Leadership Transitions in Military

Visuals show military leaders transitioning command in formal settings, displaying honor and tradition during significant gatherings and ceremonies.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks participates in the Suicide Prevention recognition ceremony hosted by William Booth, Director, Defense Human Resources Activity, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 7, 2022.

General Clarke relinquished command to General Fenton, who will assume command as the 13th Commander of USSOCOM after previously serving as the Commander of Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C. (Photo by Gunnery Sgt. Eric Alabiso, USSOCOM Public Affairs)

011001-D-2987S-015. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel, right, Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST)-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune commanding general, passes the cake to Col. Todd W. Ferry, center, deputy commander, MCIEAST-MCB Camp Lejeune, during the 247th Marine Corps Ball at Marston Pavilion on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 19, 2022. A celebration for the Marine Corps birthday is held every year to reflect on the traditions, history and legacy of the Marine Corps.

031019-F-7658M-003. Base: Willow Grove Air Reserve Station State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jacquita Melton assumed the role of Command Chief of the Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Wing in Springfield, Ohio during a change of authority ceremony held Dec. 3, 2022. Melton is the ninth command chief master sergeant of the Ohio National Guard's 178th Wing.

Jim Durrett, the former mayor of Montgomery County, presents a gift to Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph G. Harbour, outgoing garrison senior enlisted adviser, and his wife, Lori, Nov. 10 at Wilson Theater during a relinquishment of responsibility and retirement ceremony.

The Benavidez Leader Development Program (BLDP) is an executive education leader development program that takes place for nearly four weeks from Jan. 29-Feb. 23 at the U.S. Military Academy, the Teachers College at Columbia University and various other locations.The BLDP is designed to educate USMAs Cadet Company Tactical Non-Commissioned Officers (TAC NCOs) and other NCOs from across the enterprise (DES, KACH, ACI, CTC), other units and services outside of USMA so that they are more educated. For the TAC NCOs specifically, it prepares them to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets, and to prepare the TAC NCOs to excel as senior NCOs at the tactical, operational and strategic levels of our Army. This happens through world-class executive-education experience in organizational leadership in partnership with Teachers College at Columbia University.The final phase of BLDP is a project presentation meant for the NCO students to find solutions to any problem facing their organizatio

021124-F-6701P-019. Base: Tbilisi Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO)

Lt. Gen. Kirk Smith, deputy commander, U.S. Africa Command addresses the Tunisian delegation as part of the 35th U.S.-Tunisia Joint Military Commission held Sept. 27-28, 2022, at U.S. Africa Command headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. Participants from the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and the Tunisian Ministry of Defense discussed security cooperation, institutional capacity building, and Tunisia's role as a regional security leader.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks participates in the Suicide Prevention recognition ceremony hosted by William Booth, Director, Defense Human Resources Activity, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 7, 2022.

Col. Paul Franken (left), Commander of the Multi-Agency Augmentation Command (MAC) pins the Meritorious Service Medal onto Col. Jeffery Burke, former Chief of the Army National Guard Operations Division, Multi-Agency Augmentation Command (MAC), D.C. National Guard, at his retirement ceremony, May. 14, 2022 at the D.C. Armory, Washington, D.C. Burke retires after 41 years of military service. In his military career, Burke served three years as Assistant Deputy Director for the Intelligence in the National Joint Operations and Intelligence Center at the Pentagon

General Michael E. Ryan, CHIEF of STAFF of the United States Air Force, congratulates General Rolf H. Prortz, CHIEF of STAFF of the German Air Force, on his decoration of the Legion of Merit at the Officer's Club on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on June 30th, 2000. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief, National Guard Bureau, shakes hands with Kimball Firestone, one of the founding members of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, during the ESGR 50th Anniversary Commemoration ceremony in the Pentagon Auditorium, Washington, D.C., June 22, 2022. ESGR is a Department of Defense program that was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between reserve component service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.

001025-A-4813S-001. Base: Fort Gordon State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MACOMS

U.S. Marine Corps retired Lt. Gen. Dennis Crall, a Tampa, Florida native and former director of Joint Staff J6, left, and Master Gunnery Sgt. Todd Kirby, a Blacksville, West Virginia native and senior enlisted advisor of Joint Staff J6, pose for a photo after a retirement ceremony at the Semper Fidelis Chapel, Triangle, Virginia, Jan. 12, 2023. Kirby honorably served for 30 years and held four military occupational specialties during his career.

030129-F-3573S-010. Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

DA-SC-07-26162. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes dignitaries from the Brazilian Ministry of Defense to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2022. During the visit, the dignitaries attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

CSM Laquyin N. Brock of 25th Division Sustainment Troop Battalion, retired from the worlds greatest Army! CSM Brock dedicated 25 years of the Army values in her daily military career. Her leadership and perseverance she displayed was an inspiration to all. She will be greatly missed in her retirement.

WASHINGTON (Jan. 8, 2013) Master Chief Navy Counselor Jimmie Holt Jr. and Rear Adm. Earl Gay present Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus with a Warfighting First photo on behalf of the 2012 Navy Recruiters of the Year during their visit to the Pentagon. Thirteen Navy recruiters and their family members from around the world are spending a week in the nation's capital meeting with Navy leadership and receiving recognition for their recruiting efforts as part of the Navy's Recruiters of the Year celebration.

(From left to right) U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Evans, U.S. Army Norths commanding general, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Command Sgt. Maj. Phil Barretto, U.S. Army Norths senior enlisted advisor, presented a proclamation declaring September 25, 2022, as Gold Star Mothers and Family Day, during a ceremony held at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Gold Star Mothers and Family Day honors the mothers, fathers, and families of fallen military service members. It provides an opportunity for us as a nation to pay tribute to their sacrifices and support those who remain behind.

Vice Adm. Yancy Lindsey, commander, Navy Installations Command, presents Rear Adm. Brad Collins, outgoing commander of Navy Region Northwest, with the Legion of Merit Medal during a change of command ceremony at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Washington May 12, 2022. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Mark Sucato relieved Collins as commander, Navy Region Northwest.

Col. William Gutermuth, 433rd Airlift Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Takesha Williams, 433rd AW command chief, present the Company Grade Officer of the Year award to Capt. Donald Ahlin, 433rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, at the wings annual awards ceremony Feb. 3, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Air Force

US Air Force MASTER Sergeant Michael A. Reed deployed from the 367th Training Support Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, as a member the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC), presents his unit coin to Vice President Richard Cheney in the West Wing of the White House, Washington, D.C. MSGT Reed was welcomed back into the Air Force with Vice President Cheney administering the Oath of Enlistment. The 2001 Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC) carries on a more than 200-year-old tradition for the 54th Presidential Inauguration honoring the new commander-in-chief and recognizing civilian control of the military. AFIC is a joint service organization established by the Secretary of the .... Complete Scene Caption: US Air Force Master Sergeant Michael A. Reed deployed from the 367th Training Support Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, as a member the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee (AFIC), presents his unit coin to Vice President Richard Cheney in the West Wing of the White House, W

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes General William Arnulfo López Chay, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of National Defense of Guatemala and other dignitaries to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 28, 2022. During the visit, General López attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, spoke with Class 62 students and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

220520-N-ED185-1106NAVAL BASE KITSAP - BREMERTON, Wash. (May 20, 2022) Rear Adm. Robert Gaucher, commander, Submarine Group 9, speaks during an inactivation ceremony for the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility onboard Naval Station Kitsap - Bremerton May 20, 2022. Commissioned July 9, 1988, Oklahoma City is the second Navy vessel to be named after Oklahoma City.

U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve officers were awarded the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award during a ceremony at The Pentagon, Oct. 26. 2022. The award is presented annually to the top 28 company-grade officers for their outstanding leadership capabilities and their ability to find solutions to difficult problems.

Event honoring the 186th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant, at the General Grant National Memorial, New York City, New York, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivering remarks and joining participating dignitaries incluiding U.S. Army Brigadier General Robert Caslen, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy; Adrian Benepe, New York City Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation; Maria Burks, Commissioner of the National Parks of New York Harbor; and Ulysses Grant Dietz, the great-great grandson of General Grant. Also on hand for the event, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony, were members of the U.S. Military Academy Corps of Cadets Honor Guard.

The 41st Signal Battalion celebrated its 80th birthday on Friday, January 27 on Camp Humphreys. It was a lovely evening of entertainment and camaraderie among teammates and members of the larger Signal community on the peninsula.

Awards event at Department of Interior headquarters honoring Interior staff contributions to response and recovery operations after Gulf Coast Hurricanes

Past and present U.S. service members and guests attend the Allentown Chapter of the Honorary First Defenders and the 213th Regional Support Group's 77th Annual Military Ball at The Americus Hotel in Allentown, Nov. 12, 2022. The evening program included toasts and award ceremonies. Patricia Veresink, Esq., 2022 Commander - Honorary First Defenders, Col. Frank Montgomery, commander of the 213th RSG and other distinguished visitors shared remarks during the event.

MAJ John J. Sullivan III receives the Legion of Merit from MGEN Walter J. Mehl, director of Manpower Programs and Budget, Office of the Deputy CHIEF of STAFF for Personnel. MAJ Sullivan's wife Jane looks on as the award is presented during retirement ceremonies. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040218-A-2116P-091. Base: West Point State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CRYSTAL CITY, VA. (July 18, 2022) - Lt Gen Michael Schmidt (right), Program Executive Officer for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office, presents a token of appreciation to the Greece Minister of Defense during an office call in Arlington, VA. 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.

U.S. Army Col. Daniel C. Gibson, commander of Division Artillery Brigade (DivArty), 82nd Airborne Division shakes hands with a Paratrooper during the Saint Barbara's Day ball in Pinehurst, North Carolina, Dec. 2, 2022. The Order of Saint Barbara is a tradition recognized by formal celebration and presentation of awards honoring Saint Barbara, the Patron Saint of Artillery.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership hosts a hail and farewell ceremony on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 24, 2022. During the ceremony arriving team members were greeted and departing members received awards, parting gifts and shared a few words with fellow staff members, students and faculty.

Visit of Boy Scouts of America delegation to Main Interior for meeting with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, and receipt from the Secretary of National Resource Conservation Awards

The 2nd Brigade, 78th Training Division, 84th Training Command recognized Soldiers and their families with a special retirement ceremony, September 17, 2022 at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. The careers of 69 Soldiers who honorably served their country with duty, selfless service and devotion were celebrated. Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed was a guest speaker among several VIPs at the ceremony.

WASHINGTON (Oct. 27, 2022) Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro presents the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award to Arthur P. Miller Jr and Marjorie Miller at the Pentagon Oct. 27, 2022. The award was established in 1996 to honor those with a commitment to patriotism and humanitarian concern for U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

502nd Air Base Wing held an honorary commanders hail and farewell ceremony, March 31, 2023, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. This program promotes mission partner relationships between Joint Base San Antonio and the 502nd Air Base Wing and community leaders throughout the city of San Antonio and surrounding areas.

Erik Thomsen, the garrisons post-retirement services officer and the RADs master of ceremonies Chief Master Sgt. Darryl Dew, 86th Airlift Wing, prepare for the official ceremony.

Chief of Staff of the Army, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno presents the Medal of Honor Flag to Dr. Terry Schwab, on behalf of his father, 1st Lt. Donald K. Schwab, one of 24 Army veterans honored during the Valor 24 Hall of Heroes Induction ceremony, held at the Pentagon, Washington D.C., March 19, 2014.

Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief, National Guard Bureau, delivers remarks and congratulates National Guard awardees at the Black Engineer of the Year Award Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Stars and Stripes dinner and reception, Baltimore, Maryland, Feb. 16, 2024. The National Guard Bureau was the featured military organization of the 2024 Stars and Stripes event. Army National Guard

U.S. Marine Col. Daniel Whitley, right, the commanding officer of Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, poses for a photo with Joseph Clevenger, the superintendent of Bonsall Unified School District, during the Bonsall Unified School District Purple Star designation ceremony at Bonsall West Elementary School in Oceanside, California, April 5, 2022. The school district earned the Purple Star award for their excellence in serving military-connected students. Whitley is a native of Massapequa, New York.

Brigadier General Freddy E. McFarren is promoted to Major General by Lieutenant General Eric K. Shinseki, US Army Deputy CHIEF of STAFF for Operations and Plans. Assisting in the ceremony is Mrs. Aubrey McFarren. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

Col. Timothy Woodruff, 11TH ADA "Imperial" Brigade commander, was inducted into the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara during the Saint Barbara's Social, December 3rd at the Plaza Hotel in El Paso, Texas.The Ancient Order of Saint Barbara is awarded to individuals with long-term service commitments with the Artillery, with service more decorated and distinctive than those in the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara.

Admiral Karl Schultz, commandant of the U. S. Coast Guard, shakes hands with Admiral Steven Poulin after Poulin was promoted to admiral at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington D.C., May 31, 2022. Poulin relieved Admiral Linda Fagan as the 33rd Vice Commandant during the Vice Commandant Change of Watch ceremony.

WASHINGTON (Oct. 27, 2022) Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro presents the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award to Arthur P. Miller Jr and Marjorie Miller at the Pentagon Oct. 27, 2022. The award was established in 1996 to honor those with a commitment to patriotism and humanitarian concern for U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. General Jay Bargeron, 3d Marine Division Commanding General, speaks with a veteran of The Fighting Third at the 3d Marine Division Association banquet honoring the Divisions 80th Anniversary in San Diego, California, Sept. 17, 2022. The 3d Marine Division was activated at Camp Elliot, San Diego, Sept. 16, 1942 and has taken part in combat operations from World War II and Vietnam through Iraq and Afghanistan. The current Marines of 3d Marine Division continue to build on this legacy today as a critical part of the stand-in force within the first island chain of the Indo-Pacific.

LTG Ross Coffman, Deputy Commanding General, Army Futures Command, is promoted and presented his third star by Gen James C. McConville, Chief of Staff, US Army, on Tuesday, October 4th, 2022 in Austin, TX (US Army Photo by Patrick Hunter)

US Air Force Colonel Dana T. Atkins (right) presents US Air Force Brigadier General Mark A. Welsh III a framed lithograph representative of the Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, area after GEN Welsh's speech about his experiences during Operation DESERT STORM. GEN Welsh is the Commandant of Cadets and Commander, 34th Training Wing, US Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

GREAT LAKES, Il. (Aug. 19, 2022) Illinois state Rep. Bob Morgan, left, and Capt. Jason Williamson, Naval Station Great Lakes commanding officer, pose for a photo during a base visit. 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.

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

COL John L. McGillen administers the oath of office as LGEN Sidney T. Weinstein assumes the position as the Army's CHIEF of STAFF for Intelligence. Weinstein's wife, Paula, is assisting in the ceremony taking place at the Pentagon. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Recognition Ceremony, Apr. 28, 2022, Magnolia Halle, San Antonio, Texas. This event was held to honor all promotees to the rank of Chief Master Sgt.

Little Rock District Ranger Mary Simmons, meets Arkansas Governor, Asa Hutchinson for the first time at a Safe Boating Week Proclamation ceremony.

2006 Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Ceremony at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C., with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Vice President Dick Cheney and South Koreaa's Ambassador to the U.S., Lee Tae-Sik, among the dignitaries participating

Air Force Gen. Craig McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau (center) prepares to cut into the National Guards 375th birthday cake with Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Denise Jelinski-Hall, the senior enlisted leader of the National Guard Bureau (front right), Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Gary Nisker, the Army National Guard command chief warrant officer (back right), Army Lt. Gen. William E. Ingram Jr., the director of the Army National Guard (center left), Air Force Lt. Gen. Harry Wyatt, the director of the Air National Guard (left) and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Burch , the Army National Guard command sergeant major (far left), on Dec. 13, 2011 in Arlington, Va.

Chief Master Sgt. LeRoy E. McCardell Jr., right, 131st Bomb Wing command chief master sergeant, reads an award with his wife and Brig. Gen. Kenneth S. Eaves, Assistant Adjutant General- Air, Missouri National Guard, during his retirement ceremony, June 25, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. McCardell's wife was awarded with a certificate of appreciation for supporting her husband throughout his 34-year career in uniform.

10 past Minnesota National Guard service members were honored for their service during the annual Court of Honor induction program ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, near Little Falls, Minnesota. The Court of Honor commemorates the lasting contributions of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of the State and Nation. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

930114-D-9880W-013. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Col. David Rowland, commander, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) greets Georgian Defence Minister Juansher Burchuladze upon his arrival to Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Feb. 9, 2023.

General MacArthur Leadership Award winner Cpt. Taylor B. Frye, 1st Battalion, 168th Aviation Regiment, Oregon National Guard, with Brig. Gen. Gregory T. Day Oregon National Guard Land Component Command, wife, Nancy, and parents Oct. 26, 2022, at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. The General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award recognizes company-grade officers demonstrating the ideals for which Gen. MacArthur stood.

After pinning on the Purple Heart Medal, US Air Force STAFF Sergeant Bonnie Wagoner (81st Medical Group) presents her father Technical Sergeant (Retired) Robert Brunnelle with the Purple Heart Certificate for wounds received 31 years ago while on duty in Vietnam. Base: Keesler Air Force Base State: Mississippi (MS) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Nicolas Garcia, member of the United States Army Memorial Detachment, receives the Public Service Medal in San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 22, 2022. This award is given to the awardees for their selfless service in volunteering their own time to give back to military families by assisting in funeral honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Gen. Ed Daly, commanding general of the Army Materiel Command, left, and Lt. Gen. Donnie Walker, AMC's deputy commanding general, present a Good Neighbor award to Gold Star Mother Annette Hall, founder and president of the North Alabama Chapter of American Gold Star Mothers. The award was presented during the Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon June 29 in Huntsville, Ala.

Kelly McKeague, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) director, and U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Anthony Worsley, DPAA senior enlisted advisor, gives an award to a family member of an unaccounted-for U.S. service member from the Vietnam War during a Family Member Update (FMU) inDallas, Texas, March 25, 2023. The DPAA provides periodic updates and hosts annual government briefings for families of Americans who are missing from past conflicts. Since 1995, these events not only brief the families on the latest up-to-date information available about their specific cases, but they provide reassurance to fellow Americans that the agency will continue to investigate, recover, identify and return MIAs.

CW3 Sherry D Mitchell and CSM Juan J Mitchell's celebrate retirement from the DC National Guard June 12, 2022, at the DC National Guard Armory after 70 years of combined service.

Secretary Dirk Kempthorne meeting at Main Interior with Marine Corps officer Chris Hardin

010605-D-9880W-137. Base: Kiev Country: Ukraine (UKR)

10 past Minnesota National Guard service members were honored for their service during the annual Court of Honor induction program ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, near Little Falls, Minnesota. The Court of Honor commemorates the lasting contributions of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of the State and Nation. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

040207-F-2270A-144. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

DN-SC-86-03610. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Norwegian Home Guard provides a traditional Norwegian meal that consists of multiple types of seafood, reindeer, pork, duck, sauces, vegetables, and desserts to the Minnesota National Guard as a part of a cultural event during the 51st Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange at Camp Ripley Training Center in Little Falls, Minnesota on February 7th, 2024 (Minnesota Army National Guard

DEVCOM CBC public affairs specialist Dr. Brian Feeney, research chemist Dr. Alan Samuels, and research toxicologist Dr. Jennifer Sekowski received the Armys 2023 Major General Harold J. Greene Award for Acquisition Writing during the Armys Annual Acquisition Awards Ceremony held at the Pentagon on January 9, 2024. The awards were presented by the Honorable Douglas R. Bush, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, and Lieutenant General Robert M. Collins, Principal Military Deputy to ASA (ALT).

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, shake hands after the governor signed the SPEED Act, during a ceremony held at the Massachusetts National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, Oct. 25, 2022.(Massachusetts National Guard photo by Spc. Vivian Ainomugisha)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas A. Buol, assigned to 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173RD Airborne Brigade, lights the NCO candle, during the NCO Induction ceremony at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, Nov. 30, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA Deputy Director Lori Garver, left, participates in an event marking the arrival of NASA's first space-bound Orion capsule at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Talking to Garver in Kennedy's Operations and Checkout Building Mission Briefing Room are, from left, Brig. Gen. Anthony J. Cotton, commander of the 45th Space Wing, and Florida Senator Thad Altman.Slated for Exploration Flight Test-1, an uncrewed mission planned for 2014, the capsule will travel farther into space than any human spacecraft has gone in more than 40 years. The capsule was shipped to Kennedy from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans where the crew module pressure vessel was built. The Orion production team will prepare the module for flight at Kennedy by installing heat-shielding thermal protection systems, avionics and other subsystems.

991129-A-9867N-008. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Army CHIEF of STAFF General John A. Wickham Jr. and Mrs. Ann Ballantyne each pin a third star on the shoulders of Lieutenant General John L. Ballantyne III, Commander, Military District of Washington, during his promotion ceremony at the Pentagon. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David May, the Wisconsin National Guard's deputy adjutant general for Air, inducts retired U.S Air Force Brig. Gen. Margaret Bair into the Wisconsin Air National Guard Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin, Sept. 22, 2022. Bair began her military career in 1976 as an active-duty Air Force nurse, transitioning into the Montana Air National Guard in 1986, and Wisconsin ANG in 1994. During her career she served as the 128th Medical Group commander in Milwaukee, and Wisconsin ANG chief of staff, becoming the first female general officer in the history of the Wisconsin ANG.

Governor Ned Lamont swears in during the state of Connecticut's 89th Gubernatorial inauguration hosted at the Connecticut National Guard's Governor William A. O'Neill Armory in Hartford, Jan. 4, 2023.

021109-M-8439A-034. Base: Usmc Recruit Depot, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MCRD/WRR SD

050624-A-4928M-082. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Northeast

Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Janet Cobb stands with U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Stephen Rutner, commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve Deployment Support Command at the conference room dedication ceremony in her honor on May 14, 2022. Cobb and Rutner had been colleagues for some time, as Cobb was at one time his commanding officer.

Chief Master Sgt. Gary Reny, officially retired during a ceremony on Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, Sep. 10, 2022. Reny celebrated his retirement after 35 years of honorable military service with many family members and friends.

(L-R) Brig. Gen. Riho Ühtegi, commander of the Estonian Defense League, Kristjan Prikk, Estonia´s Ambassador to the United States, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, Lt. Gen. Senad Mašović, chief of defence for the Armed Forces of Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Maj. Gen. Timothy Gowen, adjutant general for Maryland, poses for a photo during a State Partnership Program reception at Camp Fretterd in Reisterstown, Maryland, April 7, 2022. The Maryland National Guard formed a partnership with Estonia in 1993 and with Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2003 through the National Guard Bureaus State Partnership Program.

030714-F-4167F-003. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

Kristyn Jones, assistant secretary of the Air Force for financial management and comptroller, performing the duties of the undersecretary of the Air Force, greets Romanian Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Daniel Petrescu after a meeting at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., March 31, 2023. Jones and Romanian Minister of Defense Angel Tîlvăr discussed U.S. commitment to the transfer of F-16 fighter aircraft from Norway and the importance of the U.S.-Romania strategic partnership.

Event, including wreath-laying ceremony, honoring Interior law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement and Security Larry Parkinson, and other officials on hand to speak, pose with law enforcement staff from respective bureaus

Mongolian Maj. Gen. G. Ariunbuyan, chief of the National Emergency Management Agency, right, presents an award to Maj. Chelsea Aspelund, gender advisor for the Alaska National Guard, for her work in the expert academic discussions during the closing ceremony for Gobi Wolf 2022 in Bayankhongor, Mongolia, Sept. 10. The six-day exercise focused on interagency coordination within Mongolia, as well as foreign humanitarian assistance during a large-scale natural disaster. The Mongolia National Emergency Management Agency is the lead government agent, with support from other government agencies. (Alaska National Guard photo by Victoria Granado)

Visit of Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to the Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., to view Marine Corps Evening Parade, deliver remarks, and attend reception at the site, a National Historic Landmark

DM-ST-88-09349. Base: Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Veterans' Employment and Training Service - Assistant Secretary Veterans Employment Meet and Greet

1st Lt. Hiroki Hayashida, the officer in charge of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 15th Brigade Band, and Chief Warrant Officer 3 DeMarius D. Jackson, the officer in charge of the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band, exchange gifts before the 25th anniversary of the Friendship Through Music concert Jan. 28 at the Ginowan Civic Hall in Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 28, 2023. This year's iteration of the concert series was the first full, unrestricted performance since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The concert series is an annual joint performance between the two bands.

230319-N-YX844-2017 YOKOSUKA, Japan (March 19, 2023) Capt. Daryle Cardone, right, USS Ronald Reagans commanding officer, exchanges gifts with Minister Boris Pistorius, German Minister of Defense, in the commanding officers in-port cabin aboard the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), while in-port Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, March 19. 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.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Aug 5, 2022) - Capt. Teresa Allen (right), Naval Hospital (NH) Jacksonville director and Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Jacksonville commander, receives the Legion of Merit Award from Rear Adm. Matthew Case, Naval Medical Forces Atlantic commander, during a change of command ceremony August 5. The award recognized Allens exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service during her tour as director. Allen passed on leadership of NH Jacksonville — comprised of the Navys third largest hospital and five branch health clinics across Florida and Georgia — to Capt. Sharon House.

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