Photos from May, 2008

LOURDES, France — Army Brig. Gen. Rusty Frutiger, U.S. Army Europe chief of staff and leader of the U.S. military contingent, greets a fellow pilgrim during the 50th International Military Pilgrimage here May 22-25. During the three-day event U.S. military members joined fellow pilgrims for three days of prayer, church services and informal soldier-to-soldier get-togethers. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BERLIN, Germany — Lt. Col. Marc Beutler, German air force exchange pilot assigned to the U.S. Air Force, conducts post flight checks on the "Spirit of Berlin" C-17 Globemaster III after performing a flight demonstration at the 2008 Berlin Air Show May 28. Beutler and the C-17 are assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech Sgt. Corey Clements) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
HEIDELBERG, Germany — During a change of responsibility ceremony May 29 here, Diane Devens (left), took over as director of Installation Management Command-Europe, replacing Russell Hall (right), who will replace Devens as director of IMCOM-Northeast, located at Fort Monroe, Va. Maj. Gen. John Macdonald (center), deputy commander of U.S. Army Installation Management Command presided over the ceremony. (Department of Defense photo by Tom Saunders) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France — Members of the U.S. Army Europe honor platoon stand in formation during the Memorial Day ceremony at the Normandy American Cemetery here, May 25. The platoon included three soldiers with family connections to the D-Day invasion. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BERLIN, Germany — Lt. Col. Marc Beutler, German air force exchange pilot assigned to the U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Air Force Capt. Rebecca Russo perform an assault landing (a short field landing capability) during a demonstration on the "Spirit of Berlin" C-17 Globemaster III at the 2008 Berlin Air Show May 28. Beutler and Russo are assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech Sgt. Corey Clements) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BERLIN, Germany — Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Lackey, an aircraft maintenance crew chief, cleans the exterior of an F-15E Strike Eagle from the 48th Fighter Wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, United Kingdom here May 25 in preparation for the 2008 Berlin Air Show. U.S. participation in the Berlin Air Show enhances the U.S.-German military-to-military relationship and supports our security cooperation strategic direction efforts. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Corey Clements) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
CAMBRIDGE, England — Airmen prepare to present wreaths to veterans and their families May 26 at the Cambridge American Cemetary and Memorial here. More than 110 associations symbolically laid wreaths in memory of those dead or missing from World War II. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Airman Perry Aston) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIRBASE, CONSTANTA, Romania — Chaplain Bradford Baumann prepares to lead Joint Task Force-East personnel in a prayer and a moment of silence during a barbecue commemorating Memorial Day, May 26. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MIHAIL KOGALNICEANU AIRBASE, CONSTANTA, Romania — Army Sgt. 1st Class Samuel Rapp, the Joint Task Force-East First Sergeant gives incoming soldiers an overview of the base facilities at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base in Romania. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BERLIN, Germany — German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel (on the microphone), addresses the audience during a Berlin Airlift 60th anniversary ceremony at the 2008 Berlin Air Show May 27. The ceremony, staged in front of the "Spirit of Berlin" C-17 Globemaster from Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., highlighted Col. (retired) Gail Halvorsen, The Berlin Candy Bomber, (pictured on her right) and other veterans of the airlift. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech Sgt. Corey Clements) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BROOKWOOD, United Kingdom — 7th Army Reserve Command Color Guard and U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band provided distinguished representation of the United States and its armed forces during a Memorial Day ceremony at Brookwood American Military Cemetery May 25. (Department of Defense photo by Army Staff Sgt. Osvaldo Sanchez) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BERLIN, Germany — Gen. Roger Brady, U.S. Air Forces in Europe Commander, thanks the F-15 crew from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, for showcasing their aircraft during his walk through of the U.S. corral at the 2008 Berlin Air Show May 27. U.S. military participation in the air show contributes to a number of U.S. security and foreign policy interests. Participation promotes standardization and interoperability of equipment with our NATO allies and other potential coalition partners and highlights the strength of the U.S. commitment to the security of Europe. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech Sgt. Corey Clements) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MEDITERRANEAN SEA — A plane director assigned to Air Department's V-1 division guides a French Navy Rafale jet to one of the catapults on the flight deck aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), May 21. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo J. Reyes) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
GYUMRI, Armenia — Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Frazier, Army Maj. Edward G. Keller, Bilateral Affairs Officer, and Ani Melkumyan are provided a presentation consisting of children singing and dancing classic Armenian songs and choreography. Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BERLIN, Germany — U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Marcus Smith cleans the nose landing gear of a B-1B Lancer bomber aircraft of the 7th Bomb Wing from Dyess Air Force Base, TX in preparation for the 2008 Berlin Air Show here May 24. Smith is an aircraft maintenance crew chief of the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 7th BW, on temporary duty for the first time away from his home station. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Corey Clements) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BERLIN, Germany — U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Marcus Smith (right), and German air force Master Sgt. Martin Ludwig prepares a B-1B Lancer bomber aircraft of the 7th Bomb Wing from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas for towing during preparations for the 2008 Berlin Air Show here May 24. Smith is an aircraft maintenance crew chief of the 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 7th BW, on his first temporary duty assignment away from his home station. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Corey Clements) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MK AIRFIELD ADMINISTRATION CENTER, Romania — A Black Hawk helicopter deposits a squad of 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Battalion soldiers near a village known to house a high value Insurgent target. The training was held recently at Babadag Training Area in Romania, July 11. (Department of Defense photo by Pfc. Gerald Wilson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
STUTTGART, GERMANY — Lt. Gen. Luan Hoxha, Chief of Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces (left,) Gen. Josip Lucic, Chief of Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces, and Lt. Gen. Miroslav Stojanovski, Chief of Staff of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia (right,) sign the Joint Statement at the U.S.-Adriatic Charter Chiefs of Defense Conference hosted by U.S. European Commmand 21 May. In the Joint Statement, the three leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability as they continue their work toward NATO membership. (Department of Defense photo by Delinda K. Hood) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BEIRUT — U.S Air Force airmen load a U.S Air Force HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter before take-off at the U.S. Embassy in here May 19. The Air Force's 56th Rescue Squadron and the U.S. Navy's Joint Maritime Ashore Support Team and Task Force 362 deployed to Royal Air Force Cyprus early last week to provide potential re-supply support to the U.S. Embassy in Beirut if requested. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Lt. Col. Neil Eisen) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
STUTTGART, GERMANY — Vice Adm. Richard K. Gallagher, Deputy Commander, U.S. European Command (left), hosted the top leaders of six Western Balkans nations' militaries at the eighth working meeting of U.S.-Adriatic Charter Chiefs of Defense, 21 May. The Chiefs of Defense of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter signatories (Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia) were joined by the leaders of miltiaries from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. The leaders discussed what lies ahead for the nations in their region following NATO's Bucharest Summit, conducted in April. Pictured from left to right: Vice Adm. Gallagher, Lt. Gen. Luan Hoxha (Albania), Gen. Josip Lucic (Croatia), Lt. Gen. Miroslav Stojanovski (Macedonia), Lt. Gen. Sifet Podzic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Vice Adm. Dragan Samardzic (Montenegro), and Lt. Gen. Zdravko Ponos (Serbia). (Department of Defense photo by Delinda K. Hood) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
CONSTANTA, Romania — The Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter, Secretary of the Navy, is welcomed aboard the Romanian Frigate F222 Rigina Maria, May 14, 2008 for a ships tour. Winter was on a two-day visit to Romania meeting with military and government officials. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BATUMI, Georgia — (May 16, 2008) â? Secretary of the Navy, The Honorable Donald C. Winter, speaks to sailors of the guided missile frigate USS John L. Hall (FFG 32) May 16, 2008, about the role they are taking building partnerships with the nations of the Black Sea region, while the ship was at anchor here. John L. Hall is operating in the Black Sea promoting theater security and cooperation. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian A. Goyak) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
DIVULJE TRAINING BASE, Croatia — U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Ross, MEDCEUR commander, gives a final salute to the Albanian Delegation Chief May 14 during the closing ceremony of the 2008 Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe (MEDCEUR) here. Fifteen nations are participating in the exercise from May 2-14. The exercise focuses on mass-casualty training scenarios and humanitarian aid in response to crises situations. MEDCEUR is a Joint Chiefs of Staff regional/multilateral exercise sponsored by U.S. European Command. Croatia is hosting the 2008 exercise which has drawn about 400 multi-nationals in support of the Partnership for Peace initiative. (Department of Defense photo byU.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kristin Ruleau) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
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) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BAUMHOLDER, Germany — German Army Maj. Gen. Klaus-Peter Treche (left), deputy commander of the German Joint Force Command, returns the salute of U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Pugh after viewing the troops during closing ceremonies for Combined Endeavor 2008 here May 14. More than 35 participating nations use the exercise to plan, prepare and practice using a full range of communications, equipment, policies and procedures prior to deploying for NATO missions and emerging, real-world crisis situations. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brian Hill) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
TEMPELHOF AIRPORT — C-47 transport aircraft, each containing 190 sacks of flour, arrive here, July 2, 1948. A pair of B-17 weather aircraft can be seen at the far side of the airfield along with a lone C-54 at the extreme right. (Photo courtesy of The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ROTA, Spain — Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Luigi Mendoza (left), assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Eight (EODMU-8) Det. Europe, discusses safety issues with members the Spanish Unidad Especial Desactivado de Explosivos (U.E.D.E), during exercise Magre 09-1 at Naval Station Rota, Spain May 14. The annual exercise enhances interoperability between Spanish counterparts, Unidad Especial Desactivado de Explosivos and U.S. EOD teams to hone their skills in EOD tactics, techniques and procedures. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Paul Cage) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
DIVULJE TRAINING BASE, Croatia — Republic of Croatia Minister of Defense Branko Vukelic and U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Rod Bishop, 3rd Air Force commander, discuss the mass-casualty exercise May 12, during the 2008 Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe (MEDCEUR). These distinguished visitors toured the mass-casualty exercise and saw first-hand how the participants applied the knowledge they gained during MEDCEUR training. Fifteen nations are participating in the exercise from May 2-14. The exercise focuses on mass-casualty training scenarios and humanitarian aid in response to crises situations. MEDCEUR is a Joint Chiefs of Staff regional/multilateral exercise sponsored by U.S. European Command. Croatia is hosting the 2008 exercise which has drawn about 400 multi-nationals in support of the Partnership for Peace initiative. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kristin Ruleau) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, ENLAND — More than half the fleet of KC-135R Stratotankers assigned to the base performed a massive-rapid response exercise here May 9, 2008. The event, which involved the launching of eight refueling aircraft, benefitted two parts of the installation's flying community. Airmen assigned to the maintenance squadrons were able to test their abilities to launch several aircraft simultaneously while the refueling squadrons took advantage of the large number of aircraft in the air by performing formation flights. The last time a large-scale take-off of this kind took place was on March 13, 2006, when seven KC-135R aircraft crews participated. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Senior Airman Teresa Hawkins) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BAUMHOLDER, Germany — Portuguese Capt. David Loopes Antunes (front), and Sgt. 1st Class Machado Antonio double-check a systems connection during the testing phase of exercise Combined Endeavor 2007 here April 30, 2007. Combined Endeavor is the largest security cooperation and communications and information systems military exercise in the world, with more than 1,200 military and civilian personnel from 42 countries and two multinational organizations. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. NicRaven) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
VLADIVOSTOK, Russia — U.S. Navy Cdr. Paul Lyons, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem, takes part in the bread and salt ceremony, a traditional Russian welcoming ceremony, after arriving here for a scheduled port visit, May 7, 2008. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. White) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) was commissioned in 1998 and built in Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard, it is the ninth nuclear powered aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy. Homeported out of Norfolk, Va., it is 1096 feet long, 251 feet at its widest point, and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots. Truman, with its embarked airwing, carries more than 70 tactical and support aircraft. (Official Department of Defense file photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
LORA NAVAL STATION, SPLIT, Croatia — U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Brandon Krueger, radio technician supervisor, 1st Combat Communications Squadron from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, programs radios to be used during exercise Combined Endeavor here, April 29. More than 40 participating nations use Combined Endeavor to plan, prepare and practice using a full range of communications equipment, policies, and procedures prior to deploying for NATO missions and emerging, real world situations such as the evacuation of Lebanon and response to natural disasters. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kelly LeGuillon) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BAUMHOLDER, Germany — Slovakian troops participate in the opening ceremony for Combined Endeavor 2008 here, May 1, 2008. The United States European Command sponsors the annual exercise, which includes more than 35 nations. Participants use a range of communications, equipment, policies and procedures before deploying for NATO missions and emerging crisis situations. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Master Sgt. Jonathan Doti) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
DIVULJE TRAINING BASE, Croatia — Macedonian Army Sgt. Milena Velickovska discusses different techniques of Self Aid Buddy Care May 3 with cadets Vahe Petrosyan (lying down) and Arsen Adonc from the Military Medicine Faculty of the Armenian Medical University during the 2008 Medical Training Exercise in Central and Eastern Europe (MEDCEUR). The Self Aid Buddy Care course is one of eleven courses offered during MEDCEUR. Fifteen nations are participating in the exercise from May 2-14. The exercise focuses on mass-casualty training scenarios and humanitarian aid in response to crises situations. MEDCEUR is a Joint Chiefs of Staff regional/multilateral exercise sponsored by U.S. European Command. Croatia is hosting the 2008 exercise which has drawn about 400 multi-nationals in support of the Partnership for Peace initiative. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kristin Ruleau) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BAUMHOLDER, Germany — Delegations from more than 35 nations experienced less than favorable conditions during the opening ceremonies of Combined Endeavor 2008 May 1, 2008. The nations participate in CE 08 to plan, prepare and practice a full range of communications, equipment, policies and procedures prior to deploying for NATO missions and emerging real world crisis situations such as the evacuation of Lebanon and response to national disasters. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Marine Cpl. Jenn Eagelman) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MESSEL, Germany — Soldiers from the United States and other countries fire the S-8 automatic weapon at the International Monte Kali Shooting Competition at The U.S. Army Small Arms Range here, April 25, 2008. (Department of Defense photo by Martin Greeson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...