Every Friday, Americans across the nation pause to honor the silent guardians of freedom—the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who remain deployed across the globe. RED Friday is not a slogan; it is a solemn promise: Remember Everyone Deployed.

This week, families and communities witnessed a mixture of reunion and continued service. From the decks of the USS Iwo Jima, 4,500 Marines and sailors are moving southward, prepared for rigorous operations that test both physical endurance and resolve. In Georgia, Soldiers of the 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion have returned from Poland, completing a nine-month deployment that strengthened NATO partnerships and reinforced U.S. Army Europe readiness. Meanwhile, the crew of the USNS Comfort arrived back at Naval Station Norfolk after a 79-day humanitarian mission, bringing critical medical assistance and goodwill to Caribbean and Central and South American communities.

Each story, whether of return or ongoing deployment, underscores the sacrifices borne by service members and their families. Behind every mission is a network of loved ones waiting, worrying, and supporting from afar. Every homecoming is filled with joy and relief, while every continued deployment reminds us of the enduring commitment required to protect freedom and maintain global stability.

We wear red not as a routine gesture, but as a symbol of resolve, respect, and remembrance. It is the color of a nation that stands together, acknowledging the courage of those serving far from home. Whether in the desert, at sea, or across international waters, deployed service members carry out their duties knowing that they are seen, remembered, and honored.

To the families supporting them, and the service members performing their missions with unwavering professionalism: your sacrifices are recognized, your dedication is respected, and your service is deeply valued. On this R.E.D. Friday, and every Friday, we stand together in red—not because we are asked, but because we owe it.

USS Iwo Jima Marines and Sailors Deploy South in Major Naval Movement

On August 18, 2025, approximately 4,500 Marines and sailors aboard the USS Iwo Jima (LHD‑7) began a strategic southward movement, marking a significant deployment in support of ongoing U.S. naval operations. This large-scale maneuver underscores the readiness, operational flexibility, and global reach of the Marine Corps and U.S. Navy.

The embarked Marines belong to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC), a forward-deployed force trained for rapid crisis response, amphibious operations, and expeditionary warfare. Their mission includes presence operations, combined training with allied forces, humanitarian assistance, and contingency operations worldwide.

The sailors aboard USS Iwo Jima play a crucial role in ensuring the ship remains fully operational while supporting embarked Marines. Navigation, engineering, logistics, and maintenance tasks are all critical to keeping the strike group mission-ready, allowing the Marines to conduct complex amphibious operations and rapid-response missions with maximum efficiency.

In the months leading up to the deployment, the ARG/MEU underwent intensive preparation, including the Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) — the Navy’s most demanding pre-deployment assessment. This nine-month exercise evaluated operational readiness, joint and combined warfare capabilities, and mission adaptability, ensuring that the force is fully prepared for a wide range of scenarios, from amphibious landings to embassy evacuations and humanitarian missions.

The ARG/MEU’s southward movement also highlights the strategic importance of joint and combined force readiness, allowing personnel to operate seamlessly with other U.S. Navy vessels, Marine units, and multinational partners. For families and loved ones back home, such deployments are a reminder of the dedication, professionalism, and personal sacrifice required to maintain global security.

As USS Iwo Jima continues its journey south, the Marines and sailors onboard exemplify the skill, discipline, and adaptability of the modern U.S. naval force, projecting power and ensuring readiness wherever they are called to serve.

USNS Comfort Returns to Norfolk After Completing Continuing Promise 2025

On August 17, 2025, the USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, concluding its successful Continuing Promise 2025 mission. Over the course of a 79-day deployment, the Mercy-class hospital ship provided humanitarian assistance, medical care, and disaster response support to partner nations throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America.

During the mission, the crew of Comfort delivered medical, dental, and veterinary services, conducted engineering projects, and engaged in training exercises with local military and civilian organizations. These efforts strengthened relationships with allied nations and provided vital care to thousands of individuals in underserved communities.

The ship’s return home was met with enthusiastic welcome ceremonies for the 1,200 sailors and medical personnel aboard. Family members, local officials, and fellow service members greeted the crew with flags, banners, and heartfelt gratitude for their dedication and sacrifice. The deployment exemplifies the U.S. Navy’s commitment to both global security and humanitarian support, showing the world the multifaceted role of naval forces.

Beyond providing immediate assistance, the Comfort’s mission enhanced interoperability with regional partners, prepared local communities for future contingencies, and reinforced the presence of the United States as a dependable ally. Sailors returning from this mission now resume their responsibilities ashore, carrying with them the pride and honor of having represented the U.S. Navy in a mission of both humanitarian and strategic importance.

Georgia Army National Guard Soldiers Return Home After Nine-Month Deployment to Poland

On August 16, 2025, more than 55 Soldiers from the Georgia Army National Guard’s 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion returned home following a nine-month deployment to Poland in support of U.S. Army Europe operations. The Soldiers’ mission played a critical role in sustaining allied forces and enhancing regional stability in Eastern Europe.

Stationed across multiple forward operating locations, the Guardsmen carried out logistical coordination, supply chain management, and equipment maintenance for U.S. and allied units. Their work ensured that forward-deployed forces remained fully equipped and mission-ready, supporting NATO partners and deterring potential threats in the region.

The homecoming at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia, was met with immense joy and pride. Families, friends, and local community members gathered to welcome the Soldiers back, waving flags and holding signs of gratitude. The reunion reflected not only relief at the safe return of loved ones but also admiration for the professional dedication these citizen-soldiers demonstrated overseas.

This deployment underscores the dual role of National Guard Soldiers—balancing responsibilities to both their communities and international missions. By contributing to multinational operations in Poland, these Guardsmen strengthened alliances, ensured operational readiness, and left a lasting impact on the effectiveness of U.S. Army Europe.

As they reintegrate into civilian life and resume their roles as teachers, first responders, mechanics, and community leaders, the Soldiers of the 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion bring home the pride of having served with excellence in a critical overseas mission.