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Change of Command Ceremonies

Military ceremonies capture the formal transitions of leadership roles within units, showcasing the significance of tradition and respect in the armed forces.

Lt.Col. Richard W. Gibson, left, incoming Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion United States Army Europe and Africa, receives the unit colors from Col. Jon F. Parvin, Brigade Commander, during the change of command ceremony on Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, Germany, June 1, 2022.

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

Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief, National Guard Bureau, talks with a formation of Soldiers with the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Florida National Guard, in Grafenwoehr, Germany, June 12, 2022. Germany was Hokansons second stop on a five-nation trip to recognize and strengthen National Guard relationships with European allies and partners.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Giancarlo Macri passes the unit colors to Maj. Gen. Gregory J. Brady, outgoing commander, both with the 10th AAMDC 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. Army Lt. Col. Jason Brubaker, incoming commander of 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment, salutes passing units during a battalion change of command ceremony June 15, 2022.

Lt.Col. Richard W. Gibson, left, incoming Commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion United States Army Europe and Africa, receives the unit colors from Col. Jon F. Parvin, Brigade Commander, during the change of command ceremony on Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, Germany, June 1, 2022.

Command Sergeant Major Charles W. Gregory, Jr., the outgoing Command Sgt. Major, receives the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa colors from Sgt. Maj. Seam M. Horval, during the SETAF-AF Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, September 1, 2022.

U.S. Army Pfc. Tyler Holz, a calvary scout assigned to the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, holds the brigade guidon during a ceremony at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Aug. 24, 2022. The ceremony was held to honor Tory Elrich, Brigade Operations Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge for the 37th IBCT, as he was promoted to Sergeant First Class for his continued service, dedication, patriotism, valor, fidelity, and professional excellence.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Daniel Krause, the outgoing sergeant major of 2d Marine Division (MARDIV), salutes Maj. Gen. Francis Donovan, the commanding general of 2d MARDIV, at 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.

Members of Alpha Company 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment depart for a deployment to Southwest Asia on Memorial Day. 30 May 2022, Army Aviation Support Facility, Quonset Air National Guard Base, Rhode Island. The guardsmen will head first to Fort Bliss, Texas, for mobilization and then head to Southwest Asia.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Mark Thompson outgoing Regional Health Command Europe commander (right) passes the unit colors to Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, the U.S. Army Surgeon General, and MEDCOM Commanding General (left) during a change of command ceremony June 1, 2022 at Kirchberg Kaserne, Landstuhl, Germany. Brig. Gen. Clinton Murray assumed command of RHCE Europe from Thompson.

Lt. Col. Harley Jennings, outgoing commander of the Maintain Battalion," 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares to address Soldiers assigned to the 703rd BSB, 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, during the 703rd BSB's change of command ceremony on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 14, 2022. The change of command ceremony signifies the transfer of command and with it the responsibility for the readiness and welfare of the unit's Soldiers and Families.

Maj. Gen. Mike Talley accepts the unit colors from Lt. Gen. Theodore Martin, Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, KS, as he accepts command of the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence at a ceremony held at MacArthur Field, Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston on June 23, 2022. The passing of the colors during the ceremony signifies the change of leadership from, Maj. Gen. Dennis LeMaster, the outgoing commander. Looking on is Command Sgt. Maj. Clark Charpentier, MEDCoE command sergeant major. Photo by Francis Trachta, Army Medical Department Museum.

Tough Ombres from the 90th Sustainment Brigade conduct a change of command ceremony on Camp Pike in North Little Rock, Arkansas today. U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler, Commander of the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), is officiating the ceremony.Col. Stephen M. Pazak is relinquishing command to Col. Dixon T. Brockbank from Perry, Utah after serving as the brigade's commander since June 1, 2020.

Seventy-eighth Army Band at the Red, White, Blue To-Do parade

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Regimental Support Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment pass the guidon to relinquish and assume command during a change of command ceremony at Rose Barracks, Germany, July 7, 2022. Lt. Col. Christopher Richardson relinquished command of the squadron to Lt. Col. Keith Brown Jr.

U.S. Army Reserve soldiers assign to Alpha Company, 392nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 359th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, prepares to head overseas to their assigned missions in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. Maj. Gen. Tina Boyd presided over the ceremony and was joined by members of the community to include Army Reserve Ambassadors COL (Ret) Edna Cummings, CW5 (Ret) Phyllis Wilson, American Legion Post 22 Towson and the Coast Guard Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association (CWOA).

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.

Members of each group within the 47th Flying Training Wing stand in formation during the 47th Flying Training Wing change of command ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, July 22, 2022. This formation gives the first and final salute to the incoming and outgoing 47th Flying Training Wing commander during the ceremony.

The US Army Support Activity, Fort Dix, NJ had a Change of Responsibility” on 29 April 2022. The outgoing base Command Sergeant Major was CSM Tamara A. Edwards passing the colors to CSM James W. Van Zlike. Both Commanders spoke during this Ceremony along with the US Army Support Activity Commander COL Jon A. Brierton. The families of outgoing and incoming were in attendance. This event was held on Sharp Field, Fort Dix, NJ. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix [TSC Training Support Center)

Gen. Darryl Williams, incoming commander of U.S. Army Europe & Africa (USAREUR-AF) receives the colors from Gen. Tod D. Wolters, commander of U.S. European Command and NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), during the USAREUR-AF Change of Command Ceremony at Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, June 28, 2022.

Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 347th Regiment (Training Support Battalion), 85th Support Command, salute during a relinquish of responsibility ceremony at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart June 28, 2023.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Vermont National Guard salute the American flag during the National Anthem, in Colchester, Vermont, Sep 11, 2022. The Soldiers were there to honor the memory of those who lost their lives during and since the events of 9/11.

Brig. Gen. Lance Curtis, outgoing commander, 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, XVIII Airborne Corps, and Command Sgt. Maj. Phelicea Redd, outgoing command sergeant major, addresses the attendees of the 3rd ESC Change of Command and Relinquishment of Responsibility on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 10, 2022. Prior to the ceremony Curtis and Redd received The Legion of Merit Award.

U.S. Marines and Sailors salute during the presentation of command during a change of command ceremony on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, June 24, 2022. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Brian Wolford, outgoing commanding general, relinquished command of 3rd MLG to Brig. Gen. Adam L. Chalkley. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Members from the 104th Fighter Wing honor guard stand for the playing of the national anthem during Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Jeffers, 104 FW command chiefs change of responsibility ceremony at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, May 14, 2022. Chief Jeffers is assuming responsibility from Chief Master Sgt. Brett Barbee, former 104FW command chief.

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

The Color Guard of the U.S. Army Reserves 99th Readiness Division marches into position as Command Sgt. Maj. Subretta L. Pompey becomes the senior-enlisted leader of the 99th RD April 8 during an assumption-of-responsibility ceremony at division headquarters on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Pompey is the first African American and the first woman to serve in this position throughout the 99th's 80-year history, dating back to the 99th Infantry Division in World War II.

A U.S. Army member calls cadence during Guam's Liberation Day parade July 21, 2022. This parade marked the 78th commemoration of Guam's liberation by U.S. military forces on July 21, 1944, which ended the Japanese occupation that had begun in 1941.

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

U.S. Army Col. Phillip Brown, incoming Joint Task Force-Bravo commander, assumes command from U.S. Army Col. Steven Gventer, outgoing JTF-Bravo commander, June 30, 2022, at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. The ceremony was presided over by U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, U.S. Southern Command commander, who was joined by U.S. Ambassador to Honduras Laura Dogu as well as local Honduran government and military officials.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Daniel Jernigan, left, and Lt. Col. Robert Stevenson III, middle, conduct the passing of colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 12, 2024. Stevenson, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 171 relinquished command to Lt. Col. Daniel Jernigan at the change of command ceremony. MWSS-171, a critical component of Marine Aircraft Group 12, is a premier squadron capable of supporting all essential aviation ground support requirements to U.S. and allied forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, render a salute during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 18, 2022. A ceremony was held at Cottrell Field to mark the redeployment of the brigade after a six-month deployment to Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany.

Maj. Gen. Charles D. Costanza, the commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, places the 3rd ID unit patch on Pfc. David Schumer, an infantryman assigned to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 3rd ID, during a patching ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia. April 19, 2022. During the ceremony, Soldiers received the division patch, which represents the history of the Marne Division; the three white stripes are symbolic of the three major operations in which the division participated during World War I, the Battle of the Marne River, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and the St. Mihiel Offensive, and the blue symbolizes the loyalty of those who placed their lives on the altar of self-sacrifice in defense of the American ideals of liberty and democracy.

The newly uncased 2nd Brigade colors signify the activation of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division at Pershing Parade Field, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 6, 2022. The activation returns the historic 11th Airborne Division to an active Army role, with a focus on operations in extreme cold weather and mountainous high-altitude environments. The ceremonies at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson reflagged the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, into the 1st and 2nd Brigade Combat Teams, 11th Airborne Division, respectively.

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.

Lt. Col. Walt Reed, the outgoing 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment commander receives the squadron colors from Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Kinard, the 3-4 Cavalry command sergeant major during the 3-4 Cavalry change of command ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, May 26, 2022.

U.S. Soldiers with Regional Health Command-Europe render honors during a redesignation ceremony on Sep. 30, 2022 in Landstuhl, Germany. RHC-Europe redesignated to Medical Readiness Center-Europe.

Major Gen. Gregory J. Mosser, deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve command, passes the unit colors to Maj. Gen. Matthew V. Baker, incoming commander, 88th Readiness Division, as part of the change of command ceremony at Fort McCoy, Wis., July 30, 2022. Mosser served as the presiding officer for the ceremony where Baker took over command from Maj. Gen. Darrell J. Guthrie.

Today, 4-2 Attack Battalion held a change of command at Camp Humphreys. Members from the brigade salute the U.S. and Korean flags during the playing of both countries national anthems.

Staff Sgt. Brendon D. Bartz, receives the Army Commendation Medal from Lt. Col. Damon M. Torres, commanding officer of 307th Airborne Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. Bartz was commended on his achievements and efforts in Poland. Paratroopers do what is right all the time, when no one is watching or telling them to do it.

Sgt. Maj. Anthony D. Worsley, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Senior Enlisted Advisor, salutes during a disinterment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, April 4th, 2023. Approximately 63 individuals were disinterred as part of the Enoura Maru project: an on-going effort by DPAA to disinter, transport, and identify missing POWs from World War II. The remains were taken to the DPAA laboratory on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for further scientific analysis and possible identification.

Command Sgt. Maj. Travis Wirth, senior enlisted leader for the 193rd Infantry Brigade, watches as the commander of troops moves towards the reviewing officer during a change of command ceremony at Victory Field June 30, 2022. Col. Scott C. White took command of the 193rd from Col. Mark Huhtanen during the ceremony.

U.S. Army soldiers with the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) conduct a cold load exercise with the 8th Battalion 229th Regiment, during Operation Viking at Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass., July 18, 2022. Operation Viking is an intense joint task force exercise designed to prepare Soldiers with realistic training simulating deployment of civil affairs units in direct support of a contingency operation in Africa.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, Commanding General of 7th Army Training Command (7ATC), delivers his remarks during a Change of Command ceremony of 41st Field Artillery Brigade at the 7ATC's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 3, 2022. Col. Daniel Miller relinquished command to Col. Wilbur Hsu.

020403-F-3838S-002. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 2002 Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

Col. John Gilliam, commander of 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Hall during the colors uncasing ceremony on Drawsko Pomorskie training area. The 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team 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-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Jack Greer, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, re-enlists U.S. Army Sgt. Christian Rosado, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, June 14, 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. 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. Army Lt. Col. Nicholas R. Talbot (center), the outgoing commander of the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, passes the battalion colors to U.S. Army Col. Brian Harris (right), the commander of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, during the battalions change of command ceremony at the Fort Riley, Kansas, Cavalry Parade Field, June 15, 2022. The passing of the colors is a historic military tradition that symbolizes a transfer of power from one leader to another.

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

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James I. Petty is awarded the Meritourious Service Medal by retiring officer Lt. Col. Christopher D. Upton, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 24, 2022. The ceremony was held to transition the position of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron sergeant major from Sgt. Maj. Petty to Sgt. Maj. Thomas R. Coffey. This event also marked the retirement of Sgt. Maj. Petty after 22 years of honorable service.

U.S. Army Paratroopers participate in an airborne jump from UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters into Sicily Drop Zone at Fort Bragg, N.C. on Apr. 28, 2022. Many paratroopers participating in the jump are a part of the Judge Advocate Generals Corps (JAG) and come together every year to celebrate Law Day, a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law.

Col. Zara Walters, Brig. Gen. Dan Dent, Commanding General and Col. Chris Blanco stand at attention during the change of command ceremony for the 144th Digital Liaison Detachment on Aug. 7, 2022 at Geiger Field, Airway Heights, Wash. The 144th Digital Liaison Detachment provides liaison capability between Army forces, Joint/Coalition Forces Land Component Command, Joint Task Force, subordinate headquarters and multinational headquarters to ensure communication, mutual understanding, and unity of purpose and action.

The United States Army's most qualified uniformed interrogation teams met at Fort Bragg, North Carolina to compete in the inaugural Army Interrogation Olympics to determine the Army's Best Interrogation Team of the Year. Military Intelligence Soldiers from Regular Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard components met and thrived in an austere field environment while refining and improving individual and collective HUMINT, analytical, leader, and Soldier skills. The competition was hosted by the 525th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade from August 8 to 10, 2022.

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.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kendra Alanis, foreground, assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Medical Squadron, takes a photo of 1st. Lt. Emily Nicholson, also with the 378th EMDS, after the squadrons change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 9, 2022. Col. Jeffrey L. Wisneski relinquished command of the 378th EMDS to Col. Richard J. Zavadil during the ceremony. The tradition of change of command ceremonies is so that the unit can witness their new leader assume the responsibility and trust associated with the position of commander.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Chad B. Harness, outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. of the 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, passes the colors to Lt. Col. Brian R. Miletich during change of responsibility ceremony at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy Oct. 20, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

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

U.S. service members, veterans and civilian employees attend the Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) 75th Anniversary Reunion on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 3, 2022. The reunion commemorates the squadrons accomplished history and lineage, as well as offering an opportunity for prior members to connect with old friends and new members. HMX-1 was established Dec. 1, 1947 as an experimental unit tasked with testing and evaluating military helicopters when rotary wing flight was still in its infancy.

Staff Sgt. Michael Wells shakes hands with Col. Jonathan Doyle, Provost Marshal/Protection Director of IMCOM in front of the ASA-Black Sea fire department at MK Air Base on 20 January 2023.

Soldiers of the 578th Brigade Engineer Battalion participate in the change responsibility for Command Sgt. Maj. Alexandre Santana, incoming CSM of the 578 BEB, at Kearny Mesa Recreation Park, Calif., on June 4, 2022. The change of responsibility ceremony is a traditional event meant to reinforce noncommissioned officer authority in the U.S. Army and highlights their support to the chain of command.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 150th Aviation Regiment, present arms during a change of command ceremony on June 24, 2022 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Eric J. Tolska replaced U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ryan J. Smith who was promoted to another assignment in the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pfc. Michael Hayes)

Lt. Col. Joe Caldwell (left), assistant chief of staff, G4, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, pins the Meritorious Service Medal on Capt. Bradley Ball (right), operational contract support officer in charge, Support Operations, 1st TSC, during an award ceremony at Fort Knox, May 18, 2022. Ball received the award for his hard work and dedication to the mission during his tenure.

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)

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), salute the past and present commanding officers of MAWTS-1, during a pass and review at a Change of Command Ceremony, at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona on May 12, 2022. The MAWTS-1 Change of Command Ceremony marked the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, Col. Steve E. Gillette, to the incoming commanding officer, Col. Eric D. Purcell.

U.S. Army Cadets with 1st Regiment, Advanced Camp, graduate from Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., June 29, 2022. Graduation is the ending event of a 35-day training cycle that Cadets attend during the summer. | Erinn Finley, CST Public Affairs Office

U.S. Army Lt. Col Benjamin Roark, attached to 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, hands off the guidon to Cpt. Phuong Quach and 1st Sgt. Dain Cox at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Jan. 10, 2023. The 41st FAB activated two regiments for 2024. The activation of these brigades reflects ongoing commitment to modernization and adaptability to enhance operational capabilities, emphasizing increased lethality and dedicated support for NATO allies.

Command Sgt. Maj. Charles L. Robinson III (left) and Command Sgt. Maj. James R. Holmes III (behind Robinson) present awards and shake hands with awardees of class 09-22 of the 7th Army Training Comand (7ATC) Non-Commissioned Officer Academy's (NCOA) Basic Leadership Course in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Aug. 30, 2022. The 7ATC NCOA mission is to train and develop future leaders who are adaptive, disciplined, and ready to lead effectively at the squad and team levels.

Maj. Chafac Mofor, the executive officer of HHBN III Corps, leads the HHBN Color Guard, company commanders, and company guide-ons as a part of a change of command ceremony on Fort Hood, Tx on June 28, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a formal passing of authority and accountability of command from one leader to another.

U.S. Army Paratroopers graduates assigned to the 18th Airborne Corps and 82nd Airborne Division. They graduated from the Basic Airborne Course on April 22, 2022 at Fort Benning, GA. (U.S. Army Photos by Sgt. Emely Opio-Wright/Released)

Staff Sgt. Ryan McCauley, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 75th Field Artillery Brigade, briefs his troops on the details of the flag lowering ceremony at McNair Hall, Fort Sill Oklahoma. June 14, 2022.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Group (Experimental), conduct a relief and appointment ceremony at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 4, 2022. 3rd Maintenance Battalion conducted a relief and appointment ceremony to relieve Sgt. Maj. Shelby Smith. 1st Sgt. Marc Mangio was appointed to temporarily serve as the acting sergeant major.

As part of military medicine's "Pivot to Readiness", the U.S. Army Medical Command is reorganizing and re-designating its Regional Health Commands to Medical Readiness Commands. During four ceremonies the Regional Health Commands will reflag and become Medical Readiness Commands.We are building the future of Army Medicine. Medical reform and restructuring will enhance the ability to recruit, organize, train, and equip medical Soldiers and leaders capable of supporting the current and future force.

Keesler personnel attend the POW/MIA Retreat Ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Sept. 16, 2022. The event, hosted by the Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 652, is held annually to raise awareness and pay tribute to all prisoners of war and the military members still missing in action.

The 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment (The Polar Bears), 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division held a Change of Responsibility & Change of Command ceremony, on May 17, 2022, at the Magrath Sports Complex on Fort Drum, N.Y. Lt. Col. Christopher Rowe relinquished command of the battalion to Lt. Col. David Simmons. Command Sgt. Maj. Jacob Smith received the responsibility as the Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. from Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Heim.

1st Lieutenant Jacob Shackle, with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, stands at the position of attention during a promotion ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, on April 3, 2023. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force that provides strategic speed and agility, ensuring Marines are forward deployed and prepared to respond and protect U.S. national security interests around the globe.

Sgt. Ian Francisco, squad member assigned to the 16th Military Police Brigade, salutes Maj. Gen. Brian Mennes, Deputy Commanding General of XVIII Airborne Corps, after receiving the Army Achievement Medal for winning the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition for Corp Separates on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, June 8, 2022. The competition tested Soldiers on their physical and mental readiness using a multitude of events requiring leadership, teamwork, grit, and basic Soldier skills.

A U.S. Marine Corps color guard with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion posts the colors at a change of command on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 14, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Brian LaPointe, the outgoing commanding officer, relinquished his role as the commanding officer to Lt. Col. Nathan Knowles. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Lance Cpl. Averi Rowton)

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Zason Zeller, the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiments senior enlisted Soldier, stands at the head of a formation of Task Force Wolfhound Soldiers during a ceremony at Fort Bliss, Tx., Sep. 6. During the ceremony the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry colors were cased in preparation for deployment overseas. The colors will be unfurled once the unit arrives in Africa and assumes responsibility for a security mission as part of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa

U.S. Army Central outgoing Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Ronald P. Clark, delivers remarks after an award ceremony at Patton Hall's Lucky Park, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., July 7, 2022.

Gen. Randy George, Army Chief of Staff, promotes Maj. Gen. Mary K. Izaguirre to lieutenant general in a ceremony on Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston Jan 25.

020823-A-6173R-006. Base: Fort Meade State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Northeast

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Erik C. Quist, right, outgoing commanding officer, passes the Warfighting Instructor Battalions colors to Lt. Col. Christopher D. Upton, left, on-coming commanding officer, during the Warfighting Instructor Battalions change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 10, 2022. Lt. Col. Erik C. Quist relinquished command to Lt. Col. Christopher D. Upton.

Senior military leaders, including a contingent representing the Ohio National Guard, salute during the Columbus Veterans Day Parade Nov. 10, 2022, in downtown Columbus, Ohio. ONG Soldiers and Airmen provided various support to the event, sponsored annually by MILVETS to honor the service and sacrifice made by veterans, current service members and their families. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Aven Santiago, Ohio National Guard Public Affairs)Sponsored annually by MILVETS, the parade honors the service and sacrifice made by veterans, current service members and their families.

The Soldier Recovery Unit, of Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, held a memorial ceremony on May 23, 2022, on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, honoring three of their Soldiers who passed within this last year, and remembering all who have passed while assigned to the SRU. Prior to the ceremony, a breakfast was held for the families and friends, hosted by the SRU command and staff.

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, held a Change of Command Ceremony at Sexton Field, on Fort Drum, N.Y., June 23, 2022.2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division marches across Sexton Field during the ceremonial Pass in Review.The outgoing commander, Col. Damon K. Harris, relinquished command of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division to the incoming commander, Col. Scott D. Wence.

U.S. Soldiers from the 102d Signal Battalion attend 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.

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Joseph A. Edwards II, First Army Division West Commanding General, leads Col. Jennifer A. Reynolds, the outgoing commander, and Col. Daryl S. Von Hagel, the incoming commander of the 166th Aviation Brigade off the field, during his change of command ceremony at Cameron Field, Fort Hood Texas, 13 June, 2022. Brig. Gen. Edwards has been the Commanding General of Division West since Dec. 17 2021.(U.S. Army Video by Spc. Khalan X. Moore, 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3/1 ABCT), Greywolf Brigade, operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division and 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2 ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division (1 CD), Black Jack Brigade, operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID), stand in formation during the Transfer of Authority ceremony in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Feb. 4, 2023. The 2 ABCT, 1 CD is among other units assigned to the 4 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Navy Capt. Nadji M. Hariri, the outgoing commanding officer of 2nd Dental Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, gives a speech during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Capt. Sherry A. Caraveo assumed command of 2nd Dental Battalion from Capt. Nadji M. Hariri.

Lt. Gen. Robert Pat White, III Armored Corps Commanding General, presides over the ceremony for Brig. Gen. Christopher Beck, incoming Deputy Commanding General of Maneuver, outside III Armored Corps Headquarters, at Fort Hood, Texas, May 26, 2022.

New York Army National Guard' Sgt. Delford Blake, a chemical biological radiological and nuclear support sergeant with the 369th Special Troops Battalion and Sgt. Aissatou Gueye, a materiel accounting support specialist with the 369th Sustainment Brigade, recite the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer after being promoted from the ranks of specialist and corporal respectively, during annual training at Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt Manor, NY, July 17, 2022. The sustainment brigade provides support and services to enable operational reach, ensure freedom of action, and prolong endurance for Army forces.

030731-M-5578G-006. Base: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 1ST Marine Division

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Huttle takes charge of the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade during a change of responsibility ceremony at Muir Army Airfield. During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Livolsi passed the brigades senior enlisted leader responsibilities to Huttle.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Anthony Henderson, right, and Col. Nicholas Davis prepare to exchange the unit colors during the 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 20, 2022. During the ceremony Brig. Gen. Anthony Henderson relinquished his command of the 2d MEB to Col. Nicholas Davis.

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

Lt. Col. Meyliana Tongko took command as the new 346 Training Squadron commander squadron during a squadron activation ceremony on Feb. 13, 2024 at Port Hueneme, Calif. The 346 Training Squadron develops multi-capable Vehicle Management professionals ready to deliver tomorrow's global Force Generation demands. Air Force

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.

Soldiers from U.S. and Italian units render a salute while the Italian and American National Anthems were played during 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade change of responsibility ceremony at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 20, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 150th Aviation Regiment, stand at parade rest during a change of command ceremony on June 24, 2022 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Lt. Col. Eric J. Tolska replaced Lt. Col. Ryan J. Smith who was promoted to another assignment in the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pfc. Michael Hayes)

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