Change of Command Ceremonies

Scenes from U.S. military change of command ceremonies, highlighting the formal transfer of authority with salutes and decorations among officers.

221007-N-JO823-1035 SEA OF JAPAN (Oct. 7, 2022) Sideboys render honors as Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, is piped aboard during a change of command ceremony in the Sea of Japan, Oct 7. During the ceremony, Goldhammer was properly relieved by Capt. Daryle Cardone as the commanding officer. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

KINGS BAY, Ga. (Jun. 17, 2022) Cmdr. Ron Allen (right), outgoing commanding officer of the Submarine Readiness Squadron 36, salutes Rear Adm. John Spencer, Commander, Submarine Group 10, while stating he has been relieved of his duties during a change of command ceremony held at the chapel onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. Allen is relieved by Cmdr. Samuel Scovill as the squadrons commanding officer. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen (Released)

220421-N-XM133-0008 EWA BEACH, Hawaii (April 21, 2022) Rear Adm. Patrick S. Hayden, deputy director, Logistics, Fleet Supply and Ordnance (N4), U.S. Pacific Fleet, presents the Legion of Merit to Capt. Brett Thompson, during the change of command ceremony, April 21, 2022. Capt. John S. Barsano relieved Capt Brett Thompson as commander, Navy Munitions Command Pacific East Asia Division during the official ceremony.

221007-N-JO823-1035 SEA OF JAPAN (Oct. 7, 2022) Sideboys render honors as Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, is piped aboard during a change of command ceremony in the Sea of Japan, Oct 7. During the ceremony, Goldhammer was properly relieved by Capt. Daryle Cardone as the commanding officer. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

220525-N-OM737-1217NEW YORK (May 25, 2022) - U.S. Fleet Forces Commander Adm. Daryl Caudle is rung aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) during the Fleet Week New York reception ceremony in the hangar bay, May 25, 2022. Bataan is currently ported in New York for Fleet Week. Bataan is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.

221014-N-DK722-1016 NAVAL SUPPORT FACILITY DEVESELU, Romania (Oct. 14, 2022) Cmdr. Jonathan P. Schermerhorn, Commander, U.S. Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System Romania (USAAMDSRO), renders a hand salute to sideboys following a change of command ceremony on Naval Support Facility (NSF) Deveselu, Romania, Oct. 14, 2022. AAMDS is under the operational control of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe, based in Naples, Italy, and is part of the European Phased Adapted Approach (EPAA), which protects European NATO allies and U.S. deployed forces in the region.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 1, 2022) Cmdr. Travis Montplaisir, outgoing commanding officer of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83), salutes as he walks through sideboys during a change of command ceremony aboard the ship, forward-deployed to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Dec. 1. Howard is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/ Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleets principal surface force.

NAVAL BASE KITSAP BREMERTON, Wash. (Oct. 28, 2022) - U.S. Navy Capt. Eric Anduze, right, outgoing commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), shakes hands with U.S. Navy Capt. Brian Schrum, incoming commanding officer, during a change of command ceremony in the ships hangar bay Oct. 28, 2022. Theodore Roosevelt is in a docking planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility where the ship is receiving scheduled maintenance and upgrades.

Rear Adm. John F. Meier, left, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, congratulates Capt. Christopher Bahner, right, during VAQWPs change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Washington, August 11, 2022. VAQWP supports the manning, training and equipment of electronic attack squadrons in the Pacific theatre while providing electronic warfare tactical and technical development leadership and expertise.

SAN DIEGO (April 7, 2023) USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) Commanding Officer Cmdr. Gabriel Burgi addresses the crew for the first time after accepting command during the ships change of command ceremony in the ships well deck. Harpers Ferry is a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship homeported in San Diego.

Capts. Robert S. Mohr and Jason H. Ryan exchange a congratulatory handshake at the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche change-of-command ceremony in Alameda, Calif., July 15, 2022. Mohr relieved Ryan as commanding officer of the Waesche during the ceremony U.S. Coast Guard photo by Ens. Andrew Suh.

221110-N-MH811-1111PEARL HARBOR (November 10, 2022) Cmdr. Isaac Pelt, commanding officer of the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783),right, assumes command from Cmdr. Brad Bozin during the change of command ceremony for the USS Minnesota (SSN 783) which was held on the fantail of the Battleship Missouri Memorial, November 10.

220609-N-LZ409-1207 KEKAHA, HI (June 9, 2022) Capt. Brett Stevenson, incoming commanding officer Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Barking Sands, walks through side boys during a change of command ceremony in the hangar bay. Capt. Brett Stevenson relieved Young as commanding officer during the official ceremony. PMRF is the worlds largest instrumental multi-environment range capable of supporting surface, subsurface, air and space operations simultaneously.

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 20, 2022) Rear Adm. J.T. Anderson, left, from Fayetteville, N.C., commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, authorizes Capt. Jeremy Gray, from Cincinnati, to depart during a change of command ceremony aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

220917-N-PL946-1179 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 17, 2022) USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Commanding Officer Capt. Paul Lanzilotta and Command Master Chief Bryan Davis pay respects during a burial at sea ceremony aboard the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). During the ceremony, the cremated remains of 30 souls were committed to the sea in the Atlantic Ocean. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualifications and workups for a scheduled deployment this fall.

210927-N-GR655-0062 NEW LONDON, Conn. (May 20, 2022) - Cmdr. Stephen Wiegel delivers remarks at a change-of-command ceremony for the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768) at Fort Trumbull, New London, Conn., May 20. Wiegel was relieved by Cmdr. Kevin Behm as commanding officer. Hartford and crew operate under Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) FOUR and its primary mission is to provide fast-attack submarines that are ready, willing, and able to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe.

221007-N-JO823-1073 SEA OF JAPAN (Oct. 7, 2022) Vice Ad. Karl Thomas, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, delivers opening remarks during a change of command ceremony aboard the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), in the Sea of Japan, Oct. 7. During the ceremony, Goldhammer was properly relieved by Capt. Daryle Cardone as the commanding officer. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Vice Adm. J.W. Cox, chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery and surgeon general of the Navy, speaks during the ground breaking ceremony for the new Naval Regional Medical Center. Seated behind him are (L-R): Rear Adm. Eustine P. Rucci, commanding officer, Naval Regional Medical Center; Rear Adm. P. Gillcrist, commander, Naval Base, San Diego; Cmdr. M. Hopper, officer in charge of construction, Western Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command, and Capt. C.C. Atkins, director of clinical services, Naval Regional Medical Center.. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220519-N-UP745-1048 TYRRHENIAN SEA (May 19, 2022) Lt. Rainell Cannon, from Fosterburg, Ill., leads Sailors in prayer during a memorial ceremony for Electronics Technician 1st Class Ryan DeKorte aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109), in the Tyrrhenian Sea, May 19, 2022. Jason Dunham is a part of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied and Partner interest.

Cmdr. Robert Patchin, commanding officer, Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Squadron (UUVRON) 1, delivers remarks during a ceremony held to elevate UUVRON-1 to a submarine force major command and establish Unmanned Undersea Flotilla (UUV Flotilla) 1 as a subordinate command at Naval Base Kitsap-Keyport, Washington July 14, 2022. The ceremony was also a change of command for UUVRON-1, with Capt. Jason Weed relieving Patchin.

Commissioning of USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) took place on April 1, 2023 at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme.

220628-N-ED185-1124NAVAL BASE KITSAP - BANGOR, Wash. (June 28, 2022) Rear Adm. Mark Behning, commander, Submarine Group 9, delivers a speech during a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Base Kitsap - Bangor, Wash., June 28, 2022. Behning relieved Rear Adm. Robert Gaucher as the 25th commander of Submarine Group 9.

SAN DIEGO (Jun. 10, 2022) - Incoming Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve (CNAFR) Rear Adm. Brad Dunham reads his orders during the CNAFR change of command ceremony in the Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 hangar at Naval Base Coronado, Jun. 10. CNAFR mans, trains and equips the Naval Air Force Reserve in order to provide enduring operational support and strategic depth to Navy forces that win in combat.

220818-N-QF023-1099YOKOSUKA, Japan (Aug. 18, 2022) Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, presents Capt. Chase Sargeant, outgoing commander, Task Force 71 with the Legion of Merit award during Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 change of command ceremony aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) pierside at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Aug. 18. Commander, Task Force (CTF) 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 is the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleets principal surface force.

Commanding officer of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Capt. Rick Burgess, left, and Rear Adm. Erik Eslich, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, address media during a press conference on the pier upon returning from the ship's eight-month maiden deployment, Jan. 17, 2024. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) completed a scheduled deployment in U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/ U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, demonstrating the commitment and power projection capability of the Navy's globally deployed force.

U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Steven Ramassini speaks during a change of command ceremony on Coast Guard Training Center Petaluma, California on June 24, 2022. The command of Coast Guard Training Center Petaluma transferred from Capt. Steven Ramassini to Capt. Matthew Chong during a change-of-command ceremony Friday at the Coast Guard Training Center.

SATTAHIP, Thailand (June 12, 2013) Capt. Paul Schlise, commander of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, salutes a Royal Thai Navy officer at the closing ceremony of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2013. More than 1,200 Sailors and Marines participated in CARAT Thailand. CARAT is a series of bilateral military exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor Leste.

221028-N-DB801-0142MAYPORT, Fla. - (Oct. 28, 2022) - Capt. Peter Ehlers, middle, reports to Rear Adm. Doug Sasse, reserve vice commander of U.S. 4th Fleet, after being relieved by Capt. Meger Chappell as commodore of Destroyer Squadron 40 at a change of command ceremony at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Oct. 28, 2022.

220911-N-AS200-5031 - POINT MUGU, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2022) - Lt. Cmdr. Bryan Davenport, chaplain, Airborne Command & Control and Logistics Wing (ACCLOGWING), conducts a benediction during a 9/11 ceremony onboard Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), Point Mugu. NBVC is a strategically located Naval installation composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2D Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

Capt. Matthew Boland, commodore, Submarine Squadron 12, speaks during a change of command ceremony for the blue crew of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) at the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, Washington, August 22, 2022. USS Kentucky is one of eight Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines stationed at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.

220714-N-DM318-1011 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (Jul 14, 2022) Cmdr M.E. Kawika Chang salutes after walking thru the side boys during a Change of Command for Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Five One (HSM-51).

240104-N-ED185-2005KEYPORT, Wash. (Jan. 5, 2023) Capt. Dale Klein, commander, Submarine Squadron 19, passes through side boys during a change of command ceremony for the blue crew of the Ohio-class guided missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) at Keyport, Washington, Jan. 5, 2024. During the ceremony, Capt. Eric A. Hunter relieved Capt. Micah D. Maxwell as commanding officer of the blue crew of Ohio.

NAPLES, ITALY -- Rear Adm. Scott Gray, commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central (EAURAFCENT), receives honors during his change of command onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, May 26, 2022. Navy Region EURAFCENT oversees nine installations in seven countries, enabling U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed, in order to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

221208-N-YF131-1040 SAN DIEGO (Dec. 8, 2022) Lt. Candice Haralson delivers the invocation during the Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, Pacific change of command ceremony held in the hangar bay of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41. HSMWPs mission is to man, train, and equip squadrons, Naval Aviators and Naval Aircrewmen to fly and fight the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the world's most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (May 20, 2022) Cmdr. John Carter, Naval Station Great Lakes chaplain, has a retirement ceremony in honor of more than 20 years of service. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

060808-N-4965F-016. Base: Naval Station, Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

President William Jefferson Clinton receives an officer's cap as another officer stands in line to present him with a cap from the ammunition ship USS MAUNA KEA (AE-22). Navy personnel are gathered to welcome Clinton upon his arrival at NAS, Alameda to discuss the issue of base closure. Base: Naval Air Station, Alameda State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050722-N-0962S-023. Base: US Naval Academy, Annapolis State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: CNO

220917-N-PL946-1040 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 17, 2022) USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Commander Genevieve Clark delivers remarks in front of Command Master Chief Bryan Davis during a burial at sea ceremony aboard the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). During the ceremony, the cremated remains of 30 souls were committed to the sea in the Atlantic Ocean. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting an independent steaming operation.

220917-N-PL946-1040 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Sept. 17, 2022) USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Commander Genevieve Clark delivers remarks in front of Command Master Chief Bryan Davis during a burial at sea ceremony aboard the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). During the ceremony, the cremated remains of 30 souls were committed to the sea in the Atlantic Ocean. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting an independent steaming operation.

220916-N-ND021-1003 NORFOLK, VA. (September 16, 2022) Cmdr. David Schaller, commanding officer of USS Monterey (CG 61), and Cmdr. Margaret Siemer, command chaplain for Carrier Strike Group TWO, attend Monterey's decommissioning ceremony. Monterey was commissioned on June 16, 1990, and was a U.S. Navy warship for 32 years.

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (July 22, 2022) Chief Warrant Officer 5 Mark Spahn renders a salute during his retirement ceremony at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum, July 22, 2022. Spahn, who is a Kansas City-area native, retired after 32 years of active duty Navy service.

The Coast Guard First District holds a change-of-command ceremony Friday, May 13, 2022 at Faneuil Hall in Boston to bid farewell to Rear Adm. Thomas G. Allan Jr. and welcome Rear Adm. John W. Mauger as commander of the First District. Vice Adm. Steven D. Poulin, commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area presided over the ceremony. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition that represents the transfer of one commanding officer to another as well as the transfer of absolute authority and responsibility for a military unit.

Capt. Christopher Tepera relinquishes command to Capt. Victor Diaz at the Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pearl Harbor (NMRTC-PH) Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony on June 23, 2022 at the Hickam Officer's Club, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Capt. (Ret.) Christopher Tepera retired after 26 years of U.S. Naval service.

SAN DIEGO (April 21, 2022) Capt. Brian J. Quin, chief of staff, Expeditionary Strike Group 3, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), April 21, 2022. Cmdr. Michael J. Welgan relieved Cmdr. Cullen M. Greenfield as commanding officer of Germantown during the ceremony. Germantown, a part of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, is a Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship homeported in San Diego.

221213-N-ZS023-1044 SAN DIEGO (Dec 13, 2022) Cmdr. Christopher Polnaszek, center, commanding officer of Independence-variant littoral combat ship Pre-Commissioning Unit Augusta (LCS 34), is congratulated by Capt. Marc Crawford, commodore of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE, during an assumption of command ceremony held at Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE. Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence missions around the globe.

SAN DIEGO (April 7, 2023) Retired Capt. Benjamin Allbritton addresses attendees during a change of command ceremony in the well deck of USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). Harpers Ferry is a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship homeported in San Diego

ST. LOUIS (Aug. 19, 2022) Cmdr. Benjamin Fischer, the outgoing commanding officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Mid America, gives remarks during a change of command ceremony at Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, Aug. 19, 2022. After the ceremony, Fischer retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of naval service. NTAG Mid America, part of Navy Recruiting Command, recruits the next generation of Navy Sailors throughout areas encompassing Missouri, Kansas, central and southern Illinois, and a portion of Kentucky.

Vice Adm. Doug Perry salutes as he passes sideboys during a change of command ceremony aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Vice Adm. Daniel Dwyer was relieved by Vice Adm. Doug Perry as commander, Joint Force Command Norfolk, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, and director, Combined Joint Operations from the Sea - Centre of Excellence. U.S. 2nd Fleet employs maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic to ensure access, deter aggression, and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander, Carrier Strike Group One, speaks during a naturalization ceremony aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53) during Seattle Fleet Week, Aug. 5, 2022. Fleet Week Seattle is a time-honored celebration of the sea services and provides an opportunity for the citizens of Washington to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

SAN DIEGO (Jun. 10, 2022) - Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve Rear Adm. Scott Jones speaks during the CNAFR change of command ceremony in the Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 hangar at Naval Base Coronado, Jun. 10. CNAFR mans, trains and equips the Naval Air Force Reserve in order to provide enduring operational support and strategic depth to Navy forces that win in combat.

040604-M-5523R-015. Base: USS Essex (LHD 2)

Capt. Philip Mlynarski, left, incoming commanding officer of Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD), shakes hands with Capt. Stephen "Casey" Plew, outgoing commanding officer of NSWCDD, as Mark Oesterreich, Naval Surface/Undersea Warfare Centers Headquarters Chief of Staff looks on during a change of command ceremony at the Potomac River Test Range, April 29.

161015-N-AT895-527 BALTIMORE (Oct. 15, 2016) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson talks with Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Steven Giordano during the commissioning ceremony for the Navy's newest and most technologically advanced warship, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000).

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (Oct. 21, 2022) Chief Petty Officer Sean Tiberia is piped aboard during a Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony onboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The rank of chief petty officer was created April 1, 1893, and the chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.

NAPLES, ITALY -- Vice Adm. Yancy Lindsey, commander, Navy Installations Command receives honors during Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central (EURAFCENT) change of command onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, May 26, 2022. Navy Region EURAFCENT oversees nine installations in seven countries, enabling U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed, in order to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

JAKARTA, Indonesia (July 22, 2022) - Indonesian National Military-Naval Force First Adm. Indra Agus Wijaya, commander, Submarine Operation, IDN Fleet, speaks to U.S. Navy Sailors and members of the Indonesian National Military Naval Force aboard the Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) during a remembrance ceremony for the Indonesian Cakra-class diesel-electric attack submarine KRI Nanggala (402), that sunk April 21, 2021, off the coast of Bali. Frank Cable is currently on patrol conducting expeditionary maintenance and logistics in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matt Brannen, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) deputy director for operations, talks about the hardship and sacrifices the U.S. service members made as prisoner's of war during a ceremony for the 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, March 28, 2023. There are approximately 1,500 U.S. service members that Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency personnel are still searching for from the Vietnam War.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 1, 2022) Capt. Walter Mainor, Commander, Task Force 71, presents a Meritorious Service Medal to Cmdr. Travis Montplaisir, outgoing commanding officer of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83), during a change of command ceremony aboard the ship, forward-deployed to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Dec. 1. Howard is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/ Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleets principal surface force.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander, speaks with African delegates during the Africa Aersopace and Defence Exhibition 2022 opening ceremonies, Sept. 21, 2022, at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion, South Africa. Fostering regional relationships among African partners allows for the opening of dialogue and helps build regional solutions that we can help our African partners implement to address regional concerns.

060829-N-1332Y-142. Base: Fleet Activities Yokosuka Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: COMMANDER FLEET ACTIVITIES

DN-SC-85-01563. Base: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

120619-N-WL435-167 BERGEN, Norway (June 19, 2012) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert inspects the Royal Norwegian navy Honor Guard upon his arrival at Haakonsvern Naval Base during a counterpart visit with the Chief of the Royal Norwegian navy.

061025-N-5330L-234. Base: Tivat Country: Montenegro (MNT)

U.S. Navy Lt. Rick Shaffer, a Kingstown, Rhode Island native and Navy chaplain with 2d Marine Division, delivers the invocation during a wreath-laying ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 9, 2022. This ceremony is a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and in remembrance of the events on Sept. 11, 2001.

U.S. Navy Capt. Aaron Kelly, commodore of Amphibious Squadron Six, speaks with Lithuanian media during a press conference in Klaipeda, Lithuania, Aug. 22, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Vice Adm. Steven Poulin, Atlantic Area commander, shakes hands with Rear Adm. Laura Dickey, outgoing 5th District commander, at the 5th District's change-of-command ceremony in Portsmouth, Virginia, May 11, 2022. The change of command is a time-honored tradition that promotes continuity and authority of command within the Coast Guard. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Emily Velez.

BOSTON (July 22, 2022) - Cmdr. Kaitlin McLeod addresses guests during the Navy Talent Acquisition Group New England change of command ceremony aboard the USS Constitution. McLeod relieved Cmdr. Jeremy Watkins, as commanding officer.

120720-N-WL435-388 WASHINGTON (July 20, 2012) Vice Adm. Nanette M. DeRenzi and members of the official party salute as DeRenzi's three-star flag is revealed after she assumed the office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) of the Navy at the Washington Navy Yard. DeRenzi assumed the office of the JAG of the Navy from Vice Adm. James W. Houck after he retired from the position at the official ceremony. Rear Adm. James W. Crawford, III, assumed DeRenzi's former position as the Deputy JAG of the Navy and assumed command of Naval Legal Service Command.

Commander Naval Supply Systems Command, Rear Adm. Pete Stamatopoulos, provides remarks as keynote speaker for the 2022 Pearl Harbor Rememberance Ceremony at the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP's mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter.

220727-N-TH560- 0172 ANNAPOLIS, Md. (July 27, 2022) - Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Rick Cheeseman takes a question from a Marine Corps officer at the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) 50th Year Symposium, July 27, 2022. As the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officer for the U.S. Navy, Cheeseman spoke about the development and implementation of strategic DEI initiatives into the services culture, policies, programs and core functions. The annual NNOA conference aims to increase attendees overall awareness of issues affecting the sea service while hosting educational and professional development workshops, seminars, and exhibits.

010518-D-2987S-049. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220908-N-UB993-1051 ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 8, 2022) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, delivers the oath of enlistment to Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) James Honea before the Change of Office ceremony held at Mahan Hall, United States Naval Academy, Sept. 8, 2022. Honea relieved MCPON Russell Smith to become the 16th MCPON.

KITTERY, ME. May 27, 2022, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard: USS Texas (SSN 775) Change of Command Ceremony was held at the shipyard where Cmdr. Kenneth Cooke (right) was relieved by Cmdr. K. Chad Ingle (left) as Commanding Officer, Texas. Pictured (center) Capt. Henry Roenke, Deputy Commander, Submarine Squadron TWO, presided over the ceremony.

220515-N-LY160-1043 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 15, 2022) - Master Chief Navy Counselor Jason Caldera, from San Antonio, receives his new cover during a frocking ceremony in the hangar bay aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 15, 2022. Tripoli is conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.

210927-N-GR655-0018 NEW LONDON, Conn. (May 20, 2022) - Cmdr. Kevin Behm arrives at a change-of-command ceremony for the USS Hartford (SSN 768) at Fort Trumbull, New London, Conn., May 20. Behm relieved Cmdr. Stephen Wiegel as commanding officer. The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Hartford and crew operate under Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) FOUR and its primary mission is to provide fast-attack submarines that are ready, willing, and able to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe.

PATUXENT RIVER, Maryland (June 14, 2022) - From right, Rear Adm. Nancy Lacore, Commandant, Naval District Washington, congratulates Capt. Derrick Kingsley, NAS Patuxent River commanding officer, after Kingsley assumed command of the air station from Capt. John Brabazon during a change of command ceremony June 14.

RADM David G. Ramsey, deputy commander, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, addresses the guests attending the commissioning of the guided missile frigate USS LEWIS B. PULLER (FFG-23). Base: Naval Air Station, Long Beach State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DN-SC-04-10016. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Rear Admiral Thomas R. "TR" Buchanan, Commander, Submarine Group Ten, presents the Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award to Seaman Carl Martin during a pass-in-review graduation ceremony at Recruit Training Command, Jan. 18, 2024. Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (Sept. 13, 2022) Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, meets with Royal New Zealand Deputy Chief of Navy, Commodore Melissa Ross, and members of the New Zealand Defence Force during a visit to Wellington, New Zealand. The visit to New Zealand emphasized the U.S. commitment to strengthening partnerships for an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Calvert Worth Jr., 2d Marine Division commanding general, gives his remarks during a wreath-laying ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 9. 2022. This ceremony is a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and in remembrance of the events on Sept. 11, 2001.

020615-M-0175R-003. Base: Morehead City State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 24 MEU

ADM James D. Watkins (right) relieves ADM Thomas B. Hayward as the 22nd chief of naval operations, in formal ceremonies at the U.S. Naval Academy. Base: Annapolis State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Capt. Matthew W. Hebert reads his orders during a change of command ceremony held for Navy Medicine Operational Training Command (NMOTC) at the National Naval Aviation Museum aboard Naval Air Staiton Pensacola, Sept. 30. NMOTC oversees 6 detachments and 12 training centers in more than 60 facilities spread across the U.S. with more than 65 instructional programs within aviation, surface and undersea warfare in addition to expeditionary forces and special operations medicine.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Jason M. Vanderhaden, of Tallahassee, Florida, observes boot camp recruits at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, New Jersey, May 18, 2022, on the eve of his change of watch ceremony where he retires as the senior enlisted member of the Coast Guard and the principal advisor to the Commandant on all enlisted personnel matters.

230407-N-LN782-1356 (Apr. 07, 2023) Chief of Navy Reserve Vice Adm. John Mustin reviews the ceremonial honor guard during a pass-in-review graduation ceremony at Recruit Training Command. Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes five warfighting competencies of firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding, and small arms handling and marksmanship along with physical fitness and lessons in Navy heritage and core values, Warrior Toughness, Life Skills, teamwork and discipline. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navys only boot camp.

Admiral Leon A. Edney, Vice CHIEF of Naval Operations, speaks during Fleet Week at the dedication of the first completed pier at the station. Base: Naval Station, New York State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NORFOLK, Va. (Oct. 9, 2022) - Cmdr. Christopher Petro, right, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78), speaks to Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. David Patchell, vice commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, welcoming him aboard Porter in Naval Station Norfolk, Oct. 9. Porter returned to Naval Station Norfolk after completing seven years of service and 11 patrols at Naval Station Rota, Spain as a Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) destroyer.

221202-N-LZ839-2005NORFOLK, Va. (Dec. 2, 2022) Capt. Paul Burkhart, the commanding officer of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), and Capt. Joseph Murphy cut a cake in commemoration of the ships change of command ceremony, Dec. 2, 2022. During the ceremony, Burkhart relieved Murphy as commanding officer of Bataan.

US Navy Vice Admiral Brent Bennitt (Left), Commander Naval Air Forces Pacific, and Chinese Vice Admiral Wang (Right), Commander of the Chinese South Sea Fleet, exchange goodbyes on the pier at Naval Station North Island, San Diego, California. This marks the first time Chinese warships have crossed the Pacific and visited the Continental United States. The Luhu Class Destroyer HARIBING (DDG 112), Luda II Class Destroyer, ZHUHAI (DDG 166), and a supply ship, the Fusu Class, NANYUN (AOR/AK 953) (Chinese vessels not shown), stopped at Naval Station, North Island, San Diego, California. The next port of call for the Chinese contingent is Acapulco, Mexico. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Eric Sanford, a chaplain at U.S. Coast Guard Base Kodiak, offers a prayer during a 9/11 memorial service held at Base Kodiak, Alaska, on Sept. 9, 2022. Coast Guard Base Kodiak personnel were invited to take part in the ceremony honoring those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks 21 years ago. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Ian Gray.

220610-N-VP266-1174 WASHINGTON (June 10, 2022) Rear Adm. Nancy Lacore delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony at Washington Navy Yards Leutze Park, June 10, 2022. During the ceremony, Lacore relieved Rear Adm. Michael Steffen, becoming Naval District Washingtons 93rd commandant.

ANNAPOLIS Md. (Sept. 18, 2015) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert is relieved by Adm. John Richardson at a change of command ceremony held at the U.S. Naval Academy.

220614-N-KN989-1012 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (June 14, 2022) Rear Adm. Timothy Kott, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii (center), Capt. Mark Sohaney, Commander, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (left) and Capt. Erik Spitzer (right) pose for a picture following a change of command ceremony aboard USS Missouri (BB-63). Sohaney relieved Capt. Erik Spitzer during the official change of command ceremony June 14, 2022. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam delivers the best service in base operating support to supported and tenant commands to enable operational mission success while simultaneously providing the highest quality of installation services, facilities support and quality of life programs.

230406-N-GR655-0059 GROTON, Connecticut (April 6, 2023) - Capt. John Stafford, outgoing commodore of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) FOUR, delivers remarks on board the USS North Dakota (SSN 784) during a change-of-command ceremony in Groton, Connecticut, Aug. 12, 2022. Stafford was relieved by Capt. Jason Grizzle during the ceremony. Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) FOURs primary mission is to provide fast-attack submarines that are ready, willing, and able to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with III Marine Expeditionary Force, attend a ceremony to honor the Navys 247th Birthday at Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, Oct. 13, 2022. The celebration included a cake cutting, a time-honored tradition in which the oldest Sailor present passes a piece of cake to the youngest Sailor present, representing the passing of naval traditions.

030402-M-5834A-053. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: III MEF

SASEBO, Japan (May 12, 2022) Lt. John Kenny, command chaplain aboard the forward-deployed amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), gives the invocation before a change-of-command ceremony in the ships vehicle stowage area. Green Bay, part of Amphibious Squadron 11, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

060912-N-9860Y-090. Base: Fleet Activities Yokosuka Country: Japan (JPN)

DN-ST-86-04688. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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