Change of Command Ceremonies

Photos of military personnel speaking at change of command ceremonies, showcasing formal military traditions and leadership transitions in various locations.

U.S. Space Force Gen. John W. Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, answers questions from members of Team Kirtland during an all-call at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Oct. 12, 2022. During the all-call Team Kirtland members asked Gen. Raymond about recruiting and the threats the Space Force encounters.

Lt. Col. John R. Roche addresses the battalion after changing over command of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 29th Infantry Division with Lt. Col. Michael J. Esposito, September 11, 2022, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Maj. Gen. John M. Rhodes, commanding general of the 29th Infantry Division, presided over the traditional exchanging of the unit colors that represented the change of command from Roche to Esposito.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Timothy Kirchner, 422nd Air Base Squadron outgoing commander, speaks during a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Croughton, England, June 6, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

Task Force Thunder, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), Mississippi Army National Guard, took command of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine (JMTG-U) mission under 7th Army Training Command (7ATC) from Task Force Bowie, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), 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.

220609-N-FP334-1049 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (July 09, 2022) U.S. Army Capt. Chris Cooper, outgoing Commander, 19th Space Company, speaks during a Change of Command ceremony. The Change of Command ceremony transferred command of 19th Space Company, 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, from U.S Army Capt. Chris Cooper to U.S. Army Capt. Ryan Loughran.

Col. Keith A. McKinley, Chief of Staff of the Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) addresses the formation during the ceremony 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 Col. Daniel Miller, outgoing commander of 41st Field Artillery Brigade, delivers his remarks during a Change of Command ceremony at the 7the Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 3, 2022. Col. Daniel Miller relinquished command to Col. Wilbur Hsu.

The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Commander Army Brig. Gen. Eric Shirley addresses the workforce at a Town Hall meeting May 10. Shirley presented individual and team awards, reviewed organization accomplishments, and discussed the plan for employees to reenter the workplace.

Brig. Gen. John J. Campo speaks to attendees at the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, at a change of command ceremony in which he relinquished command of the Wing to Brig. Gen. Shannon D. Smith, July 15th, 2022.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Outgoing Space Delta 9 commander, U.S. Space Force (USSF) Colonel Casey Beard, addresses the audiences at the unit's change of command ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado June 21, 2022. During the ceremony, USSF Lt. General Stephen Whiting, Commander of Space Operations Command, transferred command of the Delta From Colonel Beard to incoming commander, USSF Colonel Mark Bigley.

U.S. Space Force Gen. John W. Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, answers questions from members of Team Kirtland during an all-call at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Oct. 12, 2022. During the all-call Team Kirtland members asked Gen. Raymond about recruiting and the threats the Space Force encounters.

Command Sgt. Maj. Mason Riepe, the incoming battalion command sergeant major for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, speaks during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia on September 30, 2022.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. David G.Goodall, commander of the 1st Battalion, 131st Aviation Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, Alabama Army National Guard (Task Force Yellowhammer), speaks during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, Oct. 11, 2022. The transfer of authority ceremony signifies the start of the task forces rotation in Kosovo and their commitment to keeping a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo.

Col. Patrick Monahan, outgoing commander of the 166th Regiment Regional Training Institute, speaks during a change-of-command ceremony on Aug. 12, 2022, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. Monahan relinquished command to incoming commander Col. Robert Jorgensen Jr. during the ceremony. (Pennsylvania National Guard photo by Brad Rhen)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Robinson, commander of the newly activated 41st Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, speaks during a redesignation and change of command ceremony 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.

4th Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard held a change of command ceremony at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center on Thursday, August 4, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Timothy W. Shubert relinquished command to the incoming commander, Maj. Rusty Gates.

A 5-Soldier team from the Illinois Army National Guard's 6th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade will deploy to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility. Logistics Advisor Team 6611 will team up with the 5th SFAB at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, before deploying. Pictured is Col. Tim Newman, Commander of the 108th Sustainment Brigade, speaking to team members and their families at the team's Aug. 7 mobilization ceremony on Rock Island Arsenal, Ill.

U.S. Air Force Col. Clinton M. Wilson, outgoing commander, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, gives remarks during a change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, July 1, 2022. Wilson has served as a combat deputy operations group commander, squadron commander, flight commander, flight examiner, instructor and aircrew pilot in multiple aircraft. He has over 3,200 hours of total flight time, 490 combat/combat support sorties and over 1,200 combat/combat support hours. Prior to this assignment, Wilson was the commander of the 317th Operations Group, Dyess Air Force base, Texas.

U.S. Army Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, commander of the U.S. Central Command, speaks to attendees during a Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve transfer of authority ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 8, 2022. Kurilla presided over the transfer of authority for CJTF-OIR from U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John Brennan to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane.

Col. Jade Beehler, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guards 64th Troop Command, speaks 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. Lt. Col. Seth Kaste, a prior member of the 54th CST, now is the unit commander. Outgoing commander Lt. Col. Matthew Kelly will now serve as the 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

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.

Col. Mark Lenhart, the outgoing commander of the 230th Support Detachment (Digital Liaison Detachment), addresses attendees of the unit's change of command ceremony on May 14, 2022, in Smyrna. Lenhart relinquished command of the unit to Col. Jeffrey Erdley and also retired from the Tennesse Army National Guard after 24 years of military service.

Col. Matthew Woodruff, Ohio Army National Guard chief of staff, speaks during an Army birthday celebration June 14, 2022, at the Maj. Gen. S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Senior Ohio Army National Guard leadership hosted a ceremony to honor the 247th year of the Army, which was established in 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence.

Command Sgt. Maj. John T. Raines, Command Sergeant Major for the Army National Guard, addresses competitors and sponsors during the Region IV Best Warrior Competition welcome brief on May 11, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. Twelve National Guard Soldiers are competing in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. 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 Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette.)

Col. Scott White, 193rd Infantry Brigade commander, opens the Hispanic Heritage Month Luncheon with a few words acknowledging the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the Army. Hispanic Heritage Month is held each year Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Col. Michael Burghardt was joined by his co-workers, family and friends, as he retired from the Oregon Army National Guard with over 32 years of military service during a ceremony held in his honor at Camp Rilea, Warrenton, Oregon on July 8, 2022. Burghardt received his commission from Western Oregon State College ROTC in June of 1990, graduating with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Law. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

The North Carolina National Guard holds a deployment ceremony for the 112th Financial Management Support Detachment of the 113th Sustainment Brigade at the NCNG armory in Siler City, N.C., Dec. 4, 2022. The nearly 25 Soldiers will deploy for Operation Inherent Resolve.

Col. Hank Barnes, commander, 189th Infantry Brigade (CATB), addresses an audience during a change of command ceremony for 1st Battalion, 356th Regiment (Logistics Support Battalion) Apr. 24 outside the Hugo Army Reserve Center at JBLM, Washington.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Nicholas R. Talbot, the outgoing commander of the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, reflects on his tenure as battalion commander during the 1st Bn., 63rd Armor Regt., change of command ceremony at the Fort Riley, Kansas, Cavalry Parade Field, June 15, 2022. Talbot, who has served 20 years as an Army Officer, took command of the Dragon battalion in May 2020 at Camp Casey, Korea.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Zana, outgoing commander of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), delivers final comments during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 14, 2022. As a dynamic, joint and multinational operational headquarters, CJTF-HOA ensures a strategic partnership with Djibouti, responds to crises, supports operations, protects U.S. lives and enables the countering of violent extremist organizations throughout East Africa in order to enhance stability and prosperity.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Mateo Mancini, Commandant for North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, addresses command members during the celebration of the U.S. Armys 247th birthday on June 14, 2022 at the commands headquarters, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. The U.S. Army was established in 1775.

U.S. Army Reserve Col. Trent E. Loiseau, outgoing commander of Medical SupportUnit-Europe, 7th Mission Support Command, delivers his remarks 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.

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ASAN, Guam (Nov. 9, 2022) - Joint Region Marianas (JRM) Commander Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson hosted a Sister School - Sister Village awards ceremony for tenant commands U.S. Naval Base Guam; U.S. Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command, Guam; Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Five; and Naval Airborne Weapons Maintenance Unit One, as well mayoral leadership from their sister villages Talofofo, Piti, Yona, Santa Rita-Sumai, and Hagåt, at JRM, Nov. 9. Mayor Vicente Taitague, mayor of the Municipality of Talofofo, and Mayor Jesse Alig, mayor of the Municipality of Piti, were in attendance. Awardees were presented with a certificate, Admirals coin, and commemorative cupcake for their dedicated service to their communities. The Sister Village Program began in 1974, pairing military units with villages as a means to foster and develop mutual understanding between the people of Guam, military personnel, and their family members stationed on Guam.

U.S. Air Force Col. George Watkins, 325th Fighter Wing commander, speaks to Airmen at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 29, 2022. Watkins held an All Call with members of Team Tyndall currently assigned to Eglin to discuss the future of the units geographically separated there and answer questions Airmen may have.

Brig. Gen. Jered Helwig, Commanding General of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command, provides welcoming remarks to bid farewell to the outgoing commander, Col. Michael Jensik and welcome the incoming commander, Col. Charles Green during a change of commander ceremony on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, July 15, 2022. The "Watchdog" Soldiers, families, and supporters gathered at Hamilton Field to mark the passing of the 8th Military Police Brigades colors.

U.S. Army Cpt. Matthew Grout, assigned to The Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Signal Brigade, hosts a town hall to explain NEO procedures during wartime situations.

Florida Army National Guard Ltc. Col. Jason M. Hunt, assumes command of Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, July 16, 2022. Hunt enlisted in the Army in 1994 and has had a distinguished career, his awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (3rd award) and several others.

U.S Air Force Col. Justin M. Dupuis, 4th Air Support Operations Group commander, talks to the audience during a 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron change of command ceremony at Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany, June 29, 2022.

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

U.S. Air Force Col. Richard McElhaney, 36th Contingency Response Group commander, makes a speech during the 644th Combat Communications Squadron assumption of command ceremony at Northwest Field, Guam, July 14, 2022. The 644 CBCS is a rapid-deployment unit designed to deploy all or part of a 32-person team "within a moments notice" to establish and provide non-classified internet protocol router network and secure internet protocol router network services and secure/non-secure voice capabilities.

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.

Lt. Col. V. Renae Binstock-Rieske, the incoming commander of 1st Battalion, 356th Regiment (Logistics Support Battalion) addresses an audience during her Change of Command ceremony held outside the Hugo Army Reserve Center Apr. 24 at JBLM, Washington.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director, Air National Guard, listens to a question from an Airman from the 124th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho National Guard at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Aug. 20, 2022. During the all-call Loh took several questions from the audience and candidly answered them.

U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center celebrates its 10th anniversary with a ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 12, 2022. This event honors the AFCEC mission to deliver civil engineering expertise and services to strengthen installations and enhance combat power.

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

Northwest Machining and Manufacturing tour the 124th Fighter Wings aircraft maintenance hanger, Gowen Field, ID, April 6, 2023. Assistant Adjutant General-Air, Brig. Gen. Tim Donnellan spoke during the tour emphasizing the local partnerships contributions to global mission effectiveness.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Lewis Gray, the commander of the 336th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, speaks to the attendees during a ceremony in which the 336th CSSB transferred authority to the 382nd CSSB. Standing behind him was Maj. Ciera Earley, the executive officer of the battalion. These battalions are subordinate to the 369th Sustainment Brigade while forward deployed to the CENTCOM area of operations.

U.S. Army Col. Christopher J. Kirkpatrick, commander of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2 ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division (1 CD), Black Jack Brigade, operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID), delivers a speech during the Transfer of Authority ceremony in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Feb. 4, 2023. The 2 ABCT, 1 CD is among other units assigned to the 4 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Fort Sill welcomed Col. Curtis King, pictured, as the 45th Commandant of the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School, during a ceremony July 7, 2022.

U.S. Army Chaplain Col. James Johns, assigned to the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), gives the invocation during the SETAF-AF change of responsibilityat Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, September 1, 2022. Command Sergeant Major Reese W. Teakell assumed responsibility from Command Sergeant Major Charles W. Gregory, Jr., the outgoing Command Sergeant Major.

SASEBO, Japan (July 15, 2022) Rear Adm. Derek Trinque, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7, speaks with Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6) in the ships hangar bay. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 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.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj Christopher A. Simpson, incoming senior enlisted advisor, 79th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion, 71st Ordinance Group, 20th CBRNE Command, speaks to his unit during a Change of Responsibility ceremony at the Cavalry Parade Field, Fort Riley, Kansas, August 18th, 2022. Simpson said, I am honored for this opportunity to join your team, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve each and every one of you.

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

Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Kevin Niehoff, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, gives a presentation on The Role of the Church and Faith-Based Leaders” Oct. 18 at the CityView Celebrations at Trimble Pointe in Moline. Niehoff gave two presentations at a training event comprised of local community faith-based organizations seeking to help military personnel in the area. (Photo by Jon Micheal Connor, ASC Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Ansbach and Stadt (town) Ansbach hosted Speaker Series discussion forums to the topics Trans-Atlantic Partnership, a new era in Europe challenges to secure NATOs Eastern flank and the way forward for Trans-Atlantic partnership. U.S. and German militaries and officials spoke about newest developments in the Ukrainian crisis and the future of NATO and U.S. German cooperation.Pictured event was held in Karlshalle in Ansbach. The speakers were USAG Ansbach commander Col. Karen E. Hobart, V Corps Deputy Commanding General for Support (DCG-S) Maj. Gen. Robert D. Burke and Dr. Johannes Urban with the Bavarian State Chancellery. Maj. Gen. Burke speaks to the audience.Ansbach, Germany, May 13, 2022.

Col. Ryan Vetter, 374th Mission Support Group commander, gives remarks during a tree planting ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. The Akishima-Yokota Friendship Club was established aiming to deepen mutual understanding and to promote goodwill between individuals of Yokota Air Base and Akishima City through cultural exchange. The club and its counterpart, 374th Mission Support Group, have been participating in various events together for 10 years.

Col. David A. Zinn gives remarks at the 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force 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.

U.S. Air Force Col. Lance Vann addresses the audience after gaining command, July 11, 2022, during the Personal Property Activity, Headquarters change of command ceremony, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Linda Hurry (left), Director of Logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., was the presiding officer.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, command chief, Air National Guard, speaks with Airmen of the 114th fighter Wing during a visit to Joe Foss Field, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, April 4, 2022. During his visit, Williams spoke to enlisted Airmen about the importance of understanding the why behind what they do to have a greater impact on the mission.

Army Lt. Gen. Jon Jensen, director, Army National Guard, delivers closing remarks to Army Guard brigade and division commanders and command sergeants major from across the country during the Green Tab Commanders Conference, National Guard Professional Education Center, Camp Robinson, Arkansas, Jan. 8, 2024.

Lt. Col. Nessa Hock, 607th Combat Weather Squadron (CWS) commander, gives her acceptance speech after assuming command of the 607th CWS at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 7, 2022. The 607th CWS is responsible for all planning and coordination efforts necessary to provide weather support to the United States Army during armistice conditions in the Republic of Korea.

Col. Kristen Nemish gives a speech during the 91st Operations Group Change of Command Ceremony on July 12, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. Nemish has served 24 years in the U.S Air Force and is continuing her career by moving to her next duty station. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman Alysa Knott)

Army Brig. Gen. Lowell Kruse, the Minnesota National Guard Assistant Adjutant General, and Camp Ripley's Senior Commander,speaks during the change of command ceremonyfor outgoing garrison commander, Army Col. Joshua Simer, and incoming Army Col. Bryce Erickson at Camp Ripley near Little Falls, Minnesota, December 10, 2022.As I look back to the fall of 2019 when he took over command of this unit, said Kruse. A lot of things happened for years. Col. Simer made sure this unit was prepared to do whatever the state needs him to do. He showed up the day that the Governor mobilized all the troops in the state. And thats truly a statement on what Josh Simer is as a person, a leader and a man. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Spc. Abbygail Heinen)

Major Gen. Albert Miller, deputy chief of staff for operations at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, thePentagon, Arlington, Virginia, talks with air refueling squadrons company-grade officers at McConnell AirForce Base, Kansas, July 5th, 2022. Miller held listening sessions with Airmen to gather feedback aboutthe quality of life as an Air Force aircrew.

Four Nevada Air Guardsmen graduated from the Community College of the Air Force during the August drill, August 13, 2022. Col. David R. Chauvin, chief of staff, assigned to the Nevada Air National Guard presented each graduate their diploma at the Nevada Air National Guard base, Reno, Nevada.

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Gorup, the Noncommissioned Officer-Charge of the Illinois National Guard's Joint Operations Center, retired with almost 26 years of service on Sunday, May 15, during a ceremony on Camp Lincoln in Springfield. Gorup spent 21 years of his career in the Infantry and deployed four times, the last being with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009. Pictured is Sgt. 1st Class Gorup after receiving the Meritorious Service Medal during the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas Preston, commander of the 33rd Maintenance Group, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, June 24, 2022. Preston assumed command of the 33rd MXG from U.S. Air Force Col. James McFarland where he will lead Airmen as they work to deliver safe, reliable and on-time aircraft to support F-35A Lightning II pilot and maintainer training.

U.S. Army Col. Deon D. Maxwell, USAMMC-E commander addresses the audience during an assumption of responsibility ceremony, Sep 15, 2022 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Master Sgt. Andrew R. Colburn assumed responsibility from Master Sgt. Charles W. Douglas.

Chief speech Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Jendrzejewski, 911th Airlift Wing command chief, gives a speech during a commanders call, April 2, 2023, at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station. Jendrzejewski assists the commander, Col. Bryan Bailey, on a daily basis with unit and base functions.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Craig Strong, deputy director of programs, analysis & evaluation for the National Guard Bureau, speaks during the U.S. Property and Fiscal Office national conference at the Gettysburg Wyndham hotel. USPFO leaders from all 54 states and territories were also joined by Lt. Gen. Marc Sasseville, Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau, as well as Keith Buchholz with the NGB comptroller's office.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jamie Nasi, the incoming commander of HHBN III Corps, gives a speech on Fort Hood, Tx on June 28, 2022. Nasi thanks his family and command team as he assumes command.

Col. Ben Maltz, Washington National Guard State Surgeon stands during his retirement ceremony, April 2, 2022 at the Pierce County Readiness Center, Camp Murray, Wash. Col. Maltz retired from the Washington National Guard after serving for 22 years.

1st Cavalry Division welcomed new Troopers after they completed their Pegasus Troop Integration in-processing at Fort Hood, Texas, September 15, 2022. Troopers spend less than two weeks learning about the history of the division and getting time to settle.

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.

Outgoing Chief of Transportation Col. Frederick L. Crist provides remarks during his relinquishment of command ceremony May 25 at Fort Lees Transportation Museum Annex. Crist, also serving as the Transportation School commandant, took over those responsibilities July 23, 2021. During remarks, the colonel said he is appreciative of the experience. “Serving as the 32nd Chief of Transportation has been an absolute honor and will always rank among the highlights of my career,” he said. “I have always felt that serving as the COT is the best job in the Army, and that feeling of excitement and humbling honor continues now as if today were my very first day.”

Command Sgt.Maj. Eric W. Cherry gave a speech during 18th Airborne Corps Headquarters and Headquarters battalion change of responsibility ceremony, 6 Oct. 2022, on Fort Bragg, N.C. Command Sgt.Maj. Eric W. Cherry passed on his responsibility of 18th Airborne Corps Headquarters and Headquarters battalion to Command Sgt.Maj. Matthew R. Gritta.

U.S. Army Maj. Stefan G. Kazacos, incoming 160th FRSD commander, delivers his remarks during a change of command ceremony, Feb. 20, 2024 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern Germany. Kazacos assumed command of the unit from Lt. Col. Mark A. Black. Army

Col. Danielle Medaglia, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Project Manager, presents her opening remarks at the PEO Aviation Launched Effects Industry Days, Feb. 7, 2024, in Huntsville, Ala.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with Company B, 1-118th Infantry Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, and Company I, 237th Support Battalion, South Carolina Army National Guard, stand in formation during a deployment ceremony at the General Mark Clark National Guard Armory in North Charleston, South Carolina, Aug. 7, 2022. More than 160 Soldiers from the unit will be mobilized for approximately a year to support Operation Spartan Shield, Task Force Spartan and U.S. Army Central Command.

Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Mollusky Jr., Command Sergeant Major of the 108th Special Troops Battalion in Chicago makes his remarks during his retirement ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, IL April 3, 2022. Mollusky is a native of Kincaid, Illinois. He entered the U.S. Army in 1990, before eventually transitioning to the Illinois Army National Guard in 1998.

Col. Tammy McElhaney, 4th Mission Support Group commander, gives closing remarks for the final ceremony during POW/MIA Remembrance Week at Goldsboro, North Carolina, September 15, 2022. During POW/MIA week, Seymour Johnson honored brothers and sisters in arms through multiple events including a ruck march, a veterans round table, a memorial ride, closing ceremony and a 24-hour vigil.

Sgt. 1st Class (ret.) Sammy Davis clutches the Medal of Honor he was awarded for actions in Vietnam during a ceremony marking the partnership between the Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve and Helmets to Hardhats, a nonprofit program that connects servicemembers with careers in the building and construction trades, at the Pentagon on July 2, 2009. There is nothing broken in this nation that we people cannot repair,” Davis said. You don’t lose until you quit trying.”

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger gives a presentation during the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance on Jan. 16, 2024, in McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2024 observance at Fort McCoy featured opening comments by Master Sgt. Ana Guzman with the Fort McCoy Equal Opportunity Office who organized the event. It also included an opening prayer by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Amy Noble with the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office, and Messenger spoke about the legacy of MLK Jr. The 2024 theme for the observance was Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not A Day Off! After Messenger gave his presentation, a video of one of Kings most famous speeches, Ive Been to the Mountaintop, was played for the observance attendees.

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

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Soldiers and Civilians of the 780th Military Intelligence (MI) Brigade (Cyber) were on hand to witness the reflagging of E Company (Empire), 782d MI Battalion (Cyber), to F Company (Fury), 781st MI Battalion (Cyber), October 4, at the DeKalb Army Reserve Center.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Purdy, 23rd Maintenance Group commander, gives a speech during an assumption of command ceremony for the 41st Rescue Generation Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Aug. 19, 2022. Purdy spoke about the experience and knowledge Lt. Col. Michael Maise, 41st RGS commander, brings to the unit.

U.S. Air Force Col. Justin Swartzmiller, the 673d Logistics Readiness Group commander, speaks to civic leaders with the Department of the Air Force during the DAF civic leader tour at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 21, 2022. The civic leaders got a behind-the-scenes look at how the 673d LRG keeps arctic warriors ready for the fight.

U.S. Air Force Col. George Watkins, 325th Fighter Wing commander, speaks to Airmen at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 29, 2022. Watkins, who took command of the 325th FW in June, held three All Calls throughout the day to keep Airmen informed and prepared for future changes happening while he is leading the Wing.

United States Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey Command Sgt. Maj. Wayne Butterbrodt, 1-17th Infantry Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Weiss, 31 soldiers and KATUSAs participate in the Noncommissioned Officers Corps Induction Ceremony held at the Camp Casey Theatre, March 30, 2023. The inductees were soldiers and KATUSAs from USAG Caseys Headquarters and Headquarters Company, the Charlie Detachment of the 176th Financial Management Support Unit, and the 2nd Battalion2nd Aviation Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. The NCO Induction Ceremony celebrates newly promoted soldiers joining the noncommissioned officer corps.

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Conaty, CECOM command sergeant major, delivers opening remarks during the Aberdeen Proving Ground Tell Me A Story® (TMAS) event at the APG Youth Center, here, March 30, 2023. Conaty remarked on how military families, connectedness and resiliency bring us together as a community and helps our children thrive. The Military Child Education Coalition® launched the TMAS program to empower Military Children by using literature and their own stories in a way that fosters skills for resilience, strong peer and parent connections, a sense of pride and accomplishment, and a caring community, according to their site.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Thomas Matechik, 23rd Security Forces Squadron commander, gives a speech during military working dog TTobys retirement at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 16, 2022. Matechik spoke of the several operations TToby completed during his time in service. TToby served in four deployments conducting explosive detonation support and secret service missions.

Master Sgt. Andrew Buzas, 149th Fighter Squadron superintendent, stands ready with the squadron's guidon during a change of command ceremony June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Lt. Col. Lawrence Dietrich took command of the unit from Lt. Col. William J. Shnowske who served as the commander since Aug. 8, 2020.

Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis, Fort Jacksons commanding general, speaks during a press conference May 18, 2022. Michaelis held the conference as part of an annual Full-Scale Exercise where five simulated active shooters infiltrated a Family Day event and the Strom Thurmond Building. The exercise is held annually to test the capabilities of the installations directorates to respond to an incident such as the active shooters.

Col. Brett Venable, El Paso market director and commander of William Beaumont Army Medical Center, spoke during the Armed Services Young Mens Christian Association (ASYMCA) Childrens Waiting Room (CWR) ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept 1, 2022. At the main hospital campus.

U.S. Army Trooper Lt. Col. Brendan McEvoy, the Regimental Engineer Squadron Commander, speaks to press at a press conference during a training rotation to the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, May 21, 2022. Following a victory in the city of Razish, McEvoy, the Provincial Chief of Police and the Erdabil Governor agreed that the 3d CR would turn security efforts over to Erdibil Police.

The 2d Theater Signal Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company hosted a Change of Responsibility ceremony Oct. 14, 2022 at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. First Sergeant Matthew A. Weber relinquished responsibility to 1st Sgt Randy L. Buttram during the ceremony.A change of responsibility ceremony represents the transfer of authority from one leader to another, ensuring the unit and its Soldiers are never without leadership. (U.S. Army photos by Spc. Renisha Washington)

U.S. Airmen with the 156th Wing, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, ask questions to Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, during an all-call at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, May 14, 2022. CMSAF Bass spent time with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard and emphasized the importance of total force integration and overcoming challenges to more effectively accomplish the Air Force mission and be ready for the ever-evolving battlefield that future conflicts may hold.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mark A. Black, 160th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment, commander provides his remarks during a change of command ceremony, Aug 4, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Black assumed command of the unit from Lt. Col. Michael P. Meissel.

060501-A-5399B-086. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Cpt. Tyler J. Jamison, outgoing commander for Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division (3-6 CAV) delivers a speech during a change of command ceremony at Lielvārde, Latvia, Oct. 10, 2022. The 3-6 CAV is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

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