Navy Ceremonies and Promotions

Ceremonies celebrating promotions and honors within the U.S. Navy, highlighting traditions and formal events.

U.S. Navy Sailors participate in a chief petty officer pinning ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of chief petty officer was created April 1, 1893, and the chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 21, 2022) Chief Machinist's Mate (Nuclear) Evan Osantowski dons his Chief Petty Officer (CPO) cover for the first time during the FY23 Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony for Commander, Submarine Group 7, Defense Service Office Pacific, and Commander, Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) held at the CNFJ auditorium onboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Oct. 21, 2022. Seven Chief Petty Officer Selects were promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer during the ceremony. Each Sailor had their anchors pinned and donned the CPO covers for the first time in front of their fellow CPOs, command leadership, family and friends.

ASAN, Guam (Sept. 1, 2022) - U.S. Navy officers Lt. Cmdr. Roger Blake and Cmdr. Joshua Lewis were promoted in a ceremony held in the Joint Region Marianas flag conference room.

SASEBO, Japan (May 12, 2022) Capt. James T. Robinson, commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), receives the Meritorious Service Medal during a change-of-command ceremony in the ships vehicle stowage area. Green Bay, part of Amphibious Squadron 11, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Navy Senior Chief Air Traffic Controller Andre J. Chester, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), renders a salute at his retirement ceremony, after 27 years of service, onboard Naval Station Norfolk, June 10, 2022. The John C. Stennis is in Newport News Shipyard working alongside NNS, NAVSEA and contractors conducting Refueling and Complex Overhaul as part of the mission to deliver the warship back in the fight, on time and on budget, toresume its duty of defending the United States.

U.S. Navy Sailors participate in a chief petty officer pinning ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of chief petty officer was created April 1, 1893, and the chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.

Rear Adm. Jeffrey Anderson, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, salutes Vice Adm. Michael Boyle, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, during a change of command ceremony held on Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton Sept. 1, 2022. Anderson served as commander of CSG-3 from July 2021 to September 2022, and will report to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command as the director of operations for his next assignment.

Cdr. Lauren Majchrzak, former Commanding Officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Nashville, informs Commodore, Navy Recruiting Region East, Capt. Rajashaker Bob Reddy, that she has been properly relieved as commanding officer during a change of command ceremony at NTAG Nashville headquarters in Nashville,Tenn. NTAG Nashville includes 46 Navy recruiting stations across the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Georgia covering 138,000 square miles.

SASEBO, Japan (Oct. 24, 2022) Chief Electricians Mate Eric Mantelsseeker, from St. Louis, Missouri, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), receives his chief petty officer combination during a pinning ceremony in the ships hangar bay in Sasebo, Japan Oct. 24, 2022. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

221021-N-KD414-0501 PORT HUENEME, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2022) - Sixty-five Sailors assigned to perspective commands onboard Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) donned a pair of gold-fouled anchors for the first time to become the 129th class of chief petty officers, Oct 21, 2022. 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-2C Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

SASEBO, Japan (Oct. 24, 2022) Chief Aviation Survival Equipmentman Joshua Irwin, from Denver, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), receives his anchors during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony in the ships hangar bay in Sasebo, Japan Oct. 24, 2022. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (Oct. 21, 2022) Chief Navy Counselor Tray Bynam, from Phenix City, Alabama, assigned to Naval Station Great Lakes, salutes during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

ATLANTA, Ga. (May 14, 2022)- U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Paula Dunn, Vice Chief of Information, promotes Capt. Adam Bashaw, commanding officer, Commander, U.S. Navy Reserve Sixth Fleet Public Affairs Unit, during a promotion ceremony held at Navy Reserve Center Atlanta, May 14, 2022. Commander, U.S Navy Reserve Sixth Fleet Public Affairs Unit supports U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S., allied and partner interest in Europe and Africa.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Anthony D. Walker, a native of Union, South Carolina, graduates as the honor graduate for Platoon 3056, Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Sept. 9, 2022. Walker earned this distinction over 13 weeks of training by outperforming other recruits in his platoon during a series of training events designed to test their basic Marine Corps skills.

U.S. Navy Sailors participate in a chief petty officer pinning ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of chief petty officer was created April 1, 1893, and the chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.

SASEBO, Japan (Oct. 24, 2022) Chief Electricians Mate Eric Mantelsseeker, from St. Louis, Missouri, assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6), receives his chief petty officer combination cover during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony in the ships hangar bay in Sasebo, Japan Oct. 24, 2022. America, le ad ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready-response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

NEWPORT, RI (Oct. 21, 2022) Capt. Kristin Hodapp, commanding officer, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command, passes through sideboys during the Officer Development School (ODS) class 22090 graduation ceremony at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN), Rhode Island, Oct. 21, 2022. ODS provides staff corps officers and several restricted line designators with training necessary to prepare them to function in their role as newly commissioned Naval officers.

220628-N-ED185-1104NAVAL BASE KITSAP - BANGOR, Wash. (June 28, 2022) Rear Adm. Robert Gaucher and Rear Adm. Mark Behning salute during a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Base Kitsap - Bangor, Wash., June 28, 2022. Behning relieved Gaucher as the 25th commander of Submarine Group 9.

Capt. Ketan Chhipwadia relieves Capt. Gregory Granieri as the commanding office while Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, Commander, Navy Region Japan, officiates during a change of command ceremony at Navy Reserve Center Minneapolis. During the ceremony, Capt. Ketan Chhipwadia relieved Capt. Cregory Granieri as the commanding officer of the unit. Navy Reserve Center Minneapolis is part of Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command, Everett.

Chief Aerographers Mate Joshua Smart, assigned to Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, poses for a photo during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of chief petty officer was created April 1, 1893, and the chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Logan M. Ford, left, a native of Crouse, North Carolina, with Platoon 2032, and Pfc. David A. Sibrian, right, a native of New Hyde Park, New York, with Platoon 2033, graduate as platoon honor graduates in Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, May 27, 2022. The honor graduate title is given to Marines who have outperformed the other recruits in their platoon during a series of training events designed to test their basic Marine Corps skills.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 18, 2022) - Master Chief Personnel Specialist Phil Torio, from Pangasinan, Philippines, places a master chief petty officer combination cover on Master Chief Electricians Mate Jefferson Maigue, from Talofofo, Guam, during a pinning ceremony aboard USS Blue Ridge on May 18, 2022. Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as 7th Fleet command ship, actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific Region.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 8, 2022) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith, left, watches as Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, center, passes the MCPON cutlass to MCPON James Honea during the MCPON Change of Office ceremony held at Mahan Hall, United States Naval Academy, Sept. 8, 2022. Honea relieved MCPON Russell Smith to become the 16th MCPON.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (July 29, 2022) Ensign Megan Low, from Racine, Wisconsin, takes the oath of office from U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples Executive Officer Cmdr. Edward Chandler during a commissioning ceremony held at NSA Naples in Capodichino, Italy, July 29, 2022. NSA Naples is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (Oct. 21, 2022) Mentors cover Chief Quartermaster Thomas Reeder during the Naval Surface Force Atlantic chief petty officer pinning ceremony onboard Naval Station Norfolk, Oct. 21, 2022. Nine Sailors received their gold-fouled anchors during the ceremony.

NEWPORT, RI. (Sept. 30, 2022) Officer Development School (ODS) class 22080 distinguished graduates at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN), pose for a group photo with Capt. Everett Alcorn, commanding officer, OTCN, far left, and Chief of Chaplains of the Navy Rear Adm. Gregory Todd, far right, after their graduation ceremony, Sept. 30, 2022. ODS provides staff corps officers and several restricted line designators with training necessary to prepare them to function in their role as newly commissioned Naval officers.

220615-N-OX321-1111 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (June 15, 2022) Rear Adm. Darin Via, commander, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, speaks directly to Capt. Denise Gechas, commanding officer, U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness & Training Command Sigonella, during his opening remarks at the USNMRTC Sigonella change of command ceremony on Naval Air Station Sigonella, June 15, 2022. During the change of command ceremony Capt. Jean Fisak relieved Capt. Denise Gechas as the commanding officer of USNMRTC Sigonella. NAS Sigonella’s strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

220923-N-DQ752-0015 JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO FT. SAM HOUSTON, Texas (Sept. 23, 2022) Rear Adm. Cynthia Kuehner, commander of Naval Medical Forces Support Command (left), Capt. Ann Annie Case, former commanding officer of Navy Medicine Training Support Center (NMTSC) (center), and Capt. Paul Allen, commanding officer of NMTSC, (right) salute during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston. NMTSC is the Navy component command that provides administrative and operational control over Navy staff and students assigned to the Medical Education and Training Campus and other medical programs in the San Antonio area.

NAVAL BASE GUAM (Sept. 1, 2021) - Lt. Cmdr. Brian Matic relieved Cmdr. Constancia Dean as commanding officer of Navy Reserve Center (NRC) Guam during a change of command ceremony held at the U.S. Naval Base Guam Chapel. Formerly known as Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Guam, NRC Guam provides administrative, logistical, and medical support to nine Navy Reserve units, comprised of over 230 Navy Reservists residing and drilling in eight different countries and Guam.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Aug. 5, 2022) - Capt. Teresa Allen (right) turned over leadership of Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Jacksonville, and the Jacksonville Market to Capt. Sharon House (left) as Rear Adm. Matthew Case, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic commander, presides during a ceremony at All Saints Chapel, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida on August 5.

220817-N-DE439-1031 NAVAL STATTION ROTA, Spain (Aug. 17, 2022) Ensign Ansofi Wreder, officer of the deck, welcomes Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51), Aug. 17, 2022. Arleigh Burke is part of Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe ships, which are trained and ready to conduct a wide-range of missions, to include providing ballistic missile defense and support to NATO.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kevin G. Collins, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South, is presented a gift by Contralmirante Reazo Corvetto Del Acamo (Rear Admiral), Comandante de la fuerza de infanteria (commander of infantry forces), during a visit to Peru, Nov. 4-5, 2022. During the visit, Collins participated in key leader engagements to continue to strengthen the partnership between the two Navies and Marine Corps, he also attended the 247th U.S. Marine Corps Birthday Ball as the guest speaker.

U.S. Navy Sailors participate in a chief petty officer pinning ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of chief petty officer was created April 1, 1893, and the chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 8, 2022) Command Master Chief Toby Ruiz recites The Watch during the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Change of Office ceremony held at Mahan Hall, United States Naval Academy, Sept. 8, 2022. Honea relieved MCPON Russell Smith to become the 16th MCPON.

Rear Adm. Darius Banaji, deputy director for operations for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), receives a folded U.S. flag during an interment ceremony held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Sept. 21, 2022. DPAA and attending family members paid their respects and honored the life of Petty Officer 1st Class Beoin Corzatt, who was assigned to the USS Oklahoma when the ship was attacked by Japanese aircraft during World War II. Corzatt was accounted for on Dec. 17, 2020, nearly 80 years after the attacks on Pearl Harbor.

Chief Boatswains Mate Thomas Oloughlin, assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS), salutes sideboys while being piped aboard as a chief petty officer for the first time during a pinning ceremony at CFAS Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of chief petty officer was created April 1, 1893, and the chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 14, 2022) Senior Chief Fire Controlman (Aegis) Jenny Lam receives her senior chief cover during a senior chief pinning ceremony held on the flight deck of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Sgt. Timothy D. Bennet Jr, electrician, Headquarters & Support Company, stands for a uniform inspection during the final evaluation of Ceremonial Drill School at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Oct. 7, 2022. This assessment is the culminating event of CDS, a three-week course designed to teach the intricacies of ceremonial drill in keeping with the high standards upheld at Marine Barracks Washington.

Okinawa, Japan (Oct. 21, 2022) Chief Information Systems Technician Amanda Copeland, being frocked during The Cheif Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony. The Fiscal Year 2023 Cheif Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony took place in the Keystone Theatre, onboard Kadena Air Force Base.

U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Krause, a chaplain with 7th Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, takes the oath of office during his promotion ceremony on Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 13, 2022. Promotion ceremonies mark a significant achievement in a service members career and are a testament to their commitment, mastery of duties and leadership capabilities. Newly promoted Lt. Cmdr. Krause was promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer at the same unit 20 years prior.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental), 3rd Marine Logistics Group, award Capt. Christopher DeJesus, the executive officer of 3rd Electronic Maintenance Company, 3rd Maint. Bn., 3rd SGX, 3rd MLG, with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal during his retirement ceremony on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, May 4th, 2022.. Capt. DeJesus served 22 years in the Marine Corps ascending through the ranks from an enlisted Marine, to warrant officer, to limited duty officer, leveraging his years of experience to serve the Marine Corps and his fellow Marines. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Force's comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Graduates from recruit company Bravo-202 complete basic training at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., May 20, 2022. While the missions of the Coast Guard have evolved over the last two centuries, our commitment to being Always Ready has remained steadfast.

Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Commander and 46th Chief of Civil Engineers Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey relieves of command Capt. Tim DeWitt, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Fast East, while Capt. Lance Flood assumed command during a change of command and retirement ceremony for DeWitt on board Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, Oct. 28.

WASHINGTON (Sept. 22, 2022) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea, right, met with Warrant Officer of the Royal Australian Navy Deb Butterworth, left, Sept. 22, 2022. The two naval leaders discussed partnership programs and recruitment efforts during a visit to the Pentagon.

Gunnery Sgt. Donell D. Bryant, communications & strategy chief, Headquarters & Support Company, stands at the position of attention during the final evaluation of Ceremonial Drill School at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2022. This assessment is the culminating event of CDS, a three-week course designed to teach the intricacies of ceremonial drill in keeping with the high standards upheld at Marine Barracks Washington.

2nd Lt. Elizabeth Blake speaks during a commissioning ceremony at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, June 25, 2022. The commissioning ceremony was for Lt. j.g. Alexis Sandoval and he was enlisted for 13 years before commissioning.

Chief Hospital Corpsman Alexis Sandoval receives an honorable discharge certificate from 1st Lt. Elizabeth Bosch during his commissioning ceremony at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, June 25, 2022. Sandoval was enlisted for 13 years before commissioning.

221130-N-EJ241-1027Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alfredo Marron, assigned to American Forces Network (AFN) Diego Garcia, receives his collar devices during a frocking ceremony at Diego Garcia Nov. 30, 2022. U.S. Navy Support Facility (NSF) Diego Garcia provides logistic, service, recreational, and administrative support to U.S. and allied forces forward deployed to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf.

NEWPORT, R.I. (June 30, 2022) Capt. Charles Varsogea, right, reports to Capt. Robert Stockton, commanding officer, Center for Service Support, as Varsogea assumes command of the Naval Chaplaincy School (NCS) during a ceremony at Naval Station Newport, June 30, 2022. NCS trains Navy chaplains and religious program specialists to fulfill a critical role in helping the Department of the Navy achieve and maintain a ready force by preparing religious ministry team members to minister across the sea services to build personal, unit, and family readiness and strengthen spirit, moral character, and toughness.

220520-N-RU672-0039 PORT HUENEME, Calif. (May 20, 2022) Chief Warrant Officer-4, Jacqualin Hamilton, security officer, Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), presents Master-at-Arms 1st Class Stephanie Durazo with a Navy and Marine Coprs Commendation Medal during her retirement ceremony at the Seabee Chapel. 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-2C Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with III Marine Expeditionary Force, attend a ceremony to honor the Navys 247th Birthday at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. The celebration included a cake cutting, a time-honored tradition in which the oldest Sailor present passes a piece of cake to the youngest Sailor present, representing the passing of naval traditions.

NEWPORT, RI. (Oct. 21, 2022) Officer Development School (ODS) class 22090 students at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN), Rhode Island, sit at attention during their graduation ceremony, Oct. 21, 2022. ODS provides staff corps officers and several restricted line designators with training necessary to prepare them to function in their role as newly commissioned Naval officers.

220621-N-XZ205-1018SAN DIEGO (June 21, 2022) Capt. Kim Davis, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diegos commanding officer (left), and Capt. Bryan Spalding, Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Bravos commanding officer (right), salute each other during EMF Bravo's establishment ceremony at NMRTC San Diego, June 21. The command establishment ceremony is a time-honored naval tradition, which formally announces to the officers and personnel of the command, the assumption of the responsibilities and authority of command. NMRTC San Diego's mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMRTC San Diego employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians and contractors in Southern California to provide patients with world-class care anytime, anywhere.

220804-N-SY758-1164 NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (Aug. 4, 2022) Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ajhourni McClain, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), gives a speech during his commissioning ceremony from chief petty officer to chief warrant officer, Aug. 4, 2022. The George H.W. Bush CSG is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America's adversaries in support of national security.

220401-N-PW480-0019 PENSACOLA, Fla. (April 1, 2022) - Staff judges inspect the uniforms of Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) cadets at the 2022 NJROTC National Academic, Athletic, and Drill Competition, April 1. NJROTC cadets from 27 schools across the nation assembled for the competition. It is the first to be held in person since 2019 and is the most comprehensive test of overall NJROTC training and performance. Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) oversees 583 NJROTC and 58 Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) units across the nation and world.

Rear Admiral Michael R. Van Poots, Deputy Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic; and Deputy Commander, Submarine Force Pacific presents the Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award to Seaman Apprentice Ethan Africano during a pass-in-review graduation ceremony at Recruit Training Command, Jan. 4, 2024. Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.

AGANA HEIGHTS, Guam (Oct. 13, 2022) - Joint Region Marianas Commander Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson joins the Guam High School (GHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) to commemorate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Navy at the school Oct. 13. During his visit to GHS, Nicholson spoke with students about the important contributions they make as DoD family members and answered questions about a career in the military. (U.S. Navy photos by Shaina ONeal)

031028-M-8049T-057. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220909-N-FP878-0003COLUMBUS, Ohio (SEP. 9, 2022) - Cmdr. John Mullen, commanding officer of Navy Talent Acusition Group Ohio River Valley (right), and Command Master Chief Christopher Byard speak with chief selects after issuing "Charge Books to the prospective Chiefs. The Charge book is a Navy tradition that started in the second World War and is used to by chief selects to record wisdom and guidance for future use.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Matthew R. Piano, operations chief, Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region, Marine Corps Base Quantico, right, receive the U.S. flag from Col. Willard A. Buhl, instructor, Distance Education Program, Expeditionary Warfare School, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia, June 17, 2022. Piano dedicated 21 years of faithful service to the U.S. Marine Corps.

220401-N-PW480-0416 PENSACOLA, Fla. (April 1, 2022) - A Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) cadet salutes a staff judge in preparation for a uniform inspection at the 2022 NJROTC National Academic, Athletic, and Drill Competition, April 1. NJROTC cadets from 27 schools across the nation assembled for the competition. It is the first to be held in person since 2019 and is the most comprehensive test of overall NJROTC training and performance. Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) oversees 583 NJROTC and 58 Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) units across the nation and world.

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (May 6, 2022) LaTosha Wray sings the U.S. national anthem during a. Change of Command ceremony on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ). U.S. Navy Capt. Brian R. Iber relieves Capt. David J. Faehnle as the commanding officer of CLDJ.

U.S. Navy Master Chief Master-at-Arms James Meares, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), salutes side boys during his retirement ceremony, after 30 years of service, at Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Ceremonial Hangar, onboard Naval Air Station Oceana, June 03, 2022. The John C. Stennis is in Newport News Shipyard working alongside NNS, NAVSEA and contractors conducting Refueling and Complex Overhaul as part of the mission to deliver the warship back in the fight, on time and on budget, to resume its duty of defending the United States.

220607-N-VQ947-1009 SAN DIEGO (June 7, 2022) Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class Alexis Posey, left, welcomes midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27), June 7, 2022. Portland is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship homeported in San Diego.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton meets with U.S. Marine Corps Guards of U.S. Embassy Lome in Lome, Togo, on January 17, 2012.

230324-N-LN782-1011 (Mar. 24, 2023) U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command's Pass in Review in Great Lakes, Illinois, Mar. 24, 2023. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul R. Birch, commander of the 36th Wing and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Kenisea P. Wiley, senior enlisted leader of the 36th Contingency Response Group, pay their respects during the Sumay Memorial Ceremony, on Naval Base Guam, June 20, 2022. Sumay was the first village attacked by the Japanese on December 8, 1941 and no longer exists as a village today.

060809-N-1328C-082. Base: Nas Jrb Fort Worth State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Charles Dudik, right, commanding officer, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, awards certificates of appreciation to the children of U.S. Navy Cmdr. Gareth Montgomery, outgoing director of Installation and Logistics, MCAS Yuma, Arizona, during his retirement ceremony aboard the installation, July 11, 2022. Family members are awarded for their commitment, dedication and support of service members during their time in service.

Chief Logistics Specialist Octavia Christian, right, from Bainbridge, Georgia, conducts a uniform inspection of Logistics Specialist 1st Class Mirthala Flores, left, from Santa Rosa, Texas, both assigned to USS Gerald R. Fords (CVN 78) supply department, in Fords hangar bay, April 10, 2022. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and strike group integration as part of the ships tailored basic phase prior to operational deployment.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot CHIEF of STAFF Colonel Peterson (left) presents an award for English Composition to a graduating Enlisted Commissioning Education Program student. Base: Usmc Recruit Depot, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220926-N-ML137-1036 HANAPEPE, Hawai`i (Sept. 26, 2022) Capt. Brett Stevenson, commanding officer of Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Barking Sands, and Command Senior Chief Petty Officer William Kalmbach, salute colors carried by students with Waimea High School Junior Reserve Officer’s Training Corps during a memorial ceremony for the World War II era 100th Infantry Battalion on the parade grounds at Kaua`i Veterans Cemetery. PMRF is the world’s largest instrumented multi-environment range capable of supporting surface, subsurface, air and space operations simultaneously.

Vice Admiral Yancy Lindsey, commander, Navy Installations Command, congratulates Sailors after their capping ceremony on the pier of USS Trayer (BST 21) at Recruit Training Command. Trayer, more commonly referred to as "Battle Stations," is the crucible event that recruits must pass prior to graduation, testing their knowledge and skills in basic seamanship, damage control, firefighting, watch standing and emergency response procedures. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.

SAN DIEGO (May 23, 2022) Vice Adm. Yancy Lindsey, right, pins a Legion of Merit on Rear Adm. Stephen D. Barnett during a change of command ceremony on board Naval Air Station North Island. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Bradley N. Rosen relieved Rear Adm. Stephen D. Barnett as commander, Navy Region Southwest.

240104-N-ED185-2013KEYPORT, Wash. (Jan. 5, 2023) The official party salutes during a change of command ceremony for the blue crew of the Ohio-class guided missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) at Keyport, Washington, Jan. 5, 2024. During the ceremony, Capt. Eric A. Hunter relieved Capt. Micah D. Maxwell as commanding officer of the blue crew of Ohio.

SILVER SPRING, Md. (Aug. 8, 2022) Lt. Chaselynn Watters of Naval Medical Research Center Biological Defense Research Directorate (BDRD) presents on the BDRD mission and ongoing efforts to Director, Defense Health Agency Public Health Rear Adm. Brandon L. Taylor.

KADENA, Japan (Oct. 21, 2022) Chief Personnel Specialist David Olvera, assigned to Transaction Service Center Yokosuka, Okinawa Detachment, is pinned by his children, both enrolled in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Course, during the chief pinning ceremony held onboard Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 21, 2022. The ceremony brought together 37 chiefs from island-wide commands to be pinned.

KEY WEST, Fla. (July 15, 2022) U.S. Army General Laura J. Richardson, commander, U.S. Southern Command, center, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Douglas Fears, left, and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Mark Fedor stand during change of command ceremony where Fears relinquished command of Joint Interagency Task Force South to Fedor at the Tennessee Williams Fine Arts Center in Key West, Fla. July 15, 2022. JIATF-South detects and monitors illegal trafficking in the air and on the water, and supports international and interagency operations that stop illegal drug trafficking. It operates in waters covering 42 million square miles of the western hemisphere, predominately with its 20 official partner nations.

WASHINGTON (Sept. 2, 2022) - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday delivers the oath of office to Adm. Lisa Franchetti during the change of office ceremony for the Vice Chief of Naval Operations held at the Pentagon, Sept. 2. Franchetti was sworn in as the 42nd Vice Chief of Naval Operations when she assumed duties from Adm. William Lescher during the ceremony.

220409-N-SY758-1023 ATLANTIC OCEAN (April 9, 2022) Chief Yeoman Ajhourni McClain, assigned to USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), inspects a Sailors uniform during a uniform inspection, April 9, 2022. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable war fighting capability through the carrier strike group that maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

030411-M-1852W-037. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Futema State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: MAG-36

Cinnamon Warner, a Department of Defense Education Activity teacher, sings the National Anthem and Japanese national anthem during a commissioning ceremony for Ens. Ezra Payton, assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) security department, at CFAS Aug. 31, 2022. For 75 years, CFAS has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services to empower forward-deployed U.S. and Allied Forces while providing superior support to their families and the community.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Heath Leggett, on-coming commanding officer, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 51, receives the Command at Sea Insignia from his wife during the VR-51 Change of Command Ceremony, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, April, 8, 2022. Cmdr. Joshua Lostetter relinquished command to Leggett.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kalvin H. Wlazlinski, an administrative specialist with Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, Headquarters and Service Battalion assists a Service C uniform inspection while attending Lance Cpl. Leadership and Ethics Seminar 1-22 at Marine Corps Community Services, Hampton Roads, Virginia, May 17, 2022. This week-long course consists of knowledge assessment, physical training and open leadership discussions. The Lance Cpl. Leadership and Ethics Seminar is designed to reaffirm the values, ethos, and principles of small unit leadership and is required training for Marines prior to achieving the non-commissioned officer rank of Corporal.

Gunnery Sgt. Duncan Mcclain, assigned to Commander Task Force 76, poses for a photo during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of chief petty officer was created April 1, 1893, and the chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.

Lt. Gen. David G. Bellon, Commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South, speaks to Navy retirees after the christening ceremony of the USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29), during a visit to Pascagoula, Mississippi, June 11, 2022. Marines and Sailors have developed a strong partnership over centuries defending the United States.

Gleaves Whitney, executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation, speaks to Sailors assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) during a visit to the Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as part of a namesake visit, September 1, 2022. Twelve Ford Sailors traveled to Michigan for the ships annual namesake visit to learn about the legacy of President Gerald R. Ford and connect with local community members in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Albion, Michigan.

220526-N-DQ752-0022 JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO FT. SAM HOUSTON, Texas (May 26, 2022) Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Geraldine Kirk places Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Paul Nieves-Morales cover during a frocking ceremony at the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC). Navy Medicine Training Support Center is the Navy component command that provides administrative and operational control over Navy staff and students assigned to METC and other medical programs in the San Antonio area.

BANGOR, Wash. (Dec. 5, 2012) Rear Adm. James Caldwell, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, congratulates Lt. j.g. Amber Cowan, assigned to the Blue crew of the ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741), for earning her submarine warfare officer device. Cowan is one of three Sailors to become the first female unrestricted line officers to qualify in submarines.

221021-N-OX321-1526 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Oct. 21, 2022) Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Loren Brady has his anchors pinned on by Chief Logistics Specialist Todd Lowe and Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Charles Hesselmann during a chief pinning ceremony held on Naval Air Station Sigonella, Oct. 21 2022. The purpose of the ceremony is to celebrate the time-honored transition of a petty officer 1st class into a chief petty officer but is undertaken by all E-6 from all branches at the command eligible for advancement to E-7. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

100930-N-3333H-005 WASHINGTON (Sept. 30, 2010) Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Nathan R. DeWalt is congratulated by Captain Oakley "Key" Watkins, Commanding Officer of Navy Safe Harbor at the second annual Navy Safe Harbor Awards Ceremony. In July 2008, DeWalt was struck by a vehicle while on his motorcycle severing his spinal cord at the T3 vertebra. Since his accident DeWalt competed in the Warrior Games and has begun distance cycling. Safe Harbor is the Navy's lead organization for coordinating non-medical care of seriously wounded, ill, and injured Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, and their families.

SAN DIEGO (May 16, 2022) - Cmdr. Loren Jacobi, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3s commanding officer, presents a certificate of advancement to Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Michael OReilly, during a frocking ceremony on Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI). HSC-3 is the West Coast MH-60S fleet replacement squadron, responsible for training pilots and aircrewmen by providing the most capable warfighters to the fleet.

YOKOSUKA, Japan, (Oct. 21, 2022) Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosukas (CFAY) color guard parades the colorsduring a chief pinning ceremony at the Fleet Theater onboard CFAY. Eighteen Sailors from CFAY and tenant commands were promoted to the rank of chief petty officer during the ceremony. 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.

Sasebo-based Sailors and family members recite the Pledge of Allegiance of the United States of America during a naturalization ceremony at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) July 27, 2022. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and Region Legal Service Office Western Pacific collaborated to conduct the naturalization ceremony at CFAS allowing Sailors to become U.S. citizens.

With his hands full...Chief Gunners Mate Tristan Brayman hoists his son after being ceremoniously promoted - along with Chief Hospital Corpsman Cyrus Cunningham, Chief Hospital Corpsman Ferrell Jenkins and Chief Hospital Corpsman Sonny Soriano to their new rank as part of the Fiscal Year 2023 Navy Chief Petty Officer ranks, Oct. 21, 2022, at Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command Bremerton (official Navy photo).

220515-N-XN177-1024 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 15, 2022) - Sailors who were selected as senior chief and master chief petty officers stand at attention in the hangar bay during their frocking ceremony aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 15, 2022. Tripoli is conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Mississippi (May 23, 2022) - Rear Adm. Ronald Piret, Commander, Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Command, presided over the promotions of Naval Oceanographys newest Senior and Master Chief Aerographers Mates at NASA Stennis Space Center, Mississippi May 23, 2022. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions faster than the adversary.

Recruits take the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America during a naturalization ceremony inside the Recruit Memorial Chapel at Recruit Training Command (RTC). Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes five warfighting competencies of firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding, and small arms handling and marksmanship along with physical fitness and lessons in Navy heritage and core values, Warrior Toughness, Life Skills, teamwork and discipline. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navys only boot camp.

Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class Joshua Downs, a Recruit Division Commander at Recruit Training Command (RTC), volunteered at the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) Chicagoland Drill Meet on February 3rd at Wheeling High School. RTC staff volunteers served as judges for the events in the drill meet. These events included personnel and uniform inspection, marching inspection, color guard inspection, and exhibition drill inspections. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp. Navy

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. James Pickle, a native of Maurepas, Louisiana, graduates Marine Corps recruit training as the honor graduate for Platoon 3064, India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Oct. 7, 2022. Pickle earned this distinction over 13 weeks of training by outperforming other recruits during a series of training events designed to test their basic Marine Corps skills.

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