Change of Command Ceremonies

Photos depict military change of command and leadership ceremonies, showcasing the transfer of responsibilities among service members.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Oranjel Leavy, back right, the outgoing sergeant major of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Sgt. Maj. John Schlaud, front right, the incoming sergeant major of the 15th MEU prepare to pass the noncommissioned officer sword, signifying the change in leadership during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 6, 2023. During the ceremony, Leavy transferred responsibility, authority, and accountability as sergeant major of the 15th MEU to Schlaud.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Oranjel Leavy, back right, the outgoing sergeant major of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Sgt. Maj. John Schlaud, front right, the incoming sergeant major of the 15th MEU prepare to pass the noncommissioned officer sword, signifying the change in leadership during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 6, 2023. During the ceremony, Leavy transferred responsibility, authority, and accountability as sergeant major of the 15th MEU to Schlaud.

The New Jersey National Guard Color Guard render honors during the 2022 New Jersey National Guard Military Review in Sea Girt, New Jersey, Oct. 16, 2022. New Jersey National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are reviewed annually by New Jerseys governor in this 130-year-old event.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, right, the commanding general, Sgt. Maj. Todd Colwell, middle, the incoming sergeant major, and Sgt. Maj. Daniel Krause, left, the outgoing sergeant major, all with 2d Marine Division, salute the formation during a pass and review as part of a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 18, 2022. After 2 years serving the division, Sgt. Maj. Krause moves on to be the sergeant major for Defense Information Systems Agency.

U.S. Marines with Air Support Company Bravo (ASC-B), Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS) 2, stand at parade rest during a change of command at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 17, 2023. During the ceremony, Capt. Dung Q. Nguyen passed command of ASC-B to Capt. Charles L. Lejeune. MASS-2s ASC-B is a newly activated company, in line with the commandant of the Marine Corps force design 2030, which combines air support, communications, and electronic capabilities to better task and organize the mission of MASS-2.

The color guard detachment assigned to the "Spartan Brigade," 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, marches during the pass in review as part of 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, change of command ceremony on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 16, 2022. The Spartan Brigade will complete reception and qualification on all its modernized vehicle platforms in the fall of 2022, and the 3rd ID will be complete its modernization in 2023, fulfilling the Army's modernization priority.

U.S. Army Central's Senior Enlisted Advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. J. Garza, escorts the colors during USARCENT's change of command ceremony at Patton Hall's Lucky Park, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., July 7, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Emanuel Hudson gives his remarks during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 28, 2022. The ceremony symbolized the passing of trust and confidence from the outgoing sergeant major of MASS-2, 1st Sgt. Jessica Davila, to the incoming sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Emanuel Hudson.

Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Gonzales commands a formation during an activation ceremony on Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 7. This ceremony activated Delta Battery, 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment.

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

U.S. Army Soldiers prepare to perform the ceremonial passing of the flag during a change-of-command ceremony on Fort Hood, Texas, July 15, 2022. The tradition represents the transfer of authority between commanders.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber salutes during his change of command and retirement ceremony for Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Aug. 5, 2022 Col. Mikel Huber relinquished command to Col. Brendan Burks, and retired after 29 years of honorable service.

Airmen from the 335th Training Squadron march to their dormitories after class at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 18, 2022. The 335th TRS trains Airmen in the weather, financial management, manpower and personnel, education and training and force support career fields.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. William Vernon, 325th Security Forces Squadron formation flight commander, commands a formation at an opening ceremony for National Police Week, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 9, 2022. Tyndall paid homage to National Police Week during an opening ceremony, complete with presenting the colors, playing the national anthem and reciting the security forces prayer.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, right, the outgoing commanding general of 2d Marine Division (MARDIV), receives the division colors from Sgt. Maj. Todd Colwell, the division sergeant major of 2d MARDIV, at a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 18, 2022. During the ceremony, Donovan relinquished command of the division to Brig. Gen. Calvert Worth.

Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Carbone passes the squadron colors to Lt. Col. Mark Bush during a change of command ceremony at Rose Barracks, Vilseck Germany, June 16, 2022. Lt. Col Mark Bush relinquished command of 3rd Squadron 2nd Cavalry Regiment to Lt. Col. Peter Erickson.

U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, Ohio state command chief, speaks to Airmen from the 123rd Air Control Squadron and the 269th Combat Communications Squadron about the importance of training and readiness June 8, 2022 during Agile Rage 22 at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan. Agile Rage 22 focuses on annual currency and proficiency items, future concepts, and maintaining a war-ready posture for members of the Air National Guard.

U.S. Marines with Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLANT), Marine Forces Command (MARFORCOM), Marine Forces Northern Command (MARFOR NORTHCOM) prepare to present colors during the FMFLANT, MARFORCOM, MARFOR NORTHCOM change of command ceremony at the Naval Station Norfolk Pennsylvania House, Virginia, Aug. 30, 2022. FMFLANT, MARFORCOM and MARFOR NORTHCOM provide support to the combatant commander by representing Marine Corps capabilities and interests over all assigned and attached Marine Corps forces. The unit also coordinates Marine Corps-Navy integration of operational initiatives and advises Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command on support to Marine Corps forces assigned to U.S. Navy ships, bases and installations.

Col. Josh Bookout, right, commander of 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division hands the brigade colors to his new senior enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Shaun Curry during the change of responsibility ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 7, 2022. Curry assumes responsibility following his previous assignment to 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.

Maj. Gen. Gregory Anderson receives the guidon from Lt. Gen. Paul T. Calvert, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, during the 10th Mountain Division (LI) change of command ceremony Sept. 9 on Sexton Field. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

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U.S. Marines with 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division, and members of the Northern Army, Japan Self-Defense Force, participate in the opening ceremony for exercise Resolute Dragon 22 at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 1, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

Maj. Gen. Milford H. Beagle Jr., commanding general for the 10th Mountain Division, passes the 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade colors to Col. Fenicia L. Jackson, May 31, 2022, during the brigades change of command ceremony on May 31, 2022, at Memorial Park on Fort Drum, New York. During the Ceremony, Colonel Erin C. Miller relinquished command to Jackson. (U.S. Army Photos by Spc. Anastasia Rakowsky)

Sgt. 1st. Class Jason Lorditch, the outgoing detachment sergeant, and the 274th Movement Control Team, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, salute during a change of command ceremony on Fort Stewart, Georgia. Dec. 9, 2022. During a change of command ceremony, the outgoing commander symbolically relinquishes responsibility and authority by handing over the unit guidon or colors so that they will be received by the incoming commander.

Staff Sgt. Christian Fuentes motivates recruits with Company F, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, as he moves down the rows during the senior drill instructor inspection at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 23, 2013. The purpose of the inspection is to provide drill instructors an opportunity to test recruits in multiple areas, to include their uniforms.

U.S. Soldiers with the Regional Health Command Europe participate in a change of command ceremony, June 1, 2022 at Kirchberg Kaserne, Landstuhl, Germany. Brig. Gen. Clinton Murray assumed command of the unit from Brig. Gen. Mark Thompson.

The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) color guard presents the colors during the official ceremony of the 78th year commemoration of Operation Market Garden at Sint-Oedenrode, Netherlands, Sept. 18, 2022. As the Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) commemorate Market Garden 78, the 101st will continue to remain committed to collective defense and cooperative security alongside European allies and partners.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Joseph Hilbert (right) entrusts the unit guidon to the inbound Joint Multinational Readiness Center Commander of Operations Group, Col. Justin Reese (left) in Hohenfels, Germany Aug. 11, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

U.S. Army Col. Bruce Bredlow, commander of troops, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command execute a pass and review 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.

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

(Left to right) U.S. Army Col. Thomas B. Bull Smith, the outgoing commander of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, the commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, and U.S. Army Col. Bryan M. Harris, the incoming commander of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, serve as the official party during a change of command ceremony May 25, 2022, Fort Riley, Kansas. The ceremony was held to honor Smith as the outgoing 2ABCT commander, and to welcome Harris as the incoming 2ABCT commander.

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U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Brubaker, incoming commander of 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment, salutes 222d Aviation Regiment Soldiers during a change of command ceremony June 15, 2022 at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

U.S. Soldiers with 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division perform a battalion change of command ceremony, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 15, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT 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.

Lt. Col. Latoya Manzey, battalion commander of 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division addresses the U.S. Soldiers with 588th BEB, 3/4th ABCT, during the battalion change of command ceremony, Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, June 15, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT 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.

Lt. Col. James E. Perkins, center right, incoming commander of the "Mustang Squadron," 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, receives the unit colors from Col. Ethan J. Diven, center left, commander of the "Spartan Brigade," 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, after receiving the colors from Lt. Col. Thomas E. Lamb, far left, the outgoing commander of the 6th Sqn., 8th Cav. Regt., 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, during the squadron's change of command ceremony on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 27, 2022. The passing of the colors signifies the transfer of command and with it the responsibility for the readiness and welfare of the unit's Soldiers and Families.

U.S. Army Capt. Elijah Eyoto, incoming commander, 66th Transportation company, stands in front of his company, during the Change of Command ceremony at, Kleber Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany, on Jan. 8, 2024.

Lt. Col. Jodie L. Kunkel, outgoing commander, 82nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division passes the brigade colors to Col. Bryan M. Harris, commander, 2ABCT, 1ID during a change of command ceremony, Jan. 23, 2023, Zagan, Poland. The 2/1 is among other units assigned to the 1 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.

Lt. Col. Eric Megerdoomian salutes the squadron adjutant in preparation of casing the squadron colors.

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

The U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Color Guard and Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen LaRocque render honors during a change of command ceremony, July 22, 2022, in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Col. Reid E. Furman assumed command of the unit from Lt. Col. Jeremy A. McHugh.

U.S. Marine Corps GySgt Eric Nelson, the supply chief of 4th Marine Corps District (4MCD), salutes the flag during his retirement ceremony at New Cumberland, Pa., Sept. 2, 2022. GySgt Nelson served in the United States Marine Corps for twenty years which includes his participation in deployments to the middle east all the way to recruiting command.

Various University and Colleges ROTC Units were here at Fort Dix, New Jersey competing in the 2022 ROTC Ranger Challenge. On the final day the Closing Ceremonies were held on Fort Dix, NJ. (Images are provided by the Fort Dix (TSC) Training Support Center / Daniel Amburg)

Members of the Joint Intelligence Operations Center Europe Analytic Center present a final salute during a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Molesworth, England, July 7, 2022. The change of command ceremony is rooted in military history dating back to the 18th century representing the relinquishing of power from one officer to another.

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger salutes II Marine Expeditionary Force during its change of command ceremony, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., August 18, 2022. Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney relinquished command to Lt. Gen. David A. Ottignon.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney, outgoing commanding general, II Marine Expeditionary Force, relinquishes the II MEF colors to Lt. Gen. David A. Ottignon, the oncoming commanding general, II MEF, during the change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, August 18, 2022.

Leaders from the 501st Combat Support Wing salute U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, at RAF Croughton, England, Dec. 7, 2022. The 3rd AF command team visited multiple installations throughout the 501st Combat Support Wing to recognize and speak with Airmen and civilians from across the wing.

1AD CAB as we conduct a change of command ceremony for 1-501 AB, where LTC Cameron Gallagher will relinquish command to LTC Lucas Kennedy.Photo by: Sgt. Isaiah Laster

Color Guards render a salute during the National anthem of the United States of America and French National Anthem, La Marseillaise, June 2, 2022, during the 2nd Armored Division Plaque Dedication Ceremony, at Mairie de Carentan-les-Marais, Carentan, France. Soldiers stand in formation to honor the Flag and Unit colors. In June 1944, the 101st Airborne liberated Carentan which the German army resisted and the 2nd Armored Division made it possible to win the fight; This essential feat of arms was honored on Thursday, June 2, 2022, by the inauguration of a plaque at the Signal monument.

Marines display the flag during the national anthem at the 81st Training Group drill down on the Levitow Training Support Facility drill pad at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Sept 16, 2022. Keesler trains more than 30,000 students each year. While in training, Airmen are given the opportunity to volunteer to learn and execute drill down routines.

Paratroopers across the 82nd Airborne Division finish the 12 mile road march, complete a weapons test, and recieve their E3B on Fort Bragg, NC, April 7, 2023. 371 Paratroopers and Soldiers across multiple units and locations successfully completed E3B.

Col. Chad Roehrman, commander of 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, hands the brigade guidon to Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Lathan during the change of responsibility ceremony for incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond Lathan and outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Szymaszek on July 28, 2022 on Lancer Field at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

A U.S. Marine Corps color guard with 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, marches the regimental colors at a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Dec. 2, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Charles C. Nash, the outgoing commander of 3/2, relinquished command to Lt. Col. John F. Campbell.

The 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command color guard team marches in the Rolling Meadows Independence Day parade, July 4, 2022. The color guard, based in Arlington Heights, Illinois, participated in the parade event presenting the Nations Colors.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael E. Cedeno, the sergeant major of Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, renders a salute to Brig. Gen. Jason G. Woodworth, the commanding general of MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, during the appointment ceremony for Sgt. Maj. Fausto H. Cabrera, the incoming sergeant major for MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, at the Santa Margarita Ranch House on Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26, 2023. Sgt. Maj. Cabrera now stands as the most senior enlisted Marine of MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, which is comprised of five Marine Corps bases and stations in the southwestern United States.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ian J. Jarvis, commander of the 79th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Battalion, 71st Ordinance Group, 20th CBRNE Command, passes the unit colors to incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher A. Simpson, 79th EOD, during a Change of Responsibility ceremony at the Cavalry Parade Field, Fort Riley, Kansas, August 18, 2022. The passing of the colors symbolizes the special trust and confidence given to Simpson. The change of responsibility is a simple yet traditional event that is rich with symbolism and heritage. The cornerstone of the ceremony is the passing of the colors.

Oklahoma National Guard Lt. Col. Tonia Toben relinquishes her command of the 345th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion to Lt. Col. Darrin Fox in a change of command ceremony held at Camp Gruber Training Center, near Braggs, Okla., May 14, 2022. Toben deployed to Iraq in 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the logistics and forward operating base mayor for two bases in Baghdad, Iraq. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Caleb Stone.)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 10th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, salute the flag during a redeployment ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 21, 2022. During their deployment, the 1st ABCT trained at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, and completed Combined Resolve XVII at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center with 11 other NATO allies and partners to enhance interoperability and readiness.

Soldiers of the 762nd Transportation Company applaud Sheila and Lorenzo Seaberry receiving the Soldier's Medal on behalf of their grandson, Spc. Tarik Seaberry.

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

U.S. Marines with The Basic School stand in formation during the Warfighting Instructor Battalion change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 10, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Erik C. Quist relinquished command to Lt. Col. Christopher D. Upton.

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 Brig. Gen. Clinton K. Murray (left) commander and Command Sgt. Maj. Omar A. Mascarenas (right), both with the Medical Readiness Command-Europe unfurl the new unit colors during the redesignation ceremony on Sep. 30, 2022 in Landstuhl, Germany. Regional Health Command-Europe redesignated to MRC-EUR.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Seth B. Folsom (center), Headquarters Battalion commanding officer, renders honors to Maj. Gen. Roger B. Turner (left) and Maj. Gen. Benjamin T. Watson during 1st Marine Divisions change of command ceremony at Camp Pendleton, California, July 8, 2022. The ceremony represented the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from Turner, the outgoing commanding general, to Watson.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools, participate in a change of command ceremony at Camp Johnson, N.C., June 15, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition in which one commander relinquishes authority to another.

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

U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 13 color guard present the unit colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, June 28, 2023. The ceremony signified the passing of responsibility of the squadron from Col. Chad A. Vaughn to Col. Roy J. Nicka.

Oklahoma Army National Guard Lt. Col. Tonia Toben relinquishes her command of the 345th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 90th Troop Command, to Lt. Col. Darrin Fox during a change of command ceremony held at Camp Gruber Training Center, near Braggs, Oklahoma, May 14, 2022. Toben served as the 345th CSSB commander for more than three years. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

U.S. Army Col. Bruce Bredlow, commander of troops, leads the colors during the 10th AAMDC, 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.

U.S. Marines present the colors during a deactivation ceremony for Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452, (VMGR) (Yankees), at Newburgh, New York, Dec. 2, 2022. The Marine Corps plans to activate VMGR-153 in fiscal year 2023. The squadron will be based at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

U.S. Airmen present arms as the U.S. flag is lowered during the fallen warrior retreat ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 22, 2024. The retreat ceremony was held to remember several fallen warriors. Air Force

Sgt. 1st Class Kellen Phillips (3rd from left), Virgin Islands National Guard 104th Troop Command Headquarters stands at attention during his promotion ceremony alongside Capt. Jamilah Ottley (1st from left), Capt. Marcus Sydney (2nd from left), and Maj. Jamie I. Cornelius (4th from left), at the armory compound, St. Croix, Jan. 21, 2023. Sgt. 1st Class Kellen Phillips is being promoted to the rank of 1st Seargent.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Thomas M. Siverts (left) and Col. James W. Lively (right), commanding officer, 11th Marine Exeditionary Unit, I Marine Expeditionary Force, salute during the pass and review of the unit's change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 2, 2022. The ceremony was held to relinquish command from Lively to Siverts.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jameson J. French, an intelligence surveillance recon system engineer with 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, receives a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and Good Conduct Medal from U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Thomas A. Kulisz, the commanding officer of 1st Intelligence Battalion, during an award ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 16, 2022. French received recognition for his actions as the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance System Engineer detachment assigned to the I Marine Expeditionary Force during Valiant Shield 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Steven McGettrick, the Headquarters Company Commander of II Marine Expeditionary Force Support Battalion salutes the colors during the II MSB change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 8, 2022. During the change of command ceremony, Lt. Col. Robert Fairley relinquished command of II MSB to Lt. Col. Brian Carthon.

Col. John A. Morris III and Command Sgt. Maj. Jermaine Baldwin case the brigade colors on Aug. 8 to signify deployment to Europe for Atlantic Resolve.

Soldiers from 11th Airborne Division sing the 11th Airborne Division Song on Pershing Field Sept. 30, 2022 after getting awarded their Expert Skills Badges for the Expert Field Medical, Expert Infantry or Expert Soldier Badge testing over the past three weeks. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Christopher B. Dennis/ 11th Airborne Division Public Affairs Office)

FORT HOOD, Texas - Soldiers of the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade uncased their colors here, Oct. 18, officially marking their return home following a six-month-long deployment to the Europe and the United States Central Command's. The 3rd SFABs recent rotation to Europe and the Middle East has been marked by a series of achievements, most notably the establishment of a multinational battle group in Slovakia. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Desmond Cassell)

U.S. Marines with 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division conduct a change of command ceremony on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, June 3, 2022. The ceremony represented the transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Col. Matthew Tracy to Col. Erick Clark

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.

Col. David Key, the commander of the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, passes the brigade colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey L. Campbell, the incoming senior enlisted advisor of the 3rd DSB, during a change of responsibility ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Jan. 11, 2023. The passing of the brigade colors signifies a change in leadership and responsibility and relinquishment of responsibility from the outgoing senior enlisted advisor.

Lt. Col. Nick Ryan returns the 615th Aviation Support Battalion colors to Col. Reggie Harper during the battalion change of command ceremony, Storck Brracks, Germany, June 8, 2022.

Soldiers assigned to the 16th Military Police Brigade return back to Fort Bragg, N.C. to reunite with their families June 27 following a five-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. The brigade was rapidly deployed to Europe in February to reinforce and reassure our NATO Allies.

JROTC cadets from various high schools receive instructions on how to perform a litter carry properly during the Maryland Army National Guard sponsored 1st Annual Raiders Challenge at Fairmont Heights High School in Landover, Maryland, on April 2, 2022. The cadets also competed in other events that tested their strength and ability to work as a team.

2nd Brigade Combat Team Color Guard sings the Screaming Eagles Song during a Casing of the Colors ceremony on Fort Campbell KY, June 16, 2022. 2nd Brigade will relieve the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division in Europe.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jeffery L. Starr, the outgoing commanding officer of 2d Intelligence Battalion, II MEF Information Group, salutes Col. Brian E. Russell, the commanding officer of II MIG, during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 28, 2022. During the ceremony, Starr relinquished command of 2d Intel Bn. to Lt. Col. Ruth E. Kehoe, the oncoming commanding officer of 2d Intel Bn.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ari Martyn, Squadron Commander of 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, returns the salute of Capt. Isak Visser, Commander of Bulldog Troop, signifying the conclusion of a Change of Command Ceremony at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Dec. 2, 2022.

U.S. Soldiers with the Medical Readiness Command-Europe attend a redesignation ceremony on Sep. 30, 2022 in Landstuhl, Germany. Regional Health Command-Europe redesignated to MRC-EUR.

U.S. Army Maj. Scott Shaffer, commander of troops, leads the colors during the United States Army North Atlantic Treaty Organization (USANATO) Brigade change of command ceremony, July 7, 2022 at Sembach, Germany. Col. Troy V. Alexander assumed command of the unit from Col. Miles T. Gengler.

U.S. Marines with the 2d Marine Division band perform at Lt. Col. Roger Hollidays retirement ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, July 1, 2022. Holliday retired on MCAS New River after 33 years of service in the United States Marine Corps.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William D. Betts, commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, addresses Airmen, Soldiers, and Guardians during a base all-call at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 6, 2022. This was the first time that Betts and Chief Master Sgt. Jessica McWain, command chief of the 378th AEW, were able to address the men and women of the Wing since taking command. During the all-call they encouraged service members to value a sense of purpose larger than themselves, empower their people and commit to always improve. In doing so they will be able to complete the Wings mission of defending the base, integrating follow-on forces, sustain combat operations and build internal and external relationships, with each other and PSABs host nation partners in the Royal Saudi Air Force.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sudan Baker, 344th Military Intelligence Battalion command sergeant major, marches with the Army Color Guard during the 344th MI BN change of command ceremony at Fort Concho, San Angelo, Texas, June 21, 2022. The Army Color Guard is responsible for presenting the colors during the National Anthem.

U.S. Air Force Maj. David Yu is officially recognized as commander of the 378th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron, during the unit's change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 6, 2022. The primary purpose of a change of command is for subordinates to witness an officer formally assume responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit. These ceremonies preserve the tradition of military service and stimulate unit esprit de corps.

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

Members of the official party move July 14, 2022, during the Fort McCoy Garrison change-of-command ceremony at Fort McCoy, Wis. Col. Stephen T. Messenger received the garrison flag from Brenda McCullough, director of Installation Management Command-Readiness signifying Messenger as the new garrison commander. Messenger replaces Col. Michael D. Poss who became the garrison commander June 10, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in a virtual change-of-command ceremony. Poss moves on to serve in a position at the 88th Readiness Division also at Fort McCoy. Messenger arrives after serving in his prior assignment as the director of engineering and logistics, J4, Joint Task Force Civil Support, Fort Eustis, Va., which was on the front lines of the nations COVID response.

Brooklyn N.Y. - U.S. Marines of 4th Marine Division, 2nd Battalion 25th Marine Regiment, H&S Company, stand at formation during a Home Training Center ribbon-cutting ceremony in Brooklyn, New York, Jan. 6, 2024. With the facility set to provide essential services and support, the ceremony highlights the ongoing dedication of Marines actively engaging with and uplifting the diverse communities they serve.

011019-A-6788L-001. Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Southeast

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, participate in religious services at Dona Ana Base Complex, New Mexico, Feb. 4. The 44th IBCT is conducting a training exercise at multiple sites on Fort Bliss, Texas. Army National Guard

Representatives from the United States and partnering nations take part in the 37th Tradewinds exercise opening ceremony May 7, 2022 at the British Army Training Support Unit Belize. Tradewinds 2022 is a multinational exercise designed to expand the Caribbean regions capability to mitigate, plan for, and respond to crises; increase regional training capacity and interoperability; develop new and refine existing standard operating procedures (SOPs); enhance ability to defend exclusive economic zones (EEZ); and promote human rights and adherence to shared international norms and values; fully integrate women into defense, peace and security missions; and increase maritime domain awareness to deter illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activities.

Maj. Gen. Todd Wasmund, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa commander, passes the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa colors to Command Sergeant Major Reese W. Teakell, incoming Command Sgt. Major., during the SETAF-AF Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, September 1, 2022.

Maj. Gen. Todd Wasmund, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa commander, passes the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa colors to Command Sergeant Major Reese W. Teakell, incoming Command Sgt. Major., during the SETAF-AF Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, September 1, 2022.

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