Ceremonial Military Events

Images capturing military ceremonies, including command changes and saluting regiments, emphasizing honors and protocol within armed forces.

U.S. Soldiers from the 102d Signal Battalion stand at attention during a change of command ceremony at Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, Germany, June 19, 2022. Lt. Col. Kenneth H. Donnolly relinquished command of the unit to Lt. Col. Crystal D. Ernst.

Lt. Col. Simon Kim relinquishes command of the 1-229th Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade to Lt. Col. James Fischer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on Jun. 16, 2022.

Col. Reggie Harper and Command Sgt. Maj. Tyrone Murphy hoist the brigade colors on Aug. 8 after a after completing the casing ceremony.

The platoon had the opportunity to work side by side with the Lithuanian Air Defense Battalion. The training exercise showcased the Avengers shoot on the move capability through live air engagement training. The Battle Management System Operators achieved a common air picture with the Lithuanians for the first time. This achievement enhances the interoperability between both NATO units.

Iowa National Guard Soldiers salute as reveille is played during an annual command retreat at the historic Camp Dodge Pool Pavilion in Johnston, Iowa, on May 26, 2022. Historically, reveille was sounded at sunset to signal sentries to begin their watch and direct Soldiers to their quarters for the evening. Today, command retreats are held to honor the American flag as it is raised and lowered. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Tawny Schmit)

1st Sgt. Jaime Natividad, first sergeant of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry stands in formation during a change of responsibility ceremony at Ft. Carson, Colo., May 16. During the ceremony, 1st Sgt. Christopher Price relinquished responsibility of the company to 1st Sgt. Jaime Natividad. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jason Elmore.

Firefighters with the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron prepare to present colors during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Sept. 9, 2022. Team Little Rock members joined the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron, 19th Security Forces Squadron, 19th Medical Group and the Office of Special Investigations to host a ceremony in honor of those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

220512-N-VQ947-1059 SAN DIEGO (May 12, 2022) Leaders from the 13th and 15th Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU) board amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27) to observe an Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) loadout configuration in Portland’s main vehicle stowage area, May 12, 2022. Portland is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock homeported in San Diego.

Soldiers with the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team salute the U.S. flag during the national anthem during their departure ceremony at Camp Atterbury near Edinburgh, Friday, Sept. 30, 2022.

U.S. Soldiers from the 102d Signal Battalion stand at attention during a change of command ceremony at Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, Germany, June 19, 2022. Lt. Col. Kenneth H. Donnolly relinquished command of the unit to Lt. Col. Crystal D. Ernst.

Lt. Col. Brent J. Pafford, 15th Military Intelligence Battalion in-coming commander, Col. Heather L. Maki, 116th Military Intelligence Brigade Commander, and Lt. Col. Erin P. Davis, 15th Military Intelligence Battalion out-going commander, prepare to march into position during a change of command ceremony in West Fort Hood, Texas, June 30, 2022. The Change of Command Ceremony is a formal passing of authority and accountability of command from one leader to another.

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command welcomes new Commanding General, Gen. Gary Brito.U.S. Army Photo by Jean Wines.

Troopers assigned to 1-12 Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division participated in a WWII Commemoration Wreath Laying Ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie Municiple Cemetery in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland Sept. 1, 2022. Participating in events like these promote partnership between U.S. and Polish forces and the civilian population.

The 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment STRIKE FORCE, 2nd Brigade Combat Team STRIKE, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), held a Change of Responsibility Ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Phillip J. Paquette (outgoing) and Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Fullerton (incoming) on August 6, 2022, at Mielec, Poland.

U.S. Army Soldiers stands in formation during the 1st Infantry Division Artillery Alignment Ceremony at King Field House on Fort Riley, Kansas, Jan. 19, 2024. The ceremony brought different groups together under the "DIVARTY" title for the first time.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Delbert Gustave, operations staff officer assigned to the 369th Sustainment Brigade, is promoted from the rank of major by Col. Seth Morgulas, commander of the brigade, during a promotion ceremony held at North Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 26, 2022.

Col. Thomas Segars relinquishes command of the 91st Security Forces Group to Col. Anthony McCarty on June 28, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The 91 SFG is an immense group that is responsible for safeguarding 91st Missile Wing assets.

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, held a Change of Command Ceremony at Sexton Field, on Fort Drum, N.Y., June 23. 2022.Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Color Guard march across Sexton Filed during the ceremonial Pass in Review.The outgoing commander, Col. Damon K. Harris, relinquished command of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division to the incoming commander, Col. Scott D. Wence.

U.S. Army Out going Brig. Gen. Ronald R. Ragin, commanding general for the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment command, and incoming Brig. Gen. Sean P. Davis look out at the formation at Ft. Hood, before the traditional passing of the colors at Ft. Hood Texas, July 12, 2022. Soldiers with the 13th ESC honored the outgoing general and incoming commander, Brig. Gen. Sean P. Davis, by marking the event in traditional fashion by passing command to the incoming general.

U.S. Army Soldiers in class 09-22 of the 7th Army Training Comand (7ATC) Non-Commissioned Officer Academy's (NCOA) Basic Leadership Course conduct their graduation ceremony in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Aug. 30, 2022. The 7ATC NCOA mission is to train and develop future leaders who are adaptive, disciplined, and ready to lead effectively at the squad and team levels.

Senior Airman Kyle Manley, Tech. Sgt. Brittany Lozada, U.S. Air Force Master Sergeants John Sicoli and Ronald Muniz, and U.S. Air Force Capt. Heriberto Roman Perez receive trophies in recognition of their selection as the 125th Fighter Wing's Outstanding Airmen of the Year winners during a ceremony held Jan. 7, 2024 at Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida. U.S. Air Force Col. George H.H. Downs, 125th Fighter Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David Hogan, 125th Fighter Wing command chief, presented the winners and nominees with certificates, coins and trophies during the ceremony.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Robert Stevenson III, left, and Lt. Col. Jerry A. Godfrey, right, conduct the passing of colors in a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 17, 2022. Lt. Col. Jerry A. Godfrey, the outgoing commanding officer of MWSS-171 relinquished command to Lt. Col. Robert Stevenson III, at the change of command ceremony. MCAS Iwakuni is a mission-ready air station, capable of providing continuous base-operating support for tenant organizations and follow-on U.S. and allied forces during training, combat, or contingency operations throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

TAMC Troop Battalion Team Change of Responsibility Ceremony!Tripler Army Medical Center Troop Battalion bids farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Duke, and welcomes Command Sgt. Maj. Amanda N. Miller.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber, outgoing commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, salutes Maj. Gen. Julian Alford, Training and Education Command commanding general, during his retirement and change of command ceremony, MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, Aug. 5, 2022. Col. Huber retired from the Marine Corps after 29 years of honorable service.

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Alberto F. Boy with Headquarters and Service Battalion, salutes during his retirement ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Jan. 5, 2024. The ceremony was held in honor of Boy who honorably served in the Marine Corps for 20 years.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. John Schlaud, right, the incoming sergeant major of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, salutes Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer of the 15th MEU, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 6, 2023. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Oranjel Leavy relinquished his post to Schlaud, after serving as the 15th MEU sergeant major since June 2021.

U.S. Marines from I Marine Expeditionary Force march during the I MEF 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. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Thomas W. Tabisz (left), the outgoing sergeant major of 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Moore (right), the oncoming sergeant major of 7th COMM Bn., III MIG, stand at attention during a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 9, 2022. Sgt. Maj. Thomas W. Tabisz transferred the office of the sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Moore. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Capt. (Dr.) Travis Grindstaff, Thunderbird 9, flight surgeon for the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds, administers the oath of enlistment June 17, 2022, during the Northern Thunder Air and Space Expo Friends and Family Day on Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The ceremony allowed for five service members from the 319th Reconnaissance Wing to reenlist in front of to the Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Richard Marshall Jr., the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Lt. Col. Kristofer Skidmore, the incoming commanding officer of MWSS-372, both salute the colors during a change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 25, 2022. Marshall served as the commander of MWSS-372 for two years and is heading to the United States Institute of Peace, Washington, D.C. Marshall is a native of Cleveland and Skidmore is a native of Lake Ridge, Virginia.

Members of the 628th Security Forces Squadron honor fallen Defenders during the Police Week opening ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, May 16, 2022. During the opening ceremony the names were read of Defenders who died in the line of duty.

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Eric M. Olson, executive officer, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit stands at attention during the 13th MEU Composite Ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 15, 2022. Battalion Landing Team 2/4, Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362 participated in the 13th MEU composite ceremony which commemorated the 13th MEU officially assuming command over the major subordinate elements in preparation for their upcoming deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Phillip N. Frietze, commanding general, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, and U.S. Navy Capt. Greg Schluter, a chaplain with Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, stand at attention during Capt. Schluters retirement ceremony on Camp Pendleton, California, Oct. 14, 2022. Capt. Schluter has honorably served 26 years in the Navy.

Regiments and Battalions of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, present arms during a change of command ceremony May 25, 2022, Fort Riley, Kansas. The ceremony was held to honor the outgoing 2ABCT commander, U.S. Army Col. Thomas B. Bull Smith, and to welcome the incoming 2ABCT commander, U.S. Army Col. Bryan M. Harris.

U.S. Army Col. Mathew Bunch, 174th Infantry Brigade commander, presents the flag to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark Landes, First Army East Division commander, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst N.J., July 13, 2022. The 174th Infantry brigade is responsible for preparing soldiers of the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard for deployment through battle training in maneuvers, equipment and other details.

Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Thompson, left, receives the 418th Contracting Support Brigade colors from Col. Jesse Griffith to symbolize passing responsibility as brigade command sergeant major from Command Sgt. Maj. Barrett Taylor during a ceremony May 19 at Fort Hood Texas. Griffith is the 418th CSB commander. Thompson is the incoming 418th CSB command sergeant major. Taylor is the outgoing 418th CSB command sergeant major.

A joint color guard presents the colors during the U.S. European Command change of responsibility ceremony, Stuttgart, Germany, Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Command Sgt. Maj. Robert V. Abernethy, a South Carolina native, assumed responsibility from Chief Master Sgt. Phillip L. Easton, who served as the commands top enlisted adviser since August 2019.

U.S. Marines with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269 case the colors at a deactivation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Dec. 9, 2022. HMLA-269 deactivated in accordance with Force Design 2030 after 51 years of service. HMLA-269 was a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

The unit colors are officially uncased, activating the 5th Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, making them the permanent air cavalry squadron of the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division ROK-U.S. Combined Division.

Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Gonzales salutes Cpt. Zemas K. Andargachew during the activation ceremony for Delta Battery, 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, on Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 7. Andargachew assumed command of the newly formed battery, while Gonzales assumed responsibility as the acting first sergeant.

Soldiers with the 38th Infantry Division present arms during a change of command ceremony at the Cyclone Division Armory in Indianapolis, Jan. 22, 2023. Change of command ceremonies represent a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one officer to another. (Indiana National Guard photo by Sgt. Kelsea Cook)

U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas Olander, vice commander for the Connecticut National Guard's 103rd Airlift Wing, salutes the American Flag during the playing of the national anthem during the welcome home ceremony for the 103rd Maintenance Wing at Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Connecticut, Feb. 4, 2023. The 103rd recently returned home from deployment to the Horn of Africa.

The 403rd Security Forces Squadron held its second annual 9/11 Memorial Ruck March at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Sept. 9, 2022. Reserve Citizen Airmen from across the Air Force Reserves 403rd Wing participated in the approximately five mile ruck around the flightline to reflect on and honor those lost Sept. 11, 2001.

Army Reserve Master Sgt. David Boyles, left, and Sgt. 1st Class Trina Page were among the Guidon bearers during the 88th Readiness Division's Change of Command ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park, Fort McCoy, Wis., July 30. 2022.

Cadets with Cunningham Field Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol NC 160 visited Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune on June 13, 2022 to get a first-hand look at how our medical team responds to incoming trauma patients.The cadets have received training in search and rescue and emergency first aid by Emergency Medical personnel within their local communities. Monday, this training came to life when they were able to see what happens once a victim arrives at the trauma center. The staff also focused on the importance of first-aid to help stabilize a victim on the scene prior to the arrival of first responders. The local squadron is based out of Havelock, North Carolina and is comprised of members, ages 12 - 16, from schools in Carteret, Craven and Onslow Counties.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jacob Schwinghammer, the oncoming commanding officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, gives his remarks during a change of command ceremony at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, June 16, 2022. The ceremony is a Marine Corps tradition which honors the off- going commanding officers effort and dedication while also recognizing the oncoming commanding officers commitment to the unit.

Official Passing of Colors during the 1st Theater Signal Brigade Change of Command Ceremony held at Camp Humphreys, Republic of South Korea, July 7, 2022.

040519-F-0718S-073. Base: Lager Aulenbach State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kyle W. York, detachment sergeant, passes the unit guidon to Lt. Col. Michael P. Meissel, 160th FRSD outgoing commander 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 Meissel.

U.S. Army Col. Troy V. Alexander (left), commander passes the unit colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan J. Valenzuela, both with United States Army North Atlantic Treaty Organization (USANATO), during a change of command ceremony, July 7, 2022 at Sembach, Germany. Alexander assumed command of the unit from Col. Miles T. Gengler.

Task Force Thunder, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team , Mississippi Army National Guard, took command of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission under 7th Army Training Command (7ATC) from Task Force Bowie, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team , Arkansas Army National Guard, on Jan. 5, 2024. Under the guidance of U.S. European Command, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and Security Assistance Group-Ukraine, 7ATC leads the training and is supported and supported by a myriad of other organizations from across the U.S. Army. This training of Armed Forces of Ukraine has been conducted in Germany since April 2022.

A group of airmen stand at parade rest during the 317th Operation Support Squadron change of command ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, June 30, 2022. Changes of command ceremonies are a tradition that formally usher the transfer of authority from one leader to another.

U.S. Army Col. Miles T. Gengler, (right) outgoing United States Army North Atlantic Treaty Organization (USANATO) commander, passes the unit colors to Maj. Gen. Michael D. Wickman, (left) U.S. Army Europe and Africa deputy commanding general for Army National Guard, during a change of command ceremony, July 7, 2022 at Sembach, Germany. Col. Troy V. Alexander assumed command of the unit from Gengler.

Command Sgt. Maj. Richard G. Thalman and Chief Master Sgt. Brian L. Garrett, along with others bow their heads in remembrance of service members who have lost their lives in service to their country, at Camp Williams, Utah, Sept. 24, 2022, during the 67th annual Governors Day. Thalman and other members of Utah National Guard leadership turn to face the Gold Star family members-families who have lost a service member in the line of duty. The time-honored tradition of Governors Day has been celebrated by the Utah National Guard since 1954, and allows the governor to inspect and speak to his troops.

U.S. Marines with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, stand in formation during a relief ceremony for Sgt. Maj. David Potter, sergeant major of 9th ESB, at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 1, 2022. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward-deployed combat unit that serves as III MEFs comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Maj. Gen. David Hodne, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, addresses Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div, prior to presenting the Armor and Cavalry Leadership Award, Fort Carson, Colorado, April 5, 2022. The Armor and Cavalry Leadership Award is awarded in recognition of leadership excellence within armor and cavalry units each year by the Office of the Chief of Armor.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jonathon N. Sims, 12th Marines Commanding Officer, and Japan Self- Defense Force Col. Watanabe Koki, 2d Division Chief of Staff, Northern Army, address participants during the opening ceremony of Resolute Dragon 22 at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 1, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

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

Airmen from the 8th Security Forces Squadron render a salute during Police Week 2022 opening ceremony at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 16, 2022. National Police Week pays special recognition to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

Alpha Company bids farewell to 1st Sgt. Nathan Kent and welcomes 1st Sgt. William Booth.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division stand in formation during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 10, 2024. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Charles Anklam, outgoing battalion commander, relinquished command of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment to Lt. Col. Mark Paige.

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.

The 102nd Intelligence Wing Honor Guard prepares for the Posting of The Colors102nd Intelligence Wing 2022 Family Day held at Barnstable County Fairgrounds

U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 participate in a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 12, 2024. Lt. Col. Robert Stevenson III, the outgoing commanding officer of MWSS-171 relinquished command to Lt. Col. Daniel Jernigan, at the change of command ceremony. MWSS-171, a critical component of Marine Aircraft Group 12, is a premier squadron capable of supporting all essential aviation ground support requirements to U.S. and allied forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Thomas R. Coffey addresses the Marines of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) for the first time during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 24, 2022. The ceremony was held to transition the position of H&HS sergeant major from Sgt. Maj. James I. Petty to Sgt. Maj. Coffey. This event also marked the retirement of Sgt. Maj. Petty after 22 years of honorable service.

U.S. Air Force 59th Training Group change of command, June 24, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.

Outgoing AFSBn-Benelux Commander Lt. Col. Aaron Jones , passes the Army Field Support Battalion-Benelux colors to 405th Army Field Support Brigade commander, Col. Brad Bane during change of command ceremony June 16 at the Zutendaal Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Belgium. (photo by Henri Cambier)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Christophe Haar, commanding officer, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3d Marine Logistics Group, gives remarks during a realignment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 24, 2022. CLB-3 realigned under 3d MLR as part of Force Design 2030. While the 3d MLR is not envisioned to be fully operational for several years, the realignment is a significant step towards that end.

Col. Jun Oh, 374th Operations Group incoming commander, renders his first salute as commander during the 374th OG change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 22, 2022. The change of command ceremony formally transferred command of the 374th OG from Col. Kevin Martin to Oh.

Command Sgt. Maj. Nema Mobarakzadeh receives the 10th Mountain Division (LI) guidon from Maj. Gen. (P) Milford H. Beagle Jr., 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum commander, during the change of responsibility ceremony July 20 at Memorial Park. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Space Base Delta 1 Commander, U.S. Space Force Colonel Shay Warakomski (left), accepts the 50th Civil Engineer squadron flag from outgoing commander, U.S. Air Force Lt Col Andrew Cullen during the unit's change of command ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado, 15 June 2022. Air Force Lt Col Monica Pickenpaugh then assumed responsibilities as the new commander.

U.S. Marines with the 3rd Landing Support Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, stand in formation during a relief and appointment ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 17, 2024. The relief and appointment ceremony represented the official passing of responsibilities from the previous battalion sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Eric Smack, to the new battalion sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Christophe Stoudemayer.

The Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. addresses Basic Military Training trainees April 9, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The general spoke about his five life lessons and shared personal stories of success and failures with more than 3,000 trainees. Brown also met with San Antonio community leaders, military training instructors and participated in the San Antonio Fiesta Flambeau parade.

051201-A-9419D-042. Base: Lansing State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Army Support Activity Fort Dix, New Jersey celebrates the 247th Birthday of the US Army at Infantry Park on ASA Fort Dix on June 14, 2022. The US Army is the nation's oldest military service having been founded by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1775. CSM James W. Van Zlike, Command Sergeant Major of ASA Fort Dix addresses the crowd at the 247th Army Birthday celebration at Infantry Park on ASA Fort Dix, New Jersey on June 14, 2022. Retired Sergeant Major of The Army Kenneth O. Preston delivers the keynote speech at the ASA Fort Dix 247th Army Birthday celebration at Infantry Park on ASA Fort Dix, New Jersey on June 14, 2022. Sergeant Major of the Army Preston served as the as the 13th Sergeant Major of the Army from January 15, 2004 to March 1, 2011. His seven year tenure as Sergeant Major of the Army is the longest in the 247-year history of the US Army. Sergeant Major of The Army Retired Kenneth O. Preston, Colonel Jon A. Brierton, Commander ASA

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kenneth Guthrie, master of ceremonies, speaks at the 609th Air Operations Center change of command ceremony at the Combined Air Operations Center at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, May 25, 2022. At the ceremony, U.S. Air Force Col. Joshua Koslov relinquished command of the 609th AOC to U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin M. Ogle. The CAOC is comprised of a joint and coalition team that executes day-to-day combined air and space operations and provides rapid reaction, positive control, coordination, and de-confliction of weapon systems.

The 10th Mountain Division holds an award ceremony for the top five squads that competed in D-Series at the Magrath Sports Complex, Fort Drum, N.Y. Jan. 19, 2024. Todays D-Series commemorates the trials and tribulations of the inaugural class of the 10th Mountain Division, experienced during the culminating event held in 1944 that bears the same name.

U.S. Marines with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 fold an American flag during a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022. In accordance with Force Design 2030, VMA-542 transitioned from the AV-8B Harrier II jet to the F-35B Lightning II fighter jet and redesignated as a Marine fighter-attack squadron. VMA-542 was a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Command Sgt. Maj. David Harris accepts responsibility for the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Hood, Texas, July 15.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Zeller, the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment senior enlisted advisor, prepares to case the battalions colors during a ceremony at Fort Bliss Tx., Sep. 6. The units colors were cased to signify that the unit has finished its training and is ready to deploy overseas. The colors will be unfurled in Africa when the unit assumes responsibility for a security mission as part of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Zeller, the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment senior enlisted advisor, prepares to case the battalions colors during a ceremony at Fort Bliss Tx., Sep. 6. The units colors were cased to signify that the unit has finished its training and is ready to deploy overseas. The colors will be unfurled in Africa when the unit assumes responsibility for a security mission as part of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

The Base Honor Guard presents the colors for the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Change of Command Ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, 22 July 2022. The ceremony was presided over by U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command, and U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command.

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

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Betts salutes Lt. Col. Jeremy Lock, the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing commander during the 378th ECES change of command ceremony, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 19, 2022. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the incoming commander's official assumption of responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit.

Lt. Col. Richard Cox, 911th Maintenance Group commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Mikan, 911th Maintenance Group quality assurance superintendent, stand at attention for the presentation of the colors during Mikans promotion ceremony at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Oct. 2, 2022. Attaining the rank of chief master sergeant is a great achievement within the Air Force as it is the highest enlisted rank.

Lt. Col. Brandon Grooms, incoming commander of 325th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, joins the formation in singing the Tropic Lightning song during his change of command ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 16, 2022. The 325th BSB, also known as the Mustang Battalion, is a military logistics battalion that supports the 3rd IBCT.

A color guard led by Staff Sgt. Ronelus, of the 394th Field Hospital, marches during the 94th Combat Support Hospital's change of command ceremony on September 18, 2022, in Seagoville, Tx.

FORT MEADE, Md - Sgt. Brittany Washington, left, a student assigned to the United States Army Signal School Detachment, and six junior enlisted USASSD Soldiers line up as part of a promotion ceremony here, May 9. Promotions are a milestone for Soldiers across the Army, as leadership recognize their aptitude and excellence, conferring upon them new distinction and responsibilities.

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.

Soldiers with the 63rd Army Band take part in the 2022 New Jersey National Guard Military Review at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, New Jersey, Oct. 16, 2022. The Military Review is a 130-year-old tradition that allows the governor as commander-in-chief to review the Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard.

U.S. Army Capt. Jarred Howell, incoming Delta Company 169th Engineer Battalion commander, and members of the D CO 169th EN BN, sing the Army song during their change of command at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, July 15, 2022. The U.S. Army has the largest joint presence on Goodfellow.

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

Gen. Charles A. Flynn, U.S. Army Pacific commanding general, passes the colors to Col. David A. Zinn, 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force commander, at the 3rd MDTF activation ceremony Sept. 23, 2022, on Historic Palm Circle at Fort Shafter, Hawaii. The activation of a MDTF is part of a long-standing plan to increase Multi-Domain Operations capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Alpha Company bids farewell to 1st Sgt. Nathan Kent and welcomes 1st Sgt. William Booth.

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.

Lt. Col. Eric J. Tolska assumed command of the Battalion during the ceremony. (New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen)

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.

XVIII Airborne Corps Soldiers receive awards and metals for their rapid deployments to Europe, Dec. 12, 2022, Fort Bragg, N.C. XVIII Airborne Corps Soldiers deployment to Europe started February 2022 and ended Oct. 28, 2022. Elements of the XVIII Airborne Corps completed a nine-month deployment to Germany in support of the NATO Alliance. Personnel from the Corps headquarters element provided 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.

U.S. Marine Corps senior drill instructors with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, dismiss their platoons during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 9, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 12- week transformation including training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions. Graduation ceremonies are held indoors when there is inclement weather.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Levi Thompson, commander of 6-9 Cavalry Regiment assumes command 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.

The Color Guard from the 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment stands at the position of attention during a change of responsibility ceremony at Howze Parade Field, Fort Rucker, Alabama, March 30, 2022.

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