Ceremonial Military Events

Images show military leaders at ceremonial events, delivering speeches and overseeing significant training exercises and deployments.

U.S. Army Col. David T. Hatcher, commander of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Hawaii Army National Guard, delivers a speech during the 29th IBCT change of responsibility ceremony, Kapolei, Hawaii, Jan. 7, 2024. The change of responsibility ceremony is a time-honored tradition within the Army that commemorates the relinquishment of responsibility by passing the unit's colors from one senior noncommissioned officer to another.

The Commanding General of U.S. Army Japan, Maj. Gen. J.B. Vowell, gives his remarks during the opening ceremony of Orient Shield 22, Aug. 27, 2022 at Camp Kengun, Japan. Orient Shield 22 is the largest U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force bilateral field training exercise being executed in various locations throughout Japan to enhance interoperability and test and refine multi-domain and cross-domain operations.

TINIAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept.14, 2022) - Capt. Dean Allen, 30 NCR incoming commander, delivers his remarks as he assumed command of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment (30 NCR), during a change of command ceremony held at the 107th Seabee Memorial in Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, Sept. 9.30 NCR conducts tactical and operational level planning, maintains major contingency response capability, and executes general engineering across the full range of military operations within the USINDOPACOM area of responsibility, fulfilling CTF 75 requirements in order to support the combatant command and other service component efforts to protect and defend the United States, its territories, allies, and interests; promote regional security and deter aggression. 30 NCR oversees all naval construction force units deployed throughout the USINDOPACOM area of responsibility.

U.S. Army Col. David T. Hatcher, commander of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Hawaii Army National Guard, delivers a speech during the 29th IBCT change of responsibility ceremony, Kapolei, Hawaii, Jan. 7, 2024. The change of responsibility ceremony is a time-honored tradition within the Army that commemorates the relinquishment of responsibility by passing the unit's colors from one senior noncommissioned officer to another.

Indiana National Guard Col. Chris Mabis, 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team commander, speaks to soldiers, families and friends in attendance for the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team departure ceremony at Camp Atterbury near Edinburgh, Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. Indiana National Guard photo by Sgt. Jonah Alvarez

Capt. David Porter, chaplain with Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), delivers the invocation during a D-Day commemoration ceremony 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.

Lt. Col. Jeramy Norland, 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment commander, addresses his troops for the first time during the change of command ceremony at Howze Parade Field, Fort Rucker, Alabama, June 24, 2022.

U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Timothy E. Nicewonger, incoming CSM of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division addresses the formation and attending audience members during their Change of Command and Change of Responsibility Ceremonies at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville Pennsylvania, June 19, 2022.

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Roy Yamada, G4 sergeant major and master of ceremonies for the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Hawaii Army National Guard, gives the opening remarks during the 29th IBCT change of responsibility ceremony, Kapolei, Hawaii, Jan. 7, 2024. The change of responsibility ceremony is a time-honored tradition within the Army that commemorates the relinquishment of responsibility by passing the unit's colors from one senior noncommissioned officer to another.

Lt. Col. Joshua Long addresses the guests during the 29th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division change of command ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 3, 2022.

Col. Jason Eckberg, 9th Reconnaissance Wing Vice Commander speaks at the opening ceremony for Recce Connect Day on Beale AFB, Cali. on Sept. 16, 2022. Recce Connect Day was held as opportunity to unite the Beale AFB community.

Staff Sgt. George Buckley, a crew chief for the 167th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, speaks during the Decoy 81 memorial ceremony held at the 167th Airlift Wing, Oct. 7, 2022. Decoy 81 was the call sign for a C-130 aircraft that crashed 30 years ago. Buckleys grandfather, Master Sgt. George Griffith, was among the six crew who lost their lives in that accident.

Col. Sam Kline, incoming commander of U.S. Army Garrison Presidio of Monterey, speaks during a change of command ceremony at the Presidio of Monterey, Calif., June 14. Kline accepted command from Col. Varman Chhoeung, who held the position for the past two years.

U.S. Navy Capt. Lee A. Axtell, force chaplain, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), delivers the invocation during the MARFORPAC change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 7, 2022. Lt. Gen. Steven R. Rudder relinquished command to Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney. With two-thirds of the Marine Corps operating forces assigned, MARFORPAC operates in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility, the largest Geographical Combatant Command in the U.S. Department of Defense.

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Rachel Humphrey, incoming commanding general of the Deployment Sustainment Command, speaks to Soldiers during a change of command ceremony held at a U.S. Army Reserve Center in Birmingham, AL on October 22, 2022. Humphrey was previously the deputy commander of the Army Reserve Sustainment Command, also located in Birmingham, AL.

POLAND Friday, February 9th 2023, HHC Brigade Archangels welcome CPT Grant Moyer as the new commander.We thank CPT Olivia Lynch for her for the time and energy and wish her all the best on her future endeavors!(

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Bailey, 31st Fighter Wing commander, gives final remarks at his 31st FW final all-call at Aviano Air Base, Italy, June 30, 2022. Bailey is scheduled to have his change of command ceremony July 18, 2022. The wings diverse mission sets are executed by Airmen that fly, maintain and support two F-16C Fighting Falcon fighter squadrons, two combat search and rescue squadrons with pararescue Airmen and HH-60 Pave Hawks, U.S. Air Forces Europes only air control squadron, agile combat support squadrons, medical squadrons and numerours wing staff agencies.

Maj. Gen. Charles Costanza, the 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, delivers a speech during a Silver Star Medal ceremony for U.S. Army Veteran Staff Sgt. Harold Nelson, a World War II Veteran of 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, at Fort Carson, Colorado, Oct. 4th, 2022. According to Nelson, his unit helped liberate Anzio, Italy, from enemy forces in 1944. While his unit was moving towards Rome, they came under fire from German forces. Nelson had expended all of his ammunition, so he climbed onto an abandoned German tank and began firing back. This act suppressed German fighters long enough for his platoon to move to a better position to attack and led to the surrender of the enemy forces during that battle.

Incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Morgan, the new senior enlisted advisor for the "Panther Battalion," 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, speaks to Soldiers, Families and distinguished guests during the unit change of responsibility ceremony at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, April 13, 2022. A change of responsibility ceremony is rich in symbolism and heritage within the military, reinforcing noncommissioned officer authority in the Army and highlighting their role as a bridge between the commander and the formation's enlisted Soldiers.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Levi Thompson, the commander of 6-9 Cavalry Regiment addresses the troopers at a Change of Command 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.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Evan Pettus, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander, speaks at the units building rededication at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 22. The building is named in honor of 1st Lt. Raymond Knight, a U.S. Army Air Forces P-47 Thunderbolt pilot awarded the Medal of Honor for two days of heroic flying in Italys Po Valley in World War II, destroying 14 grounded enemy aircraft and leading attacks that wrecked 10 others before being hit by ground fire and dying in a crash while returning to base.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Heidi J. Hoyle, commanding general of Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command addresses the attendees during the 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, change of command ceremony, July 11, 2022, at Daenner Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. The 598th TBDE executes mission command for strategic seaport operations in support of both U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command.

Today, Charlie Company, 524th DSSB, celebrated our Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony for 1st Sgt. Sean McGilvrey. This Assumption of Responsibility ceremony marks the next chapter in the renowned history of willing and able soldiers. Your leadership will continue moving us forward as we face new challenges. Congratulations 1st Sgt. McGilvrey, always forward. U.S. Army Photos By: Sgt. Kenyel Jones

Oregon State Representative Greg Smith addresses guest and other local officials during the renaming ceremony at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center, Umatilla, Oregon, on Sept. 29, 2022. Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Raymond F. Rees is a retired Oregon Guardsman and served as The Adjutant General, Oregon for more than 16 years, retiring from military service in 2013, and later worked as a civilian as the Deputy Secretary of the Army. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Col. Anthony McCarty gives a speech at the 91st Security Forces Group Change of Command on June 28, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Col. Thomas Segars relinquished command of the 91st SFG to Col. McCarty during the change of command.

050109-F-9429S-020. Base: Karshni-Khanabad Air Base Country: Uzbekistan (UZB)

U.S. Army Col. Christian M. Neary, incoming commander of the 642nd Regional Support Group, speaks during the May 26, 2022, change of command ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas. 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. The 642nd Regional Support Group is based in Decatur, Ga.

U.S. Soldiers, distinguished visitors and family members attended the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment (1-487 FA) Target Acquisition Section, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii Army National Guard deployment ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 6, 2024. Soldiers assigned to 1-487 FA Target Acquisition Section prepare to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while conducting Operation Juniper Shield.

U.S. Army Col. Phillip Brown, incoming Joint Task Force-Bravo commander, speaks at his change of command ceremony June 30, 2022, at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. The ceremony was presided over by U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, U.S. Southern Command commander, who was joined by U.S. Ambassador to Honduras Laura Dogu as well as local Honduran government and military officials.

U.S. Army Chief of Staff, Gen. James McConville, speaks at the activation ceremony of the 11th Airborne Division June 6, 2022, at Pershing Parade Field, 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.

Col. Andrew Ballenger, incoming commander of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma National Guard, speaks at the change of command ceremony for the 45th IBCT, Camp Gruber Training Center, Okla., 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. Army Cpt. Marco A. Montesdeoca, incoming commander for Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division (3-6 CAV) delivers a speech during a change of command ceremony at Lielvārde, Latvia, Oct. 10, 2022. The 3-6 CAV 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, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Lt. Col. Daniel McAuliffe, outgoing commander of the 2-130th Airfield Operations Battalion gives his remarks during the change of command ceremony held at the Harnett Regional Jetport in Erwin, North Carolina, June 4, 2022. The battalion continued to undergo significant transitions during McAuliffes command and is prepared for continued local, national, and foreign aviation operations. (Photo by US Army Capt. Patrick Montandon, 449th Combat Aviation Brigade/Released)

290th Military Police Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve, held a change of command ceremony and a change of responsibility ceremony at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, on Friday, August 5, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. John Dunn relinquished command to the incoming commander, Col. Jonathan Bennett. Following the change of command, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Culberson assumed responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle Jenkins.

U.S. Army Col. John A. Morris III, commander of the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, gives a speech after a transfer of authority ceremony at Powidz, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The 1st Armored Division's Combat Aviation Brigade assumed responsibility for the aviation component of Atlantic Resolve under the 1st Infantry Division, providing air support capabilities to units deployed to Europe.

U.S. Army Col. David T. Hatcher, commander of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Hawaii Army National Guard gives a speech during the 29th IBCT change of responsibility ceremony, Kapolei, Hawaii, Jan. 7, 2024. The change of responsibility ceremony is a time-honored tradition within the Army which commemorates the relinquishment of responsibility by passing the unit's colors from one senior noncommissioned officer to another.

220728-A-FV109-1046CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.Maj. Gen. Todd Royar, commanding general, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, provides the keynote speech during Letterkenny Army Depot's 80th anniversary ceremony July 28. Letterkenny, as a subordinate command of AMCOM, supports an air and missile defense mission.

U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command, addresses the crowd of families, friends, military and civic leaders in attendance at the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Change of Command Ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, 22 July 2022. During the ceremony, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen Barry Cornish relinquished command of 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Evan Pettus assumed command.

U.S. Army Col. Stephen W. Owen, Aviation Center Logistics Command commander, gives remarks during a relinquishment of responsibility ceremony for Sgt. Maj. Nicholas D. Burney, outgoing sergeant major, at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum, Fort Rucker, Ala., May 24, 2022. During the ceremony Burney was appointed command sergeant major.

Lt. Col. Jennifer Malatesta, 374th Force Support Squadron outgoing commander, delivers a speech during the 374th FSS change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 7, 2022. The change of command ceremony formally transferred command of the 374th FSS from Lt. Col. Jennifer Malatesta to Maj. Jordan Hayes.

Lieutenant Colonel Ian Benson, commander of the 5th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, provides opening remarks at the unit's activation ceremony.

Gen. Gary Brito, the 18th Commanding General of U.S Army Training and Doctrine Command, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony September 8, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command, addresses the crowd of families, friends, military and civic leaders in attendance at the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Change of Command Ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, 22 July 2022. During the ceremony, U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen Barry Cornish relinquished command of 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Evan Pettus assumed command.

On Nov. 22, 2022 in Powidz Poland, Capt. Deborah Castro is the master of ceremony during the the 746th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) Transfer of Authority ceremony. They transferred authority with the 68th Division Sustainment Support Battalion (DSSB).

U.S. Navy CMDR. Garry Thorton, chaplain, Marine Aircraft Group 31, gives the invocation during Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115s change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, May 5, 2022. The change of command ceremony represents the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, to the incoming commanding officer.

U.S. Army Col. Seth Graves, the U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys commander, gives a speech during the National Suicide Prevention Month Community Wellness Fair and Barracks Safety Stand-down hosted by the Army Substance Abuse Program and BOSS on Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Downtown Plaza on Camp Humphreys. The event is open to all members of the USAG Humphreys community to learn about suicide, including risk factors, warning signs, statistics, treatment, and how to report about it responsibly.

FORT HOOD, Texas - British Army Maj. Gen. Michael Keating, the deputy commander for support of III Corps and Fort Hood, delivers a speech during the ribbon cutting event at the People First Center in Fort Hood, Texas, May 13, 2022. The event marked the beginning of the center opening for regular year-round service.

220523-D-CJ362-1209 NORFOLK, Va. (May 23, 2022) Brig. Gen. Stephen F. Jost, U.S. Air Force, commander, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command (JECC), makes remarks during a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Station Norfolk. Jost received command from Rear Adm. Paul C. Spedero, U.S. Navy. JECCs mission is to provide planners, public affairs specialists, and communications capabilities to Combatant Commanders to enable the rapid establishment of a Joint Force Headquarters or in support of other missions, exercises, or planning efforts.

Col. Michael Walters, 5th Bomb Wing commander, provides remarks to commemorate the opening of the new combat arms range at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, April 22, 2022. Initially added to the Fiscal Year 2018 Military Construction budget, the new facility opened late in 2021 and enables year-round training of Airmen, regardless of weather conditions. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Evan J. Lichtenhan)

Lt. Col. Harold L. Morris, the commander of New York City Recruiting Battalion, presented remarks during a U.S. Army Birthday ceremony in Times Square, N.Y., on June 14, 2022. The ceremony commemorated the Armys 247th birthday, and highlighted the Armys 24/7 commitment to global readiness and the Army family.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Evan Pettus, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander, speaks at the units building rededication at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 22. The building is named in honor of 1st Lt. Raymond Knight, a U.S. Army Air Forces P-47 Thunderbolt pilot awarded the Medal of Honor for two days of heroic flying in Italys Po Valley in World War II, destroying 14 grounded enemy aircraft and leading attacks that wrecked 10 others before being hit by ground fire and dying in a crash while returning to base.

U.S. Air Force Maj. James, 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing chaplain, gives an invocation during the opening ceremony of the POW/MIA vigil run/walk at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Sept. 15, 2022. Airmen honored service members who are or have been prisoners of war or declared missing in action.

Norfolk, Va. (April 6, 2022) - Lt. Rob Rogers, Military Sealift Commands (MSC) Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) officer, sings the National Anthem during MSCs annual SAPR awareness walk. This annual event is held in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month (SAAPM) in order to raise awareness and prevention of sexual assault.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital conducted a change of Responsibility ceremony where Command Sgt. Maj. Marlon E. Faulds relinquished responsibility of his position to Master Sgt. Johnny D. Thompson, December 9, 2022, at Wilson Theater on Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Maj. Gen. Charles D. Costanza, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart, addresses Soldiers, Families and distinguished guests during the "Spartan Brigade," 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID, change of command ceremony on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 16, 2022. The Spartan Brigade will complete reception and qualification on all its modernized vehicle platforms in the fall of 2022, and the 3rd ID will be complete its modernization in 2023, fulfilling the Army's modernization priority.

060412-N-0411D-018. Base: Camp Lemonier Country: Djibouti (DJI) Scene Major Command Shown: Combined Joint Task Force : Horn

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 23, 2022) Rear Adm. Rick Seif, commander, Submarine Group 7, speaks at a Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) awards ceremony onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), May 23, 2022. NMCRS provides financial assistance and education, as well as other programs and services, to members of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, their eligible family members, widows, and survivors.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ben Everett, Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), delivers his welcome speech to the command, Soldiers and Families of the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion during the change of command ceremony, June 13, 2022 at Fort Campbell, Ky. (U.S. Army Photos by Sgt Tanis Kilgore, 40th Public Affairs Detachment)

PITI, Guam (June 17, 2022) Capt. Gareth Healy receives honors from side boys during the Commander, Task Force 75 change of command ceremony. Healy relinquished command as Commodore, CTF 75 to Capt. Shaun Lieb. CTF 75 provides expeditionary combat capabilities in the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet area of operations and is capable of providing the fleet with diverse expeditionary warfighting capabilities that are combat-ready and able to deploy anywhere in U.S. 7th Fleet in response to any contingency. The Navy's expeditionary forces exist first and foremost to support the fleet's warfighting operations and are the Navy's sea-to-shore interface.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers of the Wyoming National Guard conduct a deployment ceremony for Alph Company, 2-149th Aviation Battalion (Wyoming Outriders), Wyoming Army National Guard, June 9, 2022, in the Joint Forces Readiness Center auditorium, Cheyenne, Wyo.The Wyoming National Guard will deploy approximately 27 Soldiers to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. In October 2014, the Department of Defense formally established the Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve. The operation continues to work by, with, and through regional partners to militarily defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, to enable whole-of-coalition governmental actions to increase regional stability.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley commanding general, speaks during a division change of command ceremony May 11, 2022, at Fort Rileys Cavalry Parade Field. The ceremony was held to honor the divisions outgoing commanding general, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. D.A. Sims II, and to welcome Meyer as the divisions incoming commanding general.

U.S. Army Col. Jeremy Chapman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District commander, speaks during a Zone 1 ground-breaking ceremony at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Sept. 13, 2022. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $532 million construction contract to deliver 11 projects that directly support flight line operations for Tyndalls F-35A aircraft slated to begin arrival in September 2023.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James Smith, commanding general, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, recognizes Quality of Life program members and two employees of the quarter at Panzer Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany, October 17, 2022Over the last year, the American Red Cross, Armed Forces Entertainment, Army and Air Force Exchange Service, G1 Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation, Stars and Stripes, and USO have directly supported over 30,000 Service Members, thousands of Afghan travelers and those affected from the Ukraine Crises during Operation Allies Refuge, Operation Allies Welcome, and Operation European Assure, Deter and Reinforce. Quality of Life programs ensure the Armys people are the No. 1 priority by enriching their lives by means of safety, health, and well-being and reducing stress and uncertainty while increasing Army readiness.

U.S Army Lt. Gen. Chris T. Donahue, commanding general of the XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, welcomes guests to the groundbreaking ceremony for the Fort Bragg Innovation Outpost, Dec 13. The Innovation Outpost demonstrates Fort Braggs commitment to innovation and provides all units with a collaborative space to work and promote a data-centric culture across the force.

Command Sgt. Maj. Mario O. Terenas relinquished responsibility as the 10th Mountain Division (LI) senior enlisted adviser to Command Sgt. Maj. Nema Mobarakzadeh during a ceremony July 20 at Memorial Park. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, delivers remarks as the Keynote Speaker to guest and local officials during the official renaming ceremony at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center, Umatilla, Oregon, on Sept. 29, 2022. Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Raymond F. Rees is a retired Oregon Guardsman and served as The Adjutant General, Oregon for more than 16 years, retiring from military service in 2013, and later worked as a civilian as the Deputy Secretary of the Army. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

Chief Master Sgt. Jessica McWain, the command chief of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, gives the closing remarks of a Remembrance Ceremony on Sept. 11, 2022, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in honor of the victims and first responders who passed away on September 11, 2001. Since the events of 9/11, the U.S. has deployed hundreds of thousands to the outer limits of its American borders and to every corner of the globe to eradicate terrorism.

Lt. Col. James Perkins, incoming commander of the "Mustang Squadron," 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, gives a speech to Soldiers, Families and distinguished guests as the new commander of the squadron during the change of command ceremony on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 27, 2022. The change of command ceremony signifies the transfer of command and with it the responsibility for the readiness and welfare of the unit's Soldiers and Families.

Chief Master Sgt. Dennis W. Fuselier, 12th Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt., attends a joint noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Feb. 9, 2024. Air Force

Lt. Gen. Maria B. Barrett speaks at the Armed Forces Communications-Electronics Association's Cyber Education, Research and Training Symposium in Augusta, Ga., May 11, 2022. Barrett's remarks on develop the Army cyber workforce marked her first major speaking engagement after assuming command of U.S. Army Cyber Command a week earlier. (Photo by MAJ Lindsay Roman)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Brian A. Woodruff, a Texas native, oncoming sergeant major of Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Group, addresses attendees of a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, February 15, 2024. MCCOG executes Marine Corps Department of Defense Information Network Operations and Marine Corps Defensive Cyberspace Operations to enhance freedom of action across warfighting domains while denying the efforts of adversaries by degradation or disruption via cyberspace operations. Marine Corps

Los Angeles Air Force Base held a remembrance event for National POW/MIA Recognition Day that began on Sept. 15 and ended on Sept. 16 with a 54 mile torch run and wreath laying ceremony. The torch lighting and run began at Terminal Island, California, and ended at the base. Various base and community organizations carried the torch while running relay legs. The Los Angeles Air Force Base honor guard presented the colors for the opening ceremony on Sept. 16, 2022. Col. Mia Walsh, Commander of Space Base Delta 3, hands the Most Miles Completed trophy to volunteers and the top runners.

Lt. Col. Matt Vanputte, the Task Force Santiago commander, gives a speech during a Memorial Day ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, May 30, 2022. During the ceremony, officials reflected on the origins and purpose of Memorial Day and honored those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their countries. The event was also an opportunity for Union III personnel to honor fallen service members by writing their names on a memorial wall.

220523-D-CJ362-1061 NORFOLK, Va. (May 23, 2022) Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, U.S. Air Force, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, makes remarks during Joint Enabling Capabilities Commands (JECC) change of command ceremony onboard Naval Station Norfolk. Brig. Gen. Stephen F. Jost, U.S. Air Force, received command from Rear Adm. Paul C. Spedero, U.S. Navy. JECCs mission is to provide planners, public affairs specialists, and communications capabilities to Combatant Commanders to enable the rapid establishment of a Joint Force Headquarters or in support of other missions, exercises, or planning efforts.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Shon K. Antolin, outgoing command sergeant major of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Hawaii Army National Guard, delivers a speech during the 29th IBCT change of responsibility ceremony, Kapolei, Hawaii, Jan. 7, 2024. The change of responsibility ceremony is a time-honored tradition within the Army that commemorates the relinquishment of responsibility by passing the unit's colors from one senior noncommissioned officer to another.

Chief Master Sgt. Phillip L. Easton, outgoing Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. European Command, speaks during the change of responsibility ceremony, Stuttgart, Germany, Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Command Master Sgt. Robert V. Abernethy, a South Carolina native, assumed responsibility from Easton, who served as the command's top enlisted adviser since August 2019.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Matthew Forsstrom, right, a native of New York and sergeant major of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464, passes the squadron colors to Lt. Col. Eben Buxton, a native of Virginia and outgoing commanding officer of HMH-464, during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Feb. 16, 2024. The ceremony represented a transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Buxton to Lt. Col. Justin Carrel, a native of Alabama. HMH-464 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. Marine Corps

220930-N-QI593-1207 VIRIGNIA BEACH, Virginia (Sep. 30, 2022) Rear Adm. Joseph DiGuardo, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), reads orders during a change of command ceremony at Assault Craft Unit 4 onboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Sept. 30, 2022. The ceremony also marks DiGuardos retirement from the Navy after 31 years of dedicated service. Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) is the Navys single functional command for 20,000 Active Duty and Reserve expeditionary forces, and is the central management for the readiness, resources, manning, training and equipping of those entities. NECC enables Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces the ability to execute combat, combat support and combat service support missions across the full spectrum of naval, joint, and combined operations, allowing access from the sea and freedom of action throughout the littorals and inland operating environments.

SASEBO, Japan (April 7, 2022) Capt. Shockey Snyder, seventh commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), gives remarks during his change-of-command ceremony on the ship's flight deck. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Air Force Capt. Ronson Smith, 12th Special Operations Squadron Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilot and 27th Special Operations Wing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility advisor, makes final remarks while Col. Jeremy Bergin, 27th SOW commander, prepares to sign an African American/Black History Month proclamation on Feb. 9, 2024, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Once we recognize that what we all have in common is that we are all different, we can ensure that those teammates we work with on a day-to-day basis are not just treated with dignity and respect, but that they are also valued for who they are as an individual, Smith said. Air Force

U.S. Marine Corps Col. David Scott Morrison, commanding officer, 3d Civil Affairs Group, speaks in front of a crowd at the dedication of a new classroom built during exercise Balikatan 22, Alicia, Isabela, Philippines, April 4, 2022. Balikatan, Tagalog for shoulder-to-shoulder, is a longstanding bilateral exercise between the Philippines and the United States highlighting the deep-rooted partnership between both countries. Balikatan 22 coincides with the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine security cooperation and a shared commitment to advancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

CORONADO, Calif. (April 15, 2022) Capt. Patrick Brown, the outgoing commanding officer of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 1, speaks during the units change-of-command ceremony at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, April 15, 2022. EODESU-1 plans, coordinates, integrates and provides logistics support that allows Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 1 and its units to support the fleet and joint force in accomplishing national objectives.

Col. Karen Baker, incoming commander of 4th Cavalry Multi-Functional Training Brigade, gives a speech during 4th Cavs change of command ceremony June 30th, 2022, during which Baker accepted command responsibility from outgoing commander Col. Timothy Gallagher.

Major General Michel Natali, the New York National Guard assistant adjutant general Army, speaks to families members of Soldiers assigned to the New York Army National Guards 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation, during a farewell ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Latham, New York on June 9, 2022. The Soldiers will deploy to Kuwait in support of Army forces in the region after training at Fort Hood.

220803-N-MD461-1275 SAN DIEGO (Aug. 3, 2022) Command Master Chief (CMC) Israel Pedregon, right, CMC of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), and Capt. P. Scott Miller, commanding officer of Vinson, address the crew during an all-hands call on the pier, Aug. 3. Vinson is currently pierside in its homeport of San Diego.

Col. Lee Hartley, 134th ARW Commander, speaks to Airmen at the 134th Air Refueling Wing, along with members of the local community, retirees and media during a ribbon-cutting celebration for the new $31 million aircraft hangar at McGhee Tyson ANG Base, Tennessee. The KC-46, from the 157th Air Refueling Wing, New Hampshire, was parked in the hangar during the event as the 134th hopes to aquire the KC-46A Pegasus as a replacement for the aging KC-135R Stratotankers for future missions.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tobiah Jones, 338th Training Squadron commander, delivers remarks during the Air Expeditionary Force Ribbon Cutting Ceremony behind Jones Hall at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, May 4, 2022. The AEF Training Area supports more than 700 students annually for the Radio Frequency Operations Apprentice Course.

Maj. Gen. Reginald G.A. Neal, U.S. Army Pacific deputy commander - mobilization and reserve affairs makes remarks during the closing ceremony for Exercise Cartwheel at Blackrock Training Camp, Fiji, September 23, 2022. Exercise Cartwheel is a multilateral military-to-military training exercise with the U.S., Republic of Fiji Military, Australian, New Zealand, and British forces that builds expeditionary readiness and interoperability by increasing the capacity to face a crisis and contingencies by developing and stressing units at the highest training levels.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 21, 2022) Rear Admiral Rick Seif, commander, Submarine Group 7, speaks during the FY23 Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Pinning Ceremony for Commander, Submarine Group 7, Defense Service Office Pacific, and Commander, Naval Forces Japan (CNFJ) held at the CNFJ auditorium onboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Oct. 21, 2022. Seven Chief Petty Officer Selects were promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer during the ceremony. Each Sailor had their anchors pinned and donned the CPO covers for the first time in front of their fellow CPOs, command leadership, family and friends.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (July 29, 2022) Capt. Chase Sargeant, commander, Task Force 71, addresses guests and crew during a change of command ceremony aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), forward-deployed to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, July 29, 2022. Dewey is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleets principal surface force.

Today, 2-2 Assault Helicopter Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, conducted a change of command. Lt. Col. Bridget Dalziel, the outgoing commander, thanks the brigade leadership and her family for their support during her time in command.

020810-F-2706D-009. Base: Spangdahlem Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

The 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Commander Col. Josh Bookout gives a speech during the 3rd Cavalry, 4th Squadron 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.

Col. Lindsay Droz, 78th Air Base Wing and Installation commander, reads the Juneteenth Proclamation during a ceremony at the Refuge at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, June 16, 2022. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed enslaved African Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended.

On Friday October 28 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit FIVE (EODMU5) held their change of command ceremony with Cmdr. Jason Shell relieving Cmdr. John Keefe. Under Cmdr. Keefe EODMU5 conducted 8 operations, 41 theater security cooperation engagements, 7 joint and combined exercises, 3 Defense Prisoner of War Missing in Action Accountability Agency missions, and 3 humanitarian mine action missions across 24 Pacific nations. Keynote speaker for the ceremony was Commander, Task Force (CTF) 75 Commodore, Capt. Shaun Lieb.

220407-N-UJ449-1031 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (April 7, 2022) Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, commander NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force, signs the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month proclamation, April 7, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

Royal Danish Army Maj. Gen. Michael Wiggers Hyldgaard, chief of joint staff, briefs the overview of a HIMARS Rapid Infiltration exercise conducted by U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Regiment, 75th Artillery Brigade; and U.S. Air Force Airmen, assigned to 167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia, Air National Guard, as part of DEFENDER-Europe 22 at Bornholm, Denmark, May 24, 2022. DEFENDER-Europe 22 is a series of U.S. Army Europe and Africa multinational training exercises within U.S. European Commands Large Global Scale Exercise construct taking place in Eastern Europe. As part of the annual U.S.-led exercise, parts of the Danish army, navy, and air force train littoral defense from Bornholm and in the Baltic Sea as part of the bilateral training exercise led by the United States in order to build readiness and interoperability within the NATO allies.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Evans, commanding general of U.S. Army North, speaks to the audience during Army Day at the Alamo in downtown San Antonio, Texas, April 5, 2022. Army Day at the Alamo honors the culture of Army commands that support Joint Base San Antonio and the surrounding areas. Joint Base San Antonio honors the long-standing partnership between the U.S. military and San Antonio in annual Fiesta events, which commemorate Texas independence after the Battle of San Jacinto and the Alamo.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Michael L. Brooks, base commander of Marine Corps Base Quantico, gives opening remarks during the Stafford County Armed Services Memorial Day ceremony at Stafford, Virginia, May 27, 2022. Memorial Day is a day to honor all the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

DA-SD-05-00649. Base: Fort Mcnair State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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