Promotion and Award Ceremonies

Images depict service members receiving promotions and awards during ceremonies, highlighting military traditions and recognitions.

(220609-N-OI810-0135) GULFPORT, Mississippi (June 9, 2022) Lt. Cmdr. Francisco Barretomaldonado, Operations Officer of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14, speaks to Seabees at morning formation during fiscal year 2022, quarter three, Regional Training Platform (RTP-3) at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, June 9, 2022. RTP-3 provided NMCB-14 Seabees hands-on training opportunities in tactical combat casualty care; maintenance and material management; civil engineering support equipment operations; convoy operations; and Seabee combat warfare and expeditionary skills. NMCB-14 provides advance base construction, battle damage repair, contingency engineering, humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery support to our fleet and unified commanders.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Andres X. Herrera, a prior service recruiting chief at 6th Marine Corps District, reads the promotion warrant for Master Gunnery Sgt. Vincent T. Sicilia, the prior service recruiting station six operations chief, during his promotion ceremony at 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, Jacksonville, Florida, April 1, 2022. This ceremony serves to publicly recognize those who have proven themselves worthy of the next rank in the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Douglas K. Clark, commanding general of 4th Marine Division, awards Sgt. Joseph Howard, a Yonkers, New York native and an infantry mortarman with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, with a Navy and Marine Corps Medal at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, Dec. 9, 2022. The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the highest non-combatant decoration awarded. On Dec 30, 2017, at the time a lance corporal, Howard witnessed a car collision between four vehicles. Victims were trapped in a vehicle that had flipped eight times over a distance of 300 feet. Howard extracted the two unconscious victims from the car that continued to leak fuel. As he moved the second victim to safety, the vehicle was engulfed in flames and exploded. He then reassessed their injuries and provided life-saving first aid until first responders arrived. By his bold initiative and unwavering dedication to duty, Lance Cpl. Howard reflected great credit upon hims

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Daniel J. Williams, outgoing company commander with Headquarters and Service Battalion, receives an award during his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Jan. 5, 2024. The ceremony was held in honor of Williams who honorably served in the Marine Corps for more than 20 years.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Keahi Soomanstanton, a Texarkana, Arkansas native and combat videographer with Security Battalion, is congratulated after his awards ceremony on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Feb. 15, 2024. Soomanstanton received a Certificate of Commendation for his selection as the Marine of the Quarter for MCBQ. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Isabelle M. Anaya, an administrative specialist at 6th Marine Corps District, recites the oath of reenlisment during her reenlistment ceremony held at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Sept. 14, 2022. The Marine Corps reenlistment ceremony serves to highlight those who've decided to continue their service, and to re-establish the commitment of Marines to the Corps and to the nation. Anaya is a native of Dumas, Texas, and she enlisted out of Recruiting Substation Metro South on May 2, 2018.

(220609-N-OI810-0135) GULFPORT, Mississippi (June 9, 2022) Lt. Cmdr. Francisco Barretomaldonado, Operations Officer of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14, speaks to Seabees at morning formation during fiscal year 2022, quarter three, Regional Training Platform (RTP-3) at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, June 9, 2022. RTP-3 provided NMCB-14 Seabees hands-on training opportunities in tactical combat casualty care; maintenance and material management; civil engineering support equipment operations; convoy operations; and Seabee combat warfare and expeditionary skills. NMCB-14 provides advance base construction, battle damage repair, contingency engineering, humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery support to our fleet and unified commanders.

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines (2/24) participate in a training scenario July 26, 2022, on North Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2/24 is an infantry battalion based out of Chicago consisting of approximately 1,000 Marines and Sailors. The battalion falls under the 24th Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. The 2/24 was holding their 2022 annual training at Fort McCoy. (U.S. Army Photos by Scott Sturkol, Fort McCoy Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Colin G. Baird, a geospatial analyst with 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal from U.S Marine Corps Lt. Col. Thomas A. Kulisz, the commanding officer of 1st Intelligence Battalion, during an award ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 16, 2022. Baird received recognition for his selfless act to save a civilian from a hiking accident while off duty.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger, right, the 38th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Steven R. Rudder, outgoing commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific stand at attention during the MARFORPAC change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 7, 2022. Rudder relinquished command to Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney. With two-thirds of the Marine Corps operating forces assigned, MARFORPAC operates in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility, the largest Geographical Combatant Command in the U.S. Department of Defense.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Benjamin Fiala, left, commanding officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), awards Cpl. Colton Morrill, right, rescue firefighter handline operator, H&HS, with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, during an H&HS awards ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, June 10, 2022. Morrill and his Marines were first responders during an aircraft mishap and displayed exceptional leadership during the response.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew Tracy, right, the outgoing commanding officer of 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division, passes the regimental colors to Col. Erick Clark, incoming commanding officer, during a change of command ceremony on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, June 3, 2022. The ceremony represented the transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Col. Matthew Tracy to Col. Erick Clark.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Vincent J. Mangle, an administrative clerk with Headquarters Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, is awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during a promotion and awards ceremony at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Oct. 3, 2022. Mangle was presented with a NAM for the numerous hours of volunteer work he dedicated towards the Toys for Tots program.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, reviews equipment utilized by the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force during a ship tour of the USNS Newport (T-EPF 12) in Baltimore, Maryland, Sept. 9, 2022. Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore is an annual public event that celebrates the contributions of the U.S. sea services and maritime capabilities from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. More than 2,300 service members participated in Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore 2022 engaging and assisting with ship tours, live bands and static equipment displays.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David W. Maxwell, commander, Marine Corps Installations Command, Assistant Deputy Commandant Installations and Logistics (Facilities), takes notes during a scheduled visit on Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 4, 2022. Maxwell visited MCB Camp Lejeune to receive updates on Hurricane Florence recovery efforts, base infrastructure and tour installation housing.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Nate Bullock, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, stands at attention while Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, the sergeant major of the Marine Corps, reads his certificate of reenlistment during a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 16, 2024. Ruiz mentioned Bullocks name during an informational video about the commandants retention program, which was a contributing factor in Bullock deciding to reenlist. Bullock is awaiting orders to be a recruiter in his home state of Arizona as part of his reenlistment. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Division discuss Steel Knight 23 in the divisions command post at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 29, 2022. During the exercise, the division is maintaining a forward command post to practice expedient setup of a division headquarters, enabling command and control from distributed locations. Steel Knight is an annual combined arms live-fire exercise which ensures 1st MARDIV is optimized for naval expeditionary warfare in contested spaces, and is purpose-built to facilitate future operations afloat and ashore.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, the commanding officer of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, right, greets MajGen Lars S. Lervik, Chief of the Norwegian Army, during Lerviks distinguished visit on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 14, 2022. While meeting with II Marine Expeditionary Force key personnel, Lervik was briefed on force capabilities, Force Design 2030, an opportunity to strengthen relationships and understanding between Norwegian Army and U.S. Marine Corps Leaders.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Steven L. Letofsky, a Fire Support Chief with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., September 1, 2022. Gunnery Sergeants represent a seasoned corps of Staff Noncommissioned Officers who provide advanced knowledge from their respective fieldssetting a standard for the Marines under their charge to follow. Staff Noncommissioned Officers embody the sense of pride and esprit de corps that is the United States Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Davis Harris)

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Andrew S. Henry, the 6th Marine Corps District supply chief, recites the oath of enlistment during his promotion ceremony held at 6MCD Headquarters, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, June 1, 2022. This ceremony serves to publicly recognize those who have proven themselves worthy of the next rank in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Sgt. Maj. Marcos A. Cordero and Col. Christopher Haar, the sergeant major and commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, embrace during a regimental relief ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 21, 2022.

030205-M-5266H-019. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Andrew Kelley, the regimental commander of 10th Marine Regiment, shakes hands with Maj. Christopher Tyson, the battery commander of Fire Support Battery, 10th Marines, during the battery activation ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 7, 2022. This activation will give fire support Marines the opportunity to gain additional capabilities that will increase their ability to produce lethal and non-lethal effects across the battlefield.

221128-N-ER894-1017 PHILIPPINE SEA (Nov. 28, 2022) Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Rusty Lina, from Oxnard, California, prepares to receive his frocking letter during a frocking ceremony in the hangar bay aboard the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Philippine Sea, Nov. 28. During the ceremony, more than 240 Sailors were frocked to the next paygrade. 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune signs the final beam for the topping out ceremony of the II Marine Expeditionary Force headquarters building on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 1, 2022. Construction of the new headquarters, located in the Wallace Creek area, began in January 2022 and is expected to be complete in June 2025. The three-story headquarters building will encompass nearly 181,000 square feet and provide administrative, training, and support functions to the II MEF.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Arturo Mares, a staff secretary chief with I Marine Expeditionary Force, from Anahuac, Texas, stands at attention during his meritorious promotion ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 3, 2023. Meritorious promotions are awarded to Marines who demonstrate outstanding performance and are entrusted to assume positions of further responsibility. Mares has been meritoriously promoted to the ranks of lance corporal, corporal, sergeant and now staff sergeant.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Dustin Jeardoe, a canvassing recruiter with Recruiting Substation Lancaster, Recruiting Station Harrisburg, is promoted at the Columbia River Park, Columbia, Pennsylvania, Dec. 5, 2022. The rank of staff sergeant is the first Staff Noncommissioned Officer rank in the U.S. Marine Corps, responsible for the proficiency, training and administration of Marines in their charge.

Recruits with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion execute drill movements during Final Drill practice at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Sept. 12, 2022. Final Drill tests drill instructors on their ability to give drill commands and tests recruits on their ability to execute the movements properly.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 13, 2022) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Kyle Franchi, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, recites the Oath of Enlistment, administered by Cmdr. Michael Mosi, executive officer, NSA Souda Bay, during a reenlistment ceremony on Oct. 13, 2022. NSA Souda Bay 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 preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. service members assigned to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) salute during a dignified transfer ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 1, 2022. DPAA received material evidence and recovered remains from a past conflict in Socialist Republic of Vietnam. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Robert F. Rodriguez, the motor transportation chief at 6MCD, recites the oath of enlistment during his reenlistment ceremony held at 6MCD headquarters, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. The Marine Corps reenlistment ceremony serves to highlight those who've decided to continue their service, and to re-establish the commitment of Marines to the Corps and to the nation. Rodriguez is a native of New Haven, Connecticut, and was accompanied by his wife, Sgt. Yarimar Rodriguez, and their two daughters.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Robert F. Rodriguez, the motor transportation chief at 6MCD, recites the oath of enlistment during his reenlistment ceremony held at 6MCD headquarters, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, Sept. 19, 2022. The Marine Corps reenlistment ceremony serves to highlight those who've decided to continue their service, and to re-establish the commitment of Marines to the Corps and to the nation. Rodriguez is a native of New Haven, Connecticut, and was accompanied by his wife, Sgt. Yarimar Rodriguez, and their two daughters.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Liszewski, commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, visits an E-5 and below barracks during a station tour on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, June 27, 2022.Liszewski visited MCAS Futenma as his first tour of all MCIPAC installations after he assumed command. The tour included a brief about the historical location of the station, a visit to the flight line, and the Marines barracks.

221003-N-YG104-0016 PEARL HARBOR (October 03, 2022) U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief James Smitty Tocorzic shakes hands with Chief Petty Officer selectees after an all hands call. He spoke to them about the importance of warfighting readiness, resilience, and their role toward that end.

New U.S. Marine Corps Marines with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, stand in formation during a liberty call ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug, 25, 2022. These new Marines marched out in front of their families before getting released for on-base liberty. (U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Grace J. Kindred)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Joshua Jacobs, right, a Field Instructor from Weapons and Field Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, stands at attention during his reenlistment ceremony at Camp Pendleton, California, July 26, 2022. Cpl. Jacobs was selected for the Commandant's Retention Program which is focused on retaining the most talented First Term Marines by streamlining the reenlistment process and offering meaningful incentives to reenlist.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Bryan A. Eovito, a Florida native, commanding officer of Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Group, stands at attention during a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, February 15, 2024. MCCOG executes Marine Corps Department of Defense Information Network Operations and Marine Corps Defensive Cyberspace Operations to enhance freedom of action across warfighting domains while denying the efforts of adversaries by degradation or disruption via cyberspace operations. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 18 participate in an appointment ceremony held at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma, Dec 2, 2022. The ceremony was held to appoint Sgt. Maj. Smith as the Sergeant Major of MACG-18.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Christine M. Henning, sergeant major, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., reports to Lt. Col. Benjamin J. Fiala, commanding officer, H&HS during an award ceremony Aug. 5, 2022. H&HS holds an award ceremony each month to recognize Marines for going above and beyond daily expectations..

U.S. Marine Corps 1st. Lt. Chanchali Agrawal, salutes the Marines of Combat Logistics Company (CLC) 36 during her change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni July 18, 2022. The ceremony represented a transfer of responsibility and authority from Capt. Alusine Kamara to 1st. Lt. Chanchali Agrawal.

040928-M-4213L-001. Base: USMC Recruit Depot,Parris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

20220604-N-RL456-0011MAYPORT, Fla. (June 4, 2022) Mass Communication Specialist Daniel Cleary, a native of Indianapolis, Ind. and resident of Jacksonville, Fla., is frocked to the rank of first class petty officer by Capt. Richard S. Lofgren, commanding officer, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet reserve component, June 4, 2022. Making first class is such a big honor to me because it means the Navy sees what I have done during my service and thinks Im ready for more, said Cleary. 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, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American region.

U.S. Navy Master Chief Charles F. Ziervogel, left, outgoing command master chief of I Marine Expeditionary Force reports to U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, commanding general of I MEF, during a change of charge ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26, 2024. Ziervogel, relinquished his duties as the I MEF Command Master Chief to U.S. Navy Master Chief Loren D. Rucker.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Stephen G. Page, the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion 24, stands at attention during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 21, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Page assumed command of Combat Logistics Battalion 24 from Lt. Col. Williams.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. George Russo, a Manchester Township, New Jersey, native and a rifleman with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, receives an award from Lt. Col. Jonathan Landers, the battalion commander of 2/8, during a ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 16, 2022. Russo was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his heroic actions on June 11, 2022. While on liberty in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Russo witnessed a car accident involving five cars. With the tactical first aid kit in his glove box, Russo provided first aid to multiple injured people until first responders arrived.

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 773, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, receive a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, at Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro, during exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 18, 2022. These awards were given to show superior performance in their duties during the execution of exercise UNITAS. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that brings together forces from 19 countries to include Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States. The exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that pro

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Jeremiah J. Sherman, headquarters commandant for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, retires at the Beirut Memorial, Jacksonville, North Carolina, April 14, 2022. Sherman retired from active duty after 23 years of honorable and faithful service.

U.S. Navy Master Chief Charles F. Ziervogel, left, outgoing command master chief for I Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Navy Master Chief Loren D. Rucker, right, oncoming command master chief for I MEF, report to U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, middle, commanding general of I MEF, during a change of charge ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26, 2024. Ziervogel, relinquished his duties as the I MEF Command Master Chief to Rucker.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Richard Vaynshteyn, G-2 officer in charge with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, welcomes Maj. Gen. William Seely, Director of Marine Corps Intelligence, prior to a meeting at 3rd MLG Headquarters on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 30, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, conduct a change of command ceremony outside of MCIPACs headquarters building on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, June 24, 2022. Change of command ceremonies allow individuals to witness the official passing of authority change between officers. During the ceremony, the outgoing commander passes the units guidon to the incoming commander, symbolizing the transfer of authority, responsibility, and total commitment to all Marines and Sailors.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, right, commanding general, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, awards Cpl. Austin Owen, a finance technician with Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 26, 2024. During the ceremony, disbursing Marines were recognized for their exceptional performance and technical judgment during the fiscal year 24 Marine Corps Administrative Assessment Tool finance inspection, resulting in an overall successful outcome. Marine Corps

U.S. Marines assigned to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, conduct a battalion formation at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans, Sept. 1, 2022. During the formation, Marines were awarded, promoted, and addressed by the battalion command team.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Miguel Barragan-Palma, with Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) is promoted to Corporal at Naval Support Facility Indian Head, Maryland, Oct. 03, 2022. Marines from CBIRF came to show their support and appreciation for the newly promoted.

U.S. Navy hospital corpsman 3rd class Jonathon Kazarian, a platoon corpsman assigned to Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, left, receives a certificate and coin from U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matthew C. Danner, the commanding officer of the 31st MEU after a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program ground fighting tournament aboard the Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 23, 2022. The tournament was held to test the skills of the Marines and Sailors and to build camaraderie through competition. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Jason G. Woodworth, left, the commanding general for Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, shakes hands with Sgt. Ty Shawver, the platoon Sgt. for the fuel section with Operational Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, during a Marine Corps Installations Command award ceremony at the Legacy Room on MCAS Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 12, 2022. Shawver was recognized as the bulk fuel non-commissioned officer of the year for his hard work and dedication to service.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Rayssa Lima de Oliveira, an Inventory Management Specialist with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., reenlists at the MCRDPI Brig and Brew, Jan. 24, 2024. De Oliveira was born in Brazil and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2021, and currently serves as the non-commissioned officer in charge of Phase One Hygienics for recruit training.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. H. Parker Consaul, commanding officer, Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, gives a debrief after the battalions first field training exercise (FEX) of 2024, MCBH, Jan. 12, 2024. The FEX was conducted in order to increase combat readiness, unit morale and camaraderie.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Peter Taylor, a ground intelligence officer with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, conducts planning during Exercise Maltese Dragon, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Aug. 15, 2022. Exercise Maltese Dragon is a training exercise, hosted by Marine Corps Logistics Operation Group, where logistics staffs train in an exercise-controlled environment undergoing different Combat Operations Center simulated stressors used to train and educate well-rounded Marine Air Ground-Task Force logisticians. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

KINGS BAY, Ga. (Sept. 1, 2022) Adm. Charles "Chas" Richard (right), commander of U.S. Strategic Command, pins the submarine warfare device, commonly referred as dolphins, on Fire Control Technician Seaman Martin Halfmann, aboard the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) Gold Crew, at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, during his visit to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. The base is home to all east coast Ohio-class submarines. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen (Released)

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (August 29, 2022) - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday shakes hands with Naval Ocean Processing Facility Dam Neck Executive Officer Cmdr. Caleb Cramer during a visit to Naval Air Station Oceana. During his tour to NAS Oceana, Gilday met with senior leadership and toured local facilities.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Sean Greenleaf, outgoing sergeant major, Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), renders a salute during the HMX-1 Relief and Appointment and Retirement Ceremony at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 13, 2022. A relief and appointment ceremony signifies a formal transfer of responsibility from the unit's senior enlisted advisor to another.

220619-N-PW480-0029 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (June 19, 2022) - Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) staff members examine the uniform of an NROTC NSI midshipman candidate during a uniform inspection at Recruit Training Command (RTC), June 19. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and enlisted Sailo

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Trevor J. Felter, commanding officer of Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542, speaks during a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022. In accordance with Force Design 2030, VMA-542 transitioned from the AV-8B Harrier II jet to the F-35B Lightning II fighter jet and redesignated as a Marine fighter-attack squadron. VMA-542 was a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. George Markert, chief of staff with 2nd Marine Logistics Group, shakes hands with Lance Cpl. Ryan Andrews, an automotive maintenance technician with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, after he receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal at the II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) Innovation Campus during its grand opening on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 1, 2022. The II MEF Innovation Campus is used to develop planning, cross-functional team building, creative problem-solving techniques, agile methodologies, idea generation frameworks, and 365/24/7 collaboration on a global scale in physical and virtual environments to maximize idea sharing, cross-domain collaboration, communication, and connectivity. (U.S. Marine Corps video created by Lance Cpl. Jessica J. Mazzamuto)

U.S. Navy hospital corpsman 3rd class Gavin Knowles, a platoon corpsmen, draws blood from U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan Weeter an Infantry Marine, both with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, during a blood transfusion exercise aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 14, 2022. The blood transfusion exercise was designed to hone lifesaving skills and techniques. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kyle Ellison, Deputy Commanding General, III Marine Expeditionary Force, receives the Japanese Defense Cooperation Award from Japanese Maj. Gen. Shingo Nashinoki, Commanding General, Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 8, 2022. The Defense Cooperation Award is the highest award a non-Japanese service member can receive from the JGSDF. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Natalie Greenwood)

U.S. Marine Corp Lance Cpl. Cristian Floresardon with Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, receives a Certificate of Commendation aboard the amphibious landing docking ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), April 24, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group with embarked 22nd MEU are on a scheduled deployment under command and control of Task Force 6 1/2 while operating in U.S. 6th Fleet in support of U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (April 12, 2022) Seaman Reuben Laquindanum, from San Diego, discusses career field options with Master Chief Avionics Technician Ryan Corcoran, an enlisted community manager for aviation ratings, during a Professional Apprenticeship Career Tracks (PACT) Fleet Engagement Team event onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. The Navy Personnel Command Fleet Engagement Team met with PACT Sailors forward-deployed to the 7th Fleet to provide career counseling, designate ratings and negotiate orders on site.

220330-N-KG461-1029Kings Bay, Ga. (March 30, 2022) Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley, commanding general of Marine Forces Command, talks with Marines in the courtyard of Marine Corps Security Force Battalion barracks. Langley visited Kings Bay to meet with Marines and Sailors assigned to the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Arturo Ochoa, right, a heavy equipment operator, and Lance Cpl. Jeferson HernandezEscobar, left, a motor transport operator, both with 3rd Marine Logistics Group, observe the United States Naval Ship Dahl (T-AKR 312) during exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at White Beach Naval Base, on Sept. 22, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve in support of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, discuss parachute operations with Brazilian Marines after talking over flight procedures in São Pedro da Aldeia, Brazil, during exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 4, 2022. U.S. Marines and Brazilian Marines used this time to convey communication procedures and safety actions before flights began. UNITAS develops and sustains relationships that improve the capacity of our reemerging and enduring maritime partners to achieve common objectives. Additionally, the military-to-military exchanges foster friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding among participating Navies and Marine Corps.

Recruits with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, conduct their table one pre-qualification on Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot Parris Island, S.C., Dec. 1, 2022. Table one consists of shooting from the 200, 300, and 500 yard lines in a variety of positions to measure marksmanship proficiency.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. David S. Rainey, commanding officer, Security Battalion, briefs Marines with Headquarters Company and Service Company at Butler Stadium, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 25, 2022. This is the first battalion-wide formation held by Security Battalion since the Covid-19 pandemic began and was held to brief future events regarding the battalion.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Robert Adams, left, Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Bravo Company 1st Sgt., and Maj. Scott Siska, right, company commander, MWCS-18, Bravo Co, unfurl the company colors during the MWCS-18, Bravo Co activation ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 1, 2022. The company activated in accordance with the Marine Corps progression towards Force Design 2030.

220705-N-XL376-1060 PEARL HARBOR (July 7, 2022) - U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jeremiah Daley (right) speaks to Republic of Korea Navy Sailors aboard the medium unmanned surface vessel Sea Hawk during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, July, 7. Unmanned and remotely operated vessels extend the capability of interconnected manned platform sensors to enhance the warfighting capacity of multinational joint task forces. 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 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jayvon Weakly, a motor vehicle operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 4, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, applies a tourniquet to a simulated casualty during Tactical Combat Casualty Care training on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 15, 2022. Weakly, a native of Layton, Utah, enlisted out of Recruiting Substation South Agden, Tenessee, in 2021. Marines with CLB-4 conducted TCCC training and a live-fire M240B medium machine gun range to foster combat skills and enhance force readiness.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard M. Martin, left, the commanding officer of III MEF Information Group, exchanges information with observers of the tsunami evacuation drill during Exercise Constant Vigilance 2022 on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 18, 2022. The annual drill was held to convey the readiness and capabilities of various installations and first responders in the event of an emergency. CV22 is a Force Protection Condition and crisis response evaluation to validate regional installations, camps, and tenant antiterrorism plans and policies.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Dalmon Moseley, a canvassing recruiter for Recruiting Substation Arlington, stands at attention during an award ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas, Aug. 18, 2022. U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jamie Self, Staff Sgt. Dylan Greene, and Moseley each earned a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for saving the life of a man wounded in a shooting in Arlington, Texas, Feb. 5, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel, left, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune speaks with U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. David W. Maxwell, middle, commander, Marine Corps Installations Command, Assistant Deputy Commandant, Installations and Logistics (Facilities), during a scheduled visit on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 4, 2022. Maxwell visited MCB Camp Lejeune to receive updates on Hurricane Florence recovery efforts, base infrastructure and tour installation housing.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Forrest C. Poole III, the outgoing commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, gives a speech during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 8, 2022. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams assumed command of 2nd Marine Logistics Group from Brig. Gen. Forrest C. Poole III.

PEARL HARBOR (July 11, 2022) U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force set up gear on a helicopter landing zone (HLZ) during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, at Ford Island, Hawaii, July 11, 2022. 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. ATC conducted Air Traffic Control and Meteorology and Oceanography support for the first time as an operational unit on the Hawaiian Islands.

KINGS BAY, Ga. (Sept. 1, 2022) Adm. Charles "Chas" Richard, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, recites the oath of office while conducting Lt. j.g. John Kilbane promotion to lieutenant aboard the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) Gold Crew, at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. The base is home to all east coast Ohio-class submarines. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen (Released)

Lt. Col. Michael R. Sandstrom, former Commanding Officer of the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, reliquishes command to Lt. Col. Gregg F. Curley in a change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., July 1, 2022. The 3rd Recruit Training Battalion is a part of the Recruit Training Regiment and houses the companies of India, Kilo, Lima, and Mike.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Janie Aguilar shakes hands with Marines with 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit after her promotion ceremony during KAMANDAG 6 aboard Marine Base Rudolfo Punsalang, Palawan, Philippines Oct. 1, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Josh Ingram, the foreign humanitarian aid mission commander with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, gives a mission brief during a FHA exercsie on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Dec. 5, 2022. FHA training affords Marines the opportunity to prepare for emergency situations in which they may be called upon to provide support to a foreign nation after a natural disaster. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a ready and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premier crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Daniel J. Clark, the operations chief of 2d Marine Regiment, congratulates a Marine with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, during an Annual Rifle Squad Competition award ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 23, 2022. The Marines were awarded for finishing first in the Annual Rifle Squad Competition while deployed to Okinawa, Japan.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Freddie F. Martinez, commanding officer of 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental), and Sgt. Maj. Shelby Smith, offgoing sergeant major, embrace during a relief and appointment ceremony at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 4, 2022. 3rd Maintenance Battalion conducted a relief and appointment ceremony to relieve Sgt. Maj. Shelby Smith. 1st Sgt. Marc Mangio was appointed to temporarily serve as the acting sergeant major.

The Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band performs at the Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz Reactivation and Naming Ceremony at Asan Beach, Guam, Jan. 26, 2023. The Reactivation and Naming Ceremony officially recognized the activation and naming of Naval Support Activity, MCB Camp Blaz after Marine Barracks Guam was deactivated on Nov. 10, 1992. The base is currently under construction and is named after the late Brig. Gen. Vicente Ben Thomas Garrido Blaz, the first CHamoru Marine to attain the rank of general officer. MCB Camp Blaz will play an essential role in strengthening the Department of Defenses ability to deter and defend while securing a Marine Corps posture in the Indo-Pacific region that is geographically distributed and operationally resilient.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Joseph Bishop, an Austin, Texas, native and infantry officer with 2d Marine Division, prepares a brief during the Division Leader Assessment Program 4-22 on Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, Sept. 14, 2022. The assessment program provides Marines with learning and mentorship opportunities, which helps train and develop Marines that demonstrate an apex level of lethality, endurance and comprehensive warfighting ability.

U.S. Navy Ensign Brianna Curley, a public affairs officer with Expeditionary Strike Group 3, speaks with cadets of the Philippine Army during a tour of Camp Agnew, Casigueran, Philippines in preparation for Balikatan 23 on April 3, 2023. Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades shared experiences.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Christopher J. Adams, sergeant major, 4th Marine Division (MARDIV), Marine Forces Reserve, provides remarks prior to a live fire event as part of the 4th MARDIV Rifle Squad Competition on Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 30, 2023. The three-day event tested the Marines across a variety of infantry skills to determine the most combat effective rifle squad within the 4th MARDIV. MCB Camp Lejeune training facilities allow warfighters to be ready today and prepare for tomorrows fight.

U.S. Marines from Marine Light Attack helicopter Squadron 367 conduct a deactivation ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, April 22, 2022. HMLA-367s deactivation is in accordance with Force Design 2030 as the Marine Corps modernizes and continues to be a lethal fighting force.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Jacqueline Y. Townsel, sergeant major, Security Battalion, briefs Marines with Headquarters Company and Service Company at Butler Stadium, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 25, 2022. This is the first battalion-wide formation held by Security Battalion since the Covid-19 pandemic began and was held to brief future events regarding the battalion.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, stand in formation during the Commanding Generals Cup Awards Ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, Jan. 12, 2024. The CGs Cup is a sports tournament comprised of different sporting events designed to boost morale and foster esprit de corps.

U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, receive instruction during a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 15, 2023. MCMAP aims to strengthen the mental and moral resiliency of individual recruits and Marines through realistic combative training, warrior ethos studies and physical hardening.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 23, 2022) Sailors and civilian employees assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month during a ceremony hosted by CFAYs multicultural committee in the command auditorium. The event featured displays highlighting the contributions of Hispanic Americans throughout U.S. history and cultural dishes served to attendees. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleets forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Alford McMichael, (left), and General (GEN) Michael W. Hagee, (right), Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) listen to a briefing during a visit to range 10 at Fuel Pits LZ located on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan. GEN Hagee visited III Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) for the first time as the CMC. During his visit he will tour Marine bases located on Okinawa, Japan. Base: Camp Schwab Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: HQMC

220406-N-VQ947-1087 NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO (April 6, 2022) Sailors and Marines assigned to amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27) give a tour of the well deck to Marines from the Advanced Infantry Training Battalion School of Infantry (West) as part of their Enhanced Squad Leaders course, April 6, 2022. Portland is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock homeported in San Diego.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj Gen. Franc L. Donovan, commanding General of 2D Marine Division, observes operations during Littoral Exercise I (LEX I) in Parris Island, S.C., Jan. 26, 2022. During LEX I, Marines and Sailors aboard the Wichita and on various bases throughout the East Coast will be conducting new types of training to prepare for future scenarios in littoral environments. They will be experimenting with new tactics and training with multi-domain reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance teams in accordance with Force Design 2030.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Bolin Jr.)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jonathon N. Sims, 12th Marines Commanding Officer, and Japan Self- Defense Force Col. Watanabe Koki, 2d Division Chief of Staff, Northern Army, pause for questions during the opening ceremony of Resolute Dragon 22 at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 1, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Keegan Bailey, a combat graphics specialist, right, receives his promotion warrant from Capt. Michael Curtis, a Communications Strategy Operations officer, both with Security Battalion, during his promotion ceremony to corporal on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Nov. 1, 2022. Promotion ceremonies are a significant achievement in a service members career and are a testament to their commitment, mastery of duties and skills, and leadership capabilities. Marines take on greater responsibilities as Non-Commissioned Officers after showing exemplary leadership skills. Bailey is a native of Friday Harbor, Washington and is a graduate of Friday Harbor High School on June 4, 2020.

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