FRIDAY FOTO Extra (Jan. 27, 2017)

Muscle Power, Part II.

(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sergeant Ken Scar)

We thought this photo of an Army Reserve sergeant doing pushups was remarkable for two reasons. First, it captures the moment when the soldier has launched himself off the ground to clap his hands between repetitions.

Secondly, the sergeant’s name captured our attention. Meet Sergeant Wenceslaus Wallace, a team leader assigned to Company C of the 324th Expeditionary Signal Battalion.

This photo was taken January 21, 2017 at the headquarters building of 335th Signal Command (Theater) in East Point, Georgia.

FRIDAY FOTO (January 27, 2017)

Muscle Power.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Corporal Donato Maffin).

Sometimes, even in the 21st Century, you just gotta get out and push. These Marines, with  Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, are pushing and pulling a floodlight through the mud during exercise Kamoshika Wrath 17-1 at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Haramura Maneuver Area in Hiroshima, Japan.  The bi-annual training exercise is primarily focused on establishing a forward operating base and providing airfield operation services.

The photo was taken January 22, 2017.

FRIDAY FOTO (January 20, 2017)

Why It’s Called Camouflage.

(U.S. Army photo by Specialist Craig Philbrick)

U.S. soldiers’ uniforms blend in with the rugged terrain as they move through a trench in Thies, Senegal during Africa Readiness Training 16, a joint U.S.-Senegalese exercise last July in West Africa.

These troops from 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade Combat team, were taking part in a company level combined arms live-fire exercise.

This photo is taken from the Army’s 2016 Year in Photos collection.

FRIDAY FOTO (January 13, 2017)

Mirror Image.

(Defense Department photo by E.J. Hersom)

The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard  seems to hover above a highly-polished floor (deck) as it stands in formation during Defense Secretary Ashton Carter‘s farewell ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia on January 9, 2016. These sailors are assigned to Naval District Washington, D.C., which  includes the U.S. Naval Academy (Annapolis), Bethesda Naval Hospital, Naval Air Station Patuxent River (Pax River) and Camp David, all in Maryland, as well as Naval Support Facility Dahlgren in Virginia and Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, DC.

Carter, became the 25th Secretary of Defense in February 2015. He previously served as deputy defense secretary from 2011 to 2013, and as undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics (2009-2011). Carter also worked at the Pentagon during the Clinton administration (1993-1996), as assistant secretary of Defense for International Security Policy. He received the Defense Department’s Distinguished Service Medal — its highest civilian award — five times.

Retired Marine Corps General James Mattis will succeed Carter, if confirmed by the Senate, when the Trump administration comes into office.

 

FRIDAY FOTO (January 6, 2017)

Herculean View.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Elizabeth Baker)
This aircrew aboard a C-130 Hercules circling over a remote island in Micronesia last month appear to have the have the best seat in the house. Assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron,  the crew was practicing airdrop procedures December 5, 2016 during Operation Christmas Drop. Each year Operation Christmas Drop provides tools, food, clothing and toys to over 30,000 islanders in the Pacific.

In addition to highlighting the complicated cockpit technology — with the heavenly view — we thought this photo and the operation it illustrates  was a suitable holiday season subject for today, January 6 — Three Kings Day. Also known as the feast of the Magi or Epiphany, the holiday is also celebrated in many countries as the last day of the Christmas season (the 12th Day of Christmas, as in the song).