Images

U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit crew chiefs with the 509th Aircraft Maintenance squadron prepare a B-2 Spirit for takeoff at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Aug. 23, 2021. Thanks to its nearly 6,000-mile unrefueled range, the B-2 is capable of expediently delivering massive fire power anywhere on the globe through the most challenging enemy defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Parker J. McCauley)

U.S. citizens and their families process through the passenger terminal at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to board a departure flight on their way to the United States as part of Operations Allies Refuge, Aug. 23, 2021. Ramstein, a transit location for evacuees from Afghanistan, provided temporary lodging, food, medical services and treatment while they awaited transportation to the United States. Nearly 48 hours after the operation began, more than 7,000 evacuees have landed at Ramstein. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Edgar Grimaldo)

Soldiers from the 16th Sustainment Brigade set up beds and dividers at the Deployment Processing Center (DPC) on Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany August 20th, 2021 in order to support the evacuation of Afghan evacuees. The 21st Theater Sustainment Command supports the Department of State in the transportation, housing, and sustainment of U.S. Citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants, and other at-risk Afghans who are being evacuated from Afghanistan.

A member of the United Services Organization, center-right, high-fives an Afghan evacuee as they depart a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 20, 2021. Ramstein Air Base is providing safe, temporary lodging for qualified evacuees from Afghanistan as part of Operation Allies Refuge during the next several weeks. Operation Allies Refuge is facilitating the quick, safe evacuation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants and other at-risk Afghans from Afghanistan. Qualified evacuees will receive support such as temporary lodging, food, medical screening, treatment and more at Ramstein Air Base while preparing for onward movements to their final destination. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Taylor Slater)

A family of Afghan evacuees receive food and masks at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Aug. 22, 2021. NAS Sigonella is currently supporting the Department of Defense mission to facilitate the safe departure and relocation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigration Visa recipients, and vulnerable Afghan populations from Afghanistan.

210822-N-OX321-1167 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Aug. 22, 2021) Naval Air Station Sigonella Command Master Chief Anna Wood assist an evacuee disembarking a U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender Aug. 22, 2021. NAS Sigonella is currently supporting the Department of Defense mission to facilitate the safe departure and relocation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigration Visa recipients, and vulnerable Afghan populations from Afghanistan.

210822-N-OX321-1412 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Aug. 22, 2021) Naval Air Station Sigonella Command Master Chief Anna Wood assists an evacuee disembarking a U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender Aug. 22, 2021. NAS Sigonella is currently supporting the Department of Defense mission to facilitate the safe departure and relocation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigration Visa recipients, and vulnerable Afghan populations from Afghanistan.

Senior Airman Moon escorts Afghan evacuees aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Aug. 22, 2021. NAS Sigonella is currently supporting the Department of Defense mission to facilitate the safe departure and relocation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigration Visa recipients, and vulnerable Afghan populations from Afghanistan.

A U.S. Navy Sailor assists an Afghan evacuee aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Aug. 22, 2021. NAS Sigonella is currently supporting the Department of Defense mission to facilitate the safe departure and relocation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigration Visa recipients, and vulnerable Afghan populations from Afghanistan.

Ens. Galgana assists an Afghan evacuee aboard Naval Air Station Sigonella, Aug. 22, 2021. NAS Sigonella is currently supporting the Department of Defense mission to facilitate the safe departure and relocation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigration Visa recipients, and vulnerable Afghan populations from Afghanistan.

Children enjoy bubbles and toys provided by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) at Naval Air Station Sigonella Aug. 22, 2021. NAS Sigonella is currently supporting the Department of Defense mission to facilitate the safe departure and relocation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigration Visa recipients, and vulnerable Afghan populations from Afghanistan.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 41st Field Artillery Brigade, 7th Army Training Command, work together to set up cots at Camp Kasserine at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 22, 2021. The 7th ATC and the local community rallied to support the possibility of Afghan evacuees temporarily lodging here before their onward movement to a more permanent location. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Stewart)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 41st Field Artillery Brigade, 7th Army Training Command, work together to set up cots at Camp Kasserine at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 22, 2021. The 7th ATC and the local community rallied to support the possibility of Afghan evacuees temporarily lodging here before their onward movement to a more permanent location. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Stewart)

U.S. Army employees use a forklift to move a mobile outdoor lighting unit to prepare for the possibility of supporting incoming Afghan evacuees at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 22, 2021. U.S. Army Europe and Africa is working hand-in-hand with host nations, the joint force and interagency partners to provide temporary lodging, medical and logistical support as part of Operation Allies Refuge. Operation Allies Refuge is facilitating the quick, safe evacuation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants and other at-risk Afghans from Afghanistan. Qualified evacuees will receive support, such as temporary lodging, food, medical screening and treatment and more, while housed at the Rhein Ordnance Barracks (Kaiserslautern), Germany, and Grafenwoehr, Germany, in preparation for onward movements to their final destinations. This initiative follows through on America’s commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States, and provides them essential support at secure locations, where they and their families can complete the SIV process safely. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jacob Bradford)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 7th Army Training Command’s units prepare a dining facility for the possibility of supporting transient Afghan evacuees at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 22, 2021. U.S. Army Europe and Africa is working hand-in-hand with host nations, the joint force and interagency partners to provide temporary lodging, medical and logistical support as part of Operation Allies Refuge. Operation Allies Refuge is facilitating the quick, safe evacuation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants and other at-risk Afghans from Afghanistan. Qualified evacuees will receive support, such as temporary lodging, food, medical screening and treatment and more, while housed at the Rhein Ordnance Barracks (Kaiserslautern), Germany, and Grafenwoehr, Germany, in preparation for onward movements to their final destinations. This initiative follows through on America’s commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States, and provides them essential support at secure locations, where they and their families can complete the SIV process safely.

Large tents with the capacity of over 40 beds have been repurposed to possibly host Afghan evacuees at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Aug. 22, 2021. U.S. Army Europe and Africa is working hand-in-hand with host nations, the joint force and interagency partners to provide temporary lodging, medical and logistical support as part of Operation Allies Refuge. Operation Allies Refuge is facilitating the quick, safe evacuation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants and other at-risk Afghans from Afghanistan. Qualified evacuees will receive support, such as temporary lodging, food, medical screening and treatment and more, while housed at the Rhein Ordnance Barracks (Kaiserslautern), Germany, and Grafenwoehr, Germany, in preparation for onward movements to their final destinations. This initiative follows through on America’s commitment to Afghan citizens who have helped the United States, and provides them essential support at secure locations, where they and their families can complete the SIV process safely. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jacob Bradford)

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 86th Civil Engineer Group set up pods as part of Operation Allies Refuge at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 22, 2021. Ramstein is providing temporary lodging to qualified evacuees from Afghanistan while they await onward transportation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Edgar Grimaldo)

Airmen assigned to the 86th Communication Squadron help build a tent at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 20, 2021. Ramstein Air Base is providing safe, temporary lodging for qualified evacuees from Afghanistan as part of Operation Allies Refuge during the next several weeks. Operation Allies Refuge is facilitating the quick, safe evacuation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants and other at-risk Afghans from Afghanistan. Qualified evacuees will receive support, such as temporary lodging, food, medical screening and treatment and more, while housed at Ramstein Air Base while preparing for onward movements to their final destinations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jan K. Valle)

U.S. Air Force Airmen play soccer with Afghan evacuees at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 21, 2021. Ramstein Air Base is providing safe, temporary lodging for evacuees from Afghanistan as part of Operation Allies Refuge. This operation is facilitating the quick, safe evacuation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants, and other at-risk Afghans from Afghanistan. Evacuees will receive support, such as temporary lodging, food and water and access to medical care as well as religious care at Ramstein Air Base while preparing for onward movements to their final destinations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Edgar Grimaldo)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to Ramstein Air Base set up cots at a hangar on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 19, 2021. Ramstein Air Base is providing safe, temporary lodging for qualified evacuees from Afghanistan as part of Operation Allies Refuge during the next several weeks. Operation Allies Refuge is facilitating the quick, safe evacuation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants and other at-risk Afghans from Afghanistan. Qualified evacuees will receive support, such as temporary lodging, food, medical screening and treatment and more at Ramstein Air Base while preparing for onward movements to their final destinations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Edgar Grimaldo)

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to Ramstein Air Base set up cots at a hangar on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 19, 2021. Ramstein Air Base is providing safe, temporary lodging for qualified evacuees from Afghanistan as part of Operation Allies Refuge during the next several weeks. Operation Allies Refuge is facilitating the quick, safe evacuation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants and other at-risk Afghans from Afghanistan. Qualified evacuees will receive support, such as temporary lodging, food, medical screening and treatment and more at Ramstein Air Base while preparing for onward movements to their final destinations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Edgar Grimaldo)

U.S. Airmen assigned to Ramstein Air Base, Germany help set up tents at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 19, 2021. Ramstein Air Base is providing safe, temporary lodging for qualified evacuees from Afghanistan as part of Operation Allies Refuge during the next several weeks. Operation Allies Refuge is facilitating the quick, safe evacuation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants and other at-risk Afghans from Afghanistan. Qualified evacuees will receive support, such as temporary lodging, food, medical screening and treatment and more, while housed at Ramstein Air Base while preparing for onward movements to their final destinations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Edgar Grimaldo)

Volunteers assemble additional cots inside a hangar at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 21, 2021. Ramstein Air Base is providing safe, temporary lodging for evacuees from Afghanistan as part of Operation Allies Refuge. This operation is facilitating the quick, safe evacuation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants, and other at-risk Afghans from Afghanistan. Evacuees will receive support, such as temporary lodging, food and water and access to medical care as well as religious care at Ramstein Air Base while preparing for onward movements to their final destinations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Caleb Kimmell)

U.S. Air Force medical technicians speak with Afghan evacuees at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 21, 2021. Ramstein Air Base is providing safe, temporary lodging for evacuees from Afghanistan as part of Operation Allies Refuge during the next several weeks. Operation Allies Refuge is facilitating the quick, safe evacuation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants and other at-risk Afghans from Afghanistan. Evacuees will receive support, such as temporary lodging, food, medical screening, treatment and more at Ramstein Air Base while preparing for onward movements to their final destination. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Manuel Zamora)

A group of Afghan evacuees depart a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 20, 2021. Ramstein Air Base is providing safe, temporary lodging for qualified evacuees from Afghanistan as part of Operation Allies Refuge during the next several weeks. Operation Allies Refuge is facilitating the quick, safe evacuation of U.S. citizens, Special Immigrant Visa applicants and other at-risk Afghans from Afghanistan. Qualified evacuees will receive support such as temporary lodging, food, medical screening, treatment and more at Ramstein Air Base while preparing for onward movements to their final destination. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Taylor Slater)

Medical support personnel from the 86th Medical Group help an Afghan mother and family off a U.S. Air Force C-17, call sign Reach 828, moments after she delivered a child aboard the aircraft upon landing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Aug. 21. During an evacuation flight from an Intermediate Staging Base in the Middle East, the mother went into labor and began experiencing complications due to low blood pressure. The aircraft commander made the decision to descend in altitude to increase air pressure in the aircraft, which helped stabilize and save the mother’s life. Upon landing, Airmen from the 86th MDG came aboard and delivered the child in the cargo bay of the aircraft. The baby girl and mother were transported to a nearby medical facility and are in good condition. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

All military and civilian DoD personnel will be asked to attest to their vaccination status. Personnel unable or unwilling to do that will be required to wear a mask, physically distance, comply with a regular testing requirement and be subject to official travel restrictions.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Basham, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander and Joint Task Force - Israel commander, and other U.S. Air Force members are greeted by Israel Defense Forces Col. Gershon Zlotnik, Israeli Task Force deputy commander, upon arrival in Israel to participate in Juniper Falcon 2021-2, July 23, 2021. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, both the U.S. and Israel are focused on building readiness in support of the United States’ ironclad commitment to assist in the defense of Israel and are committed to the safety of our personnel, their families and the communities where activities are taking place. In accordance with host nation guidance, newly arriving personnel were required to wear facial masks, receive COVID-19 tests and proceed to isolation.

U.S. Army Photo by Andre Cameron. An M1A2 tank assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division arrives at the port facility in Alexandroupoli, Greece, July 20, 2021. This the first time the U.S. Army has deployed tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles and other tracked equipment through the port. The 1st ABCT is arriving for its nine-month deployment to the European theater in support of Atlantic Resolve.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Kai Pederson, a cyber-defense manager with the 177th Cyber Protection Team, Minnesota National Guard, works alongside Croatian Armed Forces service member 2nd Lt. Marko Bilic during cyber training prior to the start of the joint cyber training exercise, Exercise Adriatic Thunder at Dr. Franjo Tudman Croatian Military Academy, Zagreb, Croatia, on June 14, 2021. More than 30 Airmen and Soldiers from the Iowa and Minnesota National Guard participated in the exercise alongside Croatian Armed Forces, and Kosovo Security Forces personnel.

Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment, react to flames during fire phobia training at Camp Novo Selo, Kosovo, on April 13, 2021. Troop B is assigned to the Maneuver Battalion for Regional Command-East, Kosovo Force. Hungarian Defense Forces troops provided individual, squad and platoon level instruction on how to prevent injury and maintain structure when faced with fire threats.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle from the 48th Fighter Wing based at Lakenheath, Royal Air Force Base in the United Kingdom receives refuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 from the Iowa Air National Guard’s 185th Air Refueling Wing while off the West Coast of Scotland on May 18, 2021. The 48th FW and 185th ARW are both provided support for multinational exercise Formidable Shield 21. Formidable Shield took place in the region of the North Atlantic Ocean around the United Kingdom and Norway.

U.S. Soldiers from 1-167th Infantry Regiment, Alabama Army National Guard participated in Greece-led CENTAUR 21 exercise May 24, 2021 at the Firing Range of Petrochori in Xanthi, Greece. CENTAUR 21 was held in conjunction with the Multinational Exercise DEFENDER-Europe 21.The joint military exercise between American and Hellenic Forces continues to strengthen the NATO allies in an on-going mutual defense cooperation agreement.

A Soldier from the Florida Army National Guard shows an Albanian cadet how to program a radio during DEFENDER-Europe 21-linked exercise Immediate Response, Tuesday, May 18, 2021. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between the U.S., NATO allies and partner militaries. This year, more than 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations conducted nearly simultaneous operations across more than a dozen countries from the Baltics to the strategically important Balkans and Black Sea Region.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Justin Sachariason (left), a Soldier assigned to the Florida Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, instructs 1st Lt. Almir Sarač, a Soldier with the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina (AFBiH), on how to shoot the M4A1 Carbine rifle at Manjača Training Area, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), May 19, 2021. The 2-124th was in BiH for Immediate Response 21, a training exercise with approximately 500 members of the AFBiH and about 700 U.S. Soldiers working side by side to enhance alliance security while maintaining a broad range of military capabilities to deter aggression and assure readiness. Immediate Response 21 is a DEFENDER-Europe 21-linked exercise that integrates approximately 28,000 multinational forces from 26 nations to conduct nearly simultaneous operations across more than 30 training areas in 12 countries.

Major General Charles Miller, USEUCOM Director of Plans, Policy, Strategy and Capabilities, gives remarks during a signing ceremony July 16, 2021. The U.S. and Hungary signed implementing agreements that allow American forces access and use of two air bases in Hungary. The agreements are an important step to fully implementing the Defense Cooperation Agreement between the U.S. and Hungary signed in 2019.

Major General Charles Miller, USEUCOM Director of Plans, Policy, Strategy and Capabilities, left, Marc Dillard, Chargé d'Affaires, U.S. Embassy Budapest, center, and Hungarian Brig. Gen. Csaba Ugrik, Kecskemét Air Base commander, Hungarian Defence Force, right, speak during a signing ceremony of two implementing agreements that allow American forces access and use of two air bases in Hungary July 16, 2021.

U.S. Navy Commander John Anthony "Tony" Campigotto, right, holds the citation that accompanies the medal pinned to his lapel. Lithuanian Air Force Commander Colonel Dainius Guzas, left, presented Campigotto with the Lithuanian Armed Forces Medal of Distinction during a ceremony held in Vilnius, Lithuania on June 14, 2021.

Lithuanian Air Force Commander Colonel Dainius Guzas, left, presents U.S. Navy Commander John Anthony "Tony" Campigotto, right, with the Lithuanian Armed Forces Medal of Distinction. Lithuania’s Chief of Defence, Lieutenant General Valdemaras Rupšys awarded the medal to Campigotto for his “immense contribution and improvement of the architecture of the Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Baltic States, coordination of the United States and Allied defence plans and strengthening of Air Defence in the Baltic region.”