Ceremonial Military Functions

Visuals of military personnel participating in change-of-command ceremonies, oath-taking events, and honors, highlighting traditions in the armed forces.

Col. Jeffrey Darden, 317th Maintenance Group commander, takes the Guidon from Maj. Andrew Brock, outgoing 317th Maintenance Squadron commander. After a seven-month tenure as commander, Brock will return to his traditional duties as a C-130J Super Hercules pilot.

Maj. Gen. Michael Turley, the adjutant general for the state of Utah, passes the saber to Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Erickson. Passing the saber is part of the traditional command chief warrant officer change-of-responsibility ceremony. The Utah Army National Guard welcomes its new command chief warrant officer during a change-of-responsibility ceremony, Dec. 5, 2022, in the Draper headquarters auditorium. During the ceremony, Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brian Searcy relinquishes the role of command chief of the Utah Army National Guard to Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Erickson.

U.S. Air Force Gen. David W. Allvin, Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, administers the oath to members of the Air Force ROTC at the University of Louisville in Louisville, Ky., April 22, 2022. Allvin was in town for the Thunder Over Louisville air show, which celebrated the 75th anniversary of the United States Air Force. The Kentucky Air Guard served as the base of operations for military aircraft participating in the event.

Command Sgt. Maj. Tawaina Gennie, 39th Signal Strategic Battalion, picks up the unit guidon during 39th Strategic Signal Battalion change of command ceremony June 30, 2022 at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium. (photo by Henri Cambier)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chris Metler, 173rd Maintenance Group Quality Assurance, was coined by the Oregon Adjutant General, Major General Michael Stencel, Apr. 4, 2023 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Metler was recognized as a top performer in the maintenance quality assurance career field and deemed subject matter expert across the F-15C enterprise.

Col. Jeffrey Darden, 317th Maintenance Group commander, takes the Guidon from Maj. Andrew Brock, outgoing 317th Maintenance Squadron commander. After a seven-month tenure as commander, Brock will return to his traditional duties as a C-130J Super Hercules pilot.

U.S. Army Col. Rachelle A. Retoma (left), the Fort Riley Dental Health Activity commander, passes the unit colors to the DENTAC Senior Noncommissioned Officer, Sgt. 1st Class James Reed on Aug. 26, 2022, at Fort Riley, Kansas. The passing of the colors symbolizes the transfer of authority from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command Commander, presents challenge coins to Clear Space Force Station Arctic Airmen and Guardian superior performers in their duties to protect and defend the homeland. The Clear SFS members provide strategic missile warning, missile defense, and Upgraded Early Warning Radar as an integral part of deterrence in support of Homeland Defense. Clear SFS is home to Arctic Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 13th and 213th Space Warning Squadrons, providing 24/7 missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness.

Lt. Col. Melissa Lutrick, brigade executive officer, passes the guidon to incoming command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. Amy Alcaraz, at a change of responsibility ceremony for U.S. Army Sustainment Command - Army Reserve Element on July 17 in Heritage Hall at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. (Photo by Maj. Jacki Velazquez, ASC Public Affairs)

The 142nd Operations Support Squadron held a change of command ceremony at Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, June 11, 2022. Lt. Col. Daniel McAllister relinquished command and Lt. Col. Bradley Young, previously serving as 123rd Fighter Squadron director of operations, assumed command from the presiding officer for the event, 142nd Operations Group Commander, Col Aaron Mathena.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Christopher Wood, right, 420th Munitions Squadron outgoing commander, salutes Col. Jon T. Hannah, 422d Air Base Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at RAF Welford, England, May 26, 2022. During his command Wood was responsible for all munitions operations maintaining USAFEs second largest weapons stockpile valued at $403 million in war reserve material.

Sgt. 1st Class Heather Lonebear, Barquist Army Health Clinic senior enlisted leader (center), passes the unit guidon to the outgoing commander of Barquist Army Health Clinic promotable Lt. Col. Johnathan Evans (right) during a change of command ceremony June 14, 2022 at Fort Detrick, Maryland. Lt. Col. Christopher Richelderfer assume command of Barquist Army Health Clinic.

Command Sgt. Maj. Spencer Nielsen passes the saber to Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brian Searcy. Passing the saber is part of the traditional command chief warrant officer change-of-responsibility ceremony. The Utah Army National Guard welcomes its new command chief warrant officer during a change-of-responsibility ceremony, Dec. 5, 2022, in the Draper headquarters auditorium. During the ceremony, Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brian Searcy relinquishes the role of command chief of the Utah Army National Guard to Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Erickson.

U.S. Army Reserve Master Sgt. Brenda L. Vejar, senior enlisted leader, passes the unit colors to Col. Trent E. Loiseau, outgoing commander, both with the Medical Support Unit-Europe, 7th Mission Support Command during a change of command ceremony, Sep 11, 2022 at Kleber Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Col. Faith Junghahn assumed command of the unit from Loiseau.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Barnes, left, commander of the 407th Air Expeditionary Group, presents the 41st Expeditionary Airlift Squadron guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Robinson, commander of the newly activated 41st EAS at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, April 2, 2022. The 61st EAS was deactivated and redesignated as the 41st EAS.

Col. Christopher Schlak, 509th Mission Support Group commander(left), salutes Lt. Col. Stephen Addington, previous 509th Bomb Wing Security Forces commander(right), during a change of command at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 29, 2022. Change of commands are a military tradition of passing command from one commanding officer to another.

Lt. Col. Kyle A. Smith (left), the 266th Quartermaster Battalion commander, congratulates Command Sgt. Maj. Tracy L. Jones, the incoming 266th command sergeant major, Dec. 2, 2022, during a change of responsibility ceremony at Mullins Hall, Fort Lee, Va. Jones is no stranger to Fort Lee, as his last assignment was with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 23rd Quartermaster Brigade, and the Logistics Training Department, Fort Lee, Va.

U.S. Army Col. Matthew James assumes command of the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Washington National Guard, from Col. James Perrin during a change of command ceremony on Camp Murray, Wash., December 4, 2022. In 2021, Perrin deployed as commander of Task Force Raven, the last U.S. task force to command a full nine-month rotation in the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine.

Col. Erich Schroeder, right, outgoing 2nd Medical Group commander, relinquishes the guidon to Col. Scott Weyenmuller, left, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, June 16, 2022. The passing of a squadrons guidon symbolizes a transfer of command.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Courtney Freeman, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center command chief, speaks to members of the 621 Contengency Response Wing at an all call, Feb. 21, 2024. Freeman toured multiple Contengency Response Squadrons and saw the 621st CRW's ability to rapidly train and respond to new threats globally. Air Force

The 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC), South Carolina National Guard, recognized the promotion of U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Manucy to colonel, Oct. 6, 2022 in Anderson, South Carolina. Manucy was pinned by his wife Dreama Manucy. In attendance were U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Frank Rice, 263rd AAMDC commander, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Richard A. Wholey Jr., 263rd AAMDC deputy commander, retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Timothy Sheriff, and retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Keith Phillips.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Donald S. Gallagher, left, 20th Security Forces career field manager, recognizes Staff Sgt. Jesus Gonzalez Jr., right, 422nd Security Forces Squadron flight sergeant, during a visit to Royal Air Force Croughton, England, May 23, 2022. Gallagher and Brig. Gen. Roy W. Collins, Headquarters U.S. Air Force director of security forces and deputy chief of staff for logistics, engineering and force protection, visited RAF Croughton to present the 2021 Air Force Best Small Security Forces Squadron to the 422nd Security Forces Squadron.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Lodes (left), battalion commander of the 1st Battalion, 107th Aviation Regiment (AOB), and U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. John Maison, senior enlisted leader of the 1-107th AOB, case the colors during the Air Operations Battalion (AOB) transfer of authority ceremony from the 1-107th AOB to the 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment (AOB) at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 15, 2022. The casing of the colors signifies mission completion and that the battalion is prepared to redeploy back home.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Christopher Alfonso, incoming 14th Fighter Generation Squadron (FGS) commander, assumes command of the 14th FGS during a squadron activation ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 13, 2022. The activation of the 14th FGS aligns the 35th Fighter Wing with the Combat Oriented Maintenance Organization concept that enables fighter aircraft to be employed with greater agility.

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team Commander, Col. Brian E. McCarthy, promotes Command Sgt. Maj. David M. Pelham III during a change of responsibility ceremony at King Field House, Fort Riley, Kansas, September 23, 2022. The change of responsibility is a simple, yet traditional ceremony within the Army and is typically preceded by a short awards ceremony.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John Hinson, commander of the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, greets Soldiers in the 8th Ordnance Company after the unit's guidon casing ceremony at Fort Liberty, N.C., Feb. 27, 2024. The ordnance Soldiers spent months training in preparation for this rotation and will support partners and allies across Europe. Army

The 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC), South Carolina National Guard, recognized the promotion of U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Manucy to colonel, Oct. 6, 2022 in Anderson, South Carolina. Manucy was pinned by his wife Dreama Manucy. In attendance were U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Frank Rice, 263rd AAMDC commander, and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Richard A. Wholey Jr., 263rd AAMDC deputy commander, retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Timothy Sheriff, and retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Keith Phillips.

Maj. Gen. Greg Brady, Commanding General of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, recognizes 1st Lt. Kai Chau, a military police officer with the 13th Missile Defense Battery, with a challenge coin during a visit to the battery in Israel on June 25, 2022. The 13th MDB, headquartered outside of Tel Aviv, is part of the strong and enduring mil-to-mil partnership between the IDF and the 10th AAMDC built on trust developed over decades of cooperation. The 10th AAMDC and IDF work together consistently to strengthen the interoperability necessary for maintaining and improving Israel's air and missile defense capacity.

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

167th Operations Group deputy commander Lt. Col. John McCullough presents 167th Operations Support Squadron commander (OSS) Lt. Col. James Holsinger with the guidon during the OSS change of command ceremony held at the 167th base dining facility, Martinsburg, West Virginia, May 14, 2022. Air Force change of command ceremonies are a time-honored tradition where incoming commanders officially assume command while their airmen bear witness.

Maj. David Janowiak, right, accepts command of the 341st Communications Squadron from Col. Christopher Karns, 341st Mission Support Group commander, during a change of command ceremony June 30, 2022, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Guidon bearer Master Sgt. Shannon Witt, 341st CS visual imagery intrusion detection system noncomissioned officer in charge, looks on.

U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Richardson, 347th Rescue Group commander, congratulates Senior Master Sgt. Brandon Bitler, 71st Rescue Squadron, during an awards ceremony at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, May 31, 2022. During the ceremony, Moody leadership presented three Bronze Star Medals, 12 single event Air Medals and more than 18 Air Force Commendation Medals with combat devices, and 21 Afghanistan Campaign and Humanitarian Service Medals to the Flying Tigers in attendance.

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

Col. Kyle Grygo, 51st Mission Support Group commander, receives a salute from Lt. Col. Michael Newson, 51st Communications Squadron newly appointed commander, during an assumption of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 2, 2022. As the presiding officer, Grygo facilitated the assumption of command of the 51st CS by presenting the ceremonial guidon to the incoming officer.

U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesus Basabe-Torres, 606th Air Control Squadron operations planner, receives a coin from Gen. James Hecker, U.S Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct. 6, 2022. Basabe-Torres was the driving force in getting radar and radio feeds from the United Kingdom to the 606th ACS compound to control live aircraft in the United Kingdom from Aviano.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Renfrow, 1st Brigade, 104th Training Division command sergeant major, right, hands the unit colors to Col. Mark P. Dedrick, 1st Brigade, 104th Training Division outgoing commander, during a change of command ceremony July 2 at the General George Patton Museum of Leadership, Fort Knox, Ky. During the ceremony outgoing commander Dedrick relinquished command of 1st Brigade to Col. Jim Waldrop.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command Commander, presents challenge coins to Clear Space Force Station Arctic Airmen and Guardian superior performers in their duties to protect and defend the homeland. The Clear SFS members provide strategic missile warning, missile defense, and Upgraded Early Warning Radar as an integral part of deterrence in support of Homeland Defense. Clear SFS is home to Arctic Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 13th and 213th Space Warning Squadrons, providing 24/7 missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness.

U.S. Army Maj. John Shay, a chaplain with the 47th Chaplain Detachment, is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal at Camp Ripley, July 10th, 2022. Shay provided religious support to the 1/34th Armored Brigade's 5,200 Soldiers for more than four years, improving long-term readiness and spiritual fitness for the Brigade. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

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!(

Maj. Kristin J. Wudtke, center, incoming headquarters and headquarters company commander, receives the Colors from Brig. Gen. Richard W. Corner, II, Commanding General, 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command. Wudtke assumed command of the 85th USARSC HHC, August 7, 2022.

The 121st Air Refueling Wing holds a retirement ceremony for Capt. James Felty, 121st Air Refueling Wing Force Support Squadron, at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, June 4, 2022. Felty retired after 22 years of service to the nation.

U.S. Army Soldiers with 741st Ordnance Battalion (EOD), 96th Troop Command, Washington National Guard conduct a change of command ceremony on Camp Murray, Wash., April 3, 2022. The outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Amanda E.G. Doyle, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Horace Allen IIIafter nearly two years.

Lt. Gen. Mark Weatherington, Air Force Global Strike Command deputy commander, right, coins Capt. Tristan Davey, 7th Operations Support Squadron weather flight commander, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 23, 2022. Davey was coined for leading the redesign of the inter-continental U.S. and bomber task force weather product, consolidating the existing 15 brief templates to two slides. This standardized the product, improving speed of creation, readability and fidelity.

Lt. Col. Seth Kaste returns the unit guidon to Master Sgt. Edward Schmitt, unit first sergeant, during a formal change of command ceremony for the Wisconsin National Guards 54th Civil Support Team Oct. 7 at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Madison, Wis. Kaste, who had served previously in the 54th CST, takes command as outgoing commander Lt. Col. Matthew Kelly assumes his new assignment as administrative officer and rear detachment commander for the Wisconsin Army National Guards 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. The 54th CST is the states full-time response team for emergencies or terrorist events that involve weapons of mass destruction, toxic industrial chemicals or natural disasters. The unit is designed to rapidly deploy, assist local first-responders in determining the nature of an attack or hazardous materials scenario, and provide medical, communications, technical support and advice. Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs photo by Vaughn R. Larson

Col. Elizabeth Somsel, 7th Medical Group commander, Master Sgt. Dino Beharic, 7th Medical Support Squadron Tri-Care Operations Patient Administration flight chief, and Lt. Col. Michael Renkas, 7th MDSS commander, stand at the position of attention during the 7th MDSS Inactivation Ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, June 24, 2022. The transfer into the 7th Healthcare Operations Squadron will eliminate no positions and only the squadron patch will change.

Camp Ripley outgoing garrison commander, Army Col. Joshua Simer, passes the garrison colors to Army Brig. Gen. Kruse during a change of command ceremony at Camp Ripley near Little Falls, Minnesota, December 10, 2022. Simer will continue his career at the Minnesota National Guards Joint Force Headquarters J5 - Plans office. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

The Dragon Brigade bid Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond J. Belk farewell during a Relinquishment of Responsibility ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea on May 19, 2022.I have only ever heard him described one way '' said Col. McLellan Solid, and a true professional.

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.

U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Grant Meadows II, right, outgoing commander of the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group, relinquishes command of the 386th EMXG and passes the guidon to Col. Clinton M. Wilson, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, during an inactivation ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 30, 2022. As commander of the 386th EMXG, Meadows' strategic leadership guided more than 900 Total Force Airmen, civilians and contractors, over four rotations to generate over 7000 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, tactical and strategic airlift and precision strike missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield. Meadows was instrumental to the largest noncombatant evacuation operation in United States history, generating 224 missions that transported over 5,400 Afghan refugees.

U.S. Air Force Col. Clinton M. Wilson, center, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, presents Col. Robert Grant Meadows II, outgoing commander of the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group, the Legion of Merit medal during an inactivation ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 30, 2022. As commander of the 386th EMXG, Meadows' strategic leadership guided more than 900 Total Force Airmen, civilians and contractors, over four rotations to generate over 7000 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, tactical and strategic airlift and precision strike missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield. Meadows was instrumental to the largest noncombatant evacuation operation in United States history, generating 224 missions that transported over 5,400 Afghan refugees.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Nicholas Greene, the noncommissioned officer in charge of administration assigned to the 36th Contingency Response Squadron, signs the official Linebacker of the Week jersey at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 20, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens mission, vision and priorities.

Chief Master Sgt. Timothy C. White Jr., command chief master sergeant, from Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, visited the 433rd Training Squadron on July 26, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The senior leader spent time with military training instructors from the Raider squadron. During his visit, he spoke directly with the Airmen, fielded questions from the team, and recognized a few outstanding Airmen for their accomplishments.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kelvin N. Robinson (center left), the outgoing commander of the 2nd Battalion, 70th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, passes the battalion colors to U.S. Army Col. Brian Harris (center right), the 2ABCT, 1st Inf. Div., commander during a change of command ceremony, June 16, 2022, at the Fort Riley, Kansas, Cavalry Parade Field. The passing of the colors is a historic military tradition that symbolizes the transfer of leadership from one commander to another.

The 712th Engineer Support Company (ESC), from South Carolina, transferred responsibility of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) engineering mission to the 319th Engineer Support Company, from Texas, during a ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 14, 2022. The engineering company works on a variety of construction projects with partner nations throughout CJTF-HOAs area of interest.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Travis Elliott, 437th Operations Support Squadron commander, relinquishes command of the 437th OSS by passing the guidon to Col. Patrick Farrell, 437th Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, May 20, 2022. The 437th OSS are responsible for ensuring wing personnel meet worldwide C-17 Globemaster III airdrop, special operations airlift requirements, and provides flying operations support to the 437th and 315th Airlift Wings.

Soldiers assigned to the Military Intelligence Readiness Command and U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) - Army Reserve, pose for a photograph after winning the team competition at the 2023 Polyglot Games. The Utah National Guards 300th Military Intelligence Brigade (Linguist) hosted the 6th annual Best Linguist Competition (Polyglot Games) Feb. 3, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah that brought together over 200 linguists from nearly 80 different units. Army Reserve

U. S. Army Brig. Gen. Robert Hughes, the Assistant Adjutant General of the Army, New Jersey National Guard (NJNG), and Command Sgt. Maj. John Hicks, congratulate U. S. Army Sgt. Jailyn Sanchez, 902nd Field Feed Platoon, 42nd Regional Support Group, NJNG, the winner of the 902nd Field Feed Platoon Golden Spoon Competition during the eXportable Combat Training Capability exercise, July 25, 2022, at Ft. Drum, N. Y. The Golden Spoon challenges Army Culinary Specialists to create recipes from ingredients available in MREs. More than 2,500 Soldiers are participating in the training event, which enables brigade combat teams to achieve the trained platoon readiness necessary to deploy, fight, and win.

Lt. Gen. Antonio Aguto, Commanding General of the First Army, conducted a battlefield circulation, visiting soldiers across Task Force Spartan and the 35th Infantry Division on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, May 21, 2022.

Capt. Noah Irshad accepts the 142nd Security Forces Squadron guidon from 142nd Mission Support Group Commander, Col. David Shattls, in a symbolic gesture meant to symbolize his assumption of the role of commander of the 142nd Security Forces Squadron at Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Ore. on June 11, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Grover, right, 432nd Maintenance Group commander, gives the guidon flag to Col. Eric Schmidt, left, 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, May, 10, 2022. Grover relinquished command of the 432dd Maintenance Group to Col. Joseph DePorter.

Maj. Gen. Joseph A. Marsiglia receives his new rank during his promotion ceremony at Fort Gillem, Georgia, September 18, 2022. Marsiglia was promoted and assumed command from the 3rd Medical Command (Deployment Support) later in the morning.

Maj. Jessica Warzecha relinquishes command of the Training Support Unit during a Change of Command Ceremony, April 5, 2022 at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The incoming commander is Maj. Torin Roth.

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston participates in the 82nd Airborne Division Little Group of Paratroopers (LGOP) range on Fort Bragg, N.C. on Apr. 4, 2022. This stress shoot is designed to measure the physical fitness and shooting capabilities of a Paratrooper in a stressful environment.

Spc. Alyssa Dameron, a Burlington, Iowa, native and combat engineer assigned to Company A, 224th Brigade Engineer Battalion, Iowa Army National Guard, smiles as the guest speaker pins her newly-earned Air Assault badge on graduation day of a U.S. Air Assault course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 9, 2022. Dameron was the youngest of over 180 Soldiers and Airmen to graduate the 12-day course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. Cadre from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia, traveled as a mobile training team to teach the course.

U.S. Air Force Col. Tim Hood, 93d Air Ground Operations Wing commander, center, assumes command during a change of command ceremony at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 15, 2022. Hoods assumption of command symbolized his acceptance of responsibility for the 93d AGOW and its Airmen.

Lt. Col. Calvin Knox, outgoing commander of Fort Bragg Soldier Recover Unit (SRU), passes the colors to Col. Christopher G. Jarvis, commander of Womack Army Medical Center, during a change of command ceremony held at the 139th Regiment North Carolina National Guard Training Institute on June 29, 2022.

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger spoke to members of the garrison workforce during his Town Hall sessions on October 27, 2022. He discussed his assessment from his first 90 days in command, results from the command climate survey, and his vision and goals for the future. The installation held two sessions for the workforce, and recorded the event for those who could not attend. Col. Messenger assumed command on July 14, 2022.

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

Newly promoted U.S. Army Maj. Catherine Peterson, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment, takes the oath of office from Lt. Col. Russ Sundby, 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation commander, Feb. 4, 2024, at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Bismarck, North Dakota. Army National Guard

220414-A-RM286-1216 MANAMA, Bahrain (April 14, 2022) Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), right, greets a member of the Pakistan Navy during a change-of-command ceremony for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, April 14, at CMF headquarters in Bahrain. Established in 2009, CTF 151 enhances regional maritime cooperation and protects global maritime commerce by deterring, disrupting and suppressing piracy and armed robbery at sea.

Army Pvt. Dalton Emanis (left), a Soldier with 385th Military Police Battalion, receives an Army Commendation Medal from Lt. Col. Anthony Howell, the 91st Military Police Battalion commander, during an awards ceremony at the 91st Military Police Battalion Headquarters on Fort Drum, N.Y., March 9, 2023. This event was conducted as part of a best squad competition designed to assess Soldiers on technical and tactical proficiency and teamwork.

1st Sgt. Denise J. Lewis, outgoing Intelligence and Sustainment Company First Sergeant, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, passes the I&S Company guidon to Capt. Derrick R. Hall, commander of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa I&S Company, during a Change of Responsibility ceremony on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy September 9, 2022. The Change of Responsibility ceremony represented the official passing of authority from the outgoing 1st Sgt. Denise J. Lewis to 1st Sgt. Curtis N. Thornton.

Sergeant Major of the Army, Michael A. Grinston, came to the 7th Army Non-Commissioned Officer Academy to visit and coin instructors at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Jan. 20, 2022. Soldiers were also able to ask the SMA to address questions and concerns about the Army during a town hall event the same day.

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.

Welcome Mercury 7! On January 9, 2023, the Mercury Brigade welcomed the new BDE CSM, Command Sgt. Major Nicholas M. Curry. It is an honor to have him and his family join this Brigade and be a leader to the Soldiers here. His influence and guidance have already been felt throughout the ranks, and we wish CSM Curry continued success in his time here.

The U.S. Army Reserve 319th Expeditionary Signal Battalion (ESB), conducted a change of command and uncasting of the colors ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas on June 1, 2022. The presiding official, Brig. Gen. Michael J. Dougherty, Deputy Commanding General, 335th Signal Command (Theater), participated in the ceremony with the outgoing Commander, Lt. Col. Douglas Ullrich, and the incoming Commander Lt. Col. Stephanie Lee.

Lt. Col. Sarah Martin, outgoing 4th Healthcare Operations Squadron commander, relinquishes the guidon to Col. Dolphis Hall, 4th Medical Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, June 30, 2022. The 4th HCOS provides medical care to more than 25,000 beneficiaries.

Col. Joshua D. DeMotts, 99th Air Base Wing commander, passes the guidon to the incoming commander of the 99th Medical Group, Col. Ryan Mihata, July 15, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The 99th MDG is committed to operational readiness, outstanding customer service, and always delivering world-class health care.

Maj. Dennis LeMaster, U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) Commanding General, awards Cpt. Casey, Wilgenbusch, 67F optometrist, the Expert Field Medical Badge (EFMB) MEDCoE EFMB Award Ceremony, at the Joint Base San Antonio- Camp Bullis Parade Field, April 1, 2022. Wilgenbusch was one of 14 officer and enlisted Soldiers assigned to various Army medicine commands to earn the coveted badge during a grueling two week testing event conducted by the MEDCoE at Camp Bullis. The culminating event, a 12 mile road march, was followed by an award and graduation ceremony hosted by LeMaster.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Dillon (left), 319th Operations Group commander, receives the guidon from U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. William Harrell, 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron outgoing commander, during the 319th AMXS change of command ceremony in a hangar, June 10, 2022, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. As the commander, Harrell led nearly 600 Airmen at both Grand Forks Air Force Base and its geographically separated units.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jun Oh, left, 374th Operations Group commander, hands a squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Samuel Shamburg, 459th Airlift Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 11, 2024. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Corey Hancock, 343rd Bomb Squadron Commander, accepts command of the 343rd Bomb Squadron during a ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, January 7, 2024. Hancock is a 2003 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate with more than 500 combat hours in the B-52 Stratofortress.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Martindell, 139th Security Force Squadron, Missouri Air National Guard, is promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base on June 5, 2022. Martindell has served in the Air National Guard for 23 years.

Col. Vincent Myers, the BACH Commander, and Col. Andrew Jordan, the Fort Campbell Garrison Commander, joined Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett, and presented both Fort Campbell and Montgomery County Emergency Services with awards. The Fort Campbell EMS received the Civilian Service Commendation Medal and the Montgomery County Emergency Service workers received the Public Service Commendation Medal, recognizing them for assistance during recent events and for their continued partnership with the Fort Campbell community. "We have a lot of resources on Fort Campbell, but we don't have everything we need, so we rely on partnerships with our local community, especially when it comes to fire services and EMS," said Jordan, "and some of our local communities rely on us ... it's reciprocal."

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Sage, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing commander, with Col. Brian Stahl, 332d Expeditionary Maintenance Group relinquishing commander, furl the 332d EMXG guidon during a combined inactivation ceremony at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, April 6, 2022. This group inactivation signifies a shift in the 332d AEWs organizational structure to an A-Staff construct, mirroring major commands and Air Force headquarters to more readily identify staff equivalents at the joint operating level; it optimizes internal communication and creates more efficient interfacing with other services.

Staff. Sgt. Ernest Trueblood, 66th Air Base Group Staff Judge Advocate Office NCO in charge of military justice, shakes hands with Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander, during a technical sergeant release event at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., July 29, while Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, right, installation command chief, looks on. Air Force officials selected 5,430 staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant, including including five at Hanscom AFB.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gregory J. Brady passes the unit colors to Gen. Darryl A. Williams, U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander during a change of command ceremony, July 12, 2022 at Sembach Kaserne, Germany. The command's lineage dates from July 1, 1942 when it was first constitutes as the 10th Coast Artillery (Harbor Defense) at Fort Adams, Rhode Island. It deploys worldwide to conducts joint and combined/coalition air and missile defense operations in the U.S. European command area of operations.

Spc. Nathanial Miska and Sgt. Richard Carlson along with their sponsers, stand for a photo with Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Soper and Brig. Gen. Lowell Kruse. Twelve National Guard Soldiers who competed in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, participated in an awards ceremony. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Senior Master Sgt. Mark A. Hartnoll, a quality assurance superintendent with the 124th Maintenance Group, is promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sgt. by Col. John R. Williams, III, commander of the 124th MXG, July 8, 2022, in a ceremony at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. Hartnoll was also presented with a Chiefs coin and a numbered plaque to celebrate his achievement.

1st Sgt. Eric Bradfield, the first sergeant of Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) Hoplites, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, salutes Capt. Alexander Ragnoli during a Change of Command ceremony where Ragnioli took command of HHC at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, April 4, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Loiselle, the deputy commander and chief of staff, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, accepts command of the PRANG from U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Narciso Cruz, the assistant adjutant general, Puerto Rico National Guard, during the PRANG ATAG change of command ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Sept. 17, 2022. The change of command ceremony took place during the September regularly scheduled drill.

Chief Master Sgt. Charles Clingman, Jr., retires from military service at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Sept. 10, 2022. Clingman first enlisted in 1983 and served in Philippines, Guam and Korea in addition to multiple locations in the United States during his career. During his time with the 117th Civil Engineering Squadron Clingman served as first sergeant in 2014 and was promoted to chief master sergeant in 2019. (US Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Jeremy Farson)

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

U.S. Army Col. Keith A. McKinley, Sgt. 1st Class Henry Vasquez and Pvt. Alexandria Allen await their cue to cut the cake for the celebration of the Armys 247th birthday during African Lion 22 in Agadir, Morocco on June 14, 2022. African Lion 2022 is U.S. Africa Commands largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal and Tunisia, June 6-30. More than 7,500 participants from 28 nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL22 is a joint all-domain, multi-component and multinational exercise, employing a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the theater for strategic access.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Geoffrey A. Norman, deputy commanding general of support of the 1st Infantry Division recites the oath of office during his promotion ceremony at Poznan, Poland, June 1, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies.

Ty L. Powell, a Department of the Army civilian who serves as chief of command aviation, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, receives the Order of Saint Michael - Bronze Award from Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, USAACE commander, for his impact on Army aviation and helping to achieve strategic outreach goals for the Center, during a ceremony at USAACE headquarters May 31, 2022. In addition to his important role as an aviator at USAACE headquarters, he helps develop leaders by teaching aviation regulations to incoming brigade and battalion commanders.

Lt. Gen. Mary K. Izaguirre was sworn in as the 46th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army during a change of command ceremony hosted by Gen. Randy George, Army Chief of Staff, at Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, Jan. 25.

Col. Scott Weyenmuller, left, 2nd Bomb Wing commander, Col. Erich Schroeder, middle, outgoing 2nd Medical Group commander, and Col. Janet Blanchard, right, incoming 2nd MDG commander, stand at the position of attention in preparation for the passing of the guidon during a change of command ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, June 16, 2022. The passing of a squadrons guidon symbolizes a transfer of command.

Lt. Col. Todd Harkrader, the U.S. Army Central, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion Commander, adds a World War II streamer signifying campaign participation to the command's colors during USARCENT's 104th birthday celebration at Shaw Air Force Base November 7. Throughout the ceremony, a streamer was added for each military campaign USARCENT has participated in.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, recognizes Airmen during his visit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 28, 2024. Schneider visited with Airmen across the installation to discuss the quality of life on station to learn more about the unique challenges Airmen and families face while being stationed in Alaska. Air Force

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

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