Change of Command Ceremonies

Images capture military change of command ceremonies, featuring officers in formal uniforms, saluting, and conducting rituals against various backdrops.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart, 19th Air Force commander, at right, receives the unit guidon from Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of Air Education Training Command, during the 19th Air Force change of command ceremony Aug. 19, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Stewart is responsible for monitoring production and oversees top level instruction and flying operations manning, contracts, logistics and maintenance trends.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Daniel McDonough, right, the incoming commander of the Illinois Air National Guard, takes the oath of office during change of command ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, June 7, 2022. McDonough then assumed command of the Illinois Air National Guard from Maj. Gen. Peter Nezamis.

040715-F-5646C-001. Base: RAF Mildenhall State: Suffolk Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Col. William Hunter, 81st Training Wing commander, applauds Maj. Christopher O'Dell, incoming 81st Comptroller Squadron commander, during the 81st CPTS Change of Command Ceremony in the Bay Breeze Event Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, June 16, 2022. Maj. Christopher Newcome, outgoing 81st CPTS commander, passed command of the 81st CPTS to O'Dell.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Steve Reynolds, 104FW Maintenance Group Commander salutes Col. David Moon’ Halasi-Kun, 104th Fighter Wing Commander, during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

Col. Brandon B. Schraeder, middle, outgoing Joint Nuclear Operations Center commander, relinquishes command from Maj. Gen. Andrew Gebara, left, 8th Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center commander, during a change of command ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 1, 2022. A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, center, awards Col. Jason Camilletti, outgoing 48th Fighter Wing commander; with the Legion of Merit during a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 29, 2022. During the ceremony, Camilletti relinquished command of the 48th FW to France, who then charged Campo with leading the wing.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Phillip Stewart, 19th Air Force commander, at right, receives the unit guidon from Lt. Gen. Brian Robinson, commander of Air Education Training Command, during the 19th Air Force change of command ceremony Aug. 19, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Stewart is responsible for monitoring production and oversees top level instruction and flying operations manning, contracts, logistics and maintenance trends.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France (left), Third Air Force commander, presents the guidon to Brig. Gen. Joseph Campo, incoming 48th Fighter Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 29, 2022. Campo replaced Col. Jason Camilletti as 48th FW commander after serving as the Director, Multi-Domain Operational Integration at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Ellis shakes hands with newly-inducted Staff Sgt. Kevin Gottfried, a small group leader with the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy - Fort Eustis, during a ceremony to recognize new Sergeant Audie Murphy Club members May 20, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel McDonough, the commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, receives the Legion of Merit during a change of command ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, June 7, 2022. McDonough later assumed command of the Illinois Air National Guard from outgoing commander Maj. Gen. Peter Nezamis.

The honor guard posts the colors at the start of the promotion ceremony for Maj. Gen. John Healy to lieutenant general at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Aug. 3, 2022. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. presided over the ceremony that took place before Healy took command of Air Force Reserve Command.

Lt. Col. Thomas Shine assumed command of the 193rd Special Operations Support Squadron during a change of command ceremony in Middletown, Pennsylvania, Jan. 7, 2024. The presiding officer for the ceremony was Col. Gordon Frankenfield, 193rd Special Operations Group commander.

A color guard team marches in during the opening ceremony for the National Guard Association of the United States 144th General Conference & Exhibition Aug. 27, 2022, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. The annual NGAUS conference was hosted in Ohio, with more than 5,000 members of the military, elected officials and industry representatives in attendance.

US Air Force Colonel Irving L. Halter, Jr. passes the 48th Fighter Wing flag to US Air Force Major General Kenneth W. Hess, Commander 3rd Air Force, reliquishing command of the Liberty Wing during the Change of Command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, United Kingdom. Base: Raf Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Andrew Shaggy St. Jean, 104th Mission Support Group Commander addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, passes theguidon to U.S. Air Force Col. Mark McGill, 352nd Special Operations Wing incoming commander, duringthe 352 SOW change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, June 24,2022. McGill is responsible for more than 1,200 active-duty and civilian Airmen who perform missionson the MC-130J Commando II and CV-22B Osprey aircraft and Special Tactics for U.S. Air Force SpecialOperations Command in the United States European Command. The wing is the only Air Force specialoperations unit in the European Theater.

Col. Matthew Heintzelman (right), incoming 302nd Mission Support Group commander, renders a salute to Col. Christopher Sedlacek (left), 302nd Airlift Wing commander, during the 302 MSG assumption of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, Jan. 6, 2024. The 302 MSG is responsible for six squadrons consisting of 450 reserve members across the force support, aerial port, logistics readiness, security Forces, civil engineering and communications disciplines.

Col. Brett Black relinquishes command of the 5th Mission Support Group to Col. Gregory Mayer on June 30, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The 5 MSG provides full-spectrum operational and expeditionary support to the 5th Bomb Wing's 27 B-52 strategic bombers, the 91st Missile Wing's 165 Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic missiles and Launch control centers and the 54th Helicopter Squadrons eight UH-1 helicopters delivering global assurance, precision strike and nuclear deterrence to six combatant commanders. (U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

Non-Commissioned Officers ans Soliders from various units across Army Futures Command competed in the 2022 AFC Best Warrior and Best Squad competition. An awards ceremony in their honor was held June 10th, 2022, at the Army Soldiers Software Factory, Austin, Texas. Photo by: Austin Thomas

U.S. Air Force Col. William Hunter, 81st Training Wing commander and Maj. Alexander Newcome, outgoing 81st Comptroller Squadron commander, stand at the position of attention during the 81st CPTS Change of Command Ceremony in the Bay Breeze Event Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, June 16, 2022. Newcome passed command of the 81st CPTS to Maj. Christopher O'Dell, incoming 81st CPTS commander.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jacquita Melton assumed the role of Command Chief of the Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Wing in Springfield, Ohio during a change of authority ceremony held Dec. 3, 2022. Melton is the ninth command chief master sergeant of the Ohio National Guard's 178th Wing.

U.S. Space Force Col. Ernest Lincoln Bonner, incoming Commander of Space Delta 12, salutes Maj. Gen. Shawn N. Bratton, Commander of Space Training and Readiness Command, during a Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, July 6, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Steven Tittel, 603rd Air Operations Center outgoing commander, right, passes the guideon to Brig. Gen. Joel Carey, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa director of operations, strategic deterrence and nuclear integration, during a relinquishment of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 27, 2022. The passing of the guideon symbolizes the passing of responsibility and command from one party to another.

The 142nd Force Support Squadron held a change of command ceremony at Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, June 10, 2022. Lt. Col. Kelly Barton relinquished command and Maj. Berlinda White, previously serving as the personnel director for the Oregon Air National Guard, assumed command from the presiding officer for the event, 142nd Mission Support Group Commander, Col David Shattls.

Lt. Col. Shaun Cruze was promoted to colonel at the Nevada Air National Guard Base in Reno, Nev. on Feb. 3, 2024. Following the promotion ceremony, he took command of the 152nd Maintenance Group. Cruze has nearly 35 years of military service and has been the 152nd Airlift Wing Comptroller, the 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron Commander, 152nd Security Forces Commander and served in many other roles in the Nevada Air National Guard.

Senior Master Sgt. William L. Nearhood, 192nd Wing superintendent of the advanced programs office, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard during a ceremony presided by Col. Christopher G. Batterton, 192nd Wing commander, on May 15, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. In 1985, Nearhood began his military career when he enlisted into the Navy then transferred to the VaANG in 1997 where he finished his nearly 37 year military career.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Phillip Amick, assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve, renders a salute to Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston, while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin, left, speaks with Royal Canadian Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Eric Kenny before a meeting at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., Jan. 24, 2024.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Charles Cooper, 533rd Training Squadron commander, uncases the 533rd TRS guidon during the activation and assumption of responsibility for 533rd TRS, Detachment 1, at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 21, 2022. Uncasing the guidon marked the history and lineage beginning for the 533rd TRS, Det 1 on Goodfellow AFB.

TOKYO (Oct. 5, 2022) U.S. Space Force Gen John W. Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, left, and Commander of United States Forces Japan, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen Ricky Rupp, right, visit Japans Ministry of Defense to engage with senior officials, in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Raymond and Rupp reinforced the United States ironclad commitment to the U.S.-Japan alliance following a North Korean ballistic missile launch that passed over northern Japan on Oct. 4th.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Terry Owens, right, formerly 100th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron director of operations, gets recommissioned as a chaplain-captain by Lt. Col. Jason Barker, 48th Fighter Wing chaplain, at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Sept. 27, 2022. Owens started his military career as an enlisted maintainer in ground radar maintenance, before becoming a maintenance officer. His journey with religion started when he was 10 years old, when he realized it was his calling and eventually began full-time ministry. He decommissioned and recommissioned at the ceremony and is now a captain-chaplain, continuing his calling at F.E. Warren Air Force Base Air Force Base, Wyoming. The religiously oriented private organization that Owens led over the past year was the first of its kind in the Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kris Barcomb, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, retires after 23 years of dedicated and honorable service at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., July 8, 2022.

U.S. Space Force Col. Kenneth F. L. Klock, incoming commandant of the National Security Space Institute (NSSI), right, has a Commanders Badge pinned to his uniform by his spouse during the NSSI change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., July 21, 2022. Col. Max. E. Lantz II served as the commandant of NSSI since Jan. 2019 before relinquishing command to Klock.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Anthony Maggio, 117th Equal Opportunity Officer, is promoted at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Sept. 10, 2022. Maggio recently transferred into the unit and was promoted from first lieutenant to captain.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, Brig. Gen. Jeremy T. Sloane, and Brig. Gen. Paul R. Birch, salute as the National Anthem is sung at a change of command ceremony June 10, 2022, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The 36th Wing is comprised of five groups and 18 squadrons, executing Indo-Pacific Command's Bomber Task Force, Theater Security Packages, Contingency Response Operations and peacetime and combat operations in the Indo-Pacific Region. The Wing is also tasked to ensure the successful deployment, employment and integration of air and space forces from the most forward sovereign U.S. Air Force Base in the Indo-Pacific Region.

U.S. Army Gen. James H. Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander, speaks during the Combined Force Space Component Command (CFSCC) change of command ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Aug. 22, 2022. Dickinson was the presiding officer for the ceremony and facilitated the transfer of CFSCCs command from U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. DeAnna M. Burt to U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess.

Gen James E. Rainey accepts the position of Commanding General for Army Futures Command on October 4th, 2022 in Austin, TX (US Army Photo by Patrick Hunter)

U.S Air Force Col. Elizabeth Hanson receives a first salute from an Airman assigned to the 305th Air Mobility Wing during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 14, 2022. Hanson, who previously acted as the vice commander of the 521st Air Mobility Operations Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, assumed command as wing commander of the 305th Air Mobility Wing.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Bibb, left, 18th Air Force commander, passes the guidon to Col. Derek Salmi, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, July 27, 2022. Bibb was the presiding officer for the change of command ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lonny Reese (from left), commander of the 114th Mission Support Group, Senior Master Sgt. Gordon Haldeman, facilities manager of the 114th Civil Engineer Squadron, Lt. Col. Lance E. Niewenhuis, outgoing commander of the 114th Civil Engineer Squadron, and Maj. Benjamin D. Shafer, incoming commander of the 114th CES, stand at the position of attention during a change of command ceremony at Joe Foss Field, South Dakota, Jan. 7, 2024. The primary aim of the ceremony is to allow the team members to witness the formality of command change from one officer to another.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks greets military personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Oslo, Norway, May 23, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

U.S. Air Force Col. Yvonne Mays, assumes command of the 177th Mission Support Group during a ceremony on Aug 20, 2022 at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Col. Mays has served in the Air Force for more than 39 years and will continue to serve at the 177th FW.

Hawaii Army National Guard Lt. Col (P) David R. Hatcher II, commander of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), salutes the colors during the playing of the national anthem during his promotion ceremony at Kalaeloa, Hawaii, July 1, 2022. Hatcher enlisted as an infantryman in 1987, commissioned in 2000 and commanded the 1-487 Field Artillery Battalion from 2019 to 2021 prior to assuming command of the 29th IBCT on April 4, 2022.

Lt. Col. Wesley Colebar, right, strategy analyst for the 157th Combat Operations Squadron, salutes Col. William Layton, 157th Combat Operations Squadron Commander, during his retirement ceremony, June 25, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Colebar served for 30 years.

Col. Christopher G. Batterton, 192nd Wing commander, presents the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal to Senior Master Sgt. William L. Nearhood, 192nd Wing superintendent of the advanced programs office, during Nearhood's retirement ceremony on May 15, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. In 1985, Nearhood began his military career when he enlisted into the Navy then transferred to the Virginia Air National Guard in 1997 where he finished his nearly 37 year military career. Nearhood was recognized with this medal for his efforts from Feb. 18, 2010 to May 1, 2022, during his role as the senior enlisted leader of the 1st Fighter Wing and 192nd Wing's total force integrated advanced programs office.

040702-F-8970B-002. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

220513-N-TP834-1207U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander, administers the oath of office to U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force officers, May 13, 2022, at Colorado State University, Colo. Nathaniel Caraway, Ryan Pfannenstiel and Bryce Walker received their appointments as second lieutenants in the USSF and will begin their careers as acquisition and space operators. Maintaining an ongoing presence with ROTC detachments helps USSPACECOM accomplish its mission through integrating forces and capabilities provided by all services.

040115-F-0209C-003. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

The official party stands at attention during the presentation of Colors and the singing of the National Anthem during the 628th Medical Group change of command ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 24, 2022. The 628th MDG is responsible for the overall operation of healthcare delivery for approximately 66,000 eligible beneficiaries in the joint military community.

U.S. Army Capt. Joshua Blizzard, 59th Aviation Troop Command, South Carolina National Guard, is awarded the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award during a ceremony at The Pentagon, Oct. 26. 2022. The award is presented annually to the top 28 company-grade officers in the active Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard for their outstanding leadership capabilities and their ability to find solutions to difficult problems.

Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr. presents to U.S. flag to Robert Pattillo following the funeral service for Pattillo' father, Maj. Gen. Cuthbert Pattillo, in Section 75 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 14, 2022. Pattillo's twin brother, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Charles Pattillo, was also interred at this time.Twin brothers, Maj. Gen. and Lt. Gen. Pattillo enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in November 1942. During World War II, both flew with the Eighth Air Forces 352nd Fighter Group, protecting bombers and attacking ground targets. Maj. Gen. Pattillo flew 135 combat missions before being shot down and captured by the Germans. He remained a POW until the end of the war.Both were released from active duty following World War II but were later recalled in early 1948, serving with the 31st Fighter Group. Later, both served with the with the 36th Tactical Wing at Furstenfeldbruck Air Base in Germany. While in Europe, both helped form and

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Space Delta 6 held its change of command ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado, Friday, September 9, 2022. During the ceremony, hosted by Lt Gen. Stephen Whiting, Commander, Space Operations Command, U.S. Space Force Colonel Roy Rockwell, transferred command of the Delta to incoming USSF Col Christopher Kennedy.

Brig. Gen. Gent Welsh, Commander, Washington Air National Guard (left) and Chief Master Sgt. Marvin Boyd, Washington State Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sergeant (right), read the official Air Force Retirement certificate for Chief Boyd at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., on Oct. 15, 2022. Chief Boyd retired after 35 years of military service beginning in the U.S. Navy and the Washington Air National Guard. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. (ret.) John Hughel, Washington Air National Guard Public Affairs)

Brig. Gen. Gent Welsh, Commander, Washington Air National Guard (left) and Chief Master Sgt. Marvin Boyd, Washington State Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sergeant (right), read the official Air Force Retirement certificate for Chief Boyd at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., on Oct. 15, 2022. Chief Boyd retired after 35 years of military service beginning in the U.S. Navy and the Washington Air National Guard. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. (ret.) John Hughel, Washington Air National Guard Public Affairs)

The Utah Air National Guard celebrated its Airmen of the Year during a banquet held in their honor at the Zions Bancorporations Midvale Technology Campus on Jan. 6, 2023, in Midvale, Utah. The Airmen of the Year award program recognizes Airmen who display superior leadership, job performance, and personal achievement.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kent Harbaugh assumes command of the 217th Air Operations Group at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich., April 9, 2022. Col. Shawn Holtz, 110th Wing commander, presided over the ceremony in attendance with special guests Brig. Gen. Jeffrey RAlexander and 217th Air Operations Group service members. Harbaugh was previously the commander of the 217th Air Component Operations Squadron.

U.S. Air Force Col. Erich Schroeder, 6th Medical Group commander, passes the 6th Medical Support Squadron guidon to the squadron's newest commander, Lt. Col. Keye Latimer, at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Aug. 4, 2022. As commander of the 6th MDSS, Latimer will oversee medical logistics, lab, pharmacy, diagnostic imaging and patient administrative services to ensure the combat capability of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and 36 partner units.

U.S. Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Shawn D. Ford, Deputy Adjutant General for the Iowa Air National Guard, speaks during a Change of Command ceremony at the 185th Air Refueling Wing at Sioux City, Iowa, August 6, 2022. U.S. Air National Guard Col. Sonya L. Morrison is replacing Col. Mark A. Muckey as wing commander.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Thomas Grabowski, left, assistant adjutant general-air, Georgia Air National Guard, Col. Christopher Dunlap, Col. Amy Holbeck, and Chief Master Sgt. Rayford Robinson, stand at attention during a change of command ceremony held at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Oct. 14, 2022. Dunlap took command of the 116th Air Control Wing from Holbeck during the ceremony.

From left, Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, Chief Master Sgt. Cory M. Olson, Command Chief of AFSOC, Col. Allison Black, 1st Special Operations Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Joey R. Meininger, 1 SOW Command Chief, prepare for the arrival of President Mario Abdo Benítez, of the Republic of Paraguay, at Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 30, 2023. Paraguay and the United States have a long-standing relationship, having been allies under the Rio Treaty, an agreement signed by several countries in the Americas for defense solidarity, since 1947.

U.S. Air Force Col. Aaron Dunn, relinquishes command of the 177th Mission Support Group to Col. Yvonne Mays on Aug 20, 2022 at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Col. Dunn has served in the Air Force for more than 26 years and will continue to serve as the 177th FW vice wing commander.

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, speaks during a Memorial Day service at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, San Angelo, Texas, May 30, 2022. Memorial Day is a time to honor the service and sacrifice of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen that gave their lives in defense of the United States.

Left to right: U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, Col. Jason Camilletti, outgoing 48th Fighter Wing commander, and Brig. Gen. Joseph Campo, incoming 48th FW commander, participate in a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 29, 2022. During the ceremony, Camilletti relinquished command of the 48th FW to France, who then charged Campo with leading the Liberty Wing.

Lt. Gen. Shaun Q. Morris, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center commander, passes the 88th Air Base Wing guidon to Col. Christopher Meeker during a change of command ceremony July 7, 2022, inside the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The wing is responsible for three primary missions: operating the installation; training and deploying expeditionary Airmen in support of joint operations; and defending the base and its people.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jacquita Melton assumed the role of Command Chief of the Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Wing in Springfield, Ohio during a change of authority ceremony held Dec. 3, 2022. Melton is the ninth command chief master sergeant of the Ohio National Guard's 178th Wing.

Osan Air Base Honor Guard presents the colors during a Bronze Star with Valor award ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 12, 2022. The Bronze Star is the fourth highest military award with only 3% being awarded with valor.

Michigan Air National Guard members attend a 110th Wing change of command ceremony at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, June 4, 2022. Col. Daniel J. Kramer II assumed command of the wing from Col. Shawn E. Holtz.

Members of the Moody Air Force Base Honor Guard prepare to present the colors during a change of command ceremony at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, Aug. 2, 2022. A change of command ceremony symbolizes the formal transfer of responsibilities from one commander to the next.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks presides over the U.S. North Command Command Colors passing between U.S. NORTHCOM and North American Aerospace Defence Outgoing Commander Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck and Incoming Commander Air Force Gen. Gregory M. Guillot during the U.S. NORTHCOM and NORAD Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Feb. 5, 2024. (DoD

U.S. Air Force Col. Sheldon B. Wilson relinquishes command of the 165th Operations Group, Georgia Air National Guard, to newly promoted Col. Jonathan M. Drew on June 12, 2022 in the fuel cell hangar at the 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah, Georgia.

U.S. Air Force Col. Wes Adams, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and 87th Air Base Wing commander, passes the guidon to U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Grimmett, who assumes command of the 87th Mission Support Group during a change of command ceremony on Joint Base MDL, N.J., June 16, 2022. Grimmett assumed command of the 87th MSG from U.S. Air Force Col. Janette Ketchum.

Col. Christopher Meeker receives his first salute as 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander during a change of command ceremony July 7, 2022, inside the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Meeker assumed command from Col. Patrick Miller, who had served in the position for two years.

U.S. Air Force Maj. John Vogel, incoming 435th Supply Chain Operations Squadron commander, receives guidon during the 435th SCOS Change of Command on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, June 2, 2022. The passing of the guidon symbolizes Vogel has assumed command.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Honor Guard perform the colors at Falls Manor, Bristol, P.A., Sept. 23, 2022. The Air Force Ball is an annual event to bring service members and their loved ones together to celebrate the service and its significance.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kirk Rogers, a services journeyman with the 184th Force Support Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base, shakes hands with Col. Roxanne Toy, I. G. Brown Training and Education Center commander, Sept 2, 2022, at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee. Rogers was lauded by Toy and coined by a representative from the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education, for volunteering over 150 hours while attending Airman leadership school.

040607-F-6426S-009. Base: Fairchild Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Col. Christopher Sedlacek, 302nd Airlift Wing commander, passes the 302nd Mission Support Group guidon to Col. Matthew Heintzelman, incoming 302 MSG commander, during an assumption of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, Jan. 6, 2024. The 302 MSG is responsible for six squadrons consisting of 450 reserve members across the force support, aerial port, logistics readiness, security Forces, civil engineering and communications disciplines.

Gen. Chance Saltzman assumes responsibility of the Space Force by accepting the flag from Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall at the transition ceremony for the Chief of Space Operations at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Nov. 2, 2022. Gen. Chance Saltzman relieved Gen. John W. Jay” Raymond as the second CSO, the senior uniformed officer heading the Space Force.

Kay Ivey, Alabama goveror, presents Staff Sgt. Christopher Beavers with the NCO of the Year Award during the 2022 Alabama Governor's Outstanding Service Member Awards Luncheon in Montgomery, Alabama, May 17, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jonathan Drew takes command of the 165th Medical Group, Georgia Air National Guard, on June 12, 2022 in the Fuel Cell Hangar at the 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah, Georgia.

U.S. Airmen from the Tyndall Air Force Base Honor Guard perform colors during the Air Force Ball in Panama City Beach, Florida, Sept. 9, 2022. Part of the mission of Air Force Honor Guard is to present the colors to honor Air Force tradition at celebratory or historic events.

221208-N-YF131-1068 SAN DIEGO (Dec. 8, 2022) Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, left, commander, Naval Air Forces, congratulates Capt. Brannon Bickel, former commander of Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, Pacific during a change of command ceremony held in the hangar bay of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41. HSMWPs mission is to man, train, and equip squadrons, Naval Aviators and Naval Aircrewmen to fly and fight the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the world's most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform.

Col. Katrina Stephens, installation commander, shakes hands with Senior Airman Donnita Ellison, 66th Security Forces Squadron entry controller, following an Airman Leadership School graduation ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., May 19.

Members of Team Minutemen, representing the U.S. Army National Guard recite The Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

Members of Team Minutemen, representing the U.S. Army National Guard recite The Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

U.S. Army Spc. Nathaniel Miska, assigned to the U.S. Army National Guard, is inspected by Cmd. Sgt. Maj. John. T. Raines, the Cmd. Sgt. Maj. of the U.S. Army National Guard, while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

U.S. Navy Capt. Corry J. Kucik, force surgeon for Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South (right) walks Col. Hans Fred Garcia, cardiac anesthesiologist for the Colombian military (left) through the Hall of Sacrifice in Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans during Colonel Garcias visit on Oct. 25, 2022. Visits like these demonstrate the commitment between Marine Forces Reserve, Marine Forces South and United States Southern Command to foster and enhance partnerships with our partner nations.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, prepares for the 18th Air Force Change of Command Ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 18, 2022. Maj. Gen. Corey Martin took command of the 18th AF from former commander Maj. Gen. Kenneth Bibb Jr.

220729-N-FO865-1191NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO (July 29, 2022) - Capt. Douglas Langenberg, center right, assumes his duty as the commanding officer during the change of command ceremony aboard USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), July 29. John P. Murtha is San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship homeported in San Diego, CA.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Gottfried, a small group leader with the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy - Fort Eustis, was inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club during a ceremony May 20, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

Whiteman Air Force Base Airmen render honors during a 9/11 memorial ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Sept. 9, 2022. Whiteman commemorates the events of 9/11 by remembering those who were lost during the attack.

031110-M-8049T-063. Base: Alexandria State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Daniel Finnegan, the incoming commander of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, takes the wing guidon from Army Maj. Gen. Greg Knight, the adjutant general of Vermont, during a ceremony, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Oct. 16, 2022. Finnegan, previously the vice wing commander, took over command of the wing from Col. David Shevchik who commanded for three years, with the wing guidon symbolizing handing over leadership.

Col. David Lopez, Commander of Air Combat Command's Executive, promotes to Brigadier General at Langley Air Force Base, May 22, 2022. Lopez's sons pinned on his star signifying his progression in rank.

U.S. Lt. Col. Miguel Cisneros, right, Area Support Group Poland executive officer, walks with a Polish army major during an Independence Day celebration in Poznan, Poland on Nov. 11, 2022. National Independence Day is a Polish holiday celebrated on Nov. 11 to commemorate the anniversary of Poland regaining its sovereignty in 1918. U.S. Soldiers, assigned to Area Support Group Poland, attended the celebration to continue to show commitment to U.S. Allies and partners.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Clark J. Charpentier (left), U.S. Army Medical Command Sergeant Major receives adulations from the crowd during his retirement ceremony held on Fort Sam Houston, Texas on December 2, 2022. Charpentier, originally from Louisiana, is the senior Army 68W Combat Flight Paramedic and retired from active duty after serving 30 years in the United States Army.

050902-F-6911G-251. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Andrew St. Jean, 104th Mission Support Group commander, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

U.S. Air Force color guard with the 110th Wing, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base present colors during a military ball, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the base, Battle Creek, Michigan, Aug. 6, 2022. A Military Ball is an opportunity for Airmen and their families to interact in a social but formal setting and builds mutual understanding, respect, and teamwork, while honoring tradition.

Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, Commander of the Air Force Special Operations Command, and Col. Allison Black, 1st Special Opperations Wing Commander, await the arrival of President Mario Abdo Benítez, of the Republic of Paraguay, at Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 30, 2023. Paraguay and the United States have a long-standing relationship, having been allies under the Rio Treaty, an agreement signed by several countries in the Americas for defense solidarity, since 1947.

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