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Ceremonial Military Activities

Visuals of military ceremonies, including change of command rituals and redeployment events, highlighting tradition and service milestones.

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force conduct a pass and review during the I Marine Expeditionary Force change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 16, 2024. Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering relinquished command of I MEF to Lt. Gen. Michael S. Cederholm. I MEF provides the Marine Corps a globally responsive, expeditionary, and fully scalable Marine Air-Ground Task Force, capable of generating, deploying, and employing ready forces and formations for crisis response, forward presence, major combat operations, and campaigns. Marine Corps

Tough Ombres from the 90th Sustainment Brigade conduct a change of command ceremony on Camp Pike in North Little Rock, Arkansas today. U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler, Commander of the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), is officiating the ceremony.Col. Stephen M. Pazak is relinquishing command to Col. Dixon T. Brockbank from Perry, Utah after serving as the brigade's commander since June 1, 2020.

U.S. Air Force First Sergeants present respective squadron guidons during the Defense Health Agency Sacramento Market change of directorship and the 60th Medical Group change of command ceremony at David Grant USAF Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, California, July 13, 2022. The change of command ceremony is rooted in military history, dating back to the 18th century, where the command flag is passed to the individual assuming command in the presence of the entire unit.

From left, Lt. Col. Miguel A. Flores Rivera, outgoing Commander Army Fields Support Battalion-Africa, Col. Brad Bane, Commander 405th Army Field Support Brigade and Lt. Col. Alexander J. Amato, incoming Commander Army Fields Support Battalion-Africa, render honors to the National Colors at the AFSBn-Africa change of command ceremony June 10 at Leghorn Army Depot, Italy.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, and service members with Japan Self Defense Force oversee preparations for a bilateral convoy during Keen Sword, at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 15, 2022. Keen Sword exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and the Japan Self Defense Force (JSDF). This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and JSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

Colonel (COL) Juan Ayala, leading the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing's Air Combat Element formation, reports to the Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC), General (GEN) Michael W. Hagee, during his visit to Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT)

U.S. ARMY JAPAN held a patching ceremony at Yano Field in CAMP ZAMAJAPAN on JUNE 17th, 2022, authorizing both U.S Army Soldiers and JapanSelf-Defense Force members to wear the new patch that symbolizes theirenduring bilateral relationship.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Travis Cooke, senior enlisted advisor of 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, prepares to pass the guidon during a change of command ceremony at Jasionka, Poland, May 20, 2022. Lt. Col. David Cochrane took command from Lt. Col. Roger Wang Jr. The Division headquarters and its 3rd Brigade Combat Team have been deployed to Poland as part of the strong and unremitting commitment to NATO allies against any aggression.

Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, renders his first salute as commander during the 374th AW change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 23, 2022. The change of command ceremony formally transferred command of the 374th AW from Col. Andrew Campbell, 374th AW outgoing commander, to Roddan.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Dain Cox receives the Charlie Battery guidon from Cpt. Phuong Quach during the 1st battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiments (1-6 FAR) Activation Ceremony of Charlie Battery Tower Barracks, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Jan. 10 2024. C BTRY, 1-6 FAR was the first American unit to fire a round on the European Continent, in October 1917 during World War One.

Command Sergeant Major Charles W. Gregory, Jr., the outgoing Command Sgt. Major, passes the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa colors to Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa commander, during the SETAF-AF Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, September 1, 2022.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew M. Rohling, commanding general of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, right, salutes Danish, French, and U.S. troops during a pass-and-review at a D-Day ceremony at Utah Beach, France, June 6, 2022, honoring the fallen Soldiers from the 4th and 90th Infantry Divisions. On June 6, 1944, more than 150,000 troops from the Allied Forces invaded Normandy, France, from the sea and air. Approximately 4,000 Soldiers lost their lives, and the battle changed the course of World War ll. (U.S. Army photograph by Staff Sgt. Alexander Skripnichuk)

030212-F-O6838-001. Base: Birmingham State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Broadwater, deputy commanding general of V Corps, speaks with Soldiers assigned to the 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division during a re-enlistment ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 17, 2022. Broadwater was requested through Twitter as the re-enlistment officer.

Color Guard from the 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division is shown during the 2-35 IN Cacti change of command ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 1, 2022.

51st Operations Group members stand at attention for the singing of the U.S. National anthem during the 51st Operations Support Squadron Change of Command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 7, 2022. Change of Commands represent the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a flight, squadron, group, wing or MAJCOM from one commanding officer to another.

The Interior Alaska Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps visits 168th Wing as part of summer camp and learns about the 168th Wing, pilot, boom operator, aircraft maintenance, security forces, and civil engineering missions. The Interior JROTC cadets are students at West Valley High School Marine Corps JROTC, Lathrop High School Army JROTC, Eielson Air Force Base High School Air Force JROTC, and North Pole High School Air Force JROTC.

A formation of Soldiers from the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the Canadian Special Operations Regiment render a salute in honor of the beginning of Menton Week, Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA, December 5, 2022. Menton Week is held each year in celebration of the Special Forces heritage. Special Forces predecessor, the First Special Service Force, disbanded in Menton, France at the end of World War II on Dec. 5, 1944.

U.S. Soldiers with 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division perform a battalion change of command ceremony, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 15, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

U.S. Soldiers with the 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion attend a German Army recruit swearing-in event and the battalions fifteen years partnership ceremony with the community of Freihung, Germany, June 22, 2022.

Airmen from the 335th Training Squadron march to their dormitories after class at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 18, 2022. The 335th TRS trains Airmen in the weather, financial management, manpower and personnel, education and training and force support career fields.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, conduct a pass and review during a change of command ceremony on Camp Pendleton, California, May 18, 2022. Lt. Col. Kathryn E. Wagner relinquished her post to Lt. Col. Robert J. Hillery as the commanding officer for CLB-11.

Soldiers, veterans, and civilians pay their respect for Spc. Daniel George Hegarty during his burial at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas, May 18, 2022. Hegarty was not expected to have any next of kin attend his burial, so the community came out to show their respects.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Scott McGee, the outgoing 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, command sergeant major, recites the Long Motto Call during a change of responsibility ceremony at the Fort Riley, Kansas, Marshall Army Airfield, June 22, 2022. The call is an expansion of the divisions motto, No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too greatDuty First! which is typically led by Big Red One leadership.

Command Sgt. Maj. Rolando Zapata, center right, outgoing senior enlisted advisor for the Maintain Battalion, 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division passes the unit colors to Lt. Col. Joel A. Dickey, center left, commander of the 703rd BSB, during a Relinquishment of Responsibility at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, July 6, 2022. The passing of the unit colors is a time-honored tradition that signifies the change of responsibility from one command sergeant major to the next in order to serve as the units caretaker and senior enlisted advisor to the commander.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters Battalion (HQBn.), 2d Marine Division, salute the battalion colors at a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 8, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Kemper A. Jones, the outgoing commanding officer of HQBn., relinquished command to Col. Damon K. Burrows.

Members of the 374th Airlift Wing salute during the 374th Airlift Wing change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 23, 2022. The change of command ceremony was attended by U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force leadership, members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, representatives of the Tokyo Metropolitan government, and local mayors from the cities surrounding Yokota.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flagship is renamed during a change of command ceremony at the Toledo Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Chad Holesko assumed command of the 180th Fighter Wing from Col. Michael DiDio.

Soldiers of Battery B, 1st Battalion, 158th Field Artillery Regiment, 45th Field Artillery Brigade, stand in formation before being presented with the Alexander Hamilton Award, and being recognized as the best field artillery battery in the National Guard, July 16, 2022. The Alexander Hamilton Award is presented annually to the best field artillery unit in the National Guard. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Caleb Stone)

U.S. Soldiers of 101st Division Sustainment Brigade "Lifeliners", 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) stand in formation during a colors uncasing ceremony at Tower Barracks Parade Field, Germany, Oct. 6, 2022. The uncasing of the Lifeliners' colors symbolizes their arrival to the European theater and represents the history, honor, and esprit de corps of the Soldiers of 101st Division Sustainment Brigade.

U.S. Soldiers of 101st Division Sustainment Brigade "Lifeliners", 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) stand in formation during a colors uncasing ceremony at Tower Barracks Parade Field, Germany, Oct. 6, 2022. The uncasing of the Lifeliners' colors symbolizes their arrival to the European theater and represents the history, honor, and esprit de corps of the Soldiers of 101st Division Sustainment Brigade.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Rick Thornberg, commander of the 129th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 101st Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade, stands at ease during a ceremonial uncasing of their flag, streamers and colors following the units arrival to the Grafenwöhr Training Area in Grafenwöhr, Germany, Oct. 6, 2022. After many years, the 101st Airborne Division once again joins the 1st Infantry Division in Europe to work alongside other NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps.

U.S. Air Force Col. Shamekia Toliver, left, Commander 502d Installation Support Group, and USAF Chief Master Sgt. Carey Jordan, command chief, 502d ISG, stand in formation during the 911 Remembrance ceremony, Sep. 12, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Kelly Air Field, Texas. On Sep. 11, 2011, a terrorist attack was carried out against the United States of America. This ceremony was held to remember the 2,977 lives lost, You will never be forgotten.

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Color Guard performs during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 24, 2022. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

U.S. Marines with Weapons Training Battalion (WTBN) Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, stand at attention during the WTBN Camp Lejeune change of command ceremony on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 1, 2022. WTBN Camp Lejeune serves to provide facilities and support for marksmanship training, re-qualification, and competition shooting for the Marines of Marine Forces, Atlantic and Marines that visit from throughout the world.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Timothy Newkirk, left, the incoming commanding officer of 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, poses for a photo in front of the color guard with Lt. Col. Brian Riordan, the outgoing commanding officer of 4th LAR Bn., after a change of command ceremony in the 41 Area on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 16, 2022. The battalion consists of seven reserve companies across the U.S., with the headquarters located on Camp Pendleton.

Members of the official party salute as the national anthem is played July 14, 2022, during the Fort McCoy Garrison Change of Command Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Plaza at the historic Commemorative Area at Fort McCoy, Wis. During the ceremony, Col. Stephen T. Messenger became the new commander of Fort McCoy Garrison. Messenger received the garrison flag from Brenda McCullough, director of U.S. Army Installation Management Command Directorate-Readiness. Messenger replaces Col. Michael D. Poss who became the garrison commander June 10, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in a virtual change-of-command ceremony. Poss moves on to serve in a position at the 88th Readiness Division also at Fort McCoy.

2nd Brigade Combat Team Color Guard sings the Army Song during the 2nd Brigade Casing of Colors ceremony on Fort Campbell KY, June 16, 2022. 2nd Brigade will relieve the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in Europe.

Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion attend an award and promotion ceremony for fellow Paratroopers on Fort Bragg, NC, Aug. 5, 2022. Paratroopers recieved awards for work done both in Poland and in Garrison.

The leadership of the 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion and the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, salute during the playing of the national anthem at Żagań, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Army Maj. Dana Cook, commander of troops, leads the colors during the 512th Field Hospital change of command ceremony, June 29, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Lt. Col. William D. Spruill assumed command of the unit from Lt. Col. Julie A. Hundertmark.

As part of military medicine's "Pivot to Readiness", the U.S. Army Medical Command is reorganizing and re-designating its Regional Health Commands to Medical Readiness Commands. During four ceremonies the Regional Health Commands will reflag and become Medical Readiness Commands.We are building the future of Army Medicine. Medical reform and restructuring will enhance the ability to recruit, organize, train, and equip medical Soldiers and leaders capable of supporting the current and future force.

U.S. Army Gen. James McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Gary Brito, incoming commander of U.S Army Training and Doctrine Command, and Gen. Paul Funk, outgoing commander of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, salute during a change of command ceremony September 8, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Brito, a Hyannis, Massachusetts native, will serve as the 18th Commanding General of TRADOC. (U.S. Army photo bby Sgt. Rydell Tomas)

020924-F-9032T-001. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Nathan J. Seering, first sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, calls the battery to attention to begin a promotion ceremony at the Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, June 3, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tory Elrich, center, brigade operations non-commissioned officer-in-charge, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, speaks during a ceremony at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 24, 2022. The ceremony was held to honor Elrich for his promotion to Sergeant First Class, recognizing his continued service, dedication, patriotism, valor, fidelity, and professional excellence.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 49 parade march as part of a change of command ceremony on July 16, 2022 at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one officer to another. The mission of MAG 49 is to organize, train, and equip combat ready squadrons to augment and reinforce the active Marine forces in time of war, national emergency, or contingency operations, and to provide personnel and assault support capabilities to relieve operational tempo for active duty forces.

Capt. Tyler Elrod, the incoming commander for Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, sings the Army song in front of his new company at the end of a Change of Command Ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, March 31, 2022. The change of command ceremony celebrates the achievements of the outgoing commander while welcoming the incoming leadership to the command.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. John McAllister, incoming 344th Military Intelligence Battalion commander, salutes the flag during the 344th MI BN change of command ceremony at Fort Concho, San Angelo, Texas, June 21, 2022. McAllister was previously stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.

U.S. Marines of 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment (2/6), Regimental Combat Team 1, bow their heads during a prayer at a memorial service in Camp Dwyer Helmand Province, Afghanistan December 28, 2010. LCpl Scott was the 17th and last Marine to pass during 2/6's deployment. Sixth Marine Regiment is deployed in Helmand Province while in support of International Security Assistance Force.

Soldiers of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division, and Members of the Northern Army, Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) hold a ceremony to start Yama Sakura 83, Dec 4th, 2022. The goal of the exercise is to strengthen multi-domain and cross-domain interoperability and readiness between the U.S.-Japan alliance to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Airmen, assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, line up to congratulate Senior Master Sgt. Justin Seals, the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron operations flight superintendent, on his selection to the rank of chief master sergeant, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dec. 9,2022. Air Force officials selected 514 senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant, out of 2,526 eligible, for a selection rate of 20.34 percent in the 22E9 promotion cycle.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Douglas E. Gardner, center, the outgoing sergeant major of 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, passes a noncommissioned officer sword to Lt. Col. Jonathon T. Frerichs, right, the commanding officer of 3rd Bn., 1st Marines, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 23, 2024. During the ceremony, Gardner relinquished his role as the battalions senior enlisted leader to Sgt. Maj. Ray A. Molina. Marine Corps

Gen. David D. McKiernan, U.S. Army Europe commanding general (right) and Brig. Gen. Rusty Frutiger, USAREUR chief of staff, inspect the formation of troops during McKiernan's farewell ceremony on Campbell Barracks in Heidelberg, Germany, May 2.

U.S. Army Col. John B. Gilliam, commander of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team passes the battalion colors from the outgoing commander U.S. Army Lt. Col. Derek Drouin to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Levi Thompson, the new commander of 6-9 Cavalry Regiment at a ceremony in Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

Official Party consisting of Incoming Army Field Support Battalion-Benelux Commander Lt. Col. Blake Smith, 405th Army Field Support Brigade Commander Col. Brad Bane and outgoing AFSBn-Benelux Commander Lt. Col. Aaron Jones stand ready for the passing of the colors during change of command ceremony June 16 at the Zutendaal Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Belgium. (photo by Henri Cambier)

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Roger B. Turner, the commanding general of 1st Marine Division, salutes during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 30, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Daniel Skuce relinquished command of 11th Marine Regiment to Col. Patrick Eldridge.

(From left to right) Incoming Army Field Support Battalion-Benelux Commander Lt. Col. Blake Smith, 405th Army Field Support Brigade Commander Col. Brad Bane and outgoing AFSBn-Benelux Commander Lt. Col. Aaron Jones render honors to the National Colors at the AFSBn-Benelux change of command ceremony June 16 at the Zutendaal Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Belgium. (photo by Pierre-Etienne Courtejoie)

Soldiers attending the grand opening of the Warrior Restaurant

Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of NATO and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan, administers the oath of reenlistment to Troops in Kabul, Afghanistan, Mar. 29. ISAF, in support of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, conducts operations in Afghanistan to reduce the capability and will of the insurgency, support the growth in capacity and capability of the Afghan National Security Forces, and facilitate improvements in governance and socio-economic development, in order to provide a secure environment for sustainable stability that is observable to the population.

U.S. Soldiers with Regional Health Command-Europe render honors during a redesignation ceremony on Sep. 30, 2022 in Landstuhl, Germany. RHC-Europe redesignated to Medical Readiness Center-Europe.

Soldiers assigned to Headquarters 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and 1-502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team 2nd Brigade Combat Team, joined with NATO Allies and partners for the 120th Romanian Navy Day ceremony on Aug. 15, 2022, in Constanta, Romania. The 101st Soldiers were invited to participate in the Romania Navy Day to enhance the on-going partnership between the two militaries.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Freddie Martinez, the commanding officer for 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental) passes the new company guidon to Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michael Castilla-Martinez, the company commander for Regional Maintenance Operations Company, during an activation ceremony, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 23, 2022. The ceremony officially redesignated Materiel Readiness Company-North to Regional Maintenance Operations Company, improving 3rd SGXs ability to provide efficient and effective maintenance, in line with Marine Corps Force Design 2030. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

The 35th Corps Signal Brigade hosted an uncasing ceremony at Fort Bragg N.C. on Oct. 14 2022. The ceremony was a celebration to mark the return of the 35th Corps Signal Brigade to its home station. The brigade was activated on Jan. 11, 1943 and spent 40 years at Fort Bragg, before relocating to Fort Gordon, Georgia on Aug. 23, 2007. Now, after spending 15 years at Fort Gordon, the 35th CSB is returning home to Fort Bragg to enhance mission planning, and be in closer proximity to its XVIII Airborne Corps clients and all of its communication systems. The brigade will bring approximately 125 Soldiers to Fort Bragg to provide cutting edge telecommunications capability to Americas Contingency Corps. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Maxine Baen)

Lt. Col. Christopher Gin, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Lourdes Barragan, the 229th MI Bn.s command team, speak to service members at the start of the Norwegian Foot March at Fort Ord National Monument, Calif., Oct. 28. While most of the participants were members of the 229th MI Bn., some National Guard, Navy and Air Force service members participated as well.

The 204th Regional Training Institute conducts a change of command ceremony, Gowen Field, April 10, 2023. During the ceremony, the outgoing commander, Col. Dan Lister transferred command of the 204th RTI to incoming commander, Col. Russel Des Jardins.

380th Air Expeditionary Wing Honor Guard members present the colors during the 380th Expeditionary Communications Squadrons change of command ceremony August 5, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Major Eric R. Mast assumed command of the 380th ECS from Lt. Col Neil J. Wood.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group render a salute during an awards ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 26, 2024. During the ceremony, disbursing Marines were recognized for their exceptional performance and technical judgment during the fiscal year 24 Marine Corps Administrative Assessment Tool finance inspection, resulting in an overall successful outcome. Marine Corps

Soldiers across Camp Arifjan in Kuwait attended a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by Area Support Group - Kuwait on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, May 30, 2022.

Col. Michael Johnson, 110th Aviation Brigade commander, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert Macy, command chief warrant officer, prepare to present Chief Warrant Officer 5 Chris Cottrill, former command chief warrant officer, with a certificate of retirement during the 110th Aviation Brigade change of responsibility ceremony at Howze Parade Field, Fort Rucker, Alabama, June 21, 2022.

A color guard team from U.S. Army Garrison Benelux stands in front of an open Belgian Airbus A400M June 24. U.S. Army Garrison Benelux hosted the 2022 Chièvres Air Fest June 24 and 25 at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium, in celebration of the decades of partnership between the U.S. Army and its host nation community.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 102nd Cavalry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, initiates their deployment at the 102nd Cavalry Regiments fairwell ceremony at the Westfield Armory, Westfield, New Jersey, on Jan. 14, 2024. More than 1,500 NJARNG Soldiers will deploy in support of U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - ISIS - in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks. It is the largest deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers since 2008.

Soldiers stand in formation for the award ceremony for Torch Week on Fort Bliss, Texas, Nov. 4, 2022. Torch Week was the 1st Armored Divisions celebration of their history and it took place Nov. 1, through Nov. 4, 2022.

Recruits with Lima Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, practice drill formations on the Peatross Parade Deck on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. Oct. 30, 2022. Recruits learn close order drill as a means of instilling discipline, teamwork, spatial awareness and as a base to execute combat formations.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guards 56th Striker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, prepare to board a plane at Harrisburg International Airport on Jan. 1, 2024. The Soldiers are leaving their homes and families for about a year to deploy to Africa to support U.S. Africa Command and partner forces with security objectives in the region. Maj. Gen. Mark McCormack, the commanding general of the 28th Infantry Division, Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, the Deputy Adjutant General-Army, Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Phillips, the State Command Sergeant Major, and other officials greeted Soldiers as they boarded their planes to leave Pennsylvania.

On July 21, 2022, the 331st Training Squadron practices drill at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The 331st TRS was in week three of Basic Military Training.

040311-F-8218F-002. Base: Louisville Iap State: Kentucky (KY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Spc. Mike Dunagan, a Public Affairs Specialist with the 70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, is advanced to sergeant by Steven Dunagan, his father and U.S. Army Capt. Jeremy Idleman, the commander of the 70th MPAD, at the Ike Skelton Training Site in Jefferson City, MO, Aug. 21, 2022. Dunagan was joined by his unit and family for his promotion ceremony.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Benjamin Heredia, the off-going commanding officer with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group prepares to receive a meritorious service medal during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 21, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Benjamin Heredia relinquished his post to Lt. Col. Curtis Williamson.

U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard participate in the 166th Regiment Regional Training Institute change of responsibility, June 4, 2022, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. The outgoing senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Eric French, will pass all duties and responsibilities onto the incoming SEL, Command Sgt. Maj. Oscar Laughman.

Colonel John Lubas, deputy commanding officer for operations, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), briefs Soldiers assigned to 2nd Brigade Combat Team, and 101st Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 101st Abn. Div., on their mission June 27 at the Passenger Processing Center, Fort Campbell, Ky., ahead of their deployment to Europe.

Brig. Gen. Thomas Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma, passes the unit colors to Col. Andrew Ballenger, incoming commander of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, at a change of command ceremony, Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma, Aug. 14, 2022. Ballenger has served in the Army National Guard for over 30 years and has received many awards, to include a Legion of Merit and two Bronze Star Medals. (Oklahoma Army National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, march back to their seats during a Change of Command Ceremony at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Dec. 2, 2022. Capt. John Afdem relinquished command of the troop to Capt Isak Visser.

Command Maj. Rolando Zapata, outgoing senior enlisted advisor for the Maintain Battalion, 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, listens as Lt. Col. Joel A. Dickey, commander of the 703rd BSB as he addresses Soldiers and distinguished guests during the the battalion relinquishment of responsibility at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, July 6, 2022. A change of responsibility ceremony is rich in symbolism and heritage within the military and reinforces the role of the noncommissioned officer in the Army, highlighting their role as a bridge between the commander and the formation's enlisted Soldiers.

U.S. Soldiers with the 512th Field Hospital render honors during a change of command ceremony, June 29, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Lt. Col. William D. Spruill assumed command of the unit from Lt. Col. Julie A. Hundertmark.

Col. Chris Blanco waits to speak during the change of command ceremony for the 144th Digital Liaison Detachment on Aug. 7, 2022 at Geiger Field, Airway Heights, Wash. The 144th Digital Liaison Detachment provides liaison capability between Army forces, Joint/Coalition Forces Land Component Command, Joint Task Force, subordinate headquarters and multinational headquarters to ensure communication, mutual understanding, and unity of purpose and action.

U.S. Army Col. Kevin A. Poole, the incoming commander of U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, stands in front of the color guard during a change of command ceremony at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, July 12, 2022. Col. Christopher R. Danbeck relinquished command to Col. Poole.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Megan Ford, 81st Training Group Military Training Operations flight chief, follows behind flight at Keesler Air Force Base on Nov. 28, 2022. MTLs are responsible for ensuring every non-prior service Airman is provided direction, resources and mentorship.

U.S. Marines, alongside the New York Police Department, Fire Department, local dignitaries, community leaders, and families of Marines, honor the ribbon-cutting ceremony inaugurating the new Marine Reservist Home Training Center at Brooklyn, New York City, Jan. 6, 2024. The HTC emphasizes unit readiness and unity, the reintroduction into the Brooklyn community, as well as honors the memory of fallen Marines.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Class of 2026 basic cadets participate in the annual march back from Jacks Valley to the United States Air Force Academys terrazzo after completing basic training on July 22, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colo.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Mason Smiedendorf, operations officer with the 627th Security Forces Squadron, leads the pack during a five-mile ruck in honor of National Police Week at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 19, 2022. Police Week consisted of various events such as an opening ceremony, a shooting competition and a five-mile ruck for military police and defenders.

The 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division reflags to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division at Pershing Parade Field, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska on June 6, 2022. The activation of the division maintains the Armys competitive advantage in the Arctic region, focusing on operations in extreme cold weather and mountainous high-altitude environments.

Capt. Norwood, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 510th Regional Support Group, oversees a change of command between 1st Sgt. Sean Scales, HHC outgoing first sergeant, and 1st Sgt. Romero Ramirez, HHC incoming first sergeant, during a change of responsibility at Sembach Kaserne, near Kaiserslautern, Germany, on June 24, 2022.

Today, 2-2 Assault Helicopter Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, conducted a change of command. Lt. Col. Scott Gale returns the battalion colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Rosendo Henriquez, the battalion command sergeant major.

030214-M-3856H-016. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: H&HS

Lt. Col. Anthony Williams, the outgoing 3rd Battalion, 345th Regiment Training Support Battalion commander, passes the colors to Col. William Shoemate II, the 188th IN BDE commander, during a Change of Command ceremony at the Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart June 28, 2023.

Airmen assigned to the 4th Force Support Squadron render their first salute to Lt. Col. Timothy Kirchner, incoming 4th FSS commander, during the 4th FSS Change of Command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, June 17, 2022.The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Cavalry, 4th Squadron stand in formation during the 3-4 Cavalry change of command ceremony between outgoing commander Lt. Col. Walt Reed and incoming commander Lt. Col. Josh Suthoff on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, May 26, 2022.

US Congressman Walter B. Jones, Republican, speaks at the activation ceremony for Marine Tilt rotor Test and Evaluation Squadron 22 (VMX-22) aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, North Carolina. Base: Mcas, New River State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Jumpmaster, performs Jumpmaster Personal Inspection (JMPI) on U.S. Army and International Paratroopers during Leapfest 2022 at the Quonset Army Aviation Support Facility in Washington County, Rhode Island, August 6, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest-standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard, to promote high-level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

Seven Soldiers with the 192nd Firefighting Detachment, 337th Engineer Battalion, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, held a ceremony June 28 at Fort Indiantown Gap before deploying to Europe. Numerous family, friends, fellow Soldiers and firefighters joined the team for a short ceremony followed by lunch to say farewell to their loved ones and colleagues.

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