrey, a Crew Chief with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, shows a Marine how to properly wear a LPU-41 Inflatable Life Preserver prior to taking off at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 24, 2022. III Marine Expeditionary Force hosted a media workshop event for Okinawan media representatives to provide a better understanding of what III MEF does in order to enhance relationships with their host nation. The media representatives had the opportunity to fly on military aircraft, observe live-fire ranges, and visit the Jungle Warfare Training Center.

Cmdr. John Dezzani, force judge advocate, Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR), answers questions from attendees at NAVIFORs inaugural Mental Health Summit July 25-26, 2022, in Suffolk, Va. The theme for this years summit is “Supporting Commands Supporting Sailors.” Sailors, civilians and guests attended the event, representing Navy Information Warfare commands from around the globe, for panels, discussions and personal testimonials on a variety of mental health and resilience topics.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew Tracy, left, commanding officer of 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division awards the Battle of Soochow Creek Bravery and Valor Medal to Cpl. Mike Esparza Jr., an intelligence surveillance reconnaissance systems engineer, Headquarters Battalion, 3d Marine Division, during an award ceremony at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 1, 2022. The Marines received the award for their superior performance supporting 4th Marines during Service Level Training Exercise 1-21. The first Soochow Creek Medal originated in early 1932 and honors the legacy of 4th Marines service in China from 1927-1941.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. David C. Emmel, left, the commanding officer of School of Infantry East (SOI-East), addresses attendees during the Headquarters and Support (H&S) Battalion change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, July 15, 2022. H&S Battalion provides essential services to SOI-East by training units and personnel in order to facilitate the development of entry-level students.

U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, alongside U.S. Navy Sailors with the amphibious dock landing ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), pray during a Roman Catholic Ash Wednesday service aboard the USS Green Bay, in the Philippine Sea, Feb. 14, 2024. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Daniel Fullerton, the chaplain of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), arrived from the USS America to give Marines and Sailors on the USS Green Bay the opportunity to practice their faith and strengthen their spiritual fitness while underway. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the America Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations, the U.S. Navys largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Jason B. Hammock, the sergeant major of Marine Corps Installations Command, and Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Brown, the sergeant major of Marine Corps Base Quantico, talk to the inspectors during an inspection at Officer Candidates School barracks, Quantico, Virginia, Feb. 9, 2024. MCICOM has directed a wall to wall environmental, health, and safety inspection of all Marine Corps barracks to ensure a safe, secure, clean, and consistent living standard for all military living quarters branch wide and set the conditions for implementing the provisions of Barracks 2030. The inspection is slated to be completed by all installations no later than March 15, 2024. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Master Sgt. Carlo Gonzalez, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) senior enlisted advisor, prepares to hand off a U.S. flag during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Nov. 7, 2022. The ceremony was part of DPAAs efforts to disinter the remains of unknown servicemembers lost during the Korean War. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Adrian Gay, left, the outgoing sergeant major of 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, passes a noncommissioned officer sword to Lt. Col. Daniel Petronzio, the commanding officer of 3rd AA Bn., during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 11, 2024. During the ceremony, Gay relinquished his role as the battalions senior enlisted leader to Sgt. Maj. Jennifer Barto.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mark R. Liston, right, outgoing commanding officer, passes the Weapons Training Battalions colors to Col. Gregory L. Jones, left, on-coming commanding officer, during the units change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, July 28, 2022. The ceremony was held to relinquish the command from Liston to Jones.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Andrew Ezell, the comptroller of 4th Marine Corps District (4MCD), stands at attention during his promotion ceremony at 4MCD headquarters, New Cumberland, Pa., Sept. 1, 2022. Promotion ceremonies are a significant achievement in a service members career and are a testament to their commitment, mastery of duties and skills, and leadership capabilities.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy - Fort Eustis Advanced Leaders Course visited amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), during a leader professional development (LPD) April 12, 2022 at Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia. LPD is critical to leader evolution, the less structured characteristics of informal leader development offers a viable second avenue for professional growth.

U.S. Marines from Marine Light Attack helicopter Squadron 367 conduct a deactivation ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, April 22, 2022. HMLA-367s deactivation is in accordance with Force Design 2030 as the Marine Corps modernizes and continues to be a lethal fighting force.

U.S. ARMY JAPAN held a patching ceremony at Yano Field in CAMP ZAMAJAPAN on JUNE 17th, 2022, authorizing both U.S Army Soldiers and JapanSelf-Defense Force members to wear the new patch that symbolizes theirenduring bilateral relationship.

DARWIN, Australia (May 10, 2022) Officers and senior enlisted of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, Australian Army, and U.S. Marines assigned to the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF) 22 conducted professional exchanges and toured the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). Ashland, part of Amphibious Squadron 11, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, left, the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, greets U.S. Marine Corps Col. Koichi Takagi, right, the commanding officer of II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) Information Group, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 1, 2023. Cavanaugh and respective leadership visited II MEF to tour subordinate commands, discuss capabilities, innovations and meet with Marines.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jorge Faris, a heavy equipment operator with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171, conducts a class on urban operations during a field exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 7, 2022. MWSS-171 conducted this exercise in order to familiarize themselves with expeditionary advanced base operations, demolition operations, urban operations, and different weapon systems.

Keesler Marines and Airmen attend the POW/MIA Retreat Ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Sept. 16, 2022. The event, hosted by the Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 652, is held annually to raise awareness and pay tribute to all prisoners of war and the military members still missing in action.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jacob Schwinghammer, the Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron commanding officer, right, gives his remarks during an award ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, July 27, 2022. Staff Sgt. Benjamin Decosta, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal response element leader assigned to the squadron, was awarded the Navy Commedation Medal for providing invaluable direction to his team in the conduct of non-combatant evacuation operations and for providing explosive emergency response on numerous occasions.

U.S. Army forces and French soldiers participate in a ceremony that commemorates the end of World War II operations in Europe, at Haut-commissariat de la République Tahiti, French Polynesia, May 8, 2022. The ceremony marked the beginning of Marara 22, a multinational exercise which enhances interoperability with allies and partners in the pacific region.

220921-N-IC246-0091 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sept. 21, 2022) - Chief of Navy Reserve, Commander Navy Reserve Force Vice Adm. John B. Mustin delivers a speech to Navy Reserve Sailors and their employers during a Navy Employer Recognition Event (NERE) at Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MESRON) 2 on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Sept. 21. NERE is a professional recognition event for outstanding civilian employers of Navy Reserve Sailors that have demonstrated exceptional support for their citizen-Sailor employees above and beyond the requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. NERE also provides selected civilian employers of Navy Reserve Sailors with a first-hand look at the capabilities, roles, and missions of the U.S. Navy Reserve.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Eric Smack, right, the outgoing sergeant major of 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and Sgt. Maj. Christophe Stoudemayer, left, the incoming sergeant major of 3rd LSB, render a salute to Marines with 3rd LSB conducting a pass and review during a relief and appointment ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 17, 2024. The relief and appointment ceremony represented the official passing of responsibilities from the previous battalion sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Eric Smack, to the new battalion sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Christophe Stoudemayer.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Thomas Farrington, outgoing commanding officer, Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3, prepares to receive an award during the VMU-3 change of command ceremony, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 3, 2022. Farrington relinquished command to Lt. Col. Nicholas Law.

Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity hosted a change of command and retirement ceremony Wed., April 27, 2022. Lt. Col. Michael Liguori relinquished command of MCTSSA to Col. Craig Clarkson after serving as the commanding officer since July 2020.Liguori served as the commanding officer for nearly two years and retired from active duty after more than 20 years of active-duty service. He was awarded a Legion of Merit by Brig. Gen. A.J. Pasagian, commander of Marine Corps Systems Command, for his service and unique leadership style that propelled MCTSSA on to a larger stage within the Department of Defense during Liguoris tenure. (Photo by Amy Forsythe, Public Affairs Officer, MCTSSA)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (April 1, 2020) Hospitalman Hadlie Hinojosa, assigned to the U.S. Navy's Expeditionary Medical Facility, prepares to deploy from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, to New Orleans in support of the Department of Defense COVID-19 response. Personnel assigned to the Expeditionary Medical Facility are trained to provide medical support, from emergency medicine to acute medical and surgical care. U.S. Northern Command, through U.S. Army North, is providing military support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help communities in need.

U.S. Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit stand in formation at a promotion ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 3, 2022. Promotion ceremonies are a significant achievement in a service members career and are a testament to their commitment, mastery of duties and skills, and leadership capabilities.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Sept. 23, 2022) - Capt. Sharon House, Commander, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Jacksonville (right), and Capt. Randy Panke, Commanding Officer, Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) - Mike, salute each other during EMF - Mike's Establishment of Command ceremony at NMRTC Jacksonville, September 23. Panke, a Medical Service Corps officer, recently served as Commanding Officer, 2nd Medical Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The Establishment of Command ceremony is a time-honored naval tradition which formally announces, to the officers and personnel of the command, the assumption of the responsibility and authority of command.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (July 27, 2022) Royal Australian Navy Commodore Paul OGrady gives remarks during a 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment briefing at Marine Corps Base Hawaii during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July 27. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Timothy S. Brady Jr, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment commanding officer, speaks to 3d MLR Marines during a conditioning hike in honor of Memorial Day at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, May 26, 2022. 3d MLR honors the Marines and Sailors who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the regiment's past conflicts. Memorial day is a federal holiday dedicated to remembering and honoring the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States armed forces.

The Inaugural Depot/Eastern Recruiting Region Annual Commander's Conference was held over 3 days on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., from March 23rd to the 25th, 2023. The symposium served as an opportunity for both recruiting commands and training commands to come together and discuss the future of making United States Marines.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, check a simulated casualty for wounds during a night casualty evacuation exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 11, 2022. This integrated training establishes confidence and familiarity between the Marines and Sailors for in-flight medical treatment. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. William Skiles, left, an intelligence specialist, with Battalion Landing Team 1/4, and Sgt. Christopher Lee, right, a cryptologic language analyst, command element, both with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, review objective points during a helicopter raid exercise at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 13, 2022. The exercise simulated taking control of an enemy airfield and supporting further seize and denial operations. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a ready and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region.

Command Master Chief Curtis Blunt, command master chief, III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), speaks to recruits inside a compartment of the USS John F. Kennedy recruit barracks during his visit to Recruit Training Command (RTC). III MEF, headquartered in Okinawa, Japan, is sponsoring a recruit division, Division 263, for the first time in its history. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. David E. Rosenbrock, the district recruiting operations officer for 6th Marine Corps District, has his insignia pinned by Ashley Rosenbrock, his wife, and his daughter, Evelyn Rosenbrock, at 6MCD Headquarters, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Aug. 1, 2022. This ceremony serves to publicly recognize those who have proven themselves worthy of the next officer rank in the U.S. Marine Corps.

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