United States Department of Defense

Photo Essays

Military Services

Unified Combatant Commands

Special Operations
Command

Strategic
Command

Transportation
Command

Week in Photos: April 1-7

Week in Photos is a collection of the best images published on defense.gov during a seven-day period, showing troops as they serve in operations, sacrifice and engage in daily life.

Photo Gallery

Concrete Aim

A Marine fires from a kneeling prone position during a deck shoot aboard the USS New Orleans in the Pacific Ocean, April 1, 2016. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Hector de Jesus

Hi-Res | More Photos | Photo Gallery

Night Boarding

Paratroopers board and position their gear inside an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft before participating in a night jump at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 31, 2016. Air Force photo by Alejandro Pena

Hi-Res | More Photos | Photo Gallery

National Preparedness - America's PrepareAthon! Spring 2016

America's PrepareAthon! is a yearlong national campaign of action to increase preparedness and resilience through heightened awareness of the hazards that threaten our communities. The campaign culminates in the spring and fall to further amplify the importance of taking action to prepare.

Special

Globemaster Maneuver

An Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft conducts a low-level flight during Large Package Week at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Apr. 5, 2016. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James Richardson

Hi-Res | Photo Gallery

Vessel Christening

Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work, second from left, celebrates during a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency christening ceremony for a technology demonstration vessel in Portland, Ore., April 7, 2016. DARPA’s anti-submarine warfare continuous trail unmanned vessel program designed, developed and built the vessel ...More

Hi-Res | More Photos | Story | Special | Photo Gallery

Travels With Work - April 2016

Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work travels to Oregon and Washington state to participate in a christening ceremony for a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency technology demonstration vessel and to discuss work underway for the department with aerospace industry leaders.

Special | Travel Archive

Ceremony Remarks

Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work speaks with reporters following the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's christening ceremony for a technology demonstration vessel in Portland, Ore., April 7, 2016. DoD photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Clydell Kinchen

Hi-Res | More Photos | Story | Special | Photo Gallery

DoD Focus on Asia-Pacific Rebalance

Defense leaders remain focused on efforts to strengthen relationships and modernize U.S. alliances in the Asia-Pacific region as a priority for 21st century security interests and sustaining U.S. global leadership.

Special

P-8 Aircraft Tour

Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work, left, tours the P-8 specific final installation bay and the P-8 in Renton, Wash., April 7, 2016. The P-8A Poseidon aircraft, derived from the next-generation 737-800, is designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissa ...More

Hi-Res | More Photos | Story | Special | Photo Gallery

Carter Promotes Force of the Future Initiative

Defense Secretary Ash Carter recently visited several institutions to promote the Force of the Future and recruit the brightest minds in America to the Defense Department.

Video | Special

Engine Maintenance

Sailors maintain a jet engine in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Atlantic Ocean, April 6, 2016. The aircraft carrier Eisenhower is conducting a Composite Training Unit Exercise to prepare for a future deployment. The sailors are assigned Strike Fighter Squadron 86. Navy photo by S ...More

Hi-Res | Photo Gallery

DoD Announces New Operation Inherent Resolve Medal

The Defense Department announces a new Operation Inherent Resolve medal.

Video | Special

Metal Framing

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Marco Rodriguez welds and prepares metal framing at an elementary school during Exercise Balikatan 2016 in Capiz, Philippines, April 2, 2016. The effort is one of multiple community-assistance projects to improve the quality of life for residents and strengthen the bond between the U.S. and the ...More

Hi-Res | More Photos | Photo Gallery

Month of the Military Child

Military children make up a very special part of our nation's population. Although young, these brave sons and daughters stand in steadfast support of their military parents. To honor their unique contributions and sacrifices on behalf of our country, each April is designated the Month of the Military Child.

Special

Deflector Inspectors

Sailors prepare to inspect jet blast deflectors on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Atlantic Ocean, April 5, 2016. The Eisenhower is conducting a unit training exercise to prepare for a deployment. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class J. Alexander Delgado

Hi-Res | Photo Gallery

Operation Inherent Resolve: Targeted Operations Against ISIL Terrorists

The president has authorized U.S. Central Command to work with partner nations to conduct targeted airstrikes in Iraq and Syria as part of the comprehensive strategy to degrade and defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Special

Blogs

7 Military Children Who Are Pretty Amazing It’s the Month of the Military Child, and what better way to celebrate it than to highlight some of this year’s Child of the Year winners. More

Airmen Conduct First Simulated Deployment Test of F-35A Aircraft

Aircraft maintainers, SSgt Thomas Stewart, left, Sr Airman Justin Wilmarth and SSgt Chris Mauldin, on ladder, prepare to tow an F-35A of the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, a tenant unit at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, Feb 19, 2016. Six operational test and evaluation F-35s and more than 85 Airmen of the 31st TES travelled to Mountain Home AFB to conduct the first simulated deployment test of the F-35A, specifically to execute three key initial operational capability mission sets: suppression of enemy air defenses, close air support and air interdiction. Air Force photo by J.M. Eddins Jr.

More than 85 airmen of the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron traveled to Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, to conduct the first simulated deployment test of the F-35A.More

Licensing Changes Help Military Spouses Stay in Careers

A military spouse receives her certificate. Photo Courtesy of Military Spouse JD Network

Frequent moves can prevent military spouses from finding jobs in their fields, and some state licensing changes are helping fix that. More

Facebook Twitter

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-08 Apr

DoD officials refuted claims by 'anonymous sources' in a Navy Times article released Wednesday.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-08 Apr

At 2:15 p.m. EDT, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter will speak at the Council on Foreign Relations on operationalizing and advancing the Asia-Pacific Rebalance. Watch live on defense.gov.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-08 Apr

U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venoms assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One facilitate aircrew training and proficiency on utility basics as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course 2-16 at Yuma, Arizona. WTI is a seven week training event hosted by MAWTS-1 cadre. MAWTS-1 provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Marcus Campbell

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-07 Apr

Thanks to the Military Spouse JD Network (JD stands for Juris doctorate), with support from the DoD, 16 states have changed their attorney licensing rules for military spouses, allowing them a temporary license as long as they’re in good standing in the state in which they passed the bar.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-07 Apr

To call the F-35 an amazing machine would be an understatement. Before it can become the weapon it's intended to be, tests and evaluations must be done. United States Air Force Maj. Thomas Hayes gives you an inside look at what it's like to be an F-35 Lighting II test pilot. Courtesy of Airman Magazine.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-07 Apr

A snapshot of #ISIL targets destroyed/damaged by coalition strikes from March 31 - April 4. For a full update visit: #InherentResolve" target="_blank">http://ow.ly/10mgNu Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve #InherentResolve

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-06 Apr

Tony Wyllie, senior vice president for the Washington Redskins, tells service members how to get ahead of the competition and gives advice on how to get a job in the National Football League (NFL).

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-06 Apr

Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force conduct a fast rope exercise out of a CH-53E Super Stallion at Auxiliary Airfield 2, Yuma, Arizona. The exercise is part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) 2-16, a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) cadre. MAWTS-1 provides standardized tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. U.S. Marine Corps photograph by SSgt. Artur Shvartsberg, MAWTS-1 COMCAM

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-06 Apr

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, also known as “The Lava Dogs”, conduct inflatable boat training with the Republic of Korea (ROK) marines as a part of the Korea Marine Exchange Program (KMEP) in South Korea. KMEP is a program designed to increase interoperability and camaraderie between U.S. Marines and ROK marines. The alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea has grown ever stronger based upon the shared interests and common values of both nations. U.S. Marine Corpss photo by MCIPAC Combat Camera Cpl. Erick Loarca

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-05 Apr

Today is Gold Star Spouses' Day. It's a time to remember and honor the surviving husbands and wives of fallen service members. Gold Star wife Naomi explains why the observance is important to her. To learn more about the Gold Star lapel buttons and other symbols of honor worn by surviving Family members, visit www.symbolsofhonor.org. Footage shot by Mark Scovell, Guadalupe Stratman and Craig Lifton, Fort Hood DPTMS Visual Information Center.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-05 Apr

Today, at 1 p.m. EDT, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter will participate in a discussion on preparing the DoD for the future at the CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies' International Security Program. Watch live on www.defense.gov

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-05 Apr

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-04 Apr

Staff Sgt. Tobias Henry uses a three second rush to bound to an alternate firing point while reacting to direct fire during Expert Infantry Badge qualifications held at Fort Jackson, S.C. Soldiers vying for the coveted Infantry qualification were given 30 timed Army Warrior tasks to complete in addition to being tested on the Army Physical Fitness test, day and night land navigation. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brian Hamilton

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-04 Apr

Happy Birthday NATO! #OTD in 1949, the United States and 11 other nations establish the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a mutual defense pact aimed at containing possible Soviet aggression against Western Europe. U.S. Mission to NATO

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-04 Apr

U.S. Army soldiers fire an FGM-148 Javelin surface-to-air missile during scout platoon level certifications at Adazi Military Base, Latvia. Scouts conducted the culminating training event in addition to various multinational training during a rotation in Latvia in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Paige Behringer

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-03 Apr

The F-35 Lightning II Pax River Integrated Test Force from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 conducted the first weapons separation test of an AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) from an F-35C Lightning II carrier variant March 23. During flight 180 over the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Atlantic Test Ranges, Cmdr. Ted Dyckman, a U.S. Navy F-35 test pilot, dropped an inert JSOW from aircraft CF-05. This test is the first of a series of JSOW separation events scheduled for 2016. U.S. Navy courtesy photo by Dane Wiedmann.

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-03 Apr

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Frida Karani, the personal chef for the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, earned the title of Armed Forces Chef of the Year 2016. Read the feature story at http://go.usa.gov/csMAT

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-03 Apr

Sexual assault survivors in the military can find the support they need, when they need it, with DoD Safe Helpline. If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault in the military, please call 877-995-5247 or visit safehelpline.org to get the help you need. You can also Check out Defense.gov’s special coverage, which includes information about resources dedicated to preventing and appropriately responding to this crime. #SAAPM

U.S. Dept of Defense
DeptofDefense-03 Apr

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Joseph Ross' grandfather is a World War II veteran. Now, he's with the 29th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 25th ID, and he's one of the "Faces of PACOM."

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-08 Apr

America’s #servicemembers provide security that allows millions of people-not just in the US-to dream their dreams. https://t.co/tDLoKMm78o

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-08 Apr

Next week #SecDef will meet with @narendramodi & @manoharparrikar to discuss progress in carrier, jet fighter, & jet engine collaboration.

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-08 Apr

#SecDef: The U.S.-India relationship is destined to be one of the most significant partnerships of the 21st century. https://t.co/hg3jEaT2OI

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-08 Apr

#SecDef: our alliances and partnerships are and will remain one of our most important strategic assets. #Rebalance https://t.co/fNUEasRAsJ

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-08 Apr

#SecDef @CFR_org: #TTP should be ratified because of its economic and strategic benefits. https://t.co/WX71EqLj9k

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-08 Apr

#SecDef: one of the most important strategic parts of the Asia Pacific #rebalance is the Trans-Pacific Partnership. https://t.co/X0Dlr6Gvm4

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-08 Apr

#SecDef @CFR_org: We will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows. https://t.co/21ALrhcvj8

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-08 Apr

#SecDef announces he'll visit India & Philippines to solidify Asia Pacific #rebalance & continue to build growing regional security network

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-08 Apr

#SecDef: I want to talk to you about how we're meeting the challenges & seizing opportunities in the Asia-Pacific https://t.co/GG2WcygNpZ

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-08 Apr

Happening Now: #SecDef speaking @CFR_org. For full coverage, follow @DoDNews.

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-08 Apr

At 2:15pm ET, #SecDef will speak @CFR_org on advancing the Asia-Pacific #Rebalance. Live on https://t.co/3b7GlNfHki. https://t.co/1VvGaQbFbG

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-08 Apr

.@USArmy #Paratroopers participate in an airborne operation at Malemute Drop Zone, #Alaska. @PacificCommand https://t.co/720S3p93wL

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-07 Apr

A snapshot of #ISIL targets destroyed/damaged by coalition strikes from March 31- April 4. @CJTFOIR #InherentResolve https://t.co/4IHM3q0b7z

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-07 Apr

RT @PacificCommand: #ADMHarris: "Any assertion that there is a disconnect between #PACOM and the @WhiteHouse is simply not true." https://t…

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-07 Apr

Ever want to be a #F35 Pilot? Take a look inside what it's like. @AirmanMagazine @USAirForce https://t.co/X6QuQ2T2Ka

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-07 Apr

RT @NavyHistoryNews: #OTD in 1945, first two #USNavy flight nurses land on an active battlefield at Iwo Jima. #WWII @NavyMedicine https://t…

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-07 Apr

RT @JohnKerry: Great visit w/ U.S. military & tour of @USNavy ship USS Devastator in #Bahrain. Grateful for their service & support https:/…

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-07 Apr

.@USArmy #Paratroopers climb an obstacle during physical fitness training @FtBraggNC. https://t.co/czYFsycSeN

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-06 Apr

.@USMC Greathouse scans the area during a perimeter patrol in Al Taqaddum, #Iraq. @CENTCOM @CJTFOIR #InherentResolve https://t.co/BNJaHVXE0b

U.S. Dept of Defense
@deptofdefense-06 Apr

RT @USMC: Lucca, a retired service dog, is the first devil dog to receive @PDSA_HQ Dicken Medal More: https://t.co/ZKZfklSDWw https://t.co…

1,216,381

1,982,557

Special Reports

Features

Face of Defense

Soldier Retires Her Jump Boots After 28 Years Army Sgt. Maj. Tonika Scott-Morris is closing out a 28-year career as a military parachute rigger, having logged well over 150 jumps. Story

Science and Technology

DoD Awards $162 Million in University Research Funding The Defense Department will issue 23 awards totaling $162 million over the next five years to academic institutions to perform multidisciplinary basic research. Story | Special

Military Families

Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks to a military child during the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 2016 Honor Guard Gala in Washington, D.C., April 6, 2016. During the event, Gen. Dunford was presented the TAPS Honor Guard Gala Military Award, accepting it on behalf of the men and women serving in our Armed Forces. DoD photo by Army Staff Sgt. Sean K. Harp

Gala Honors Families of Fallen Service Members The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff met and expressed appreciation for surviving family members of fallen troops during the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors 2016 Honor Guard Gala. Story | Photos | Special

Focus on the Forces

Flags from both nations are retired, during the opening ceremony of Balikatan 2016, aboard Camp Aguinaldo, April 4, 2016. Balikatan, which means "shoulder to shoulder" in Filipino, is an annual bilateral training exercise focused on improving the ability of Philippine and U.S. military forces to work together during planning, contingency and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. This year marks the 32nd iteration of the exercise.

Philippines, U.S. Launch Balikatan 2016 Exercise Balikatan 2016 kicked off in a ceremony attended by government officials and senior U.S. and Philippine military leaders. Story | Photos | Special

U.S., Romanian troops participate in Phase I "Early Entry" multinational exercise, Saber Junction 15, March 24, 2015. Army photo by Nicusor Comanescu

U.S. Army, NATO, European Partners Conduct Airborne Training in Germany The airborne operations and follow-on tactical maneuvers are part of Exercise Saber Junction 16, which includes nearly 5,000 personnel from 16 NATO and European partner nations. Story | Special

National Guard and Reserve

National Guard Bureau Chief Nominee Strong, Steady Leader, Secretary Says Defense Secretary Ash Carter congratulated Air Force Lt. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel on his nomination to serve as the next chief of the National Guard Bureau. Story

In the Spotlight

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Shanice Floyd ensures the proper fit of Navy Seaman Recruit Megan Marte's white enlisted hat, or "dixie cup" during uniform issue at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill., April 4, 2016. Navy photo by Sue Krawczyk

First Female Recruits Receive 'Dixie Cup' Covers at Recruit Training Command The Navy redesigned several uniform elements to improve uniformity, function and fit in an effort to eventually make uniforms and covers more gender neutral. Story | Special

DoD Launches New Civilian Performance Appraisal Program DoD civilian employees are getting a new, standardized performance appraisal program as part of an initiative seeking to provide more transparent processes, among other aims. Story

Top Stories

Photo Essays

More Stories

Military Services

Unified Combatant Commands

Blogs

Top Videos

Special Reports

Features