Naval Ceremonies and Events

Photos from naval commissioning and decommissioning ceremonies, capturing the ceremonial aspects of military life at sea.

DN-SC-89-07130. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-85-10934. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Guests at the commissioning of the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS HENRY M. JACKSON (SSBN 730). Left to right: Anna Marine Jackson, sponsor; Captain R. Tindal, Commanding Officer, blue; Commodore Frank W. Butterworth III, Captain M. Farmer, Commanding Offier, gold, and Admiral Kinnaird R. Mckee, Deputy Commander for Nuclear Propulsion, Naval Sea Systems Command. Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Navy chaplain says a prayer during the decommissioning ceremony for the guided missile destroyer USS DECATUR (DDG 31). Base: Naval Air Station, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crew members disembark from the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB 62) upon returning to home port after 11 months at sea. Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-01699. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-04705. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-05403. Base: USS Iowa (BB 61) State: Canal Zone Country: Panama (PAN)

Captain Herbert A. Browne, Commanding Officer, accepts the flag from Air Controlman 1ST Class Michael O'Brien during a burial at sea service aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). The service is being held for CHIEF SPECIALIST (Firefighter) John A. Powers, USNR, and Patrick C. Moran, son of Lieutenant Commander Thomas J. Moran, Medical Corps, USN. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

Marines and sailors stand at ease on the bow of the aircraft carrier USS AMERICA (CV-66) following the ship's arrival at the pier. The AMERICA is returning to Norfolk following its deployment to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-89-07130. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-88-09325. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-11077. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-85-03864. Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-08291. Base: Shanghai Country: China (CHN)

US Marines fire a volley during a burial at sea service aboard the aircraft carrier JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)

A Marine honor guard stands at parade rest beside the color guard aboard the amphibious command ship USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19) prior to the start of a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Base: Naval Station, Subic Bay State: Luzon Country: Philippines(PHL)

Navy color guard stands at attention during the commissioning ceremony of the guided missile cruiser USS LEYTE GULF (CG-55). Base: Fort Lauderdale State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-03857. Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Officers and civilian dignitaries gather beside a Navy color guard, waiting for the arrival of an aircraft bearing the bodies of four Navy servicemen killed in the initial phase of the United States (US) military action in Panama. The four servicemen were members of a SEAL (Sea-Air-Land) team that secured Patilla Airfield in the early morning hours of December 20. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A joint services casket team carries the flag-draped casket of the Unknown Serviceman of the Vietnam Era toward the frigate USS BREWTON (FF 1086), at the conclusion of a wreath-laying ceremony. The casket will be transported to California and then transferred to Arlington National Cemetery for interment at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-10657. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-00656. Base: Naval Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-10677. Base: San Francisco Bay State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-01191. Base: New York Harbor State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-10673. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crew members disembark from the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) following the vessel's return to port after a six-month Mediterranean deployment. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SN-89-03394. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-88-07616. Base: USS Stump (DD 978)

U.S. Naval Brigade marching through Annapolis to football game

DN-ST-87-00244. Base: Boston State: Massachusetts (MA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-01190. Base: New York Harbor State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chaplain (CAPT.) Richard Barcus delivers the invocation during the commissioning of the salvage ship USS GRASP (ARS-51). Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-90-00247. Base: Naval Base, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CAPT William L. Powell Jr., left, assumes command of the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS FLORIDA (SSBN-728) during the ship's commissioning ceremony. Powell exchanges salutes with ADM Kinnaird R. McKee, director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crew members aboard the guided missile cruiser USS THOMAS S. GATES (CG-51) look for their loved ones to shore following the vessel's arrival in port with other ships of the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) battle group, has returned from deployment in the Persian Gulf area during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The American flag flies at half mast on the stern of the battleship USS IOWA (BB 61). Newsmen jam the dock as the IOWA comes home four days after an explosion in the No. 2 16-inch gun turret that killed 47 of its crew. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Mr. William E. Haggett, President and CHIEF Executive Officer of Bath Iron Works Corp., speaks during the commissioning ceremony for the guided missile frigate USS ROBERT G. BRADLEY (FFG 49). Seated behind him are, from left to right, Commander (CHC) C. E. Bourke, Commander T. I. Eubanks, Vice Admiral J. Metcalf, III, Rear Admiral P. E. Sutherland and Captain E. C. Webster. Base: Portsmouth State: New Hampshire (NH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-11277. Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A US Marine Corps color guard participates in the welcoming ceremony for the combat stores ship USS NIAGARA FALLS (AFS 3) (AFS 3) (background). Base: Apra Harbor State: Guam (GU) Country: Northern Mariana Islands (MNP)

DN-ST-89-08258. Base: Shanghai Country: China (CHN)

Admiral Wesley McDonald, Commander in CHIEF, United States Atlantic Fleet, center, speaks to the crew of the battleship USS IOWA (BB 61) during a port visit. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-06681. Base: USS Missouri (BB 63)

SAN DIEGO (October 21, 2022) The crew of USS Boxer (LHD 4) assembles on the flight deck for the ships FY23 Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony. Boxer is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.

DN-ST-85-09062. Base: USS Stump (DD 978) State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Russian honor guard and band are assembled on the pier where the guided missile cruiser USS YORKTOWN (CG-48) and the destroyer USS O'BANNON (DD-987) are moored during a port call. Base: Severomorsk Country: Russia(RUS)

DN-ST-86-05280. Base: Naval Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The colors are paraded by a combined Navy/Marine Corps color guard during the decommissioning ceremony for the destroyer USS ORLECK (DD 886). After the ceremony the ship bill be transferred to the Turkish Navy and renamed the TCG YUCETEPE (D-345). The ORLECK is the last World War II era destroyer in the Pacific Fleet. Base: Tacoma State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Officers aboard the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) stand at attention during the plaque unveiling ceremony honoring the 47 crew members killed in the No. 2 turret explosion aboard the IOWA. Awards will also be presented to those crew members who served with distinction during the tragedy, which occurred on April 19, 1989, during routine gunnery exercises. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-07242. Base: San Francisco State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

ADM Paul D. Miller, left, commander in chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; William L. Ball, second from left, a former secretary of the Navy; and other platform guests salute during the decommissioning ceremony for the battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64). The ceremony marks the end of the WISCONSIN's third period in commission, which began on October 22, 1988. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia(VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A color guard advances alongside the speakers platform at the ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) where Admiral (ADM) Edney assumes command from ADM Frank B. Kelso II as Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic/Commander in CHIEF, United States Atlantic Command. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Officers march at the head of a formation of personnel representing the Navy's medical forces during the National Victory Celebration parade. The day-long celebration is being held in honor of the coalition forces that liberated Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. The Lincoln Memorial is in the background. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia(DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Navy band performs during the commissioning ceremony for the combatant missile (hydrofoil) patrol ship USS ARIES (PGM-5). Base: Bremerton State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-90-01280. Base: Marinette State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the Marine detachment aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) raise the national ensign during morning colors. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-09582. Base: Naval Base Charleston State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-87-03303. Country: Central America

Sailors assigned to the worlds largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) man the rails as the ship returns to Naval Station Norfolk following the ships eight-month maiden deployment, Jan. 17, 2024. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) completed a scheduled deployment to U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, demonstrating the commitment and power projection capability of the Navy's globally deployed force.

Crewmen stand easy on the stern of the destroyer USS KINKAID (DD-965) moored in port during Operation Southern Watch. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH Base: Mina Sulman Country: Bahrain (BHR)

DN-ST-86-01217. Base: Newport State: Rhode Island (RI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

President Kennedy watches the 4th Americas Cup Race. Naval Aide to the President, Captain Tazewell Shepard (far right), and Harold S. Vanderbilt (second from left) watch the fourth race of the 1962 Americas Cup from aboard the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., off the coast of Newport, Rhode Island.

Recruits practice mooring the training destroyer escort USS RECRUIT (TDE 1) during basic training at the Naval Training Center. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sailors stand at the rails of the damaged guided missile frigate USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (FFG-58) as the ship prepares for mooring. The ship returned to the United States via the Dutch heavy lift ship MIGHTY SERVANT II after striking an Iranian mine while on patrol in the Persian Gulf. Base: Newport State: Rhode Island (RI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Midshipmen, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland

001018-N-3685H-003. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A view of the seated guests facing the speakers platform during the commissioning ceremony for the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS GEORGIA (SSBN 729). Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chaplain (Cmdr.) Benny J. Hornsby gives the invocation at the recommissioning ceremony for the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62). Other guests are, from left to right: Capt. W. M. Fogarty, commanding officer; Cmdr. R. B. McKenna, executive officer; Chief of Naval Operations Adm. J.D. Watkins; Secretary of Navy John F. Lehman Jr. and President Ronald Reagan. Base: Long Beach Naval Shipyard State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

RADM Roger F. Milnes, commanding officer, Naval Regional Medical Center, arrives with his wife for the commissioning ceremony for the guided missile destroyer USS CHANDLER (DDG-996). Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-90-01303. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXV State: Canal Zone Country: Panama (PAN)

Several officers involved at a BALTOPS 94 press conference pose together on a stair case at the German Naval Officers Club. The officers include (from left) Rear Admiral David R. Morris, Deputy Commander in CHIEF, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, Commodore Ralmundas Baltuska, Commander Lithuanian Naval Flotilla, Russian Vice Admiral Victor Litinov, Deputy Commander in CHIEF Baltic Fleet, Captain Edward E. Hunter, Commander Destroyer Squadron 14, and Vice Admiral Boehmer, Commander in CHIEF German Fleet. Subject Operation/Series: BALTOPS '94 Base: Kiel Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Soviet sailors watch from the rails of the Udaloy class destroyer ADMIRAL VINOGRADOV, as a speaker addresses the crowd during a ceremony welcoming the Soviets to Naval Station, San Diego. Three ships, the Sovremenny class destroyer BOYEVOY and the Kaliningradneft class support tanker ARGUN are in port for a four-day, goodwill visit. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A crewman raises the United States flag aboard the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS BALTIMORE (SSN-704) at the conclusion of the commissioning ceremony. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXI Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-SC-86-09050. Base: Largo State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The colors are lowered for the last time aboard the destroyer USS VOGELESSANG (DD-862), as a ceremony takes place for the ship's transfer to the Mexican Navy. Base: Newport State: Rhode Island (RI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-09471. Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-00864. Base: Newport News State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soviet officers lead the way up a boat ramp after arriving with a group of Soviet and United States Navy personnel aboard a utility landing craft during a tour of the base. Three ships of the Soviet Pacific Fleet are in San Diego for a five-day goodwill visit. Base: Naval Air Station, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Rear Admiral Alvin B. Koeneman, CHIEF of Chaplains/Director of Religious Ministeries, salutes the flag as he stands beside Captain Thomas G. Kelley during the captain's retirement ceremony at the United States Navy Memorial. During his distinguished naval career, Kelley received numerous awards, including the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry while serving in Vietnam. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-01997. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-89-01444. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-01857. Base: Sturgeon Bay State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Flag officers and civilian dignitaries stand beside a Navy color guard as an aircraft arrives bearing the bodies of four Navy servicemen killed in the initial phase of the United States (US) military action in Panama. The four servicemen were members of a SEAL (Sea-Air-Land) team that secured Patilla Airfield in the early morning hours of December 20. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SN-88-00907. Base: USS Nassau (LHA 4)

DN-SC-85-04297. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crew members man the rails during the commissioning ceremony of the guided missile cruiser USS LEYTE GULF (CG-55). Base: Fort Lauderdale State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-04501. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marine Sergeant Major Allan J. Kellogg, right, Medal of Honor recipient for duty in Vietnam, presents a wreath and Purple Heart to honor the Unknown Serviceman of the Vietnam Era. The serviceman's casket will be transported California aboard the frigate USS BREWTON (FF 1086) and then transferred to Arlington National Cemetery for interment at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Midshipmen of the class of 1987 sit in the courtyard of Tecumseh Court during their swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy. Base: Annapolis State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

SGT Newton Buchner (USAF) videographer, videotapes the US Marine Corps Company practicing on the Mall before marching down the parade route. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

990416-M-3368I-002. Subject Operation/Series: KERNEL BLITZ Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

1973 - An interior view of a C-141 Starlifter aircraft being used for the evacuation of recently released U.S. prisoners of war.

President Kennedy inspects the United States Coast Guard (USCG) barque Eagle, 10:43AM. President John F. Kennedy looks up as United States Coast Guard Academy cadets man the yards of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) training barque, Eagle, in honor of President Kennedy's visit. Also pictured: Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson; Secretary of the Treasury, C. Douglas Dillon; Commandant of the USCG, Admiral Edwin J. Roland; Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, James A. Reed; Naval Aide to the President, Captain Tazewell Shepard; Representative James A. Byrne (Pennsylvania); Representative Leslie C. Arends (Illinois); Representative Edward A. Garmatz (Maryland); Representative Herbert C. Bonner (North Carolina); Representative George P. Miller (California); Representative Carl Vinson (Georgia); Representative James G. Fulton (Pennsylvania); Senator Robert C. Byrd (West Virginia); dean of the White House press corps and United Press International (UPI) reporter, Merriman Smitty Smith. Cad

Family and friends line a pier as the guided missile cruiser USS LEYTE GULF (CG-58) is positioned in its berth. The ship is returning after participating in Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-06025. Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Navy/Marine Corps color guard stands at attention during a memorial service for Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Charles D. Elliot. Elliot was lost at sea in heavy weather while serving aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Side view of Navy personnel, standing at attention, being inspected by the commander. Base: Naval Air Station, Alameda State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crewmen board the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS BALTIMORE (SSN-704) during the ship's commissioning ceremony. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

041023-N-3527B-001. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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