Change of Command Ceremonies

Photos depicting formal military change of command ceremonies, illustrating the transfer of leadership and honors among unit commanders and their troops.

The 1/135th Assault Helicopter Battalion conducted a change of command ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, on June 12, 2022. Change of command ceremonies are a formal recognition of an outgoing commander passing on their duties and responsibilities to an incoming commander.

Brig. Gen. Colby Wyatt, director of the joint staff for the Oklahoma National Guard, passes the unit colors to Col. Johnnie Moss, incoming commander of the 45th Field Artillery Brigade, during a change of command ceremony held at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Mustang, Oklahoma, Jan. 7, 2023. Col. Thomas Gibson served as the commander of the 45th FAB for three years and relinquished command to Moss. (Oklahoma National Guard

The 1/135th Assault Helicopter Battalion conducted a change of command ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, on June 12, 2022. Change of command ceremonies are a formal recognition of an outgoing commander passing on their duties and responsibilities to an incoming commander.

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.

Col. Matthew S. Woodruff (left), Ohio assistant adjutant general for Army, receives a salute from Sgt. 1st Class Lucas Budd a member of Engineer Advisor Team 6522, 5th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Regiment, after presenting Budd with the Meritorious Service Medal during a welcome home ceremony at the Defense Supply Center Columbus, in Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 6, 2022. Team 6522 was the first from the 5-54th SFAR, which was stood up in 2019, to be activated for federal service when it was ordered to duty in February 2022.

U.S. Army Capt. Nicholas J. Hedlesky, outgoing commander of Signal, Intelligence, and Sustainment Company, receives a challenge coin from U.S. Army Lt. Col. John C. Hately, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, before the change of command ceremony in Poznan, Poland, July 1st 2022. SIS Co. 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, Americas forward deploy corps in Europe.

U.S. Army Col. Randy Lau, brigade commander, 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, passes the guide on during the change of command ceremony to Capt. Levi Rowley, incoming commander of HHC, 79th IBCT, at Kearny Mesa Armory, Calif., on June 4, 2022. The change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from one commanding officer to another.

A change of command ceremony for the 152nd Security Forces Squadron (SFS) was held Feb. 3, 2024 at the Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nev. Col. Justin Galli presided over the ceremony as previous 152nd SFS commander Col. Shaun Cruze relinquished command to Maj. Lewis Roberts.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Andrew R. Colburn, Senior Enlisted Advisor with the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Europe holds the unit colors during the assumption of responsibility ceremony, Sep 15, 2022 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Colburn assumed responsibility from Master Sgt. Charles W. Douglas.

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.

Alaska Air and Army National Guardsmen return to Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept. 30 from assisting Nome community residents affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of storm-related debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Betts, the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, shakes hands with Senior Master Sgt. Justin Seals, the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron operations flight superintendent, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Leaders with the 378th AEW gathered to congratulate Seals on his selection for the rank of chief master sergeant.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Corey Gause, center, hands the 167th Mission Support guidon to Col. Christopher Sigler, 167th Airlift Wing commander, as he accepts command of the 167th MSG during a ceremony held in the dining facility of the 167th Airlift Wing, Martinsburg, West Virginia, Sept. 10, 2022. Col. William Annie, right, relinquished command of the group to assume his new role as 167th AW vice wing commander.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 12 Combat Aviation Brigade, Soldiers and family gathering the Change of Command Ceremony from (left) CPT Victor L. Ripley passing the Flag to (center) Col. Patrick G. The ceremony took place at Katterbach Army Airfield, Ansbach, Germany, July 1, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Richard Odosso, 23rd Health Care Operations commander, center, assumes command during a change of command ceremony June 8, 2022, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The passing of the guidon to the new commander represents the assumption of responsibility and authority.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Cody Anderson, right, a logistics readiness officer with the 182nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, assumes command of the 182nd Force Support Squadron in Peoria, Illinois, Oct. 2, 2022. FSS provides services in personnel, promotions, education, training, recreation, and fitness.

U.S. Army Col. Christian M. Neary, third from left, takes charge as the 642nd Regional Support Group commander as he passes the unit colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Denise L. Demps, left, during the May 26, 2022, ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas. He replaces outgoing commander Col. Robert J. Coker, second from left, who brought the Reserve unit here from Decatur, Ga., to take on the duties of the Mobilization Support Brigade. This work includes supporting the mobilization and demobilization of Army Reserve and National Guard units from throughout the nation. Maj. Gen. Susan Henderson, right, commanding general of the 377th Theatre Support Command oversaw the event.

Lt. Col. Edward Williams, previous BGCA commander, and Lt. Col. Tyler McKee, BGCA commander, shake hands before returning to their seats after the passing of the colors.

Maj. Oliver P. Crisp, commander of the 462nd Movement Control Battalion, presents Gen. Mubarak Daheem, a Kuwait Ministry of Interior leader, with a certificate of appreciation at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, July 28, 2022. Kuwait Ministry of Interior provided police escorts for the 462nd MCB. The award was given during the 462nd MCB's Transfer of Authority Ceremony to honor their partnership during the 462nd MCB mobilization to Kuwait.

Maj. John Wilkinson accepts the 110th Security Forces Squadron guidon from 110th Mission Support Group Commander, Lt. Col. Daniel Guy, symbolizing his assumption of the role of commander of the 110th Security Forces Squadron at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich., June 5, 2022. Lt. Col. Gawrych relinquished command of the 110th Security Forces Squadron to Maj. John Wilkinson.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Task Force Santiago, a task force of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, place shoulder sleeve insignia on their counterparts during a shoulder sleeve insignia ceremony, June 22, 2022, at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq. The shoulder sleeve insignia, also known as the combat patch signifies a Soldier having served duty in a hostile environment or combat zone.

Col. Jade Beehler, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guards 64th Troop Command, shakes hands with Lt. Col. Seth Kaste after awarding him with the Meritorious Service Ribbon 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. Kelly assumes his new assignment as administrative officer and rear detachment commander for the Wisconsin Army National Guards 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. Incoming commander Lt. Col. Seth Kaste now leads the unit he previously served in. 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 Mi

(L-R) Colonel Kyle M. Hogan, CCAD Commander, transfers the depot flag to incoming CCAD Sergeant Major Jon L. Trawick, as Master Sergeant Joshua E. Mckee, Military Police Non-commissioned Officer in Charge stands at attention.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Curtis Buzzard, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, awards commemorative coins during to Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment during the Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRE) for the Kosovo Forces (KFOR) 33 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center near Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 7, 2023.The KFOR 33 MRE is a multinational training event conducted to prepare the 48th IBCT (GA ARNG) for their deployment to the Kosovo Regional Command East. 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment serves as the opposing force during the training event. Army

U.S. Air Force Col. Teresa Frank, 125th Mission Support Group commander, left, pins the Meritorious Service Medal on U.S. Air Force Maj. Ronald Harrelson, 125th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, during the 125th LRS change of command ceremony at the 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville, Florida, Jan. 6, 2024. Harrelson distinguished himself as a 125th FW wing inspector general from May 26, 2020 to Dec. 1, 2023. During this time he overhauled the United States Property and Fiscal Office and Air Force Audit Agency cessation process that led to the completion of nine audits and reduced closure time by 75%.

U.S. Air Force Col. Steven Nordeen, U.S. Air Forces Central surgeon general, left, presents a memento to Staff Sgt. Joshua Aretha, medical squadron aerospace medicine flight chief, at an undisclosed location within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Jan. 18, 2024. Nordeen visited the installation clinic to discuss future operation plans and thank Airmen for their dedication and hard work.

Msg John Larche, from AFSBn-Africa, passes the Army Field Support Battalion-Africa colors to Lt. Col. Miguel A. Flores Rivera, outgoing Commander Army Fields Support Battalion-Africa during the change of command ceremony June 10 at Leghorn Army Depot, Italy.

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.

U.S. Air Force Col. Bryan T. Callahan, 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and 435th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, presents Col. Jason M. Work, outgoing 435th Contingency Response Group commander, with The Legion of Merit for his services commanding the 435 CRG during a change of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 8, 2022.

Col. Justin L. Dearmond's first official act as the commander of the 408th Contracting Support Brigade is passing the colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Angella M. Beckford during the 408th CSB change of command and responsibility ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, July 15, 2022. The change of command and responsibility ceremony is part of Army heritage, celebrating the achievements of the outgoing commander and command sergeant major while welcoming the incoming leadership to the command.

U.S. Army Col. Deon D. Maxwell, commander (right) passes the unit colors to Master Sgt. Andrew R. Colburn, incoming Senior Enlisted Advisor (left) both with U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Europe, during a assumption of responsibility ceremony, Sep 15, 2022 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Colburn assumed responsibility from Master Sgt. Charles W. Douglas.

U.S. Army National Guard Maj. Jena Hutchinson(left), Lt. Col. Aaron Holt(middle), and Capt. Bryant Wine, bow their heads during the invocation at the 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Change of Command Ceremony, held at the Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, GA, August 7, 2022. Prayers were sent out, by Chaplain Sharonda Watson, to guardsmen and their families during the ceremony. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Kayden Bedwell.

Col. Brett A. Ayvazian (2nd from left), incoming commander of the Blue Grass Army Depot, takes the unit colors from Col. Landis C. Maddox (left), Commander of Joint Munitions Command. The passing of the unit colors is symbolic of passing command authority from the outgoing commander to the new commander.Col. Stephen D. Dorris, BGADs outgoing commander (2nd from right), and Command Sgt. Maj. Petra M. Casarez, Command Sergeant Major of Joint Munitions Command (far right), look on.Army Photo by Jana Felts, BGCA Public Affairs Specialist

The Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 89th Military Police Brigade conducts a change of responsibility at Fort Cavazos, Texas Jan. 29 2024. 1st Sgt. Jonathan Stilwell relinquished responsibility to 1st Sgt. Jason Garrison and will become the new 1st Sgt. for the 64th Military Police Company.

Staff Sgt. Justin Parrish, a contracting specialist assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron, is recognized for achieving the rank of technical sergeant, on July 22, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. 2022 was a lean year for those competing for the rank of technical sergeant, with only 16% of eligible candidates selected for promotion.

U.S. Army Col. Seth Morgulas, commander of the 369th Sustainment Brigade and Command Sgt. Maj. Curtis Moss, senior enlisted advisor to Morgulas uncase their brigades flag during a transfer of authority ceremony, Nov. 3, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The transfer of authority ceremony signifies the end of the responsibilities of Task Force Phoenix followed by the assumption of responsibility by Task Force Hellfighter.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson, commander of Air Education and Training Command, coins Tech. Sgt. Julian Rangel, defender with the 17th Security Forces Squadron, for his outstanding performance at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, August 11, 2022. Robinson recognized several Airmen for their efforts during his visit.

U.S. Army Soldiers with Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery Regiment, stand parade rest for a change of command ceremony on Sept. 18, 2022 at the Flemington National Guard Armory. Incoming battery commander Capt. Jennifer Wain replaced outgoing battery commander Capt. Clinton Bardley. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pfc. Michael Hayes)

U.S. ARMY JAPAN held a patching ceremony at Yano Field in CAMP ZAMAJAPAN on JUNE 17th, 2022, authorizing both U.S Army Soldiers and JapanSelf-Defense Force members to wear the new patch that symbolizes theirenduring bilateral relationship.

U.S. Army Col. Jacob Miller, 128th Aviation Brigade commander, briefs how training is conducted to Patrick Mason, the deputy assistant secretary of the Army for defense exports and cooperation, at Fort Eustis, Virginia, Nov. 30, 2022. Mason visited the Army aviation school house to become more familiar with day-to-day training.

U.S. Air Force Maj. James Miracle, 361st Expeditionary Attack Squadron Commander, relinquishes command to Maj. Nathan Timsuren, 361st Expeditionary Attack Squadron incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Oct. 7, 2022. A 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 361 EATKS operates and maintains remotely piloted aircraft in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Col. Christopher Schlak, 509th Mission Support Group commander(left), pins the Meritorious Service Medal on Lt. Col. Devin Sproston, 509th Bomb Wing Security Forces commander(right), at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 29, 2022. Whiteman security forces has a manning of almost 600 security police total on base.

Chief Master Sgt. Phillip L. Easton, outgoing Senior Enlisted Leader, passes the guide-on to U.S. Air Force Gen. Tod D. Wolters in a change of responsibility ceremony for U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany, Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Command Sgt. Maj. Robert V. Abernethy, a South Carolina native, assumed responsibility from Easton, who served as the commands top enlisted adviser since August 2019.

Col. Kevin Little, Commander of the 404 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade presents Illinois Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Chris Murdoch, an Air and Missile Defense Systems Integrator Warrant Officer with the Normal, Ill.-based brigade, with the Meritorious Service Medal. Murdoch retired after 30 years of military service during a ceremony at the Illinois National Guards Normal Readiness Center on Nov. 5.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jeremy, the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing deputy commander passes the 378th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Guidon to Maj. Bradley McNamara, the new 378th EAMXS commander, during a change of command ceremony, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nov 29, 2022. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that signifies the formal transfer of authority and command responsibility of a unit from one officer to another.

Official Passing of Colors during the 1st Signal Brigade Relinquishment of Responsibility Ceremony held at Camp Humphreys, Republic of South Korea, On December 2, 2022. (Photo by Sgt. Alex Estrada/1st Signal Brigade Public Affairs Office)

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. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Riggs, 173rd Communications Flight, was coined by the Oregon Adjutant General, Major General Michael Stencel, Apr. 4, 2023 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Riggs was recognized for his dedicated work in modernizing the base network infrastructure ensuring a secured network.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Samuel Logan, 312th Training Squadron commander, places a suicide awareness patch on the uniform of Staff Sgt. Robert Kirkpatrick, 312th TRS instructor at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 8, 2022. Members of the 312th TRS designed the patch, which was lauded for its design and message from several Air and Space Force leaders, who also approved its wear on occupational camouflage uniforms.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Todd Arthur, assumes command of the 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron, from Brig. Gen. William Betts, commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, during an Assumption of Command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 8, 2022. The primary purpose of an assumption of command is for subordinates to witness an officer formally assume responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit. These ceremonies preserve the tradition of military service and stimulate unit esprit de corps.

U.S. Army Capt. Jennifer Wain holds the guidon at a change of command ceremony on Sept. 18, 2022 at the Flemington National Guard Armory. Capt. Jennifer Wain replaced Capt. Bradley who was promoted to another assignment in the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pfc. Michael Hayes)

Tech Sgt. Seth Purdy, 127th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, Kansas Air National Guard, is awarded the Army Achievement Medal by Brig. Gen. Michael R. Cleveland, Assistant Adjunct General, Mississippi National Guard at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Feb. 21, 2024. Purdy received this award for his efforts during PATRIOT 24 exercise. PATRIOT is a Domestic Operations disaster-response training exercise conducted by National Guard units working with federal, state and local emergency management agencies and first responders. Air National Guard

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Daniel (left), the departing senior enlisted leader for the 781st Military Intelligence Battalion (Cyber), relinquished his authority as the keeper of the colors to Lt. Col. Donald Sedivy, the battalion commander, during a change of responsibility ceremony at the post theater, January 23.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Karl Agudo, outgoing commander of the 378th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron, relinquishes command to Brig. Gen. William Betts, commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, during the unit's change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 24, 2022. During the change of command ceremony Maj. Jacques Lamoureux assumed command. The primary purpose of a change of command is for subordinates to witness an officer formally assume responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit. These ceremonies preserve the tradition of military service and stimulate unit esprit de corps.

Col. Janelle Kutter, incoming Eastern Sector commander, holds the unit flag during the change of command ceremony June 23 at USMEPCOM headquarters in North Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Israel Molina)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mikael Sundin, 1st Air Force Command Chief, gives a challenge coin to Tech. Sgt. Cody Gorsuch, a crew chief, assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing Aerospace Control Alert mission, at the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, July 6, 2022. Sundin visited the 180FW to speak with Airmen and reinforce the importance of the 180FWs role in NORADs Homeland Defense mission, maintaining robust capabilities to defend the airspace over Canada, Alaska, and the continental U.S.

The 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade held an assumption of responsibility of Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Adkins on July 19, 2022. He assumed responsibility of the the brigade from Command Sgt. Maj. Brandi Whitman of 4-2 Attack Battalion, who had been operating as the Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. for three months.

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, cases 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. Soldiers with Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Pennsylvania Army National Guard receive Pennsylvania House Citations recognizing Sept. 20, 2022 as National Guard and Veterans Day in Pennsylvania during a ceremony in Edward Martin Hall. Lt. Col. Keith McKeon, Capt. Francis Killeen and Sgt. 1st Class Natasha Dexter were personally presented the citations by Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, and Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, Deputy Adjutant General- Army. Staff Sgt. Richard Koontz and Warrant Officer Heather Ranft were also recognized but were unable to attend.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, coins Staff Sgt Jacob Allen, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft Craftsman, Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 9, 2024. He was coined for his actions such as identifying and replacing a faulty starter-generator while on temporary duty travel during an Agile Combat Employment Exercise. His actions avoided the pack up and shipment of the aircraft and enabled four sorties to support a joint forces exercise. He also while deployed witnessed a major vehicle accident, assessed the scene, removed the driver from the vehicle and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until emergency services arrived.

From right: U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brian Fitzpatrick, outgoing 375th Security Forces Squadron commander, relinquishes command during a change of command ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, June 21, 2022. Fitzpatrick led 240 total force Airmen for an array of mission sets ranging from Military Working Dogs to Standardizations and Evaluations.

1st Air Cavalry Brigade commander, Col. Reggie Harper, congratulates outgoing 615th Aviation Support Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Nick Ryan during an award ceremony prior to the battalion change of command, Stock Barracks Germany, June 8, 2022.

Major Eric R. Mast, the new commander of the 380th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, receives the guidon from Col. Brian T. Hobbins, the deputy commander of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, during a change of command ceremony August 5, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Masts previous command was at the 844th Communications Squadron at the Pentagon, Washington D.C.

U.S. Army Col. Anthony Nesbitt (left), Army Medical Logistics Command commander pins the Legion of Merit Medal on Col. Shane A. Roach (right), outgoing USAMMC-E commander, prior to a change of command & relinquishment of responsibility ceremony, July 8, 2022 at Kaiserslautern, Germany. Col. Deon D. Maxwell Sr. assumed command of the unit from Roach and Master Sgt. Charles W. Douglas assumed responsibility from Sgt. Maj. Francis V. Famularcano.

USACE Northwest Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Van Epps, visits Portland Districts emergency control center for operation blue roof, a program that provides temporary roof coverage for homeowners in Florida that were affected by hurricane Ian. Volunteers answer phones and field questions from residents affected by hurricane Ian.

The South Carolina National Guard held a changing of the stole ceremony at the Adjutant General Complex auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, July 9, 2022. U.S. Army Chaplain (Col.) Norris Darden, Jr., South Carolina National Guard senior state chaplain, passed the stole to incoming chaplain, U.S. Army Chaplain (Lt. Col.) James Davidson, South Carolina National Guard. The transferring of the stole is similar to the passing of a unit's guidon during a change of command ceremony. The changing of the stole demonstrates the responsibility for spiritual leadership and pastoral care passing from one chaplain to another.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jeannine Ryder, left, 59th Medical Wing and Market Director, San Antonio Military Health System, USAF Col. David Walmsley, middle, out-going commander, 59th Training Group and USAF Col. Michael Blowers, in-coming commander, execute the guidon exchange during the change of command, June 24, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jaime Lopez, the senior enlisted advisor for 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, shakes hands with Sgt. 1st. Class Christopher Fort, a newly inducted member of the Sgt. Audie Murphy Club, during a SAMC induction ceremony at Cashe Garden at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sept. 28, 2022. Members of the prestigious club exemplify leadership characterized by personal concern for the needs, training, development and welfare of Soldiers and concern for their Families.

Maj. Gen. David Francis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, presents a challenge coin to Sgt. 1st Class Elena Hoesley, a 1st Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment senior drill sergeant, at the 1st Aviation Brigade Headquarters July 18, 2022, Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Freed, a human intelligence collector with Bravo Company of the 260th Military Intelligence Battalion, received 1st place for the overall rifle and pistol marksmanship category, and for that he received the Florida Commendation Medal during the concluding award ceremony for the 2022 Adjutant General (TAG) match, September 11th, 2022, at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Florida. (U.S. Army Photo PFC. Cory Schreiner)

U.S. ARMY JAPAN held a patching ceremony at Yano Field in CAMP ZAMAJAPAN on JUNE 17th, 2022, authorizing both U.S Army Soldiers and JapanSelf-Defense Force members to wear the new patch that symbolizes theirenduring bilateral relationship.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David Olejarz, 128th Civil Engineer senior enlisted leader, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal during a ceremony held at the 128th Air Refueling Wing, Milwaukee, Feb. 4, 2024. The Bronze Star Medal is awarded for meritorious service in a combat zone. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Angelique Conley, I73rd Fighter Wing Comptroller Flight, was coined by the Oregon Adjutant General, Major General Michael Stencel, Apr. 4, 2023 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Conley was recognized for her excellence and diverse knowledge in the finance career field, as well as her volunteerism in the local community.

Cpt. Andrew Pfeiffer, commander, Bravo Big Windy Company, 1st Battalion (General Support) 214th Aviation Regiment, middle, is handed the colors by 1st. Sgt. Edmund Brock, outgoing First Sergeant, Bravo Big Windy Company, 1st Battalion (General Support) 214th Aviation Regiment, at the Relinquishment of Responsibility Ceremony, Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany, June 16, 2022. The 1-214th GSAB recently returned from working alongside NATO Allies and partners in Poland. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas Forward Deployed Corps in Europe. They work alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retain command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater.

U.S. Soldiers from Headquarters & Headquarters Battalion, Americas First Corps receive awards for their assistance during the 2022 corps warfighter exercise, on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Nov. 5, 2022.

U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel J. Littleton (left), a CBRN specialist and motor pool specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, General Support Aviation Battalion, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, 36th Infantry Division, is introduced to 36th CAB command team by Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Hill, command sergeant major of 2-149th GSAB "Task Force Roosevelt," during a command and staff meeting held at the 36th CAB headquarters in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022. Littleton, a native of Lewisville, TX, was recognized as "Hero of the Week" by 36th CAB "Task Force Mustang" and presented a Certificate of Achievement by the brigade command team for his valuable contributions in coordinating, tracking, and moving HHC's entire company's rolling stock with a relentless work ethic, resulting in 2-149th GSAB's "Task Force Roosevelt" readiness.

Gen. Anthony Cotton, United States Strategic Commandcommander, presents a commanders coin to Airman 1stClass Keera Nickodem, 40th Helicopter Squadron flightengineer, during the 2022 Omaha Trophy presentation atMalmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., June 28, 2023.Nickodem received her coin for identifying a criticalmalfunction, preventing the loss of an UH-1N Huey andfour-person crew.

Col. Nancy Parson (center), outgoing commander, passes the Weed Army Community Hospital colors to Brig. Gen. E. Darrin Cox, commanding general of Regional Health Command - Central, signifying the relinquishment of command of Weed ACH July 6, during a change of command ceremony at Weed ACH on Fort Irwin, Calif. (Photo by Kimberly Hackbarth/ Fort Irwin Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Nathan J. Seering, first sergeant for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, congratulates Soldiers during their promotion ceremony at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, June 3, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

U.S. Air Force Col. Clinton Wilson, left, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, applauds as Col. Jeremy Ponn, incoming commander of the 387th Air Expeditionary Group, stands at attention during an assumption of command ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 30, 2022. Col. Jeremy Ponn, incoming commander, 387th AEG, succeeded Col. Josh Pyers, outgoing commander, 387th AEG.

U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division conduct a change of command ceremony on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, on May 27, 2022. The ceremony represented the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from Lt. Col. Albert J. Goldberg to Lt. Col. Brian T. Spillane.

4th Cavalry "Saber" Brigade Commander Col. Timothy Gallagher presides over the Change of Command Ceremony for 4th Battalion, 409th Regiment, 4th Cavalry Brigade, 1st Army Division East, Battalion at the General George Patton Museum of Leadership, where Packhorse Commander Lt. Col. Latrina Lee relinquished command to Lt. Col. Carlos Rivas.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Richard Laca, 43rd Force Support Squadron commander, assumes command from Col. Joseph Vanoni, 43rd Air Mobility Operations Group commander, July 8, 2022, at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina. During the ceremony, the 43rd Air Base Squadron was deactivated and renamed the 43 FSS as part of an overall reorganization to better align what Team Pope does with its mission and other Air Force locations.(U.S. Air Force Photo/Jim Bove)

Outgoing Deputy Commanding General-Support, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Geoffrey A. Norman receives a folded flag from U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Jason Wright, president of the Fort Riley Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, during the Victory With Honors ceremony at Victory Hall on Fort Riley, Kansas, June 24, 2022. The flag was flown over division headquarters on the last day of Normans tenure as DCG-S.

Ali Al Salem Base Honor Guard members present the 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron flag during the 407th EOSS change of command ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 2, 2022. Lt. Col. Jeffrey Greensfelder, outgoing commander of the 407th EOSS, led Airmen and Department of Defense contractors to conduct airfield operations, air traffic control, navigational aid maintenance, wing intelligence and wing weather across two airfields.

On 15 April, 2022, Maj. Gen. Maria B. Barrett (left), NETCOM Commanding General pinned the Purple Heart Medal on Staff Sgt. Charles Gipson (right), NETCOM G1 Operations and Command Programs NCO. Gipson received the medal for wounds he received in action during an Iranian missile attack while forward deployed to Al-Asad Air Base, Iraq in January of 2020

Maj. Macharia Davis assumes command of the District of Columbia National Guard Joint Force Headquarters - Higher Headquarters Detachment, during a Change of Command Ceremony at the D.C. Armory, Feb. 4, 2023. The ceremony symbolized the transfer of command between outgoing commander Maj. LeJuan Strickland and incoming commander Maj. Davis. Brig. Gen. Leland Blanchard, commander, D.C. National Guard Land Component Command (LCC) presided over the ceremony. Air National Guard

Sgt. Maj. Joseph O. Richardson (left) prepares to pin Maj. Michael C. Fancher with the Master EOD Badge during a ceremony at the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command Headquarters, Aug. 26. A native of Holton, Indiana, Fancher serves as a training and exercises planner at the 20th CBRNE Command. U.S. Army photo by Marshall R. Mason.

Maj. Gen. Michel M. Russell Sr., commanding general, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, pins the Legion of Merit medal on Col. Charles S. Lockwood, commander, Area Support Group-Kuwait, during a ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, July 15, 2022. Lockwood relinquished command to Col. Martin A. Wohlgemuth, during their change of command ceremony later that morning.

U.S. Army Sgt. Daniel J. Littleton, a CBRN specialist and motor pool specialist assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, General Support Aviation Battalion, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, 36th Infantry Division (right), receives a congratulations by Command Sgt. Maj. Robert W. Hartzog, command sergeant major of the 36th CAB, "Task Force Mustang," during a command and staff meeting held at the Task Force Mustang headquarters in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022. Littleton, a native of Lewisville, TX, was recognized as Task Force Mustang's "Hero of the Week" and was presented a Certificate of Achievement by the brigade command team for his valuable contributions in coordinating, tracking, and moving his entire company's rolling stock with a relentless work ethic, in order to support of 2-149th GSAB's "Task Force Roosevelt" readiness.

U.S. Army Capt. Zachary B. Griffin, 42d Transportation Company receives the guidon from Maj. Brendan T. Collins, 39th Transportation Battalion, Executive Officer, officially recognized as the commander of the 42d TC during the activation ceremony, Oct. 14, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany

Ohio Air National Guard leadership from around the state attend a change of command ceremony at the Toledo Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Chad Holesko assumed command of the 180th Fighter Wing from Col. Michael DiDio.

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.

The 2nd Infantry Division Artillery conducted a change of command ceremony July 6, 2022 on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea. Col. David Pasquale, the outgoing commander, relinquished his responsibilities to Col. Alexander Lee during the ceremony.

Today the Minnesota National Guard recognized members of the Minnesota National Guards Saint Paul-based 133rd Airlift Wing and Duluth based 148th Fighter Wing will gather in support of their 2021 and 2022 Outstanding Airman of Year nominees. Each unit selected candidates based on job performance, leadership, community involvement, and personal achievement during the previous year. The awards honor the Airmens accomplishments and highlight their dedication and devotion to duty.The following Airmen will be recognized for 2021: Master Sgt. Jay Jakeway (Senior Noncommissioned Officer)Master Sgt. Shannon Housey (First Sergeant)Staff Sgt. Alaina Lathrop (Noncommissioned Officer)Senior Airman Benjamin Swenson (Airman)Capt. Brent Shouler (Company Grade Officer)The Outstanding Airmen for 2022 to be recognized will be:Master Sgt. Shane Trisco (Senior Noncommissioned Officer)Master Sgt. Sterling Hartwick (First Sgt.)Tech. Sgt. Michael Schuette (Noncommissioned Officer)Senior Airman Madison Moritz

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brian Evinger, right, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, gives the guidon flag to Col. Scott Grover, left, 432nd Maintenance Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, May, 10, 2022. Evinger relinquished command of the 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron to Lt. Col. Robert.

U.S. Army Col. Brian J. Stramaglia, left, commander, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, 1st Sgt. Thomas A. Calvo, center, and Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin P. Kirkpatrick, prepare to case the IBCTs colors during the 44th IBCTs farewell ceremony at the Cure Insurance Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, Jan. 14, 2024. More than 1,500 NJARNG Soldiers will deploy in support of U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - ISIS - in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks. It is the largest deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers since 2008. (New Jersey National Guard

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Hayes Jr. (right), renders his final salute as the 5th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron commander to U.S. Air Force Col. Henry Schantz, 18th Operations Group commander, during the 5th EACCS inactivation ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Prior to inactivation, the 5th EACCS delivered command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance across the United States Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility.

Lt. Col. Justin L. Darnell, commander, Army Field Support Battalion - Korea, greets Brig. Gen. Joseph Dcosta, deputy commanding general - sustainment, Eighth Army, following the AFSBn-Korea assumption of command ceremony at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, July 8.

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, salute a Soldier Cross memorial erected in honor of Pfc. Alyssa Cahoon Sept. 16 at the Main Post Chapel. Cahoon attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson with her identical twin sister when she collapsed during a training event and passed away five days later surrounded by her sister and Family.

U.S. Air Force Col. Robert McAllister, the A2/3/5 director assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, awards Lt. Col. Ralph Foshee, the commander of the 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron, furl the 968th EAACS colors during the units inactivation ceremony on Sept. 29, 2022, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The 968th EAACS flew its last sortie, until reactivation, in AFCENTs area of responsibility on Sept. 23, 2022. The Panthers accomplished their mission but will be back again when needed.

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