Air Force Ceremonies and Tributes

Photographs of military ceremonies, including salutes and honor guards, showcasing respect and tradition within the Air Force.

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., May 19, 2022. The wreath was laid by Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo, chief of staff, Indonesian Air Force.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- U.S. Air Force Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, left, and commandant of cadets Brig. Gen. Paul Moga salute during the pass and review portion of the Founders Day parade at Stillman Field in Colorado Spring, Colo., April 1, 2022.

Members of Whiteman Honor Guard stand at the Air Force Ball at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, September 16, 2022. This years AF Ball celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Air Force being established.

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., May 19, 2022. The wreath was laid by Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo, chief of staff, Indonesian Air Force.

030920-F-4350W-015. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- U.S. Air Force Academy Dean of Faculty Brig. Gen. Linell A. Letendre salutes as cadets march in formation on Stillman Field for the Class of 2022 Graduation Parade on May 24, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colo.

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.

010501-F-3354H-008. Base: Harrisburg International Airport State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kyle Stewart, right, outgoing commander of the 8th Airlift Squadron, relinquishes command to Col. Sergio Anaya, commander of the 62d Operations Group, during the 8th AS change of command ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, June 3, 2022. Aircrews of the 8th AS operate the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, directly supporting numerous U.S. government agencies and international forces in global operations ranging from troop airlift/airdrop to lifesaving medevac and humanitarian/disaster relief.

U.S. Air Force Col. Derek Salmi, right, accepts command of the 60th Air Mobility Wing from Maj. Gen. Kenneth Bibb, 18th Air Force commander, during the 60th AMW change of command ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, July 27, 2022. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition of formal transfer of command, responsibilities and authority from one commander to another.

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.

Air Force Airmen stand in a firing party line prior to a full-honors funeral demonstration at the Honor Guard graduation ceremony Jan. 26, 2024 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Approximately 123 new Airmen graduated from the 120-plus-hour course. The graduation demonstration includes flag detail, rifle volley, pallbearers and bugler for friends, family and leadership.

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.

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.

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.

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the Moody Air Force Base Honor Guard present colors at the 81st deactivation ceremony at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Dec. 5, 2022. The 81st was a tenant unit at Moody AFB, originally activated out of Key Field, Mississippi, loaned out to Air Combat Commands 23rd Wing.

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.

Color Guard Airmen from 129th Rescue Wing post the flags as an opening ceremony to a Community College of the Air Force graduation, where Airmen were commemorated for achieving an associates degree in their respective career fields, Mountain View, California, Sep. 10, 2022. The graduating class earned degrees in various fields, including aviation maintenance technology, criminal justice, human resource management, information systems technology, and education and training management.

Colonel Wayne Anderson turns over command of the 1361st Audiovisual Squadron to Colonel Jack Johnson during a change of command ceremony. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

Kaiserslautern High School Honor Guard members conduct the presentation of the colors at a the Father Emil Kapaun Traffic Circle Dedication at Kapaun Air Station, Germany, Sept. 12, 2022. The Father Emil Kapaun Traffic Circle Monument can be found on Kapaun Air Station at the traffic circle nearest to the commissary and shoppette.

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

U.S. Airmen salute the flag during the national anthem at the 18th Air Force change of command ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 19. 2022. The 18th AF is Air Mobility Commands sole numbered Air Force and is responsible for 12 wings and one reporting unit.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Kuster, former 434th Flying Training Squadron commander, turns over the 434th Flying Training Squadron guidon to Col. Adam Bingham, 47th Operations Group commander, during the 434th change of command ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, April 29, 2022. Lt. Col. Ashley Lincoln (far right) will be taking on Kusters role as the 434th Flying Training Squadron commander.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Stewart C. Smith takes command of the 6th Space Warning Squadron, Cape Cod Space Force Station, Massachusetts, June 23, 2022. Smith, an Air Force Academy graduate, previously served as Director, Force Development, Joint Task Force Space Defense at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Timothy C. Sheehan, outgoing 6th SWS commander, relinquished his charge to Col. Miguel A. Cruz, commander of Space Delta 4, Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. Sheehan has served as 6th SWS commander since 2020.

Members of the Joint Honor Guard take part in honor cordon ceremony as Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomes Japan's Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada to the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

U.S. Airmen with the Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Honor Guard present the colors during a change-of-command ceremony held at Robins Air Force Base, Oct. 14, 2022. Col. Christopher Dunlap took command of the 116th Air Control Wing from Col. Amy Holbeck during the ceremony.

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”.

The Joint Base Langley-Eustis honor guard presents the colors at a retirement ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Gregg Allen, 192nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent, on July 9, 2022, at JBLE, Virginia. Allen first enlisted in the military in 1979 and spent 21 years in the Virginia Air National Guard.

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 321st Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 2, 2022. Col. Leonard Rose, Air Education and Training Command chief of security forces, and Master Sgt. Christopher Berg, reviewed the ceremony.

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. - Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, commander of Space Operations Command, passes the guidon to incoming commander U.S. Space Force Col. David Hanson during the Space Base Delta 1 change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, July 11, 2022. Prior to taking command of SBD 1, Hanson was the National Reconnaissance Office senior field representative to U.S. Space Command.

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.

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.

The U.S. Armed Forces Womens Soccer Team enters the opening ceremonies for the 13th CISM (International Military Sports Council) World Military Womens Football Championship at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Wash. July 10, 2022. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom)

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment Caisson Platoon, and the U.S. Army Band, Pershings Own conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Megellas in Section 75 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 2, 2022.Megellas is considered the most decorated officers in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division. His awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and other military honors for his World War II European service. Megellas is being considered for the Medal of Honor for his service and leadership during the Battle of the Bulge, an upgrade of the Silver Star he received for this service.Megellass grandson, James Megellas, received the U.S. flag from his service.

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.

030616-F-3004S-001. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

US Air Force Major GeneralRobert Hinson (Right) assumes command of the 14th Air Force from General Richard B. Meyers, Air Force Space Command and US Space Command Commander, during the Wing's Change of Command Ceremony at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The ceremony took place on May 6th, 1999 in front of the 14th Air Force Headquarters Building. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Airmen stand at parade rest 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 ACADEMY, Colo. -- U.S. Air Force Academys senior leadership salute during the pass and review portion of the Founders Day parade at Stillman Field in Colorado Spring, Colo., April 1, 2022.

Tomb guard from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) perform the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 28, 2022.

Airmen stand at parade rest 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.)

The U.S. Air Force Presidential Honor Guard Drill Team in formation near a depiction of astronaut Neil Armstrong's first moments on the moon. The depiction is inside the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institute. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030929-F-2409C-003. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

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.

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

Every year service members, family and friends come together at the Gowen Field Memorial Park to honor the men and women who have given their lives for our country. On May 19, 2022, the Idaho Military Division honored and celebrated those men and women as part of its Memorial Day traditions during a ceremony at Gowen Field.

Members of the Combined Veterans Honor Guard joined members from the Utah National Guard Honor Guard in conducting military funeral honors for the remains of Cpl. David Milano April 29, 2022 in Ogden, Utah. Milano went missing in action Dec. 2, 1950, during the Korean War. After 71 years, his remains have been repatriated to the United States and have been laid to rest on U.S. soil.

An Air Force Honor Guard team present the colors for National Anthem during the retirement ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Marvin Boyd, Washington State Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sergeant, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., on Oct. 15, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Boyd retired after 35 years of military service beginning in the U.S. Navy and over thirty years in the Washington Air National Guard. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. (ret.) John Hughel, Washington Air National Guard Public Affairs)

Lt. Col. Buckley Kozlowski (right), 459th Airlift Squadron commander, relinquishes the squadron guide-on to Col. Shane Vesely (left), 353rd Special Operations Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony for the 459th AS at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 10, 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.

040911-F-9429S-014. Base: Grand Forks Air Force Base State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

Service members conduct an Armed Forces Full Honor Wreath-Laying Ceremony at President William H. Tafts Memorial Gravesite in Section 30, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 15, 2022.The wreath-laying ceremony was held to commemorate Taft's 165th birthday and was hosted by Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director, Army National Military Cemeteries. The wreath was laid by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips, military deputy to the deputy chief of staff, G-6, United States Army Reserve.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- U.S. Air Force Academy cadets march in formation during the pass and review portion of the Founders Day Parade at Stillman Field in Colorado Spring, Colo., April 1, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joshua Armstrong)

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Air Force Academy Cadets participate in the Parents' Weekend Parade at Stillman Field Sept. 1, 2023. The event is held over Labor Day weekend, providing Academy families an extended opportunity to reunite with their cadets and tour Academy facilities.

The Idaho National Guard participated the Idaho Veterans Parade in downtown Boise, Nov. 5, 2022. The parade's mission is to recognize the sacrifices and honor the service of all Armed Forces veterans, past and present.

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”.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Jason M. Vanderhaden observes boot camp recruits at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, New Jersey, May 18, 2022, the eve of his change of watch ceremony, where he retires as the senior enlisted member of the Coast Guard and the principal advisor to the Commandant on all enlisted personnel matters.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Whitfield Jack, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team flight chief, performs during Air Force Week 2012 in New York City, Aug. 19, 2012. The drill team conducted several performances throughout the city during Air Force Week.

030920-F-4350W-014. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Capt. Mike Vogel, commander of the U.S. Army Drill Team, leads a drill performance with his Soldiers at Times Square, N.Y., on June 14, as part of a U.S. Army Birthday ceremony. The ceremony commemorated the Armys 247th birthday, and highlighted the Armys 24/7 commitment to global readiness and the Army family.

Col. Summer A. Fields, outgoing 434th Air Refueling Wing Commander, and Col. Van T. Thai, incoming 434th Air Refueling Wing Commander, stand at attention during the performance of the United States National Anthem during a change of command ceremony at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind. on Feb. 3, 2024. Air Force

Graduates from recruit company Bravo-202 complete basic training at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., May 20, 2022. While the missions of the Coast Guard have evolved over the last two centuries, our commitment to being Always Ready has remained steadfast.

From left to right, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, Col. Travolis A. Simmons, and Col. Kevin M. Jamieson salute the U.S. flag during 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.

040707-F-1424R-001. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

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

CAPE MAY, N.J. - Personnel at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May hold a remembrance ceremony for Petty Officer 1st Class Douglas Munro at his statue on the parade field, Sept. 27, 2022.U.S. Coast Guard men and women carry out a wide variety of diverse missions every day. Protecting people and commerce on the sea, protecting the sea itself, and protecting the country from threats aboard. We focus on present-day operations and readiness and strive to be prepared for tomorrow, but certain times compel us, and all Americans, to reflect on our history and heritage. The 80th anniversary of Munros extraordinarily heroic actions at Guadalcanal is such a day.

NEW YORK (May 26, 2022)- United States Coast Guard Drill Team performs precision drill for ship tour attendees at Homeport pier in Staten Island, New York during Fleet week. Fleet Week New York, now in its 34th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen and witness first hand the latest capabilities of todays maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984 and will host nearly 3,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen this year.

020719-F-5781S-028. Base: Goodfellow Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A service member from the Spangdahlem Air Base Honor Guard, Germany, holds a folded American flag during the funeral for U.S. Air Force Veteran, retired Maj. Gary Retterbush at Eisenschmitt Cemetery, Eisenschmitt, Germany, August 4, 2022. U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons, assigned to the 480th Fighter Squadron, performed a missing-man formation during the funeral.

U.S. service members with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) take part in a repatriation ceremony at the American Memorial on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, March 30, 2023. The ceremony was held to repatriate possible remains found during a recent Recovery Mission to the Solomon Islands which will then be taken to DPAA facilities for possible identification in an ongoing effort to account for the 5,800 U.S. service members still missing from Pacific Theater during WWII.

030929-F-2409C-006. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

Members of the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard fold the U.S. flag during the interment of fifth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor, Feb. 10, 2024 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas. Gaylor championed Air Force professional military education in the late '60s and '70s before he was promoted to Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force in 1977. He continued to educate and inspire service members for more than 40 years after his retirement from military service. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Filler, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, pins on the Legion of Merit medal to Col. Richard Martin, 423d Air Base Group outgoing commander, during a change of command ceremony at RAF Alconbury, England, July 25, 2022. During his command, Martin led a unit that provided a full range of operational, logistical, engineering, medical and communications support and community services to 6,500 military and civilian personnel and families at 4 instalations.

More than 500 Airmen assigned to the 331st Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, August 17-18, 2022. Maj. Gen. Michele C. Edmondson, Commander, Second Air Force, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, reviewed the ceremony.

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.

The Idaho National Guard participated the Idaho Veterans Parade in downtown Boise, Nov. 5, 2022. The parade's mission is to recognize the sacrifices and honor the service of all Armed Forces veterans, past and present.

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. Jonathan Drew takes command of the 165th Medical Group, Georgia Air National Guard, on June 12, 2022 in the Fuel Cell Hangar at the 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah, Georgia.

U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel McDonough, left, the commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, and Col. Rusty Ballard, the commander of the 182nd Operations Group, receive the Legion of Merit during a change of command ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, June 7, 2022. Col. Daniel McDonough then assumed command of the Illinois Air National Guard from outgoing commander Maj. Gen. Peter Nezamis.

Members of the 423d Air Base Group Honor Guard stand at attention during a change of command ceremony at RAF Alconbury, England, July 25, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority from one commander to another.

041211-F-0125H-008. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Honor Guard perform the colors at Falls Manor, Bristol, P.A., Sept. 23, 2022. The Air Force Ball is an annual event to bring service members and their loved ones together to celebrate the service and its significance.

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 321st Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 2, 2022. Col. Leonard Rose, Air Education and Training Command chief of security forces, and Master Sgt. Christopher Berg, reviewed the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Morgan relinquished command of the 165th Medical Group, Georgia Air National Guard, to Lt. Col. Chad Asplund on June 12, 2022 in the Fuel Cell Hangar at the 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah, Georgia. Morgan served as the commander of the medical group for 12 years and will retire on June 15, 2022 with a total of 40 years dedicated and honorable service to the United State Air Force.

Service members support an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., July 26, 2022. The wreath was laid by Lee Jong-sup, minister of national defense, Republic of Korea.

Members of the 105th Honor Guard present colors at the 9/11 Day Remembrance Ceremony Sept. 11, 2022, at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York. The colors were presented during the performance of The Star Spangled Banner.

040914-F-7552L-005. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Cadets march towards Mitchell Hall for their noon meal formation on Feb. 05, 2024 at the U.S. Air Force Academys Terrazzo in Colorado Springs, Colo. This tradition dates back to the founding of the Academy and helps the Commandant assess the current state of discipline among the Cadet Wing. Air Force photo/Rayna Grace)

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.

More than 700 Airmen assigned to the 326th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 22-23, 2022. Gen. John "Jay" Raymond, chief of space operations, reviewed the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kyle Hundley, 6th Air Refueling Wing chaplain, gives a prayer at the 6 ARW change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, July 29, 2022. Air Force chaplains are religious ministry professionals who offer personal guidance and support for the spiritual resilience of Airmen. They are advocates for Airmen and consult with leadership on moral, ethical and quality-of-life issues.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin M. Jamieson, center, receives the 3rd Wing colors from Lt. Gen. David Krumm during 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. Space Force Chief of Space Operations, Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, presides over the Space Operations Command (SpOC) Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, January 9th, 2023. Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, SpOCs first commander, handed the reins over Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr.

050902-F-6911G-353. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

An Airman from the 422d Air Base Group honor guard, salutes a flag during a 9/11 retreat ceremony at RAF Croughton, England, Sep. 9, 2022. Airmen and guests participated in the ceremony to honor those who lost their lives during the September 11th terrorist attacks.

An Airman from the 422d Air Base Group honor guard, holds a folded flag during a 9/11 retreat ceremony at RAF Croughton, England, Sep. 9, 2022. Airmen and guests participated in the ceremony to honor those who lost their lives during the September 11th terrorist attacks.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Stewart C. Smith takes command of the 6th Space Warning Squadron, Cape Cod Space Force Station, Massachusetts, June 23, 2022. Smith, an Air Force Academy graduate, previously served as Director, Force Development, Joint Task Force Space Defense at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Timothy C. Sheehan, outgoing 6th SWS commander, relinquished his charge to Col. Miguel A. Cruz, commander of Space Delta 4, Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. Sheehan has served as 6th SWS commander since 2020.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Jason Woodworth, the commanding general for Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, speaks to U.S. Marines with MCI-West following an annual wreath-laying ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, California, Feb. 6, 2024. This ceremony is an annual event to commemorate the life and legacy of the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan, and is held every year on his birthday by presidential declaration. Marine Corps

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