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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.
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.
253 assets in this story
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MAJ Robert Pryor III, center front, commanding officer of the 612th Tactical Control Flight (612th TCF), and MSGT Malloy case the colors of the 612th TCF before presenting them to COL Kenneth R. Reynolds, second from left, commanding officer of the 601st Tactical Control Wing, during the 612th TCF's inactivation ceremony. Base: Zweibrucken Air Base Country: Deutschland / Germany(DEU)
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220614-N-TP834-4043U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander, is joined by Spc. Michael Rodriguez Flores, to cut the U.S. Armys birthday cake, June 14, 2022, Peterson Space Force Base, Colo. For 247 years, the U.S. Army has played a key role in the nations defense. 24/7. U.S. Space Command, the 11th Joint Combatant Command, delivers space combat power to warfighters and safeguards the nations interests in space.
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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.
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Nathan Evans, center, son of Brig. Gen. Nicholas Evans, right, 18th Wing commander, exchanges his fathers rank during a promotion ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 30, 2024. Evans was commissioned in 1999 upon graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy and in 2017, he completed a PhD in military strategy through the U.S. Air Forces School of Advanced Air and Space Studies.
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U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Bibb Jr., 18th Air Force commander, speaks to Airmen, military family members and community partners during the 6th Air Refueling Wing change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, July 29, 2022. The 6th ARW is one of the 12 wings that make up the 18th AF, which is Air Mobility Commands sole numbered air force. The 18th AF is responsible for ensuring readiness and sustainment of approximately 36,000 active duty, reserve and civilian members.
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220528-N-NO067-0149 Nettuno, Italy. (May 28, 2022) U.S. Air Force Maj. Sarah Schechter, a chaplain from the 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, delivers the invocation during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy, May 28, 2022. The cemetery is the final resting ground of 7,845 Americans who lost their lives while liberating Italy during World War II.
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United States Air Force NCO Academy Class 22-5, E-flight at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center, May 16, 2022, on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.
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U.S. Air Force Col. Rockie Wilson, Commander, 37th Training Wing, and Chief Master Sgt. Michael Morgan, command chief, 37th TRW, military ambassadors and Fiesta Royal Court, pose for a photo with Augustine Augie Cortez Jr., Rey Feo Scholarship Foundation, Mar. 31, 2022, Pfingston basic military center, JBSA-Lackland, Texas.
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The Armed Fusileers of Missouri Military Academy compete in the armed exhibition division of the All-Service Nationals on April 16, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Fla. The All-Service drill competition was a two-day event featuring high school JROTC programs from all military services demonstrating their skills in both armed and unarmed events. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs
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U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Recognition Ceremony, Apr. 28, 2022, Magnolia Halle, San Antonio, Texas. This event was held to honor all promotees to the rank of Chief Master Sgt.
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U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Filler, right, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, and Col. Jon Hannah, left, 422nd Air Base Group commander, pose for a group photo after a Memorial Day ceremony at the Brookwood American Military Cemetery, England, May 29, 2022. Memorial Day provides us a solemn opportunity to remember our fallen brothers and sisters in arms, reflect upon their courageous sacrifice, and show gratitude for the freedom they gave their lives to defend. It also affords us the opportunity to pay homage to those families who lost their loved ones in service to the Nation-and continue to feel the full weight of that sacrifice today.
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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.
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U.S. Air Force Col. Russell Cook, 23rd Wing commander, left, and Col. Timothy Hood, 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing commander, stand for a prayer during the 75th Air Force Ball at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Sept. 17, 2022. The ball brought Team Moody and their families together to celebrate 75 years of airpower. The Air Force was established through the National Security Act on Sept. 18, 1947.
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SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (September 16, 2011) - As part of a Team Shaw ceremony recognizing national prisoners-of-war and missing-in-action day, Staff Sgt. La Troy Butler, a Third Army/ ARCENT supply noncommissioned officer and Suffolk, Va. native, presents a POW/MIA flag to members of Rolling Thunder. Rolling Thunder is a national non-profit organization united on behalf of the POWs and MIAs of all wars and motivated by their watchwords, We Will Not Forget.” (
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MGEN Buford D. Lary, left, commander, Air Defense Tactical Air Command (ADTAC), accepts the 1ST Air Force colors from GEN Robert D. Russ, right, commander, Tactical Air Command, at a ceremony marking the reactivation of the 1ST Air Force and the installation of Lary as its commander. CMSGT Douglas A. Hassler, senior enlisted advisor, ADTAC, stands between the two. The 1ST AF will assume the mission of ADTAC, which is being dissolved. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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The 193rd Special Operations Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, Base Honor Guard, is shown during a Retreat ceremony honoring the Tuskegee Airmen on Veterans Day. Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, hosted this event and the Honor Guard from the 193rd SOW, Middletown, PA, performed the retreat ceremony. STAFF Sergeant Mike Weaver Foreground, left) stands ready as SSGT Anthony Kearse salutes the flag to be presented to the Tuskegee AIRMAN. Base: Harrisburg State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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U.S. Airmen with the Band of the Golden West, stationed at Travis Air Force Base, California, walk off the field during a San Francisco 49ers game at Levis Stadium, Santa Clara, California, Nov. 13, 2022. They performed as part of the 49ers Salute to Service night that honored Veterans Day and paid respect to all Veterans in attendance.
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DA-SC-89-06773. Base: Rock Island Arsenal State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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104th Fighter Wing honor guard members bring forward bouquets of flowers during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.
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Airman Kareem Abdul-Rahim, assigned to the 673d Comptroller Squadron, stands 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.
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Chief Master Sgt. Derek Maiava and his wife, Chief Master Sgt. Selena Maiava, pause after passing the saber cordon May 14, 2022, as they enter the Wright-Patterson Chief Master Sergeant Recognition Ceremony at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Derek Maiava was honored as one of the Wright-Patterson Airmen recently selected for promotion to the Air Forces highest enlisted rank.
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U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Russell D. Driggers, speaks at the opening ceremony and proclamation reading for the 52nd anniversary of Celebrate Americas Military in San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 31, 2022. The Celebrate Americas Military opening ceremony honors active, guard, and reserve military service members, families, and veterans and recognizes the many organizations that support them year-round.
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GEN Robert D. Russ, left, Commander in CHIEF, Tactical Air Command, passes the unit colors of the 12th Air Force (12th AF) to LGEN Peter T. Kempt during the 12th AF change of command. Kempf is relieving LGEN Merrill A. McPeak as Commander of the 12th AF. Base: Bergstrom Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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General Ronald R. Fogelman, Air Force CHIEF of STAFF, exits the newly constructed Fisher House on his way to the dedication ceremony. The Fisher House was built by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher for terminally ill service members to live the rest of their lives in comfort with their families. This is the 18th Fisher House. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander speaks with Tunisia Air Force Academy cadets and personnel at the Tunisia International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition 2022 in Hammamet, Tunisia, Oct. 12, 2022. The Department of Defense works with partners to strengthen regional relationships and uses event like the Tunisia IADE to share ideas and develop positive working relationships with our African and international partners.
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U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Basic cadets from the class of 2026 arrive at the U.S. Air Force Academy for in-processing (I-Day), on June 23, 2022, 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.
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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.
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Joint Chiefs of STAFF Chairman GEN Goro Takeda of Japan is bid farewell by a lieutenant general on his departure from the United States after his visit. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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DF-ST-87-00549. Subject Operation/Series: COMMANDO WEST IX Base: Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base Country: Thailand (THA)
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Portrait of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) Honor Guard. Base: Wright-Patterson Air Force Base State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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SAN ANTONIO, Texas - (Oct. 31, 2022) Commander of Air Education and Training Command (AETC), Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson addresses the crowd during the San Antonio Chamber of Commerces Celebrate Americas Military (CAM) 52nd Opening Ceremony held at the citys famed Alamo Plaza.
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Ayden White, Ben Eielson High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadet, raises his sword creating an archway entrance for Veterans to walk through during the Ben Eielson HS Veterans Day Breakfast, Nov. 10, 2022. Active duty, Guardsmen, retirees, including school staff who are military retirees, and military families were in attendance. Members of the 168th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Alaska Air National Guard, prepared breakfast for military Veterans during the local event.
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U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Bibb Jr., 18th Air Force commander, speaks during the 6th Air Refueling Wing change of command ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, July 29, 2022. As commander of the 18th AF, Bibb overseas Air Mobility Commands worldwide operational mission of providing rapid, global mobility and sustainment for the Armed Forces of the United States.
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DN-SC-85-02773. Country: Unknown
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Burn survivors mingle with members of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment's Drill Team following their performance at Burn Camp.
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(From left to right) U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Officer Scott Gronowski, command chief warrant officer, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne); U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ted Munter, command sergeant major, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne); Victoria Lawford, niece of John F. Kennedy; U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Richard Angle, commanding general, 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne); U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) pose for a photo in front of the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy in Section 45 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Sept. 27, 2022.
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Master Sgt. Eric Smith, 88th Dental Squadron, escorts his wife, Annabelle, through the sword cordon at the start of the senior NCO induction ceremony Aug. 26, 2022, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The ceremony welcomed 32 Wright-Patt Airmen into the senior NCO ranks.
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030911-F-0925M-009. Base: Mountain Home Air Force Base State: Idaho (ID) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC
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010614-A-2682N-031. Base: Fort Mcpherson State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks speaks at the National Capital Region ROTC Detachment commencement at Fort Myer, Virginia, May 20, 2022. The class of 2022 had 87 cadets with 14 of them commissioning as Distinguished Military Graduates, the top 20% of cadets in the nation.
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020112-F-0082H-004. Base: Ellington Field, Houston State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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020627-F-9753B-005. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)
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051002-F-7564C-145. Base: Charlotte Ang Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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104th Fighter Wing Airmen present the families of the incoming and outgoing commanders with traditional gifts after a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.
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Minister of Defense of The Republic of North Macedonia Slavjanka Petrovska participates in a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., June 1, 2022.
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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.
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Karen Durham-Aguilera (center), executive director, Army National Military Cemeteries, and Maj. Gen. Joel Jackson (left), commander, Air Force District of Washington, greet Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo (right), chief of staff, Indonesian Air Force, upon his arrival to Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., May 19, 2022.
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World War II Veterans and representatives of those who could not be in attendance receive a challenge coin at the Eternal Heroes Monument in Normandy, France, June 2, 2022. World War II Veterans and representatives of the 82nd Airborne Division and 101st Airborne Divisions (Air Assault) came to honor fallen Paratroopers who liberated Ravenoville in June of 1944.
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U.S. Army, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. Air Force Fiesta 2022 Ambassadors attend the ceremony for the Investiture of King Antonio at the Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, Texas, April 2, 2022. King Antonio is a Fiesta dignitary selected from the ranks of the Texas Cavaliers, an organization of 600 businesses, civic and community leaders, who volunteer their time and talents in support of San Antonio area charities
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Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III is presented a gift by graduating academy cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academys graduation ceremony, May 25, 2022. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)
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104th Fighter Wing Airmen present the families of the incoming and outgoing commanders with traditional gifts after a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.
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040827-F-5933T-001. Base: Schriever Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)
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COL. Burshnick, 60th Military Airlift Wing, stands with COL. Schnieder, base chaplain, in front of the new Family Support Center after its opening ceremonies. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)