President Obama today announced his appointment of national security aide and longtime friend Denis McDonough to be his chief of staff. While McDonough, who is well known in the West Wing, may not be instantly recognized outside the Obama administration, you can find him next to the president at just about every major moment of the Obama presidency.

First, today, being Appointed White House Chief of Staff:

But also…

Accompanying Obama on his historic trip to Egypt in 2009…

Helping to advise him through the Arab Spring…

Flying on Marine One with the president on his secret trip to Kabul in 2012…

And, of course, in the Situation Room during the raid to kill Osama bin Laden…

It's not just the political milestones. They're genuinely good friends. Obama helped light the candles on McDonough's birthday cake…

And they still find time to hang out. McDonough plays hoops with the president, seen here at the G8 in L'Aquila in 2009…

And many more…

Briefing the president in Hawaii on the Christmas Day bomber in 2009…

By President Obama's side after he announced the end of the combat mission in Iraq in 2010…