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Military Promotions and Ceremonies

Photos capturing formal military promotions and ceremonies, featuring speeches, award presentations, and flags, highlighting leadership and honor in military service.

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (May 6, 2022) U.S. Navy Capt. Brian Iber speaks at a Change of Command ceremony. He relieves Capt. David Faehnle as the commanding officer of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, during a ceremony on camp May 6.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Leonard, State Command Sergeant Major, New Jersey Army National Guard, unfurls Maj. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey, two-star generals flag during her promotion ceremony at National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Feb. 3, 2024. Hou commands more than 8,400 Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard. As Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Hou leads, directs, and manages the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in the execution of federal and state missions. In addition, she manages all state veterans programs, commissions, and facilities in New Jersey. (New Jersey National Guard

U.S. Army Reserve Capt. Ryan D. Satherlie gives the opening speech during the 78th Training Division's Assumption of Command Ceremony at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, IN on April 27, 2022.

Dr. Louis French (standing at podium), deputy director of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE), thanks his family, friends and colleague for their support after he was awarded the Department of Defenses (DOD) Medal for Distinguished Civilian Service by Army Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Ronald J. Place, director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA), Dec. 2.

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

Col. Heather A. Levy, USACE Far East District (FED) commander, speaks to family, friends, and guests during the Far East District change of command ceremony held at River Bend Golf Course, USAG Humphreys, Republic of Korea, July 19. Levy arrived at FED from the Army War College, where she earned a masters degree in strategic studies, and was recognized as a distinguished graduate.

During the Norwegian Exchange at Camp Ripley, Norwegian and American service members joined together for a joint chapel service, March 30, 2022. The Exchange is the longest-running military exchange and began with a handshake nearly 49 years ago. (Minnesota National Guard Photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (May 6, 2022) U.S. Navy Capt. Brian Iber speaks at a Change of Command ceremony. He relieves Capt. David Faehnle as the commanding officer of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, during a ceremony on camp May 6.

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

WASHINGTON (Aug. 24, 2022) Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro delivers remarks and answers questions from Sailors, Marines and Civilians during a Department of the Navy One Year-in-Review all-hands call at the Pentagon Aug. 24, 2022.

010420-D-9880W-008. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Kersten, 354th Medical Group commander, delivers a speech during a 354th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron assumption of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 27, 2022. The assumption of command ceremony announces the arrival of a units new commander.

Gen. Chance Saltzman makes remarks during his promotion ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 2, 2022. Saltzman will relieve Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. Jay Raymond as the second CSO, the senior uniformed officer heading the Space Force.

U.S. Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center change of command ceremony, Aug. 12, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. USAF Maj. Gen. John Wilcox relinquishes command of AFIMSC to USAF Maj. Gen. John Allen.

U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Miller, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, addresses Master Sgt. Wendi DiBartolomeo for during a ceremony where she was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, April 15, 2022 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. DiBartolomeo was awarded the Bronze Star for her actions during Operation Allies Refuge in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Maj. Gen. Stacy J. Huser, 20th Air Force commander, speaks at the 377th Air Base Wing annual awards ceremony at the Isleta Resort and Casino, Albuquerque, N.M., Feb. 9, 2024. This is Husers first time visiting Kirtland Air Force Base and Albuquerque since her assumption of command in January 2024. Air Force

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel, left, Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST)-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune commanding general, gives his remarks during the 247th Marine Corps Ball at Marston Pavilion on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 19, 2022. A celebration for the Marine Corps birthday is held every year to reflect on the traditions, history and legacy of the Marine Corps.

050829-F-6911G-183. Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Secretary of the U.S. Air Force, Michael Donley, speaks at the 131st annual National Guard Association of the United States conference, in Nashville, TN, Sept. 11, 2009. Gen. Craig McKinley, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, (right), listens from the stage.

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (April 10, 2018) Rear Adm. Peter J. Clarke, director, strategy, capabilities, policy and logistics for U.S. Transportation Command, addresses attendees at the Strategic Sealift panel during the 2018 Sea-Air-Space Exposition. The annual event hosted by the Navy League of the United States and brings together the U.S. defense industrial base, private-sector U.S. companies, and key military decision makers for an innovative, educational, and professional maritime based event.

Reverend Laurie Graber and her husband Tom Graber give a presentation May 26, 2022, during the 2022 Memorial Day Prayer Luncheon at Fort McCoy, Wis. Both Grabers discussed their ministry and the importance of Memorial Day. The Grabers were among several participants in the luncheon that included special guest speakers, special prayers provided by other 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.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts the annual POW/MIA recognition ceremony at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 16, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Colonel David C. Hyman, Chief of Staff, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, provides remarks as the keynote speaker at the City of Norfolk Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Ceremony, held at Attucks Theater, Norfolk, Virginia, January 15, 2024. During the ceremony, Hyman discussed the enduring significance of the first African American Marine Corps recruits who trained at the segregated Camp Montford Point, North Carolina and served during World War II: They stood up against bigotry, racism, and segregation to earn the right to become a United States Marine. Im not on stage today if not for the Marines of Montford Point. These men showed extraordinary bravery and courage, which were not only tested in combat, but these men had to demonstrate bravery, courage, and grace, here on American soil. The National Montford Point Marine Association is dedicated to preserving the legacy of nearly 20,000 World War II Marine Corps vete

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Thomas Rhame, the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley commanding general during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, speaks to former and current 1st Infantry Division officers at the 101st Annual Officer's Ball hosted by the Society of the 1st Infantry Division, April 23, 2022, in Junction City, Kansas.

Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff Gen. Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. speaks during the U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Feb. 5, 2024. (DoD

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Maura Hennigan, Marine Corps University President, gives her remarks during the MCU Wargaming Cloud ribbon cutting ceremony at Warner Hall on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Sept. 23, 2022. The Wargaming Cloud enables faculty and students of MCU to access a wide range of commercial and government wargaming tools using their personal devices from anywhere.

Col. Eric Swenson assumes command of the St. Paul District at a change of command ceremony at the Landmark Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, July 28.

Event, including wreath-laying ceremony, honoring Interior law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement and Security Larry Parkinson, and other officials on hand to speak, pose with law enforcement staff from respective bureaus

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) - Marine Safety Office St. Louis - 26-HK-121-112. Hurricane Katrina

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III presides over the Space Force Change of Responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Nov. 1, 2022. Space Force Chief of Space Operations, Gen. John Raymond was relieved by Deputy Chief of Space Operations, Gen. Chance Saltzman.

Acting Secretary P. Lynn Scarlett and other Interior senior officials at wreath-laying ceremony for law enforcement personnel killed in line of duty

The U.S. Navy Ordnance Test Unit Honor Guard presents the colors during a Veterans Day observance event held Nov. 7, 2019, at the Kennedy Space Center Training Auditorium in Florida. During the event, Kennedy was named a Purple Heart Entity by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, becoming the first NASA center to receive this designation for support and services provided to veterans through the spaceports Veterans employee resource group. Attendees included Kennedy employees and more than 20 Purple Heart recipients. Following the award presentation, Christopher Vedvick, a combat wounded veteran and Military Order of the Purple Heart department of Florida commander, spoke about his experience serving in the United States Army before retiring, his involvement in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the purpose of the organization.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ken Gaylor, speaks at the memorial service for fifth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, Robert D. Gaylor, at JBSA-Lackland, Texas, and Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Feb. 10, 2024. Gaylor spent more than seven decades improving the Air Force through its people. He was an active proponent of professional military education and delivered seminars frequently in person and online until his passing. Air Force

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger, the commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks at the 2022 Marine Corps Aviation Association awards banquet in San Diego, California, May 19, 2022. The MCAA held a weeklong symposium for active duty Marines and association members where they could learn about new innovations in military aviation and attend the awards banquet where the top aviators in the Marine Corps were recognized.

Event, including wreath-laying ceremony, honoring Interior law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement and Security Larry Parkinson, and other officials on hand to speak, pose with law enforcement staff from respective bureaus

Gen. James Rainey, Commanding General, U.S. Army Futures Command, serves as the keynote speaker Mar. 29 at the AUSA Global Force Symposium. His topic was transforming the Army for war-winning future readiness.

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

The Minnesota National Guard provides a traditional Minnesotan meal of a 12 ounce steak, salad, and baked potatoes to the Norwegian Home Guard as apart of a cultural event during the 51st Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange at Camp Ripley Training Center in Little Falls, Minnesota on February 5th, 2024. The meal was cooked and provided by Serving Our Troops who have been providing this same meal to military families and Soldiers since 2004 (Minnesota Army National Guard

Fort McCoy Installation Safety Office Manager Randy Eddy displays the sixth U.S. Army Excellence Safety Streamer Award on Oct. 27, 2022, during the Garrison Commander Town Hall event in building 60 at Fort McCoy, Wis. The installation received the award in September 2022 from the Director of Installation Management Command Directorate-Readiness. Standing with Eddy is Dale Marsolek, also with the Fort McCoy Installation Safety Office.

Veterans' Employment and Training Service - Veterans Day Salute Awards

Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Janet L. Cobb addresses Soldiers in preparation for the room dedication ceremony in her honor at the Deployment Support Command in Birmingham, Al. May 14, 2022. Cobb enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in May of 1974.

The Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James F. Amos presents Rep. Ike Skelton with the title of honorary Marine on December 1, 2010 at Crawford Hall, Marine Barracks, Washington DC. (United States Marine Corps

Coast Guard Personnel - Press Conference - 26-HK-83-23. 930 Press Conf--close-up of CAPT Frank Paskewich, SECNOLA CO, at podium. Hurricane Katrina

Navy Senior Chief (Ret.) Kristy L. Grayson speaks during the Military Womens Memorial 25th Anniversary Ceremony at the Military Womens Memorial in Arlington, Va., Oct. 15, 2022.

ÒHow lucky we are as a country to have those who not only believe in the values and ideals this country stands for, but are also willing to fight for them,Ó said Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. during a Veterans Day ceremony at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009. The ceremony was held to unveil a plaque containing 16 Harvard alumni who were Medal of Honor recipients.

U.S. Park Police promotion ceremony, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among the dignitaries on hand

120803-N-YQ566-073WASHINGTON (Aug. 3, 2012) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Jonathan Greenert delivers remarks during a Mass for Adm. James D. Watkins at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Watkins was the 22nd Chief of Naval Operations.

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Brady Herbert is recongized as a nominee in the volunteer category at the Outstanding Airmen of the Year banquet at Hill Air Force Base Utah Feb. 3, 2024 . The annual awards ceremony honors outstanding airmen and civilians from the 419th Fighter Wing. Air Force

Dedication ceremonies, Dulles International Airport, 11:12AM. Former president, General Dwight D. Eisenhower (at lectern), delivers remarks at the dedication ceremony for Dulles International Airport, named after the late Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles; President John F. Kennedy sits left of lectern. Seated on speakers' platform (L-R): Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral George W. Anderson, Jr. (in back, partially hidden); Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Earl Warren; White House Secret Service agent, Floyd Boring (in back, partially hidden); President Kennedy; Deputy Administrator of the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA), Lieutenant General Harold W. Grant (in back, mostly hidden); Administrator of the FAA, Najeeb Halaby; Representative Oren Harris of Arkansas (in back, partially hidden). Chantilly, Virginia.

WASHINGTON (March 23, 2013) Lt. Brad Snyder, a wounded warrior and a Paralympics gold medalist, delivers remarks at the 2013 Navy-Marine Corps Ball. This year's ball and silent auction helped raise $400,000 for the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society, which helps provide assistance to Sailors, Marines and families including casualty care to wounded warriors.

District of Columbia Army National Guard Cpt. Kyle Sullivan and retired Col. Paul Brown, gives remarks during Col. Malik J.E Freeman's promotion on June 12, 2022 in Washington D.C. Col. Freeman has been serving in the Army for 25 years and currently serves as the Director of Logistics for Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters, District of Columbia National Guard

Brigadier General Francis C. Wilson Commanding General Marine Corps Base Quantico and master of ceremonies, welcomes her audience flanked by the newly completed circle drive during the James Wesley Marsh Center. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper speaks at his official portrait unveiling ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., July 15, 2021. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

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

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Joel F. Schmidt, commanding officer, The Basic School, gives his remarks during TBS Bravo Company 2-22 Graduation at Little Hall aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 30, 2022. Officers of The Basic School, class 2-22 have been thoroughly trained and educated in the high standards of professional knowledge, esprit-de-corps, and leadership to prepare them for duty as company grade officers in the operating forces.

SAN ANTONIO- (August 26, 2022) Operations Officer for Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) San Antonio, Lieutenant Commander Allen L. Cordova addresses family and friends during closing comments for his retirement ceremony at VFW Post 2022, Helotes, Texas.

Event, including wreath-laying ceremony, honoring Interior law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement and Security Larry Parkinson, and other officials on hand to speak, pose with law enforcement staff from respective bureaus

The base commanding officer, Brigadier General Steele, is seated with the mayor of Washington D.C., Sharon Pratt Kelly, to negotiate an agreement to train D.C. police officers at Quantico. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby holds a press briefing at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 16, 2022.

Coast Guard Personnel - Press Conference - 26-HK-83-8. 930 Press Conf--CAPT Frank Paskewich, SECNOLA CO, at podium, with LA state official nearby7. Hurricane Katrina

020729-F-0881Z-016. Base: Suffolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030417-M-9248U-002. Base: Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - ASSUMPTION OF COMMAND CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

Acting Secretary P. Lynn Scarlett and other Interior senior officials at wreath-laying ceremony for law enforcement personnel killed in line of duty

220812-N-N0841-1001CHARLESTON, S.C. (August, 12, 2022) Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeff Jablon, addresses students from the Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) during a graduation ceremony, Aug. 12. The NPTU is a technical school that trains enlisted Sailors, officers and civilians for shipboard nuclear power plant operation and maintenance of surface ships and submarines in the U.S. nuclear navy.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., speaks to the audience during the Accelerating the Legacy 2023 banquet in Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 16, 2023. The event is a platform for minority Airmen to learn from experienced leaders and mentors, connect with other Airmen from different backgrounds and career fields, and gain valuable career insight.

Department of the Interior University-sponsored reception marking the opening of the Interior Museum exhibit, "The Vietnam Veterans Memorial: America Responds," with remarks by guests including Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Founder and President Jan Scruggs

President's Call to Service Award ceremony and reception for volunteers at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining the National Park Service's Chief Historian for the Memorial, Daniel Martinez, among the dignitaries on hand

Col. Kyle A. Taylor, senior command chaplain at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, speaks during his promotion ceremony at Fort Novosel, Ala., Jan. 5, 2024.

220402-N-KG461-1020Jacksonville, Fla. (April 2, 2022) Rear Adm. John Spencer, commander, Submarine Group 10, speaks at the Kings Bay Submarine Birthday Ball. This was the 122nd birthday of submarines in the Navy.

220909-N-IE405-1032 NAPLES, Italy (Sept. 9, 2022) The U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Naples Executive Officer Capt. Kathleen Cooperman gives a speech during the 9/11 commemoration ceremony held at USNH Naples' Support Site in Gricignano di Aversa, Italy, Sept. 9, 2022. NSA Naples is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

120430-N-QP955-006PENSACOLA, Fla. (April 30, 2012) Jill Loftus, left, Director, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, OfficeOffice of the Secretary of the Navy, moderates a panel discussion to culminate Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The forum, attended by more than 1,500 Sailors and streamed live to ships at sea, focused on sexual assault awareness and prevention, and included a four-member panel discussion moderated by Loftus. Panel members shared their experiences as leaders committed to eliminating sexual assault from the ranks and included two airmen from the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions, a Victim's Advocate and a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark Furguson hosted the event, which was streamed live to ships at sea.

Leadership of the U.S. Navy, Maryland, Navy Medicine and Walter Reed were onboard Naval Support Activity Bethesda, home to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, on Jan. 8, 2024, to name the USNS Bethesda expeditionary fast transport, the first of her Expeditionary Medical Ship class, operated by the U.S. Navys Military Sealift Command.Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced in May that the Navys new class of expeditionary medical ships will be named Bethesda, connecting them to the world-class medical center for healing that has served a countless number of service members since 1942. In addition to Del Toro, other dignitaries who spoke at the ceremony included Maryland Governor Wes Moore, an Army veteran, and his wife Dawn, sponsor of the USNS Bethesda who spoke of her military connections. In addition to her husband, she shared that her grandfather was a veteran who after his military service, helped construct the World Trade Center in New York, and her father, also a

Tom Hewes, member of the Ugly Angels unit from Vietnam, gives a tearful speech in the memory of his lost fallen comrades at the Ugly Angels memorial dedication aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, on July 8, 2000. Arriving in Vietnam in April of 1962 until August of 1969, the Ugly Angels were the longest serving squadron in Vietnam. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine addresses attendees of the 2022 Columbus Armed Forces Day Luncheon May 20, 2022, at the Villa Milano Banquet & Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio. The luncheon was hosted by the Military/Veterans Educational Foundation, a charitable organization that works to raise public awareness about the military in Central Ohio, funds several scholarships and organizes the annual Veterans Day parade in downtown Columbus.

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Mississippi (Oct. 7, 2022) - Rear Adm. John Okon, Director, Warfare Integration Directorate, N2N6I, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, presided over the retirement of Lt. Cmdr. Kabran KJ Johnson at NASA Stennis Space Center, Mississippi Oct. 7, 2022. Johnson enlisted in the Navy in 1992, and graduated the from Aerographers Mate (AG) A-School in 1993 before being selected for Chief and eventually earning a commission. His efforts in support of various Fleet and Naval Special Warfare commands worldwide over the course of his 30-year career were highlighted by colleagues and family at the ceremony. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions faster than the adversary.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks at a ceremony inducting six Medal of Honor recipients into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., July 6, 2022. The ceremony was held in honor of Army Spc. Five Dwight W. Birdwell; Army Maj. John J. Duffy; Army Spc. Five Dennis M. Fujii; Army Staff Sgt. Edward N. Kaneshiro; Army Sgt. Maj. Thomas P. Payne; and Army Col. Ralph J. Puckett, Jr. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston hosts a reception for International Military Student Officers on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Arlington, Va., March 13, 2023. The reception was meant to foster fellowship among international service members.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, Mississippi, for touring, participation in events highlighting the restoration project--funded jointly by the National Park Service and the Friends of the Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign, as part of the National Park Centennial Initiative--aimed at replacing interpretive battlefield markers and conserving the array of bronze statuary and stone monuments at the Civil War site. Joining Secretary Kempthorne for the events, including the unveiling of the first group of 22 metal markers identifying the specific locations of various Union and Confederate artillery batteries during the siege and defense of Vicksburg, were National Park Service Director Mary Bomar, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Chairman John Nau III, and country music star Trace Adkins, among other dignitaries.

The National Anthem is sung by Suzy Cunningham, NASA Strategy and Integration manager, during a Veterans Day observance ceremony held in the Kennedy Space Centers Training Auditorium in Florida on Nov. 7, 2019. During the event, Kennedy was named a Purple Heart Entity by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, becoming the first NASA center to receive this designation for support and services provided to veterans through the spaceports Veterans employee resource group. Attendees included Kennedy employees and more than 20 Purple Heart recipients. Following the award presentation, Christopher Vedvick, a combat wounded veteran and Military Order of the Purple Heart department of Florida commander, spoke about his experience serving in the United States Army before retiring, his involvement in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the purpose of the organization.

221013-N-FN963-1054 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (Oct. 13, 2022) Cmdr. Jonathan Rozendaal, Naval Air Facility Atsugi Command Chaplain, gives the opening invocation during NAF Atsugis Navy Birthday Ball. NAF Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW) 5, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and 23 other tenant commands, and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

020308-D-5071B-004. Base: Landstuhl Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

221005-N-IW069-1004 San Francisco (Oct. 5, 2022) Lewis Loeven, the Executive Director of the San Francisco Fleet Week (SFFW) Association, gives an opening speech during a peer to peer medical exchange during San Francisco Fleet Week. 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. (Navy Photography by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Isaiah M. Williams)

Jeanette Moy, commissioner of the New York State Office of General Services, speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony held at the New York Army National Guards Glenmore Road Armory in Troy, New York on March 31, 2023. The ceremony marked the start of construction on a state-of-the-art maintenance facility, budgeted for $17 million, which is being constructed to replace a maintenance shop incorporate in the armory, which was built in 1970-71. The Office of General Services is responsible for the construction of New York National Guard facilities.

020806-D-2987S-042. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Patrice O. Holmes, 28th Mission Support Group commander, provides remarks during a 28th Civil Engineer Squadron assumption of command at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., July 29, 2022. Holmes leads a group of nearly 2,000 military, civilian and contractor professionals in planning, organizing, coordinating and implementing installation services and support to more than 7,740 military and civilian personnel and their families.

Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Paul E. Herr addresses the crowd during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022. After receiving their medallion, each inductee was given the opportunity to speak.I am just a man. I did not do this, I did not do this by myself, said Herr. I have to thank everybody in this room. I have so many people here that made me look good. I couldnt have done the job I did without the support of the generals in this room. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

221022-N-OA516-1147KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII (Oct. 22, 2022) - Cmdr. Dave Haile, commanding officer of the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), speaks during a luncheon at the Courtyard King Kamehamehas Kona Beach Hotel.

The Honorable James S. Gilmore, Governor of Virginia, addresses the family members and friends of 18 Virginia Air National Guard and three Florida Army National Guard members who were killed on a March 3rd in an C-23 Sherpa plane crash in Unadilla, Georgia. The memorial service, which took place at Rock Church, Virginia Beach, Virginia, was attended by Deputy Secretary of Defense, Paul D. Wolfowitz (not shown) and various other civilian and military dignitaries and over 4000 members of the community. The 18 airmen were assigned to the 203rd Red Horse Flight at Camp Pendleton State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia and were returning from temporary duty at Hurlburt Field, .... Complete Scene Caption: The Honorable James S. Gilmore, Governor of Virginia, addresses the family members and friends of 18 Virginia Air National Guard and three Florida Army National Guard members who were killed on a March 3rd in an C-23 Sherpa plane crash in Unadilla, Georgia. The memorial ser

Paul Stouffer, U.S. Army Air Force 2nd Lt. William J. McGowan's nephew, gives the eulogy during a burial ceremony at Normandy American Cemetery, France, July 9, 2022, nearly 80 years after McGowan was killed during operations in France during World War II. McGowan was laid to rest with full military honors with family, friends and local officials in attendance. He was interred approximately 350 miles away from his uncle and namesake, who died during World War I and is buried at the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery, France.Prior to his identification and burial, McGowans name was recorded on the Walls of the Missing at NOAC, which features the inscribed names of approximately 1,600 individuals missing from WWII. A rosette was placed next to his name after the burial ceremony to indicate he has now been accounted for.

U.S Army Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, South Carolina adjutant general, joins Governor Henry McMaster, representatives of the Gold Star Mothers association and families of South Carolina National Guards fallen service members in conducting a Tree for the Fallen lighting and dedication ceremony at the State House in Columbia, South Carolina, Dec. 5, 2022. The tree will be on display at the state house throughout the holidays as a tribute to all South Carolinas fallen service members.

Larry Gravis, retired Air Force colonel and former commander of Arnold Engineering Development Complex, gives the keynote address during an Air Force 75th Birthday celebration at the Arnold Lakeside Complex Sept. 16, 2022, at Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee, headquarters of AEDC. The event was hosted by the Arnold Company Grade Officers Council.

120408-N-OY799-012PACIFIC OCEAN (April 8, 2012) Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Robert Wills gives the pastoral welcome during Easter Sunrise Service in hangar bay three aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis is in transit to San Diego for fleet replenishment squadron carrier qualifications.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Marsha Evans, assistant secretary of the Navy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, speaks with U.S. naval personnel while visiting the station. Base: Naval Station, Rota Country: Spain (ESP)

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

041024-N-6495K-013. Base: USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

DN-SN-89-03066. Base: New London State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

John Pentangelo, Director of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, provides some opening remarks before a presentation about the Battle of Midway onboard Naval Station Norfolk on Friday, June 3, 2022. The museum is located on the second floor of the Nauticus building in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia. The museum is one of ten U.S. Navy Museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command.

Brig. Gen. Joane Mathews, Wisconsins deputy adjutant general for Army, answers media questions during a March 12 press conference at the State Emergency Operations Center in Madison, Wis. Earlier in the day Evers declared a health emergency in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus. Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs

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