Command Ceremonies in Modern Military

Captures of military personnel during change of command ceremonies, emphasizing leadership transitions and unit cohesion.

U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Maj.) Daniel Wilton, a chaplain with the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, receives the Meritorious Services Medal in Peoria, Illinois, April 30, 2022. Wilton has served in the role for six years.

Promotable Lt. Col. Johnathan Evans, outgoing commander of Barquist Army Health Clinic, provides remarks at a change of command ceremony June 14, 2022, Fort Detrick, Maryland. Lt. Col. Christopher Richelderfer assumed command of Barquist Army Health Clinic.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Michael E. McWilliams, commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, speaks to Marines and Sailors of 2nd MLG after a Change of Charge Ceremony on Camp Johnson, North Carolina, Jan. 10, 2024. During the Ceremony Command Master Chief Joseph L. Johnson assumed the office of the Command Master Chief of 2nd Marine Logistics Group from Master Chief Petty Officer John C. Beck.

Capt. Nathan Dampf, 131st Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, delivers remarks to his unit after assuming command at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. This is Dampf's first command.

The 1st Infantry Division Command Sgt. Maj., Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher L. Mullinax teaches a class during the GREYWOLF Leadership Academy, 18 Sept. 2022, in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland. Training like this helps develop non-commissioned officers for their leadership roles by teaching them different leadership skills and characteristics they will utilize throughout their careers.

U.S. Space Force Col. Robert Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, listens to questions fielded during the Assured Access to Space Industry Days Forum at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Sept. 15, 2022. The AATS Industry forum allowed launch and range stakeholders from government and industry to receive and discuss problems and solutions on topics including current and future business, technical, and operational plans, and practices on both the Western and Eastern Ranges.

U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Maj.) Daniel Wilton, a chaplain with the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, receives the Meritorious Services Medal in Peoria, Illinois, April 30, 2022. Wilton has served in the role for six years.

The 121st Air Refueling Wing Mission Support Group holds a Change of Responsibility ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, May 15, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Jason Wheeler formally received responsibility of the 121st Mission Support Group from Chief Master Sgt. Chris Combs.

Col. Robert Jorgensen Jr., incoming commander of the 166th Regiment Regional Training Institute, speaks during a change-of-command ceremony on Aug. 12, 2022, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. Jorgensen assumed command from Col. Patrick Monahan, who is retiring. (Pennsylvania National Guard photo by Brad Rhen)

Maj. Christopher Brandt, officer in charge of Engineer Advisor Team 6510, 5th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Regiment, speaks during a call to duty ceremony Aug. 6, 2022, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. While deployed, the team will help facilitate theater support cooperation within the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility. (Photo by Spc. Jessica Silhavy, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/RELEASED)

U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Spinelli, 422d Air Base Group commander, speaks during a 9/11 retreat ceremony at RAF Croughton, England, Sep 9, 2022. Airmen and guests participated in the ceremony to honor those who lost their lives during the September 11th terrorist attacks.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen Russell Driggers, 502nd Air Base Wing, Joint Base San Antonio commander, provides opening remarks to newly assigned commanders, senior enlisted leaders and their spouses at the beginning of the 502nd ABW senior leader orientation conference Aug. 10, 2022, JBSA-Lackland, Texas. The conference is a multi-day orientation designed to welcome and prepare senior leaders for the unique challenges of JBSA.

Sgt. Roger Litton, an allied trade specialist (welder), assigned with the 92nd Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, based at Fort Stewart, Ga., presents his innovation during the DoDs premiere innovation competition, Dragons Lair 7, at the Capital Factory in Austin, Texas, Aug. 16, 2022. Litton used his training as an allied trade specialist to fabricate a pile driver attachment for a Hydraulic excavator.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Vicki Greene, right, Headquarters, Air Staff, Texas Military Department, delivers a presentation at the 2022 Air National Guard (ANG) Enlisted Leadership Symposium (ELS), Camp Shelby, Mississippi, September 13-15, 2022. More than 170 Airmen representing ANG units from each state, territory, and the District of Columbia attended the symposium, a three-day event, hosted by Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams, ANG command chief, focused on the theme Empowering Airmen to Accelerate.

Lt. Gen. Walter E. Piatt, director of Army Staff, briefs students attending the U.S. Army Aviation Captains Career Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama, June 9, 2022. The Aviation Captains Career Course provides officers the expertise and instruction to develop agile and adaptive leaders prepared to succeed as company commanders and staff officers.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Thomas Galoff, participates in a retirement ceremony near Camp Ripley's Town Hall, June 4, 2022. Galoff will retire this summer from his fulltime position with more than 40 years of service. He began his career in 1980 with the Wisconsin National Guards 724th Engineer Battalion as a combat engineer and heavy equipment operator. (Minnesota National Guard Photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Russell D. Driggers, Joint Base San Antonio and 502nd Air Base Wing commander, delivers his concluding remarks at the 502nd Air Base Wing Commanders Call held at Bob Hope Theater, JBSA-Lackland, Texas, Jan 29, 2024. The Commanders Call addressed changes and upcoming events around the base.

040705-M-1158H-018. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Foster State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

JBLM, Wash. - Maj. Gen. Joseph A. Edwards, the First Army Division West commanding general, speaks to a gathering of primarily Soldiers from the 189th Infantry Brigade during Division Academics Week at the U.S. Army Reserve Center at JBLM, Washington, Led by instructors from Ops Group Charlie, Mission Command Training Program of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Soldiers of the 189th Infantry Brigade participated in large and small-group lectures and discussions with the goal of improving overall OC/T training evaluation readiness in the areas of sustainment, air defense, command and control methodology and other warfighting functions.

1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Jared Carpenter addresses the audience at the Bravo Company re-stationing ceremony Oct. 16, 2022, at the 17th Street Armory in Salem, Ore. The event celebrated Bravo Company's move from Medford to their new home armory in Salem.

Senior Master Sgt. Dwight N. Watkins, network sections chief for the 157th Air Operations Group, speaks to the audience during his retirement ceremony, June 26, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Watkins has served over 25 years.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Andrew R. Christ, executive officer, Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, briefs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, South Carolina Military Base Task Force (SC MBTF), and installation commanders at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, May 17, 2022. Members of the SC MBTF met to engage on initiatives to enhance the value of military installations and facilities as well as the quality of life for military personnel in South Carolina.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force Commander, addresses members of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron during an inactivation ceremony Sept. 30, 2022 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. There are many career fields that make up the 816th EAS, such as crew chiefs and loadmasters.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brad Owens, South Carolina National Guard director of joint staff, was recognized for his service during a retirement ceremony in Columbia, South Carolina, April 1, 2022. Owens is retiring after more than 37 years of service.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. David Kressler, an electrical systems specialist with the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, speaks at a Bird-Aircraft-Strike-Hazard plan meeting between USAF and Royal Saudi Air Force service members at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 22, 2022. The 378th Air Expeditionary Wings BASH team monitors and helps mitigate wildlife activity around USAF assets. Since USAF aircraft are integrated into RSAFs PSAB airfield, BASH and their Saudi counterparts are working to further develop and strengthen a unified wildlife hazard partnership.

Chief Master Sgt. Justin Stoltzfus, 39th Air Base Wing command chief, briefs newcomers, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, July 27, 2022. The 39th ABW command team greeted new incoming Airmen and highlighted our mission to defending NATOs southern flank. Newcomers briefs provide new Airmen important information and resources they will need while stationed at Incirlik AB.

CRYSTAL CITY, VA. (Aug. 26, 2022) - Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, F-35 Joint Program Executive Officer, hosts a semi-virtual all-hands ceremony at the program headquarters in Crystal City, VA., Aug. 26, 2022. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35, which has been operational since July of 2015, is the most lethal, survivable, and interoperable fighter aircraft ever built. (Photo by America Henry-Wingo/Released)

U.S. Space Force Gen. John "Jay" Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, and U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Roger Towberman, Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force, discusses the importance of space and the cruciality of the Guardians that make assured access to space possible on Oct. 11, 2022, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. Gen. Raymond spoke about these matters during an all-call located on base.

Lt. Col. Alexander Hanna, the new 167th Operations Support Squadron commander, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony at the 167th Airlift Wing, Martinsburg, West Virginia, Jan. 7, 2024. The purpose of the change of command ceremony is to allow subordinates to witness formally the command changing from one officer to another.

Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss addresses event-goers during a Community Leader Engagement on April 19, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than a dozen community leaders from Tomah, Sparta, and other nearby municipalities gathered at Fort McCoy to see the posts mission first-hand. During their visit, the community leaders received a driving tour of the installation and made stops at the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility on South Post, Fort McCoy Commemorative Area, Fort McCoy Simulations Training Complex in the 200 block on the cantonment area, Garrison Headquarters, and McCoys Community Center where they received a lunch.

The Inaugural Depot/Eastern Recruiting Region Annual Commander's Conference was held over 3 days on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., from March 23rd to the 25th, 2023. The symposium served as an opportunity for both recruiting commands and training commands to come together and discuss the future of making United States Marines.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Donald Carpenter, 167th Communications Squadron commander, addresses attendees of the Communications Squadron redesignation ceremony at the 167th Airlift Wing, Martinsburg, West Virginia, February 3, 2024. The redesignation was needed to meet the emerging mission-sets of the communications career field. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benton Jackson, 193rd Special Operations Wing Unit Conversion Officer, goes over a few points in a briefing for the Site Activation Task Force held at the 193rd SOW, Middletown, Pennsylvania July 14, 2022. The 193rd hosted a three-day National Guard Bureau lead SATAF meetings intent is to wings transformation from different perspectives to include personnel, training and infrastructure for their future mission set.

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger talks to guests Aug. 18, 2022, at the Community Appreciation Night event at McCoy's Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Nearly 60 people participated in the event that brings together Fort McCoy personnel with community leaders from nearby cities, townships, towns, and villages. It was the first event like this at the post since 2019.

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger recognizes Dale Marsolek and Randall Eddy from the Fort McCoy Garrison Installation Safety Office at the workforce town hall on October 27, 2022. Fort McCoy received the Fiscal Year 2022 Army Safety Excellence Streamer Award largely due to their efforts. This is the installation's sixth Army Safety Excellence Streamer Award. Col. Messenger also discussed his assessment from his first 90 days in command, results from the command climate survey, and his vision and goals for the future. The installation held two sessions for the workforce, and recorded the event for those who could not attend. Col. Messenger assumed command on July 14, 2022.

Col. Joe Ratliff makes remarks during the Eastern Sector change of command ceremony June 23 at USMEPCOM headquarters in North Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Israel Molina)

220829-N-VI040-1069 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (Aug. 29, 2022) Lt. Gen. Ricky N. Rupp, Commander, U.S. Forces Japan, hears and addresses the concerns of Sailors attending an All-Hands Call onboard Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi during his official visit of the installation Aug. 29, 2022. NAF Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific, Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW) 5, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51 and 23 other tenant commands, and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Matthew Rockwell, 125th Maintenance Operations Flight commander, speaks at his change of command ceremony held at the 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville, Florida, Oct. 15, 2022.

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger talks to guests Aug. 18, 2022, at the Community Appreciation Night event at McCoy's Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Nearly 60 people participated in the event that brings together Fort McCoy personnel with community leaders from nearby cities, townships, towns, and villages. It was the first event like this at the post since 2019.

Brig. Gen. Kenyon Bell, Air Force Global Strike Command director of logistics and engineering, holds an all call for officers assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Nov. 3, 2022. Bell held the all call to address diversity and inclusion and its importance to the mission of the U.S. Air Force.

USAG-KA Commander Col. Tom Pugsley shared updates and information about changing quarantine and travel protocols for the Republic of the Marshall Islands at a Kwajalein community town hall at the Island Memorial Chapel July 15, 2022.

U.S. Army Reserve Chief warrant officer 5, Patrick Nelligan, command chief warrant officer, U.S. Army Reserve Command, left, speaks to an audience of current and retired warrant officers in Fayetteville, North Carolina., Oct. 20, 2022. Nelligan joined a panel of senior warrant officers, from all components of the Army, tackling issues facing the warrant officer cohort, recruiting and retention, and talent management. The annual meeting provides premier professional development panels every year, geared specifically for warrant officers.

U.S. Army Maj. John Velis and Lt. Col. Christian Paluk, Massachusetts National Guard, address the Women, Peace and Security class during Justified Accord 2024 (JA24), Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 28, 2024. JA24 is U.S. Africa Commands largest exercise in East Africa, running from Feb. 26 - March 7. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), and hosted in Kenya, this years exercise will incorporate personnel and units from 23 nations. This multinational exercise builds readiness for the U.S. joint force, prepares regional partners for UN and AU mandated missions, and increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance, disaster response and crisis response. Army

Command Sgt. Maj. Quentin Fenderson, the senior enlisted advisor for 3rd Infantry Division, discusses mold mitigation during professional development training with senior enlisted leaders on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sep. 12, 2022. Fenderson addressed hundreds of leaders in the ranks of staff sergeant and above during the training to highlight the importance of leader presence in the barracks. Fenderson said that leader presence is vital in helping Soldiers identify mold issues in the barracks and connect with appropriate resources to mitigate it.

220828-F-BL637-1285 PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fl. (Aug. 28, 2022) Army Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander speaks to members of the media during a USSPACECOM leadership visit to Patrick Space Force Base. Dickinson visited with First Air Force Detachment 3, who under the direction of USSPACECOM, is the DoDs manager for human space flight support operations for NASAs crewed space flight missions.

Brig. Gen. Thomas E. Moore II, Ohio assistant adjutant general for Army, speaks to attendees of the 2022 Ohio Army National Guard combatives tournament July 23, 2022, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. The U.S. Army combatives program enhances unit combat readiness by building Soldiers' personal courage, confidence and resilience, as well as their situational responsiveness to close quarters threats in the operational environment. (Photo by Spc. Jessica Silhavy, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/RELEASED)

220714-N-TH560-0072 OCEANA, Va. (July 14, 2022) - Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Rick Cheeseman takes part in a listening session focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) at the MyNavy HR Career Development Symposium Mid-Atlantic. As part of the discussion, Sailors shared their experiences with recognizing the role that DEI plays in the warfighting readiness of the U.S. Navy.

U.S. Army Pacific Commanding General Charles A. Flynn gives his opening remarks during the International Fellows visit on Fort Shafter, HI. Feb. 21, 2024. The International Fellows are instructed in areas ranging from military concepts and doctrine to national and theater level strategies. Army

Lt. Gen. Jon Jensen, director of the Army National Guard, talks with officers and soldiers from units taking part in exercise Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Jensen was visiting the exercise to speak with participants and observe training that includes approximately 9,000 U.S. service members from multiple branches and foreign partners.

Brig. Gen. Michael Simmering, deputy commanding general - operations, 1st Armored Division, delivers the opening remarks during the Fort Bliss Partners in Education Kick-Off Event Sept. 30, 2022 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center. We think we need to take a more proactive role in our community, Simmering said. We cant simply support the few schools out there that have large military populations and not allow our Soldiers to be seen by the greater community. We need to be out there with you, the educators on the edge helping make the children of today into the citizens, soldiers, and quite honestly, the leaders that will lead this nation into the future.

Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss gives a briefing March 31, 2022, to Fort McCoy Garrison workforce members in building 60 at Fort McCoy, Wis. The annual briefing by the commander updates the workforce on current garrison policies and actions as well as providing an outlook to the future.

U.S. Navy Capt. Cassidy Norman, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), gives a speech during a joint Safety Stand-Up with the aircraft carriers John C. Stennis and USS George Washington (CVN 73), in Hampton, Virginia, June 21, 2022. The John C. Stennis is in Newport News Shipyard working alongside NNS, NAVSEA and contractors conducting Refueling and Complex Overhaul as part of the mission to deliver the warship back in the fight, on time and on budget, to resume its duty of defending the United States.

U.S. Air Force Col. Craig Punches addresses the audience before relinquishing command, July 11, 2022, during the Personal Property Activity, Headquarters change of command ceremony, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Linda Hurry (left), Director of Logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., was the presiding officer.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Space Base Delta 1 conducted a reveille ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado, 12 September, 2022. During the ceremony, SBD 1 Commander, U.S. Space Force Colonel, David Hanson, spoke on the significance of service and commitment to the nation's prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Army Lt. Gen. Charles R. Hamilton, deputy chief of staff, G-4, speaks at the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Deputy Commander Richard Ellis retirement ceremony May 6. Ellis retired after 38 years of federal service, 26 in the Navy and 12 at Troop Support.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bradford Scott, a chaplains assistant with the 911th Airlift Wing, speaks with Mark Wagoner, a pastor with the Neon First Church of God as part of his community outreach to increase awareness of Appalachian Care Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) 2022 at Neon, Ky., Aug. 20, 2022. IRT is a Department of Defense (DoD) military training opportunity, exclusive to the United States and its territories, that delivers joint training opportunities to increase deployment readiness. Simultaneously, IRT provides key services (health care, construction, transportation, and cybersecurity) with lasting benefits for our American communities.

U.S. Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew Lombardo, the 14th Command Sergeant Major of the U.S. Army Reserve, speaks to an audience of Army Reserve soldiers about rank structure during a town hall at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait May 11, 2022. During this town hall, CSM Lombardo explains the Army Reserve's key messages and roles within the nations greatest fighting force.

U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Jeramey Conley, command senior enlisted leader for the Joint Task Force-Space Defense, speaks during the JTF-SD commanders town hall at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Jan. 20, 2023. Conley fielded questions from JTF-SD personnel on organizational changes and total force readiness. The JTF-SDs mission is, in unified action with mission partners, to deter aggression, defend capabilities and defeat adversaries throughout the continuum of conflict in order to maintain space superiority in the U.S. Space Command area of responsibility.

Lt. Col. Amy Cory, Sierra Army Depot commander, addresses members of the Sierra workforce on current initiatives the depot is taking to address quality of life concerns, during a Sierra Army Depot town hall session, May 11, 2022. The town hall sessions were the first sessions to be held in-person since January 2020.

Lt. Col. Nicholas Krzesinski, staff officer in the Illinois Army National Guard Headquarters Plans, Operations, and Training Directorate (G3) addressed the crowd during his promotion ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield on Jan. 4. He expressed thanks to all of those who have mentored supported him throughout his career.

Nearly 50 Pacific Air Forces civil engineers representing active duty, guard, and reserve components gathered at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, December 4-8, 2023, for the first PACAF Engineer Senior Leader Forum since 2015. The forum, hosted by PACAF Command Civil Engineer Col. Kevin Osborne, emphasized ongoing collaboration and training with allies and partners to enhance readiness.

Lt. Gen. David Hodne, deputy commander of Future and Concepts, Army Futures Command, speaks during the Aviation Senior Leader Forum at Fort Novosel, Ala., Jan. 23, 2024.

SILVERDALE, Wash. (June 23, 2022) - U.S. Navy Capt. Michael Eberlein, commanding officer of Trident Refit Facility, Bangor (TRFB), addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony at TRFB. TRFB supports the nations strategic deterrence mission by repairing, incrementally overhauling, and modernizing Pacific Fleet strategic ballistic missile submarines during refits.

This week our Iron Eagles public affairs team attended the annual public affairs symposium in Wiesbaden, Germany. For A Year of Lessons Learned there they heard from keynote speakers such as Former USAREUR Commander Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ben Hodges, DCG for USAREUR-AF Lt. Gen. Andrew Rohling, and Army Chief of Public Affairs Maj. Gen. John Rafferty. Throughout the symposium the teams spoke on many topics covering everything from Russia/Ukraine to the 2023 communication strategy. Big things are in store for the future of Army communications

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith answers questions during an all-hands call at Naval Station Everett, Washington May 20, 2022. MCPON Smith visited commands throughout the pacific northwest to engage with Sailors to discuss their concerns, quality of life issues, and champion Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gildays Get Real, Get Better initiative. Get Real, Get Better is a call to action for every Navy leader to apply a set of Navy-proven leadership and problem solving best practices that empower our people to achieve exceptional performance.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, commander of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, delivers comments during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 14, 2022. As a dynamic, joint and multinational operational headquarters, CJTF-HOA ensures a strategic partnership with Djibouti, responds to crises, supports operations, protects U.S. lives and enables the countering of violent extremist organizations throughout East Africa in order to enhance stability and prosperity.

U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Joseph L. Johnson, oncoming Command Master Chief of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, speaks to Marines and Sailors of 2nd MLG after a Change of Charge Ceremony on Camp Johnson, North Carolina, Jan. 10, 2024. During the Ceremony Command Master Chief Joseph L. Johnson assumed the office of the Command Master Chief of 2nd Marine Logistics Group from Master Chief Petty Officer John C. Beck.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke Pirak, deputy director, Air National Guard, delivers a presentation on service priorities to nearly 100 Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard during Kentucky National Guard Leadership Development Day, held Feb. 5, 2023, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The event, for officers and senior enlisted troops, also featured presentations by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear; U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Marc Sasseville, vice chief of the National Guard Bureau; and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Haldane Lamberton, adjutant general of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Alaska Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Ryan Weimer delivers his remarks during a change of responsibility ceremony at the Alcantra Armory in Wasilla, Alaska, Aug. 1, 2022. Command Sgt. Maj. Julie Small relinquished responsibility as the 297th Regional Support Group's Senior Enlisted Leader to Weimer. (Alaska National Guard photo by Victoria Granado)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jose Reyes, the adjutant general of the Puerto Rico National Guard, delivers his remarks during the 156th Wing change of command ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Dec. 10, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility from one officer to another and this ceremony was held during the December regularly scheduled drill.

U.S. Army Spc. Brendan Smith, a signals intelleigence analyst representing the Forest Park-based 221st Intelligence Electronic Warfare Battalion, 78th Troop Command, Georgia Army National Guard, answers questions from Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin McMakin, senior enlisted leader of the Marietta-based 781st Troop Command Detachment and President of the Soldier of the Year board, during the 2024 78th Troop Command Best Warrior Competition, Fort Stewart, Georgia, February 4, 2024. The 78th Troop Command Best Warrior Competition promotes esprit de corps and recognizes Soldiers who demonstrate commitment to the Army Values and embody the Warrior Ethos. Army National Guard

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger talks to guests Aug. 18, 2022, at the Community Appreciation Night event at McCoy's Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Nearly 60 people participated in the event that brings together Fort McCoy personnel with community leaders from nearby cities, townships, towns, and villages. It was the first event like this at the post since 2019.

U.S. Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Craig Hyson, principal enlisted advisor for the 7th Mission Support Command, reflects on his time with the 7th MSC, thanking his teammates during his relinquishment of responsibility ceremony, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at Kleber Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Hyson served as the senior enlisted advisor for the command for three years.

221101-N-UB993-1061NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (Nov. 1, 2022) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea speaks to Sailors during an all hands call while visiting Naval Air Station Rota, Nov. 1, 2022. Honea is conducting fleet visits to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development, and quality of life.

2nd Lt. Alaina Montgomery, 49th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron bio environmental engineering officer, gives a talk about the values of commissioning through the U.S. Air Force Academy at the Airman Leadership School on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, July 15, 2022. The Air Force Academy is one of many ways to commission as an officer in the U.S. Air Force.

Vice Adm. Jim Kilby, commander, Task Force 80 and deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, speaks at the Amphibious Warfare Tactics Instructor Course graduation at the Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center Detachment Little Creek on board Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va., Dec. 1, 2022. The 15 Navy and Marine Corps graduates are charged to become experts in tactics and doctrine development in the fleet, increasing the tactical proficiency and lethality of amphibious ships while maintaining sea control and maritime dominance.

Chief Master Sgt. John Alsvig, 51st Fighter Wing command chief, gives a speech during a technical sergeant promotion release ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 21, 2022. The Air Force selected 5,430 of 33,935 eligible staff sergeants for promotion to technical sergeant.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., holds an all call with Airmen during a visit to the 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Apr. 2, 2023. The visit to Mansfield was an opportunity for senior leadership to visit with Airmen and learn about the historic mission conversion of the unit into the Air National Guard's first-ever cyberspace wing.

U.S. Space Force Gen. John "Jay" Raymond, Chief of Space Operations,discusses the importance of space and the cruciality of the Guardians thatmake assured access to space possible on Oct. 11, 2022, at Vandenberg SpaceForce Base, Calif. Gen. Raymond spoke about these matters during an all-calllocated on base.

Chief of Navy Reserve Hosts i3 Waypoints Final PanelFORT MEADE, Md., June 28, 2022 -- Vice Adm. John B. Mustin, Chief of Navy Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force hosted the i3 Waypoints final presentations at Defense Media Activity in Ft. Meade, Md., on June 28, 2022.i3 Waypoints was initiated to fast-track transformative ideas from across the Navy directly to the highest levels of the Navy Reserve, without filters or bureaucratic barriers.Mustin led the panel of the five final presentations chosen from more than 100 submissions. Other panelists were retired Vice Adm. Andrew Woody Lewis, Force Master Chief Tracy L. Hunt, Mr. Bruce E. Mosler, chairman, global brokerage of Cushman & Wakefield, Inc., and 2021 Reserve Sailor of the Year Yeoman 1st Class Jasmyn Phinizy. The five final innovative ideas to transform the Navy Reserve Force were: Lt. Brian Adornato, Naval Sea Systems Command, Surge Maintenance Sacramento: Create a New Category of Personnel: Civilian TechniciansLt. Cdr.

Brig. Gen. Roger Deon, Commanding General of the Army Reserve Aviation Command, engages with Army ROTC Cadets from the University of Louisville on March 31 at Fort Knox, Ky., sharing aviation opportunities offered by the U.S. Army Reserves. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

Col. Calvin Powell, 39th Air Base Wing commander, briefs newcomers at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, July 27, 2022. The 39th ABW command team greeted new incoming Airmen and highlighted our mission to defending NATOs southern flank. Newcomers briefs provide new Airmen important information and resources they will need while stationed at Incirlik AB.

Lt. Col. Eric Stringer, the 152nd Medical Group commander, during his promotion ceremony to colonel Aug. 14, 2022, at the Nevada Air National Guard base in Reno.

Rear Adm. Stu Satterwhite, commander, MyNavy Career Center (MNCC), speaks with Pensacola-area Navy leadership during a scheduled visit to Naval Air Station Pensacola, Jan. 25, 2023. During the visit, Satterwhite briefed command Triads and Sailors on MNCC. MNCC is the central node for Sailor pay issues and resolution, oversees Human Resources Services Center, Navy Pay and Personnel Support Center, Travel Processing Center, six Transaction Service Centers, and 13 Regional Support Centers around the globe.

Master Sgt. Amber Williams, a Public Affairs specialist with TEC-University, gives a social media presentation to enlisted professional military education students. Her presentation was seen by over 230 Airman Leadership School and Non-Commissioned Officer Academy students, both in person and virtually.

U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major David Pitt, Division Sergeant Major for the 82nd Airborne Division, speaks to Paratroopers who received the Army Achievement Medal for their exceptional performances while competing for their respective Expert Badges during testing phases held by 2nd Brigade Combat Team at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on August 22, 2022. These Paratroopers were awarded for accomplishing their tasks with no deficiencies, otherwise known as true blue.” Paratroopers train to not only meet the Army standards, but to excel at every opportunity.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Aaron Pence addresses airmen from the 122nd Fighter Wing Maintence Squadron during a change of command ceremony in Fort Wayne, Indiana, October 15, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, the commander of Alaskan Command, Eleventh Air Force, and North American Aerospace Defense Command Region-North American Aerospace Defense Command, addresses attendees assembled for the 2022 Below Zero Medicine conference at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 5, 2022. Krumm spoke about the importance of the Arctic to national security, and challenges the austere environment brings in providing medical support to Alaskan Command.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Russell Smith visited with the staff and students of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy at Naval Station Newport earlier today. MCPON shared the challenges ahead for the Navy and its senior enlisted leaders. During his visit here, MCPON also spent time meeting with the staff and students at the United States Navy Chaplaincy School and Center and senior leaders at Naval Leadership & Ethics Center.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Paris Mintz, left, incoming sergeant major of Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, gives a speech during a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 16, 2024. The ceremony serves as the official changeover between sergeants major, honoring outgoing Sgt. Maj. Gonzalezs contributions to the unit during his time at CLR-2 while offering the opportunity for the oncoming sergeant major to introduce himself to the marines now under his charge.

Maj. Penny Mosley, commander of the 94th Combat Support Hospital, Bravo Company, speaks to soldiers in formation, in a ceremony honoring Sgt. Donley, seated next to his wife Lisa, in Seagoville, Texas, on June 4, 2022.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership greeted dignitaries for a Central American Independence Day Celebration hosted by students at the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 15, 2022. IADC students celebrate the Independence Day of all nations represented by students with a presentation about the country, food and a 5k run.

Master Sgt. Ana Guzman with the Fort McCoy Equal Opportunity Office gives comments for the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance on Jan. 16, 2024, in McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2024 observance not only featured opening comments by Guzman who organized the event, it also included an opening prayer by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Amy Noble with the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office, and Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger spoke about the legacy of MLK Jr. The 2024 theme for the observance was Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not A Day Off! After Messenger gave his presentation, a video of one of Kings most famous speeches, Ive Been to the Mountaintop, was played for the observance attendees.

Capt. Noah Irshad addresses members of the 142nd Wing for the first time as the commander of the Security Forces Squadron during an official change of command ceremony held at Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore. on June 11, 2022.

U.S. Army CW5 Timothy Shrewsbury gets promoted from chief warrant officer 4 to chief warrant officer 5 on Fort Drum, NY Jun 24, 2022. The U.S. Army rank of chief warrant officer 5 is called a "unicorn" rank because it is rarely seen in the Army.

Col. Patrick Combs, Program Integration manager, briefs the Mobile Districts Leadership Development Program class on the installation mission and the purpose of the Checkered Flag Exercise at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, May 12, 2022. The LDP class learned many leadership tips from the Tyndall Area Office and Air Force leaders during their visit to the base.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher J. Howell, outgoing commander of the 4th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron, stands at attention for the medal presentation during a change of command ceremony at Poznan, Poland, June 30, 2022. The 4th Air Support Operations Group leads the integration of Air Force and Army capabilities to provide ready and resilient forces in Europe.

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger talks to guests Aug. 18, 2022, at the Community Appreciation Night event at McCoy's Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Nearly 60 people participated in the event that brings together Fort McCoy personnel with community leaders from nearby cities, townships, towns, and villages. It was the first event like this at the post since 2019.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, command chief, Air National Guard, addresses Airmen of the 119th Wing at a town hall at the Fargo Air National Guard Base, Fargo, North Dakota, April 2, 2022. The town hall focused on readiness, taking care of Airmen and the health of the force.

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli gives his remarks during his change of command ceremony for U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, on July 1, 2022. Upon taking command from U.S. Air Force Gen. Tod D. Wolters, Cavoli assumed responsibility for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 64,000 permanently assigned military and civilian personnel and works closely with NATO Allies and Partners.

220603-N-TP834-1003U.S. Army Lt Col. Michael Thiesfeld, U.S. Space Command force management division chief welcomes members of the Human Resources Operations Center, 4th Infantry Division G1 team from Fort Carson, Colo. and U.S. Space Command service members to a how promotion boards operate speakers series, June 3, 2022, at USSPACECOM headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo. Human Capital directorate hosted the 4 ID G1 team during the first in a series of presentations to how promotion boards operate. During the presentation they focused on the Army non-commissioned officer promotion system. The professional growth and advancement of USSPACECOM service members is instrumental to the rapidly advancing capability of the Joint Force space systems.

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