Air Force Command Changes

Ceremonial events marking leadership changes within the Air Force with officers in uniform saluting and passing commands, emphasizing military protocol.

Col. Michael Clancy, center, 52nd Munitions Maintenance Group outgoing commander, releases command to Col. Leslie Hauck, left, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, during the 52nd MMG change of command ceremony, July 15, 2022, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The 52nd MMG commander oversees four geographically separated units.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. James B. Conway, the commanding officer of 12th Marine Corps District, congratulates graduates of Basic Recruiters Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, April 27, 2022. The mission of the Basic Recruiter Course is to provide staff noncommissioned officers and noncommissioned officers the basic skills and knowledge in order to develop their ability to influence young men and women to select the Marine Corps as a career opportunity.

Chief Master Sgt. Charles C. Gass Jr., state command chief, D.C. National Guard, holds a flag at Joint Base Andrews Air Base, Maryland, Oct. 16, 2022. Gass was ceremoniously retired nearly 30 years of military service.

United States Air Force NCO Academy Class 22-5, A-flight at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center, May 16, 2022, on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

The official party stands at attention during a change of command ceremony for the 131st Bomb Wing Medical Group at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, June 25, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Caleb Gaus, left, the 149th Fighter Wing force support squadron commander, and Master Sgt. Marie Sarabia, the force development superintendent, bow their heads in prayer before a promotion ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 30, 2022. Sarabia was promoted to the rank of senior master sergeant.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Phillip Amick, assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve, is inspected by Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Andrew Lombardo, the Cmd. Sgt. Maj. of the U.S. Army Reserve, while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

Nearly 20 Soldiers from Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and the 531st Hospital Center were formally welcomed into the U.S. Armys Noncommissioned Officer Corps at an NCO Induction Ceremony at Fort Campbells Wilson Theater, June 27.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kevin Thomas, Military Personnel Exchange Program incoming commander, receives command of MPEP from Brig. Gen. John Teichert, assistant deputy under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, during a change of command ceremony at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, June 13, 2022. Prior to becoming the MPEP commander, Thomas served as a C-32A pilot at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, where he flew and scheduled pilot crews for executive airlift missions.

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.

010713-F-7906C-038. Base: Kelly Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFMC

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jonathan Drew, commander of the 165th Operations Support Squadron, relinquished command to Lt. Col. John Kenard in a change of command ceremony at the 165th Airlift Wing, Garden City, Georgia, June 11, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. John Christianson, 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing deputy commander, center, poses for a group photo with the recent graduates from the Undergraduate Combat Systems Officers Course at the National Naval Aviation Museum, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., Feb. 16, 2024. The 479th Flying Training Group conducts Combat Systems Officer training for newly commissioned U.S. Air Force officers. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Darryl McLean, former commander of the 72nd Aerial Port Squadron, receives his retirement pin from his spouse, Ellen, Aug. 6, 2022. McLean enlisted in the Air Force, July 1983, then commissioned, Feb. 2001, and has served a total of 39 years.

040110-F-7484B-009. Base: Lincoln Municipal Airport State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

New Hampshire Rep. Chris Pappas addresses attendees at the 64th Air Refueling Squadron assumption of command ceremony July 8, 2022, at Pease Air National Guard Base in Newington, New Hampshire. The 64th was originally assigned to Pease in 2009 in support of the KC-135 Stratotanker, which was divested in 2019. The unit returned to help support the Wing's new complement of a dozen KC-46A Pegasus refuelers. The 64th is expected to grow to 160 Airmen by December 2023. "Welcome home to the 64th Air Refueling Squadron," Pappas said in his remarks. "I can't help but admire the paint job on the tail," he said of the Spirit of Portsmouth KC-46A Pegasus on display during the ceremony.

040225-F-3476P-004. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: US Special Operation Command

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Johnathon Lind, 4th Operational Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of air traffic control training, accepts the U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught Visionary Leadership Award from leaders of the Sea Services Leadership Association at the Joint Womens Leadership Symposium in Norfolk, Va., July 11, 2022. Each year at the JWLS, SSLA offers mentoring, professional development and leadership seminars to members of all service branches of the military and to Department of Defense civilians.

Lt. Col. Jerad Rich, the incoming 28th Operations Support Squadron Commander,delivers a speech during a change of command ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., July 08, 2022. Rich used this opportunity to express his gratitude for everyone's support during this new task as the incoming 28th Operations Support Squadron commander.

Col. William J. McCrink III (left), 174th Attack Wing commander, passes the 174th Medical Group (MDG) guidon to Lt. Col. Misty Looney during an assumption of command ceremony at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Dec. 3, 2022.

21st Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Maxwell Bailey (Left), McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, receives the guidon from outgoing 6th Air Refueling Commander, USAF Brigadier General James Soligan during a ceremony at MacDill AFB, Florida. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Norma Przyborowski of the 253rd Command and Control Group, Wyoming Air National Guard, retires from military service during a ceremony at the Joint Forces Readiness Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, May 14, 2022

Senior leaders with Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participate in a commemoration of the Battle of Camarón with French forces in Djibouti (FFDJ) at the French Base Djibouti April 28, 2022. The Bataille de Camerone which occurred over ten hours on April 30, 1863 between the Foreign Legion of the French army and the Mexican army, is regarded as a defining moment in the Foreign Legion's history. Members of the CJTF HOA regularly train with and work alongside allies, partners, and government organizations to achieve a unified effort to improve safety, security and prosperity in East Africa.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Christopher Manley presents the guidon of the 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron during his assumption of command ceremony at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, on Aug. 14, 2022. Accomplishment in our lives is not confined to ourselves, Manley told the members of the squadron. Our success is not an individual work.

1st Sgt. Charles L. Johnson Retirement Ceremony, 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Air Defense Artillery Commandant's Office, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. 1st Sgt. Charles L. Johnson retired today after 20 over years serving in the U.S. Army. His presence as a senior enlisted Soldier as part of the Air Defense community is one that will not soon be forgotten. Johnson spent over 8 years stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and contributed immensely to the Air Defense mission by serving as a 1st Sgt. for 30th Air Defense Artillery and by leading troops towards careers of excellence while serving in the Commandant's office as the Operations NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer).Johnson served two tours overseas, one to Kuwait and one to Bahrain. His time there was well noted by the various military awards he received and prestigious accolades. Since gearing towards retirement Charles began studies in the hopes of becoming a teacher, but says that he would "still like to work close with A

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, left, and Col. Travolis A. Simmons shake hands 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.

Col. Dan Guy (left), 110th Mission Support Group commander, retires Lt. Col. James Laske (right), 110th Operations Group superintendent of intelligence, at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Dec. 3, 2022. Laske served over 30 years in the Michigan Air National Guard and active duty U.S. Air Force.

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

Maj. Melisa Natapraya administers the oath of office to new 2nd Lts. David Aidoo and Ernesto Gonzalez during a commissioning ceremony May 20 at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland.

Col. Andrew Garcia, 15th Wing Maintenance Group, commander, initiates the first salute to the 15th Maintenance Group during a Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 6, 2022. The 15th MXG supports operations at the largest joint-use airfield in the United States with over 6,500 joint and allied aircraft transitioning through Hickam Field each year.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Eric Roen, aviation proponent systems manager, is promoted to the rank of chief warrant officer 4 by his family in front of the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence headquarters May 2, 2022, at Fort Rucker, Ala.

Lt. Col. Wesley Colebar, strategy analyst for the 157th Combat Operations Squadron, is pinned by his wife during his retirement ceremony, June 25, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Colebar served for 30 years.

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer Fabian Marin, the Installation Personnel Administration Center director, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, and Stefanie Marin, his wife, receive a certificate of recognition during his retirement ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, July 29, 2022. Marin enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1995, and honorably retired after 27 years of service.

United States Air Force NCO Academy Class 22-4, G-flight at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center, April 04, 2022, on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

030406-F-0986R-001. State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Petty Officer Third Class Colt Cotten sounds off prior to the national anthem being performed during a change of homeport ceremony at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, on August 19, 2022. NAVSTA Newport is home to nearly 50 U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Army Reserve commands and federal activities.

Chief Master Sgt. Gary Reny, officially retired during a ceremony on Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, Sep. 10, 2022. Reny celebrated his retirement after 35 years of honorable military service with many family members and friends.

US Air Force General Charles T. Robertson, Jr. (left), USAF Major General John D. Hopper, Jr. (center), and USAF Major General George N. Williams (right), salute the American flag during the National Anthem at the 21st Air Force Change of Command Ceremony, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey. Command of the 21st Air Force passed from MGEN John D. Hopper, Jr. to MGEN George N. Williams. GEN Charles T. Robertson, Commander of the Air Mobility Command acted as the presiding official for the ceremony. Headquarters, 21st Air Force is responsible for assessing operational readiness and recommending improvements in the tanker/airlift system within the 21st Air Force area of Africa, Southwest .... Complete Scene Caption: US Air Force General Charles T. Robertson, Jr. (left), USAF Major General John D. Hopper, Jr. (center), and USAF Major General George N. Williams (right), salute the American flag during the National Anthem at the 21st Air Force Change of Command Ceremony, McGuire Air Force B

Members of the Nathan Hale Battalion Class of 2022 listen to a speaker during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. By the end of the ceremony, the six cadets sitting to the left would be commissioned and pinned as newly minted second lieutenants, the first officer rank of the U.S. Army.

US Air Force SENIOR AIRMAN Wendy Brabender from the 436th Services Squadron, hands off the memorial wreath to Felix M. Grieder, 436th Airlift Wing Commander and Benjamin Bowings, Pearl Harbor survivor as Retired General Fred Vetter, former 436th Airlift Wing Commander looks on. Ceremony held at the AMC Museum at Dover AFB. Base: Dover Air Force Base State: Delaware (DE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Ronald Hopkins, 544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group commander, alongside Maj. Ryan Laine, 18th Intelligence Squadron commander, unfurl the flag at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum Lowry, Colo., Sep. 26, 2022. 18th ISs mission is to deliver decision advantage through strong mission partnerships to the air component, the joint force, and our nation by growing tactically brilliant airmen.

U.S. Air Force Cyber Systems Group Change of Leadership ceremony July 27, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander and Chargée dAffaires of the U.S. Embassy Tunisia, a.i. Natasha Franceschi deliver remarks during the opening of the U.S. Embassy Tunisia booth 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.

U.S. Air Force Col. Eric A. Balint, 177th Mission Support Group commander, gets his rank pinned on by his family during his promotion ceremony at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Jan. 7, 2024. Balint was promoted to Colonel, the highest rank of a field grade officer.

MG Carey stands with the Consulate General during the ceremony to receive the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese Government.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Lathan, right, incoming commander, 224th Joint Communications Squadron (JCSS), Georgia Air National Guard (ANG), assumes command of the 224th JCSS from Col. Ryan Hampton, left, commander, 165th Missions Support Group, 165th Airlift Wing (AW), Georgia ANG, during a change of command ceremony in Brunswick, Georgia, Feb. 3, 2024. The 224th JCSS, a geographically separated unit of the 165th AW, is tasked with delivering tactical deployable communications worldwide at a moments notice. Air National Guard

U.S. Airmen with the 156th Wing Honor Guard present the colors during U.S. Air Force Col. Humberto Pabon Jr. promotion ceremony at the 156th Wing, Muniz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Jan. 21, 2023. Pabon was promoted to the rank of brigadier general after having served for 30 years in the Puerto Rico Air National Guard; he started off as an airman 1st class in command post and now holds the position of chief of staff of the PRANG.

Rep. Grace Napolitano, of Californias 32nd Congressional District who also serves as co-chair of the National Guard Youth Challenge Caucus, left, sits with Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony L. Whitehead, senior enlisted advisor to the chief, National Guard Bureau, center, and California State Guard Lt. Col. Gilbert Sanchez, director of Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy, during the academys Class 29 residential phase graduation ceremony, June 10, 2022, at Mariners Church in Irvine, California. Sunburst is a high school credit recovery program run in partnership between the California National Guards Task Force Torch youth and community programs directorate and the Orange County Department of Education. Sunburst is one of four National Guard Youth Challenge Programs in California.

011105-F-2155T-007. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Ronald Hopkins, 544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group commander, alongside Lt. Col. Josef Trainor, 26th Intelligence Squadron commander, unfurl the flag at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum Lowry, Colo., Sep. 26, 2022. Their mission will be to deliver world class geospatial and integrated intelligence built by empowered, resilient and innovative airmen and guardians.

Cmdr. Jeffrey A. Delzer relieved Capt. Gerald F. Burke as officer-in-charge of the Naval Dosimetry Center (NDC) during a change of charge ceremony held at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, July 22, 2022. The NDC serves as the Navys ionizing radiation dosimetry center of excellence for radiation health protection programs for the Navy and Marine Corps, and provides Navy and Marine Corps commands worldwide with radiation dosimetry processing and consultation services.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jeremy Phillips, 81st Training Group senior enlisted leader, gives the closing remarks during 81st Training Wings 2023 Annual Awards Ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 29, 2024. During the ceremony, base leadership recognized outstanding Airmen and civilians from across the installation for their accomplishments throughout 2023. Air Force

A scene is shown May 10, 2022, of a special signing ceremony for a memorandum/agreement between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy in Black River Falls, Wis. The ceremony was held at the Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal Office Building on the east side of Black River Falls and included Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss and Command Sgt. Maj. Raquel DiDomenico, garrison command sergeant major, and Ho-Chunk Nation Chief Clayton Winneshiek and Ho-Chunk Nation President Marlon WhiteEagle. This memorandum of understanding between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy represents Fort McCoys assumption of the U.S. Armys legal responsibility under multiple federal laws and presidential executive orders to protect natural, historic, and sacred places with traditional religious and cultural importance to all Native American peoples, but especially those of the Ho Chunk Nation, on whos aboriginal territory the Fort McCoy military installation is now located.

031017-M-3579M-014. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040308-F-3838S-002. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Col. Lola Washington gives her remarks during the 108th Mission Support Group change of command ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 24, 2022. Washington assumed command of the 108th MSG from Col. Bernadette Maldonado who served as commander since May 2021. Previously Washington served as the Chief of the Joint Staff for the New Jersey Air and Army National Guard in Lawrenceville, N.J.

Senior Airman Austin Corvo, 436th Security Forces Squadron response force member, recites the Security Forces Prayer during the 21st Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Ceremony held at the Air Mobility Command Museum on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 11, 2022. The base hosted the ceremony to remember and honor those who perished in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Major Kristy Houska, new commander of the 908th Logistics Readiness Squadron, gives a speech at the 908th LRS Change of Command ceremony, May 14, 2022, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Houska began her career as an enlisted logistics specialist and was one for 12 years before commissioning as a logistics readiness officer.

A scene is shown May 10, 2022, of a special signing ceremony for a memorandum/agreement between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy in Black River Falls, Wis. The ceremony was held at the Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal Office Building on the east side of Black River Falls and included Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss and Command Sgt. Maj. Raquel DiDomenico, garrison command sergeant major, and Ho-Chunk Nation Chief Clayton Winneshiek and Ho-Chunk Nation President Marlon WhiteEagle. This memorandum of understanding between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy represents Fort McCoys assumption of the U.S. Armys legal responsibility under multiple federal laws and presidential executive orders to protect natural, historic, and sacred places with traditional religious and cultural importance to all Native American peoples, but especially those of the Ho Chunk Nation, on whos aboriginal territory the Fort McCoy military installation is now located.

Military delegation visiting Main Interior for Toys for Tots promotional event, meetings with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and other senior officials

The 137th Airlift Squadron promoted its Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) Senior Master Sgt. Vincent Fasano to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, during a ceremony held at the 105th Airlift Wing, Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, NY, November 3, 2022.

Senior Airman Ethan Hall, the Kentucky Air National Guards 2023 Airman of the year, is recognized during the Airmans Gala at the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 10, 2024. The Gala, which drew more than 400 guests, celebrated the units top-performing Airmen for 2023. Air National Guard

The family of U.S. Air Force Col. Asheleigh Gellner, the vice wing commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, pins on her new rank at a promotion ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. Gellner has 22 years of military service and transferred to the wing after graduating the U.S. Naval War College.

The DFACs went all out in serving the Soldiers food, while also decorating the chow halls to the extreme for Thanksgiving, November 26, 2022.

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

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alexander Ross, 509th Bomb Wing fuels systems NCO, sings the National Anthem during the NASCAR Hollywood Casino 400 at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, Sept. 11, 2022. Whiteman Air Force Base Airmen supported pre-race festivities to represent the U.S. Air Force and tell the Air Force story.

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)

SGT Ethan Hernandez and SGT Austin Rogers carry in the american flag at the 247th Army Birthday ceremony.

Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron commander, and newly promoted Chief Master Sgt. Carmen Daniels, 192nd Force Support Squadron senior enlisted leader, stand at attention for the playing of the Air Force Song during a 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.

A graduation ceremony for Officer Candidate School class 053-22 was held at the Hawaii Army National Guard 298th Regiment Multi-Functional Training Regiment, Sergeant Deyson Cariaga Auditorium in Waimanalo, Hawaii on September 11, 2022. Family members and fellow Soldiers joined together to welcome these new leaders and celebrate their accomplishments.

NORFOLK (Jan 20, 2023) Capt. Stephen Froehlich, Commanding Officer of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), speaks during the change-of-command ceremony for the ship, Jan. 20, 2023. Iwo Jima is at General Dynamics, NASSCO Shipyard, Norfolk, Virginia, for a scheduled maintenance period.

The family of U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel McDonough, the commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, receives flowers during a change of command ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, June 7, 2022. McDonough assumed command of the Illinois Air National Guard from outgoing commander Maj. Gen. Peter Nezamis.

Nearly 20 Soldiers from Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and the 531st Hospital Center were formally welcomed into the U.S. Armys Noncommissioned Officer Corps at an NCO Induction Ceremony at Fort Campbells Wilson Theater, June 27.

Col. Summer A. Fields, outgoing 434th Air Refueling Wing Commander, addresses the Airmen of the 434th Air Refueling Wing at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind. on Feb. 3 2024, during a change of command ceremony. Col. Van T. Thai assumed command of the 434th ARW during the ceremony. Fields will resume her role as deputy Commander of the 434th ARW. Air Force

Chief Master Sgt. Gary L. Spaulding, right, military personnel management officer for the Kentucky Air National Guard, receives a plaque from Maj. Gen. Charles M. Walker, director of the Office of Complex Investigations at the National Guard Bureau, during Spauldings retirement ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., June 12, 2022. Spaulding served 35 in the Kentucky Air Guard.

Commander of the 908th Airlift Wing, Col. Craig Drescher, left, passes the 908th Operations Group guidon to Col. Shane Delvin, the groups new commander, during an assumption of command ceremony, August 6, 2022, at Maxwell Air Force Base Alabama. The passing of the guidon is a symbolic part of the ceremony representing Delvins appointment as the new commander.

General Funk swearing-in 15 cadets from the Hampton University Pirate Battalion.

Sophia and Rutger, Colonel (P) James K. Dooghans children, deputy commanding officer for maneuver, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, place shoulder borders on his jacket to be promoted to Brigadier General, during the Promotion Ceremony, July 11, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. The title General comes from the latin word Generalis which means something pertaining to a whole unit of anything, rather than just a part.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital non-commissioned officer, Sgt. Christian Mills, poses for a photo with his family following an NCO Induction Ceremony August 4, on Fort Campbell Kentucky. An NCO Induction Ceremony is a time-honored Army custom marking the transition of an individual Soldier to a leader in the NCO Corps. It's a formal recognition for new corporals and sergeants, marking their increased responsibility for training and leading junior enlisted Soldiers for a ready Force.

Retired Gen. Timothy M. Ray, former Air Force Global Strike Command commander, greets enlisted members before the Order of the Sword ceremony in his honor at Sams Hotel and Casino, Shreveport, Louisiana, May 11, 2022. The Order of the Sword is an honor awarded by non-commissioned officers of a command to recognize individuals they hold in high esteem and for their contributions to the enlisted corps.

Incoming commander of 52nd Fighter Wing, US Air Force Colonel Gregory J. Ihde, renders his first salute to the base formation at a change of command at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Guests of honor pause before making a toast to commemorate the Doolittle Raiders in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., April 18. 2022. From left are Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall; Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr.; Cindy Chal, the daughter of raider Col. Richard Cole; Coles son Dr. Rich Cole; Lt. Gen. James Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command; and Lt. Gen. Marshall Webb, commander of Air Education and Training Command. The Doolittle Raid on April 18, 1942 was the first American air raid on the Japanese home islands during WWII.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Myung Cho, 501st Combat Support Wing deputy wing chaplain, speaks 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.

Chief Master Sgt. Kahn Scalise, 302nd Airlift Wing command chief, poses for a photo with his family during his retirement ceremony, May 14, 2022, at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. Scalise retired after nearly 29 years of service where he held various roles including additional duty first sergeant, flight chief, operations superintendent and squadron superintendent.

U.S. Air Force Col. Willie Cooper, 375th Mission Support Group commander, speaks at the 11th Annual Moment of Remembrance Ceremony at the September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois, Belleville, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. The memorial provides a solemn place for visitors to recall the events of the day that marked the largest loss of life from a foreign attack on American soil.

Master of Ceremonies U.S. Army 1st Lt. John Beninato, Jr., 42nd Regional Support Group, New Jersey Army National Guard, addresses the audience during the promotion ceremony for Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey, to the rank of major general at the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Feb. 3, 2024. Hou commands more than 8,400 Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard. As Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Hou leads, directs, and manages the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in the execution of federal and state missions. In addition, she manages all state veterans programs, commissions, and facilities in New Jersey. (New Jersey National Guard photo Spc. Seth Cohen)

Christian Santiago, Ethan Kim, Dorian Braun and Givoanni Biacan of the Ramstein High School's Air Force Junior ROTC, presented colors at the May 14, 2022 American Kindergraves Memorial Service at Daenner Kaserne Chapel, Kaiserslautern, Germany. From 1952-1971, 457 American infants were buried in the Kaiserslautern main cemetery. In addition to being a symbol of partnership between Germany and the U.S., the American Kindergraves has helped families manage the pain of their loss and keeps them connected to family histories.

Members of Airman Leadership School Class 22-F pose for a group photo during a graduation ceremony July 14, 2022 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. ALS is required for all active duty senior airmen before they become staff sergeants, preparing students to become leaders and supervisors.

U.S. Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center change of command ceremony, Aug. 12, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. USAF Maj. Gen. John Wilcox relinquishes command of AFIMSC to USAF Maj. Gen. John Allen.

Gen. Paul E. Funk II, TRADOC commanding general and newly appointed 2nd Lt. who are going into Army armor.

CMSAF David J. Campanale and AMN Rosie Brewer happily "busted" BGEN Larry Northington, 7th Wing commander, to the grade of airman in order for him to be able to attend Dyess' Enlisted Dining Out. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Mrs. Rachel Cunningham applies the retirement pin to Lt. Col. Edward Cunningham, 110th Wing chief of safety, during his retirement ceremony at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Oct. 15, 2022. Rachel has supported Cunningham during his twenty-three year career.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Steven Childs, a support operations maintenance supervisor assigned to the 601st Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, and his son, Brandon, are honored during a division retirement ceremony July 14, 2022, Fort Riley, Kansas. Childs, who served 20 years in the military, received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Department of the Army Certificate of Retirement, a Certificate of Appreciation, and a folded American flag.

From left, U.S. Air Force Col. Shawn E. Holtz, Zaneta Adams, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, U.S. Army Col. Scott Meyers, announce the award recipients at the second annual Michigan Military & Veterans Gala at the Lansing Event Center, Lansing, Mich., Nov. 5, 2022. The night featured a formal presentation of awards to veterans, service members and those who advocate for them throughout the 2022 year

040601-F-9905C-003. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Bernadette Maldonado gives her remarks during the 108th Mission Support Group change of command ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 24, 2022. Col. Lola Washington assumed command of the 108th MSG from Maldonado who served as the commander since May 2021.

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.

Chief Master Sgt. Dana Sandoval, 49th Intelligence Squadron senior enlisted leader, and Senior Master Sgt. Michaela Simms, 55th Wing superintendent of command and control operations, repeats the Chiefs Charge during the Chiefs Recognition Ceremony Apr. 8, at the Beardmore Event Center, Bellevue, Nebraska. Chiefs are charged to “in every thought and deed to support your fellow chiefs, among whom we place honor, integrity, and trust above all else.”

The 168th Wing hosted a Dining Out event in Fairbanks, Alaska, for Airmen to keep Air Force traditions alive and continue morale-building ceremonies. The Air Force Dining Out event started approximately in the 1930s with Army Air Corps General H. Hap Arnolds Wing Dings. The guest speaker at the 2022 168th WG Dining Out was Gregory D. Gadson, a motivational speaker, retired Colonel in the United States Army, and former commander of the U.S. Army Fort Belvoir Garrison. He is also a bilateral above-the-knee amputee.

The 168th Wing hosted a Dining Out event in Fairbanks, Alaska, for Airmen to keep Air Force traditions alive and continue morale-building ceremonies. The Air Force Dining Out event started approximately in the 1930s with Army Air Corps General H. Hap Arnolds Wing Dings. The guest speaker at the 2022 168th WG Dining Out was Gregory D. Gadson, a motivational speaker, retired Colonel in the United States Army, and former commander of the U.S. Army Fort Belvoir Garrison. He is also a bilateral above-the-knee amputee.

Army Staff Sgt. Mitchell Scofield (front right), a cavalry scout with the Mississippi Army National Guards Regional Training Institute, and Cpl. Daniel Dlppolito, an infantryman with the Arizona Army National Guards Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment (front left), hoist their pistols into the air during the closing ceremony of the Army National Guards 2020 Best Warrior Competition at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Sept. 16. Scofield and Dlppolito earned the titles of Army National Guard Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year, respectively. Command Sgt. Maj. John F. Sampa (middle), the command sergeant major of the Army National Guard, joins Scofield and Dlppolito in celebrating their new titles. The two Soldiers will go on to compete in the 2020 all-Army Best Warrior Competition, slated to be held virtually later in the year.

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