Naval Ceremonies and Honors

Formal naval ceremonies featuring military personnel in uniform, saluting and participating in significant events.

From left to right, RADM H.L. Young, VADM S. A. White, ADM W. L. McDonald, ADM J.D. Watkins and Sen. John Tower, R-Texas, stand and salute during the commissioning ceremonies for the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI (SSN-705). The ship was built by the Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics Corporation. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-04481. Base: Persian Gulf Country: Bahrain (BHR)

DN-ST-86-06817. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-12560. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

From left to right, RADM H.L. Young, VADM S. A. White, ADM W. L. McDonald, ADM J.D. Watkins and Sen. John Tower, R-Texas, stand and salute during the commissioning ceremonies for the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI (SSN-705). The ship was built by the Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics Corporation. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An honor guard stands at the parade rest position during commissioning ceremonies for the first Aegis guided missile cruiser USS TICONDEROGA (CG-47) at Ingalls Shipbuilding. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-10675. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Vice Admiral Bernard M. Kauderer, right, Commander, Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet, arrives for the commissioning of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS HYMAN G. RICKOVER (SSN 709) at General Dynamics Electric Boat Division. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-09475. Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-90-00103. Base: Sturgeon Bay State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CAPT Michael P. Kalleres, commander of Destroyer Squadron Eight, speaks to the audience during the commissioning ceremony for the guided missile frigate USS STARK (FFG-31). Base: Todd Pacific Shipward State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CAPT Joseph J. Krol Jr., commander, Submarine Squadron 8, salutes as he arrives for the commissioning ceremony of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS SCRANTON (SSN-756). Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-05262. Base: Naval Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-85-01539. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Distinguished guests attend the presentation of the 1984 Batternberg Cup, the award for overall excellence given to the battleship USS IOWA (BB 61). From left to right are: Commodore Henry H. Mauz Jr., Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group 12; Commodore Robert Owens, Commander, Carrier Group Two, United States Atlantic Fleet; Vice Admiral Joseph Metcalf III, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Surface Warfare; and an unidentified civilian. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-11282. Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crew members stand in formation on the deck of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS ALBUQUERQUE (SSN-706) during commissioning ceremonies. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sen. John Tower, R-Texas, departs the speakers platform at the conclusion of the commissioning ceremonies for the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS CITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI (SSN-705). The ship was built by the Electric Boat Division, General Dynamics Corporation. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-10943. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sailors man the guided missile destroyer USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG-51) as the ship comes alive following its commissioning ceremony. The ARLEIGH BURKE is one of the few U.S. Navy vessels to be named after a living person. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia(VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

LT. Robert Wetzel, left, LT. Lawrence Slade, center, and LT. Jeffrey Zaun stand on the platform during a ceremony held in their honor. The three had been held prisoner by Iraq after being shot down during Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Officers and enlisted men stand at parade rest beneath the colors at the stern of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS ASHEVILLE (SSN-758) during its commissioning ceremony. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia(VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-05260. Base: Naval Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sen. Jennings Randolph (D-W.Va.), right, West Virginia Gov. John D. Rockefeller IV, background, and Congressman Alan B. Mollohan (D-W.Va.) stand behind a Navy chaplain as he delivers an invocation during a ceremony to adopt the destroyer USS STUMP (DD-978) as flagship for the state of West Virginia. The ship is underway near Norfolk, Va. Country: Unknown

A view of ship's crew and officers on the deck during the launching 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)

DN-ST-86-07223. Base: San Francisco State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Platform guests listen to a speaker during the commissioning of the guided missile destroyer USS ARELIGH BURKE (DDG 51). They are, from left: William E. Haggett, president of Bath Iron Works Corp.; RADM Alvin B. Koeneman, chief of chaplains; ADM Leon A. Edney, commander in chief, U.S. Atlantic Command; businessman H. Ross Perot; and ADM David E. Jeremiah, vice chairman, Joint Chiefs of STAFF. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia(VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-08300. Base: Shanghai Country: China (CHN)

DN-ST-88-07618. Base: USS Stump (DD 978)

General Paul X. Kelley, commandant of the Marine Corps, reviews a Marine Corps honor guard during the commissioning ceremony for the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47) at Bath Iron Works shipyard. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crew members file down the accommodation ladder as they disembark from the battleship USS WISCONSIN (BB-64) during the ship's decommissioning ceremony. 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)

Chaplain Jerry McNabb officiates at a sunrise Easter service on the deck of the amphibious command ship USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC-19). Base: Naval Station, Guam State: Guam(GU) Country: Northern Mariana Islands(MNP)

DN-ST-89-10479. Base: Hampton State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sailors depart down the brow just minutes after their ship is tied up to the pier following their return from Operation Desert Storm. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Captain Edward C. Webster, left, arrives for the commissioning of the guided missile frigate USS ROBERT G. BRADLEY (FFG 49). He is the supervisor of shipbuilding at Bath Iron Works Corp. Base: Portsmouth State: New Hampshire (NH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-08315. Base: Shanghai Country: China (CHN)

DN-SC-89-09361. Base: New Orleans State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crewmen stand on the deck of the guided missile frigate USS JARRETT (FFG 33) prior to the start of commissioning ceremonies. Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Vice Premier Geng Biao of China and U.S. Navy officials are seated on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61) as they wait for the start of the air and sea demonstration. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Vice President George Bush arrives aboard the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) for the ship's recommissioning. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-05624. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Commander Harold V. Maixner, commanding officer of the guided missile destroyer USS SCOTT (DDG 995), introduces Sponsor Martha Scott Josi during the ship's commissioning. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-88-06220. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An officer addresses guests attending the commissioning ceremony for the patrol combatants missile hydrofoil USS HERCULES (PHM 2). Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-10699. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-10924. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-85-10663. Base: San Francisco Bay State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

ADM James D. Watkins, left, chief of Naval Operations, shakes hands with an officer during the commissioning ceremony for the recently formed U.S. Naval Space Command. Base: Dahlgren State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Marine sergeant aboard the battleship USS IIOWA (BB-61) stands on deck as the ship enters port following a three-month deployment. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Bremerton, Washington. Rear Admiral James D. Williams, Commander, Naval Base Seattle, delivers his address as the keynote speaker during the commissioning for the hydrofoil USS TAURUS (PHM 3). Seated behind Williams are: Captain Oliver H. Wetzel, Chaplain Corps (left), and Commander L.M. Hardt, Commander, Patrol Combatant Missile Hydrofoil Squadron Two. Base: Bremerton State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-04329. Base: Avondale State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CHIEF of Naval Operations ADM Frank B. Kelso II speaks during the commissioning of the guided missile destroyer USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51). Base: Norfolk State: Virginia(VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-10677. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-08228. Base: Baltimore State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Overall view of guests and distinguished speakers attending commissioning ceremonies for the guided missile frigate USS REID (FFG-30). Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

General Paul X. Kelley, commandant of the Marine Corps, inspects a rifle while reviewing a Marine Corps honor guard during the commissioning ceremony for the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47) at Bath Iron Works shipyard. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010329-N-2613R-002. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-87-01305. Base: New York Harbor State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

1979 - A Navy and Marine color guard raise the colors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2) on Memorial Day.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Ronald J. Zlatoper, commander, Carrier Group Seven, is greeted by some friends following the arrival of the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61). The RANGER is returning to North Island 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, North Island State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Commander Carl R. Anderson, Commanding Officer, stands as Vice Admiral Roger F. Bacon, Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic, reads the commissioning orders for the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS ALBANY (SSN 753) during the vessel's commissioning ceremony. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Vice Premier Gen Biao, People's Republic of China, is given the red carpet treatment as he boards the amphibious assault ship USS TARAWA (LHA-1). Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-90-00160. Base: Annapolis State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Herald Trumpets participate in the Inauguration Day parade for George H.W. Bush, 41st President of the United States. In the background is the White House reviewing stand. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

RDML James D. Williams, commander, Naval Base, Seattle, Wash., speaks during the commissioning of the guided missile frigate USS ANTRIM (FFG-20). Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sailors prepare to haul down the colors aboard the guided missile destroyers USS ROBISON (DDG-12), foreground, and USS BUCHANAN (DDG-14) during the ships' decommissioning. Three guided missile destroyers, the ROBISON, the BUCHANAN, and the USS LYNDE MCCORMICK (DDG-8), are being decommissioned in a combined ceremony. Base: Naval Air Station, San Diego State: California(CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Crewmen stand at attention on the pier beside the frigate USS PHARRIS (FF-1094) for the ship's change of command ceremony. The ceremony is taking place during Navy Appreciation Week 1989, which is sponsored by the Port Everglades Authority, the Broward County community and the Navy League of the United States. Base: Port Everglades State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

President William Jefferson Clinton speaks at the Joint Service review at Wheeler Army Air Field during the ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-ST-88-04891. Base: Mount Vernon State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DD-ST-89-03752. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Secretary of the Navy John F. Lehman speaks during the recommissioning of the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61). Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-06029. Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Vice President George Bush reviews the Marine Corps detachment aboard the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) during the ship's recommissioning. Escorting the vice president is CAPT. Richard Benjamin, commanding officer of the detachment. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Trip to Western States: Visit to the Pacific Fleet, President Kennedy aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, 5:00PM. President John F. Kennedy (center left, wearing sunglasses) and other distinguished guests watch U.S. Pacific Fleet demonstrations from the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63), at sea off the coast of San Diego, California. Seated in front row (left to right): Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David M. Shoup (gesturing with right hand); Under Secretary of the Navy, Paul Red Fay (mostly hidden); Senator Clair Engle (California); Governor of California, Edmund G. Pat Brown (looking through binoculars); President Kennedy; Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet (CINCPACFLT), Admiral John H. Sides (mostly hidden); Secretary of the Navy, Fred Korth (back to camera); Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Maxwell D. Taylor; Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral George W. Anderson, Jr.; Commander of the First Fleet, Vice Admiral Robert T. S. Keith. Also p

United States Navy officers and enlisted men stand at parade rest during a wreath-laying ceremony at a monument honoring the Chilean servicemen who died during their country's 1879-1884 war with Bolivia. Four United States Navy ships have stopped in Valparaiso while taking part in the multinational naval exercise Unitas XXXII. Subject Operation/Series: UNITAS XXXII Base: Valparaiso Country: Chile(CHL)

Admiral Leon A. Edney speaks at the change of command ceremony during which he is assuming the position of Commander in CHIEF, United States Atlantic Command, from Admiral Frank B. Kelso II. The ceremony is taking place aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). Kelso will be replacing Admiral Carlisle A.H. Trost as CHIEF of Naval Operations. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-08832. Base: Naval Base, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Retired ADM Arleigh Burke, a former chief of naval operations, and his wife, Roberta, acknowledge the applause of the crowd attending the commissioning of the guided missile destroyer USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG-51). The current chief of naval operations, ADM Frank B. Kelso II, is at right. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia(VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-04450. Base: Pusan Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

Trip to Western States: China Lake, California, (Naval Air Facility) NAF. President John F. Kennedy (center, wearing sunglasses and pointing with his right hand) views weapons demonstrations from his seat in the reviewing stand during his visit to Naval Air Facility (NAF) China Lakes Naval Ordnance Test Station (NOTS) in China Lake, California. Seated in first row of reviewing stand (left to right): Senator Clair Engle (California); Governor of California, Edmund G. Pat Brown (holding binoculars); President Kennedy; Commander of NOTS, Captain Charles Blenman, Jr.; Secretary of the Navy, Fred Korth; Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral George W. Anderson, Jr. Also pictured, seated in second row: White House Secret Service agent, Gerald A. Jerry Behn; Naval Aide to the President, Captain Tazewell T. Shepard, Jr. Notes: Scratches throughout image are original to the negative.

U.S. Marines with Recruiting Station Salt Lake City, march in with the cake during RS Salt Lakes Marine Corps Birthday Ball celebration in Las Vegas, Nev., Nov. 11, 2022. Since 1921, the Corps has celebrated their birthday and honored the legacy of the U.S. Marine Corps at the Marine Corps Ball. November 10 is the official birthday of the Marine Corps.

Trip to Europe: Ireland, Wexford: Arrival, greeting Lord Mayor Thomas Byrne, wreath-laying at John Barry Memorial, address at Redmond Place. 1:10PM. President John F. Kennedy visits the Commodore John Barry (USN) Memorial at Crescent Quay in Wexford, Ireland. Left to right: United States Ambassador to Ireland, Matthew H. McCloskey; Naval Aide to the President, Captain Tazewell T. Shepard, Jr.; Minister for External Affairs of Ireland, Frank Aiken; and President Kennedy.

Honorary pallbearers at Arlington National Cemetery during the state funeral service for the Unknown Serviceman of the Vietnam Era. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-00621. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A Soviet sailor and United States (US) sailors exchange mementoes aboard the guided missile cruiser USS BELKNAP, flagship of the US Sixth Fleet. The BELKNAP is in port in preparation for the summit meeting between President George H.W. Bush and Soviet Chairman Mikhail Gorbachev to be held on December 2-3. Base: Marsaxlokk Bay Country: Malta (MLT)

The helmsman confirms a course change on the bridge of the guided missile destroyer USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51). Country: Unknown

DN-ST-85-05988. Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-01434. Base: Naval Air Station, Cubi Point State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

DN-ST-86-06031. Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The audience and distinguished guests on the speaker's platform listen as Norfolk Mayor Vincent J. Thomas speaks at the launching of the nuclear-powered attack submarine NORFOLK (SSN-714). Base: Newport News State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Admiral James D. Watkins, chief of Naval Operations, cuts the ribbon at the entrance to the headquarters of the recently formed US Naval Space Command. Assisting him is Captain Richard H. Truly, the commanding officer of the unit. Base: Dahlgren State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

President Kennedy inspects the United States Coast Guard (USCG) barque Eagle, 10:43AM. President John F. Kennedy inspects United States Coast Guard Academy cadets during a visit to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) training barque, Eagle. Pier Two, Washington Navy Yard Annex, Washington, D.C.

President Kennedy inspects the United States Coast Guard (USCG) barque Eagle, 10:43AM. President John F. Kennedy delivers remarks aboard the United States Coast Guard (USCG) training barque, Eagle, following an inspection. Also pictured: Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson; Secretary of the Treasury, C. Douglas Dillon; Commandant of the USCG, Admiral Edwin J. Roland; Representative Leslie C. Arends (Illinois); Senator Robert C. Byrd (West Virginia); Senator Dennis Chávez (New Mexico); Senator Gale W. McGee (Wyoming); Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, James A. Reed; Naval Aide to the President, Captain Tazewell Shepard; Representative Emilio Q. Daddario (Connecticut); Senator Prescott Bush (Connecticut); Representative James G. Fulton (Pennsylvania); Senator John Marshall Butler (Maryland). United States Coast Guard Academy cadets stand at attention in foreground. Pier Two, Washington Navy Yard Annex, Washington, D.C.

Republican William L. Dickinson, Republican-Alabama, prepares to go aboard the large harbor tug METACOM (YTB 829) at the conclusion of the commissioning ceremony for the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS ALABAMA (SSBN 731). Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-02224. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-86-01387. Base: Naval Air Station, Cubi Point State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

DN-ST-88-05921. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-ST-89-10846. Base: Naval Base, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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