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Ceremonial Military Events

Photographs of change of command ceremonies and unit gatherings, illustrating formalities and military leadership amidst an organized and respectful atmosphere.

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Rodger Bond, the Marine Air Control Squadron 4 Company K first sergeant, is frocked to the rank of sergeant major on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 3, 2024. Frocking is a tradition where Marines are advanced to the next pay grade, assuming the title and the responsibilities prior to their official date of promotion.

Airmen with the 914th Security Forces Squadron participate in a Fallen Defenders ceremony and ruck march May 14, 2022 on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. The mission of the ceremony and 8.4-mile march was to honor their fallen brothers and sisters. Airmen added non-perishable food items in their ruck pack to add weight; items were later donated to a local veterans non-profit organization.

U.S. Army Soldiers of the 1st Battalion 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment and 4th Battalion 3rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, participate in a transfer of authority ceremony, April 22 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. In January 2022, the 1-44 ADA successfully engaged medium ballistic missile threats with the simultaneous launch of Patriot interceptor missiles preventing potential loss of life and damage to U.S. Central Command critical assets. (U.S. Air Force Photo / Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Grossi)

Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Ratliff, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief, gets promoted during a ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. He was promoted by Lt. Col. Sylvester dAgrella, 386th ECES commander, on Sept. 17, 2022. Ratliffs family was able to watch his promotion ceremony via cellphone streaming. Nearly 100 firefighters, friends, fellow chiefs and leaders took part in the ceremony. Ratiff, who is deployed from the 132nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Iowa Air National Guard, joined the top 1-percent of enlisted members upon promoting to his new rank.

2nd Combat Aviation Brigade Soldiers don their newly earned silver spurs from the 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron spur ride.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Christian, left, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load crew chief, and Airman 1st Class James, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load crew member, compete in the Load Crew of the 3rd Quarter competition at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Oct. 14, 2022. The crews are scored on their ability to perform well under stress and quickly load weapons onto the aircraft while adhering to safety precautions.

230201-N-N0748-1050 POTI, Georgia (Feb. 1, 2023) Georgian Land Force colonels address Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 before a ribbon cutting ceremony for a recently completed railhead expansion project in Poti, Georgia, Feb. 1, 2023. NMCB 11 operates as a part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 68 for deployment across the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeffery Broadwater, deputy commander, V Corps, gives a speech at the closing ceremony of Noble Partner 22 at the Vaziani Training Area, Georgia Sep. 9, 2022. Noble Partner 22 builds multinational interoperability between allied and partner nations, increasing readiness and improving multinational command and control capabilities.

The official party prepares to transfer authority for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Baghdad Iraq, Sept. 8, 2022. Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, presided over the ceremony between U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John Brennan and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane.

031020-F-3217C-001. Base: Tyndall Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETC

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman, right, outgoing commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force, shakes hands with Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner oncoming commingding general of III MEF during the III MEF change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 26, 2024. During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. Bierman relinquished his duties as commanding general of III MEF to Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner.

Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew J. Gross, Medical Support Squadron commander, receives his last salute from the members of the 88 MDSS during the squadrons change of command ceremony inside the 88th Medical Center, June 23, 2022, at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The ceremony pays honor to the outgoing, and welcomes the incoming commander, of the squadron.

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

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Troy E. Black, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, speaks to students in Basic Recruiters School at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Feb. 10, 2023. Sgt. Maj. Black spoke to Marines at the Basic Recruiter School about the successes recruiters continue to achieve all while facing the challenges of a smaller eligible population to serve in the military.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David Berger, the Commandant of the Marine Corps and Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Troy Black, interact with Marines from Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22, during a tour in Darwin, NT, Australia, April 14, 2022. General Bergers visit allowed Australian and American service members to showcase how they enhance interoperability.

Bravo Battery Soldiers were awarded the humanitarian service medal on June 30, 2022, for their work helping Afghan travelers evacuated to Germany during Operation Allies Welcome.

Left to right: U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Cochrane, incoming commander of 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Col. Eugene Ferris, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division and Lt. Col. David Wang Jr, outgoing commander of 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment stand at attention during a change of command ceremony at Jasionka, Poland, May 20, 2022. 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.

Brig. Gen. Lori Robinson, Deputy Commanding General of Support with 2nd Infantry Division/ROK Combined Division, conducts a maintenance terrain walkthrough of the 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade footprint on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Sept. 15, 2022. The purpose of the maintenance terrain walkthrough is to ensure a high level of awareness and command interest in field maintenance by ensuring senior Command Groups understand how their maintenance program operates.

U.S. Air Force Col. Henry Schantz, 18th Operations Group commander, addresses the 5th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron during its inactivation ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Prior to deactivation, the 5th EACCS flew the E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System, which provides theater ground and air commanders with ground surveillance to support attack operations and targeting that contributes to the delay, disruption and destruction of enemy forces.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 173rd Airborne Brigade stand in formation with their new unit patches during a Patching Ceremony at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Dec. 2, 2022. The official ceremony welcomed the newest members into the organization.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Eagle Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, stands in formation as Soldiers from the U.S. Army, British Army, and Bulgarian Land Forces honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation during a Memorial Day ceremony at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, May 30, 2022.

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band performs during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar 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. Army Lt. Gen. Robert "Pat" White, left, outgoing commanding general of III Armored Corps and Fort Hood, Gen. Andrew P. Poppas, center, commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, and Lt. Gen. Sean C. Bernabe, incoming commanding general of III Armored Corps and Fort Hood, prepare for the III Armored Corps Change of Command ceremony on October 4, 2022, at Fort Hood, Texas. III Armored Corps is comprised of four combat divisions, a sustainment command, a cavalry regiment, and a fires brigade encompassing over 100,000 Soldiers on five military installations across the United States.

Incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Angella M. Beckford returns to her seat after sharing her excitement and expectations for the 408th Contracting Support Brigade. Soldiers and civilians celebrate the 408th CSB change of command and responsibility ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, July 15, 2022. The change of command and responsibility ceremony is part of Army heritage, celebrating the achievements of the outgoing commander and command sergeant major, while welcoming the incoming leadership to the command.

9/11 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”.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers gather to commemorate the command tenure of U.S. Army Reserve Col. Trent E. Loiseau at the Medical Support Unit - Europe, and to welcome U.S. Army Reserve Col. Faith Junghahn as she assumes command during a change of command ceremony, Sep 11, 2022 at Kleber Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

U.S. Marines attending an Advanced Expeditionary Logistics Operations Course (AXLOC) participate in a peer presentation by observing and critiquing their peers logistics plans for a notional operation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Sept. 29, 2022. AXLOC incorporates extensive use of case studies, wargaming and decision forcing cases, and rapid planning to train personnel to effectively close and sustain naval expeditionary forces in support of distributed maritime operations and expeditionary advanced base operations.

Col. Nathan Kellet, Commander of the 9th Medical Group at Beale Air Force Base, shakes hands with local veterans at the Marysville Veterans Day Parade Nov. 11. The annual parade presented the opportunity for veterans and active service members to connect and show their support for the community.

The 109th Air Control Squadron commander Lt Col Chris Bilderback relinquished command to Maj Joshua J. McCarty during the Change of Command ceremony at Roland Wright Air Base on 11 June 22.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Adrian Gay, the outgoing sergeant major of 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division, speaks during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 11, 2024. During the ceremony, Gay relinquished his role as the battalions senior enlisted leader to Sgt. Maj. Jennifer Barto.

U.S Army Soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division render a salute during the first of several welcome home ceremonies at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 4, 2022. The ceremony was held at Cottrell Field to mark the redeployment of the brigade after a six-month deployment to Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany.

The Florida National Guard hosted a deployment ceremony for members of the 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade who will be a part of Task Force Atlas, Dec. 9, 2023. The deploying unit will provide command and control support to the National Capital Region-Integrated Air Defense System(NCR-IADS) Homeland Defense mission in support of Operation Noble Eagle. The units efforts to protect the National Capital Region include the use of radar, ground-base air defense systems, and communications equipment.

Sgt. Grant Browder holds the guide on for the 202nd Army Band during their change of command ceremony at Wellman Armory on Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky., September 24, 2022.

Lt. Col. Marc Aurilio (right), incoming 39th Communications Squadron commander, and Col. Christopher Robinson, 39th Mission Support Group commander, participate in an assumption of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 29, 2022. During the ceremony, Aurilio assumed command from Robinson. The assumption of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility from one officer to another.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Alpha Co., 2-10 Assault Helicopter Battalion return home to their families on Fort Drum, Ny Sep. 7, 2022. VooDoo Soldiers spent almost a year in Iraq defending the nation.

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.

U.S. Army Capt. Pierce English, left, incoming commander of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, passes the guidon to 1st Sgt. Grant Bolin, right, during the change of command ceremony at Tower Barracks, Germany, Feb. 21, 2024. Capt. Kurt Rossi relinquished command of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, to Capt. Pierce English. Army

Airmen assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron await the naming of the Spirit Award winners during a quarterly awards ceremony at the Phantom Pavilion, October 4, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Although not a formal award and one which can be commandeered by other squadrons throughout the quarter, the 380th AEW Spirit award a metal sword and shield decorated with the 380th AEW crest was awarded to the EFSS for their intensity of morale and vigor during the quarterly awards celebration.

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. Air Force Lt. Col. Lisandra D'Agostino, 31st Maintenance Squadron commander, speaks during the corrosion control facility inauguration event at Aviano Air Base, Italy, July 11, 2022. The renovation reduces aircraft downtime by 2 months and saves $60,000 per full-scale paint job.

061209-D-7203T-001. Base: Al Asad Air Base State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Polish and American soldiers stand in formation during the official renaming ceremony for Camp Kościuszko, Poznan, Poland, July 30, 2022. The renaming of the Forward Operating Site at Poznan to Camp Kościuszko represents the United States and Polands shared history and marks the beginning of the first permanent U.S. presence on NATOs eastern flank.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams, center, command chief, Air National Guard (ANG) visits the 186th Air Refueling Wing, Mississippi National Guard, Jan. 6, 2024, at Key Field Air National Guard Base, Meridian, Mississippi. Williams spoke to Airmen about the future of the ANG and how it applies to the 186th ARW Airmen.

Airmen pay their respects during a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Sept. 9, 2022, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Host-nation partners, military members and civilians came together to commemorate 21 years since the attacks on September 11, 2001.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, director, Air National Guard, fields questions from members of the 105th Airlift Wing during a town hall at Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York, June 3, 2022.

Soldiers come out in numbers for a chemical light vigil held at the North Fort Hood training site Friday night in remembrance of comrades and loved ones who were killed and wounded in the shooting tragedy at Fort Hood Thursday afternoon.

Members assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing stand during outgoing 4th Fighter Wing Commander, Col. Kurt Helphinstine, closing remarks before relinquishing command during the 4th FW Change of Command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, May 11, 2022. Helphinstine was the commander of the 4th FW for approximately two years.

220128-N-OP825-1079 SAN DIEGO (Jan. 28, 2022) Logistics Specialist 1st Class Gilberto Moreno is piped ashore aboard amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Jan. 28. Tripoli is an America-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erica Higa)

Col. Kathryn Roman, left, 4th Maintenance Group commander, Maj. Christina Merritt, former 334th Fighter Generation Squadron commander, and Maj. Amanda Miller, incoming 334th FGS commander, stand at attention during a change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, June 24, 2022. Miller assumed command of the 334th FGS from Merritt.

Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers (RED HORSE) Airmen size their flight before a retreat ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Oct. 14, 2022. The 820th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron held an inactivation ceremony to honor the history and legacy of the 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. selectees recite the non-commissioned officer creed during the Staff Sgt. release party at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 31, 2022. Selectees celebrated their accomplishments and selection as the Air Forces newest NCOs with family, friends and coworkers at the party.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. John F. Kelliher III, the incoming commander of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command salutes colors during the succession of command ceremony at Camp Elmore, Virginia, Aug. 4, 2022. During the ceremony Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley relinquished his duties to the incoming commander, Kelliher. The commander is responsible for proper employment and support of Marine Corps Forces and executing developmental procedures to fulfill the Service-retained operating forces in support of the combatant commander.

041214-M-0173F-005. Base: Ar Ramadi State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

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.

Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Ratliff, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief, gets promoted during a ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. He was promoted by Lt. Col. Sylvester dAgrella, 386th ECES commander, on Sept. 17, 2022. Ratliffs family was able to watch his promotion ceremony via cellphone streaming. Nearly 100 firefighters, friends, fellow chiefs and leaders took part in the ceremony. Ratiff, who is deployed from the 132nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Iowa Air National Guard, joined the top 1-percent of enlisted members upon promoting to his new rank.

Troopers of 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade redeploy to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on Jun. 5 and 7, 2022. The squadron was on a 9 month rotation to the Republic of Korea in support of 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

U.S. Air Force basic military trainees, 321st Training Squadron, flights 638, 639, 640, and 641, gather in formation while U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. James Himes, 321st TRS, Military Training Instructor, center, provides instruction on the proper techniques to safely handle the M4 carbine rifle during their second week of basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Aug. 23, 2022. Trainees were taught safety and muzzle discipline, as well as, proper positioning and handling of the weapon.

Soldiers assigned to the 118th Military Police Company (Airborne) and 503rd MP Battalion (Airborne) return to Fort Bragg, N.C. to reunite with their families July 5, 2022 following a five-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area-of-responsibility. The battalion and company were rapidly deployed to Europe in February to reinforce and reassure our NATO allies.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Justin Eshleman, center, 423rd Civil Engineer Squadron special projects officer, leads the 501st Combat Support Wing Airmen and firefighters in formation during the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at RAF Alconbury, England, Sept. 9, 2022. Sept. 11, 2022, marks the 21st Anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America. This commemoration provides the opportunity to honor those who lost their lives during the attacks, remember those who responded to the attacks, and tell our story of the resilience and fortitude of our nations military.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Bobby Budde and Lt. Col. Michael Deprey, the respective outgoing and incoming commander of the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, listen to the remarks of Brig. Gen. William Betts, commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, during the unit's change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oct. 14, 2022. The primary purpose of a change of command is for subordinates to witness an officer formally assume responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit. These ceremonies preserve the tradition of military service and stimulate unit esprit de corps.

U.S. Air Force Col. David Moon Halasi-Kun, 104th Fighter Wing commander, addresses 104FW Airmen during an all call Dec. 4, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. During the all call Moon announced wing-level award winners and briefed on various topics such as securing new aircraft, wing training, and the U.S. Air Forces Agile Combat Employment concept.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Jose M. Ducasse (right), the Site Support Marine Aircraft Group 49 Detachment B, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Sergeant Major and Lt. Col. Timothy K. Gallagher, commanding officer of MAG-49 Detachment B, case their squadrons colors during a deactivation ceremony for the squadron at Newburgh, New York, Dec. 2, 2022. The Marine Corps plans to activate VMGR-153 in fiscal year 2023. The squadron will be based at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

POZNAN, Poland - U.S. Army V Corps Forward Company Soldier Pfc. Carlos Delarosa, an Air Defense Battle Management System Operator from McAllen, Texas, holds the V Corps Forward Company guidon during the change of command ceremony for Forward Company, V Corps, Camp Kosciusko, Poland, Nov. 17, 2022. V Corps Forward Company commander Cpt. Sean Hartsell relinquished command to incoming Company commander Cpt. Brian Mumford after completing his tenure as Company commander.

040329-M-8530M-047. Base: Camp Al Qaim State: Al Anbar Country: Iraq (IRQ)

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Deployed service members cheer for their favorite teams while watching the big game Feb. 2, 2009, on Kandahar Air Field, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

070319-M-5865P-007. Complete Scene Caption: March 9, 2007, Marine Brig. GEN. James A. Kessler, Commanding General 2d Marine Logistics Group (2d MLG) speaks to service members and civilians gathered for the Multi- National Force Hospital Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Asad Air Base, Iraq. 2d MLG is deployed as a part of MNF-W in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Anbar province of Iraq to develop the Iraqi Security Forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction. (Official USMC photograph by SGT Andrew D. Pendracki) March 9, 2007, (left to right) Marine Brig. GEN. (BGen) James A. Kessler, Commanding General 2d Marine Logistics Group (2d MLG), BGen Timothy C. Hanifen, Commanding General 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (FWD), Colonel Bryan R. Kelly, 399th Commander, BGen John R. Allen, Commanding General 2d Marine Expeditionary Forces, Major General Ronald

More than 100 friends, family and colleagues attend a retirement ceremony for Col. Michael A. Cooper, outgoing commander of the 123rd Medical Group, at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 11, 2022. Cooper served for 30 years in the Kentucky Army National Guard, Air Force Reserve and Kentucky Air National Guard.

Maj. Gen. Jeff Broadwater poses with students following a commencement ceremony for Intermediate Level Education - Common Core class of 2022 at the 7th Intermediate Level Education Detachment, 7th Mission Support Command, Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 6, 2022.The 7th ILE Detachment is the only Command and General Staff College in the European theater and provides education for EUCOM, AFRICOM, and CENTCOM and is one of two training facilities to host international students.

U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group stand by for ammunition during a pistol qualification range on Camp Pendleton, California May 5, 2022. Pistol qualification enables Marines to enhance their shooting skills and maintain proficiency with a sidearm.

Attendees at the Fort Johnson North Fort Fire Station ribbon cutting ceremony salute during the national anthem.

Canadian Army Warrant Officer Matt Williams, Lord Strathcona's Horse Royal Canadians, renders a salute during a moment of silence as part of a Veterans Day and Remembrance Day ceremony inside the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Center, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 11, 2022. Williams read the poem "In Flanders Fields," written by Canadian physician Lt. Col. John McCrae, after he presided over a funeral of a fellow soldier.

Maj. Christina Merritt, former 334th Fighter Generation Squadron commander, relinquishes the guidon to Col. Kathryn Roman, 4th Maintenance Group commander at a change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, June 24, 2022. The 334th FGS supports Air Combat Commands Basic Course aircrew training effort for the combat Air Forces F-15E Strike Eagle fleet.

A U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant is recognized for his role as an instructor of Corporals Course during the graduation ceremony aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 17, 2022. Corporals Course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to become successful small-unit leaders as they enter the career into the non-commissioned officer ranks. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

On June 6, 2022, Col. Joshua Demotts, 99th Air Base Wing incoming commander, assumed command of the 99th ABW at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The 99th ABW wing provides installation support for more than 10,000 personnel assigned to Nellis AFB, Creech AFB, and the Nevada Test & Training Range. Two groups are assigned to the wing: the 99th Mission Support Group and the 99th Medical Group.

U.S. Marines with Head Quarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, prepare for Lt. Col Roger Hollidays retirement ceremony on MCAS New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, July 1, 2022. Holliday retired on MCAS New River after 33 years of service in the United States Marine Corps.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Alpha Co., 2-10 Assault Helicopter Battalion return home to their families on Fort Drum, Ny Sep. 7, 2022. VooDoo Soldiers spent almost a year in Iraq defending the nation.

2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade Advisors stand in formation in front of the brigade headquarters during a change of command ceremony at Ft. Bragg, N.C., July 22, 2022. U.S. Army Col. Grant Fawcett assumed command of the 2nd SFAB, which is regionally aligned supporting foreign partner forces in AFRICOM.

(220610-N-OI810-00107) GULFPORT, Mississippi (June 10, 2022) Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 14 conduct morning formation during fiscal year 2022, quarter three, Regional Training Platform (RTP-3) at Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, June 10, 2022. RTP-3 provided NMCB-14 Seabees hands-on training opportunities in tactical combat casualty care; maintenance and material management; civil engineering support equipment operations; convoy operations; and Seabee combat warfare and expeditionary skills. NMCB-14 provides advance base construction, battle damage repair, contingency engineering, humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery support to our fleet and unified commanders.

CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI (Oct. 13, 2022) Sailors deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ) perform in a color guard during a celebration ceremony held in the 11 Degrees North event building in honor of the Navys 247th Birthday, Oct. 13, 2022. The theme for this years birthday celebration was "On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years."

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Lt. Col. William Marshall, center, commander officer of the 1st Battalion 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jaime Lopez, left, command sergeant major of the 1-44 ADA, uncase the unit colors after returning from deployment at Fort Hood, Texas, April 24, 2022. The 1-44 ADA stayed ready and prepared daily to engage any threat at a times notice throughout their deployment.

Kicking off the Family Readiness Group event for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 157th Field Artillery, five of its Soldiers re-enlisted for an additional six years at the Colorado Springs Armory, Colo., Feb. 26, 2009. Capt. Ashkan Angha, battery commander, salutes Private Johnny Agostini after conducting the ceremony. All five Soldiers will deploy to Iraq later this year in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Spencer Fayles, a combat medic with the 144th Area Support Medical Company, representing the Utah National Guard in the All Guard National Best Warrior Competition, exits the pool drenched head-to-toe during a survival swim event at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, July 25, 2022. Fourteen of the nations best National Guard junior enlisted Soldiers and noncommissioned officers participate in an intensive, six-day competition throughout Tennessee to determine who will be named the Army National Guard's best-of-the-best.

SPECIALIST First Class (SFC) James Camp, with the 1ST Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 82nd Airborne Division, speaks about his friend and soldier, Sergeant (SGT) Steven Checo, during a memorial ceremony in his honor at Kandahar Army Airfield, during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Kandahar Army Air Field Country: Afghanistan (AFG)

U.S. Army Soldiers of the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, bow their heads for the invocation 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

Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, XVIII Airborne Corps and the 35th Corps Signal Brigade arrive on Fort Bragg N.C. Oct. 28 after the Corps headquarters element completed a nine-month deployment to Germany in support of the NATO Alliance. Americas Contingency Corps rapidly deployed in February 2022 with 300 personnel from the Corps headquarters element to provide a Joint Task Force-capable headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany. The deployment was directed by the Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III as a response to a heightened security environment in Eastern Europe and to reinforce NATOs eastern flank.

Col. Ken Roberts, U.S. Army Central, National Guard Affairs and Saudi Land Forces, Brig. Gen. Ahmed A. Al-Shehri, seated with hat, work on assigning service members into teams comprised of joint Forces during the Observer Controller Training Academy for the Friendship One 2009 bilateral training exercise in Saudi Arabia. FS One 09 is a force-on-force field training exercise to enhance logistical support and interoperability between U.S and Royal Saudi Land Forces. This is the first large scale exercise between the two countries since the 1991 Gulf War.

U.S. Army Col. Phillip Brown, right, incoming Joint Task Force-Bravo commander, stands next to Gen. Laura Richardson, left, U.S. Southern Command commander, as he assumes command from U.S. Army Col. Steven Gventer, outgoing JTF-Bravo commander, June 30, 2022, at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. Richardson presided over there ceremony and was joined by U.S. Ambassador to Honduras Laura Dogu as well as local Honduran government and military officials.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, sit in formation during 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.

The 2022 Minnesota National Guard Women's Leadership Forum was held at General Mills headquarters in Golden Valley, Sept. 17, 2022. Throughout the day, Minnesota National Guard service members participated in professional development, education and mentorship."A priority for the Minnesota National Guard is partnerships," said Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard. "And General Mills' support demonstrates our shared partnership and the depth of our shared partnership and common goal of diversity and inclusion and the desire to really lift women up." (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Royal Air Force firefighters and Airmen assigned to the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department, stand at parade rest during a fire safety proclamation signing for 2022 Fire Prevention Week at RAF Mildenhall, England, Sept. 27, 2022. The proclamation is signed annually to kick-off Fire Prevention Week, spreading awareness for fire safety.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare to embark on landing craft, air cushions during well deck operations aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the East China Sea, July 30, 2022. The 31st MEU is operating aboard the ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

New Armed Forces Seserve Center & 63rd Regional Support Command Headquarters, Moffett Field, CA ribbon cutting ceremonies.

040410-F-8234M-044. Base: Quonset-Holland Angb State: Rhode Island (RI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the East Africa Response Force (EARF) in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participate in close quarters battle (CQB) training with members of the Spanish Special Operations Forces, Djibouti, June 16, 2022. The EARF serves as part of U.S. Africa Commands crisis response capability, and is tasked with responding to emergency situations at U.S. Embassies in the East African region or in countries around the CJTF-HOA area of interest.

Lt. Col. Steven Massie II, 36th Airlift Squadron outgoing commander, delivers a speech during the 36th AS change of command ceremony, May 13, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. 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.

Country musician Isaac Jacob of the Isaac Jacob Band performs for mobilizing and demobilizing Soldiers during a Military Heroes Appreciation Concert held at North Fort Hood, Texas, Apr. 10.

Members of the Nebraska National Guard load out 11 pallets of water and supplies from Tactical Vehicles March 17, 2019 at Deckers Food Center in Peru, Nebraska. Majority of Soldiers are from Nebraska Army National Guards 1st Infantry Division, Main Command Post Operational Detachment. The Nebraska National Guard is currently supporting ongoing flood relief efforts across the state, including evacuation extraction missions using high-water rescue vehicles and aviation resources. (Nebraska National Guard coutesy

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary D. Petty, 519th Hospital Center, administers the Charge of the Non-Commissioned Officer during a NCO Induction Ceremony, April 14, 2022 at Sembach, Germany. Twenty-five newly promoted Soldiers were inducted as members of the NCO corps.

Spc. Craigen and Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. George W. Casey Jr., pose for pictures after a reenlistment ceremony at Boldak, Afghanistan, Oct. 11, 2010. Casey traveled to Afghanistan so he could visit deployed Soldiers and meet with ISAF leadership throughout the various regions.

Billy Croslow, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence command historian, conducts an Army Aviation history session focused on the branch's materiel culture, including trends in aircraft armaments, with a group of aviation lieutenants at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum, Fort Rucker, Alabama, September 22, 2022. This portion of the Basic Officer Leadership Course intends to help Soldiers gain a sense of how technology and doctrine develop and foster an appreciation of the branch's corporate identity.

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