Air Force Change of Command Ceremonies

Ceremonial images of change of command events within the Air Force, highlighting leadership transitions and formal presentations of honors.

Lt. Col. Stephen Frodsham, 192nd Wing inspector general, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard after a career of more than 22 years, on April 1, 2023, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. James Long, 16th Airlift Squadron commander, presents retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Leon Strickland III with a Legendary Lion certificate during a squadron celebration at Isle of Palms, South Carolina, May 7, 2022. The 16th AS was established as the 16th Transport Squadron in 1940.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Bradley was presented with the Nursing Award during the 2024 AMSUS Annual Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, on Feb. 12. Presenting the award is U.S. Air Force Surgeon General Lt. Gen Robert Miller, and AMSUS Executive Director and CEO John Cho.

A retirement ceremony is held for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, the eleventh Ohio state command chief, on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Her retirement followed a change of authority ceremony.

Georgia Air National Guard Commander, Maj. Gen. Thomas Grabowski poses with an Air Force Organizational Excellence Award streamer he recently added to the Headquarters, Ga. ANG guidon May 14, 2022 during a special ceremony at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, Ga. The Department of the Air Force awarded the organization for exceptionally meritorious service between the years 2019-20.

U.S. Coast Guard Seaman Kolton Hallwirth, center, the Military Affairs Committee (MAC) service member of the month for August 2022, stands with fellow coast guardsman and members of the Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce MAC during a celebratory dinner at the Paradise Point Officers Club on Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 15, 2022. The Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce MAC maintains and continually improves their relationship with the Marine Corps by valuing the warfighters of MCB Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River.

Senior Master Sgt. William L. Nearhood, 192nd Wing superintendent of the advanced programs office, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard during a ceremony presided by Col. Christopher G. Batterton, 192nd Wing commander, on May 15, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. In 1985, Nearhood began his military career when he enlisted into the Navy then transferred to the VaANG in 1997 where he finished his nearly 37 year military career.

Brig. Gen. Peter T. Green III, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Massachusetts Air National Guard, retired after 40 years of service in a ceremony held at the 104th Fighter WIng on Sept. 10, 2022. Brig. Gen. Green started his career as a security forces specialist at the 104FW and prior to moving to Massachusetts ANG Joint Force Headquarts was the 104FW Commander. Distinguished guests included Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Virginia Gaglio, Chief of Staff and Air Component Commander, Massachusetts ANG, Col. David 'Moon' Halasikun, 104FW Commander, Massachusetts Senator John Velis, Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe, and other 104FW leaders, members, family and friends. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dakota Barrick, right, accepts the Distinguished Graduate Award from Holloman Top III representative Master Sgt. Troy Campbell during an Airman Leadership School graduation at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sept. 22, 2022. The distinguished graduate award is presented to the top ten-percent of graduates for their performance in academic evaluations and demonstration of leadership.

U.S. Air Force Col. James Gherdovich (left), 319th Mission Support Group commander, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Zalika Mims (middle), 319th Communications Squadron outgoing commander, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Douglas Oh (right), 319th CS incoming commander, stand at attention during the 319th CS change of command ceremony May 26, 2022, at the Northern Lights Club on Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. Gherdovich presided over the ceremony, transferring command of the unit from Mims to Oh.

U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve officers were awarded the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award during a ceremony at The Pentagon, Oct. 26. 2022. The award is presented annually to the top 28 company-grade officers for their outstanding leadership capabilities and their ability to find solutions to difficult problems.

030117-F-3038W-003. Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Musser, left, 319th Medical Group commander, stands next to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Janice Pecua, middle, 319th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron outgoing commander, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Stephen Stouder, 319th OMRS incoming commander, during the 319th OMRS change of command ceremony June 3, 2022, at the Northern Lights Club on Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. Musser presided over the ceremony, transferring command of the unit from Pecua to Stouder.

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.

030109-F-3798Y-001. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve officers were awarded the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award during a ceremony at The Pentagon, Oct. 26. 2022. The award is presented annually to the top 28 company-grade officers for their outstanding leadership capabilities and their ability to find solutions to difficult problems.

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Altman, 47th Mission Support Squadron commander, accepts an award presented by Col. Craig Prather, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, and Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, Air Education and Training Command (AETC) commander, on behalf of Ms. Dariela Parizo, member of the 47th Contracting Squadron, at the 80th Aniversario Annual Awards Ceremony in Del Rio, Texas, April 14, 2022. This event took place to honor outstanding military members at Laughlin Air Force Base and civilian leaders in Del Rio who support Laughlin and its mission.

U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Hogan, 635th Supply Chain Operations Group incoming commander, assumes command after receiving the guidon from Col. Ryan Bakazan, 635th Supply Chain Operations Wing commander on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, July 6, 2022. Hogan is a logistics officer and received his commission as a Distinguished Graduate of Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. - U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt.Carrie Dail, 735th Supply Chain Operations Group senior enlisted leader (left), U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Dalton Hafford, 633d Intelligence Support Squadron cybersecurity technician and U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Amy Wade, 633d Force Support Squadron, Langley Airman leadership school commandant poses for a photo. Hafford was presented the ALS Commandant award under Wades judgement as making the most significant contribution to the overall success of the class, as well as earning a spot in the top 10% of the class as a distinguished graduate.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Otis C. Jones, incoming 86th Airlift Wing commander, right, assumes command of the 86 AW from Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, during a change of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 15, 2022. Before assuming command of the 86 AW, Jones was the vice superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, presides over the activation ceremony for Space Operations Command's newest Delta, Space Delta 18, and established the National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC) at the Nutter Center, Dayton, Ohio, June 24, 2022. Space Delta 18 is named in honor of the U.S. Space Force's role as the 18th member of the intelligence community. Delta 18 will deliver critical intelligence on threat systems, foreign intentions, and activities in the space domain to support national leaders, allies, partners and joint war fighters.

020919-F-3431H-001. Base: Bolling Air Force Base State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 11th AW

The 121st Air Refueling Wing holds a promotion ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Caron at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2024. Family and friends joined Caron to celebrate his ascension to the 9th and highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. Air National Guard

Gen. Randy A. George, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, and Mr. Richard G. Diamonstein, General Douglas MacArthur Foundation Board of Directors, Present the General MacArthur Leadership Award to Cpt. Taylor B. Frye, on Oct. 26, 2022, at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. The General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award recognizes company-grade officers demonstrating the ideals for which Gen. MacArthur stood.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, left, director, Air National Guard (ANG), and Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, right, command chief, ANG, pose for a photo with the 2022 Outstanding Airmen of the Year (OAY) honorees and their families during the OAY ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on Aug. 25, 2022. The four honorees were recognized as the ANGs Airman, Non-commissioned Officer, Senior NCO, or First Sergeant of the Year during Focus on the Force Week 2022an annual event hosted by the ANG command chief that highlights professional development and celebrates the accomplishments of the top-performing members of the enlisted corps.

041203-F-4169T-001. Base: Maxwell Air Force Base State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air Force Association president Bruce Wright presents a t-shirt to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. after Brown delivered a keynote address on the state of the Air Force during the 2022 Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md., Sept. 19, 2022.

United States Air Force NCO Academy Class 23-1, F-flight at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center, Oct. 31, 2022, on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

Lt. Col. Joshua Yerk, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Andrew Kehl, 436th CES fire chief, right, present a plaque to Dennis Rubin, former Washington D.C. fire chief, during the 21st Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Ceremony held at the Air Mobility Command Museum on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 11, 2022. Rubin was the guest speaker during the ceremony which commemorated those who perished in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Steven Wert, program executive officer, Digital, congratulates Col. Richard Lopez on his promotion to Kessel Runs senior materiel leader, during a transition ceremony at the units headquarters in Boston, June 27. Kessel Run transitioned from a detachment to a division of Air Force Life Cycle Management Centers Digital Directorate.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kelly Vermillion, 47th Medical Group commander accepts an award presented by Col. Craig Prather, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, and Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, Air Education and Training Command (AETC) commander, on behalf of Maj. Nicole Pries at the 80th Aniversario Annual Awards Ceremony in Del Rio, Texas, April 14, 2022. This event took place to honor outstanding military members at Laughlin Air Force Base and civilian leaders in Del Rio who support Laughlin and its mission.

New York Army National Guard Master Sgt. Jerry Swain and Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Emma Davignon cut the ceremonial National Guard birthday cake during a celebration of the Guard's 386th birthday at New York National Guard headquarters, Latham, New York, Dec. 13, 2022. Swain, age 60, and Davignon, age 18, participated in the tradition of the oldest and youngest service members coming together to cut the cake to symbolize the past and future of the National Guard.

U.S. Air Force Col. David Fazenbaker, commander of the 62d Airlift Wing, inducts Mary Moss, deputy mayor of the City of Lakewood, and 62d AW honorary commander for her second term during the 2022-2024 Honorary Commander Assumption of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 29, 2022. Across the Air Force, the Honorary Commander Program provides a platform to inform and educate local community leaders about Department of Defense missions and develop supportive relationships with the community.

020807-F-3715H-005. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR)

U.S. Army Sgt. Colton Wilson, right, of 539th Composite Truck Company, 17th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Arctic Support Command (P), 11th Airborne Division, salutes former Secretary of Defense James Mattis, who led a star-studded lineup of military and community leaders thanking Alaska service members at the 52nd Annual Military Appreciation Banquet, June 11, 2022, at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce event honored Wilson and 12 other Soldiers and Airmen, both active duty and Guard, and two civilians for their exceptional achievements and volunteer efforts in support of the military community.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, awards U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th Fighter Wing outgoing commander, the Legion of Merit for his accomplishments as commander, July 29, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Kreuder will move on to work as the Headquarters U.S. Air Force director of current operations and deputy chief of staff for operations, at the Pentagon, Washington, DC.

U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve officers were awarded the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award during a ceremony at The Pentagon, Oct. 26. 2022. The award is presented annually to the top 28 company-grade officers for their outstanding leadership capabilities and their ability to find solutions to difficult problems.

GEN. Merril A. McPeak, Air Force CHIEF of STAFF, pins the distinguished service medal on CHIEF MASTER SGT. of the Air Force, Gary Pfingston, at his retirement on the ceremonial lawn. Country: Unknown

U.S. Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Chris Blomquist, Chief of Staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard, is being pinned by family during his promotion ceremony at the 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth, Minn., Sept. 10, 2022. Brig. Gen. Blomquist assumed the position of Chief of Staff after serving as the 148th Fighter Wing Commander.

U.S. Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Chris Blomquist, Chief of Staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard, is being pinned by family during his promotion ceremony at the 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth, Minn., Sept. 10, 2022. Brig. Gen. Blomquist assumed the position of Chief of Staff after serving as the 148th Fighter Wing Commander.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Justin Blaich, member of the 47th Operations Group, accepts an award presented by Col. Craig Prather, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, and Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, Air Education and Training Command (AETC) commander, at the 80th Aniversario Annual Awards Ceremony in Del Rio, Texas, April 14, 2022. This event took place to honor outstanding military members at Laughlin Air Force Base and civilian leaders in Del Rio who support Laughlin and its mission.

Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander, presents her coin to Master Sgt. Gréta Ásgeirsson, U.S. Air Force Bands principal harpist, following a concert at Reading Memorial High School in Reading, Mass., March 29. Ásgeirsson, a graduate of the Reading high school, performed concerts with the Air Force Band in Plaistow, N.H., Reading and other locations in New England March 23 through April 3. Department of Defense musicians serve as goodwill ambassadors and foster positive relationships between the military and civilian communities.

U.S. Air Force Col. Chris McDonald, left, 436th Airlift Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Carolyn Russell, right, 436th AW command chief, present Jason Carr, center, 436th Mission Generation Group annual award winner, with a trophy during the 2023 436th AW Annual Awards Ceremony held at the Hartly Volunteer Fire Company in Hartly, Delaware, Feb. 23, 2024. Carr was recognized as the wings Civilian-Category I of the Year. Air Force

Lt. Gen. Dennis Luyt, center, commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, shares a joke with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., left, and staff after a meeting at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 5, 2023.

Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. Jay Raymond greets U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl before testifying at the House Armed Services Committee on the Department of the Air Forces fiscal year 2023 budget request, Washington, D.C., April 27, 2022.

Chief Master Sgt. Wesley Hudnall is promoted to Chief July 28, 2022, during a ceremony at the Yukon Club, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Chief Hudnall speaks to the Wing Airmen attending his ceremony, thanking them for being there for many years over his career. Hudnall leads the Alaska Air National Guard, 168th Operations Group.

Members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing recieve awards at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Aug 13, 2022. This was the first annual Enlisted Awards Banquet

U.S. Air Force Airmen of the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard host students of the Bundeswehr Command and Staff College at Moffett Air National Guard Base, Calif., August 16, 2022. The students received briefings from senior leaders of the 129th Rescue Wing and static display tours of the units aviation and pararescue asset as part of their West and East coast destinations throughout the U.S. The special two year leadership program is designed to broaden the horizon of German future military leaders.

Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Eric J. Riley, Land Component Commander for Oregon Army National Guard (left) presents military awards to Col. Stephen Schmidt (right) during his retirement ceremony on June 4, 2022 at Camp Withycombe, Oregon. Schmidt was assigned as the Commander of the 82nd Brigade Troop Command from June of 2017 until his September of 2021, with his final assignment as the Director, Joint Domestics Operations Command from October 2021 to May 2022. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Scott A. Spellmon, 55th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, administers the Oath of Office to U.S. Army Col. William C. Hannan, Jr., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, during Hannan's promotion ceremony to Brigadier General, Jan. 16, in Winchester, Virginia.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Phil Rudak, left, receives his appointment certificate from U.S. Army Lt. Col. Seth Allen, right, University of Connecticut ROTC professor of military science, during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. Rudak, from Wethersfield, Connecticut, previously served as a human resource specialist in the 143rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, his next assignment will be as an aviation officer with the 169th Aviation Regiment.

Col. Matthew Robins, 127th Operations Group commander, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, hands the 107th Fighter Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Adam Pauly, incoming commander 107th Fighter Squadron, Feb. 4, 2023 during the unit's change of command ceremony. The passing of the guidon is a symbolic gesture, whereby the outgoing commander passes the guidon back to the group commander and the incoming commander receives it from the group commander.

U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve officers were awarded the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award during a ceremony at The Pentagon, Oct. 26. 2022. The award is presented annually to the top 28 company-grade officers for their outstanding leadership capabilities and their ability to find solutions to difficult problems.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Ashleyann Hajovsky, 100th Security Forces Squadron commander, gives a speech at the police week closing ceremony date,location. Hajovsky highlighted the contributions of Defenders, like the late Airman 1st Class Nicole Jacobson, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, The Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard presents a letter of appreciation to Col. Craig Holan's spouse, Sharon, during the dual retirement ceremony for Col. Holan, who commanded the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and retired after nearly 40 years of service and Col. Nick Johnson, who commanded the 65th Troop Command Brigade and served for 32 years. The dual retirement ceremony was held on May 14 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois. Col. Holan and Sharon have been married for 36 years and have two adult daughters, Katerina and Elizabeth.

U.S. Air Col. Denny Davies, 86th Airlift Wing Vice Commander, speaks to a crowd at the Retiree Appreciation Day event at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 13, 2022. Davies spoke about important information pertaining to retirees and how it will shape the Kaiserslautern Military Community in the future.

Jamie Thurber, Lexington-Concord chapter of AFCEA president, presents Staff Sgt. Emily Williams, 66th Security Forces Squadron unit training manager, with a $2,000 scholarship from the chapters Enlisted Education Scholarship Fund, during a Community College of the Air Force graduation ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., June 21, while Chief Master Sgt. William Hebb, installation command chief, looks on. The CCAF is a federally chartered degree-granting institution that serves the U.S. Air Force's enlisted total force.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes dignitaries from the Brazilian Ministry of Defense to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2022. During the visit, the dignitaries attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

Capt. Deanna Donovan, 192nd Support Squadron director of personnel, and Master Sgt. Christina Jilton, 192nd Support Squadron personnel superintendent, presents a custom coin display to newly promoted Chief Master Sgt. Carmen Daniels, 192nd Force Support Flight senior enlisted leader, at her promotion ceremony June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Daniels became the 176th chief in the Virginia Air National Guard and was celebrated by family, friends and fellow members of the VaANG.

Lt. Col. Brian Moritz, incoming 326th Airlift Squadron commander, addresses members of the unit during a change of command ceremony May 15, 2022, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. Moritz took over command from Lt. Col. Mark Chagaris, who is retiring

Members of the 334th Training Squadron and the German Military Aviation Authority pose for group on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 12, 2024. The GMAA visited the 334th TRS to gain a deeper understanding of the training controllers undergo and to collaborate on innovative ideas to enhance the training pipeline for both countries. Air Force

District of Columbia National Guard holds promotion ceremony for Maj. Michelle A. Watkis, in D.C. Armory, February 3, 2024. During the ceremony, Watkis was given the Oath of Office by Col. R. Brian Deaton, 74th Troop Command Commander, DCARNG. Army

Col. Craig Miller, 70th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing commander, alongside Col. Ronald Hopkins, 544th ISR Group commander, unfurl the flag at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum Lowry, Colo., Sep. 26, 2022. The 544th ISRGs mission is to lead the Air Force in executing overhead Technical Signals Intelligence and Overhead Persistent Infrared operations and tradecraft development to achieve mission outcome success in all circumstances.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Grace Seddon, left, the 103rd Airlift Wing airman of the year, U.S. Air Force Col. Stephen Gwinn, center, commander of the 103rd Airlift Wing and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Francis Evon, right, the Connecticut Adjutant General, wait to greet Vice President Kamala Harris at Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Connecticut, Oct. 5, 2022. Harris traveled to Connecticut to speak at an event held at Central Connecticut State University.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kyle Monato, Airman Leadership School Class 22-D graduate, left middle, receives his diploma at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2022. The graduates attended the 24-day, 192-hour course focusing on developing leadership abilities, the profession of arms, and building effective communication.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. speaks with Rep. Mike Turner, right, and Maj. Gen. Christopher Finerty, director of the Air Force legislative liaison office, during the Air Forces 75th birthday celebration at the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2022. The birthday officially falls on Sept. 18.

Members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing recieve awards at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Aug 13, 2022. This was the first annual Enlisted Awards Banquet

U.S. Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson (left), Chief of the National Guard Bureau presents U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, 46th adjutant general of the California National Guard with his retirement order at Mather Field, Sacramento, California, Sept. 28, 2022. Baldwins wife, children, and colleagues gather to celebrate his achievements and 40 years of service.

U.S. Air Force Col. Derek Salmi, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, delivers remarks during the passenger terminal renaming and flight line monument marker dedication ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, March 31, 2023. The event was part of the 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming commemoration to honor and celebrate American prisoners of war returning from Vietnam in 1973.

030815-F-5611J-002. Base: Savannah International Airport State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

(From left) U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Virginia Gaglio, Air Component Commander of the Massachusetts National Guard, Col. David Moon Halasi-Kun, the new wing commander of the 104th Fighter Wing, and Col. Tom Sling Bladen, outgoing commander of the 104FW, stand in front of the audience during 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.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (June 21, 2022) U.S. Air Force Col. John Litecky, commander, 55th Operations Group, 55th Wing, passes the Detachment 1, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Eric Myatt during the Detachment 1, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron change of command ceremony at the NAMFI Officers Club Asteria, June 21, 2022. Myatt assumed command from Lt. Col. James Hansen. Detachment 1, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron, is a tenant command operating at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., Allied, and Partner nation forces to be where they are needed when they are needed to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Hannah Cunningham,110th Medical Group medical technician performs master of ceremonies for her father Lt. Col. Edward Cunninghams, 110th Wing chief of safety, during retirement ceremony at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Oct. 15, 2022. Cunningham enlisted a year prior, carrying on a family tradition of military service.

Lt. Col. Douglas Jeffrey IV's spouse receives flowers during the 507th Operations Group assumption of command ceremony on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Nov. 5, 2022. It is customary for a commander to present their spouse with a gift during their assumption of command.

Army Maj. Ed Fonseca receives the Purple Heart from Lt. Gen. David Bassett, director of the Defense Contract Management Agency, at a June 29, 2022, ceremony at DCMA Lockheed Martin Denver in Littleton, Colorado. Fonseca was wounded in Iraq in 2006 when his convoy was ambushed.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, left, 18th Air Force commander, presents Airman 1st Class Jeremy Eda, Security Forces Raven with REACH 651, with the Distinguished Flying Cross during a ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, Dec. 9, 2022. Martin recognized 24 Airmen for their heroic actions during Operation Allies Refuge. The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any officer or enlisted person of the U.S. armed forces for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

221005-M-VR919-1079 SAN FRANCISCO (October 5, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Phillip Frietze, left, commanding general for 1st Marine Logistics Group, and Lt. Col. Robert Hillery, commanding officer for Combat Logistics Battalion 11, pose for a photo during San Francisco Fleet Week 2022 reception aboard the dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), Oct. 5, 2022. SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience Americas sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

930104-D-9880W-005. State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CRYSTAL CITY, VA. (September 30, 2022) - Lt Col Grant Paap, the F-35 Joint Program Office Deputy Director of Future Capabilities and Technology, shakes hands with his officiant, Colonel Fernando Cruz, after his ceremony for his promotion to Colonel held at the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office on September 30, 2022, in Crystal City, VA. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle-space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35, which has been operational since July of 2015, is the most lethal, survivable, and interoperable fighter aircraft ever built.

Robin Ross receives the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award at the 2021 Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Honorary Awards ceremony, June 17. Standing left to right: NSWCDD Technical Director, Dale Sisson, SES, Ross and NSWCDD Commanding Officer, Capt. Philip Mlynarski.

930121-D-2987S-012. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomes the Secretary of the Air Force International Affairs Americas and Africa Division to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2022. During the visit, the guests conducted an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus. The SAF/IARA creates, advocates for, and facilitates US Air Force policies and programs that support US national security objectives throughout the Americas and Africa, through international politico-military affairs, foreign military sales, education and training, cooperative research and development, and related endeavors.

U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve officers were awarded the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award during a ceremony at The Pentagon, Oct. 26. 2022. The award is presented annually to the top 28 company-grade officers for their outstanding leadership capabilities and their ability to find solutions to difficult problems.

Lt. Col. Daniel Ortwerth, strategy plans officer for the 157th Combat Operations Squadron, stands with his wife during his retirement ceremony, May 15, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Ortwerth served for 28 years.

Lt. Col. Misty Looney (left) salutes Col. William J. McCrink III, 174th Attack Wing Commander, during an assumption of command ceremony at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base Dec. 3, 2022.

Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the adjutant general of Mississippi, stands with Chief Warrant Officer 5 Tommy Smith, former command chief warrant officer for the Mississippi Army National Guard, during Smith's retirement ceremony at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, Aug. 7, 2022. Smith was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Mississippi Magnolia Cross during the ceremony.

U.S. Army Col. Andrew OConnor, Deputy Chief of Staff of Personnel for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, is promoted from Lieutenant Colonel during a ceremony in his honor at the Fort Indiantown Gap Community Club, Feb. 3, 2023.

040423-F-2522R-002. Base: Maxwell Air Force Base State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Air Force MASTER Sergeant Michael A. Reed deployed from the 367th Training Support Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, as a member the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC), presents his unit coin to Vice President Richard Cheney in the West Wing of the White House, Washington, D.C. MSGT Reed was welcomed back into the Air Force with Vice President Cheney administering the Oath of Enlistment. The 2001 Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC) carries on a more than 200-year-old tradition for the 54th Presidential Inauguration honoring the new commander-in-chief and recognizing civilian control of the military. AFIC is a joint service organization established by the Secretary of the .... Complete Scene Caption: US Air Force Master Sergeant Michael A. Reed deployed from the 367th Training Support Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, as a member the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC), presents his unit coin to Vice President Richard Cheney in the West Wing of the White House, W

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Denise Jelenski-Hall, the senior enlisted leader of the National Guard, recieves the first National Guard 375th birthday command coin from the chief of the National Guard Bureau, Air Force Gen. Craig McKinley.

Col. Gloria Field, 301st Mission Support Group commander, (left) receives the guidon from Lt. Col. Anthony Carter, (right) during the 301 FW SFS change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, Dec. 3, 2022. In a Change of Command ceremony, the guidon is passed from the former commander to the new commander, representing the transfer of responsibility.

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.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight (right), adjutant general of Vermont, coins Mr. Michael Hurley (left), 9/11 survivor and keynote speaker at the 9/11 remembrance ceremony during the open house at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 11, 2022. The event was planned to coincide with the Vermont National Guard's observance of the 21st anniversary of the attacks of 9/11 which saw Vermont Air National Guard F-16s flying patrols over NYC in the immediate aftermath of the attack.

Command Sgt. Maj. Scott A. Brzak, U.S. Army Pacific senior enlisted advisor, introduces Pfc. Nolan Murray, a nodal network systems operator-maintainer assigned to Eighth Army stationed at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, as third place USARPACs junior enlisted best warrior June 9 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, during the awards ceremony for the 2022 USARPACs Best Warrior Competition. The USARPAC BWC 2022 is an annual week-long competition consisting of competitors from multiple USARPAC units across the Indo-Pacific. The noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers are evaluated in several categories such as general military knowledge, basic Soldier skills, and physical fitness.

Senior Airman Kyle Woodson, 334th Fighter Squadron avionics system technician, right, receives the Academic Achievement Award from Senior Master Sgt. Suge Wilson, 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron 1st Sergeant, during the Airman Leadership School class 24-B graduation at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Feb. 8, 2024. The Academic Achievement Award was given to the Airman who achieved the highest academic average throughout the course. Air Force

Senior Master Sgt. Carmen Daniels, 192nd Force Support Squadron senior enlisted leader, promotes to the rank of chief master sergeant June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron commander, presided over the ceremony attended by Daniels' family, friends and fellow members of the Virginia Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard by Staff Sgt. Kellyann Elish)

United States Air Force NCO Academy Class 23-1, B-flight at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center, Oct. 31, 2022, on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes dignitaries from the Brazilian Ministry of Defense to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2022. During the visit, the dignitaries attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., right, poses with Air Chief Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo, chief of staff of the Indonesian Air Force, after a meeting at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., May 19, 2022. Brown and Prasetyo discussed partnership between their services.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Otis Jones, former vice superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, is promoted from colonel to brigadier general in an official ceremony with his family pinning on his new rank, June 29, 2022. Jones' last official duty day at the school was July 1, 2022. He leaves the Academy to serve as the commander of the 86th Airlift Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joshua Armstrong)

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