Air Force Ceremonies and Graduations

Images from various Air Force ceremonies, showcasing transitions of command, graduations, and military formations with personnel in uniform.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, and the officialparty salute the American flag during the 352nd Special Operations Wing change of commandceremony, June 24, 2022, at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. Col. Mark McGill took command fromthe outgoing commander, Col. Nathan Owendoff.

President Mario Abdo Benítez of the Republic of Paraguay and Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, render respect during the playing of the American national anthem upon arrival to Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 30, 2023. Paraguay and the United States have a long-standing relationship, having been allies under the Rio Treaty, an agreement signed by several countries in the Americas for defense solidarity, since 1947.

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 433rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 5-6, 2022. Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, reviewed the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Col. David Wilson, center-right, takes the 673d Air Base Wing colors from Lt. Gen. David Krumm during the 673d Air Base Wing and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, change of command ceremony at Heritage Park on JBER, June 28, 2022. U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten G. Aguilar turned over command to Air Force Col. David J. Wilson as Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, commander Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region, Alaskan Command, and 11th Air Force, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 323rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, July 20-21, 2022. Col. Lauren A. Courchaine, Commander, 37th Training Wing, reviewed the ceremony.

Airmen stand in formation while participating in the 3rd Wing change of command ceremony at Hangar 2 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 15, 2022. U.S. Air Force Col. Travolis A. Simmons turned over command to Col. Kevin M. Jamieson as Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, commander Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region, Alaskan Command, and 11th Air Force, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May personnel participate in the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony in Cape May, New Jersey, May 30, 2022. This Memorial Day, Adm. Karl Schultz, commandant of the Coast Guard, called on all members of the Coast Guard to reflect on the service and sacrifice of all American military personnel who died in the performance of their military duties, and to pay tribute to these heroes and to honor the family members they left behind.

040613-F-9072P-002. Base: Mildenhall State: Suffolk Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

More than 700 Airmen assigned to the 331st Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, October 12-13, 2022. Col Joseph Kramer, Commander, 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, reviewed the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, and the officialparty salute the American flag during the 352nd Special Operations Wing change of commandceremony, June 24, 2022, at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. Col. Mark McGill took command fromthe outgoing commander, Col. Nathan Owendoff.

More than 700 Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 326th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, October 19-20, 2022. Col. Jason Schramm, Commander, Space Delta 1, Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., reviewed the ceremony.

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 323rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept 14-15, 2022. Col. Lauren A. Courchaine, Commander, 37th Training Wing, reviewed the ceremony

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 323rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept 14-15, 2022. Col. Lauren A. Courchaine, Commander, 37th Training Wing, reviewed the ceremony

Service Members from the U.S. Coast Guard, along with family and friends of the victims of the USS Serpens, attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the USS Serpens Memorial in Section 34 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 27, 2023. This year marks the 78th anniversary of the explosion and destruction of the USS Serpens (AK-97). 250 service members lost their lives in this incident. This was the largest single disaster in the history of the Coast Guard.

The first two Guardian flights to experience a Space Force ecosystem within Air Force Basic Military Training graduated at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, on June 22-23, 2022. More than 700 Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 326th Training Squadron graduated, and Gen. John "Jay" Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, reviewed the ceremony.

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Band, and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Air Force Col. (ret.) Charles Vasiliadis in Section 7 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Jan. 9, 2023.Vasiliadis served in the Air Force for 30 years and was a highly decorated fighter pilot. A Vietnam veteran, he earned two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, five Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Purple Heart, and 30 Air Medals.Vasiliadis son, Douglas, received the flag from his fathers funeral service.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Air Force Academy Cadets participate in the Parents' Weekend Parade at Stillman Field Sept. 2, 2022. The event is held over Labor Day weekend, providing Academy families an extended opportunity to reunite with their cadets and tour Academy facilities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Trevor Cokley)

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 320th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, July 7-8, 2022. Col. Catherine Barrington, 90th Missile Wing commander, reviewed the ceremony.

More than 600 Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 326th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, August 24-25, 2022. Col. Chris Forrest, Chief, Research Programs, RSI, HQ USEUCOM, reviewed the ceremony.

Training Center Cape May, N.J., hosts a Independence Day Sunset Parade, July 3, 2022, in honor of the 102nd anniversary of the establishment of the chief petty officer rank. The training center is the home of the Coast Guard's enlisted corps -- it is our nations only Coast Guard enlisted accession point and recruit training center. Led by our chief petty officers nearly 3,000 of America's finest young men and women arrive each year for the first chapter of their Coast Guard career.

More than 700 Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 331 Training Squadron graduated April 21, 2022, from Basic Military Training. Lt. Gen. Sam Barrett, the Director of Logistics, Joint Staff at the Pentagon, and Chief Master Sgt. Mike Morgan, 37th Training Wing command chief, reviewed the ceremony.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The Space Base Delta 1 Honor Guard posts to position of attention prior to a ceremony. Space Delta 6 held its change of command ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado, Friday, September 9, 2022. During the ceremony, hosted by Lt Gen. Stephen Whiting, Commander, Space Operations Command, U.S. Space Force Colonel Roy Rockwell, transferred command of the Delta to incoming USSF Col Christopher Kennedy.

From left to right, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Krumm, Col. David Wilson, Chief Master Sgt. Lee Mills, and Col. Kirsten Aguilar stand at attention during the conclusion of the 673d Air Base Wing and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, change of command ceremony at Heritage Park on JBER, June 28, 2022. U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten G. Aguilar turned over command to Col. David J. Wilson as Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, commander Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region, Alaskan Command, and 11th Air Force, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

U.S. Air. Force Lt. Gen. David Krumm, left, Col. Kirsten Aguilar, and Col. David Wilson bow their heads at the start of a chaplain's prayer during the 673d Air Base Wing and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, change of command ceremony at Heritage Park on JBER, June 28, 2022. U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten G. Aguilar turned over command to Air Force Col. David J. Wilson as Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, commander Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region, Alaskan Command, and 11th Air Force, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

U.S. Air Force Honor Guard members assigned to the 48th Fighter Wing participate in a Scottish-American memorial day ceremony in Edinburgh, Scotland, May 31, 2022. The memorial paid tribute to Scottish and Americans who lost their lives during World War I.

Maj. Scott Belton, left, and Senior Airman Nicholas Priest lead the U.S. Air Force Color Team and ceremonial guardsmen August 9, 2014, during the Bud Billiken Parade in Chicago. Belton is the assistant director of operations and Priest is a member of the Color Flight Team within the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.

The first two Guardian flights to experience a Space Force ecosystem within Air Force Basic Military Training graduated at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, on June 22-23, 2022. More than 700 Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 326th Training Squadron graduated, and Gen. John "Jay" Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, reviewed the ceremony.

More than 700 Airmen assigned to the 326th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 19-20, 2022. Col. Jason Schramm, Commander of Space Delta 1, Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., reviewed the ceremony.

Eglin honor guard members stand ready to bring in the colors during the 96th Test Wing change of command ceremony June 30 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Brig. Gen. Jeff Geraghty took the reins of the wing from Brig. Gen. Scott Cain during the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Members of the 162nd Logistics Readiness Squadron wait in formation during an open ranks inspection. The open ranks inspection is an opportunity for leadership to ensure dress and appearance standards are maintained.

Members of the Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard perform during the commissioning ceremony for the Coast Guard Cutter William Chadwick (WPC-1150) in Boston, Massachusetts, Nov. 10, 2022. Honor Guard ceremonies include parades, funerals, White House dignitary arrivals, as well as presenting colors at local and official functions. Honor Guard members participate in joint service activities as well as Coast Guard functions.

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 324th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, September 7-8, 2022. Maj. Gen. Craig D. Wills, Commander, 19th Air Force, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, reviewed the ceremony.

A class of new members of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard stand at attention during their graduation ceremony, April 25, 2022. Thirty-nine Airmen from units across the base underwent more than 50 hours of training to become proficient in the customs and courtesies they will need during their six-month tour with the guard.

Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, speaks to members of the 1st Special Operations Wing Honor Guard prior to the arrival of President Mario Abdo Benítez, of the Republic of Paraguay, at Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 30, 2023. Paraguay and the United States have a long-standing relationship, having been allies under the Rio Treaty, an agreement signed by several countries in the Americas for defense solidarity, since 1947.

Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. presents the U.S. flags from the funeral service for U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Cuthbert Pattillo and Lt. Gen. Charles Pattillo in Section 75 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 14, 2022.Twin brothers, Maj. Gen. and Lt. Gen. Pattillo enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in November 1942. During World War II, both flew with the Eighth Air Forces 352nd Fighter Group, protecting bombers and attacking ground targets. Maj. Gen. Pattillo flew 135 combat missions before being shot down and captured by the Germans. He remained a POW until the end of the war.Both were released from active duty following World War II but were later recalled in early 1948, serving with the 31st Fighter Group. Later, both served with the with the 36th Tactical Wing at Furstenfeldbruck Air Base in Germany. While in Europe, both helped form and flew in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe-North Atlantic Treaty Organization aerial demonstration

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 323rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, July 20-21, 2022. Col. Lauren A. Courchaine, Commander, 37th Training Wing, reviewed the ceremony.

Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, Commander of the Air Force Special Operations Command, Col. Allison Black, 1st Special Opperations Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Joey R. Meininger, 1 SOW Command Chief, await the arrival of President Mario Abdo Benítez, of the Republic of Paraguay, at Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 30, 2023. Paraguay and the United States have a long-standing relationship, having been allies under the Rio Treaty, an agreement signed by several countries in the Americas for defense solidarity, since 1947.

After 72 years, Pfc. Kenneth LeRoy Bridger was finally laid to rest and closure was given to his family during a full military honors graveside ceremony held in Twin Falls, Idaho, on May 21. Bridger was reported missing in action on Nov. 30, 1950, while serving alongside his fellow U.S. troops during the war against North Korea. Bridgers remains were identified on Jan. 26, 2022. Bridger was just 17 years old when he went missing and was a member of Company K, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He enlisted into the U.S. Army from Colville, Washington, but his remaining family resides in Idaho where he was laid to rest next to his brothers and his mother. Bridgers four living siblings, along with their families, attended the private ceremony. Maj. Gen. Michael Garshak, Idahos adjutant general, presented Wilber Bridger, Pfc. Bridgers brother and oldest surviving relative, the U.S. flag and the Purple Heart on his brother's behalf. Bridgers brothers Lynn and Halb

Members of the Pentagon Honor Guard stand ready to welcome Danish Defense Minister Morten Bodskov prior to his bilateral exchange meeting with Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 1, 2022.

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Band, and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Cuthbert Pattillo and Lt. Gen. Charles Pattillo in Section 75 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 14, 2022.Twin brothers, Maj. Gen. and Lt. Gen. Pattillo enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in November 1942. During World War II, both flew with the Eighth Air Forces 352nd Fighter Group, protecting bombers and attacking ground targets. Maj. Gen. Pattillo flew 135 combat missions before being shot down and captured by the Germans. He remained a POW until the end of the war.Both were released from active duty following World War II but were later recalled in early 1948, serving with the 31st Fighter Group. Later, both served with the with the 36th Tactical Wing at Furstenfeldbruck Air Base in Germany. While in Europe, both helped form and flew in the U.S

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Filler, left, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, Col. Richard Martin, center, 423d Air Base Group outgoing commander, and Col. Valarie Long, 423d ABG incoming commander, salute during the national anthem at RAF Alconbury, England, July 25, 2022. During the ceremony, Martin relinquished command of the 423d ABG to Long.

The Utah Air National Guard celebrated its Airmen of the Year during a banquet held in their honor at the Zions Bancorporations Midvale Technology Campus on Jan. 6, 2023, in Midvale, Utah. The Airmen of the Year award program recognizes Airmen who display superior leadership, job performance, and personal achievement.

Honor Guard members of Minot Air Force base present colors during a change of command ceremony, June 23, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Thevision of the USAF Honor Guard is to ensure a legacy of Airmen who: promote the mission; protect the standards; perfect the image; and preserve the heritage.

Members of the 162nd Logistics Readiness Squadron wait in formation during an open ranks inspection. The open ranks inspection is an opportunity for leadership to ensure dress and appearance standards are maintained.

More than 600 Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 321 Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training on April 7, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Col. Todd Dyer, 99th Air Base Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Trey Morgan III, 99th Air Base Wing command chief, reviewed the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Bibb Jr., 18th Air Force commander, Col. Scott Wiederholt, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, and Col. Elizabeth Hanson stand at attention during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 14, 2022. Wiederholt relinquished command to Hanson, who previously acted as the vice commander of the 521st Air Mobility Operations Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, center, passes the 11th Air Force colors to Gen. Ken Wilsbach during the 11th Air Force change of command ceremony at Hanger 20 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 11, 2022. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm turned over command to Lt. Gen. Davis S. Nahom as Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, and Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Commander, Pacific Air Forces, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 433rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 5-6, 2022. Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, reviewed the ceremony.

Members of the 335th Training Squadron regulation drill team perform during the 81st Training Group drill down on the Levitow Training Support Facility drill pad at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Sept. 16, 2022. Keesler trains more than 30,000 students each year. While in training, Airmen are given the opportunity to volunteer to learn and execute drill down routines.

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 324th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, September 7-8, 2022. Maj. Gen. Craig D. Wills, Commander, 19th Air Force, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, reviewed the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 23rd Wing Honor Guard present the colors during an assumption of command ceremony for the 41st Rescue Generation Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Aug. 19, 2022. An assumption of command ceremony marks a formal passing of responsibility, authority and accountability of command.

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 321st Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, August 3-4, 2022. Lt. Col. Jeremy Stowers, Commander, 321st Training Squadron, reviewed the ceremony.

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 323rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept 14-15, 2022. Col. Lauren A. Courchaine, Commander, 37th Training Wing, reviewed the ceremony

Airmen from the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard support an Air Force Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., June 27, 2023. The wreath was laid by Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff Lt. Gen. Viorel Pana.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Phillip A. Stewart, 19th Air Force commander, renders his first salute during the 19th Air Force change of command ceremony August 19, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Stewart oversees top level instruction and flying operations manning, contracts, logistics and maintenance trends.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Krumm, the commander of the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region, North American Aerospace Defense Command; commander of Alaskan Command, U.S. Northern Command; and commander of the 11th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, receives the guidon from Col. Kirsten Aguilar, the outbound commander of the 673d Air Base Wing and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, during the 673d ABW change of command ceremony at JBER, Alaska, June 28, 2022. Aguilar headed to the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to become U.S. Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff, Manpower, Personnel and Services, Directorate of Force Management Policy.

Members of the 105th Airlift Wing attended an assumption of authority ceremony for Command Chief Master Sergeant Joseph A. Cincotta, on May 15, 2022, at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York. The command chief is the top enlisted member of the 105th Airlift Wing and will serve as the principal advisor to the wing commander. (Staff Sgt Jonathan Lane/U.S. Air Force/Released)

The United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team practices a new routine on the drill pad Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013, at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The drill team developed their new routine at Keesler AFB and will be conducting practice and performances through mid-March.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Davidson stands at attention after becoming the 47th Flying Training Wing commander at the 47th Flying Training Wing change of command ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, July 22, 2022. As commander, Davidson will oversee nearly 2,800 military and civilian personnel engaged in executing more than 61,000 aircraft sorties yearly in support of Laughlin's Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training mission.

020911-F-2155T-032. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III hosts Danish Defense Minister Morten Bodskov for a bilateral exchange meeting at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 1, 2022.

050907-F-7677A-044. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 322nd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, July 27-28, 2022. Lt. Gen. Richard W. Scobee, Commander, Air Force Reserve Command, reviewed the ceremony.

U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Grange S. Coffin, Combined Force Space Component Command (CFSCC) senior enlisted leader, right, watches as U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, CFSCC commander, lays a wreath during a Remembrance Day ceremony at Pine Grove Cemetery in Orcutt, Calif., Nov. 11, 2022. Combined Force Space Component Command members from the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada participated in the ceremony, held by the American Legion Post 534, which was a tribute to those who gave their lives in World War I, and to all the men and women who have served since.

Chief Master Sgt. Karissa Gunter, 96th Mission Support Group, holds the group guidon during the 96th Test Wing change of command ceremony June 30 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Brig. Gen. Jeff Geraghty took the reins of the wing from Brig. Gen. Scott Cain during the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

More than 700 Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 331 Training Squadron graduated April 21, 2022, from Basic Military Training. Lt. Gen. Sam Barrett, the Director of Logistics, Joint Staff at the Pentagon, and Chief Master Sgt. Mike Morgan, 37th Training Wing command chief, reviewed the ceremony.

BGEN Lance Smith relinquishes command of the 4th Fighter Wing as he passes the units organizational flag with battle streamers to LGEN Carl F. Franklin, 9th AF Commander. Looking on is BGEN (selectee) Randall K. Bigum who will assume command of the 4th FW.Exact Date Shot Unknown. Base: Seymour Johnson Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Col. Tyler Oldham (right), 21st Special Operations Squadron commander, accepts the squadron guide-on from Col. Shane Vesely (left), 353rd Special Operations Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony for the 21st SOS at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2022. Per military doctrine, the primary purpose of a change of command ceremony is to allow subordinates to witness the formal leadership changeover of one officer to another.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the Eielson Honor Guard participate in an assumption of command ceremony at the 168th Wing, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Jan 12, 2023. The Assumption of Command ceremony marks a formal passing of responsibility, authority, and accountability of command.

9/11 Remembrance ceremony, Sep. 12, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Kelly Air Field, Texas. On Sep. 11, 2011, a terrorist attack was carried out against the United States of America. This ceremony was held to remember the 2,977 lives lost, You will never be forgotten.

U.S. Air Force Honor Guard members Tech. Sgt. Juan Garcia and Staff Sgt. Annzen Salvador lift the sword used for the Order of the Sword ceremony at the Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins, Ga., July 13, 2016. The Order of the Sword is an honor awarded by NCOs of a command to recognize individuals they hold in high esteem and for their contributions to the enlisted corps.

Colonel Wayne Anderson and Colonel Jack Johnson stand at attention as a change of command ceremony takes place for the 1361st Audiovisual squadron. Colonel Anderson is turning over the command to Colonel Johnson. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Space Force Col. Max E. Lantz II, outgoing commandant of the National Security Space Institute (NSSI), right, presents the unit guidon to Col. Niki J. Lindhorst, commander of Space Delta 13, during the NSSI change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., July 21, 2022. Lantz served as the commandant of NSSI since Jan. 2019 before relinquishing command to Col. Kenneth F. L. Klock.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander, speaks with African delegates during the Africa Aersopace and Defence Exhibition 2022 opening ceremonies, Sept. 20, 2022, at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion, South Africa. Fostering regional relationships among African partners allows for the opening of dialogue and helps build regional solutions that we can help our African partners implement to address regional concerns.

030911-F-0629H-001. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Honor Guard Airmen stand ready to bring in the colors during the 96th Cyberspace Test Groups change of command ceremony July 7 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Col. David Hoffman took the group reins from Col. Michael Dooley during the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 323rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept 14-15, 2022. Col. Lauren A. Courchaine, Commander, 37th Training Wing, reviewed the ceremony.

Westfield Technical Academy holds a graduation ceremony for the Aviation Maintenance Technology Class of 2022 May 26, 2022, at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport, Westfield, Massachusetts. Col. David 'Moon' Halasi-Kun, 104th Fighter Wing vice-commander, gave the keynote address during the ceremony. Staff Sgt. Christopher Chaves, 104th Maintenance Group maintainer and an instructor for the graduating students, spoke on the students behalf and presented them their certificates. Halasi-Kun, Master Sgt. Glenda Schuster and Staff Sgt. Justin Cousineau, Massachusetts Air National Guard recruiters, conducted the oath of enlistment for James Coach, one of the graduates and future member of the engine shop in the 104MXG, during the ceremony.

Members of the 181st Intelligence Wing Base Honor Guard fold the flag during a retreat ceremony at Hulman Field Air National Guard Base, Ind., Sept. 10, 2022. Retreat ceremonies are held to represent two things: signifying the end of the official duty day and paying respect to the flag and everything for which it stands.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, salutes attendees during the opening of the 19th Air Force change of command ceremony August 19, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. AETC is responsible for Air Force Recruiting Service, two Numbered Air Forces and Air University.

010926-F-8708H-001. Base: Moffett Federal Air Field State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 129th Rescue Wing, ANG

The 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) hold a wreath-laying ceremony at the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy in Section 45 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Sept. 27, 2022. This ceremony is held yearly to commemorate President Kennedys contributions to the U.S. Army Special Forces, including authorizing the Green Beret as the official headgear for all U.S. Army Special Forces and his uncompromising support to the regiment.

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Members of the High Frontier Honor Guard Team arrive at the Peterson-Schriever Garrison resignation ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, May 23, 2022. In 2002, the 21st was redesignated again as the 21st Mission Support Group. In 2020, when the United States Space Force reorganized units, the 21st Space Wing inactivated and the 21 MSG became part of the Peterson-Schriever Garrison.

Members of the Nellis AFB Honor Guard fold the U.S. flag at a funeral for a retired Navy WWII veteran. The team is second to only the Air Force Honor Guard at Arlington National Cemetery for performing details in a year. Base: Nellis Air Force Base State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the Royal Air Force bow their heads during a Remembrance Day ceremony at RAF Welford, England, Nov. 10, 2022. Airmen from the 501st Combat Support Wing, RAF, and distinguished guests came together to honor the sacrifices of armed forces veterans, past and present.

040601-F-7979S-005. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (GBR)

More than 700 Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 326th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, October 19-20, 2022. Col. Jason Schramm, Commander, Space Delta 1, Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., reviewed the ceremony.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Basic cadets from the Class of 2027 arrive at the U.S. Air Force Academy for in-processing (I-Day), on June 28, 2023, in Colorado Springs, Colo. I-Day marks the start of their journey of becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 324th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, September 7-8, 2022. Maj. Gen. Craig D. Wills, Commander, 19th Air Force, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, reviewed the ceremony.

Members of the Pentagon Honor guard stand at the entrance to the Pentagon prior to a bilateral exchange meeting between Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stands and Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., May 4, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 323rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept 14-15, 2022. Col. Lauren A. Courchaine, Commander, 37th Training Wing, reviewed the ceremony

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- U.S. Air Force Academy cadets participate in the annual Acceptance Day Parade. During this event, cadets receive their fourth-class shoulder boards to recognize completing Basic Cadet Training (BCT) and to signify their acceptance into the Cadet Wing. The parade takes place on the Academys Stillman Field in Colorado Springs, Colo., August 5th, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Elizabeth Hanson receives a guidon from Maj. Gen. Kenneth Bibb Jr., 18th Air Force commander, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 14, 2022. Hanson, who previously acted as the commander of the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, will be acting as the new wing commander for the 305th Air Mobility Wing.

U.S. Air Force members stand in formation during the Air Education and Training Command change of command ceremony, May 20, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brad Webb relinquished command to U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson. Robinson is the 35th AETC commander and is now responsible for a command that includes Air Force Recruiting Service, two Numbered Air Forces and Air University, training more than 293,000 students per year with about 60,000 active-duty, Reserve, Guard, civilian and contractor personnel.

051002-F-7564C-162. Base: Charlotte Ang Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

More than 700 Airmen assigned to the 326th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 19-20, 2022. Col. Jason Schramm, Commander of Space Delta 1, Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., reviewed the ceremony.

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 433rd Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 8-9 2022, and it marked the return of two-day graduation events to the JBSA-Lackland Parade Field since March 2020. Maj. Gen. Michele Edmondson, 2nd Air Force commander, reviewed the ceremony.

Coast Guard personnel render a salute during a ceremony at at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, August 19, 2022. Tahoma and Campbell were welcomed to Naval Station Newport during a change of homeport ceremony.

030626-F-1545M-006. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

060811-N-6936D-004. Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas Hutton, 100th Operations Group commander, renders his first salute to Airmen in the 100th OG during a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, June 16, 2022. Hutton joins the 100th Air Refueling Wing from Ramstein Air Base, Germany, and is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours in tanker and trainer aircraft.

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