Navy Ceremonies and Events

Images of naval personnel during significant ceremonies including decommissioning and commissioning of ships, conveying themes of honor and tradition.

A stern view of the amphibious assault ship USS NASSAU (LHA 4) as seen from a utility landing craft during the joint US/Honduras training Exercise AHUAS TARA II (BIG PINE). Subject Operation/Series: AHUAS TARA II (BIG PINE) Country: Honduras (HND)

Ethiopian soldiers carry the remains of one of nine Americans killed in an aircraft crash onto a Military Airlift Command C-141B Starlifter aircraft for return to the United States. Texas Rep. George T. (Mickey) Leland was among the 16 passengers killed when their aircraft crashed on a remote mountainside in western Ethiopia as the group was traveling to a refugee camp near the Sudanese border. Base: Addis Ababa Country: Ethiopia (ETH)

230326-N-MG537-1014LAS PALMAS, SPAIN (March 26, 2023) Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) take-in the mooring lines in preparation to leave Las Palmas, Spain, March 26, 2023. Bulkeley routinely operates in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and Partner interests.

APRA HARBOR, Guam (April 9, 2013) Sailors aboard the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Cheyenne (SSN 773) shift colors as the submarine moors in Apra Harbor to conduct liberty and maintenance. Cheyenne is conducting operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

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 Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-85-04331. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

060903-N-4856C-040. Base: USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)

220807-N-SS900-1048 SAN DIEGO (Aug. 7, 2022) Logistics Specialist 1st Class Alex Porter, left, a native of Mobile, Ala. and Operations Specialist 1st Class Kendal Stovall, a native of Watts, Calif., clean the pier of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Aug. 7. Vinson is currently pierside in its homeport of San Diego.

NORFOLK (Sept. 8, 2022) Family and friends of Sailors aboard the USS San Jacinto (CG-56) support the Sailor's homecoming at 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 defen U.S, allied and partner interests.

DN-ST-86-00792. Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Right side view of the ship's company as they stand in formation during the commissioning ceremony for the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS HOUSTON (SSN-713). Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Navy Sailors with Navy Destroyer, USS Lassen (DDG 82) interact with New Orleans residents and tourists during Navy Fleet Week New Orleans (NWNOLA), on April 21, 2022. Navy Week New Orleans is a tremendous opportunity for the U.S. sea services to show the people of Southeastern Louisiana the character of our uniformed men and women and the capabilities and quality of some of their ships and equipment. This positive, direct interaction promotes understanding of the sea services and the sacrifices they make in support of our nations defense.

HONG KONG (March 4, 2013) Capt. Will Pennington, commanding officer of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), left, Rear Adm. John Weigold, U.S. 7th Fleet deputy commander, Jacob Cheung, Hong Kong Assistant Commissioner of Police, and Stephen Young. the United States Consul General to Hong Kong, honor the colors during a ceremony aboard Blue Ridge.

Petty Officer Breanna Centeno, a Public Affairs Specialist attached to PADET Baltimore, takes a photograph of the Francis Scott Key Buoy after it is set in the water during the summer months in the Patapsco River May 25, 2022. The specially designed star-spangled buoy, which is set at the beginning of each summer, marks the approximate location where Francis Scott Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814 and was inspired to write lyrics that would later become the U.S. national anthem.

020309-F-6911G-004. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

A radio operator stands watch at a rooftop communications site during Operation Desert Shield. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU)

Visitors aboard the Chilean flagship BLANCO ENCALADA (DLH 15) look over the side at USS REUBEN JAMES (FFG 57) as she is moored and observe the crew of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Light 37 (HSL-37) perform maintenance on their SH-60B Seahawk helicopter while in the port city of Antofagasta, Chile, as part of Exercise TEAMWORK SOUTH '99. Subject Operation/Series: TEAMWORK SOUTH '99 Base: Blanco Encalada (DLH 15)

150724-N-JO908-120 (July 24, 2015) SAN DIEGO Vice Adm. Kenneth E. Floyd, delivers remarks during the Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet change of command and retirement ceremony aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Floyd retires after 35 years of honorable service.

The commissioning pennant is raised aboard the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS PITTSBURGH (SSN 720). Base: Naval Submarine Base, New London State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Ship's pennants ornament the mast and antenna rigging of the aircraft carrier USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63). Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 22, 2015) The U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angles, conduct a fly over during the Commander, Naval Air Forces change of command and retirement ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) at Naval Air Station North Island. Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker relieved Vice Adm. David H. Buss as commander of Naval Air Forces.

221129-N-CM110-1136 SAN DIEGO (Nov. 29, 2022) - Retail Services Specialist 1st Class Kiska Beatles, from Atlanta, mans the rails aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Nov. 29, 2022. Tripoli returned to Naval Base San Diego following the ship's maiden deployment where they operated in the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleets in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

DN-SC-85-04348. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NORFOLK (April 8, 2013) A family member of a Sailor aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) waves as the ship departs for a scheduled deployment. Monterey is deploying to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

091102-N-0924R-068NEW YORK (Nov. 2, 2009) Sailors and Marines man the rails as the amphibious transport dock ship Pre-commissioning Unit (PCU) New York (LPD 21) passes the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. The ship has 7.5 tons of World Trade Center steel in her bow and will be commissioned Nov. 7 in New York City.

USS Preble (DDG 88) US Navy

Captain Larry Seaquist, commanding officer of the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61), stands on the top of the No. 2 Mark 7 16-inch/50-caliber gun turret with a copy of the Navy Times that reports a shortage of experienced petty officers in the fleet. More than 100 newly advanced petty officers stand on the top of the No. 1 turret backing up Seaquist's rebuttal to the article. Country: Unknown

Ethiopian soldiers stand in formation during a ceremony honoring Texas Rep. George T. (Mickey) Leland and other victims of an aircraft crash. Nine Americans and seven Ethiopian passengers were killed in the crash, which occurred on a remote mountainside in western Ethiopia as the group was traveling to a refugee camp near the Sudanese border. Base: Addis Ababa Country: Ethiopia (ETH)

1437th Multi-Role Bridge Company (MRBC), Sault Saint Marie, and Chinooks from B. Co., 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment, Grand Ledge, both Michigan National Guard; sling load improved ribbon bridge bays for aerial delivery and raft construction as part of Michigans Emergency Management Agencys plan, on August 12, 2018

DN-ST-85-06252. Base: Seattle State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Norfolk, Va. (September 1, 2022). Lt. Aaron Antonio, assigned to the San Antonio-Class Amphibious Transport Dock USS New York (LPD 21), is promoted to Lieutenant Commander during a ceremony aboard the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64). The ceremony occurred in front of the Battleships iconic turret No. 1 and was attended by members of his family and command. The ceremony was hosted and coordinated by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, one of ten U.S. Navy museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command. The museum offers military ceremonies for area commands without cost as part of their military outreach offerings. (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released).

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (Dec. 7, 2019) Caroline Bouvier Kennedy, President John F. Kennedys daughter, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan and the ships sponsor, christens the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), Dec. 7, 2019. USS John F. Kennedy (CVN 79) was christened at Huntington Ingalls Industries' Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) division, in Newport News, Virginia. Kennedy is the second ship in the next-generation USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)-class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and will be followed by the future USS Enterprise (CVN 80) and the future unnamed CVN-81. The aircraft carrier is named after John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, who served in office from January 1961 to November 1963. This is the second U.S. aircraft carrier named for President Kennedy, with the former being the last conventionally powered carrier, CV-67, which served from 1968 to 2007.

NORFOLK (March 28, 2013) Friends and family members greet the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) as it pulls into its homeport of Norfolk after a nine-and-a-half month deployment. Winston S. Churchill was deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

DF-ST-86-09999. Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-89-01263. Base: Sturgeon Bay State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

110607-N-KT462-732PEARL HARBOR (June 7, 2011) Family members and friends welcome the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as it arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a scheduled port visit. Carl Vinson is returning to homeport in San Diego after a six-month deployment to the western Pacific and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility.

060909-N-0653J-005. Complete Scene Caption: The First Lady, Mrs. Laura Bush, delivers her remarks during the commissioning ceremony of the Virginia Class New Attack Submarine USS TEXAS (775) at Galveston, Texas, on Sept. 9, 2006. The second boat in her class, TEXAS is able to attack targets ashore with highly accurate cruise missiles and conduct covert long-term surveillance of land areas, littoral waters or other naval forces. Other missions include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, special forces delivery and support, mine delivery and minefield mapping. Also in the photo beside the First Lady are Command MASTER CHIEF Mark Brooks (left) and TEXAS Commanding Officer CAPT. John J. Litherland (right). (U.S. Navy photo by LT. Mark Jones) (Released) Base: Galveston State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221123-N-EB711-1005 MANAMA, Bahrain (Nov. 23, 2022 Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, deputy commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, departs guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), Nov. 23, in Manama, Bahrain. The Sullivans is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

Sailors assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) and local tenant commands, the Avenger-class mine countermeasure ship USS Warrior (MCM 10), and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Maya-class guided missile destroyer JS Haguro (DDG 180) pose for a photo during a tour of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18) May 25, 2022. The tour was part of Fleet Week Japan 2022, a Commander, Navy Region Japan-wide event that aims to foster relationships between U.S. Navy installations in Japan, JMSDF partners, and members of the Japanese public.

DN-ST-89-08222. Base: Shanghai Harbor Country: China (CHN)

NAVAL BASE CORONADO (Feb. 17, 2024) - The crew of the expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) mans the ship during its commissioning ceremony on Naval Base Coronado Feb. 17, 2024. The ship is named for Medal of Honor recipient John Lee Canley, a retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major and Vietnam war veteran. Navy

DN-SD-03-12133. Base: Uss Cheyenne (SSN 773)

Crewmen watch from the hangar bay of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) during an underway replenishment exercise with the Australian guided missile frigate HMAS SYDNEY (FFG-03). Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

220704-N-TO573-1226 ADRIATIC SEA (July 4, 2022) Sailors run a 4th of July 5K on the flight deck of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), July 4, 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.

DN-ST-88-03093. Country: Arabian Sea

PEARL HARBOR (Dec. 7, 2012) The guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) conducts a pass-in-review by the USS Arizona Memorial during the 71st Anniversary Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration ceremony at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. More than 2000 guests, including Pearl Harbor survivors and other veterans, attended the National Park Service and U.S. Navy-hosted joint memorial ceremony at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. This year's theme focused on "Coming of Age - From Innocence to Valor."

BALTIMORE (Sept. 9, 2022) Crew members aboard the historic ship USS Constellation lower the ensign to half-mast in honor of the late Queen Elizabeth II during Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover. Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore is the citys celebration of the sea services with this year marking the City of Baltimores third time hosting Navy Fleet Week.

A view of the speakers platform mounted aboard the deck of the battleship USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62) during the recommissioning ceremony for the battleship. Seated behind the speakers platform, to the right, is Secretary of the Navy John F. Lehman Jr. and President Ronald Reagan. Base: Long Beach Naval Shipyard State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Barque Eagle held military tours and held a ceremony for the presentation of a resolution commending Tall Ships America while moored in Newport, RI on Sep. 24, 2022. Tall Ships America advances character building experiences at sea and represents the tall ships and sail training community of the United States in national and international forums.

220502-N-WF272-1103 CAMDEN, N.J. (May 2, 2022) Mayor Victor Carstarphen, city of Camden, gives his remarks during the oath of enlistment ceremony held aboard the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial in Camden, New Jersey, May 2, 2022, as part of Trenton Navy Week. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

The sun sets on the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, July 27, 2022, during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. More than 200 Airmen and 10 A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs from the 924th Fighter Group of the 944th Fighter Wing are working out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii during the units participation in RIMPAC 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds 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 worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

DN-ST-87-03924. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 18, 2013) Sailors participate in a 5-kilometer run on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

San Diego (June 08, 2022) Machinists Mate Auxiliary Master Chief Patrick Melendez participates in the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757) change of command ceremony where Cmdr. Christopher Carter is relieved by Cmdr. Christoper Rose as commanding officer at Naval Base Point Loma. Commissioned June 29, 1991, the submarine is more than 360 feet long and displaces more than 6,900 tons. Alexandria is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

The crew stands at attention on deck during the breaking of the flag at the commissioning ceremony for the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS FLORIDA (SSBN-728). Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A sailor embraces his wife as they stand near the stern of the guided missile frigate USS NICHOLAS (FFG-47) following the ship's return from its deployment to the Persian Gulf region from Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD DESERT STORM Base: Naval Base, Charleston State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Coast Guard personnel prepare to un-moor from the pier aboard the Famous-class medium endurance cutter USCGC Mohawk (WMEC 913) in Lisbon, Portugal, July 4, 2022. USCGC Mohawk 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.

001206-F-1166S-001. Base: Camden State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

060128-N-4204E-250. Base: Naval Air Station, Pensacola State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Vice President George H. W. Bush and a secret serviceman walk across the speaker's platform to go aboard the nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine USS OHIO (SSBN-726) during the ship's commissioning. The OHIO was built by General Dynamics Corp. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Prior to flight operations, crewmembers conduct a Foreign Object Damage (FOD) walk down on the flight deck on board USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Fod walk downs are conducted daily to minimize damage to aircraft engines and injury to personnel. TRUMAN is on a scheduled six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf. Base: Uss Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

060324-N-2541H-069. Base: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Coast Guard Air Station - Clearwater, Florida - Distinguished Flying Cross - 26-HK-128-9. Hurricane Katrina

220926-N-WU964-1017 WATERS EAST OF THE KOREAN PENINSULA (Sept. 26, 2022) Airman Patrick Tizano, from Miami, and Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Airman Dylan Dipietro, from Riverside, California, hoist down the national ensign on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), as the ship departs Busan, Republic of Korea, Sept. 26. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

220408-N-SI601-1119 YOKOSUKA, Japan (April 8, 2022) Chief Electronics Technician (Nuclear) David Barden recites The Watch at Master Chief Nathan Millers retirement ceremony on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Master Chief Nathan Millers family and friends attended the ceremony to commemorate his 24 years in the U.S. Navy. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Norfolk, Va. (September 1, 2022). Commander Carnell Aurelio, assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, poses for a photo opportunity at the conclusion of his promotion ceremony with members of his family and attendees. The ceremony occurred aboard the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64). The ceremony was hosted and coordinated by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, one of ten U.S. Navy museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command. The museum offers military ceremonies for area commands without cost as part of their military outreach offerings.

Graphic for U.S. Navy's birthday.(U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrea Rumple)

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing dawns the wings new heritage colors at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, July 12, 2022. The 75 painted on the tail represents the 75 years of the U.S. Air Force, the Statue of Liberty stands for the 70 years of RAF Lakenheath.

Family members of the USCGC Legare (WMEC 912) crew display welcome-home signs to their loved ones on the pier in Portsmouth, Va., Wednesday. Legare returned home after patrolling more than 15,000 nautical miles during a three-month deployment to the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean where crew members interdicted U.S.-bound drugs, saved migrant lives at sea, and successfully operated with the Royal Netherlands Navy, Belize Coast Guard, other regional partners coast guards, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and the USCGC James (WMSL 754).

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