T H E  V E T E R A N S  H O U R                ArmedForcesPress.Com/ - 2011 Media Edition.
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SAN JOSE, Guatemala (Feb. 9, 2011) Cmdr. Mark Becker, mission commander of Southern Partnership Station 2011, hugs students at Colegio Liceo Alpha y Omega after a tour of the school. Becker spoke at the school about the importance of education. Southern Partnership Station is an annual deployment of U.S. ships to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Latin America. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffery Tilghman Williams/Released)

CHINHAE, Republic of Korea (Feb. 8, 2011) Guests of honor break ground during a ceremony to mark the start of construction on the Fleet and Family Town Center at Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae. The new facility will consolidate community support and service functions into one multi-story building. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brianna K. Dandridge/Released)

ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 4, 2011) Capt. Stephen P. McInerney, commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, awards the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal to rescue swimmer Naval Aircrewman 3rd Class Toni Jester, assigned to Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 15, on the foc'sle of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Jester rescued a fellow Carl Vinson Sailor who went overboard. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans/Released)

COVENAS, Colombia (Feb. 5, 2011) U.S. Marines and Colombian marines play soccer during a barbeque celebrating the completion of subject matter exchanges of maritime mission-focused knowledge for Amphibious Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2011. SPS is an annual deployment of U.S. ships to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Latin America. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Lorraine S. Mendoza/Released)

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Jan. 14, 2011) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) pulls out of Busan, Republic of Korea after a scheduled liberty port visit. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are currently on deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher K. Hwang/Released)

Photographers crowd to get shots of U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Chinese Gen. Liang Guanglie, the National Defense minister, as they troop the line of the Peoples' Liberation Army ceremonial guard during welcoming ceremonies for Gates at the Bayo Building in Beijing, Jan. 10, 2011. DOD photo by Jim Garamone.

SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (Dec. 3, 2010) Cmdr. Michael V. Misiewicz, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89), visits with Cambodian navy Rear Adm. Ouk Seiha, commander of Ream Naval Base, and members of the base staff in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. This is Misiewic's first visit to his native country since he immigrated to the U.S. in 1973. During the port visit, Mustin will conduct bilateral training with Cambodian Armed Forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devon Dow/Released)

BATUMI, Georgia (Nov. 29, 2010) Georgian children perform a dance for the crew of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) as part of a celebration during the ship's visit to Batumi. Gonzalez is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Antonio Butcher/Released)

Air Force Honor Guard members carry a wreath followed by Col. Robert Bowersox during a ceremony for Volkstrauertag, or German National Day of Mourning, Nov. 11, 2010, at Bitburg, Germany. German and American servicemembers as well as firefighters, police and government officials from the local area participated in the ceremony to remember victims of war and tyranny. The honor guard and Colonel Bowersox, who is the 52nd Medical Group commander, are stationed at nearby Spangdahlem Air Base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson)

German and U.S. servicemembers pay their respects during the German National Day of Mourning ceremony Nov. 11, 2010, at Bitburg, Germany. German and American military representatives as well as firefighters, police and government officials from the local area participated in the ceremony to remember victims of war and tyranny. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wilson)

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Levi Denham performs start-up inspections in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Sept. 16, 2010. Denham is a WC-130J Hercules aircraft weather reconnaissance loadmaster assigned to the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron. Known as "Hurricane Hunters," the squadron's mission is to provide surveillance of tropical storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the central Pacific Ocean for the National Hurricane Center in Miami. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Manuel J. Martinez.

MURMANSK, Russia (Sept. 7, 2010) Color guard members stationed aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50) stand at attention alongside members from the Russian armed forces during a wreath laying ceremony at Alyosha WWII Monument. Taylor is in Murmansk honoring the 65th anniversary of the end of WWII. Taylor is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Edward Kessler/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 21, 2009) The guided-missile frigate USS Crommelin (FFG 37) transits the Pacific Ocean with Mt. Fuji in the background. Crommelin is underway supporting security and stability in the Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Adam K. Thomas/Released)

BEAUFORT SEA (Nov. 20, 2009) An international research expedition is being conducted in the Beaufort Sea aboard the Coast Guard heavy icebreaker ship Polar Sea (WAGB 11). The expedition is organized and led by the Naval Research Laboratory‚ Marine Biogeochemistry section. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Released)

A CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter lifts supplies during Exercise Javelin Thrust-09 on Hawthorne Army Depot, Nev., June 14, 2009. U.S. Marine Forces Reserve, headquartered in New Orleans, La., conducts the annual exercise at six military sites in California, Texas and Nevada to prepare reservists for deployment in support of overseas contingency operations. This year, troops from Bosnia and Armenia also participated in the exercise. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Keith A. Stevenson.

The sun sets on a day of at-sea operations aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, Adriatic Sea, June 10, 2009. The USS Bataan is on a scheduled deployment performing maritime security operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operation. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Tony Sisti.

SPLIT, Croatia (May 30, 2009) Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ash Severe looks out over the city of Split, Croatia, from atop the St. Domnius bell tower while visiting Diocletian's Palace as part of a three-day liberty visit by the crew of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43). Fort McHenry is on a scheduled deployment with the Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kristopher Wilson/Rel)

NEW YORK (June 11, 2009) Lt. Kelly Lanning and his new wife, Megan O'Brien, enjoy a pedi cab ride following their wedding ceremony on Military Island in Times Square. They joined four other military couples pledging their love and commitment for each other as well as the country in a ceremony covered widely by the New York media. A small number of family and friends were on hand to witness the ceremony coordinated by WE tv and the USO of Metropolitan New York. (U.S. Air Force photo by Cpt. Angela Webb/Released)

The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf transits the Hudson River during the Parade of Ships as part of Fleet Week in New York, May 20, 2009. About 3,000 sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate in the 22nd commemoration of the event, which will provide the residents of the tri-state area an opportunity to meet troops and see the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class David Danals.

A C-17A Globemaster III aircraft from the 729th Airlift Squadron approaches a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft from the 336th Air Refueling Squadron during an aerial refueling training mission over the Pacific Ocean, May 20, 2009. The aircraft are attached to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing, March Air Reserve Base, Calif. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Rick Sforza.

U.S. Navy sailors conduct AV-8B harrier flight operations in the Indian Ocean, May 3, 2009. The sailors are assigned to the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 and the air handlers are assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Laura A. Moore.

KEKAHA, Hawaii (May 13, 2009) - Capt. Aaron Cudnohufsky, left, commanding officer of the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Barking Sands, along with other volunteers removes an injured green sea turtle from the shores of Nohili at PMRF. The approximately 75-year-old, 350 lb., female turtle suffered a severe cut on its lower back (rear portion of its shell). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jay C. Pugh. (Released by Tom Clements, PMRF PAO)

The amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland enters port on opening day of the annual Fleet Week Port Everglades celebration in South Florida, April 27, 2009. More than 1,000 sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate in a number of community outreach activities.   U.S. Navy photo by Scott Lehr.

A Boeing P-8A Poseidon test aircraft T-1 conducts a test flight April 25, 2009. The aircraft completed a series of tests during the 3 hour, 31 minute flight, and reached an altitude of 25,000 feet before landing on Boeing Field in Seattle.   Photo courtesy of Boeing Co.  

U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, walks past a formation of Chilean troops in Santiago, Chile, March 3, 2009. The chairman visited the country to meet with senior Chilean officials and speak at the Chilean Army War College. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Adam M. Stump.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (March 8, 2009) A crewmember on a Chinese trawler uses a grapple hook in an apparent attempt to snag the towed acoustic array of the military Sealift Command ocean surveillance ship USNS Impeccable (T-AGOS-23). Impeccable was conducting routine survey operations in international waters 75 miles south of Hainan Island when it was harassed by five Chinese vessels. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 11, 2008) Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) conduct a foreign object damage walk-down before flight operations. Boxer is supporting the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Certification Exercise to prepare for an upcoming deployment. U.S. (Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker/Released)

SEYCHELLES (Dec. 10, 2008) The guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) is anchored off Seychelles during a liberty port visit. 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)

TALOFOFO, Guam (Nov. 1, 2008) A Sailor from the George Washington (CVN 73) Carrier Strike Group learns the Katon I Tano`, a traditional migration and navigation dance, during a community relations activity at Talofofo Elementary School on the island of Guam. The permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) spent four days in Guam for some rest and relaxation after conducting operations in the Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Barry Hirayama/Released)

BELMONT,Trinidad and Tobago (Nov. 3, 2008) Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Andrew Bryson, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), teaches Sister Helena of the Carmelite Sister Convent how to use the Internet. Kearsarge is the primary platform for the Caribbean phase of the humanitarian assistance mission Continuing Promise 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Joshua Adam Nuzzo (Released)

CHUUK, Federated States of Micronesia, (Aug. 26, 2008) Children from Weno Island, in Chuuk Lagoon, wave at a passing MH-60S Sea Hawk helicotper from the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) from atop the ruins of a historic Japanese lighthouse, destroyed during the U.S. air raid "Operation Hailstone" in 1944. Mercy will operate in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to perform humanitarian civic assistance missions in an effort to build the relationship between FSM and the United States. Pacific Partnership is a four-month humanitarian mission to Southeast Asia intended to build collaborative relationships by providing engineering, civic, medical and dental assistance to the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Valcarcel/Released)

Al QATRANAH, Jordan, (Aug. 19, 2008) -- Sgt. Alexander Hebert, a Scout Section Leader with the Light Armored Vehicle platoon, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides cover as a smoke grenade masks the teams retrograde to a LAV in Jordanian desert during "Operation Infinite Moonlight." For the LAV platoon the purpose of the training was to refine basic infantry tactics such as trench assaults, weaponry skills, ambush training and a gunnery skills with the LAV's main cannon. The Camp Pendleton, Calif., based 15th MEU is comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and Sailors and is a forward deployed force in readiness capable of conducting numerous operations, such as Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations, Humanitarian Assistance Operations and range of amphibious missions. The MEU is currently deployed aboard USS Peleliu (LHA-5), USS Dubuque (LPD-8) and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52). (Official USMC photo by Cpl. Stephen Holt)(Released)

SYDNEY, Australia (Aug. 22, 2008) Royal Australian Navy Band Leader Lt. Cmdr. Phillip Anderson introduces Lt. Bruce McDonald during the Royal Australian Navy's presentation of "Hands Across the Sea." Sailors from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band, based out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, performed with the Royal Australian Navy celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Great White Fleet. The crew of guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) attended the concert representing the U.S. Navy. McCain is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder/Released)

SYDNEY, Australia (Aug. 20, 2008) Cmdr. John S. Banigan, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), answers questions from Australian media following McCain's arrival at Sydney. The ship's scheduled port visit coincides with the centennial anniversary of the Great White Fleet. McCain is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder/Released)

KUALA GANDAH, Malaysia (Aug. 20, 2008) Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Neenah Jones, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), along with other Sailors and tourists, washes a young Asian elephant's head at the Kuala Gandha Elephant Conservation Center. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is in Port Klang, Malaysia, for a routine port call. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S.7th Fleet area of responsibility operating in the western Pacific and Indian oceans. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joe Painter/Released)

SIGONELLA, Sicily (Aug. 20 2008) Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations and Environment, the Honorable B.J. Penn, tours the newly completed Stephen Decatur Elementary School on the support side of Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella. NAS Sigonella provides logistical support for commander, 6th Fleet and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces in the Mediterranean area. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua J. Wink/Released)

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (Aug. 16, 2008) Henao Iduhu, the Gaire Community Representative; The Honorable Leslie Rowe, Ambassador of the United States; and Capt. William A. Kearns, Pacific Partnership mission commander, join in a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the Gaire Village Aide Post, the site of an Engineering Civic Action Program. The Pacific Partnership visit to Papua New Guinea is important to developing partnerships between Papua New Guinea and the United States. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Valcarcel/Released)

Military members from Yokota Air Base, Japan, cheer and carry a shrine in front of a mobile stage while Japanese and performers cheer during the Fussa Tanabata Festival Aug. 8 at Fussa City, Japan. The group carried the shrine from Shinmeisya Shrine to the Fussa City Hall. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Jonathan Fowler)

SOUDA BAY, Crete (Aug. 11, 2008) Tugboats come alongside as the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) arrives for a routine port visit to Souda Bay. McFaul is in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility and will support theater security cooperation by participating in regional exercises with allies, making diplomatic port calls and responding to any contingency. (U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley/Released)

PERSIAN GULF (Aug. 10, 2008) Crewmembers assigned to the coastal patrol boat USS Typhoon (PC 5) respond to a call for assistance from an injured Iraqi fisherman. The fisherman was transported to the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal where he was treated and released. Typhoon is part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 158 responsible for ensuring the security of Iraq's oil terminals. US Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Benjamin Coen (Released)

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (Aug. 11, 2008) The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) anchored off the coast of Papua New Guinea in support of Pacific Partnership 2008. Pacific Partnership is a four-month humanitarian mission to Southeast Asia intended to build collaborative partnerships by providing engineering, civic, medical and dental assistance to the region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael C. Barton (Released)

Mt. Fuji, or "Fuji-san", as the locals fondly call her, watches over festival-goers at Camp Fuji's Friendship Festival 2008. Nearly six thousand guests turned out to experience a little Marine Corps culture July 27. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Marine Cpl. Jenn Calaway)

ALOLA VILLAGE, Papua New Guinea (Aug. 8, 2008) An MH-60S Seahawk helicopter from Helicopter Combat Support squadron (HS) 21, based in San Diego, lands near Alola Village in the Owen Stanley Mountain Range in Papua New Guinea to evacuate Australian hiker Debra Paver. Paver began to experience symptoms of hyponatremia, a condition resulting from low sodium levels in the blood. Paver was transported to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) for treatment. Mercy is anchored off the coast of Papua New Guinea supporting Pacific Partnership 2008 and has embarked a multinational group of medical and engineering professionals from military and non-governmental organizations to provide humanitarian assistance to several countries within the Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Gabriel Martin/Released)

(Aug. 8,2008) -- The Gem of Kilakarai, a Singaporean cargo ship, came under attack by pirates in the Gulf of Aden Aug. 8, fired on with small-arms and rifle-launched grenades. The crew of USS Peleliu (LHA 5) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, received a distress call from the Gem of Kilakarai and immediately launched interdiction flights to run off the pirates. During the attack, an unexploded rifle-launched grenade lodged in the bridge wing of the Gem of Kilakarai. While no injuries were reported, further assistance from the 15th MEU Explosive Ordinance Disposal team was requested. A security detachment from Battalion Landing Team 2/5, along with the EOD team from Combat Logistics Battalion-15, were taken aboard the Gem of Kilakarai on two UH-1N Huey helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-165. The unexploded grenade was properly disposed of with no further incident. The Camp Pendleton, Calif. based 15th MEU is comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and Sailors and is a forward deployed force of readiness capable of conducting numerous operations, such as Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations, Humanitarian Assistance Operations and a wide range of amphibious missions. The 15th MEU is currently deployed aboard the USS PELELIU (LHA-5), USS DUBUQUE (LPD-8) and USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD-52). (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kevin N. McCall)(RELEASED)

Riley and Hope, the pair of tigers sent to the Baghdad Zoo from the Conservators' Center in North Carolina, relax in their new enclosure in Baghdad, Aug. 8, 2008. Riley and Hope will draw tens-of-thousands of visitors to the zoo. Attendance is up by more than 300 percent from 2007, according to the Zoo's director. Photo by Sgt. Joy Pariante, 13th Public Affairs Detachment.

Two Super Hornet aircraft from the "Bounty Hunters" squadron perform a flyby during the squadron's aerial change of command ceremony over USS Abraham Lincoln while under way in the Arabian Sea, Aug. 5, 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class James R. Evans.

Salvadoran 1st Lt. Fernando Alfaro, of the Cuscatlan Battalion, examines an Iraqi boy's crippled hands during a medical activity by American and Salvadoran doctors at the Jameer clinic in the Zuwarijat district of Kut, Iraq, July 31, 2008. The event kicked off Operation Bring on the Docs, designed to identify and improve health-care capabilities in Kut. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel T. West, 41st Fires Brigade  

Army Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, Multinational Division Center deputy commander for operations, speaks with Col. Walter Mauricio Arevalo, commander of El Salvador's Cuscatlan Battalion, and Col. (Dr.) Italo Bastianelli, of Company C, 589th Brigade Support Battalion, during a medical activity held by American and Salvadoran doctors at the Jameer clinic in the Zuwarijat district of Kut, Iraq, July 31, 2008. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Daniel T. West, 41st Fires Brigade   

STUTTGART-VAIHINGEN, Germany — The United States European Command commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift July 12 at the Stuttgart Army Air Field in Leinfelden, Germany. The reception celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift and the strong relationship between the United States and Germany.
Left to right: Vice Adm. Richard Gallagher, Deputy Commander, United States European Command, Mercedes Wild, author of "Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot," Gen. John Craddock, Commander, USEUCOM, and Dr. Wolfgang Schuster, Lord Mayor of Stuttgart. (Department of Defense photo by Matthew J. Thomas)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 29, 2008) A rigid hull inflatable boat crew from the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) returns to the ship after successfully transferring personnel to the Fijian Coastal Patrol boat Levouka during an emergency medical evacuation. McCain is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder/Released)

SEVEROMORSK, Russia (July 27, 2008) Sailors stationed aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Elrod (FFG 55) march in the Russian Navy Day parade after completing the underway phase of Exercise Northern Eagle 2008. Russian Navy Day is a national holiday established in 1939 and celebrated throughout Russia. Northern Eagle is a 12-day trilateral exercise including the U.S., Russia and Norway held in the Norwegian and Barents seas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Henry/Released)

ODESSA, Ukraine (July 18, 2008) A German Jumpmaster inspects a Ukrainian paratrooper's parachute pack before his jump during Sea Breeze 2008. Sea Breeze 2008 is an invitational joint and combined maritime exercise with the goals of enhancing multinational interoperability, developing Black Sea nation maritime security capabilities, and improving involvement in the larger Black Sea theater security cooperation strategy. Sixteen participating nations in the 11th anniversary exercise include the Ukrainian hosts and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Canada, Denmark, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Latvia, Macedonia, Norway, Romania, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eddie Harrison/Released)

SAILBOAT SAIL-BY - A sailboat crosses in front of the guided missile destroyers USS Pinckney, USS Chung-Hoon and USS Kane as they perform a sail-by near Waikiki Beach to celebrate the centennial of the Great White Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, July 29, 2008. The destroyers are participating in Rim of the Pacific 2008, an international exercise. U.S. Navy photo by Chief David Rush.

WAIMANALO, Hawaii (July 27, 2008) A landing craft air cushioned assigned to Beach Master Unit (BMU) 1 arrives to offload vehicles supporting a mock embassy evacuation during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008. RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational exercise and is scheduled biennially by the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Participants include the United States, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. (U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Walter Pels/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (July 24, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) prepares for flight operations under stormy skies. The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is participating in Joint Task Force Exercise "Operation Brimstone" off the Atlantic coast . U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Laird (Released)

Unit: Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Members of the U.S. Pacific Command and component commands from Hawaii return from a visit to the tomb of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, who most Chinese consider the father of modern China, in Nanjing, China June 18. 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 ByLine: Gunnery Sgt. Demetrio J. Espinosa.

ARCTIC OCEAN (July 1, 2008) The fast attack submarine USS Providence (SSN 719) is moored at the North Pole in the Arctic Ocean to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first submarine polar transit completed by the USS Nautilus (SSN 571) in 1958. Providence is en route to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility from its homeport in Groton Conn. (U.S. Navy photo by Yoeman 1st Class J. Thompson)

ARCTIC OCEAN (July 1, 2008) The fast attack submarine USS Providence (SSN 719) breaks through the ice at the North Pole in the Arctic Ocean to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first submarine polar transit by the USS Nautilus (SSN 571) in 1958. Providence is en route to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility from its homeport in Groton Conn. (U.S. Navy photo by Yoeman 1st Class J. Thompson/Released)

The actual "Check Point Charlie" building sits on display at the Allied Museum June 26 in Berlin. This facility was moved a few miles from its actual location where it was used to cross from East to West Berlin until the end of the Cold War in 1990. The Allied Museum is one of the venues of the commeration of the 60th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Ron Przysucha)

A German airmen lays a wreath at the Berlin Airlift Memorial outside of Tempelhof airport June 27 in Berlin. The ceremony honored the 78 airmen who gave their lives to sustain Berliners from June 24, 1948, to May 12, 1949. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Ron Przysucha)

RHODES, Greece - Former President George H.W. Bush congratulates Navy Chief Engineman Lyndra McClain and Navy Damage Controlman 1st Class Tim Taylor on their re-enlistment during an awards ceremony here onboard amphibious dock landing ship, USS Ashland (LSD 48), June 15. Ashland is part of the Nassau Strike Group, currently operating in the Mediterranean Sea to support maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman Ashley Kelly.

HANOI, Vietnam (June 24, 2008) Vice Adm. Doug Crowder, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, presents a plaque Vice Minister Nguyen Thi Xuyan during a meeting in Hanoi. Also pictured is Tran Hong Hai, Head of International Relations Department, Vietnam Ministry of Health, left, and Deputy Chief of Mission Jonathan Aloisi, U.S. Embassy Hanoi. Crowder is in Vietnam to visit the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), which is conducting a 10-day humanitarian civic assistance mission in and around Nha Trang as part of Pacific Partnership 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Dawn Cutler (Released)

GULF OF OMAN (June 20, 2008) The visit, board, search and seizure team assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) conducts a boarding of the dhow Sitara. Shoup is operating as part of Coalition Task Force 150 conducting anti-smuggling and maritime security operations in the Gulf of Oman. U.S. Navy photo by Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Edward St. Pierre (Released)

June 25, 2008 - YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea - Health Promotion Coordinator Suny Gaskey, left, explains to Fit For Life participant Mark Smith how to use the weight training machines at Yongsan's Collier Field House. Nearly 70 people here are enrolled in Fit For Life, a comprehensive, six-month fitness and nutrition program. Photo by Kenneth Fidler, USAG-Yongsan

HONG KONG (Jun. 19, 2008) Sailors gather in a hangar bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) as the ship approaches Hong Kong for a port visit. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility operating in the western Pacific and Indian oceans. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call (Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA (June 19, 2008) The guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), left, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) are moored at the foot of Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. Both ships are part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call (Released)

Capt. Mark Uberuaga scales the summit of Denali in Alaska while working as a mountaineering guide in college. The captain began another trek up the mountain May 28 leading a team of Airmen to raise funds for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Captain Uberuaga is an HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot with the 55th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. (Courtesy photo)

COTABATO, Philippines (May 31, 2008) The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) winds down in the afternoon dusk after completing the first day of the Pacific Partnership 2008 mission. Mercy serves as an enabling platform through which multi-national military, medical teams and non-government organizations can coordinate humanitarian efforts. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark Logico (Released)

BELLEAU, France — Marines from the Commandant’s Own, United States Marine Corps Drum and Bugle Corps, Battle Color Detachment and the Silent Drill stand in position on the parade field at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial during a Memorial Day service here May, 25. (Department of Defense photo by Marine Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis)

Pilots from the 80th Fighter Squadron fly a training mission over the South Korean peninsula in F-16 Fighting Falcons. Pilots assigned to the 80th FS utilize training missions to simulate actual conditions they may face in combat and keep their war-fighting skills honed. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Quinton T. Burris)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 28, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) departs Yokosuka, Japan for the final time May, 28, 2008. Kitty Hawk, the oldest carrier in the U.S. Navy and the only conventional-powered aircraft carrier, will be replaced this summer by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). Kitty Hawk has operated from Fleet Activities Yokosuka since 1998, when it replaced the USS Independence (CV 62). About 900 Kitty Hawk Sailors will be returning to Japan aboard George Washington in the coming months; the remainder of the crew will either transfer or help decommission Kitty Hawk in early 2009. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (Released)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 28, 2008) Students from Yokosuka Middle School wave goodbye to the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the ship departs Fleet Activities Yokosuka for the last time. Kitty Hawk, the Navy's oldest active warship and only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, will soon be relieved by the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (Released)

NEW YORK CITY (May 21, 2008) The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) steams up the Hudson River during the parade of ships for the 21st Fleet Week New York 2008. More than 4,000 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen will participate in various community relation projects and have the opportunity to visit popular attractions in New York City. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals (Released)

NEW YORK CITY (May 21, 2008) The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) steams up the Hudson River during the parade of ships for the 21st Fleet Week New York 2008. More than 4,000 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen will participate in various community relation projects and have the opportunity to visit popular attractions in New York City. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals (Released)

NEW YORK CITY (May 21, 2008) The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) steams up the Hudson River during the parade of ships for the 21st Fleet Week New York 2008. More than 4,000 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen will participate in various community relation projects and have the opportunity to visit popular attractions in New York City. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Danals (Released)

NEW YORK (May 21, 2008) The guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) steams up the Hudson River during the parade of ships for the 21st Fleet Week New York 2008. More than 4,000 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen will participate in various community relations projects and make a port call to New York City. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Snyder (Released)

DESERT CUISINE - U.S. Navy Seabee Jean Joseph cooks goat meat for dinner during a 10-day French tactical desert survival training course, May 9, 2008. Forty U.S. troops stationed at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, volunteered for the course taught by French marines of the 5th Regiment Overseas Infantry. Joseph is assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy T. Lock...

VALPARAISO, Chile (May 16, 2008) Capt. Dave Dykhoff, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), pays his respects during a memorial ceremony at the Cementerio de Disidentes in memory of American shipmates buried there during the 1800s. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is supporting Partnership of the Americas to implement the U.S. Maritime Strategy of cooperation with South American maritime partners to promote interoperability and trust that will ultimately lead to greater hemispheric security. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Chief Dennis J. Herring (Released)

HOBART, Tasmania (May 11, 2008) Amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) dominates the view of downtown Hobart during a recent port visit to the island of Tasmania. Tarawa is the first large deck ship to visit Hobart in more than six years. During the visit, Sailors and Marines participated in numerous Battle of Coral Sea commemoration events and received a warm welcome by the Hobart community. Tarawa and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are on a scheduled deployment in the western Pacific and Indian oceans as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel A. Barker (Released)

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class Logan Robertson loads a diplomatic pouch onto a SH-60 Seahawk at the U.S. Embassy here during a resupply mission. The Embassy requested sustained helicopter support to maintain a supply route due to the violence in the region and closures of the Beruit airport and seaport. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Lt. Cmdr. Corey Barker)

May 16, 2008 - Col. Joseph Fischetti, commander of the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade (right), and Sgt. Maj. David Gonzales, the brigade's acting command sergeant major, prepare the units colors for casing during a ceremony on Leighton Barracks in Würzburg, Germany, May 13. Photo by Staff Sgt. John Queen...

Two F-22 Raptors fly a Northern Edge 2008 training mission over Alaska May 8. The aircraft are from the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Mikal Canfield)

Tech. Sgt. Frank Wisnieski prepares to stop a C-17 Globemaster III May 12 at Balad Air Base, Iraq. Coordinating the safe arrivals and departures of dozens of aircraft daily is a 24-hour operation that is executed seamlessly by Airmen working in the transient alert shop. Sergeant Wisnieski is a 332nd Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron transient alert supervisor deployed from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Julianne Showalter)

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 12, 2008) The aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) enters Yokosuka, Japan's Truman Bay after completing its last deployment before being replaced by the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) this summer. During the four-week deployment, the ship worked with the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Kitty Hawk operates from Fleet Activities Yokosuka. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle D. Gahlau (Released)

EAGLES EDGE - Three F-15 Eagles assigned to the18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, fly beside a KC-135 Stratotanker after refueling May 8, 2008 over Alaska. The aircraft are part of the more than 120 participating in Northern Edge 2008, the largest military training exercise in Alaska. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mikal Canfield...

RECON LAUNCH - U.S. Marines prepare to disembark the USS Iwo Jima on a combat rubber reconnaissance craft, May 12, 2008. The Iwo Jima and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit's 2nd Recon Battalion are participating in the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group integration exercise. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Chad R. Erdmann...

DRAGON ROWBOAT - U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 row for the Navy's "dragon boat" team during an annual competition in Naha City, Okinawa, Japan, May 5, 2008. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Rex H. Nelson

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (May 8, 2008) Marines assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) embark a Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) from Assault Craft Unit 4 (ACU 4) for transport to the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). Iwo Jima is participating in the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group integration exercise (ESGINT). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chad R. Erdmann (Released)

Master Sgt. Rodney Whaley mushes with his team in Alaska during the 2008 Iditarod, a race considered by many to be the most grueling and demanding individual sporting event in the world today. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika...

Master Sgt. Rodney Whaley holds one of his huskies after the team had to drop out because the dogs became ill on the evening of the ninth day. Whaley called the race "the ultimate experience," noting that it was a life-long dream that the Tennessee National Guard helped to make a reality by sponsoring him. Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Russell Lee Klika...

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia (May 07, 2008) Cmdr. Paul Lyons, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63), takes part in the bread and salt ceremony, a traditional Russian welcoming ceremony, after arriving in Vladivostok, Russia for a scheduled port visit. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (Released)

VLADIVOSTOK, Russia (May 07, 2008) Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) man the rails as they enter Vladivostok for a scheduled port visit. Stethem is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, which operates out of Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White (Released)

PETTY OFFICERS 1ST CLASS AARON NAGEL AND STEVEN BARCZAK ASSEMBLE A RIG. -  U.S. Navy Equipment Operators Petty Officers 1st Class Aaron Nagel and Steven Barczak, both Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, assemble a rig during a well drilling project in Shaba, Kenya, on April 21, 2008. The well drilling project was the first of three Seabees conducted in the area. DoD photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeremy T. Lock, U.S. Air Force. (Released)

GULF OF ADEN (May 06, 2008) The guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) tows the 15-meter dhow, Dunia, after the boat experienced engine problems leaving it unable to operate at sea. The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196) and Shoup responded to the ship in distress and towed the boat to Yemeni territorial waters where it was met by a Yemeni tug. Kanawha and Shoup also provided the dhow's crew with food, water and medical support. Coalition forces have a longstanding tradition of helping mariners in distress by providing medical assistance, engineering assistance as well as search and rescue. U.S. Navy photo (Released)