← Military & Defence

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

U.S. Soldiers and Airmen with the Colorado National Guard participate in the "Salute to Service" program at Empower Field at Mile High just before the Denver Broncos host the Cleveland Browns Nov. 3, 2019. All 32 National Football League teams are paying tribute to each branch of the U.S. armed forces as part of the NFL's "Salute to Service" campaign in the month of November.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Fridrik Fridriksson, 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade commanding general, faces the unit colors during a change of command ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 16, 2022. Fridriksson received command from Brig. Gen. Kyle Ellison.

Command Sgt. Maj. Loyd Rhoades releases the colors in the formation during the 1st Cavalry Division Artillery's change of responsibility ceremony on Cooper Field at Fort Hood, Texas, Feb. 13. Passing the colors symbolizes the passing of the responsibility from the outgoing command sergeant major to the incoming command sergeant major.

050414-A-5243E-121. Base: Fort Lewis State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHWEST

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Gabriel Garcia, a maintenance administrator assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, holds the 180FW Maintenance Group flag during a Change of Command ceremony at the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2022. During the ceremony, outgoing 180FW commander, Col. Michael DiDio, relinquished command to incoming commander, Col. Chad Holesko.

041217-F-4970D-071. Base: Malmstrom Air Force Base State: Montana (MT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with Programs and Resources Department, Headquarters Marine Corps, stand in formation during an award ceremony on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Feb. 9, 2024. Lance Cpl. Marina Camponescki, a Haverhill, Massachusetts native and finance technician, was recently selected as the Marine Corps Installations Command Marine of the Year and was awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for her superior work ethic. Marine Corps

FORT HOOD, T.X. - U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, deputy commander for III Corps & Fort Hood, and his wife Sally uncase the Maj. Gen. colors during his promotion ceremony at III Corps Fort Hood, Texas 22 Aug. 2022.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, and Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, participate in pre-race festivities at the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, North Carolina, May 29, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jim Bove)

U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, addresses a formation of U.S. Marines at Ilha do Governador, Rio de Janeiro, on the official opening day of exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 8, 2022. The SECNAV discussed the importance of their role in exercise UNITAS. For the last 63 years, UNITAS has developed and sustained relationships that improve the capacity of our reemerging and enduring maritime partners to achieve common objectives. Additionally, the military-to-military exchanges foster friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding among participating navies and marine corps.

Multinational Division Southeast Commanding General Maj. Gen. Christian-Daniel Dan awards U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Jesse Schuster, Sgt. 1st Class Otto Niesluchowski and Staff Sgt. Tyler Coburn, all assigned to 2nd Infantry Battalion, 4th Security Forces Assistance Brigade, a Letter of Commendation for their selfless and heroic actions at the headquarters of Multinational Division Southeast, Bucharest, Romania, May 12, 2022. 4th Security Forces Assistance Brigade partners with select Allied and partner land forces to increase internal capability and interoperability in support of U.S. Army Europe and Africa security cooperation objectives. This provides USAREUR-AF the opportunity to improve combined force interoperability in an environment of mutual learning.

The 84th Civil Support Team and first responder elements of the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard, responded to a potential white powder threat on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, at the Wyoming Air National Guard Base, Cheyenne, Wyo.

060704-A-7377C-020. Base: Fort Bragg State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: SOUTHEAST

U.S. Air Force Col. William McKibban, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, Col. Michael Clancy, 52nd Munitions Maintenance Group commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jeremiah Dinan, 52nd Munitions Maintenance Group senior enlisted leader, join other audience members at the unveiling of the new mission operation center at Kleine Brogel Air Base, Belgium, May 31, 2022. The new mission operation center will house the command staff, communications flight, command post and custody forces.

Col. Serena Johnson, Parks Reserve Forces Training Area outgoing Garrison Commander, Maj. Gen. Miles Davis, 63rd Readiness Division Commanding General, Lt. Col. Marisol Chalas salute the National Ensign during the singing of the National Anthem during the Change of Command ceremony May 31, 2022. Parks Reserve Forces Training Area is a premier academic institution, military intelligence facility, and battlefield simulation center that supports military readiness for both the Army Reserve and the entire Joint Force. Additionally, PRFTA proactively plans for future military deployments and natural disasters by ensuring that the installation footprint and facilities are capable of housing, feeding, and caring for those who serve. PRFTA is a sub-installation of Fort Hunter Liggett in Jolon, California.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, adjust their combat equipment at Aviano Air Base, in Pordenone, Italy Sept. 7, 2022 in preparation for an airborne operation onto Hohenfels Drop Zone, Germany as part of Exercise Saber Junction 22. Saber Junction 22 is a multinational rotational exercise designed to assess the readiness of the U.S. Armys 173rd Airborne Brigade to execute unified land operations in a joint, combined environment and to promote interoperability with more than 4,500 participants from the U.S. and Allied and partner nations at the U.S. Armys Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels training areas from August 29 to September 20, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brian Russell, outgoing commanding officer of II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, salutes the colors during his change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 30, 2022. II MIG coordinates, integrates and employs information environment operations capabilities in support of the Marine air ground task force commander.

Advanced Individual Training students bow their heads in prayer as part of the Petroleum and Water Departments 33rd Wreath Laying Ceremony in honor of the 14th Quartermaster Detachment on a rainy day Feb. 23, 2024, at the 14ths Water Training Site and Memorial Marker at Fort Gregg-Adams, Va. This annual event aims to remember the sacrifices and bravery of the Soldiers who have served in this Army Reserve water purification detachment out of Greensburg, Pa. On Feb. 25, 1991, an Iraqi SCUD missile exploded its half-ton warhead inside the Dhahran barracks in Saudi Arabia, where the 14th Quartermaster Detachment and other U.S. Soldiers were located. Army

Alaska Air and Army National Guardsmen return to Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept. 30 from assisting Nome community residents affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of storm-related debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 642nd Regional Support Group present the colors during its May 26, 2022, change of command ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas. Col. Christian M. Neary took charge of the Reserve unit from outgoing commander Col. Robert J. Coker. The 642nd Regional Support Group currently conducts the duties of the Mobilization Support Brigade supporting the mobilization and demobilization of Army Reserve and National Guard units from throughout the nation. Maj. Gen. Susan Henderson, commanding general of the 377th Theatre Support Command, oversaw the ceremony.

U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, with I Marine Expeditionary Force, marches during a change of charge ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26, 2024. The change of charge ceremony represents the relinquishment of duties from one command master chief to another.

Allied Forces South Battalion (AFSOUTH) bid farewell to Lt. Col Brian M. Travis and welcomed Lt. Col. Ebrima F. MBai during a change command ceremony at Joint Forces Command Naples, Italy, June 22, 2022

U.S. Army Spc. Modesta Gray, assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, stands at Pershing Parade Field during the reflagging ceremony of the 11th Airborne Division, June 6, 2022, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The activation returns the historic 11th Airborne Division to an active Army role, with a focus on operations in extreme cold weather and mountainous high-altitude environments. The ceremonies at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson reflagged the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, into the 1st and 2nd brigade combat teams, 11th Airborne Division, respectively.

Training Center Cape May hosts the 2022 Drill Instructor Summit as part of the Council on Recruit Basic Training, Oct. 19 , 2022, in Cape May, N.J. The summit is designed to facilitate dialogue between the services, aid in the exchange of ideas, discuss societal trends affecting basic military training, and identify best practices which serve to benefit enlisted training across the services.U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Timothy Tamargo

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Colonel Matthew J. Lennox (right), the outgoing commander of the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade (Cyber), symbolizes his relinquishment of command by passing the brigade colors to Major General Michele H. Bredenkamp, commanding general of the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command, on the McGlachlin Parade Field, June 28.

U.S. Marines with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, U.S. Navy Sailors assigned to the USS Bataan (LHD-5) as well as other members of military and government organizations pose for a picture after conducting a 9/11 Freedom Run during Fleet Week New York 22, in New York City, May 25, 2022. As a part of Fleet Week New York 22, the Marines of Special Purpose Marine-Air Ground Task Force Fleet Week New York engage in special events throughout New York City and the Tri-State area showcasing sea service technologies, future innovation, and connecting with citizens. Fleet Week New York brings together more than 2,000 service members from the Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard offering live band performances, military vehicle and equipment displays, and other community relations projects.

CHINA LAKE) -Cmdr. Ben Wainwright reporting to Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey as commanding officer of OICC China Lake on July 13 aboard Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kent A. Lundy, a chaplain with the 181st Intelligence Wing, delivers the invocation prior to the Gallagher Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Ind., July 30, 2022. Lundy is the head chaplain for the 181st IW.

060327-A-1526R-022. Base: Quito Country: Ecuador (ECU)

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 28, 2022) Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, addresses Sailors after a frocking ceremony at the Fitness Center on Nov. 28, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Members of 374th Security Force Squadron begin to fold the American Flag during a police retreat ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2022. The 374th SFS held the ceremony during Police Week to honor law enforcement personnel as well as recognize the dangers and risks they face every day.

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet Wing hosted a Change of Command ceremony on January 4, 2024, transferring power from C1C Isaac Bates to C1C Abigail Worley. A Change of Command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Harold J. Everhart, the outgoing commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 26, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, gives a speech during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec 8, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Zachary N. Embers assumed command of CLB-26 from Lt. Col. Harold J. Everhart.

U.S. Air Force Airmen cheer for Air Force Marathon race finishers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 17, 2022. More than 8,500 runners and 1,500 volunteers from all 50 states and 18 different countries came out to run in the races 26th year.

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

Command Sgt. Maj. Clark Charpentier, U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence command sergeant major, reaches out to give a high five to students at Fort Sam Houston Elementary School on August 15, 2022. He was one of the many military service members and civilians that welcomed students back to school after their summer break.

The Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Color Guard performs during the 2022 MCAS Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 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. Air Force Col. Jason Allen, 81st Training Wing commander, his spouse Mayra, Chief Master Sgt. Sarah Esparza, 81st TRW command chief, and Col. Laura King, 81st Training Group commander, attend the 85th EIS reassignment and change of command ceremony outside Maltby Hall on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 6, 2023. The 85th EIS was redesigned from the 38th Cyberspace Engineering Installation Group to the 5th Combat Communications Group. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Dauer, 85th EIS incoming commander, took command from Lt. Col. Whitney Walker, 85th EIS commander.

The 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne) hold a wreath-laying ceremony at the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy in Section 45 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, Sept. 27, 2022. This ceremony is held yearly to commemorate President Kennedys contributions to the U.S. Army Special Forces, including authorizing the Green Beret as the official headgear for all U.S. Army Special Forces and his uncompromising support to the regiment.

Soldiers activated from the 164th Air Defense Artillery (ADA) gather for a Hurricane Ian briefing Wednesday, September 28, 2022, Kissimmee, Fla. Among them is Spc. Eden Lewerk, a wheeled vehicle mechanic for ADA. Her job is to recover army vehicles that brake down during the hurricane. Lewerk was worried about falling behind in her Marine Biology courses during duty but said her Professors are being super accommodating. Florida has activated some 5,000 National Guard troops in response to Hurricane Ian.

The color guard of the 172nd Infantry Brigade, 6th Infantry Division (Light), stands at attention during the division's activation ceremony. Base: Fort Richardson State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Daniel Wittnam, outbound commanding officer, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center (MCMWTC) Bridgeport, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC), passes the Marine Corps colors to Col. Ronald Storer, inbound commanding officer, during a change of command ceremony at MCMWTC Bridgeport, California, July 1, 2022. Wittnam relinquished command of MCMWTC Bridgeport to Storer, formerly the Assistant Chief of Staff G-3/5/7 of MAGTFTC. (U.S. Marine Corps photo Lance Cpl. Joshua Sechser)

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), host a D-Day commemoration ceremony and ruck march June 6, 2022, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, to remember the sacrifices of Allied forces during the storming of the Normandy beachhead during World War II.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, U.S. Transportation Command commander, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Mark Camerer, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, view a mural in memory of Operation Allies Welcome at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, June 3, 2022. Van Ovost toured the center, coined Airmen for their services during OAW, and addressed recent graduates of the Advanced Study of Air Mobility course.

Sgt. Alysia Oliviera re-enlists for another 8 years while deployed to Iraq. Sgt. Oliviera is the Pharmacy NCOIC for the 801st Field Hospital. The 801st Field Hospital is currently staffing the Role III medical facility in Iraq that treats not only US forces, but also coalition forces from 72 different countries.

The 1st Infantry Division Band joins the Kansas State University Marching Band during their halftime show as part of the KSU Fort Riley Day, September 17, 2022 in Manhattan, Kansas. KSUs annual Fort Riley Day honors the military for their service and ties to the community.

Lt. Col. Stephanie Lee, 319th Signal Battalion commander, along with Command Sgt. Maj. Norman Delise, 319th SIG BN command sergeant major, presented Soldiers who deployed for the first time with personalized, encased, American flags, and a yellow welcome home Warrior-Citizen flag at the Welcome Home ceremony for Soldiers who had deployed to Kuwait at the California State Universitys main quad, in Sacramento, Calif., October 22, 2022. United States signal units provide deployable force projection signal support and rapid communications for the U.S Army, joint and combined operations.

Soldiers and civilians observe a moment of silence during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Sept. 11.

The U.S. Army Reserves 200th Military Police Command welcomed Brig. Gen. Cary Cowan Jr. as its new commanding general during a change-of-command ceremony Aug. 26 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Cowan assumed command from Maj. Gen. John Hussey during the ceremony, which was presided over by Maj. Gen. Gregory Mosser, U.S. Army Reserve Command deputy commanding general.

Maj. Jeffrey Allen, incoming commander for the 39th Maintenance Squadron, renders his first salute as commander during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 1, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Hill, outgoing commander of the 39th MXS, relinquished command to Whitehead, who then charged Allen with leading the 39th MXS. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of command from one officer to another. Allen previously served as the 31st MXS director of operations at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

A group of soldiers from various NATO countries line up during the welcoming ceremony for Danish troops at the parade field in Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May 06, 2022. Danish soldiers were received at a welcoming ceremony, as part of NATOs enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia, strengthening ties within the alliance.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert McTighe, commander, 1st Brigade Engineer Battalion, 310th Infantry Regiment, 181st Multi-functional Training Brigade, and U.S. Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Betty, 88th Readiness Division Command Sgt. Maj., begin the Ruck for the Fallen which was a 5-kilometer march that ended at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Sparta, Wis., May 18, 2022.

Col. Joshua Koslov receives an ovation after taking command of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing during a change of command ceremony July 28 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Koslov took the wings reins from Col. William Young during the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

070315-M-0049M-012. Base: Mcb Camp S.D. Butler State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

LGEN John M. Keane passes the colors during a 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) Change of Command Ceremony held at the parade field. Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Sully H.W. Bush was promoted to the honorary rank of Chief Petty Officer on 29 June 2022 during a small ceremony at Walter Reed national Military Medical Center) WRNMMCs Bldg. 1 (Tower) flagpole. His original handler at the hospital, HM1 Samantha Murdock, escorted him while Evan Sisley, former personal aide to the late President George H.W. Bush, pinned the new rank on Sully. Alongside was fellow #WRBFacilityDog HM3 Luke who was also promoted to Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (HM2).(Photographs by Harvey A. Duze - Office of Command Communications)

Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead (left) shakes hands with cadets of the Kentucky State University's Reserve Officer Training Corps at the college's campus in Frankfort, Ky. on Dec. 6, 2022. Whitehead is visiting historically black colleges and universities to talk to cadets about their ROTC programs.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Farrell J. Sullivan, left, Maj. Gen. Julian D. Alford, center, and Maj. Gen Jason Q. Bohm, right, salute during the pass and review at the Training Command change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., July 28, 2022. Brig. Gen. Sullivan received command of the U.S. Marine Corps Training Command from Maj. Gen. Julian Alford during the event.

U.S. Army Sgt. Trevor Lundquist, a musician assigned to the Tropic Lightning Brass Band, 25th Infantry Division Band, performs during a community outreach performance as part of Super Garuda Shield 2022 on Aug. 8, 2022 at Kantor Bupati Oku Timur, Martapura, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Super Garuda Shield 2022, a part of Operation Pathways and a longstanding annual, bilateral military exercise conducted between the U.S. Military and Indonesian National Armed Forces, reinforces U.S. commitments to our allies and regional partners, joint readiness, and the interoperability to fight and win together.

U.S. Army Color Guard and Soldiers render a salute, June 4, 2022, during the Four Braves 90th Infantry Division 78th Commemoration Ceremony, at Monument des 4 Braves, Periers, Normandie, France. The 90th Sustainment Brigades lineage goes back to August 1917 when the unit was formed as an Infantry Division on Camp Travis, Texas. When the 90th Infantry Division landed on D-Day, the blood-red T-O insignia meant Texas and Oklahoma. Today the T-O stands for "Tough 'Ombres as the unit's members hail from all over the United States.

The mantle of leadership for the 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum changed hands Sept. 9 when Maj. Gen. Gregory Anderson assumed command from Maj. Gen. (P) Milford H. Beagle Jr., during a change of command ceremony on Sexton Field. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

051014-A-4861M-042. Base: Fort Lewis State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Maj. Gen. Christopher LaNeve and Command Sgt. Maj. David Pitt lay wreaths in honor of Lt. Gen. James Gavins leadership during the invasion of Normandy in Saint Mere Eglise, Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division render salutes in honor of Lt. Gen. James Gavins leadership during the invasion of Normandy in Saint Mere Eglise, France, June 3, 2022. Paratroopers and the citizens of Saint Mere Eglise celebrate and honor Gavins contributions and mastery while in command of the 82nd Airborne Division during the invasion.

Members of the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division firing party perform the 21-gun salute at the annual Vietnam Veterans of America Savannah Chapter 671 Memorial Day Ceremony in downtown Savannah, GA, May 29, 2022.The 21-gun salute, commonly recognized by many nations, is the highest honor rendered.

U.S. Army Soldiers of the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, rise for the national anthem at the 44th IBCTs farewell ceremony at the Cure Insurance Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, 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. (New Jersey National Guard

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Commanding General Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund meets with Col. John P. Lloyd on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, August 25, 2022. Lloyd, commander and division engineer of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division, met with Wasmund to discuss ongoing and future SETAF-AF construction projects, requirements and challenges. The USACE NAD is the DoD's construction agent for U.S. Army projects in Europe and Africa.

U.S. Soldiers, family and friends with the 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment render honors during a change of command ceremony, Aug 4, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Lt. Col. Mark A. Black assumed command of the unit from Lt. Col. Michael P. Meissel.

Brig. Gen. John D. Kline, Center for Initial Military Training commanding general, passed the Drill Sergeant Academys colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Rickey G. Jackson, signifying his assumption of responsibility as he becomes the 32nd commandant of the academy. The assumption of responsibility ceremony was held June 2, 2022, at the post theater.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Ginger E. Beals, the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, gives a speech during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec 8, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Zachary N. Embers assumed command of CLB-26 from Lt. Col. Harold J. Everhart.

Members of the color guard move July 14, 2022, during the Fort McCoy Garrison change-of-command ceremony at Fort McCoy, Wis. Col. Stephen T. Messenger received the garrison flag from Brenda McCullough, director of Installation Management Command-Readiness signifying Messenger as the new garrison commander. 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. Messenger arrives after serving in his prior assignment as the director of engineering and logistics, J4, Joint Task Force Civil Support, Fort Eustis, Va., which was on the front lines of the nations COVID response.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Division Band, perform during a holiday concert at Camp Kosciuszko, Poland, Dec. 8, 2022. The 1 ID is proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Col. Scott Weyermuller, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, left, and Lt. Gen. Mark Weatherington, Air Force Global Strike Command deputy commander, right, speaks at the unveiling of Chappie James Drive at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, June 13, 2022. The official renaming of Range Road to Chappie James Dr. was approved by the previous 2nd Bomb Wing commander, Col. Dymytryszn, on Feb. 16, 2022.

060127-A-1526R-133. Base: Poptun State: Peten Country: Guatemala (GTM) Scene Major Command Shown: 94TH COMBAT SUPPORT HOSPITAL

U.S Marines with the 2d Marine Division Band perform at the Knox Landing Community Center on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 8, 2022. The purpose of this concert was to bring the community together for holiday celebrations.

030507-F-2185G-015. Subject Operation/Series: COMBINED ENDEAVOR Base: Lager Aulenbach State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

WORCESTER, Mass -During a large ceremony at the DCU Center, here Families, Friends, and leaders gathered on January 23, 2024, to send off the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment before their deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Speakers at the ceremony included Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, and Lt. Col. Alex Hampton, commander of the 1-181st Infantry Battalion. During the ceremony, Hampton and Command Sgt. Maj. Sean P. Fitzgerald, Command Sergeant Major of the 1-181st Infantry Battalion cased the battalion colors while they are deployed under the command of U.S. Central Command, upon returning home, the unit will uncase their colors.

U.S. Army Soldiers of the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, render honors during the national anthem at the 44th IBCTs farewell ceremony at the Cure Insurance Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, 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. (New Jersey National Guard

U.S. Army Col. Troy V. Alexander, United States Army North Atlantic Treaty Organization (USANATO) commander, turns the brigade back over to the commander of troops at the conclusion of a change of command ceremony, July 7, 2022 at Sembach, Germany. Alexander assumed command of the unit from Col. Miles T. Gengler.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 2d Marine Division (MARDIV) and guests bow their heads for the invocation at a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 23, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Christopher R. Richadella, the outgoing commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d MARDIV, relinquished his role as commanding officer to Lt. Col. William T. Kerrigan.

Airmen from the 501st Combat Support Wing stand at attention prior to the national anthem at Wembley Stadium, in London, England, Oct. 30, 2022. Approximately 70 uniformed personnel represented the U.S. Air Force and nation by unveiling an American flag during the pre-game ceremonies of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos NFL game.

U.S. Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 28th Infantry Division, and their families are honored during a deployment ceremony at Zembo Shrine Auditorium. These Soldiers are deploying to the Middle East for a year in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Amber Brooks, communications chief with 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pins Sgt. Janie Aguilar to her new rank aboard Marine Base Rudolfo Punsalang, Palawan, Philippines Oct. 1, 2022.

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.

Maryland National Guard soldiers and airmen participate in the pre-game ceremony for the Baltimore Ravens against the Miami Dolphins game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md., Sept. 18, 2022. The pre-game ceremony included service members holding a large American flag at mid-field during the national anthem.

Republic of Korea Marines with 1st Marine Division, ROK Marine Corps, march during a combined evening colors ceremony with U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Division during Freedom Shield 24 in Pohang, South Korea, Feb. 29, 2024. Freedom Shield 24 is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance the combined defense posture, and further strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula. Marine Corps

Director of the Mission Command Center of Excellence at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jason Slider recites the Oath of Enlistment with four recruits at the Professional Armed Forces Rodeo in Topeka, Kansas, Oct. 22, 2022. Slider swore the recruits into the United States Army after the presentation of the colors by the 1st Infantry Division Commanding Generals Mounted Color Guard.

SOUTH BAY, Fla. - Feb.22, 2023 --The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District and South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony at the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir project. Lt. Col. Polk, Deputy District Commander for South Florida, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers salutes the Flag during the National Anthem.

Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jason Attema, funeral honors chief, Headquarters Marine Corps Funeral Honors Section, Quantico, Virginia, cleans and prepares a dress blues uniform in the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations uniform section at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, March 30, 2022.

Sgt. 1st Class Sumalee Bustamante, a former drill instructor, and a military police officer with the 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, corrects the hand position of a female Iraqi Police recruit at 'parade rest' during the first day of training at the Kirkuk Police Academy, Aug. 16. Bustamante and Spc. Jennifer Swierk, both MPs will assist with the training of thirty-seven females who are currently undergoing the four week training course in northeastern Iraq.

Military Training Instructors Tech. Sgt. Shenan Six-Begay and Tech. Sgt. Madison Smith pose in front of the Military Training Instructor monument on Jan. 26, 2024.

Katie Tran, a Marine Corps Community Services Iwakuni youth fitness instructor, poses for a photo with friends, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Rusnok, the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni commanding officer, left, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Adam Gharati, the MCAS Iwakuni command sergeant major, right, at MCAS Iwakuni Oct. 31, 2022. Tran has helped over 150 children participating in a fitness program designed to progress both physically and mentally, while cultivating a community with camaraderie to push each student to be their best and support one another. She routinely spends time outside of work keeping up to date with the latest research to ensure the participants in her program are building a healthy foundation for their minds and bodies.

Troops from the Minnesota National Guard and the Norwegian Home Guard and Youth stand together in an opening ceremony to the 51st Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange (NOREX) at Camp Ripley Training Center in Little Falls, Minnesota on February 2nd, 2024. NOREX is an annual training event where Soldiers and Airmen from both forces fly overseas to their allied country and conduct winter survival and cold-weather operation training with each other (Minnesota Army National Guard

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Tom Wilcox, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, commander, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, prepares to render a salute during the Police Week retreat ceremony, May 20, 2022, at JBSA-Randolph, Texas. The week of May 9-15 was observed around the country to honor the service and sacrifice of law enforcement. It began in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, National Police Week.

The 41st Army Band, Mississippi Army National Guard, prepares to play the Star Spangled Banner at the Mississippi State Fair Ribbon-Cutting in Jackson, Mississippi, Oct. 6, 2022.

Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 145th Field Artillery, headquartered at the Utah National Guards Spanish Fork Armory has continuously supported the Spanish Fork Flag Retirement Ceremony for the past 24 years. Members of the Utah National Guard, Boy and Girl Scouts, civil air patrol, naval sea cadets and other youth groups volunteer to be a part of this dignified U.S. flag retirement of the symbol of our country. Command Sgt. Maj. Spencer Nielsen, senior enlisted leader for the Utah National Guard, was the keynote speaker and has participated in all 24 years of the ceremony.

III Armored Corps Deputy Commander of Support (U.K.) Maj. Gen. Michael Keating, cuts the ribbon during the People First Center ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening the center doors May 13, 2022 at Fort Hood. Killeen Mayor, Debbie Nash King (right) and Capt. Rosa Meeks, the commandant for the III Corps and Fort Hood People First Center (left) were just a few of the many in attendance for this event. The People First Center is a combined training facility for units, which focuses on Sexual Harassment/ Assault Response and Prevention, suicide prevention, domestic violence prevention, and substance abuse prevention among other important topics.

National Guard troops stationed outside Union Station Washington DC

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomed Monseñor Juan Antonio Cruz,Permanent observer of the Holy See to the OASfor a visit to the IADC Campus on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2023. During the visit, Monseñor Cruz conducted an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

of 4