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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.

Col. Michele Harper, Brigade Commander of the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Patrick J. Szvetitz, incoming commander of the 2-130th Airfield Operations Battalion (AOB), during the battalion change of command ceremony held at the Harnett Regional Jetport in Erwin, North Carolina, June 4, 2022. The battalion is prepared for continued local, national, and foreign aviation operations.

040917-F-3488S-044. Base: Eielson Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Justin D. Bañez, foreground right, outgoing commander of 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron, hands the unit colors to U.S Air Force Col. Justin M. Dupuis, commander of 4th Air Support Operations Group, during a change of command ceremony at Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany, June 29, 2022.

Airmen of the 139th Airlift Wing gather at a deployers recognition ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, on Sept. 11, 2022. Families of 139th airmen were invited to attend the ceremony.

U.S. Army incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Frank E. Batts, Command Sgt. of the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, takes the command during assumption of responsibility ceremony at Caserma Del Din, Oct. 4, 2022, Vicenza, Italy. 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.

Chief Master Sgt. Heath Tempel, 96th Test Wing command chief, holds the wing guidon prior to a retreat ceremony June 13 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The ceremony was held to honor of Brig. Gen. Scott Cain, 96th TW commander, before his change of command June 30. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ilka Cole)

U.S. Marine Col. Samuel L. Meyer, commanding officer, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit gives remarks during the 13th MEU Composite Ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 15, 2022. Battalion Landing Team 2/4, Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362 participated in the 13th MEU composite ceremony which commemorated the 13th MEU officially assuming command over the major subordinate elements in preparation for their upcoming deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, hosts a change of command ceremony on June 29, 2022. 3rd ABCT commander, Col. Justin Y. Reese, relinquished command to Col. John B. Guilliam.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 1-68 Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division attend a reenactment ceremony for the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino at Swierczyna, Poland, May 23, 2022. The 3/4 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. (U.S. Army photo Sgt. Andrew Greenwood)

Military leaders and distinguished guests took part in the unveiling of the Brig. Gen.l Theodore Roosevelt jr. statue at Sainte Mère-Église on June 6, 2022. The ceremony honored the service of Roosevelt who led several groups of Soldiers at Utah beach during the invasion of Normandy . For his valor, courage, and leadership during the assault on Utah beach, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Brig. Gen. Lori Robinson, Deputy Commanding General of Support with 2nd Infantry Division/ROK Combined Division, conducts a maintenance terrain walkthrough of the 2nd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade footprint on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, Sept. 15, 2022. The purpose of the maintenance terrain walkthrough is to ensure a high level of awareness and command interest in field maintenance by ensuring senior Command Groups understand how their maintenance program operates.

000720-A-4813S-004. Base: Fort Gillem State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MACOMS

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Curtis V. Ebitz, left, commanding officer, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, awards Lt. Col. Roger Holliday, right, director of MCAS New River installations and environment, during his retirement ceremony on MCAS 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.

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.

Spc. Nathaniel Miska grabs the Minnesota state flag during an unknown distance ruck march near Lynchburg, Tennessee, July 29, 2022, as part of the National Best Warrior Competition. Miska and Sgt. Carlson placed first in both the Minnesota and Region IV Best Warrior Competition, securing their spot in this National Competition. Fourteen National Guard Soldiers are competing in the All-Guard National Best Warrior Competition July 24-29, 2022, primarily at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee.(Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, Combined Force Space Component Command (CFSCC) commander, led a CFSCC formation during a Retreat ceremony, conducted by members of the Vandenberg Base Honor Guard team, Aug. 31, 2022, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. The Retreat ceremony serves a twofold purpose. It signals the end of the official duty day and serves as a ceremony for paying respect to the flag.

Command Sgt. Maj. Norman Delise, 319th Signal Battalion command sergeant major, gave Soldiers from the 812th Signal Company, Tactical Installation Network-Enhanced, Detachment 1, encouragement before they boarded buses at the U.S. Army Reserve Center on the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, September 11, 2022, that would put them on their way to Kuwait. The 812th Sig. Co. TIN-Es mission is to provide cable support to military installations around the country and overseas as needed, providing deployable force projection signal support and rapid communications for the U.S Army, joint and combined operations.

Alpha Company bids farewell to 1st Sgt. Nathan Kent and welcomes 1st Sgt. William Booth.

Andersen Airmen and Sailors participate in the 78th Annual Guam Liberation Day Parade July 21, 2022 in Hagatna, Guam. This parade marked the 78th commemoration of Guams liberation by U.S. military forces on July 21, 1944, which ended the Japanese occupation that had begun in 1941.

An honor guard comprising Soldiers from the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy, stands during the Fort Jackson change of command ceremony Aug. 31 at Victory Field.

U.S. Marines with the 2d Marine Division (MARDIV) band perform at a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 23, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Christopher R. Richadella, the outgoing commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d MARDIV, relinquished his role as commanding officer to Lt. Col. William T. Kerrigan.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur Fredericks, Command Sergeant Major of the 85th Troop Command, Connecticut Army National Guard, talks to soldiers of the 192nd Military Police Battalion, Connecticut Army National Guard, during a command visit at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, June 27th, 2022. Fredericks spoke with soldiers of the 192nd and observed their annual training as they conducted vehicle live fire exercises and cleared opposition forces from the Asymmetric Warfare Group Training Complex.

XVIII Airborne Corps Soldiers receive awards and metals for their rapid deployments to Europe, Dec. 12, 2022, Fort Bragg, N.C. XVIII Airborne Corps Soldiers deployment to Europe started February 2022 and ended Oct. 28, 2022. Elements of the XVIII Airborne Corps completed a nine-month deployment to Germany in support of the NATO Alliance. Personnel from the Corps headquarters element provided a Joint Task Force-capable headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany. The deployment was directed by the Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III as a response to a heightened security environment in Eastern Europe and to reinforce NATOs eastern flank.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Taylor Cathey, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, assumes responsibility as the Command Sgt. Maj. of HHBn on Apr. 22, 2022 at Fort Bragg, N.C.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Levi Thompson, the commander of 6-9 Cavalry Regiment addresses the troopers at a Change of Command ceremony in Poland, Sept. 12, 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 forces and French soldiers participate in a ceremony that commemorates the end of World War II operations in Europe, at Haut-commissariat de la République Tahiti, French Polynesia, May 8, 2022. The ceremony marked the beginning of Marara 22, a multinational exercise which enhances interoperability with allies and partners in the pacific region.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Eric J. Tolska relinquishes command of the 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion to Lt. Col. Justin Oliver during a change of command ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Jan. 20, 2024.

Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark, Commanding General of U.S. Army Central, pins an Army Commendation Medal on Spc. Gokhan Ayaz in front of Patton Hall on Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., June 3, 2022. Spc. Ayaz was awarded an ARCOM for his efforts during the evacuation of Afghanistan.

U.S. Army forces and French soldiers participate in a ceremony that commemorates the end of World War II operations in Europe, at Haut-commissariat de la République Tahiti, French Polynesia, May 8, 2022. The ceremony marked the beginning of Marara 22, a multinational exercise which enhances interoperability with allies and partners in the pacific region.

031002-M-5590R-029. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Its always a good day when you get to send Soldiers on the next leg of their Army adventure! CSM Michael McMurdy met with 48 future Airborne Redlegs (13B and 13F), Friday 20 October as they waited for the bus. "I have the distinct honor and privilege to serve as your 14th sergeant major of the field artillery branch. We are so proud of you for your desire to serve!"There is nothing more motivating than getting to be a part of a young Soldiers journey as they carve out their path in the United States Army! Good luck to each of you.

2nd Lt. Karla Torres attends to orders in the position of attention during her promotion ceremony in Fort Buchanan, April 5, 2022. The U.S. Army and the Puerto Rico Army National Guard recognized Torres's qualities and potential and promoted her to 1st Lieutenant.

KINGS BAY, Ga. (July 18, 2022) Rear Adm. John Spencer, Commander, Submarine Group Ten, addresses the Blue and Gold crews of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732) before they are presented with the Omaha Trophy, during a ceremony held at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. The Omaha Trophy is awarded annually to U.S. Strategic Command units who demonstrate the highest standards of performance in the commands mission areas, their role in global operations and the commands continued emphasis on strategic deterrence.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Caleb Webster, Senior Enlisted Advisor of 41st Field Artillery Brigade (41st FAB), sings the Army Song during his assumption of responsibility ceremony at Tower Barracks, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Jan. 24, 2024. The 41st FAB is the only European based Fires brigade. The "Rail Gunners!" Brigade provides strategic, operational, and tactical-level fires and support throughout the U.S. European Command.

Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST) leadership attend the MCIEAST Commanders Conference at the Paradise Point Officers Club on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 17, 2022. The conference was held as an avenue for MCIEAST staff to foster an understanding of the circumstances, conditions, and intentions of the command with the installations' respective commanders.

Major General Michael Keating, the Deputy Commanding General of Fort Hood, passes the brigade guidon to Col. Ann M. Meredith on Fort Hood, July 8. This represents the trust and faith the base commander puts in Meredith's leadership.

U.S. Army Capt. James Duncan, a military police officer, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, translates words from english to french, June 3, 2022, during the 4th Infantry Division Liberation of Montebourg Ceremony, at Montebourg, France. The town of Montebourg played a significant part in the World War II Normandy landings an important crossroads and one of the last locks before the allies could reach the cities of Valognes and Cherbourg.

Iowa National Guard Soldiers fold an American flag during an annual command retreat at the historic Camp Dodge Pool Pavilion in Johnston, Iowa, on May 26, 2022. Historically, reveille was sounded at sunset to signal sentries to begin their watch and direct Soldiers to their quarters for the evening. Today, command retreats are held to honor the American flag as it is raised and lowered. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Staff Sgt. Tawny Schmit)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the fourth squadron, 2d Calvary Regiment prepare for the closing ceremony of Noble Partner at the Vaziani Training Area, Georgia, Sep. 9, 2022. Exercise Noble Partner is designed to enhance regional partnerships and increase U.S. force readiness and interoperability in a realistic, multinational training environment. The exercise allows participants to conduct situational training exercises, live-fire exercises, and combined mechanized maneuvers.

Today, Charlie Company, 524th DSSB, celebrated our Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony for 1st Sgt. Sean McGilvrey. This Assumption of Responsibility ceremony marks the next chapter in the renowned history of willing and able soldiers. Your leadership will continue moving us forward as we face new challenges. Congratulations 1st Sgt. McGilvrey, always forward. U.S. Army Photos By: Sgt. Kenyel Jones

Col. Barry Little, 341st Missile Wing commander, addresses the wing for the first time during a change of command ceremony July 18, 2022, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Before taking command, Little was the vice commander of 20th Air Force, the 341st MWs parent numbered air force.

Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 146th Field Artillery Regiment, 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, stand in formation during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Thurston County Readiness Center in Tumwater, Wash. on June 25, 2022. The new readiness center will be the home of 2nd Battalion, 146th Field Artillery Regiment and serve as the hub for the Washington National Guards operations in Southwest Washington.

Senior Airman Shaelyn Bolis (left) and Senior Airman Sherita Thompson, both with the 88th Security Forces Squadron, walk in their squadrons Ruck to Remember, May 20, 2022, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The three-mile march was in honor of Air Force Defenders who died in the line of duty and marked the end of National Police Week.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, stand at parade rest during the opening ceremony of the 39th Beirut Memorial Run at the Beirut Memorial in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Oct. 21, 2022. This event is held in honor of the 241 service members killed in the Beirut bombing in 1983.

Tech. Sgt. Jennel Edwards, a 91st Security Forces Group Defender, addresses the volunteers of the flag placing ceremony for Suicide Prevention Month at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Sept. 1, 2022. Edwards spoke on behalf of a defender from the 91st SFG who was lost to suicide in 2021.

Soldiers of 1st Brigade Engineer Battalion, 310th Infantry Regiment, 181st Multifunctional Training Brigade, and the 88th Readiness Division conduct a tactical foot march as part of the Ruck for the Fallen event May 18, 2022, in Sparta, Wis. The Ruck for the Fallen is meant to bring awareness and homage to the Veterans laid to rest at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Sparta.

Today, 2-2 Assault Helicopter Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, conducted a change of command. Col. Aaron Martin receives the battalion colors from Lt. Col. Bridget Dalziel, the outgoing commander.

The 50th Expeditionary Signal Battalion-Enhanced (ESB-E), 35th Corps Signal Brigade welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony at Fort Bragg, N.C., on June 16, 2022. Lt. Col. Merlin Kynaston, an Elizabeth City N.C. native, assumed command of the 50th ESB-E from Lt. Col Mallory Wampler. The ceremony was officiated by Col. Bernard Brogan, the commander of the 35th Corps Signal Brigade.

An HH-60 Pave Hawk commanded by Maj. Howard Palmer, aircraft commander, flew in from the 512th Rescue Squadron at Kirtland Air Force Base into a 344th Training Squadron landing zone July 21, on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, after completing a flyover for the Basic Military Training graduation ceremony here. Students, instructors and staff members across the 37th Training Wing interacted with the aircrew and checked out the airframe. The 344th Training Squadron routinely requests various airframes to visit in order to give students in technical training, who will eventually interact or work on these airframes, an opportunity to see them.

U.S. Marines with Security Augmentation Force, Headquarter and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, listen to a debrief during Exercise STRATMOBEX on MCAS Beaufort, May 19, 2022. STRATMOBEX allowed key personnel to practice their role in evacuating and manning the air station in cases of extreme weather.

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Division Band perform for the II Marine Expeditionary Force 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.

130th Engineer Brigades outgoing commander Col. Stephen J. Kolouch relinquishes command to Col. Margraret L. McGunegle during a change of command ceremony at Hamilton Field, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii on July 12, 2022. The passing of colors ensured that the 8th TSC and its soldiers is never without official leadership, a continuation of trust, and also signifies an allegiance of the soldiers to their unit's commander.

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

Commanding General of Army Materiel Command, Gen. Edward Ed M. Daly, passes the Joint Munitions Command flag to Col. Landis C. Maddox, the new commander for JMC during a change of command ceremony held at the Rock Island Arsenal on May 2, 2022.

U.S. Army Maj. Annaliese Baumer, right, prepares to assume command of the 572nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, during a change of command ceremony held at the Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport, North Clarendon, Vt., July 10, 2022. Outgoing commander, U.S. Army Lt. Col Nathan Speanburg, participates in passing the guidon which symbolically marks the transition of responsibility and authority between commanders.

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Colonel Matthew J. Lennox (left), the outgoing commander of the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade (Cyber), receives the brigade colors from Command Sergeant Major Marlene N. Harshman, the 915th Cyber Warfare Battalions senior enlisted leader and keeper of the colors, during a change of command ceremony on the McGlachlin Parade Field, June 28.

The 36th Sustainment Brigade, Texas National Guard cased their flags, or colors, and the 369th Sustainment Brigade, New York National Guard uncased their flags, during a transfer of authority ceremony, Nov. 3, 2022 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The transfer of authority ceremony signifies the end of the responsibilities and mobilization of one force followed by the assumption of that responsibility by another.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mike Krzmarzick, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division Band, directs a musical performance during a twilight tattoo at Cottrell Field on Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 22, 2022. The twilight tattoo celebrates the constitution and organization of 3rd ID through performance and music, sharing the storied division's history for all past and present members of the Marne community. The event also highlighted the divisions Marne Hall of Fame with the goal of connecting current Dogface Soldiers with past Dogface Soldiers who demonstrated service within the division, their lifelong commitment to the divisions values, and either their valorous combat actions or their contributions to their chosen fields outside the division.

The 3rd Infantry Division Band performs with the Richmond Hill High School Marching Band and their Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps color guard during their Military Appreciation Football Game against Camden County in Richmond Hill, Georgia, Oct. 7, 2022. The 3rd ID Band performed the national anthem with the Richmond Hill High School Marching Band and Rep. Earl Buddy Carter received the honor of the coin toss to determine the kicking team. The 3rd ID coordinates opportunities to give back and get to know the communities that support the division, ensuring the public can see and interact with its Army.

Lt. Col. Eric Megerdoomian walks back to his position after casing the squadron colors in preparation for their return back to the U.S.

Maj. Gen. Richard P. Mills, commanding general, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (forward), addresses more than two thousand service members during a visit from the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos, and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton W. Kent at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Dec. 23. Amos and Kent visited to say thanks to all the troops who are supporting the International Security Assistance Force and to wish them a happy holiday.

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.

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Soldiers prepare for the SETAF-AF change of commandat Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, July 14, 2022. Maj. Gen. Todd Wasmund assumed command of SETAF-AF from Maj. Gen. Andrew Rohling, the outgoing commanding general.

U.S. Army ROTC Cadets assigned to the U.S. Army Cadet Command 2nd Brigade accept awards for placing first overall during the Ranger Challenge at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. on Oct. 23, 2022.The competition is conducted over two days on a non-tactical course. The mission is to challenge Cadets' mental and physical toughness and to develop leadership while fostering teamwork and esprit-de-corps. Teams participate in nine graded events, each team is awarded points based on how well they perform in each event. The best team in each event is awarded a trophy for being the first, second, and third place teams. The number one team is The Ranger Challenge Winner for that year.

Major Gen. Matthew V. Baker, right, incoming commander, hands the unit colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory O. Betty, senior enlisted leader, both with the 88th Readiness Division, as part of the change of command ceremony at Fort McCoy, Wis., July 30, 2022. Baker took over command from Maj. Gen. Darrell J. Guthrie who will retire after 37 years of service to the nation.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 404th Civil Affairs Battallion receive instruction of cold load procedures of a Black Hawk (UH-60) Helicopter during Operation Viking at Joint Base Cape Cod, Mass., July 20, 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. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Basic cadets from the Class of 2026 and cadet cadre participate in the annual Swearing In ceremony held on Stillman Field at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., June 24, 2022. (U.S. Air Force photo/Joshua Armstrong)

060501-A-5399B-048. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Anthony Henderson gives a speech 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.

Airmen with the 914th Security Forces Squadron participate in a Fallen Defenders ceremony and ruck march May 14, 2022 on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. The mission of the ceremony and 8.4-mile march was to honor their fallen brothers and sisters. Airmen added non-perishable food items in their ruck pack to add weight; items were later donated to a local veterans non-profit organization.

1st Lt. Amanda Palmer briefs the Soldiers of the 940th Movement Control Transport from Fort Sheridan, Illinois, at Tactical Training Base Valor July 28, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. The 940th conducted transportation operations during the annual Warrior Exercise (WAREX), where U.S. Army Reserve units conduct joint training under the 78th Training Division.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Janeen Birckhead, commander of the Maryland Army National Guard, receives the guidon from Col. Kristine Henry, the outgoing commander of the 291st Digital Liaison Detachment, at a change of command ceremony in Adelphi, Md., August 14, 2022. Henry relinquished command to Lt. Col. John McDaniel Jr. during the ceremony.

050322-A-6157W-045. Base: Fort Lewis State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, render their salute during the Polish National Flag Day at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 2, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies.

Washington, D.C.-- Iowa National Guard soldiers from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment, 34th Infantry Division reconnoiter possible checkpoints to be used for security efforts during the 56th presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C. Their recon ended near Capitol Hill, where the soldiers took the opportunity to pose for a group photo in front of the Capitol Building.

U.S. Soldiers, distinguished visitors and family members attended the 1st Battalion, 487th Field Artillery Regiment (1-487 FA) Target Acquisition Section, 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii Army National Guard deployment ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 6, 2024. Soldiers assigned to 1-487 FA Target Acquisition Section prepare to deploy in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while conducting Operation Juniper Shield.

The 624th Aeromedical Staging Squadron members simulated loading patients into an ambulance bus at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Feb. 4, 2024. This training is important for ASTS members to work as a team and understand the logistics of moving patients from one location to another safely.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Vanessa Clark, offgoing commanding officer, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268, Marine Aircraft Group 24, relinquishes the organizational colors to Lt. Col. Brandon Pope, oncoming commanding officer, VMM-268, during a change of command ceremony, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Dec. 8, 2022. Clark relinquished command of VMM-268 to Pope.

U.S. Army medics stand in formation as a HH-60M Blackhawk flies overhead during an Expert Field Medical Badge graduation ceremony Oct. 28, 2022 on Pike Field at Fort Bragg, N.C. Only 39 medics out of more than 150 Soldiers earned the title of "Expert Medic" and were pinned the EFMB. The badge is one of the most challenging skills badges in the U.S. and is awarded to U.S. Army medics who successfully complete a set of qualification tests, including both written and performance based.

The passing of colors from an outgoing commander to an incoming commander ensures that the unit and its Soldiers are never without official leadership, represents a continuation of trust, and signifies an allegiance of Soldiers to their unit's commander. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Todd M. Lazaroski relinquished duties as the commanding general of the 87th Training Division to Brig. Gen. Kelly A. Hagenbeck during a ceremony held at Hanson Reserve Center in Hoover, Alabama, June 4.

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.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, stand at Pershing Parade Field during the reflagging ceremony of the 11th Airborne Division, June 6, 2022, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. 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.

Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Satterfield, left, assumes command of the 8th Battalion from 4th Brigade Executive Officer Brian Carpenter as Lieutenant Colonel Marcia Martin, right, looks on. Base: Fort Dix State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Maj. Gen. David Hodne, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, presents a Sergeant Audie Murphy Club medallion to Staff Sgt. Savon Hollimon, a cavalry scout assigned to 1st Battalion, 68th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., April 8, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club medallion is awarded to the top 10 percent of NCOs.

Members of Fort Belvoir's 212th Military Police Detachment participate in a change of command, May 20, 2022, when Capt. Tevin Radford, right, relinquished command to Capt. Alex Polk, left; as Lt. Col. David Fleming, Headquarters Battalion commander, looks on.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Ryan Meltesen, the sergeant major of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, passes the guidon to Brig. Gen. Brian Wolford, the outgoing commanding general of 3rd MLG, during a change of command ceremony on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, June 24, 2022. During the ceremony, Wolford 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.

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Michael Yost, 807th Deputy Commanding General, Sgt. 1st Class Andrea, 1972nd Medical Detachment (Combat Stress Control) Behavioral Health NCO, and retired Maj. Patrick Sylvers, 1972nd Medical Detachment (Combat Stress Control) Psychologist, are the official party of the Purple Heart ceremony on Sept. 11, 2022, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

U.S. Army Soldiers from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division stand in formation during an award ceremony on Combat Outpost Carver, Iraq, March 31, 2008. At the ceremony the Soldiers received Bronze Stars and Army Commendation medals for their service in Iraq.

Sgt. Juan Martinez, a Soldier of the Louisiana National Guard, runs the final stretch of a 12 mile ruck march, a challenge at the National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition, Camp Gruber Training Center, Okla., May 19, 2022. The annual competition brings together top-tier Soldiers to challenge them on a variety of Army warrior tasks. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), host a D-Day commemoration ceremony and ruck march June 6, 2022, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, to remember the sacrifices of Allied forces during the storming of the Normandy beachhead during World War II.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Karin R. Fitzgerald, incoming commanding officer of 2nd Supply Battalion, receives the battalion colors from Col. Michael Castellano, outgoing commanding officer of 2nd Supply Battalion, during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 17, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Michael Castellano relinquished command to Col. Karin R. Fitzgerald.

U.S. Army Soldiers pose for a photo during the Best Warrior Competition at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Feb. 22, 2024. Participants underwent rigorous evaluations by seasoned leaders who are subject matter experts in their respective fields. The assessments encompassed a wide range of military skills tests, including physical fitness, weapons knowledge, marksmanship, land navigation, general military knowledge and more. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Miller, 71st Fighter Squadron crew chief, guides an F-22 Raptor into a hangar at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Mar. 29, 2023. The 1st Fighter Wing welcomed its first two F-22 Raptors from Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, to their new home as a part of the new Formal Training Unit.

11th Regiment, Advanced Camp Cadet Brianna Gowans from Texas A&M University throws her final hand grenade during Cadet Summer Training at Fort Knox, Ky., July 28, 2022. Each Cadet had the opportunity to throw a total of six grenades, the first two being dummies followed by four simulated hand grenades. | Photo by Cristina Betz, CST Public Affairs Office

BOSTON (Sept. 27, 2022) U.S. Navy petty officers first class, selected for promotion to chief petty officer, participate in a pike drill during Chief Petty Officer Heritage Weeks. During the week, Constitution Sailors teach the selectees a variety of time-honored maritime evolutions while living and working aboard the ship.USS Constitution, is the worlds oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. During normal operations, the active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the ships mission of promoting the Navys history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents. The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 when British cann

California State Guard members present honorary wreaths to display for fallen troops during the annual Memorial Day Observance Ceremony at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, San Jose, California, May 30 2022. The 129th Rescue Wing was invited to host an HH-60G Pave Hawk flyover event for the annual ceremony, which honored veterans of all armed forces of the United States.

An activation ceremony for the newly-transitioned 125th Communications Squadron, 125th Fighter Wing, was held April 2, 2023 at the Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida. The flight was recently tasked with the stand-up of a Mission Defense Team (MDT) whose primary mission will be to provide functional mission assurance to the 125th Fighter Wing. The increased responsibility moves the 125th Communications Flight beyond its base communications and information technology focus resulting in the redesignation as a squadron.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Julian Alford, Training and Education Command commanding general, gives remarks during Col. Mikel Hubers retirement and change of command ceremony, MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, Aug. 5, 2022. Col. Huber retired from the Marine Corps after 29 years of honorable service.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Anders Hedberg, commander of the 776th EABS, briefs Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, deputy commander of United States Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa, on installation operations at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Oct. 31, 2022. Chabelley Airfield supports combined operations and initiatives aimed at advancing strategy-aligned priorities.

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