Leadership Changes in Military

Photos of change of command ceremonies highlighting leadership transitions within military units, focusing on ceremonies and military protocols.

Chief Warrant Officer Five Gregory N. Stepp addressed his troops for the last time during the change of command at Wellman Armory on Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky., September 24, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jeannine Ryder, left, 59th Medical Wing and Market Director, San Antonio Military Health System, presents USAF Col. David Walmsley, right, out-going commander, 59th Training Group the Legion of Merit during the change of command, June 24, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.

Senior Master Sgt. Mark A. Hartnoll, a quality assurance superintendent with the 124th Maintenance Group, is promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sgt. by Col. John R. Williams, III, commander of the 124th MXG, July 8, 2022, in a ceremony at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. Hartnoll was also presented with a Chiefs coin and a numbered plaque to celebrate his achievement.

Nevada Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Jillian Green assigned to the 152nd Security Forces Squadron promotes to master sergeant during September training. Col. Brian J. Gunderson, director of staff, Nevada National Guard presided over the ceremony held at the Nevada Air National Guard base in Reno.

Maj. Gen David H. Tabor, outgoing Commander of Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) relinquishes the colors to Gen. Tod. D. Wolters, Commander of U.S. European Command, during the SOCEUR change of command ceremony June 28, 2022, at Stuttgart, Germany. Tabor served as the SOCEUR commander for the last two years and will move on to serve as a director in the department of the Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Col. Erik Dunn, 673d Mission Support Group commander passes on the 673d Force Support Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Olivia Korte during the 673d FSS change-of-command ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 18, 2022.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership greeted Ecuadorian dignitaries for an Ecuadorian Independence Day event hosted by students at the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 10, 2022. IADC students celebrate the Independence Day of all nations represented by students with a presentation about the country and food from the same.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Miguel Flores, Mobility Officer, stands with Col. Chad Blacketer during the reading of the promotion order June 1, 2022 at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, Southport, North Carolina.

A 5-Soldier team from the Illinois Army National Guard's 6th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade will deploy to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility. Logistics Advisor Team 6611 will team up with the 5th SFAB at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, before deploying. Pictured is the team at its Aug. 7 mobilization ceremony on Rock Island Arsenal, Ill.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Paris E. Mintz, outgoing command senior enlisted leader of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14, addresses the audience 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 Sgt. Maj. Christopher D. Battle. MAG-14 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Gen. Michael X. Garrett presents Col. Jennifer Reynolds and Command Sgt. Maj. Roque Quichocho with the Army Exceptional Organization Safety Award 2021 on behalf of 166th Aviation Brigade, First Army Fort Hood, Fort Hood, Texas 11 May, 2022. The FORSCOM Safety Awards are presented by Gen. Michael X. Garrett to individuals and organizations with the most significant contributions to risk mitigation, accident prevention and safety program success.

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Wanda N. Williams, commander of the 7th Mission Support Command (right), presents the unit colors to Col. Faith Junghahn, incoming commander of Medical Support Unit-Europe, 7th Mission Support Command (left) during a change of command ceremony, Sep 11, 2022 at Kleber Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Junghahn assumed command of the unit from Col. Trent Loiseau.

Command Sgt. Maj. Julie Saorrono, left, congratulates Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Gusman on his assumption of the senior enlisted leader position from Command Sgt. Maj. Chantel Sena-Diaz during a change of responsibility ceremony June 1 at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Saorrono is the Army Contracting Command command sergeant major.

Maj. Jessica Warzecha relinquishes command of the Training Support Unit during a Change of Command Ceremony, April 5, 2022 at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The incoming commander is Maj. Torin Roth.

OKINAWA, Japan (March 31, 2023) Information Systems Technician 1st Class Nicole Kazyak graduates from the 2-23 Jungle Leaders Course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center in Okinawa, Japan March 31, 2023. The Jungle Leaders Course teaches service members to navigate and survive in the jungle over 30 training days and Kazyak is the first-ever female to graduate from this course.

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)

Soldiers assigned to 16th Combat Aviation Brigade competed in the unit's 2022 Best Warrior Competiton at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 6-7, 2022. 16th CAB conducted the competition to identify the best Soldier and NCO to represent the unit at the 7th Infantry Division Best Warrior Competition April 20-22, 2022.

U.S. Army Capt. Jacob Girard, commander, Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, right, and U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Seth Wilkinson, participate in a Casing of the Colors ceremony in Waterbury, Vt., December 3, 2022. Traditionally, this military ceremony commemorates unit history prior to the transfer of duty stations. The apex involves furling the guidon and placing it inside a protective sheath. Following their transfer to Massachusetts, Bravo Batterys lineage and honors transfer to the 172nd Law Enforcement Detachment of Garrison Support Command.

Gen. Michael X. Garrett (L), outgoing Commanding General of U.S. Army Forces Command, hugs his son Capt. Michael Garrett, during Gen. Garretts retirement ceremony. Gen. Garrett retired from the United States Army after 38 years of service.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Loiselle, the assistant adjutant general-air, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, gives opening remarks during the 156th Wing change of command ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Oct. 15, 2022. The change of command ceremony took place during the October regularly scheduled drill.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald J. Place, DHA director, and his wife, Carol, meet with DHA employees during a farewell event with the workforce Dec. 9 at Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. Place will depart the Agency Jan. 3, 2023 after serving as the agencys third director and retire following 37 years of service to the nation, the Army and the military health system.

U.S. Air Force Col. William Hunter, 81st Training Wing commander, signs the Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation as Tech. Sgt. Hernan Negron Santiago and Staff Sgt. Danielle Davidson, 334th Training Squadron instructors, stand by inside the 81st TRW headquarters building at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Sept. 14, 2022. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated September 15 through October 15.

Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Matthew V. Baker, commanding general, 88th Readiness Division, left, hands the Division colors back to the colors' keeper and Division Command Sgt. Maj. Gregory Betty during the 88th Readiness Division Change of Command Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, Fort McCoy, Wis., July 30. 2022.

Laurie Whittenberg, wife of Col. Geoffrey Whittenberg, is presented the Yellow Rose of Texas for her steadfast loyalty and commitment to the soldiers and families of the 1st Armored Division Combat Aviation Brigade

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, right, command chief, Air National Guard (ANG), speaks with Airmen assigned to the 163d Attack Wing, California National Guard, during an enlisted all-call, at March Air Reserve Base, California, Feb. 4, 2024. While visiting the unit, Williams, shared valuable insights on matters concerning the health, morale, and welfare of enlisted personnel. Air National Guard

The outgoing commander of 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, Black Jack, Col. Ian Palmer (left), and incoming commander, Col. Chris Kirkpatrick (right), share a handshake during a change of command ceremony, July 22, 2022, on Cooper Field at Fort Hood, Texas.Palmer, who relinquished his post as brigade commander will remain at Fort Hood and assume the role of III Corps chief of staff.

FORT CARSON, Colo. Brig. Gen. Shan K. Bagby, right, commanding general, U.S. Army Regional Health Command-Central, passes the unit guidon to Col. Edward F. Mandril, commander, Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH) during a change of command ceremony at the William Bill Reed Special Events Center June 3, 2022. (Photo by Scott Prater)

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Timothy P. Herrington was recognized for more than 28 years of service to the Mississippi Army National Guard during a retirement ceremony held at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 6, 2022. Herrington previously served as a commissioned officer obtaining the rank of colonel. Herrington was present the Legion of Merit, the Mississippi Magnolia Cross and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. His wife, Carmen, was presented the Mississippi Magnolia Necklace and a certificate of appreciation. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Jovi Prevot)

Col. Brian Ducote (Left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Eckstrom (Right), the leaders of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, fully uncase the brigade colors during a transfer of authority (TOA) ceremony May 27, 2022, at Erbil Air Base, Iraq. The TOA ceremony represented the transfer of command from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, as part of the ongoing mission of CJTF-OIR. The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division was deployed to CJTF-OIR as Task Force Raider. The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division is deployed to CJTF-OIR as Task Force Warrior.

U.S. Army Maj. Stephen Harmon, commander at U.S. Army Health Clinic Kaiserslautern (USAHC-K), and U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class April Luikart, noncommissioned officer in charge at USAHC-K, cased the clinics guidon to signify the units relinquishing of mission responsibility to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Kleber Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, on June 3.

District of Columbia National Guard holds a change of command ceremony, for incoming commander, Maj. Michelle A. Watkis and former Commander, Lt. Col. Michael A. Cox Jr, of the 372nd Military Police Company, in the D.C. Armory, on Feb 3, 2024. During the ceremony, the passing of the guidon, was completed to commemorate the changing of leadership.(Army National Guard

Senior Master Sgt. Genna Stevens, an operations superintendent assigned to the 292nd Combat Communications Squadron, poses for a picture infront of U.S. and Indonesian flags during exercise Gema Bhakti 2022, Sep. 15, 2022, Jakarta, Indonesia. Gema Bhakti 22 is a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command joint exercise program event, utilizing U.S. joint forces and TNI Armed Forces working together to increase interoperability and enhance regional stability and security through bilateral and multilateral partnerships.

Goodfellow Air Force Base and Laughlin Air Force Base 1st Sergeants pose for a photo after receiving the L trophy from Airman Leadership School class 22-G, Goodfellow AFB, Texas, Oct. 13, 2022. The L is awarded to the losing team after a best of three volleyball game played between the ALS students and the 1st Sergeants.

Captain Gene Brooks, Commander Coast Guard Sector Greater Antilles, San Juan, Puerto Rico, greets the new US Army South Commander, Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, US Army Major General Alfredo A. Valenzuela. Base: Fort Buchanan, San Juan State: Puerto Rico (PR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Travis Acheson, former assistant adjutant general-air, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, receives the U.S. flag during the PRANG ATAG change of command ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Sept. 17, 2022. The change of command ceremony took place during the September regularly scheduled drill.

U.S. Soldiers congratulate newly promoted U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Geoffrey A. Norman, deputy commanding general of support of the 1st Infantry Division during his promotion ceremony at Poznan, Poland, June 1, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies.

U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Gen Dustin Shulz (left), director of intelligence, U.S. Southern Command, Brig. Gen. Melissa Adamski (center), commander, Military Intelligence Readiness Command, and U.S. Army Col. Michael Adamski (right), a military intelligence officer assigned to U.S. Central Command, stand at attention during a promotion ceremony. Brig. Gen. Melissa Adamski was promoted in an event held at the National Museum of the United States Army, Ft. Belvoir, Va., Feb. 25, 2024. Army Reserve

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Young of the 35th Infantry Division, was promoted to his current rank during a ceremony at the Division Headquarters in Leavenworth, Kansas, January 6, 2023.

Capt. Marco Lara (left), company commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, recognizes Staff Sgt. Justin Parker, staff movements noncommissioned officer, 1st TSC, for outstanding achievement during Blackjack training on Fort Knox, Kentucky, May 26, 2022. Parker was recognized for his contributions to the unit.

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

Members of Team Misawa congratulate U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Crawford, 35th Fighter Wing Inspector General office, on his selection to the rank of senior master sergeant during an E-8 release party at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 23, 2023. Air Force officials selected 1,629 master sergeants for promotion to senior master sergeant, out of 16,031 eligible, for a selection rate of 10.16 percent in the 23 E8 promotion cycle.

Sgt. 1st Class Chris Sehy, U.S. Army drill sergeant, corrects delegates during Sergeant Says,” as they experience their first day of Freedom Academy at Camp Williams, Utah, July 10, 2022. Since 1961, the Utah National Guard and Honorary Colonels Corps have sponsored Freedom Academy, which provides a challenging and engaging environment designed to teach young leaders the importance of freedom and that leadership is essential to its survival.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Erik Garza, left, 422nd Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent, greets U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heriberto Diaz, right, Third Air Force command chief, at RAF Croughton, England, Dec. 7, 2022. The 3rd AF command team visited multiple installations throughout the 501st Combat Support Wing to recognize and speak with Airmen and civilians from across the wing.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. James Brown, the Puerto Rico Air National Guard command chief gives a hat to Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, during her visit to the 156th Wing at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, May 16, 2022. CMSAF Bass spent time with Airmen at the 156th Wing and emphasized the importance of total force integration and overcoming challenges to more effectively accomplish the Air Force mission and be ready for the ever-evolving battlefield that future conflicts may hold.

Col. Derek Gardner with the 152nd Operations Group is honored during his retirement ceremony at the Nevada Air National Guard Base, Aug. 13, 2022. Col. Evan Kirkwood, 152d Airlift Wing, was the presiding official of the ceremony.

Col. Brad Bane, Commander 405th Army Field Support Brigade, passes the Army Field Support Battalion-Africa colors to Lt. Col. Alexander J. Amato, incoming Commander Army Fields Support Battalion-Africa during the change of command ceremony June 10 at Leghorn Army Depot, Italy.

Col. Mark Steadman (Left) and Command Sgt. Maj. Hao Sun (Right), the leaders of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, prepare the brigade colors for casing during a transfer of authority (TOA) ceremony May 27, 2022, at Erbil Air Base, Iraq. The TOA ceremony represented the transfer of command from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, as part of the ongoing mission of CJTF-OIR. The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division was deployed to CJTF-OIR as Task Force Raider. The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division is deployed to CJTF-OIR as Task Force Warrior.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Ramon Chan Hafen, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, center, receives a certificate from U.S. Air Force Maj. Donald Bolda, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, left, during the 2022 Dedicated Crew Chief Appointment Ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Nov. 18, 2022. To receive the title of DCC, a crew chief must demonstrate a history of superior performance in their career, comply with all safety practices and complete all required training.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Marlon Burton, a group superintendent with the 182nd Mission Support Group, Illinois Air National Guard, is promoted to chief master sergeant by group commander Col. Steven Rice, in Peoria, Illinois, on April 30, 2022.

The 104th Training Division hosted a ceremony to honor the retirement of four Soldiers with more than 100 years of combined service July 1 at the General George Patton Museum of Leadership, Fort Knox Kentucky . Retirees honored were (from left): Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Mattingly, 1st Sgt. William J. Henderson, 1st. Sgt. James S. Ward, and Sgt. 1st Class James Greco.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. James M. Smith, commanding general (right) passes the unit colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Kofie Primus, incoming senior enlisted advisor (left) both with the 21st Theater Sustainment Command during a change of responsibility ceremony, June 3, 2022, at the NCO Field, Daenner Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. The passing of the colors signified the trust placed on him and charges him with the responsibility of the unit and his Soldiers.

Maj. Randon Davis accepts her first salute as commander of the 436th Aerial Port Squadron during a ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 8, 2022. Davis was previously the commander of the 86th Vehicle Readiness Squadron and, most recently, a student of the Advanced Study of Air Mobility program at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

030302-F-0692C-001. Base: Kelly Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Adrienne Williams, 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing commander (left) recognizes Senior Airman Hunter Hartford, 727th Air Mobility Squadron combat readiness program manager (middle), during her visit to Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, May 23, 2022. Hartford was one of five Airmen from the 727th AMS who were recognized by the 521st AMOW command team for their hard work and dedication that helps the 727th AMS expedite rapid global mobility to secure and protect US and allied interests.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John Hussey, outgoing 200th Military Police Command commander, Maj. Gen. Gregory Mosser, U.S. Army Reserve Command deputy commanding general, and Brig. Gen. Cary Cowan Jr., incoming 200th Military Police Command commander, are welcomed to a change of command ceremony on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 26, 2022. The purpose of the 200th Military Police Command is to train, command and deploy military police units across the United States.

Brig. Gen. Joane Mathews, Wisconsins deputy adjutant general for Army, awards Spc. Caleb Ravn, a Soldier with Battery C, 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery, an Army Achievement Medal for being the runner-up Soldier of the Year at the Wisconsin National Guard State Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., April 10. Soldiers from the Wisconsin National Guard competed for the opportunity to represent Wisconsin at the regional event May 11-15 at Camp Ripley, Minn. (112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photo by Staff Sgt. Bridget Vian)

Military working dog Eby/ X021 is saluted for the final time as a MWD, May 12, 2022, on F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. MWDs give the majority of their life to service and are rewarded at the end of their careers by getting adopted to a forever home.

CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI (Oct. 13, 2022) Sailors deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ) perform in a color guard during a celebration ceremony held in the 11 Degrees North event building in honor of the Navys 247th Birthday, Oct. 13, 2022. The theme for this years birthday celebration was "On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years."

Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota National Guard adjutant general, shakes hands with Mark McMahon after McMahon presented the North Dakota Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors a check for $4,000 as part of the opening ceremony for the Military Service Center in Bismarck, N.D. on Feb. 27. The money was raised by donations from the "Memorial Bike Run for Fallen Soldiers" sponsored by the Dakota Sonshine Riders.

Team Moody members applaud U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Marc Rittberg, center, 23rd Health Care Operations commander, during a change of command ceremony June 8, 2022, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. Before relinquishing command, Rittberg oversaw the support and care for 11,000 beneficiaries here.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, Nebraska National Guard adjutant general, distributes tokens of appreciation to 14 local educators who visited the Nebraska National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility at the air base in Lincoln, Nebraska, as part of a community orientation program, June 1, 2022. The teachers, administrators and coaches learned about the history, mission and capabilities of the Nebraska Army National Guard and then toured Lincoln overhead from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

U.S. Army CSM Marie L. Dunson, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion (HHBN), Eighth Army, passes the Eighth Army Colors to LTC Joshua A. Pusillo, HHBN commander during the Eighth Army Headquarters Battalion Change of Responsibility ceremony on USAG Camp Humphreys, South Korea, July 27, 2022. The Change of Responsibility ceremony welcomed CSM Deshawn M. Hamilton to HHBN.

Justin Lescouflair, a cadet with the United States Military Academy, receives a coin at Camp Buckner, in West Point, Ny., May 29, 2022. Lescouflair was given the coin to recognize his hard work and positive motivation that he displayed during Cadet Summer Training, or CST.

Mr. Kalani Kolii, 173rd Logistics Readiness Squadron Wing Plans, was coined by the Oregon Adjutant General, Major General Michael Stencel, Apr. 4, 2023 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Koli was recognized for his role in coordinating airlift and transportation for the Tyndall TDY after multiple cancellations and diverts due to extreme winter weather .

Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander, left, congratulates 1st Lt. Zacchaeus McEwen, 66th Comptroller Squadron acting commander, during a captain promotion ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., July 26. McEwens promotion to captain is effective July 27.

Command Sgt. Maj. Raquel DiDomenico, Fort McCoy Garrison command sergeant major, signs the observance sign Sept. 15, 2022, during Fort McCoys 2022 National Hispanic Heritage Month observance at McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Licensed Counselor Carmella Navarro was the guest speaker. Navarro has experience working with the Army Reserves 85th Support Command and much more as a licensed clinical professional counselor. Navarro shared many personal experiences in her presentation. The 2022 National Hispanic Heritage Month observance at Fort McCoy was organized by Guzman with the Fort McCoy Equal Opportunity Office. In addition to the guest speaker, the banquet room at McCoys Community Center was adorned with materials highlight Hispanic Heritage, and more.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Division Artillery (1 ID) and 4th Infantry Division Artillery (4 ID), alongside Latvian army soldiers assigned to the Mechanized Infantry Brigade and special guests pose for a picture during the 1 ID, 4 ID Transfer of Authority in Adazi, Latvia, Feb. 3, 2023. The 1 ID and 4 ID are proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Maxwell AFB, Ala. - Technical Sgt. Octaevia Hutcherson briefs Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., on the significance of the Sharron Cohen Memorial Garden at the Maxwell Clinic, Jun. 23, 2022. Cohen, formerly U. S. Air Force 1Lt Sharron Frontiero, successfully sued the federal government for equal pay on the grounds of sex discrimination while serving at the Maxwell hospital in 1973.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Matthew Lintker, 18th Space Defense Squadron commander, right, salutes U.S. Space Force Col. Marc Brock, Space Delta 2 commander, to assume command of the 18 SDS during a re-designation ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., April 13, 2022. The 18th Space Control Squadron was re-designated as the 18 SDS, and will continue to be U.S. Space Commands premier provider of continuous, comprehensive and combat-relevant space domain awareness.

Maj. Bryce R. Greenwood recites the oath of office as administered by Col. Keith Hill, 110th Aviation Brigade commander, during Greenwood's promotion ceremony at Fort Novosel, Ala., Feb 9, 2024. Army

SHAPE, Belgium - Incoming Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Christopher Cavoli receives the SHAPE colours from Command Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Mathers during a change of command ceremony at SHAPE on July 4, 2022. During the ceremony SACEUR General Tod D. Wolters turned over command to incoming SACEUR General Cavoli. (NATO Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brett Dodge)

Deputy Commanding Officer Jarosław Kresa holds a Big Red One patch gifted to him by U.S. Army Col. John M. Mountford, the deputy commanding officer for maneuver, 1st Infantry Division, during their meeting at the Military Gendarmerie facility in Boleslawiec, Poland, on Aug. 19, 2022. Kresa met with Mountford soon after Soldiers of the 1st Inf. Div. relocated to Boleslawiec in continued support of NATO allies and regional security partners.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Lieutenant (Lt.) General (Gen.) David N. Miller Jr., Commander of Space Operations Command, speaks with active-duty members and civilians of the 21st Medical Squadron (MDS) during his visit to Schriever Space Force Base (SFB), CO., February 29, 2024. During the tour, Lt. Gen. David N Miller Jr. was shown the newly remodeled facility along with the operations of the 21st MDS. Space Force

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Soleil Rios-Cardona, the wing Commander for a Day, introduces Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, during an all-call at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, May 14, 2022. CMSAF Bass spent time with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard and emphasized the importance of total force integration and overcoming challenges to more effectively accomplish the Air Force mission and be ready for the ever-evolving battlefield that future conflicts may hold.

Capt. Nathan Dampf receives the guidon from 131st Mission Support Group commander Col. William Miller as he assumes command of the 131st Logistics Readiness Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Sept. 11, 2022. This is Capt. Dampf's first command.

Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard on July 9, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Martin's 20 years of military service was celebrated by family and friends along with numerous retired and currently serving military personnel who impacted her career.

25th Operational Weather Squadron Staff Sgt. select pose for a group photo with their leadership during the Staff Sgt. release party at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, Aug. 31, 2022. The party gave the selectee's families, friends and coworkers the opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and selection as the Air Forces newest non-commissioned officers.

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Michael Yost, 807th Deputy Commanding General, pins the Purple Heart on Sgt. 1st Class Andrea, 1972nd Medical Detachment (Combat Stress Control) Behavioral Health NCO, on Sept. 11, 2022, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

U.S. Army service members forward deployed to Camp Arifjan were treated to a Thanksgiving meal at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 24, 2022. U.S. Army leaders at every echelon were on hand and ready to serve Thanksgiving meals to Soldiers and other service members. In attendance were several congressional delegates who also served and spoke with service members, expressing their gratitude for the sacrifice theyve made being away from their families.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Zeller, the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment senior enlisted advisor, cases the battalions colors during a ceremony at Fort Bliss Tx., Sep. 6. The units colors were cased to signify that the unit has finished its training and is ready to deploy overseas. The colors will be unfurled in Africa when the unit assumes responsibility for a security mission as part of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Daniel, the departing senior enlisted leader and keeper of the colors for the 781st Military Intelligence Battalion (Cyber), accepts the battalion colors for the last time, from the event NCOIC, 1st Sgt. Justin Getzandanner, during a change of responsibility ceremony at the post theater, January 23.

Members of Team Minutemen, representing the U.S. Army National Guard recite The Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

Members of Team Minutemen, representing the U.S. Army National Guard recite The Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christian Navarro-Salazar, right, 423rd Security Forces Squadron section chief of resources and logistics, briefs Col. Brian Filler, left, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, during the Cambridgeshire County Day at the Newmarket July Course, England, June 23, 2022. The County Day was an opportunity to celebrate Cambridgeshire and Her Majesty The Queens Platinum Jubilee.

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. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Troy Taylor was appointed the twelfth Ohio state command chief for the Ohio Air National Guard during a change of authority ceremony on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Maj. Gen. James Camp, the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Ohio National Guard, performed the ceremony as Taylor accepted authority from the previous state command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Troy Taylor was appointed the twelfth Ohio state command chief for the Ohio Air National Guard during a change of authority ceremony on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Maj. Gen. James Camp, the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Ohio National Guard, performed the ceremony as Taylor accepted authority from the previous state command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker.

Lt. Col. Stephen Frodsham, 192nd Wing inspector general, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard after a career of more than 22 years, on April 1, 2023, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Charles D. Costanza, the commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, and Col. Jeremy Wilson, incoming deputy commanding general for support of the 3rd Infantry Division, laugh together before Wilsons welcome ceremony on Fort Stewart, Georgia, August 5, 2022. The deputy commander for support assists the commanding general through oversight of administrative and logistics functions throughout the Division to include the planning and execution of combat service support operations.

Col. Dan Mitchell, incoming commander for U.S. Army Garrison Rock Island Arsenal, accepts the guidon from Davis D. Tindoll, Jr., director, Installation Management Command - Sustainment at the RIA garrison change of command ceremony held July 14. (Photo by Linda Lambiotte, ASC Public Affairs)

Sgt. 1st Class Taylor Strack gets pinned by his father, John, during a promotion ceremony on July 8, 2022 in Vicenza, Italy. Strack's father flew to Italy from Wisconsin to be present for the ceremony.

From left to right, U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Taylor, 821st Contingency Response Group commander, Col. Lee Merkle, 349th Air Mobility Wing commander, Tiffanie Harris 60th Wing Staff Agency installation victim advocate, Staff Sgt. Michelle Doolittle USAF Band of the Golden West vocalist, and Tech. Sgt. Pete Escobar, 373rd Training Squadron, Detachment 14 section chief attend the signing of this years Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month proclamation at Travis Air Force Base, California, April 6, 2022. The Department of the Defense recognizes several awareness observances during the month of April, including Month of the Military Child, and Child Abuse Prevention Month.

020813-A-2795I-029. Base: Camp Zama State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: USAPAC

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ron L. Hill, command sergeant major of 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, General Support Aviation Battalion, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Mustang, 36th Infantry Division (right), introduces Spc. Damon Swanson, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter repairer, 15T, for 2-149th GSAB, to the brigade leadership during a command and staff meeting held at Task Force Mustang headquarters in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 26, 2022. Swanson, native of Conway, Arkansas, was recognized for recent performance reviews as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter repairer, responsible for preparing Army helicopters for in-depth inspections and maintenance checks.

Right, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Commanding General Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund salutes U.S. Army Col. Crystal Hills, 405th Army Field Support Brigade Commander, during his visit at Camp Darby. Leghorn Army Depot, Italy, Sep. 21, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Aaron Young, assumes command of the 72nd Test and Evaluation Squadron from U.S. Air Force Col. Jaime Hernandez, 753rd Test and Evaluation Group commander, during the 72nd TES change of command ceremony, June 3, 2022, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The 72nd TES is one of six squadrons assigned to the 753rd TEG which supports operational testing for a variety of aircraft including the B-2 Spirit, B-1B Lancer, B-52H Stratofortress and the B-21 Raider.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Chris Adams and Staff Sgt. Mario Garcia, both assigned to Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolves Task Force Warrior, fold the United States Flag after a Memorial Day ceremony at Erbil Air Base, Iraq, May 30, 2022. During the ceremony, officials reflected on the origins and purpose of Memorial Day and honored those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their countries.

Col. Patrick Monahan, outgoing fommander of the 166th Regiment Regional Training Institute, presents a framed print to the schoolhouse during a change-of-command ceremony on Aug. 12, 2022, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. (Pennsylvania National Guard photo by Brad Rhen)

U.S. Army Col. Carrie Perez, the commanding officer of the 36th Sustainment Brigade, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ernest Castillo, the Brigade command sergeant major for the 36th SB, stand beside Kuwait leaders after a Transfer of Authority ceremony at the MWR theater on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 3, 2022. The 36th SB fostered a respectful working relationship with Kuwait leaders during their service in Kuwait.

U.S. Army Sgt. Ishmel Henderson, airfield noncommissioned officer in-charge for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Mustang, 36th Infantry Division (right), receives congratulations from Col. Scott P. Nicholas, commander of Task Force Mustang, during a command and staff meeting held at Task Force Mustang headquarters in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Nov. 2, 2022. Henderson was recognized as Task Force Mustang's "Hero of the Week" for his recent performance reviews and contributions to fellow Soldiers from across the task force with carrying out airfield inspections and Soldier training instruction at CBKU.

Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones meets with U.S. Army Col. Harry Hung, Joint Base Langley-Eustis installation vice commander, during a tour of the Integrated Prevention and Response Center at JBLE, Virginia, Dec. 13, 2022. Senior leader visits provide insight on base functions and highlight Airmens innovations across the force.

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