Change of Command Ceremonies

Formal military ceremonies depicting transitions of command, showcasing soldiers in uniform saluting and transferring authority, emphasizing leadership and tradition.

The 2d Theater Signal Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company hosted a Change of Responsibility ceremony Oct. 14, 2022 at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. First Sergeant Matthew A. Weber relinquished responsibility to 1st Sgt Randy L. Buttram during the ceremony.A change of responsibility ceremony represents the transfer of authority from one leader to another, ensuring the unit and its Soldiers are never without leadership. (U.S. Army photos by Spc. Renisha Washington)

The 2d Theater Signal Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company hosted a Change of Responsibility ceremony Oct. 14, 2022 at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. First Sergeant Matthew A. Weber relinquished responsibility to 1st Sgt Randy L. Buttram during the ceremony.A change of responsibility ceremony represents the transfer of authority from one leader to another, ensuring the unit and its Soldiers are never without leadership. (U.S. Army photos by Spc. Renisha Washington)

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Robert Stevenson III, left, and Lt. Col. III Daniel Jernigan, right, shake hands before the passing of colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, Japan, Jan. 12, 2024. Lt. Col. Robert Stevenson III, the outgoing commanding officer of 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.

Lt. Col. Brent J. Pafford, 15th Military Intelligence Battalion in-coming commander, receives the Battalion guidon from Col. Heather L. Maki, 116th Military Intelligence Brigade Commander, during a change of command ceremony in West Fort Hood, Texas, June 30, 2022. The Change of Command Ceremony is a formal passing of authority and accountability of command from one leader to another.

Soldiers assigned to the 38th Infantry Division salute the colors during the "Star-Spangled Banner" at the Cyclone Division Armory in Indianapolis, Jan. 22, 2023. The 38th Infantry Division Band starts the change of command ceremony with the national anthem. (Indiana National Guard photo by Sgt. Kelsea Cook)

Col. Aaron Martin, outgoing Commander of the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, completed two consecutive years of command and relinquished the controls to Col. Benjamin Boardman in their change of command ceremony on June 30, 2022. Col. Martin conducts a pass and review with Maj. Gen. David Lesperance, Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division ROK-U.S. Combined Division, and Col. Benjamin Boardman, incoming Commander of the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

Right, Col. Miles T. Gengler, U.S. Army NATO Brigade Commander, passes the Colors to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ebrima F. MBai incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Forces Command Naples, Italy, June, 22, 2022

NIGERIEN AIR BASE 201, Niger - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, U.S. Africa Command, speaks to Airmen and Soldiers stationed at Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger, Sept. 18, 2022. The visit here was one stop on a three-day trip to Niger and Chad from Sept. 18-21.

220614-N-TP834-4022U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander, speaks to attendees of the U.S. Armys 247th birthday celebration, June 14, 2022, Peterson Space Force Base, Colo. The U.S. Army has preserved Americas democratic values since 1775. Today, the U.S. Army continues to defend the nations interests, both on earth and in space through space domain awareness and missile defense. U.S. Space Command, the 11th Joint Combatant Command, deters conflict in space and delivers space combat power to warfighters around the world.

Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army V Corps stand in formation as they welcome Belgium's King Philippe and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, June 17, 2022. The U.S. Army's presence and commitment to the defense of our allies are important symbols of assurance and provide deterrence against potential adversaries.

Task Force Thunder, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard, took command of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission under 7th Army Training Command (7ATC) from Task Force Bowie, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Arkansas Army National Guard, on Jan. 5, 2024. Under the guidance of U.S. European Command, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and Security Assistance Group-Ukraine, 7ATC leads the training and is supported and supported by a myriad of other organizations from across the U.S. Army. This training of Armed Forces of Ukraine has been conducted in Germany since April 2022.

Soldiers salute during U.S. Army Capt. Daniel Borkert, outgoing commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, change of command ceremony to Capt. Levi Rowley, incoming commander of HHC, 79th IBCT, at Kearny Mesa Armory, Calif., on June 4, 2022. Borkert was also awarded an Army Commendation Medal and tokens of appreciation for his eight years of service to the brigade.

Col. Michael Johnson, brigade commander, passes a saber to Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert Macy, command chief warrant officer, during the 110th Aviation Brigade change of responsibility ceremony at Howze Parade Field, Fort Rucker, Alabama, June 21, 2022.

March Air Reserve Base Airmen with the California Air National Guard host a Change of Command ceremony for incoming 163d Attack Wing Commander Col. Clark Bramante at March ARB, Oct. 16, 2022. A Change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. The mission of the 163d ATKW is to provide dedicated, disciplined, and diverse guardsmen ready to defend California, the nation and local communities from any threats that compromise the safety, security and well-being of citizens and allies.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Scott Eberle and Command Sgt. Maj. Shaun Collins, the command team of the 382nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, render a salute at they uncased their battalion colors during a ceremony in which the 336th CSSB transfers authority to the 382nd. These battalions are subordinate to the 369th Sustainment Brigade while forward deployed to the CENTCOM area of operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Paris E. Mintz, left, outgoing command senior enlisted leader of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14, Col. James T. Bardo, center, commanding officer of MAG -14, and Sgt. Maj. Christopher D. Battle, right, incoming command senior enlisted leader of MAG-14, stand at attention during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Jan. 11, 2024. The ceremony represented a transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Mintz to Battle. MAG-14 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

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.

Col. Ryan Vetter, 374th Mission Support Group incoming commander, gives a speech during the 374th MSG change of command ceremony, June 23, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The change of command ceremony formally transferred command of the 374th MSG from Col. Patrick Launey, 374th MSG outgoing commander, to Vetter.

Lt. Col. Pete Leszczynski, battalion commander, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment gives the battalion colors to incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel S. Roney, signifying the change of leadership for the Wolfhounds command team. A change of responsibility ceremony for the Wolfhounds was held at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, August 17, 2022. (U.S. Army photograph by Spc. Joshua Oller/28th Public Affairs Detachment)

U.S. Army South incoming Senior Enlisted Advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald J. Graves, stands in front of a formation at a change of responsibility ceremony at JBSA - Fort Sam Houston, April 15, 2022. I look forward to continuing Command Sgt. Major Trevor C. Walkers great initiatives and efforts to take care of the Army South Soldiers and Families as well as building partner nation relationships and training alongside our Central and South American and our Caribbean partnerships, said Graves. Our mission is vital to our National Security. Graves, a native of Tipler Wisconsin, joined the U.S. Army in 1995 and most recently served as the command sergeant major for the Army Test and Evaluation Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

The 387th Military Police company conducted a color casing ceremony at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, Oct. 15, 2022. The 387th Military Police company has a rich history for its short span. It was first federally recognized on Nov. 6, 2006 in New Albany. The unit then deployed in 2009 with the 384th Military Police Combat support company to Mosul, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2010, the 387th Military Police Company responded to an earthquake in Haiti and again deployed two years later with the 381st Military Police Support Company in Afghanistan under Task Force Guardian in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2015, the unit was transferred to Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center. Then, in 2017 the unit mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. At the end of the ceremony, 387th Military Police Company commander, Cpt. Jay Ciesielczyk addressed the formation. I know the unit that receives you will be fortunate to have you in the

Lt. Col. Clinton Brown, left, incoming commander of the "Gila Battalion," 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares to address Soldiers assigned to the 9th BEB, 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, Change of Command Ceremony on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 19, 2022. The change of command ceremony signifies the transfer of command and with it the responsibility for the readiness and welfare of the 9th BEB's Soldiers and Families.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Nicholas M. Hoffman relinquishes command of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion to Lt. Col. Vincent Tirri during a change of command ceremony at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt, New Jersey, Jan. 8, 2023.

Lt. Col. Kevin Potts assumes command of the Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Center, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, from Lt. Col. Andrew OConnor at a change-of-command ceremony Nov. 19. Brig. Gen. James McCormack, assistant adjutant general-Army, presides while Command Sgt. Maj. Nicholas Lazor passes the unit colors to the outgoing commander. Fort Indiantown Gap, headquarters of the Pennsylvania National Guard, is the only live-fire, maneuver military training facility in Pennsylvania and is among the busiest National Guard Training Centers in the country.

Task Force Thunder, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard, took command of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission under 7th Army Training Command (7ATC) from Task Force Bowie, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Arkansas Army National Guard, on Jan. 5, 2024. Under the guidance of U.S. European Command, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and Security Assistance Group-Ukraine, 7ATC leads the training and is supported and supported by a myriad of other organizations from across the U.S. Army. This training of Armed Forces of Ukraine has been conducted in Germany since April 2022.

U.S. Army Soldier 1st. Sgt. Nicole Baker, assigned to Bravo Company, 186th BSB, 86th IBCT (MTN), Vermont National Guard, takes responsibility of Bravo Company at the 1st. Sgt. change of responsibility ceremony at B. Maintenance, Camp Johnson, Colchester, Vt., January 6, 2024. Outgoing 1st. Sgt. John Grimes hands responsibility to incoming 1st. Sgt. Nicole Baker.

Soldiers assigned to the 103rd Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion stand at attention during a battalion standup ceremony on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sept. 16, 2022. The 103rd IEW battalion will support 3rd Infantry Division by providing multi-domain intelligence collection capabilities to the division headquarters.

Airmen with the 180th Fighter Wing render a final salute to Col. Michael DiDio during the change of command ceremony in Swanton, Ohio on Oct. 15, 2022. Col. Chad Holesko assumed command of the 180FW from Col. Michael DiDio.

Soldiers from1186th Military Police Company, 821st Troop Command Battalion, Oregon Army National Guard salute during a demobilization ceremony in Salem, Oregon, on May 15, 2022. Maj. Gen. Stencel spoke at the ceremony for Soldiers returning from a months-long mission helping Afghan evacuees integrate with society in Camp Atterbury, Indiana.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Renee Turner, first sergeant at the 105th Airlift Wing, lowers the guidon during the 9/11 Day Remembrance Ceremony Sept. 11, 2022 at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York. Turner was the guidon bearer during the ceremony.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Felicia Epperly, a drill sergeant with Company C, 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment, executes drill and ceremony commands to Soldiers before chow April 11, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 3 participate in the CLB-3 change of command ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, June 10, 2022. Lt. Col. Joshua Gregory relinquished command to Lt. Col. Osman Sesay.

Members of the official party salute as the national anthem is played July 14, 2022, during the Fort McCoy Garrison Change of Command Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Plaza at the historic Commemorative Area at Fort McCoy, Wis. During the ceremony, Col. Stephen T. Messenger became the new commander of Fort McCoy Garrison. Messenger received the garrison flag from Brenda McCullough, director of U.S. Army Installation Management Command Directorate-Readiness. Messenger replaces Col. Michael D. Poss who became the garrison commander June 10, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in a virtual change-of-command ceremony. Poss moves on to serve in a position at the 88th Readiness Division also at Fort McCoy.

Paratroopers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division discuss troop movement and mission execution in preparation for Operation Falcon Blitz on Fort Bragg, NC, Jan. 27, 2023. Paratroopers will conduct an airborne operation in order to enhance brigade readiness and lethality.

Passing through an honor guard consisting of local veterans service organizations, Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry Regiment enter Tiffin Universitys Heminger Center during the units call to duty ceremony Sept. 20, 2022, in Tiffin, Ohio. Elements of the Ohio Army National Guards 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted call to duty ceremonies for their units in advance of an approximately yearlong deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

Col. Jeffery B. Hambrice assumed command of Fort Campbell Dental Activity from Lt. Col. Michael Hoffman, during a ceremony on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on August 18.

Col. Jason Gingrich, 39th Air Base Wing commander, and Turkish Brig. Gen. Gürel Özusta, 10th Tanker Base commander, both salute during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, May 27, 2022. During the ceremony, Polish Navy Lt. Cmdr. Tomasz Kozlowski assumed the command responsibilities from Cmdr. Sebastian Rak. The Polish Military Contingents mission at Incirlik AB consists of on-call duty and monitoring the Eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea in collaboration with NATO Permanent Maritime Groups and NATO Naval Command. The 39th Air Base Wing collaborates with allies from across the European theater to defend NATOs southern flank.

U.S. Army Capt. Jayson Ruizperez, commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, sings the Army Song, during the HHB change of command ceremony on May 24, 2022, at Sembach, Germany.

Soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 548th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, march into Magrath Gym, Aug. 5, 2022, during a redeployment ceremony on Fort Drum, New York. Soldiers returned to Fort Drum after a yearlong deployment to Kuwait to provide logistics support.

U.S. Marines with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, report to Lt. Col. Curtis Williamson, the commanding officer of 1st Radio Battalion, I MIG, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 23, 2022. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Kabiru Labaran, the outgoing sergeant major, relinquished his role of battalion sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Hugo Dubon.

Soldiers of Bravo Battery Death Dealers, 2nd Battalion, 174th Air Defense Artillery Regiment stand while the national anthem plays during a call to duty ceremony at Morgan High School in McConnelsville, Ohio, May 14, 2022. The 2-174th are deploying in support of the European Deterrence Initiative.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, line up with their leaders during a promotion ceremony at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, June 3, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

During a change of command ceremony July 6, 2022, at Fort Sill, Brig. Gen. David Stewart, commanding general, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, takes the guidon from 31st Air Defense Artillery Brigade's former commander, Col. Judson Gillett, signifying his relinquishment of command.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Curtis V. Ebitz, left, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, salutes Lt. Col. Benjamin M. Friedrick, right, former commanding officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), MCAS New River, during the H&HS change of command ceremony on MCAS New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, June 27, 2022. H&HS supports MCAS New River by aiding in readiness, sustainment and aviation support across the air station, providing services to service members and their families.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sean M. Castilla, commander of Battlegroup Poland and the commander of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT), congratulates the Soldiers assembled before him for achieving awards and commendations for excellence achieved during gunnery training, prior to participating in the NATO patch ceremony where the Soldiers of the 3-1 ABCT symbolically replace the 1st Cavalry Division patch worn on the left sleeve, with the NATO Battlegroup patch representing their commitment to the NATO mission at Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Oct. 21, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT 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, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Staff Sgt. Ryan McCauley halts troop movement to conclude the flag lowering ceremony at McNair Hall, Fort Sill Oklahoma June 14, 2022.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital conducted a change of Responsibility ceremony where Command Sgt. Maj. Marlon E. Faulds relinquished responsibility of his position to Master Sgt. Johnny D. Thompson, December 9, 2022, at Wilson Theater on Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

On July 21, 2022, the 331st Training Squadron practices drill at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The 331st TRS was in week three of Basic Military Training.

TAMC Troop Battalion Team Change of Responsibility Ceremony!Tripler Army Medical Center Troop Battalion bids farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Duke, and welcomes Command Sgt. Maj. Amanda N. Miller.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Major Douglas W. Gerhardt, left, SgtMaj, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, and Col. Curtis V. Ebitz, center, commanding officer, 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.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division participate in an uncasing ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Aug. 29, 2022. The 3/1 ABCT 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.

Col. Aaron Martin, outgoing Commander of the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, completed two consecutive years of command and relinquished the controls to Col. Benjamin Boardman in their change of command ceremony on June 30, 2022. Col. Martin hands off the brigade colors to Maj. Gen. David Lesperance, Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division ROK-U.S. Combined Division.

040519-F-0718S-132. Base: Lager Aulenbach State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

290th Military Police Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve, held a change of command ceremony and a change of responsibility ceremony at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, on Friday, August 5, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. John Dunn relinquished command to the incoming commander, Col. Jonathan Bennett. Following the change of command, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Culberson assumed responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle Jenkins.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, center, command chief, Air National Guard, meets with Lt. Col. Nathan Vanhoof, right, commander, 241st Air Traffic Control Squadron, 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri National Guard at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 10, 2022. During his visit, Williams spoke about readiness, taking care of Airmen, and the health of the force.

Vermont National Guard service members salute throughout the playing of the National Anthem during a Memorial Day ceremony held at Camp Johnson, Colchester, Vt. May 26, 2016. This ceremony was held to honor fallen service members.

El Salvadoran and American soldiers stand for the invocation during the closing ceremony in Guatemala City, Guatemala on March 27, 2023. CG23 is an annual Army-led combined, joint, interagency, multi-national partnership-building exercise designed to build capacity, capabilities and interoperability with Central American partner nations.

U.S. Army Col. John B. Gilliam, commander of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael D. Hall, command sergeant major of the 3/1 ABCT, uncase the brigade colors during the uncasing ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Aug. 29, 2022. The 3/1 ABCT 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.

On Friday October 28 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit FIVE (EODMU5) held their change of command ceremony with Cmdr. Jason Shell relieving Cmdr. John Keefe. Under Cmdr. Keefe EODMU5 conducted 8 operations, 41 theater security cooperation engagements, 7 joint and combined exercises, 3 Defense Prisoner of War Missing in Action Accountability Agency missions, and 3 humanitarian mine action missions across 24 Pacific nations. Keynote speaker for the ceremony was Commander, Task Force (CTF) 75 Commodore, Capt. Shaun Lieb.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Division and V Corps salute the flag during a base renaming ceremony at Poznan, Poland, July 30, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

The 405th Army Field Support Brigade Commander, Col. Brad Bane, passes the Army Field Support Battalion-Benelux colors to Lt. Col. Blake Smith, signifying Smiths official appointment as commander of AFSBn-Benelux. Smith assumed command of the battalion from Lt. Col. Aaron Jones during a ceremony at the Zutendaal Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Belgium, June 16. (photo by Henri Cambier)

TAMC Troop Battalion Team Change of Responsibility Ceremony!Tripler Army Medical Center Troop Battalion bids farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Duke, and welcomes Command Sgt. Maj. Amanda N. Miller.

An opening ceremony is held for Exercise Yama Sakura 83 at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec. 5, 2022. As a part of U.S. Army Pacific Operation Pathways, Yama Sakura 83 is the largest and most complex U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force bilateral command post exercise to date.

Paratroopers of the 2-501 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division march in a pass and review ceremony, Sept. 29, 2022, on Pike Field, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, marking the end of All American Week. AAW22 celebrated the Division's culture and legacy as America's Guard of Honor through a series of sporting and ceremonial events promoting comradery.

Airmen and commanders from across the 152nd Airlift Wing attend an assumption of command ceremony where Col. Evan J. Kirkwood took command of the 152nd Airlift Wing at the Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nevada, October 15, 2022. Kirkwood is the 24th commander in the units 74-year history.

U.S. Army Spc. Parker Brown, assigned to the 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division stands at attention before his unit during his re-enlistment ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, May 17, 2022. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Broadwater, deputy commanding officer of V Corps, was requested through Twitter as the re-enlistment officer.

The 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. David H. Berger and 18th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, discusses with the Marines of Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) the weapon capabilities that are being used during the training exercise, Darwin, Australia, April 14, 2022. MRF-D has been a crucial means of strengthening our interoperability with the Australian Defence Force. Now in its 11th year, Marines are still maintaining our close partnership with the ADF at all levels.

Lt. Col. Adam Ropelewski, commander of 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stands in a brigade formation on April 29, at Ft. Carson, Colo. The brigade held the formation to publicly recognize excellent performance across the organization and to hold a standing power throw competition. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jason Elmore

U.S. Army Lt. Col. T.J. Fearnow, Joint Intelligence Command (JICAF) U.S. Africa Command incoming commander, assumes command at RAF Croughton, England, July 20, 2022. This was part of the ceremony for the deactivation of USAFRICOM J2 Molesworth, and the activation of the JICAF.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Steve E. Gillette, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), is awarded by Maj. Gen. Austin Renforth, commanding general of Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center during 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.

Paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division stand at the Division Review, Sept. 29, 2022, on Pike Field, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, marking the end of All American Week. AAW22 celebrated the Division's culture and legacy as America's Guard of Honor through a series of sporting and ceremonial events promoting comradery.

U.S. Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division participate in a commemoration ceremony at Grandcamp-Maisy, France, June 5, 2022. This ceremony honored Cpt. Corvette Phillipe Kieffer, a French Navy Green Beret officer who led his men in the liberation of France during the D-Day landings.

U.S. Army Soldier salutes the flag during the national anthem during the DIVARTY Alignment Ceremony at King Field House on Fort Riley, Kansas, Jan. 19, 2024. The national anthem is played during military ceremonies as a time-honored tradition.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Gavin Lawrence, the incoming Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command commanding general, salutes the commander of troops, Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Morrison, the SDDC senior enlisted leader, at the end of SDDCs change of command ceremony July 20, 2022, at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

U.S. Army Soldiers with Company C, 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment, perform the daily flag detail June 8, 2022 at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Flag handlers ensure correct folding of the flag and ensure the flag does not touch the ground.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams, center, command chief, Air National Guard (ANG) visits the 186th Air Refueling Wing, Mississippi National Guard, Jan. 6, 2024, at Key Field ANG Base, Meridian, Mississippi. Williams shared his vision and provided guidance to the 186th ARW Airmen.

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

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jimmy R. Canlas, Defense Logistics Agency Energy commander, re-enlists a 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron Airman at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 13, 2022. During his visit, Canlas met and recognised Team Charleston Airmen.

Command Sgt. Maj. Brunk W. Conley, command sergeant major of the Army National Guard, talks with Soldiers from the Massachusetts Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment prior to the start of ceremonies marking the 378th anniversary of the First Muster of troops on Salem Common in Salem, Massachusetts, Saturday, April 11, 2015. The annual ceremony commemorates the first formation of the East Regiment of the Massachusetts Bay Colony militia, held on Salem Common in the spring of 1637, which stands as the birth of the National Guard and the American military. The original regiments that formed continue to serve as the 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment; the 101st Engineer Battalion; the 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment and the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment.

Lt. Col. Michael A. Duval, incoming Commander, 39th Signal Strategic Battalion, passes the guidon to Command Sgt. Maj. Tawaina Gennie, 39th Signal Strategic Battalion, during 39th Strategic Signal Battalion ceremony June 30, 2022 at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium. (photo by Henri Cambier)

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division stand in formation during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 10, 2024. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Charles Anklam, outgoing battalion commander, relinquished command of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment to Lt. Col. Mark Paige.

060712-A-5168K-043. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Incoming command sergeant major of NATO eFP Battle Group Poland, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sheldon Watson, command sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2 ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division (1 CD), operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID), stands at the front of the formation during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 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. Army Lt. Col. David Cochrane, center, incoming commander of 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, sings the Army song during a change of command ceremony at Jasionka, Poland, May 20, 2022. Lt. Col. Cochrane took command from Lt. Col. Roger Wang Jr. The Division headquarters and its 3rd Brigade Combat Team have been deployed to Poland as part of the strong and unremitting commitment to NATO allies against any aggression.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital conducted a change of Responsibility ceremony where Command Sgt. Maj. Marlon E. Faulds relinquished responsibility of his position to Master Sgt. Johnny D. Thompson, December 9, 2022, at Wilson Theater on Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Eben Buxton, right, a native of Virginia and outgoing commanding officer of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464, and Lt. Col. Justin Carrel, a native of Alabama and oncoming commanding officer of HMH-464, shake hands during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina, Feb. 16, 2024. The ceremony represented a transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Buxton to Carrel. HMH-464 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. Marine Corps

290th Military Police Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve, held a change of command ceremony and a change of responsibility ceremony at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, on Friday, August 5, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. John Dunn relinquished command to the incoming commander, Col. Jonathan Bennett. Following the change of command, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Culberson assumed responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle Jenkins.

POLAND Friday, February 9th 2023, HHC Brigade Archangels welcome CPT Grant Moyer as the new commander.We thank CPT Olivia Lynch for her for the time and energy and wish her all the best on her future endeavors!(

Pictured left to right Tech Sgt. Brandi Fern, Tech Sgt. Jimmy Womack and Senior Airman Joseph Heathscott, members of the 509th Bomb Wing Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, celebrate the successful pre-flight check of a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber during Exercise Agile Tiger on Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, April 5, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger was a 509th-led interoperability training exercise which combined and honed the skills of active duty, guard, and reserve U.S. Military Forces to ensure combat-readiness.

U.S. service members pose for a group photo at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 17, 2023.

U.S. Army Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, NATO Mission Iraq, being awarded bronze badges for the Schützenschnur, at Forward Operating Base Union III, Baghdad, Iraq, Sept. 20, 2022. CJTF-OIR is the military component of a Global Coalition of 77 nations and 5 international organizations, who remain committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

Capt. Tyler Elrod, the incoming commander for Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, stands at parade rest during a Change of Command Ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, March 31, 2022. The change of command ceremony celebrates the achievements of the outgoing commander while welcoming the incoming leadership to the command.

Soldiers stand in formation during the 94th Combat Support Hospital's change of command ceremony on September 18, 2022, in Seagoville, Tx.

U.S. Air Force Airmen, assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, line up to congratulate Senior Master Sgt. Justin Seals, the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron operations flight superintendent, on his selection to the rank of chief master sergeant, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dec. 9,2022. Air Force officials selected 514 senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant, out of 2,526 eligible, for a selection rate of 20.34 percent in the 22E9 promotion cycle.

U.S. Army Soldiers, friends, and family members attended a change of command ceremony between Gen. Gary Brito, incoming commander of U.S Army Training and Doctrine Command, and Gen. Paul Funk September 8, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

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 Col. Kirsten Aguilar, commander of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and the 673d Air Base Wing receives the guidon from Lt. Col. Casey Wyman, former 673d Comptroller Squadron commander at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, March 31, 2022.

Capt. Tyler Elrod, the incoming commander for Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, hands the company guidon to Sgt. 1st Class Michael Pulido, first sergeant of Alpha Company, thus concluding the handoff portion of the Change of Command Ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, March 31, 2022. The change of command ceremony celebrates the achievements of the outgoing commander while welcoming the incoming leadership to the command.

U.S. Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 36 participate in a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, May 13, 2022. The ceremony represented the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from Lt. Col. Matthew Haley to Lt. Col. Joshua Onuska.

Lt. Col. Gregory Polk, the Task Force Pioneer commander, salutes a U.S. Soldier during an award ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 22, 2022. As part of Army tradition, Task Force Pioneer facilitates mass ceremonies to present awards and recognize exemplary accomplishments.

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