The 13th hole at Klipper Golf Course one Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) runs parallel along the shore of North Beach with stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. In the winter, whales can be seen frequently.
The 13th hole is also a popular spot for the informal promotion or pinning ceremony for Marines and Sailors aboard MCBH. This particular hole of the Klipper Golf Course is easily accessible from North Beach but has very limited parking.
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What is a Marine Corps Pinning Ceremony?
A USMC Pinning Ceremony is a promotion. The Marine was previously selected to be promoted and the US Congress approved the promotion. Every month a predetermined batch of Marines are promoted to their next rank. This is it!
How to do a Pinning Ceremony
A Marine Corps pinning ceremony is pretty basic. There’s the Marine being promoted, a promoting officer, someone to read the promotion message, and someone to pin on the new rank (usually family). Everyone else is extra – there for the party to follow!
Why is it called a Pinning Ceremony?
It’s called a Pinning Ceremony because its when the service member pins on the new rank insignia for the first time. Part of the ceremony is taking off the old rank and pinning on the new, usually done by a spouse, parent, child or mentor.
When the ceremony is done in cammies (some call it fatigues), the rank insignia is changed out on on the collar. When done in dress blues, the rank insignia is changed on the shoulder boards.
What happens during a pinning ceremony?
The pinning ceremony is quite short. All you need is the service member, a promoting officer, and someone to read the citation. Usually family or friends do the actually pinning.
Most of the time these quick ceremonies happen in a public space. It begins with opening remarks from the promoting officer, followed by reading the citation. The service member takes the oath and receives the new rank. After that the service member typically speaks, and is usually followed with food, drinks, and getting off work early.
Why Hire A Military Ceremony Photographer
I love everything about military ceremonies – the traditions, the formality and the sense of celebration marking promotions, changes in command and retirements.
It all matters and I love how every branch honors their traditions differently.
I believe your career should be documented beautifully – more than just phone photos. Your family should be able to relax, your spouse should be IN the photos, and enjoying the ceremony you spent hours, days or months planning.
So at the end of your career, what will you have you show? I’m praying its beautiful photos!
That’s why I offer affordable rates, different from any other style of photography I provide.
See More Military Ceremony Photo Inspiration
At the end of a career, all that will be left are the photos and uniforms. I pray you have photos! If not for yourself, for your kids.
Photos at the 13th Hole Klipper Golf Course Pinning Ceremony
Collin decided to host his pinning ceremony at the 13th hold of the Klipper Golf Course for one major reason: convenience. He toyed with the idea of doing it on the USS Missouri on Ford Island but because we, and all our friends, live within walking distance of Klipper Golf Course, he decided to keep it simple.
Taking my own advice, I hired my friend and fellow family photographer, Heather to photograph Collin’s pinning. I wanted to relax, and I wanted to be IN the photos! I wanted to have beautiful shots like I provide my own clients. Who can blame me?!
Here are our own photos of Collin’s pinning ceremony at the 13th hole of the Klipper Golf Course:
More Military Ceremony Inspiration
- Iwo Jima Memorial Hawaii MCBH, Kaneohe Pinning Ceremony
- Picture-Perfect Pinning: Klipper Golf Course’s 13th Hole in Hawaii
- Featured: I’m Possible Spousely Podcast
- 4 Easy Options for Where To Do a Pinning Ceremony in Hawaii
- Easy Marine Corps Retirement Ceremony | USS Missouri Events
- Elite Military Ceremonies | USS Wisconsin Navy Retirement
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
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