← Military & Defence

Soldier Homecoming and Ceremonies

Photos of soldiers returning from deployment and military ceremonies, highlighting moments of honor, command changes, and the celebration of service.

POLAND Friday, February 9th 2023, HHC Brigade Archangels welcome CPT Grant Moyer as the new commander.We thank CPT Olivia Lynch for her for the time and energy and wish her all the best on her future endeavors!(
POLAND Friday, February 9th 2023, HHC Brigade Archangels welcome CPT Grant Moyer as the new commander.We thank CPT Olivia Lynch for her for the time and energy and wish her all the best on her future endeavors!(
260 assets in this story
6145-52250007
070205-A-1474P-021. Base: Forward Operating Base Rustamiya State: Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)
6145-54107613
Members from the Vermont Air National Guards 158th Fighter Wing arrive at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, April 29, 2022. The 158th FW will continue NATOs Enhanced Air Policing mission along the Eastern flank.
6145-54121256
Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune corpsmen and staff recognized National Stop The Bleed Day on May 19, 2022. Employees, patients and visitors stopped by the Stop The Bleed booth to learn life-saving techniques such as applying a tourniquet. Stop The Bleed is a national effort to bring knowledge of bleeding control to the public. NMCCL, along with partners such as Onslow County Emergency Medical Services, have helped teach thousands of people in North Carolina to "stop the bleed."
6145-54093607
U.S. Army Sergeants assigned to 207th Military Intelligence Brigade, recite the Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Creed during the NCO Induction ceremony at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, April 08, 2022. The creed outlines a set of beliefs on which every sergeant bases his leadership.
6145-58887296
Command Sgt. Maj. Kirk R. Coley, Aviation branch command sergeant major, mingles with Fort Novosel personnel during the post's New Year's Reception Jan. 12, 2024.
6145-50612189
Waterborne Soldiers state oath
6145-58912965
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers assigned to various units in the Chicagoland area pose for a photo with U.S. Army Command Sgt. Major David Oduroboafo, command sergeant major for the 9th Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve Careers Group, far right, after the oath of enlistment ceremony during the Chicago Auto Show at the McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago, on Feb. 13, 2024. Army Reserve by Maj. Shamika Hill)
6145-52247577
061023-N-8623S-004. Base: Manama Country: Bahrain (BHR)
6145-55871723
STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Mississippi - Aerographer's Mates (AGs) and others gather together to celebrate the birthday of the AG rate in the Naval Oceanography Library at Stennis Space Center. 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.
6145-55166841
(From left to right) Col. Ryan Keeney, 49th Wing commander, presents the 1st place trophy to weapons loaders from the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Unit during the 2021 4th quarter load competition awards ceremony, Jan. 28, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Twelve Airmen from the 311th AMU, 314th AMU, 29th AMU and 9th AMU competed to see who could load munitions onto their respective aircraft the quickest and with the most accuracy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Adrian Salazar)
6145-55166608
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Rueschhoff, 56th Fighter Wing commander, swears in new U.S. Air Force and Space Force recruits at the 2022 Tower Challenge, Sept. 9, 2022, at Gila River Arena, Glendale, Arizona. The Oath of Enlistment is a traditional pledge of service given to applicants by a presiding officer.
6145-51908543
The North Carolina National Guard holds a deployment ceremony for the 112th Financial Management Support Detachment of the 113th Sustainment Brigade at the NCNG armory in Siler City, N.C., Dec. 4, 2022. The nearly 25 Soldiers will deploy for Operation Inherent Resolve.
6145-54251602
CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI (Oct. 13, 2022) Sailors and other military personnel deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ) bow their heads during the invocation for a celebration ceremony held in the 11 Degrees North event building in honor of the Navys 247th Birthday, Oct. 13, 2022. The theme for this years birthday celebration was "On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years."
6145-54235836
The 2022 Minnesota National Guard Women's Leadership Forum was held at General Mills headquarters in Golden Valley, Sept. 17, 2022. Throughout the day, Minnesota National Guard service members participated in professional development, education and mentorship."A priority for the Minnesota National Guard is partnerships," said Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard. "And General Mills' support demonstrates our shared partnership and the depth of our shared partnership and common goal of diversity and inclusion and the desire to really lift women up." (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)
6145-58914429
The Philip A. Connelly Award for Excellence in Food Service aims to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of the Army food program. This award encourages food service providers to meet high standards in the culinary arts and recognizes their commitment to providing healthy and nutritious food service excellence to Army units.
6145-55967946
Paratroopers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division don their parachutes and secure equipment prior to loading C-17 for Operation Falcon Blitz on Fort Bragg, NC, Jan. 27, 2023. Paratroopers will conduct an airborne operation in order to enhance brigade readiness and lethality.
6145-58887741
U.S. Army Soldiers of the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, rise for the arrival of the official party at the 44th IBCTs farewell ceremony at the Cure Insurance Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, Jan. 14, 2024. More than 1,500 NJARNG Soldiers will deploy in support of U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - ISIS - in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks. It is the largest deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers since 2008. (New Jersey National Guard
6145-54143690
220515-N-LY160-1007 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.
6145-51907278
Major Lance Sellon, gives the invocation during a change of command ceremony Sept 11, 2022, Camp Blanding Joint Training Center.
6145-54094087
U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers with the 99th Readiness Division dance and applaud to the performance during the battle of the bands event at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, April 9, 2022. The musicians are reserve Soldiers, who showcase their talent in varying genres of music, including jazz, show tunes, patriotic music, and salsa, to enhance and fortify unit cohesion, readiness, and morale.
6145-58891203
U.S. Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Craig Hyson, principal enlisted advisor for the 7th Mission Support Command provides remarks during his relinquishment of responsibility ceremony, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at Kleber Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Hyson thanked the Soldiers, civilians, and families of the 7th MSC for welcoming him into the unit three years ago, as he assumed responsibility as the principal enlisted advisor.
6145-54188990
Three retired generals and a retired chief master sergeant, meet with U.S. Air Force aircraft maintenance Airmen at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, July 28, 2022. They were visiting as part of the Air and Space Forces Association Legends Tour commemorating the Air Forces 75th anniversary.
6145-55893978
NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup Poland Soldiers with the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-8 CAV) alongside the Romanian Army Transylvanian Gepards Battery, British Army Black Dragons Troop attended the Teachers Appreciation Day at the Primary School General Jozef Bem in Bemowo Piskie on Oct 12, 2022. The 3-8 Cavalry Regiment is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.
6145-55907681
The 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters company, Wisconsin Army National Guard, conducted a change-of-responsibility ceremony, October 15, 2022 at its headquarters company at Camp Douglas, WI. During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Walter R. Smithson relinquished responsibility of the headquarters company to 1st Sgt. Keith T. Graeme. (32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team photo by Staff Sgt. Kati Volkman/Released)
6145-58887716
U.S. Army Soldiers of the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, march in during the 44th IBCTs farewell ceremony at the Cure Insurance Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, Jan. 14, 2024. More than 1,500 NJARNG Soldiers will deploy in support of U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - ISIS - in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks. It is the largest deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers since 2008. (New Jersey National Guard
6145-54112374
Tough Ombres from the 910 Quartermaster Company out of Ardmore, Oklahoma arrived at Fort Irwin, California today for an upcoming rotation in the box at the National Training Center. The 910 is providing petroleum support to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Hood, Texas. 90th Sustainment Brigade Commander, Col. Steve Pazak, joined the troops shortly after arriving at Fort Irwin. He encouraged them to get everything they could out of annual training and asked them to look after each other during the rotation. He challenged the units leadership Capt. Stephan Jackson, Commander, and 1st Sgt. John freeman to watch over the team and ensure they are spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially fit.
6145-54228567
NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 13, 2022) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) James Honea speaks with Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (CNSL) staff chief petty officer selectees at CNSL headquarters, Sept. 13. Honea is conducting his first fleet engagement to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development and quality of life.
6145-54096567
Col. Jason Gingrich, 39th Air Base Wing commander, speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony before officially opening the 39th Security Forces Squadrons new military working dog obedience course at Incirlik Air Base, April 13, 2022. The new obedience course is more than twice as large as the previous one with nearly double the obstacles. In addition to the extra space, the new course features artificial grass and concrete obstacles, which increases the lifespan of the facility and reduces cleaning time for MWD handlers. The new course is made in accordance with the Military Working Dog Green Kennel Initiative and is expected to help save $2.3 million annually in landscaping and irrigation costs.
6145-54251607
CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI (Oct. 13, 2022) U.S. Navy Cmdr. Justin Hane, executive officer, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ), gives remarks during a celebration ceremony held in CLDJs 11 Degrees North event building in honor of the Navys 247th Birthday, Oct. 13, 2022. The theme for this years birthday celebration was "On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years."
6145-58879348
WORCESTER, Mass -During a large ceremony at the DCU Center, here Families, Friends, and leaders gathered on January 23, 2024, to send off the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment before their deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Speakers at the ceremony included Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, and Lt. Col. Alex Hampton, commander of the 1-181st Infantry Battalion. During the ceremony, Hampton and Command Sgt. Maj. Sean P. Fitzgerald, Command Sergeant Major of the 1-181st Infantry Battalion cased the battalion colors while they are deployed under the command of U.S. Central Command, upon returning home, the unit will uncase their colors.
6145-55154071
Spc. Spencer Gull, a Garnavillo, Iowa, native and cavalry scout with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, Iowa Army National Guard, assists an instructor with a sling load operation demonstration during a Pathfinder course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Aug. 26, 2022. Cadre assigned to the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center in Fort Benning, Georgia, are covering aero-medical evacuations, close combat assaults, ground-to-air communication procedures and more during the course.
6145-54263294
U.S. Air Force Col. Allison Black, 1st Special Operations Wing commander, speaks during a 9/11 memorial ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Sept. 9, 2022. The ceremony honored the victims of 9/11, including the hundreds of first responders who lost their lives while responding to the attack.
6145-58900004
Chief of Staff of the Army, General Randy George and MG Eubank NETCOM Commanding General at the Cove of Remembrance at NETCOM headquarters
6145-54250628
Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer, speaks with Marines from Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, in the 22 Area on MCAS Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 12, 2022. Meyer, an ambassador for Hiring Our Heroes, spoke to Marines about the importance of utilizing all available resources when transitioning out of the Marine Corps. He also took the time to answer any questions about his experiences in the Marine Corps, his transition, and the Medal of Honor award.
6145-54262473
Airmen from the 501st Combat Support Wing pose for a group photo following the national anthem at Wembley Stadium, in London, England, Oct. 30, 2022. Approximately 70 uniformed personnel represented the U.S. Air Force and nation by unveiling an American flag during the pre-game ceremonies of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos NFL game.
6145-30250275
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell of the U.S. Presidential Delegation greets servicemembers returning from Afghanistan at Shannon Airport in Ireland on July 7, 2011.
6145-58884738
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jo Besse, a C-17 Globemaster III load master with the 535th Airlift Squadron, 15th Wing, briefs U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 8, 2024. The Marines were given the opportunity to tour a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, talk with the load masters, and watch static loading of Marine Corps rolling stock. Besse is a native of Hawaii.
6145-54125190
Seventy-five U.S. Army Sergeants recite the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) during an NCO Induction Ceremony at Fort Rucker, Ala., May 24, 2022. The creed outlines a set of beliefs on which every sergeant bases his leadership.
6145-52225120
041214-M-0173F-029. Base: Camp Ar Ramadi State: Ar Ramadi Country: Iraq (IRQ)
6145-58880139
Gen. Randy George, Army Chief of Staff, promotes Maj. Gen. Mary K. Izaguirre to lieutenant general in a ceremony on Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston Jan 25.
6145-55904132
Fort Jackson community members enjoy a lunch at the NCO Club during the Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon Sept. 29.
6145-54214941
U.S. Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 28th Infantry Division, and their families are honored during a deployment ceremony at Zembo Shrine Auditorium. These Soldiers are deploying to the Middle East for a year in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
6145-54118243
A Chaplain serving aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, center, leads sailors and staff of Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point in a prayer during a Blessing of the Hands ceremony held Wednesday, May 11. The ceremony included prayer and anointing of a caregivers hands with oil.
6145-44392408
U.S. Army Capt. John Barkemeyer, a chaplain, conducts mass for Soldiers on a remote contingency operating base in Ramadi, Iraq, Sept. 20, 2007.
6145-52169861
010912-F-1845T-010. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF
6145-54216198
From left: Maj. Gen. Jeffery Broadwater, deputy commander, V Corps, Maj. General Iulian Berdilă, the Chief of the Romanian Land Forces, Raisa Dobrescu, aide de camp for the Chief of the Romanian Land Forces, and Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Harris, command sergeant major, V Corps, pose in front of V Corps headquarters in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Oct. 13, 2022. During his visit, Berdilă briefed leaders, met with Soldiers and presented awards to Victory Corps personnel for their contributions to the strategic American-Romanian partnerships.
6145-58883022
U.S. Soldiers and senior leaders applaud as U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Walter E. Piatt, center, the director of the U.S. Army Staff, accompanied by his wife, Cynthia, departs the Pentagon for the last time during a clap-out ceremony in his honor, in Arlington, Va., Jan. 5, 2024.
6145-52227768
050211-A-5560M-002. Base: Fort Buchanan, San Juan State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: SOUTHEAST
6145-54110184
Tom Udall, U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand, addresses members from the 353rd Special Operations Wing and the Royal New Zealand Air Forces 40 Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland at the beginning of exercise Teak Net 22, May 3, 2022. Udall visited to welcome U.S. forces and thank RNZAF for hosting their visit to New Zealand.
6145-51862334
U.S. Air Force Capt. Roger Tremblay, Flight Commander, 690th Cyberspace Control Squadron, 688 CW/A35P, Future Operations- Plans Branch and U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Francesca Gelet, Intelligence Officer of the 688th Cyberspace Wing A2 addressed 22 Texas Christian Academy Air Force ROTC Detachment 845Cadets April 8, 2022 at the Gateway Club, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The Wingmen provided an in-depth look into the 688th Cyberspace Wing mission in enabling the Air Forces core missions. The officers discussed what to expect in the Air Force after commissioning. Gelet discussed her career path and role as an Air Force Intelligence Officer. Tremblay talked about his career as a Cyber Officer. U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Emily Norat, flight commander for deployment distribution, and 2nd Lt. Lauren Johnson, flight commander for fuels of the 502nd Logistics Readiness Squadron and Maj. Eric Gazola, assistant director operations for the 35th Intelligence Squadron also provided per
6145-48912202
More than 200 members of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team returned to Oklahoma on March 22, 2012, after spending more than eight months in Afghanistan.
6145-52209677
040304-F-1646R-001. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)
6145-52217834
040731-M-4419R-098. Base: Fob Blue Diamond State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)
6145-54424076
DA-SC-88-02790. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
6145-58883390
Col. Badr Al Hammadi, United Arab Emirates 11th Mountain Battalion Commander, speaks to UAE Land Forces troops upon their arrival to Fort Johnson, Louisiana, Jan. 6, 2024, to participate in Joint Readiness Training Center rotation 24-03. JRTC and Fort Johnson train Brigade Combat Teams to conduct large scale operations on a decisive action battlefield against a near-peer threat with multi-domain capabilities. JRTC and the Combat Training Center platform continue to evolve in order to challenge Soldiers, Leaders, and IBCTs in the most realistic, demanding, rigorous battlefield environment. Last year, UAE became the first partner from the CENTCOM region to have a company level unit participate in a training rotation. This year, UAE returned to conduct air-assault operations alongside the 101st Airborne Division, premier air-assault force in the world.
6145-52228680
050406-M-6717G-040. Base: Camp Al Taqaddum State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: MWSS 371
6145-52199479
030502-F-9796L-004. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
6145-54170549
Members of the 204th Army Band play music June 14, 2022, at McCoys Community Center as part of the Army Birthday Celebration at Fort McCoy, Wis. The breakfast was part of many events coordinated by the Fort McCoy Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to commemorate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Army at Fort McCoy. The day also included a birthday breakfast, a 5k run and walk, free car washes, and more.
6145-54226370
GREAT LAKES, Il. (Dec. 9, 2022) Fleet and Family Support Center hosted a Gold Star family tree ceremony at the Great Lakes Burkey Mall Navy Exchange. 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.
1848-50940054
US Armed Forces Recruitment Station, Times Square, Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York State, USA, North America