Naval Ceremonies and Honors

Ceremonial images of naval officers saluting and participating in change-of-command events, emphasizing naval traditions and military protocols.

Sailors stand in formation during the commissioning of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) in Charleston, S.C. May 14, 2022. The ship is named in honor of the Marine Corps lieutenant general who was the first African-American Marine Corps aviator and Marine Corps general officer. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1988 after 38 years of service.

220729-N-GR655-0008 GROTON, Conn. (July 29, 2022) - Cmdr. Michael Lilleberg, incoming commanding officer for the USS Vermont (SSN 792), arrives to a change-of-command ceremony at the U.S. Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut, July 29, 2022. The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Vermont and crew operate under Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) FOUR and its primary mission is to provide fast-attack submarines that are ready, willing, and able to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe.

LAEMTIEN PORT, Thailand (June 12, 2013) Representatives of the U.S. and Royal Thai Navies render honors to Royal Thai Navy Fleet Deputy Commander Vice Adm. Pichan Tiranet prior to reporting the results of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2013 during the closing ceremony for the exercise. CARAT is a series of bilateral military exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste.

220728-N-ZS023-1010 SAN DIEGO (July 28, 2022) Cmdr. Michael Piano, commanding officer of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) Blue Crew, salutes sideboys upon arrival during a change of command ceremony. LCS are fast, agile, mission-focused platforms designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS are capable of supporting forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.

Sailors stand in formation during the commissioning of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) in Charleston, S.C. May 14, 2022. The ship is named in honor of the Marine Corps lieutenant general who was the first African-American Marine Corps aviator and Marine Corps general officer. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1988 after 38 years of service.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jose Vargas, center, joined 58 Sailors and Marines in taking the oath of citizenship, administered by U.S. Federal District Judge Thomas J. Whelan April 4, 2007, in San Diego, Calif. The ceremony held aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7) in San Diego.

Commander John B. Hollyer, U.S. Navy, enters the change of command ceremonies. He will assume command of the 35th Flying Training Squadron, Reese AFB, Texas. It is believed to be the first time in history that a naval officer has assumed command of an Air Force flying unit. Base: Reese Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

SAN DIEGO (29 April 2022) - Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, departs from a change of command ceremony aboard the Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60). During the ceremony, Cmdr. Jake Ferrari relieved Cmdr. Keith Turner, becoming the 18th commanding officer of the Paul Hamilton.

060704-N-2468S-001. Base: Vladivostok State: Siberia Country: Russia (RUS)

PEARL HARBOR (Sept. 20, 2022) - U.S. Navy Sailors man the rails aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) while underway for Pacific Partnership 2022. Now, in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

DN-ST-86-02216. Base: Naval Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Captain Zoah Scheneman is piped aboard during his retirement ceremony on the fantail of the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64). The ceremony was hosted by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Captain Scheneman served aboard the Battleship from 1988 to 1991 during Wisconsins reactivation and subsequent deployment to support Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm respectively.

061013-N-9486C-001. Base: Naval Station, Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

120702-O-ZZ999-002 SUBIC BAY, Philippines (July 2, 2012) Construction Mechanic 1st Class Joseph Ruiz takes a photo aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) as the ship pulls into Subic Bay, Philippines as part of Pacific Partnership 2012 (PP12). The Philippines is the 2nd of four host nations Mercy will be visiting during PP12. Now in its seventh year, Pacific Partnership is a U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission U.S. military, host and partner nations, non-governmental organizations and international organizations designed to build stronger relationships and disaster response capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.

Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Navy Adm. Juan Andres de la Maza speaks to Chilean Marines during a visit to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, July 20, 2022. The purpose of the visit was to brief de la Maza on Chiles participation and role during Rim of the Pacific 2022.

220917-N-NT795-968 SEAL BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 17, 2022) Capt. Scott Tasin, commodore of Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 1, walk through ceremonial side-boys during a change of command in which Capt. Andrew Anderson relieved Capt. Bradley Story as commanding officer of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 11 held onboard Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach. MESF is a core Navy capability that provides port and harbor security, high value asset security, and maritime security in the coastal and inland waterways.

110729-N-UK333-127 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (July 29, 2011) Cmdr. Robert Gaucher is piped ashore during a change of command ceremony for the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705). Cmdr. Christopher Buziak relieved Gaucher as commanding officer during the ceremony at Parche Memorial Park on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

230406-N-GR655-0162 GROTON, Connecticut (April 6, 2023) - Capt. Jason Grizzle, commodore of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) FOUR, departs the USS North Dakota (SSN 784) following a change-of-command ceremony in Groton, Connecticut, Aug. 12, 2022. Grizzle relieved Capt. John Strafford during the ceremony. Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) FOURs primary mission is to provide fast-attack submarines that are ready, willing, and able to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe.

051121-N-0879R-004. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220618-N- BP862-1027 Marseille, France (June 18, 2022) Capt. Gavin Duff, commanding officer, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), briefs ship-board operations as a part of a reception during a scheduled port visit, June 18, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

APRA HARBOR, Guam (May 23, 2022) - Capt. John Frye, left, relieves Capt. Albert Alarcon as commanding officer of the Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), during a change of command ceremony held aboard the ship, May 23. Frank Cable is one of two U.S. Navy submarine tenders that provide maintenance, hotel services, and logistical support to submarines and surface ships in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

HONOLULU (Oct. 21, 2022) - Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jonathan Trejo (left), from Crossville, Tennessee, Chief Navy Counselor Demetrious Graham, from Washington D.C., and Chief Yeoman Nigel Lampkin (right), from Blackshear, Georgia, all assigned to the Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), march while singing Anchors Aweigh during the ships chief petty officer promotion ceremony aboard the USS Missouri Memorial in Honolulu, Oct. 21, 2022. Frank Cable, forward deployed to the island of Guam, repairs, rearms, and re-provisions submarines and surface vessels in the Indo-Pacific region.

220715-N-EJ241-1045DIEGO GARCIA, British Indian Ocean Territory (July 15, 2022) - Capt. John F. Wilson, the prospective commanding officer of U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia, enters through sideboys during a change of command ceremony. NSF Diego Garcia provides logistic, service, recreational, and administrative support to U.S. and allied forces deployed to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf.

Sailors stand in formation during the commissioning of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) in Charleston, S.C. May 14, 2022. The ship is named in honor of the Marine Corps lieutenant general who was the first African-American Marine Corps aviator and Marine Corps general officer. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1988 after 38 years of service.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (Nov. 30, 2022) Sideboys salute as Gen. Laura Richardson, commander, U.S. Southern Command, arrives aboard the hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) during Continuing Promise 2022, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on Nov. 30, 2022. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

VIRGINIA BEACH (June 6, 2013) Capt. Christopher Chope, left, executive officer of Naval Air Station Oceana, and Capt. Randy Stearns, deputy commodore of Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic, commemorate the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Midway with a wreath laying ceremony at the Association of Naval Aviation Memorial in Virginia Beach. (

220421-N-XM133-0003 EWA BEACH, Hawaii (April 21, 2022) Sailors of the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Color Guard parade the colors during a change of command ceremony, April 21, 2022. Capt. John S. Barsano relieved Capt. Brett Thompson as commander, Navy Munitions Command Pacific East Asia Division during the official ceremony.

040720-N-8497H-164. Base: USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

Crew members stand in formation as MCPO Charles Cartwright presents the urn containing the remains of CDR Harold Schwartz to CAPT Robert James, commanding officer of the tank landing ship USS RACINE (LST-1191), during burial at sea services aboard the vessel. Schwartz served as a doctor assigned to the Paratroop Battalion, 1ST Marine Division and took part in combat operations on Guadalcanal, the Gilbert Islands, Marshall Islands and Okinawa. The burial at sea is taking place at Iron Bottom Sound off the coast of Guadalcanal. Country: Pacific Ocean(POC)

KINGS BAY, Ga. (May 23, 2013) Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jason Main, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Sailor of the Year, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Gerardo Oliver-Baez, Junior Sailor of the Year, and the official party salute a wreath in honor of fallen veterans during a 35th Anniversary and Memorial Day Commemoration ceremony at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Sept. 3, 2022) Senior Chief Logistics Specialist Martina Forde greets United States Naval Academy midshipmen and their families prior to their tour of the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21) in Annapolis, MD, Sept. 2, 2022. USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul is scheduled to participate in Fleet Week Maryland 2022.

220916-N-ND021-1003 NORFOLK, VA. (September 16, 2022) Cmdr. David Schaller, commanding officer of USS Monterey (CG 61), and Cmdr. Margaret Siemer, command chaplain for Carrier Strike Group TWO, attend Monterey's decommissioning ceremony. Monterey was commissioned on June 16, 1990, and was a U.S. Navy warship for 32 years.

220630-N-AS200-3503 PORT HUENEME, Calif. (June 30, 2022) - Rear Adm. Christopher Asselta, deputy commander, Naval Construction Force, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, center, Rear Adm. Mark Handley (ret.), center left, Capt. Michael W. Meno, commodore, Naval Construction Group One (NCG-1) render customs for the National Anthem during a Change of Command ceremony onboard Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Jun. 30. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2C Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

110704-N-CZ945-696NOUMEA, New Caledonia (July 4, 2011) Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk, commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, inspects members of the French Armed Forces of New Caledonia (FANC), and U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) for a wreath laying ceremony at the American Monument. The event commemorated the 4th of July and the memory of U.S. service members who helped ensure the freedom of New Caledonia during World War II. Blue Ridge and embarked staff are underway on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

120620-N-WL435-021 ANKARA, Turkey (June 20, 2012) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert salutes Turkish navy honor guard sailors bearing a wreath to be laid at the Anitkabir, monumental mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk. Greenert took part in the wreath laying ceremony while in Turkey to talk with state and military leaders about current and future cooperative efforts.

220912-N-XR893-1295 CHESAPEAKE BAY (Sep. 12, 2022) Sailors prepare to man the rails on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Truman returns to Naval Station Norfolk after a regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operations in support of theater security cooperation efforts and to defend U.S., allied and partner interests, Sep. 12, 2022. Truman was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Suarez)

EMC(SW/AW) Michael Prendigue, Jr. re-enlists in a ceremony attended by members of his command and family aboard the decommissioned Iowa Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB-64). The ceremony was hosted and coordinated by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, which is located next to the Battleship Wisconsin in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia. The museum is one of 10 U.S. Navy Museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command.

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

220729-N-ZS023-1011 SAN DIEGO (July 29, 2022) Cmdr. Travis Dvorak, outgoing commanding officer of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LCS 16) Gold Crew, salutes sideboys upon arrival to a change of command ceremony held aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Cincinnati (LCS 20). LCS are fast, agile, mission-focused platforms designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS are capable of supporting forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.

Retired Vice Admiral William R. St. George speaks to guests attending 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)

SUVA, Fiji (Sept. 15, 2022) Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, inspects members of Republic of Fijis Honor Guard during a visit to Fijis Force Training Group. The visit to Fiji emphasized the U.S. commitment to strengthening partnerships for an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific.

Participants pass ceremonial bouquets during a Victory in Europe Day” World War II remembrance ceremony outside the Haut-commissariat de la République Tahiti, French Polynesia, May 8, 2022. The ceremony kicks off exercise Marara 22 and highlights the U.S. commitment to our Indo-Pacific allies and partners, and reinforces incentives for multilateral cooperation.

Rear Adm. Michael Day (left), relieves Rear Adm. Matthew Sibley (right) as commander of the Coast Guard 14th District while Vice Adm. Michael McAllister (middle), commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area, presides during a change of command ceremony at Coast Guard Base Honolulu, June 10, 2022. Sibley departs to continue his Coast Guard Career as the deputy commander of Coast Guard Pacific Area.

The chain of command for 3D Dental Battalion, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, properly salutes the color guard prepearing the change of command ceremony for Captain Kenneth R. Wright and Captain Howard H. Ficher. During a Naval change of command ceremony, commanders officially pass on the responsibility from one commander to the next. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Foster State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

NORFOLK (Sept. 8, 2022) Sailors assigned to the USS San Jacinto (CG-56) depart the ship after returning to Naval Station Norfolk after a regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operations, Sept. 8. San Jacinto was deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group in support of theater security cooperation efforts and to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

220909-N-OX321-1029 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Sept. 9, 2022) Capt. Aaron Shoemaker, commanding officer, Naval Air Station Sigonella, provides the opening remarks during the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony held on NAS Sigonella, Sept. 9, 2022. The ceremony marks the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attacks and honors those who lost their lives that day and the heroic efforts of emergency personnel. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

Col. Jeffrey Alston, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guards 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (left), Greg Engle, Wisconsin Emergency Management administrator, and Command Sgt. Maj. Aaron Johnson salute as the national anthems of Papua New Guinea and the United States are played during the National Guard State Partnership agreement signing ceremony Dec. 2 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The Wisconsin National Guard conducted a senior leader National Guard State Partnership Exchange visit to Papua New Guinea Nov. 30 to Dec. 6. Wisconsin National Guard photo by Maj. Brian Faltinson

220508-N-VD554-1032 SURFERS PARADISE, Australia (May 8, 2022) - Vice Commander, U.S. 7th FleetRear. Adm. Robert Clark, left, and Royal Australian Navy Commander, COVID-19 Task Force RearAdm. Robert W. Plath salute during a service commemorating the 80th anniversary of theBattle of Coral Sea at Cavil Avenue Park in Surfers Paradise, Australia. Under Commander, U.S. PacificFleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinelyinteracts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacificregion.

220525-N-LN285-2170 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (May 25, 2022) -- Commander, Submarine Squadron One personnel welcome home the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam from deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. North Carolina performed a full spectrum of operations, including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, during the extended seven-month, Indo-Pacific deployment.

SHIMODA, Japan (May 21, 2022) - The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force prepares to play during the opening ceremony of the 83rd annual Shimoda Black Ship festival. The Shimoda Black Ship festival, or Shimoda Kurofune, celebrates Commodore Matthew C. Perry's arrival to Japan, Japan's subsequent opening to international trade, and the U.S.-Japan alliance. For 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th fleet's forward deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

220713-N-GF955-1094NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (July, 13, 2022) Rear Adm. Douglas Sasse, Reserve Vice Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, right, and Uruguayan navy Capt. Pablo Gonzalez, commanding officer of the Uruguay navy tall ship, Capitán Miranda (ROU 20), exchange command ball caps during a luncheon onboard the Capitán Miranda at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., July 13, 2022. Capitán Miranda is conducting its XXXII Training Trip and is visiting Naval Station Mayport, July 12-17. With 29 midshipmen onboard, this ship visit offers U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet a unique opportunity to build rapport with the future leaders of the Uruguay navy and strengthen friendship and cooperation between our navies. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Commands joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability,

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (July 27, 2022) - Capt. Hank Kim, Pacific Partnership 2022 mission commander, greets leaders from the Armed Forces of the Philippines upon arrival to the Port of Puerto Princesa to kick off the PP22 mission stop in the Philippines. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Sep. 10, 2022) - Capt. Hank Kim, mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2022 (PP22), left, greets the Honorable Manasseh Maelanga, Deputy Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, right, as he arrives at the PP22 Solomon Islands closing ceremony aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) during PP22. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership is a unifying mission that fosters enduring friendships and cooperation among many nations. The years mission in Solomon Islands included participants from the United States, Japan and Australia.

A tomb guard from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) gives a briefing on the history of the Old Guard to Chief of Naval Operations for the Republic of Korea Adm. Yang Yong-mo in the Memorial Amphitheater Display Room at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 30, 2023.

220614-N-KN989-1001 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (June 14, 2022) Sailors assigned to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Band perform during a change of command ceremony aboard USS Missouri (BB-63). Capt. Erik Spitzer, Commander, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam was relieved by Capt. Mark Sohaney during the official change of command ceremony June 14, 2022. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam delivers the best service in base operating support to supported and tenant commands to enable operational mission success while simultaneously providing the highest quality of installation services, facilities support and quality of life programs.

220911-N-AS200-5026 - POINT MUGU, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2022) - Culinary Specialist 1st Class Dennis Dumayas, assigned to Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), sounds the Navy Ship Bell during a 9/11 ceremony onboard Point Mugu. NBVC is a strategically located Naval installation composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2D Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

221207-N-YG104-0004 COXS BAZAR, Bangladesh (December 07, 2022) Adm. Samuel Paparo (left), Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, speaks with Vice Adm. Biswajit Das Gupta of the Indian Navy. Das Gupta and Paparo met for bilateral talks during the International Fleet Review, hosted by the Bangladesh Navy. The U.S. Pacific Fleet is committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

HONOLULU (April 10, 2023) Philippine Consul General in Hawaii Emil Fernandez, left, Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and Sen. Orlando Mercado, former defense secretary and senator of the Republic of the Philippines, attend the Araw ng Kagitingan” commemoration in Honolulu. The Filipino Day of Valor recognizes the service of Filipino service members and the sacrifice of more than 10,000 Filipino and American service members who lost their lives during the Battle of Bataan and its subsequent march. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Asia-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, fighting to win.

Dr. Alma Riveria Heltzer, Director of the El Carmen Juvenile Orientation Center, accepts a sewing machine presented to the school by Rear Adm. Michael P. Kalleres, Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group 12 and crew members of the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61) as part of Project Handclasp. Base: San Pedro Sula Country: Honduras (HND)

111127-N-ER662-545DILI, Timor-Leste (Nov. 27, 2011) Sideboys render honors to Brig. Gen. Filomeno da Paixao de Jesus, Deputy Chief of Defense Force for Timor-Leste, aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) for a reception held on the flight deck. Stethem is part of the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group.

LGEN William G. Moore, Commander, 13th Air Force, on left, watches as COL John W. Ord, Commander of Clark AB hospital shakes the hand of a former POW as he walks the red carpet to the aircraft that will return him to the states. Subject Operation/Series: HOMECOMING Base: Clark Air Base State: Luzon Country: Philippines (PHL)

NEWPORT, R.I. (Sept. 11, 2012) Rear Adm. John Christenson, president of the U.S. Naval War College (NWC), second from right, and Capt. Raymond Keledei, NWC dean of students, salute chief petty officer selects during a ceremony commemorating Sept. 11, 2001 at the NWC. The memorial on the left is made from a piece of the façade from the Pentagon when it was damaged on Sept. 11, 2001.

CHIEF Warrant Officer Kabick, left, CMDR. Hank Prevette, commanding officer of the tank landing ship USS SUMTER (LST-1181), and LTJG Eldridge present a gift to a foreign officer during a community relations project. The SUMTER is visiting the city during. Base: Malabo Country: Equatorial Guinea (GNQ)

220524-N-VQ947-2075 LOS ANGELES (May 24, 2022) Lt. j.g. Matias Wilson, left, gives a tour of the flight deck aboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) to Sailors and civilians assigned to the Navy Talent Acquisition Group Los Angeles during Los Angeles Fleet Week, May 24, 2022. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America’s 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 Los Angles and its surrounding areas.

220603-N-TH560-1010 WASHINGTON (June 3, 2022) - Vice Adm. John B. Nowell Jr. holds the ensign during his retirement ceremony at Washington Navy Yards Admiral Leutze Park. Nowell's 38 years of service began at the U.S. Naval Academy; a career surface warfare officer, he served aboard five ships and commanded the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) and Expeditionary Strike Group 7. Nowell was the Navys 59th Chief of Naval Personnel.

220427-N-XC372-3099 NEW DELHI (Apr. 27, 2022) Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, right, and Adm. R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, pose for a photo during a Guard of Honour ceremony at Indias Ministry of Defence headquarters. Aquilino visited New Delhi to meet with regional partners and to discuss collaborative approaches to security challenges at the Raisina Dialogue 2022.

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Sept. 23, 2022) -Sailors assigned to Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) man the rails as the ship arrives in Busan, Republic of Korea, Sept. 23. Barry is making a routine port visit as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleets principal surface force.

060821-N-5191L-003. Base: Panama City Country: Panama (PAN)

U.S. Army Maj Gen Jami Shawley, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Commander, along with Rear Admiral Eric Anduze, Deputy Commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, attend the opening ceremony of Cutlass Express 2024. Exercises like Cutlass Express foster trust between participating nations by promoting mutual understanding and cooperation. These established and tested partnerships will help us overcome the challenges that threaten freedom and security on the worlds oceans. Exercise Cutlass Express (CE) is one of three African regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and facilitated by U.S. Naval Forces Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet (NAVAF/SIXTHFLT). Air National Guard

220628-N-DE439-1009 AGADIR, Morocco (June 28, 2022) Sideboys assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78), welcome aboard Brigadier General Abdellatif Malek J2, from the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces during exercise African Lion 22, June 28, 2022. African Lion 22 is a multinational exercise focused on increasing training and interoperability between U.S. partners and allies in Africa, while simultaneously working toward increased security and stability within the region.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 20, 2022) - Capt. Fred Goldhammer, commanding officer of Americas only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), at podium, and Rear Adm. Michael “Buzz” Donnelly, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, center-right, address members of the press prior to going underway. CSG 5 is forward deployed to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of a free and open Indo Pacific.

BOSTON (Sept. 20, 2022) U.S. Navy petty officers first class, selected for promotion to chief petty officer, participate in a signal flags drill during Chief Petty Officer Heritage Weeks. During the week, Constitution Sailors teach the selectees a variety of time-honored maritime evolutions while living and working aboard the ship.USS Constitution, is the worlds oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. During normal operations, the active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the ships mission of promoting the Navys history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents. The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 when Brit

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 19, 2022) U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen and staff participate in the semi-annual bell-ringing ceremony in T-court, which recognizes the varsity sports that defeated Army during the fall semester. A representative from each of those sports rings the bell, along with Superintendent Vice Adm. Sean Buck, Commandant of Midshipmen Col. James McDonough, and athletic director Chet Gladchuk. As the undergraduate college of our country's naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

San Diego (May 27, 2022) Vice Adm. Stephen Koehler, commander, Third Fleet, right, presents an end of tour award to Capt. Patrick Friedman during the Commander, Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 11 change of command ceremony at Naval Base Point Loma (NBPL) aboard the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) on May 27. Capt. Ken Douglas relieved Capt. Patrick Friedman as commodore.

DENZEL WASHINGTON in CRIMSON TIDE (1995), directed by TONY SCOTT.

060908-N-1120L-030. Base: Novorossiysk Country: Russia (RUS)

DN-ST-85-02695. Base: Pascagoula State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. service members and guests prepare to lay wreaths in honor of the missing during a ceremony for the National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Sept. 16, 2022. This day was first established in 1979 through a proclamation from President Jimmy Carter, in observance to honor and recognize the sacrifices of those Americans who have been prisoners of war and to remind the nation of those who are still missing in action.

Guards at the palace of Monaco, Palais du Prince

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.

PHU YEN, Vietnam (June 22, 2022) - Capt. Hank Kim, center, Pacific Partnership 2022 (PP22) mission commander, Captain Timothy Quast, right, USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) commanding officer, and the captain of Vietnamese Medical Ship Khanh Hoa-01 sit in the bridge of Khahn Hoa-01 during a tour of the Vietnamese medical ship in support of PP22. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

220701-N-DE439-1002 NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (July 1, 2022) Boatswains Mate 3rd Class Marqutta Reed mans the helm as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrives in Naval Station Rota, Spain, July 1, 2022. Porter is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

220628-N-DE439-1005 AGADIR, Morocco (June 28, 2022) Sideboys assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78), welcome aboard Rear Adm. Jeffery Spivey, vice commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet, during exercise African Lion 22, June 28, 2022. African Lion 22 is a multinational exercise focused on increasing training and interoperability between U.S. partners and allies in Africa, while simultaneously working toward increased security and stability within the region.

LT. Benjamin G. Aycock, Chaplain of the submarine tender USS HOLLAND (AS-32), recites the benediction during the Easter Sunrise Service on the ship's fantail. Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

On the ROKN CHUNG NAM (FF-953), moored at Pearl Harbor Naval Station, a Republic of Korea Navy PETTY Officer of the Watch calls in the ship's status report during RIMPAC 98. Subject Operation/Series: RIMPAC 98 Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Captain Zoah Scheneman is hoisted on a bosuns chair during his retirement ceremony on the fantail of the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64). The ceremony was hosted by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Captain Scheneman served aboard the Battleship from 1988 to 1991 during Wisconsins reactivation and subsequent deployment to support Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm respectively.

060729-N-2456S-046. Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PEARL HARBOR (Sept. 20, 2022) U.S. Navy Sailors salute the USS Arizona Memorial while manning the rails aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) while underway during Pacific Partnership 2022. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to Yorktown, Virginia to deliver the keynote address at the 225th anniversary celebration of the Battle of Yorktown. Among other dignitaries on hand for the commemorative events were Virginia Senators John Warner and George Allen, former U.S. Army Secretary John Marsh, French Ambassador to the U.S. Jean-David Levitte, and French Defense Minister Michelle Alliot-Marie.

DN-ST-87-02719. Base: Lisbon Country: Portugal (PRT)

060502-N-8157C-089. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NORFOLK (Sept. 12, 2022) Rear Adm. Paul Spedero, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 8, speaks with local media after USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), returns to Naval Station Norfolk after a regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operations in support of theater security cooperation efforts and to defend U.S., allied and partner interests, Sept. 12.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 16, 2022) - Capt. Les Sobol, Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka poses outside the Mikasa Gate with a Japanese community member attending the 44th annual Friendship Day celebration. For the first time in three years, CFAY held an open base event to highlight the friendship between the local Japanese community and the U.S. Navy. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

Delegation leaders pose for a photo during a capabilities demonstration as part of the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium, Camp Kisarazu, Japan, June 16, 2022. This iteration of PALS brought senior leaders of allied and partnered militaries together to discuss amphibious force readiness, expeditionary advanced base operations, intermediate force capabilities, and ways to improve interoperability between partners within the Indo-Pacific region. A total of 18 participating delegations from Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, and North America participated in the symposium.

TUNIS, Tunisia (May 27, 2022) U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly shakes hands with Capt. Eilis Cancel, director, exercise Phoenix Express 2022, while on an official visit at La Goulette Naval base during exercise Phoenix Express 2022 in Tunis, Tunisia May 27, 2022. Phoenix Express 22, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa, is a maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in the Mediterranean.

230628-N-KU796-1030 San Diego (June 28, 2023) U.S. Navy Sailors prepare to man the rails of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz arrives in San Diego concluding a seven-month deployment to U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations (AO). Nimitzs presence in U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet AOs reinforced the United States commitment to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Sep. 10, 2022) - Cmdr. Sara Gonzalez, from Bonita, California, right, gives remarks during the Pacific Partnership 2022 (PP22) Solomon Islands closing ceremony aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership is a unifying mission that fosters enduring friendships and cooperation among many nations. The years mission in Solomon Islands included participants from the United States, Japan and Australia.

PEARL HARBOR (June 27, 2022) Republic of Korea Navy Rear Adm. Sangmin Ahn, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 176, departs Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, June 27. 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.

220825-N-FO714-1084NAVAL BASE GUAM (Aug. 25, 2022) Participants from the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), Republic of Korea Navy, and U.S. Navy pose for a group photo during the opening ceremony for Pacific Vanguard (PV) 22-1 held aboard JMSDF helicopter destroyer JS Izumo (DDH 183) pierside at Naval Base Guam, Aug. 25. PV 22-1 is an exercise with a focus on interoperability and the advanced training and integration of allied maritime forces.

110604-N-WI828-002MOBILE, Ala. (June 4, 2011) Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawerence (DDG 110) man the rails and bring the ship to life during the ships commissioning ceremony. The new destroyer honors the late Vice Adm. William P. Lawrence, a naval aviator who served as a test pilot and endured 6 years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Lawrence went on to serve as the superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy and Chief of Naval Personnel.

Rear Adm. Michael Day, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard 14th District, speaks with the head of HMAS Cairns aboard the Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) in Cairns, Australia, Sept. 5, 2022. The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting a routine deployment in Oceania as part of Operation Blue Pacific, working alongside Allies, building maritime domain awareness, and sharing best practices with partner nation navies and coast guards. Op Blue Pacific is an overarching multi-mission U.S. Coast Guard endeavor promoting security, safety, sovereignty, and economic prosperity in Oceania while strengthening relationships with our regional partners. (U.S. Coast Guard photo Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Ray Blas)

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