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Images of Military Life & Training U.S. Army 1st Lt. Andrew McKinley crawls through a muddy obstacle as he and his team of officers complete a testing course during Prop Blast, a traditional team-building event that welcomes new officers to the division on Fort Bragg, N.C., April 8, 2011. McKinley is a logistics officer assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod A U.S. Army officer throws a dummy grenade at an enemy position during a team-building exercise that is part of a Prop Blast, a traditional event that welcomes new officers to the division on Fort Bragg, N.C., April 8, 2011. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod WASHINGTON (March 31, 2011) The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band performs "The Star Spangled Banner" during opening day ceremonies at National's Park in Washington, D.C. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Musician Stephen Hassay/Released) A B-1B Lancer takes off in support Operation Odyssey Dawn from Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., March 27, 2011. This mission marked the first time the B-1 fleet has launched combat sorties from the continental United States to strike targets overseas. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marc I. Lane) U.S. Navy 2nd Class Bret Pembleton greets his son upon returning after a six-month deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, San Diego, March 19, 2011. The crew is part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, which was deployed to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. Pembleton is an air crewman assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Benjamin Crossley. Sailors and members of the Applied Physics Laboratory Ice Station clear ice from the hatch of the USS Connecticut as it surfaces above the ice in the Arctic Ocean, March 19, 2011. The submarine and crew are participating in Ice Exercise 2011, which tests submarine operations in the Arctic. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien. U.S. Army Spc. Zacchaeus Hardrick, right, punches Air Force Staff Sgt. Gary Griffin during their boxing match on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 15, 2011. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Araceli Alarcon. U.S. Army Capt. Rachell Wehrle shadow boxes during her workout at the gym on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 15, 2011. Shadow boxing is a one-person training exercise that simulates an actual boxing match. Wehrie was selected for the All-Army Boxing program, which hones boxing skills to enable soldiers to compete with the best in the Army. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean M. Worrell.
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jamaal Kennebrew grades a soldier's pushups during an Army physical fitness test on Fort Bragg, N.C., Jan. 31, 2011. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod. U.S. Army Sgt. Tracey Long, right, grades a candidate during a scenario-based test on Fort Bragg, N.C., Feb. 1, 2011. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod. OTARU, Japan (Feb. 8, 2011) Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) shovel snow during a community service project at Wako Gakuen School. Fitzgerald is forward deployed to Yokosuka as part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and U.S. 7th Fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos/Released) Senior Airman Anthony Elizondo, a 647th Security Forces Squadron Airman from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, low crawls under barbed wire as part of an obstacle course Feb. 1, 2011, in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Sixteen security forces members are trying out to attend a two-week Army Air Assault Course beginning May 5, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Carolyn Viss) Two Coast Guard 47-foot lifeboat crews maneuver in the surf during a class at Umpqua River near Winchester Bay, Ore., Jan. 18, 2011. This class gives boat drivers the opportunity to practice and maintain their skills in the heavy surf conditions notorious to the Pacific Northwest. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn Eggert. U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jeffery Laubaugh, left, administers the oath of enlistment to Chief Petty Officer Jared Pringle during an underwater re-enlistment ceremony in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Jan. 14, 2011. Pringle is an intelligence specialist. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Matthew Gray. U.S. Navy Seaman Jeremy Stokes paints the sign for the Seabee compound on a bulldozer blade in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Jan. 11, 2010. Stokes designed the sign to represent both the history and tradition of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28, and the culture and nature of Guantanamo Bay. Stokes is a chief builder. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Lori Roberts. Falcons team captain and senior guard Raimee Beck breaks away from Brigham Young University's Kim Parker Jan. 8, 2011, at the Air Force Academy's Clune Arena in Colorado Springs, Colo. Beck went on to score 13 points even though the Cougars defeated the Falcons 88-60. (U.S. Air Force photo/Megan Davis) SILVERDALE, Wash. (Dec. 1, 2010) Pfc. Eric Tanis, assigned to Marine Corps Security Force Battalion (MCSFBn) puts toys in a collection box to support the Marine Toys for Tots foundation. The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys from October to December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Maebel Y. Tinoko/Released) BOHINJSKA BELA, Slovenia -- Soldiers with U.S. Army Europe's 172nd Infantry Brigade set off on a long march back to their barracks during training at the Slovenian Armed Forces Mountain Training Center here Dec 2, soldiers from the 172nd are participating in a weeklong mountain warfare training program at the school. Photo by Sgt Joel Salgado. Air Force running back Asher Clark runs left during the Falcons' match against the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Nov. 18, 2010, in Las Vegas. Clark had 14 rushes and 82 yards, which puts him over 1,000 yards for the season. The Falcons defeated the Rebels 35-20 in their final regular-season game, improving their record to 8-4. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Michael R. Holzworth) Lt. Col. Val Baker rounds the second barrel during the timed barrel racing competition at the Professional Armed Forces Rodeo Associations World Finals Nov. 20, 2010, in Glen Rose, Texas. Colonel Baker is stationed at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., and earned first place in the Woman's All-Around winning top honors in the rodeo while competing in five events. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Jack Braden) U.S. Coast Guardmen 3rd Class Cadet Erin Talbot practices in the swimming pool at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., Nov. 17, 2010. Talbot is on the Board of Trustees List, the most prestigious honor at the Coast Guard Academy, and is among the top 1 percent in the rankings of the more than 1,000 cadets at the academy. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class NyxoLyno Cangemi. IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2010) Sailors assigned to Naval Base Coronado receive complimentary food baskets and turkeys at the Naval Outlying Field Imperial Beach Commissary as part of the commissary's 8th annual Thanksgiving giveaway. More than 200 baskets were provided to service members by area vendors. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Michael Feddersen/Released) U.S. Navy Capt. Alton E. Ross Jr. receives a soaking down as he returns to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln after an in-flight change of command ceremony in which he was relieved by Navy Capt. John Eden as the commander of Carrier Air Wing 2 in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 7, 2010. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lex T. Wenberg. Members of Class 284 participate in Hell Week at the Naval Special Warfare Center, Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, in San Diego, Aug. 13, 2010. DoD photo by Cherie Thurlby. An F-22 Raptor pitches out for landing while an F-15 Eagle flies the approach at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., July 16, 2010. The aircraft crews are assigned to the Air Force Weapons School, 433 Weapons Squadron, at Nellis. The school offers graduate-level courses that provide the world's most advanced training in weapons and tactics employment. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Kevin J. Gruenwald. A UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter makes a traffic pattern near Robert Gray Army Airfield on Fort Hood, Texas, July 21, 2010. Although the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade returned from Iraq just three months ago, they are already back to work and training for missions. The Black Hawk is a part of the 1st Cavalry Division's 1st Air Cavalry Brigade. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Travis Zielinski. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Daniel Teriele feeds a soy biscuit to a giraffe after a day of volunteering at the Audobon Zoo, New Orleans, July 12, 2010. Teriele is a finance technician assigned to the Mobilization Command, Marine Forces Reserve. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lucas Vega. An Air Force Basic Military Training trainee completes an obstacle course on Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, June 30, 2010. The confidence course tests a trainee's strength, endurance and willpower. U.S. Air Force photo by Robbin Cresswell.
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Meagan Ritacco runs the 2.5-mile trail during Eglin's 11th annual My First Tri June 19. She finished the event in first place, overall female alumni. There were 337 athletes in the event and 181 of them participated for the first time. Each individual completed a 200-meter swim, an 8-mile bike ride and a 2.5 mile run. Everyone received a medal and all results are listed on www.eventtiming.com. (Air Force photo/Chrissy Cuttita) U.S. Army soldiers do some flutter kicks in a mud puddle after a vehicle recovery exercise on Camp Atterbury, Ind., June 19, 2010. The soldiers are assigned to the 438th Chemical Company, 81st Troop Command, Indiana Army National Guard. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joseph Rivera Rebolledo. ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 28, 2010) Newly commissioned officers from the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2010 celebrate the conclusion of their graduation and commissioning ceremony with the traditional hat toss at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. The Class of 2010 graduated 755 ensigns and 257 Marine Corps 2nd lieutenants. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst/Released) ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 28, 2010) A Marine Corps graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2010 celebrates after receiving her diploma during the 2010 graduation and commissioning ceremony. The Class of 2010 graduated 755 ensigns and 257 Marine Corps 2nd lieutenants at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad Runge/Released) Cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy celebrate during their commencement ceremonies at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 26, 2010. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz greets Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the academy's commencement ceremonies at Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 26, 2010. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley. ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Feb. 26, 2010) Midshipman 2nd Class Robyn Wegele, left, and Midshipman 3rd Class Miriam Feild compete in the 69th annual U.S. Naval Academy Brigade Boxing Championships. The bouts showcase midshipmen boxers, each performing in 3-round matches within their weight class. The winners of each class will go on to a regional competition in order to qualify for the National Collegiate Boxing Championships held each spring. (U.s. Navy photo by Midshipman 4th Class Dominic Montez/Released) Students from the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL class 281 participate in a rock portage exercise on Coronado Island, Calif., Feb. 23, 2010. Rock portage is one of many physically demanding evolutions included in the first phase of training. Navy SEALs are the maritime component of U.S. Special Forces and are trained to conduct a variety of operations from the sea, air and land. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle D. Gahlau. U.S. Air Force Academy freshman Britany Calley performs on the balance beam during the home tri-meet against Southeast Missouri State University and Seattle-Pacific University in the U.S. Air Force Academy's Cadet Gym, Feb. 20, 2010. The Air Force team placed second to Southeast Missouri in the team competition with a score of 188.00. U.S. Air Force photo by J. Rachel Spencer. U.S. Marines train to operate in medium - to high-altitudes, and severe weather and terrain conditions at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Feb. 22, 2010. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Sergio Jimenez. U.S. Army Sgt. Jeremy Teela shoots to a ninth-place finish in the Olympic men's 10-kilometer sprint at Whistler Olympic Park in British Columbia, Canada, Feb. 14, 2010. U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps. U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program biathlete Sgt. Jeremy Teela, far right, shoots a perfect 10 for 10 from the prone position on his way to a 24th-place finish in the OIympic men's 12.5-km pursuit at Whistler Olympic Park in British Columbia, Canada, Feb. 14, 2010. U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps. ANNAPOLIS, Md. (February 11, 2010) U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen lend a hand by shoveling sidewalks and helping stranded motorists in the streets surrounding the campus. According to the National Weather Service, the greater Washington D.C. area accumulated approximately 60 inches of snow in the course of less than one week. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Dennis Herring/Released) MCMURDO STATION, Antarctica (Feb. 9, 2010) Cmdr. Scott Shackleton, a Military Sealift Command cargo officer, is at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, to oversee the offload of two Military Sealift Command ships, the tanker USNS Paul Buck (T-AOT 1122) and the chartered dry cargo ship MV American Tern (T-AK 4729). Shackleton is a distant relative of the famous Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who never reached the pole despite three attempts. Each year, Military Sealift Command ships deliver 100 percent of the fuel and about 70 percent of the dry cargo needed to sustain personnel at the Antarctic scientific research post, on McMurdo Station, Antarctica, for an entire calendar year. (U.S. Navy photo/Released) Jamie Anderson holds a candle for her daughter, Solana, 4, as her grandmother, Jo Ellen Freleigh, of New York, protects her candle from the wind at Fort Hood, Texas. About 300 people attended a candlelight prayer vigil Nov. 6, 2009, at Hood Stadium to honor those who were killed and wounded Nov. 5, 2009, when a lone gunman opened fire in the Soldier Readiness Processing Center on post. U.S. Army photo by Michael Heckman. Army Chaplain (Col.) Mike Lembke, III Corps, plays guitar, leading mourners in song during a candlelight vigil Nov. 6, 2009, to commemorate soldiers and civilians killed and wounded Nov. 5, 2009, by a lone gunman inside and near the Soldier Readiness Processing Center at Fort Hood, Texas. U.S. Army photo by Michael Heckman. U.S. Army Col. Chris Gibson presents a medal to 1st Sgt. Joshua Carswell during a ceremony inducting Carswell into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, Fort Bragg, N.C., Aug. 7, 2009. The club, named after the Army's most decorated soldier, is a prestigious organization made up of distinguished NCOs from all over the Army. Gibson is commander of the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team. Carswell is assigned to the division's Company B, 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Mike Pryor. NORFOLK, Va. (Aug. 8, 2009) Runners struggle through mud during the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creeks 9th annual Mud Run. The Mud Run is an 8 Kilometer event on the base surf, sand, mud and running trails. All proceeds from the race benefit the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads. (U.S. Navy photo by Robin Hicks/Released) U.S. Army Airborne School students wait for their final inspection before loading onto C-130 aircrafts for their third parachute jump on Fort Benning, Ga., July 21, 2009. The soldiers are assigned to the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment's Company B, 1st Battalion, Airborne. The students are in their final phase of parachute training. U.S. Army photo by Kristin Molinaro. Six Soldier-musicians from the Soldiers' Chorus performed songs from the "Mamma Mia!" movie soundtrack. Pictured, from left to right, are Sgt. Maj. Joan Mercer, Staff Sgt. Betsy Garcia, Staff Sgt. Pam Terry, Staff Sgt. Tracy Labrecque, Sgt. 1st Class Judith Norton and Master Sgt. Janet Hjelmgren. U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Nathaniel Spencer performs a high-altitude jump from the rear tailgate of a C-130 Hercules at Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Italy, June 23, 2009. Spencer is air operations leader for the Navy's explosive ordnance disposal team Mobile Unit 8.U.S. Army courtesy photo. Tiger Woods and U.S. Army Maj. Ken Dwyer, a wounded warrior, tee off on the first hole for the ceremonial first shot during the AT&T National Earl D. Woods Memorial Pro-Am at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. July 1, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class William Selby. U.S. Army Spc. Adrian Ghisoiu scores with a right uppercut during his 25-8 loss to Adon Ortiz of Sterling, Ill., in the 112-pound semifinals of the 2009 U.S. National Boxing Championships at theDenver Coliseum, Col., June 11, 2009. Ghisoiu is stationed on Fort Hood, Texas. Ghisoiu took fourth place in the tournament after U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program coach Basheer Abdullah stopped his bronze-medal bout against Michael Ruiz Jr. of Fresno, Calif., at 2:49 of the second round. U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps. U.S. Navy sailors dive in the Tennessee Aquarium saltwater tank during a Chattanooga Navy Week event. Chattanooga Navy Week is one of 21 Navy Weeks planned across America, Chattanooga, Tenn., June 8, 2009. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. The sailors are assigned to the Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 based in Little Creek, Va. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Ward. U.S. Army soldiers fire a 75mm Pack Howitzer as the Half Moon passes West Point during the Hudson River Quadricentennial in New York, June 7, 2009. The Half Moon, a replica of the ship that Henry Hudson sailed up the river that now bears his name, led a procession to retrace the explorer's voyage in 1609. U.S. Army photo by Master Sgt. Dean Welch. YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE (June 8, 2009) The Yokosuka Seahawks face off against the Yokohama Harbors during the U.S. Forces Japan-American Football league at Yokosuka Field. The Seahawks beat the Harbors 34-3. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jason A. Penny/Released) NEW YORK (May 20, 2009) The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) transits the Hudson River during the Parade of Ships as part of Fleet Week New York City 2009. Approximately 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsman will participate in the 22nd commemoration of Fleet Week New York. This event will provide the citizens of New York City and surrounding tri-state area an opportunity to meet service members and also see the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals/Released) ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 19, 2009) Staff Sgt. Michael S. Fogarty, from Holiday, Fla., dances with USO Liberty Bell dance troupe member Ali Bertash during a concert aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). Iwo Jima is en route to Fleet Week New York City 2009. This week-long event provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see first-hand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alison N. Nitti/Released) NEW ORLEANS (May 13, 2009) Drew Brees, quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, autographs an inert bomblet for Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Andrew Burk, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) New Orleans' weapons department, during a tour of the base Base. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shawn D. Graham/Released) At Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Senior Airman Chris Murray with the 100th Security Forces Squadron here slices through RAF Lakenheath's 48th SFS defense May 12 during a flag football game. The game was held as a part of "Police Week" events which is a week-long tribute to fallen officers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jerry Fleshman) ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 12, 2009) Midshipman 4th Class James Brigham conducts physical training along the shore of the Severn River during the Naval Academy Sea Trials. Based on the Navy's Battle Stations and the Marine Corps' Crucible, Sea Trials is the capstone training evolution for the Naval Academy freshmen class. The plebes navigate physical and mental challenges, ranging from obstacle courses, long-distance group runs, damage control scenarios, and water training. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tommy Gilligan/Released) Members of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Wings of Blue Parachute team maneuver their canopies toward successful landings in the Academy's cadet area in Colorado May 6. The team performed a demonstration jump during the afternoon meal formation in front of the entire cadet wing and Academy visitors. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dennis Rogers) WASHINGTON (May 1, 2009) Miss USA Kristen Dalton addresses a crowd of service members and their families during a Joint Service Motorcycle Safety Event at the Pentagon. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien/Released) Toby Keith performs for soldiers and families in Vicenza, Italy. This was the final concert in the America's Toughest USO Tour. Toby performed 17 shows in 10 days. April 30, 2009. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Willis Coley. NEWPORT, R.I. (Feb. 13, 2009) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West meets with Sailors from the Navy Band Northeast after the Change of Office and Retirement Ceremony for Command Master Chief James Ford. Ford was the Director for the Senior Enlisted Academy and was relieved by Master Chief Michael Anjola. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos/Released) YOKOSUKA, Japan (Feb. 12, 2009) Pro Football Hall of Fame member Franco Harris signs autographs and speaks with Sailors from the Yokosuka Seahawks, the base football team at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Harris, best known for the Immaculate Reception, which led the Pittsburgh Steelers past the Oakland Raiders in the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff game, spent the day talking football and expressing his gratitude to service members. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Barry Hirayama/Released) HEADY AFFAIR - U.S. and French troops hold a "scrum" formation during a rugby game on Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Jan. 15, 2009. Camp Lemonier is the hub of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, a unit that provides humanitarian relief, security and antiterrorism countermeasures to nations in the Horn of Africa region. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Zuccaro. BAHRAIN (Jan. 21, 2009) The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders perform for Sailors aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72). Vella Gulf is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky/Released) Members from the Eighth Coast Guard District Color Guard present colors during the playing of the National Anthem before the start of the R & L Carriers New Orleans Bowl held at the Superdome Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas M. Blue) Airmen assigned to Nellis and Creech air force bases in Nevada, support a huge American flag Dec. 20 during the singing of the national anthem at the Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Senior Airman Larry E. Reid Jr.) WASHINGTON (Dec. 20, 2008) WASHINGTON (Dec. 20, 2008) U.S Naval Academy slotback Shun White, left, (#26) takes the ball down the field during the inaugural EagleBank bowl college football game Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008 against Wake Forest University at R.F.K. Stadium in Washington. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Gates/Released) INDIAN OCEAN (Dec. 16, 2008) Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Joshua McMullen, from Anderson, S.C., jumps from the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) during a swim call. Vella Gulf is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason R. Zalasky/Released) Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin helps Santa pass out gifts during Operation Santa Claus 2008 Dec. 6 in Kivalina, Alaska. Operation Santa Claus, an Alaska National Guard community relations and support program, provides toys, books and school supplies for young people in communities across the state. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. Paizley Ramsey) (From left to right) Danny Kaleikini, Santa Claus, Carole Kai, Jake Shimabukuro, Anita Hall and Chris Vandercook say a few last words of gratitude to an audience of around 1,500 people during Na Mele o na Keiki, 'Music for the Children,' Dec. 10 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall. All of the entertainers, including American Idol star Jasmine Trias, donated their time perfoming for the Marine Corps Reserve's annual Toys for Tots campaign. Photo Date Taken: 12/11/2008. Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Cristina Noelia Gil. RECITING THE OATH - U.S. Army soldiers deployed in Baghdad, Iraq, recite the oath of enlistment, near the ring, as they re-enlist during the beginning of the World Wrestling Entertainment tour at Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq, Dec. 5, 2008. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ken Bergmann. PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 6, 2008) U.S. Naval Academy fullback Eric Kettani runs for a first down during the 109th playing of the Army-Navy football game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The Midshipmen extended their winning streak to seven with a 34-0 win over the Black Knights. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley/Released) Staff Sgt. Erin McPherson gets ready to high-five children at Knott's Berry Farm Nov. 15 near Los Angeles. Sergeant McPherson is a vocalist of the Air National Guard Band of The Southwest. The band is performing during Air Force Week-Los Angeles. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Desiree N. Palacios) John Rich, member of the country musical group, "Big and Rich," performs his song "The Man" during a Veterans Day ceremony held Nov. 11, 2008, at pier 86 in New York, home of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. The floating museum was renovated for two years before returning to New York. Marines and sailors from 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit were present to celebrate Veterans Day and support the reopening of the museum. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Brian Lewis.) Ed Hamill took the Air Force Reserve Biplane for a spin, a loop and much more during AirFest 2008 at Lackland Air Force Base's Kelly Field Annex, Texas on Oct. 31, 2008. The Blue Angels' F/A-18 Hornets are in the foreground. This image is copyrighted and is the property of Lance Cheung and is available only to members of the armed forces and military organizations. (Courtesy photo/Lance Cheung) Air Force Academy goalie Andrew Volkening looks to make one of his 52 saves in the series as Air Force defeated Bentley College 5-1 in an Atlantic Hockey Association game Oct. 31 at the Academy's Cadet Ice Arena in Colorado Springs, Colo. The next evening, the Academy skaters defeated Bentley 8-2, giving them a perfect 8-0 start, which ties a school record set in 1971-72. Air Force currently is ranked 14th in the nation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan) COIN TOSS - Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, flips a coin to see who get's the ball at the Army vs. Air Force football game at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., Nov. 1, 2008. The U.S. Air Force Academy "Falcons" defeated the U.S. Military Academy "Black Knights" 16-7. DoD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley. WAVE RIDER - U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Jefferey Easson rides a wave off of Point Mugu during the first Naval Base Ventura County Surf Contest, Oct. 25, 2008. Easson took first place honors in the military division. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Moriatis. A U.S. Marine spouse punches a martial arts pad during the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, Marine Special Operations Support Group Jane Wayne Day in front of the Goettge Field House on Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 24, 2008. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Richard Blumenstein. POINT MUGU, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2008) Friends and family of Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 wait for the arrival of a plane returning NMCB-3 Sailors to Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif. after a six-month deployment to the Middle East supporting the global war on terror. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ernesto Hernandez Fonte/Released) BUFFALO, N.Y. (Aug. 28, 2008) Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Dan Green sings the national anthem at Ralph Wilson Stadium, home of the Buffalo Bills, before an NFL preseason game during Buffalo Navy Week. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew L. Romano/Released) CLEVELAND, Ohio (Aug. 28, 2008) Navy Rock Band, Horizon, from Great Lakes, Ill., performs on the WJW-TV, FOX 8 Morning Show. The band is celebrating Cleveland Navy Week, one of 22 weeks planned across America in 2008. Navy Weeks were designed to increase awareness in metropolitan areas that do not have a significant Navy presence. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Gary Ward/Released) VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Aug. 22, 2008) Country singer Sara Evans performs to a capacity crowd at Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek. Part of the 2008 Navy Summer Concert Series, the concert was free and open to the general public. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mandy Hunsucker/Released) VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Aug. 22, 2008) Country singer Sara Evans performs to a capacity crowd at Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek. Part of the 2008 Navy Summer Concert Series, the concert was free and open to the general public. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mandy Hunsucker/Released) SAN DIEGO (Aug. 25, 2008) A Marine Corps gunnery sergeant shouts out commands while service members march in formation during the halftime show at the San Diego Chargers 20th-annual Salute to the Military game held at Qualcomm Stadium. The game honors military members and recognizes their service to the country. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer S. Kimball/Released) SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Aug. 25, 2008) Service members spread the American flag across Qualcom Stadium in San Diego during the halftime show of a pre-season "Chargers" game for Military Appreciation Day. The 20th annual appreciation night hosted by the Chargers include 3,000 free tickets for service members and free food and drinks prior to the game. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Scorza (Released) Students participating in the Coxswain Skills Course maneuver through shallow water Aug. 13 near White Beach Naval Facility during the navigation track of the course. Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Monty Burton. Coxswain Skills Course students Petty Officer Second Class Michael Huey, left, and Pfc. Alan Crawley ride the gunnel of a combat rubber reconnaissance craft Aug. 13 near White Beach Naval Facility. Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Monty Burton. BRISTOL, Tenn. (Aug. 22, 2008) JR Motorsports driver Brad Keselowski celebrates along with teammates and Food City employees in victory lane after piloting the No. 88 U.S. Navy Chevrolet Monte Carlo to a first place finish in the NASCAR Nationwide Series Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol. Keselowski overcame a 37th place starting position to claim his second career victory and won second place overall in the nationwide championship standings. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher S. Wilson/Released) BRISTOL, Tenn. (Aug. 22, 2008) Fellow Sailors watch as Construction Mechanic 2nd Class David Jellison helps a member of the JR Motorsports team apply a Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1 decal on the No. 88 U.S. Navy Chevrolet Monte Carlo before the start of the Nationwide Series Food City 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol. Several Sailors assigned to RIVRON-1, from Little Creek, Va., were in attendance as their squadron was the Navy team's featured command for the race. Driver Brad Keselowski overcame a 37th place starting position and fought his way to his second career victory while winning second place overall in the nationwide championship standings. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher S. Wilson/Released) Tyrone “Tybo” Butler is the first Marine to bat a home run on the air station’s main softball field this season. Butler knocked the ball more than 320 feet to claim the honor. Photo Date Taken: 8/18/2008. Photo ByLine: Lance Cpl. Doug Payne PORT HUENEME, Calif. (Aug. 19, 2008) Contemporary Country group Diamond Rio performs a free concert for military personnel assigned to Naval Base Ventura County at Needham Theater at Port Hueneme. The Diamond Rio performance is sponsored by the "Spirit of America Tour," a project of the California-based Robert and Nina Rosenthal Foundation created in 2002 to bring headline entertainers to America's stateside military bases as volunteers with the intent of having their shows boost the morale of the men, women and families of the Armed Forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Aaron Peterson/Released) OLYMPIC PENTATHLON - U.S. Air Force World Class Athlete Program Capt. Eli Bremer rides Dangdang to a 14th-place finish worth 1,060 points in the equestrian show jumping portion of the modern pentathlon, Aug. 21, 2008, at the Olympic Sports Center Stadium in Beijing. Bremer finished 23rd in the five-sport event that includes pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, riding show jumping and running with 5,204 points. U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps. PENTATHLON PEERS - U.S. Air Force World Class Athlete Program Capt. Eli Bremer swims to a seventh-place finish in the 200-meter freestyle portion of the Olympic men's modern pentathlon with a time of 2 minutes, 2.80 seconds in Beijing, Aug. 21, 2008. Bremer, 30, of Colorado Springs, Colo., finished 23rd in the one-day event with five sports: pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, equestrian riding and cross-country running. U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps. U.S. Army Pfc. Vincent Hancock sets two Olympic records and prevails in a four-shot shoot-out with Norway's Tore Brovold to win the men's skeet competition at the Beijing Shooting Range, Aug. 16, 2008. U. S. Army photo by Tim Hipps. OLYMPIC SHOOTER - U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program marksman Maj. Michael Anti shoots to a ninth-place finish in Olympic 50-meter rifle prone, Aug. 15, 2008, at the Beijing Shooting Hall Range with a 594 total. U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps. VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Aug. 8, 2008) Country music singer Gretchen Wilson performs to a capacity crowd of More than 15,000 fans at Little Creek Amphibious Base. Wilson was in town to perform a free concert as part of the "2008 Summer Concert Series" sponsored by the USO. (U. S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Oscar Espinoza/ Released) VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Aug. 9, 2008) Competitors make their way through the first of two mud pits during the eighth annual Health Net Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) Mud Run at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek (NABLC). Approximately 2,500 Mud Runners, both civilians and service members alike, descended upon NABLC to participate in the 8k Mud Run, with all proceeds going to the ASYMCA to help improve the quality of life for junior enlisted military and their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher S. Wilson/Released) NORTH ARABIAN SEA (Aug. 11, 2008) An aviation boatswain's mate (Handling) directs traffic on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to support Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as well as maritime security operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Geoffrey Lewis/Released) Troy, left, and 1st Lt. Justin Dumais, of the South Carolina Air National Guard, finished sixth in the men’s synchronized 3-meter springboard diving event in the 2004 Olympics in Athens. This year, Dumais is an F-16 student in the Night Systems Training Course at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., and his younger brother is in Beijing alone. Photo courtesy of Dumais family. Army World Class Athlete Program Staff Sgt. Dremiel Byers wrestles to a 1-1, 2-0 victory over Oleksandr Chernetskyi of Ukraine in their opening match of the Olympic Greco-Roman 120-kilogram tournament Aug. 14, 2008, at the China Agricultural University gymnasium in Beijing. U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command. CHICAGO (Aug. 11, 2008) Chief Special Boat Operator Jay Norton, and Special Warfare Operator 1st Class John Murray parachute onto U.S. Cellular Field before a MLB game between the Chicago White Sox and the Boston Red Sox. Norton and Murray are members of the Navy parachute demonstration team the Leap Frogs, which is participating in various events during Chicago Navy Week and SEAL Challenge. U.S. Navy photo by Chief (Sel.) Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Sean Tufts (Released) GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Aug. 10, 2008) Actor and musician Billy Bob Thornton and special guest The Boxmasters entertain Sailors from various commands at Naval Station Great Lakes during a free concert on Ross Field. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas J. Miller/Released) Photo by Courtesy photo. August 11, 2008. Spc. Walton “Glenn” Eller III (pictured here before the Olympics) earned a Gold Medal Tuesday in Beijing, while also setting a new Olympic record in Men's Double Trap. Read Story Photo by Eric Hortin - August 11, 2008. Sgt. Lisa Morales, 11th Signal Brigade, and fellow competitors kneel to write a warning order during the Network Enterprise Technology Command/9th Signal Command noncommissioned officer of the year competition June 18. Morales won NCO of the year and went on to become the first female NETCOM Soldier to win Forces Command NCO of the Year. Read Story Jessica Kahnk makes her way across the three-mile marker of the seven-mile Bellevue/Offutt Runway Run Aug. 10 during Air Force Week in the Heartland supported by Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. The week is designed to broaden awareness of the Air Force's role in the war on terrorism and strengthen support for Airmen serving worldwide in defense of freedom. Ms. Kahnk is a teacher at McMillan Middle School in Omaha, Neb., and is scheduled to attend the Air Force Officer Training School in June. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III) Country music singer Jessica Andrews performs her No. 1 country hit song "Who I Am" during the opening ceremonies of Air Force Week in the Heartland to a crowd of approximately 10,000 spectators Aug. 9 at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Neb. The week is designed to broaden awareness of the Air Force's role in the war on terrorism and strengthen support for Airmen serving worldwide in defense of freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III) SAN DIEGO (Aug. 7, 2008) Aerographer's Mate 1st Class Jeffrey Jackson embraces his wife and daughter after departing the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) at Naval Air Station North Island. The 46- year-old carrier is the oldest active-duty warship in the Navy and will be replaced this summer by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexia M. Riveracorrea/Released) SAN DIEGO (Aug. 7, 2008) Friends and family of crewmembers aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) hold up "Welcome Home" banners as Kitty Hawk approaches the pier at Naval Air Station North Island. The 46- year-old carrier is the oldest active-duty warship in the Navy and will be replaced this summer by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Alexia M. Riveracorrea/Released) SURFACING - U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Jenna Dudley crawls out of a water obstacle on the assault course during basic training at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, July 25, 2008. U.S. Air Force photo by Dennis Rogers. U.S. Air Force Academy basic cadets compete in a long distance run on the final day of training in the Jacks Valley training area at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, July 26, 2008. U.S Air Force photo by Dave Ahlschwede. Air Force World Class Athlete Program Capt. Kevin Eastler (right) passes Army WCAP Sgt. John Nunn (center) en route to winning the 20-kilometer race walk at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Track & Field July 5 outside Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. Eastler won the race in 1 hour, 27 minutes, 8 seconds, and was followed by runner-up Matthew Boyles (left) of Miami Valley Track Club in 1:28:20. Nunn finished fourth with a time of 1:30:35. Eastler will compete for Team USA at the Olympic Games in Beijing. U.S. Air Force photo/Tim Hipps. Fullback Cadet 1st Class Todd Newll (25) participates in drills as the Falcons practice in preseason camp July 31 at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado. The Falcons had their best Mountain West Conference record in school history in 2007 with a 9-4 record. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Kaplan) An Airman from the Air Force Honor Guard at Bolling Air Force Base, D.C., stands solemn duty behind a wreath placed at the Air Force Memorial in observance of the 60th Anniversary of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Mike Hastings) In observance of the 60th Anniversary of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, a wreath is placed at the Air Force Memorial Aug. 1. In a moment of solemn observance are (l to r) Mr. Douglas Thomas, AFOSI executive director; Chief Master Sgt. Chris Redmond, AFOSI command chief; and Brig. Gen. Dana Simmons, AFOSI commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. John Jung) PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 3, 2008) Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) perform a burial at sea as the ship sails towards the Panama Canal Zone to participate in Fuerzas Alidas PANAMAX 2008, an annual multi-national exercise to train to defend the Panama Canal. This exercise spells the final chapter for Tarawa, which is slated for decommissioning in early 2009. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel A. Barker (Released) July 30, 2008 - Sgt. 1st Class Elisa Tennyson picks up Silver in the Women's Style discipline for the 30th FAI World Style and Accuracy Parachuting Championships in Slovakia. Photo by Staff Sgt. Joe Abeln. IOWA RIDE - Members of the Air Force Cycling Team ride through cheering crowds at the completion of the Registers Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa in Le Claire, Iowa, , July 26, 2008. The team has been participating in the event for the past 14 years. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joanna M. Kresge. Edward Gonzalez, Fight Club 29, delivers a powerful blow to an opponent of team Apex out of Marine Corps Camp Pendleton, Calif., during the USA National Pankration Team Championships tournament held at Santa Ana High School in Orange County, Calif., Saturday, July 26, 2008. Photo ByLine: Cpl. Nicole A. LaVine. Airman 1st Class Caitlin Davies sounds reveille July 24 during a 407th Air Expeditionary Group formation at Ali Base, Iraq. In modern times, reveille sounds in the morning, generally near sunrise, though its exact time varies from base to base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Chris Griffin) SEATTLE (July 30, 2008) The Navy Region Northwest Band performs during the last week of the month-long Seattle Sea Fair parade of ships. Ships from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Canadian Navy will be available for public tours. Sailors and the citizens of Seattle will also experience a Blue Angels air show and hydroplane races. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chantel M. Clayton/Released) NEVER LET 'EM SEE YOU SWEAT - U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Damien Drolet, left, and Seaman Colby Cook prepare for push-ups with their Basic Crewman Training classmates at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, Calif., July 23, 2008. BCT is the first phase of the special warfare combatant-craft crewman training pipeline. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Dominique M. Lasco. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy Manning demonstrates how to manipulate satellite pictures on the SMQ-11 satellite receiver to Tech. Sgt. Philip Mohr, weather forecaster. A joint Navy and Air Force weather team worked together at sea aboard the USS Bataan in support of JTFEX 08-4, a multinational exercise that included Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Nicholas J. Sabula) Tops in Blue vocalists strike a pose during the "Deja Blue" show July 13 at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. Vocalists and instrumentalists representing a wide range of career fields tour with the show all over the world for nine months. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse) NORTH ARABIAN SEA (July 26, 2008) Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Ashley Schumm, from Everett, Wash., picks up boxes of cookies from Girl Scouts participating in Operation Cookie Drop in the hangar bay of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as well as maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Geoffrey Lewis (Released) WET DOWN - U.S. Navy Capt. Richard W. Rhett Butler gets hosed down after returning from his final flight as commander of Carrier Air Wing 14 on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, July 27, 2008. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is on deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Joe Painter. GAME FACE - William Kafka, a disabled veteran from El Paso, Texas, prepares to take a shot during nine-ball pool at the 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Omaha, Neb. The games opened July 25, 2008. Department of Veterans Affairs photo. Unit: Marine Corps Base Hawaii - Members of the U.S. Pacific Command and component commands from Hawaii visit The Great Wall just outside Beijing June 16. The military members are part of the first all-enlisted delegation to China. The purpose of the delegation was to gain a better understanding of the People's Liberation Army's enlisted forces and military in general. Photo Date Taken: 6/16/2008. Photo ByLine: Gunnery Sgt. Demetrio J. Espinosa. CORONADO, Calif. (July 22, 2008) Seaman Apprentice Damien Bell uses his uniform as a floatation device during a training exercise in the combat training tank at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. Bell is a basic brewman training (BCT) student in the first phase of special warfare combatant-craft crewman (SWCC) training. SWCCs operate and maintain the Navy's inventory of state-of-the-art, high performance boats used to support SEALs in special operations missions worldwide. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique M. Lasco/Released) HARRINGTON, Del. (July 21, 2008) Rear Adm. Joseph F. Campbell, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, speaks with WMDT 47 ABC News anchor Stacy Sakai during a live news broadcast. Campbell was supporting Delaware Navy Week and served as Co-Grand Marshall of the Armed Forces Day parade at the Delaware State Fair. Navy Week is designed to raise awareness in metropolitan areas that do not have a significant Navy presence. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew L. Romano/Released) CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (July 19, 2008) Construction Electrician 1st Class Samuel Roman carries the guide-on flag for Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1, Charlie Company, while participating in the first Jose M. Peguero "Give Me More than a 5K" run. Camp Peguero is the 2,700 personnel life support area (LSA) dedicated in memory of ACB-1 Seabee Construction Electrician 1st Class Jose Peguero. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian Morales/Released) RIDING A WAVE - U.S. Navy Seaman Michael Cain, left, Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Dahlin and Seaman Nancy Torres, ride a Zodiac inflatable boat through the surf while on safety patrol near the construction area of an elevated causeway during Joint Logistics Over-The-Shore, JLOTS 2008, Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 12, 2008. The sailors are assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion 1. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian P. Caracci. U.S. Air Force Academy basic cadet trainees of the Class of 2012 march to the athletic fields July 12 at the Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., to test their teamwork and athletic skills during Field Day. After being greeted by Academy leaders, they competed in various athletic events, and closed out the morning with a parachute demonstration by the Academy's Wings of Blue parachute demonstration and competition team. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dave Ahlschwede) Captain Richard J. Fay, Support Battalion, leaps into the air for the reception while Cpl. Richard A. Harmon, Ceremonial Platoon, attempts to block him during the third week of the Commanding General’s Cup flag football season July 8 at Hall Field. Fay caught the ball for a 30-yard gain. Pfc. Paul Matthew Brown. U.S. NAVY SAILORS MUSTER ON THE FLIGHT DECK. - U.S. Navy sailors muster on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) before manning the rails as the ship pulls into Busan, South Korea, for a port visit on July 14, 2008. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is on deployment in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations. DoD photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Joe Painter, U.S. Navy. (Released) GREAT LAKES, Ill., (July 14, 2008) Capt. David Schnell, commanding officer of Naval Station Great Lakes; Leon Rockingham Jr., mayor of North Chicago; a third grade student at Forrestal School; and Dr. Cassandra Brooks, the Forrestal Elementary School Principal, attached the American Flag to the lanyards for raising during the unveiling ceremony of the renovation project for the school. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas J. Miller (Released) July 15, 2008 - Capt. Keelan McNulty surveys the majesty of the Alaskan mountain range during his climb of Mount McKinley. Photo by 1st Lt. Graham Ward. Read - http://www.army.mil/-news/2008/07/15/10900-soldiers-climb-mount-mckinley/ U.S. Air Force Academy Jumpmaster Cadet 1st Class Lindsey Robinson briefs Cadet 3rd Class David Barron during Airmanship 490, Basic Parachuting - an airmanship program where cadets earn their basic jump wings after successfully completing five free-fall jumps at the academy in Colorado, July 7, 2008. U.S. Air Force photo by Mike Kaplan. UNDERWATER RE-ENLISTMENT - U.S. Army Maj. Shean Phelps re-enlists U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin Arnold in an underwater ceremony on the main deck of the newly sunken aircraft carrier USS Oriskany, which is located at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico about 23 miles south of Pensacola, Fla., July 6, 2008. This was the first re-enlistment to be held aboard the sunken aircraft carrier. Arnold is a personnel specialist attached to Naval Air Station Pensacola. U.S. Navy photo. June 27, 2008 - Recruits go on patrol during basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. TRADOC is responsible for developing the doctrine used to train new Soldiers. Photo by Air Force Staff Sgt. Shawn Weismiller. Airman 1st Class Ryan Moles of the 9th ASOS, rides up a hill July 3 during the Phantom Command Battalion's motorcycle safety ride in the Fort Hood area. Photo by Spc. Jeffrey Ledesma, 7th MPAD. July 11, 2008. ST JOHN'S, Antigua (July 10, 2008) Constable Vincent Gregoire, a Regional Security Service diver from the Common Wealth of Dominica, conducts searching techniques with U.S. Navy Diver 1st Class Overton Pierce from Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Expeditionary Support Unit (EODEU) 2, off the coast of Antigua during Navy Diver-Global Fleet Station (ND-GFS) 2008. Global Fleet Station's mission is to maintain strong multi-laterial partnerships, support the U.S. maritime strategic goals and enhance regional stability and security by promoting multinational working relationships. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kori L. Melvin (Released) CORONADO, Calif. (July 8, 2008) A basic crewman training (BCT) student comes up for air while training in the pool with his class at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado. The students are in their first week of BCT, the first phase of special warfare combatant-craft crewman (SWCC) training. SWCCs operate and maintain the Navy inventory of state-of-the-art, high-performance boats used to support SEALs in special operations missions worldwide. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique M. Lasco (Released) Camille Anderson, an actress from the film The Wedding Crashers, drapes a belt of machine gun rounds around herself during a visit to Marines of Delta Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Bn., Regimental Combat Team 5 at Combat Outpost Akashat, Iraq, July 6. Anderson, along with four other entertainers, experienced the life of a Marine in areas outside of the major bases while conversing with them. Photo ByLine: Cpl. Ryan Tomlinson. Senior Master Sgt. Kirk Kessler lines up his shot during the 2nd Annual AT&T National Golf Tournament July 2 at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. The Tiger Woods Foundation selected Sergeant Kessler to play in the tournament. Sergeant Kessler is assigned to the 316th Civil Engineer Squadron from Andrews Air Force Base, Md. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Steven R. Doty)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Easter Holiday President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush, aboard Marine One, depart Thursday, March 20, 2008 from the South Lawn of the White House en route to Camp David for the Easter holiday. White House photo by Chris Greenberg... PACIFIC OCEAN (March 23, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 Sailors bow their heads for prayer during an Easter sunrise service on the flight deck. Kitty Hawk is at sea conducting routine training after completing sea trials after a scheduled maintenance period at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Juan Antoine King (Released)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Navy Owl & Army Dog PERSIAN GULF (March 18, 2008) Airman Jacob Larsen holds "Fod," a screech owl that was found on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The owl was discovered in the left-main wheel well of an F/A 18 Hornet during a pre-flight inspection of the aircraft. Truman and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 are deployed supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Bookwalter (Released) Budge a three-year-old therapy dog kisses his handler Sgt. Duane Sanders before they head out on his daily walk to visit troops in Mosul, Iraq, July 6, 2008. Sanders is an occupational therapist assigned to the 528th Medical Detachment. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Karla Rodriguez Maciel.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Houston Astros Major League Baseball LEAP FROGS - A member of the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the "Leap Frogs," descends into Minute Maid Park during the pre-game ceremony for the opening day of the Houston Astros major league baseball season, April 7, 2008. U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kimberly R. Stephens... HOUSTON, Texas (April 7, 2008) A member of the U.S. Navy Parachute Team. the "Leap Frogs," descends into Minute Maid Park during the pre-game ceremony for the opening day of the Houston Astros major league baseball season. U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kimberly R. Stephens (Released)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CEREMONY HONORS AMERICAN AIRMEN A B-17 Flying Fortress (top of frame), a P-40 Kittyhawk and a P-51 Mustang soar over the spires of the Air Force Memorial April 10 in Arlington, Va. The three World War II-era planes flew over a ceremony honoring the 30,000 American Airmen who gave their lives flying from British bases during World War II. The event was arranged by the American Air Museum at Duxford, England, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The first Americans to serve in England were based at Duxford in 1918. During World War II it was also home to the 78th Fighter Group from 1943 to 1945. Former British Prime Minister John Major served as guest of honor for the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Andy Morataya) Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley represents the Air Force at a ceremony honoring the 30,000 American Airmen who gave their lives flying from British bases during World War II April 10 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. The event was arranged by the American Air Museum at Duxford, England, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The first Americans to serve in England were based at Duxford in 1918. During World War II it was also home to the 78th Fighter Group from 1943 to 1945. General Bradley is the chief of Air Force Reserve. (U.S. Air Force photo/Andy Morataya) Royal Air Force Air Commodore Phil Goodman shakes hands with Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley during a ceremony honoring the 30,000 American Airmen who gave their lives flying from British bases during World War II April 10 at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. The event was arranged by the American Air Museum at Duxford, England, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The first Americans to serve in England were based at Duxford in 1918. During World War II it was also home to the 78th Fighter Group from 1943 to 1945. Former British Prime Minister John Major served as guest of honor for the ceremony. General Bradley is the chief of the Air Force Reserve. (U.S. Air Force photo/Andy Morataya)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Fort Hood, Texas BNCOC Course Graduation - April 27, 2008 - Soldiers in a 25U Radio Operator Maintenance BNCOC Class at Fort Hood, Texas, attend their graduation ceremony Friday. NCOs who recently returned from Iraq were able to complete the course without spending six more weeks away from their Families. Photo by U.S. Army...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ U.S. Air Force Memorial More than 50 volunteers from Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 300 in Washington D.C. gathered on the grounds of the Air Force Memorial April 19 to help spruce up the site. Dedicated on Oct., 14, 2006, the memorial honors the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Air Force and its predecessor organizations. The wall bears the inscriptions of combat campaigns and expeditionary operations and contains the words of Air Force leaders that relate to the service's core values of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do. The memorial is located just outside the nation's capital in Arlington, Va., adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery and overlooking the Pentagon. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. Matt Proietti) MEMORIAL SCRUB DOWN - U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Terisa Pennington scrubs a bronze honor guard statue during a work party, April 19, 2008, at the U.S. Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. More than 50 volunteers from The U.S. Air Force Sergeants Association gathered to help spruce up the site. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Matt Proietti...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Air Force First Sergeants/Air Force Academy In the newest "Enlisted Perspective," Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley comments on the heritage and need for Air Force first sergeants. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Mike Carabajal) Read Story - Perspective' highlights first sergeants U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Harrison Marble makes a jump from 4500 feet above the academy on June 27 during Airmanship 490, Basic Parachuting, an airmanship program where cadets earn their basic jump wings after successfully completing five free-fall jumps. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt Uriah Orland)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ARIZONA FORMATION - Four A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 355th Fighter Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., fly in formation over Arizona, April 29, 2008. The A-10s received in-flight refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Arizona Air National Guard's 161st Air Refueling Wing based in Phoenix. U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alesia Goosic... DENVER (May 3, 2008) Sailors from Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Denver parade the colors to start the Cinco de Mayo festival. The annual celebration ran concurrently with the 4th annual Denver Navy Week celebration. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Sheehan (Released) FATHER'S TOUCH - Steven Mason pins gold bars on his son, U.S. Marine 2nd Lt. Matthew Mason, during the Norwich University graduation ceremony in Northfield, Vt., May 10, 2008. U.S. Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. James Cartwright administered the oath of office to more than 100 newly commissioned officers. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adam M. Stump... SEEING THE FUTURE - U.S. Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Gen. James Cartwright prepares to administer the oath of office to more than 100 newly commissioned officers during the Norwich University graduation ceremony in Northfield, Vt., May 10, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Adam M. Stump...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Lt. Dan Band Oscar-nominated actor and director Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band perform a concert in the Pentagon Courtyard at the 4th Annual America Supports you concert as part of Military Appreciation Month at the Pentagon, Friday, May 16, 2008. Defense Dept. photo by Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison... Servicemembers and Pentagon employees dance on stage with the Lt. Dan Band, May 16, 2008, during the 4th Annual America Supports You Military Tribute Concert in the Pentagon courtyard. Defense Dept. photo by Samantha L. Quigley...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Honor Line/Band Stand BAND STAND - The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band stands in formation outside of the White House, May 15, 2008. The mission of the Army band is to sustain the “warrior spirit,” support recruiting, and tell the Army story to the American public. DoD courtesy photo.... HONOR LINE - The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard drill team demonstrates a drill sequence during a 16-man performance on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 12, 2008. The drill team tours worldwide in public and military venues to recruit, retain and inspire airmen. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Marc I. Lane...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MEMORIAL DAY 2008 Memorial Day Posters 1 & 2 (Posters created by Virginia Reyes; U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Cecilio M. Ricardo Jr.) To View larger poster click on image... Memorial Day Parade, 115 years ago. Photo by USAMHIMay 25, 2008 - California National Guard, Memorial Day Parade in San Francisco, 1st Regiment, May 30, 1883 (California National Guard Collection)....
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Re-unions Friends and family members wave signs and shout to sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee as she makes her way to Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, after a four-month deployment, June 7, 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class James E. Foehl... A U.S. Navy sailor and new father is reunited with his wife and baby after returning to Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, following a four-month deployment, June 7, 2008. The sailor is assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class James E. Foehl...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Technology/Research CAPITOL CANNON - Prototype 1 of the Non-Line-of-Sight Cannon was unveiled, June 11, 2008, on Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. U.S. Army scientists will put a total of eight prototypes through rigorous testing to ensure they meet performance requirements. U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe from Oklahoma, Secretary of the Army Pete Geren, and Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George Casey Jr., viewed the system. U.S. Army photo by C. Todd Lopez... Bob Adair vacuums mold spores and loose abrasive debris on a piece of 90-year-old fabric from a German plane that was recovered. Mr. Adair is a conservator who preserves historic Air Force artifacts in the Collection Management Division of the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. It is the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum, featuring 400 aerospace vehicles on more than 17 acres of indoor exhibit space. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Cecilio Ricardo)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Staff Sgt. Carlos Cardoza, the catcher for MCAS Miramar varsity softball, swings for the fences during the game against marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Saturday. The deam defeated MCAGCC Twentynine Palms 21-8, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton 16-6, and MCAS Yuma 14-3. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Fredrick J. Coleman) (Released) AT-TAQADDUM, Iraq (June 7, 2008) Laura, a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader, dances during their opening routine for service members here. The five cheerleaders are touring Iraq to show their support for the troops and to help boost morale. The group performed a 45 minute act which included costume changes and interaction with the troops. Service members participated in a push-up and cheer-off competition during the course of their show. The group stayed long after their performance and posed for photos after the show. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Robert C. Medina) GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (June 9, 2008) Hilarie Burton, an actress from the television show "One Tree Hill," shakes the hand of a Trooper assigned to Camp 4 of Joint Task Force Guantanamo. Burton toured the camps and met with Troopers as part of a United Service Organization visit. U.S. Army photo by Private Carlynn M. Knaak (Released) Army Birthday Ball hosts Michael Peterson and Army Sgt. Jill Stevens entertain the audience in Washington, D.C., June 14, 2008. U.S. Army photo by D. Myles Cullen... Time magazine journalist Michael Weisskopf, left, receives the Army's highest civilian award at the 2008 Army Birthday Ball in Washington, D.C., June 14, 2008. Weisskopf was embedded with the Army's 1st Armored Division in December 2008 when he lost his hand trying to dispose of an enemy grenade that landed in the Humvee in which he was riding. U.S. Army photo by D. Myles Cullen... WASHINGTON (June 18, 2007) The U.S. Navy Band performs a Monday evening concert June 7, 2007 on the West steps of the U.S. Capitol. The band is performing concerts at the Capitol on Monday evenings and and at the Navy Memorial on Tuesday evenings through the end of August 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Joanna Romansic (Released) WASHINGTON (June 11, 2008) Musician 1st Class Robert A. Holmes plays baritone saxophone with the Commodores jazz ensemble on the west steps of the U.S. Captiol. The concert was one of a series of concerts that the Navy Band performs for the public during the summer months in Washington, D.C. U.S. Navy photo by Musician 1st Class Shana Catandella (Released) GULFPORT, Miss. (June 13, 2008) Cmdr. Stephanie M. Jones, commanding officer of Naval Construction Training Center, Gulfport is saluted as she walks through the sideboys at the conclusion of a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport. Jones relieved Capt. Darius Banaji. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Terry Spain (Released) BOSTON, Mass. (June, 15, 2008) A bystander watches as Sailors assigned to the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29) march by in the Bunker Hill Day Parade as part of a port visit to Boston. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mark O'Donald (Released) A member of the opposing forces engages Soldiers, Airmen and Marines in simulated combat June 16 during Atlantic Strike VII at the Avon Park Air Ground training Complex, Avon Park, Fla. Atlantic Strike is a joint-forces training event involving joint terminal attack controllers from the Army, Air Force and Marines and is held semi-annually. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Otero) Airman 1st Class Thanh Tran waits at the end of a long line of immigrants who will become American citizens during a naturalization ceremony June 9 at the Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Mo. Airman Tran and almost 1,080 people representing 142 countries became citizens in western Missouri's largest naturalization ceremony. Tran is assigned to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski) Photo by Adam Skoczylas - June 12, 2008 Participants in the annual Department of the Army Staff Run make their way through the western end of Arlington National Cemetery. In addition to the scenery, the purpose of the cemetery route so participants will reflect on the men and women of the U.S. armed forces who sacrificed it all for their country. President George W. Bush spends a moment speaking with U.S. military personnel during the greeting with members of the U.S. Mission in France, Saturday, June 14, 2008, at the Ambassador's residence in Paris. White House photo by Eric Draper...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Apollo 11 Spacecraft First Lt. Clancy Hatleberg closes the Apollo 11 spacecraft hatch as astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin, Jr. await helicopter pickup from their life raft in 1969. The command module moved from Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. for refurbishment was used by pararescuemen to train for both the Apollo and Skylab programs. The 920th Rescue Wing provides emergency medical, rescue and recovery support for all space shuttle and rocket launches. (Photo courtesy of NASA) Workers help guide the 9,000-pound Apollo Boilerplate #1206 capsule onto a flatbed truck for transportation to a local refurbishment facility July 1 at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. On loan here to the Air Force Reserve's 920th Rescue Wing from the Smithsonian Institute's Air and Space Museum, the capsule was once used by Air Force rescue units to train for astronaut recovery during the Apollo and Skylab space programs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Cathleen Snow)
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