U.S. Army Major Louise Eldred, assigned to 773rd Civil Support Team, tests COVID-19 samples as part of a preventative measure during Phase II of DEFENDER-Europe 20, Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, July 15 2020. DEFENDER Europe 20 was designed as a deployment exercise to build strategic readiness in support of the U.S. National Defense Strategy and NATO deterrence objectives. In response to COVID-19, DEFENDER-Europe 20 was modified in size and scope. Phase I of the modified DEFENDER-Europe 20 was linked to exercise Allied Spirit, which took place at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, June 5-19 with approximately 6,000 U.S. and Polish Soldiers. In phase II of the modified DEFENDER-Europe 20, a U.S.-based combined arms battalion will conduct an emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise to Europe July 14-Aug. 22.
(U.S. Army photo by Jason Johnston.)200213-N-CE622-0242
ROTA, Spain (Feb. 13, 2020) Explosive ordnance disposal technicians, from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8, assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Force Europe-Africa/Task Force (CTF) 68, conduct unstable exit free fall jumps as part of flight operations with the Spanish navy. CTF 68 provides explosive ordnance disposal operations, naval construction, expeditionary security, and theater security efforts in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Katie Cox/Released)Back dropped by the rotating earth, U.S. Army and NASA Astronaut Col. Andrew Morgan pauses for a photo opportunity during extravehicular activity (EVA) #64 at the International Space Station’s Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer worksite Jan. 25, 2020. Col. Morgan and Italian Air Force and ESA astronaut Col. Luca Parmitano participated in this fourth and final EVA to complete repairs on the AMS, a state-of-the-art particle physics detector. The emblems displayed on Col. Morgan's cuff checklist are U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (top) and U.S. Space Command (bottom). (Photo by ESA Astronaut Luca Parmitano)Retired Lt. Col. John Mahler, who was once assigned to the 342nd Bombardment Squadron, celebrates his 102nd birthday as he watches a parade of military and first responder vehicles pass the Butler Veteran’s Affairs Health Care Wellness Center on November 12, 2020, Butler, Pa. (courtesy photo)A sentinel from the Old Guard walks the mat at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, November 11, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery / released)C130 crews of the 133rd Airlift Wing conducts various training over Camp Ripley Sept 16, 2020. Their training included air drops on the Arno Drop Zone and the releasing of flares during simulated aerial operations maneuvering.In partnership with Guatemalan forces, Joint Task Force-Bravo unloads emergency supplies from a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook assigned to the 1-228th Aviation Regiment in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, Nov. 8 2020, to assist the victims of Tropical Depression Eta. JTF-Bravo’s proximity, training and unique capabilities make them the obvious choice for countries in the region, when there is a crisis of this kind. (Courtesy photo)U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Mackenzie K Price participates in a gun run during a training and readiness event on Range 9, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 30, 2020. The intent of this range was to maintain skills in the M240 and M249 weapon systems and was organized by 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion to ensure their military policemen are proficient in the tools and weapon systems they could utilize while in the field. Price is a military policeman with 3rd LE, Alpha Company and is a native of Akron, Ohio. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Timothy Hernandez)200129-N-KP021-0001
ATSUGI, Japan (Jan. 29, 2020) An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the “Diamondbacks” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102 conducts flight operations. VFA-102 is attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Alex Grammar/Released)Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Devin Fredrick, from Atlanta, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) weapons department, is installing an arming device on a MK-63 1,000-pound inert mine Sept. 3, 2020. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting an independent steaming event. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Sarah Mead)U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, currently attached to 3rd Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program cross a rope bridge during the endurance course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center(JWTC) on Okinawa, Japan, March 20, 2020. JWTC prepares Marines for a jungle warfare environment by teaching survival skills, simulating jungle combat scenarios and requiring Marines to implement small unit tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jackson Dukes)ATLANTIC OCEAN (Oct. 12, 2020) – Sailors perform a foreign object damage walk down on the flight deck aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), Oct. 12, 2020. The Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group is participating in SWATT off the coast of North Carolina to maintain readiness, proficiency and lethality. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominick A. Cremeans/Released)200223-N-LZ839-1381
ARABIAN GULF (Feb. 23, 2020) Sailors assigned to the Dragon Whales of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 participate in a search-and-rescue swimmer exercise, Feb. 23, 2020. HSC-28 is embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), the flagship for the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and, with embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Darren Newell/Released)A crew chief with B Co "Big Windy," 1-214th General Support Aviation Battalion relays vital position information back to the CH-47 Chinook pilot from his side window as paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade prepare to hook their pallet of equipment to the underside of the helicopter. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Robert Fellingham)The USS Toledo (SSN-769) arrives at Ice Camp Seadragon on the Arctic Ocean kicking off Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2020. ICEX 2020 is a three-week, biennial exercise that offers the Navy the opportunity to assess its operational readiness in the Arctic and train with other services, partner nations and Allies to increase experience in the region, and maintain regional stability while improving capabilities to operate in the Arctic environment. U.S. Navy Photo by MC1 Michael B. ZingaroU.S. Marines with Basic Reconnaissance Course 2-20, Reconnaissance Training Company, Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry - West, conduct helicopter rope suspension techniques training at the 13 Area rappel tower on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 22, 2020. HRST training includes classes and practical application of fast-roping, rappelling, belaying and special patrol insertion/extraction rigging from various aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alison Dostie)U.S. Army Spc. Ashley Jacobs, a combat medic with the Delaware Army National Guard Medical Detachment, organizes canned goods during a drive-thru food pantry on the grounds of Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware, June 24, 2020. About 25 soldiers and airmen of the National Guard joined volunteers with the Food Bank of Delaware there, distributing much-needed pantry items to address the increased demand for food assistance amid COVID-19. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Brendan Mackie)Clemson University Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadet Elizabeth Hite, a senior studying math, walks Cleo the puppy on Clemson’s Bowman Field before an “actions on the objective” field exercise, Jan. 9, 2020. (Photo by Ken Scar)The remains of an animal jawbone lies on the ground as participants of the Grand Bara Race run in the Grand Bara Desert, Djibouti, Jan. 15, 2020. The unique race, held by the French Forces Djibouti annually, brought together around 1,500 coalition members as well as civilians from the U.S., France, Djibouti, Spain, Italy, and Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ashley Nicole Taylor)The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” fly over New York City, New York, April 28, 2020. The flyover was part of America Strong; a collaborative salute from the Air Force and Navy to recognize healthcare workers, first responders, military, and other essential personnel while standing in solidarity with all Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Cory W. Bush)U.S. Air Force Maj. Josh ‘Cabo’ Gunderson, F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team commander, executes the 'Power Loop' maneuver during a performance at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 10, 2020. This maneuver utilizes the thrust vectoring technology unique to the F-22 that allow the aircraft to rotate through the air. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Sam Eckholm)200517-N-ML755-3361
ARABIAN GULF (May 17, 2020) A pod of dolphins travel with the guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), May 17, 2020. Paul Hamilton is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew F. Jackson/Released)USCGC CAMPBELL transited south along the west coast of Greenland overnight with the HDMS KNUD RASMUSSEN and rendezvoused in a position just offshore of Evighedsfjorden (Eternity Fjord). CAMPBELL received KNUD's Executive Officer, Commander Bo Ougaard, on board to serve as ice pilot and provide local knowledge to assist CAMPBELL in safely entering and transiting Evighedsfjorden. Once inside Eternity Fjord, CAMPBELL launched her MH-65 Dolphin aircraft and proceeded up the fjord to the head where the glacier begins.U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. – Air Force's Ben Peterson outruns Boise State's Kekaula Kaniho on Oct. 31, 2020 in Falcon Stadium at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Air Force was defeated by Boise State 30-49. – (U.S. Air Force photo/Trevor Cokley)A U.S. Marine with Marine Rotational Force-Europe 21.1, Marine Forces Europe and Africa, stands watch during a cold weather training package in preparation for Exercise Reindeer II in Setermoen, Norway, Nov. 12, 2020. Reindeer II is a bilateral training exercise hosted by the Norwegian military to increase support capabilities between NATO allies in extreme conditions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. William Chockey)Romanian Soldiers and U.S. Soldiers assigned to the enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland shoot air defense weapons during excercise Oerlikon in Bemowo Piskie, Aug. 28, 2020. NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence consists of four battalion-sized battle groups deploying on a persistent rotational basis to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to demonstrate the alliance’s determination and ability to act as one in response to any aggression against its members. U.S. Army Photo by: Staff Sgt. Kulani LakanariaU.S. Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, fire rounds from an M120 mortar system at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, July 25, 2020. Mortar training enhances base defense operations and acts as a show of force. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Khalil Jenkins)200528-M-LK264-0030
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII (May 27, 2020) U.S. Marines with Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marine Regiment, stage their assault amphibious vehicles during around-the-clock operations on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, May 28, 2020. Combat Assault Company conducted the training in order to enhance combat readiness and amphibious landing proficiency. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob Wilson/Released)From left, USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Shiloh (CG 67), USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Chicago (SSN 721), USS America (LHA 6), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USNS John Ericsson (T-AO 194), USS Antietam (CG 54), USS Germantown (LSD 42), and USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) steam in formation while E/A-18G Growlers and FA-18E Super Hornets from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, a P-8 Poseidon from Commander Task Force 72, and U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors and a B-1B Bomber fly over the formation in support of Valiant Shield 2020. Valiant Shield is a U.S. only, biennial field training exercise (FTX) with a focus on integration of joint training in a blue-water environment among U.S. forces. This training enables real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces through detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jason Tarleton)Lt. Col. Paula Young, Brigade Surgeon, 25th Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade hurddles over a obstacle during the Green Mile, a physical endurance course that concludes the final week of Jungle Operations Training Course at East Range, Hawaii on October 1, 2020. Senior leaders across the 25th Infantry Division attended JOTC in order to familiarize and certify themselves with jungle operation tactics, techniques, and procedures required to fight, win, and survive within any tropical jungle environment. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Angelo Mejia)Firefighters from the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron and Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company Station 55, from Delaware, spray down an aircraft-fire trainer during a live-fire-burn exercise at night Sept. 28, 2020, on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. Total Force and civilian fire companies in the surrounding community often partner with Dover AFB to complete annual training requirements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Quail)200502-N-PH222-2124 LOS ANGELES (May 2, 2020) Lt. j.g. Joyce Sim, from Seoul, Korea, removes a bandage from Oscar Vargas, a patient aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), in an intensive care unit. Mercy deployed in support of the nation's COVID-19 response efforts, and serves as a referral hospital for non-COVID-19 patients currently admitted to shore-based hospitals. This allows shore base hospitals to focus their efforts on COVID-19 cases. One of the Department of Defense's missions is Defense Support of Civil Authorities. DoD is supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the lead federal agency, as well as state, local and public health authorities in helping protect the health and safety of the American people. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan M. Breeden)Recruit Dustin Murphy with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, keeps watch while his fellow recruits prepare for the next events of the Crucible aboard Marine Corps Depot Parris Island, Mar. 27, 2020. The Crucible is a 54-hour culminating event that requires recruits to work as a unit to overcome challenges.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Hageali)U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Blake Hernandez and Pfc. Brady McVane paint the wall of a school during an engineering civic action project as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2020 at Wattakiantong School, Chanthaburi, Kingdom of Thailand, Feb. 25, 2020. Hernandez, a native of Silver Spring, Md., and McVane, a native of Marinette, Wis., are combat engineers with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group. Cobra Gold 20 maintains a consistent focus on humanitarian civic action, community engagement, and medical activities conducted during the exercise to support the needs and humanitarian interests of civilian populations around the region. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan E. Gilbert)Air Force Master Sgt. Jehu Forte, assigned to the 703rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, shakes hands with his daughter Thalia, 7, as he hugs his daughter Abram, 6, in an aircraft hangar on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 8, 2020, after a ceremony awarding Forte the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement for his actions during a deployment in support of U.S. and coalition forces in the Middle East. Master Sgt. Forte distinguished himself by meritorious achievement as a Tactical Operations Superintendent and Air Advisor, and placed himself at risk numerous times while engaged in operations against an opposing armed force to expertly carryout his mission-critical duties in support of operations Inherent Resolve and Deliberate Resolve. (U.S. Air Force photo/Justin Connaher)Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team,1st Armored Division and 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, meet with local villagers in northeastern Syria Oct. 15. The Soldiers are in Syria to support the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) mission. CJTF-OIR remains committed to working by, with and through our partners to ensure the enduring defeat of Daesh.(U.S. Army photo by: Staff Sgt. Michael West)200413-N-RU084-1282
ARABIAN SEA (April 13, 2020) Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Emilia Flores operates a portable exothermic cutting unit aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), April 13, 2020. Ike is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Aaron Bewkes/Released/Released)Soldiers from the Royal Thai Army conducts a familiarization training on different types of snakes that are commonly found in Southeast Asia for Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment during Hanuman Guardian 20 on March 6, 2020 in Korat, Thailand. The RTA presented a variety of snakes including the deadly venomous cobra that are commonly found in Thailand.
HG 20 demonstrates the commitment of the Kingdom of Thailand and the United States to our long-standing alliance. Our broad cooperation continues on issues that benefit both our countries, the region, and beyond.
(U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Angelo Mejia)U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Borgerding, guitarist and vocalist assigned to the U.S. Army Europe Rock Band and a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, plays his guitar and sings during an icebreaker performance for Polish nationals ahead of Operation DEFENDER-Europe 20; during the band’s performance they released basic information for DEFENDER-Europe 20 and interacted with the attendees at the conclusion of the event, sharing each other’s cultural experiences. Suwalki, Poland, March 2, 2020. DEFENDER-Europe 20 demonstrates the U.S. military's ability to rapidly deploy a large combat-credible force from the U.S. to Europe to support NATO and respond to a crisis. Once in Europe, U.S. service members will spread out across the region to participate in various annual exercises with our allies and partners. DEFENDER-Europe 20 will conclude with the redeployment of U.S. based forces and equipment. For more information, visit www.eur.army.mil/DefenderEurope. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Timothy Hamlin)Marine with Hotel Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, prepare to bed down for the night after a live-fire range at Fort Pickett, Va., July 18, 2020, during Hotel Battery’s annual training. The Marine Corps Reserves was established on Aug. 29, 1916, after President Woodrow Wilson signed the Naval Appropriations Act of 1916. Since then, the Marine Corps Reserves have been called upon in every major conflict as well serving in humanitarian and security operations across the globe. This photo was created by stacking 75 images taken over the span of 45 minutes together. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Niles Lee)
Department of Defense
U.S. Army Major Louise Eldred, assigned to 773rd Civil Support Team, tests COVID-19 samples as part of a preventative measure during Phase II of DEFENDER-Europe 20, Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, July 15 2020. DEFENDER Europe 20 was designed as a deployment exercise to build strategic readiness in support of the U.S. National Defense Strategy and NATO deterrence objectives. In response to COVID-19, DEFENDER-Europe 20 was modified in size and scope. Phase I of the modified DEFENDER-Europe 20 was linked to exercise Allied Spirit, which took place at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, June 5-19 with approximately 6,000 U.S. and Polish Soldiers. In phase II of the modified DEFENDER-Europe 20, a U.S.-based combined arms battalion will conduct an emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise to Europe July 14-Aug. 22.
(U.S. Army photo by Jason Johnston.)
This year the coronavirus pandemic has changed everything as we’ve known it. From going out in public and wearing masks each day, to social distancing or quarantining from our friends and family, to kids attending school from behind a computer screen — the list goes on.
But despite the repercussions of the pandemic, it hasn’t stopped U.S. service members from working around the clock on training and other operations worldwide to ensure the nation’s security.
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Photographs from the Department of Defense are giving us a glimpse of these operations, some of which are on the front lines to combat the pandemic.
Some of the images show Army soldiers testing COVID-19 samples in Poland, National Guard members handing out food supplies at pantry events as part of COVID-19 relief efforts and National Guard COVID-19 response teams assisting at health care facilities, and other operations.
The images in the gallery above are just a sample of what military photographers have collected this year. To see the entire photo collection, visit the DOD’s website here.
