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.

Yoshiharu Tome, Plumber Foreman B, Hansen Maintenance Detachment, Facilities Maintenance Branch, G-F, traded a fist bump with Maj. Gen. William J. Bowers, former commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Pacific after receiving a certificate of appreciation.

Team Charleston welcomes its newest honorary commanders at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Nov. 4, 2022. The purpose of the Honorary Commander program is to establish and maintain relationships with local civic leaders in order to increase public awareness of the Air Force missions and programs.

Inter-American Defense Board Leadership and guest celebrate the boards 80th anniversary at the Organization of American States building, Washington, D.C., March 30, 2022. During the celebration An Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Delegates was held in the Hall of the Americas of the Organization of American States. The meeting was attended by OAS authorities, Ambassadors of the Member States, Permanent Representatives, Secretaries of Defense and Commanders of the armed forces of the hemisphere, Delegates to the IADB and of the Observer Countries and the Inter-American Defense College, both in person and remotely.

Col. Christopher Meeker, 88th Air Base Wing and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base commander, and Susan Edwards, Wright State University president, put down their pens after signing a collaborative agreement Dec. 5, 2022, between the Ohio school and base. A focal point of the partnership is the MRI scanner in Wright States Center of Neuroimaging and Neuro-Evaluation of Cognitive Technologies.

Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond J. Belk 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.

020823-A-7315T-010. Base: Fort Polk State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Paraguayan General Brigadier Néstor Daniel Zalazar Echauri, Incoming Chief of Delegation of Paraguay to the Inter-American Defense Board for a campus Tour on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 22, 2022. During the visit, The General attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

011214-F-4860D-001. Base: Raf Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

PATUXENT RIVER (Jan. 31, 2024) - Republic of Korea Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Yang Yong-mo presents Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons Rear Adm. Stephen Tedford with a gift during an official visit to Naval Air Systems Command headquarters. During the visit, Yang toured different facilities, received demonstrations on a variety of capabilities, and conducted meetings with senior U.S. Navy leaders to discuss maritime security cooperation, interoperability, and readiness.

The U.S. Air Forces in Europe Ambassadors Rock Band performs at Club 4of the Regional Logistics Basein Wrocław, Poland, Oct. 12, 2022. The USAFE Band partnered with the U.S. Consulate-Krakow to travel across southern Poland from Oct 11-20, 2022, conducting performances that celebrated the shared spirit of freedom and enduring friendship between the U.S. and Poland. By transcending language and cultural barriers through the universal power of music, military bands promote peace, build relationships, and strengthen unity among people.

040119-F-6838O-003. Base: Birmingham State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

040313-F-0675P-030. Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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 36 years of service to the nation, the Army and the military health system.

Army Lieutenant General Ronald Place, Director, Defense Health Agency, Navy Rear Admiral Anne M. Swap, Director, National Capital Region Market and Navy Captain Drew Bigby, Interim Director, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at the Murtha Cancer Center (MCC) 10th Anniversary Celebration seremony on December 2, 2022 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) where the center is located. Named for former congressman, John P. Murtha (D-PA), MCC performs translational cancer research, designed to effectively and efficiently support a medically ready force, provide worldclass cancer services for the Military Health System, and collaborate with other federal agencies, civilian medical centers, pharma, and academia.(Photographs by Harvey A. Duze (Office of Command Communications, WRNMMC)

Military delegation visiting Main Interior for Toys for Tots promotional event, meetings with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and other senior officials

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

011110-D-2901G-005. Base: Redstone Arsenal State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members from the 118th Wing celebrate at the cyber groups anniversary gala April 1, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. The 218th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group celebrated the tenth anniversary since the creation of their unit in 2013.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and retired Brig. Gen. Clarence E. Bud Anderson, celebrate during a ceremony promoting Anderson to the honorary rank of brigadier general at the Aerospace Museum of California in McClellan, California, Dec. 2, 2022. The ceremony was an opportunity to honor the 100-year-old World War II triple ace during the 75th anniversary year of the U.S. Air Forces establishment as a military service.

DA-SC-88-02808. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter shakes hands with Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Charles Kettles during a Medal of Honor Induction Ceremony at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Va., July 19, 2016, for actions during a battle near Duc Pho, South Vietnam, on May 15, 1967. Then-Maj. Kettles, assigned to 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, was credited with evacuating dozens of Soldiers in a UH-1D Huey helicopter under intense enemy fire.

The participants at the Murtha Cancer Center (MCC) 10th Anniversary celebration on December 2, 2022 at WRNMMC, line up for a group photo.They are (left to right):Craig Shriver, MD, Director, The John P. Murtha Cancer Center; CW4 Charles Felder, USA, JTF NCR J/G1, Fort McNairMrs. Melinda DeLoatch-Speight, Coast Guard Spouse; Douglas Lowy, MD, Principal Deputy Director, National Cancer Institute; Steven Lieberman, MD, Deputy Under Secretary for Health, United States Department of Veterans Affairs; Lieutenant General Ronald Place, USA, Director, Defense Health Agency; Colonel Brian Murtha, USMC, Retired, Nephew of the late Congressman, John P. Murtha; Seileen Mullen, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, United States Department of Defense; Jonathan Woodson, MD, President, The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; Navy Captain Drew Bigby, MSC, Interim Director, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center; LCDR Jennifer Jabara, USPHS Commissioned Corps;

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. As part of the Medal of Honor events taking place throughout Knoxville this week, several Medal of Honor recipients visited local high schools Wednesday, September 7th. They arrived on Sikorsky black hawk helicopters flown by the Army National Guard.Speaking with the students at Bearden High School were Major General Patrick H. Brady and Sergeant First Class Sammy L. Davis, who both served in the Army during the Vietnam War.After sharing their stories, MG Brady and Sgt. 1st Class Davis departed the school via black hawk.

010406-D-2987S-006. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) The Honorable Gordon R. England (right) shakes hands to congratulate US Navy (USN) Admiral (ADM) Mike Mullen, In-coming CHIEF of Naval Operations (CNO) during a Change of Command Ceremony at the US Naval Academy, at Annapolis, Maryland. AMD Mullen replaces USN ADM Vern Clark (background) becoming the 28th CNO. Base: Annapolis State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George W. Casey, Jr. hands out Army hats to members of the Boy Scouts of America during a visit to his office at the Pentagon, March 1, 2010. They Boy Scouts are in Washington D.C. to give their annual Report to the Nation.

060114-N-0191T-030. Base: Ingleside State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030630-F-1199H-003. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

220402-N-KG461-1073Jacksonville, Fla. (April 2, 2022) Cold War Navy submarine veterans are honored during the Kings Bay Submarine Birthday Ball. This was the 122nd birthday of submarines in the Navy.

930115-D-9880W-040. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040712-F-6905B-002. Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

000208-A-0662H-004. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-SC-85-11213. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Paraguayan General Brigadier Néstor Daniel Zalazar Echauri, Incoming Chief of Delegation of Paraguay to the Inter-American Defense Board for a campus Tour on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 22, 2022. During the visit, The General attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signs a proclamation about the Army's Partnership for Your Success program event at Fort Jackson Aug. 17. McMaster and Army Training and Doctrine Command Commanding General, Gen. Paul E. Funk II, spoke at the event attended by all the state department directors.

Office of Civil Rights - Veterans Day - Admiral Michelle J Howard speaking at a Veterans Day Event , Environmental Protection Agency

221013-N-WF272-1041 PHILADELPHIA (Oct. 13, 2022) Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia Sailors pose for a group photo with Philadelphia City Representative Sheila Hess, center, after receiving a mayoral proclamation announcing October 13 through October 17, 2022, as the Navy week in the City of Philadelphia during the Navys 247th Birthday celebration and flag raising ceremony at the City Hall, Oct. 13, 2022. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of Americas Navy.

NEW YORK (Dec. 12, 2017) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson (right) presents the George Van Cleave USO Military Leadership Award to Navy Aircrewman Helicopter 2nd Class Daniel Harlow at the 56th Armed Forces Gala and Gold Medal Dinner in New York City. Each year, the USO George Van Cleave Military Leadership Award is given to one service member from each branch who, through their selfless commitment to country, inspire others and uplift the spirits of their comrades, their families, and the American people. Harlow received the award in recognition of his heroic actions rescuing more than 50 civilians during relief operations following the devastation of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria. The USO is a private, non-profit organization that seeks to strengthen America's military by keeping them connected to their family and nation.

Secretary Gale Norton, far left, with Colonel Roger Duff of the U.S. Army Reserve Special Forces and the Bureau of Reclamation, center. Duff and his wife, Linda Martin, were on hand for Department of Interior headquarters ceremony marking adoption by Interior employees of U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and 10th Mountain Division as wartime focal points for volunteer activities

Air Force Association President John McKee presents a momento to Brigadier General James Smith as a reminder of his visit to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III presents the Medal of Honor flag to Medal of Honor recipient former Army Spc. Five Dennis M. Fujii, in a ceremony in which Fujii and five other Medal of Honor recipients were inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., July 6, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

Veterans' Employment and Training Service - Veterans Day Salute Awards

Military delegation visiting Main Interior for Toys for Tots promotional event, meetings with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and other senior officials

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., right, poses with Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Air Force Gen. Park Inho during an award ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 6, 2022. Park presented Brown with the Order of National Security Merit, Tong-Il Medal in recognition of Browns exceptional contribution to the security of the Korean Peninsula.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. makes remarks during an award ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 6, 2022. Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Air Force Gen. Park Inho presented Brown with the Order of National Security Merit, Tong-Il Medal in recognition of Browns exceptional contribution to the security of the Korean Peninsula.

DA-SC-85-12811. Base: West Point State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Secretary of Defense Casper W. Weinberger hosts Swearing-In Ceremony of Mr. Joseph Sherick as DoD / IG. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CRYSTAL CITY, VA. (March 28, 2022) - The F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office celebrates the 100th birthday of the Italian Air Force during a cake-cutting ceremony at the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office on March 28, in Crystal City, 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. Marine Corps Maj. Vince Margiotta, Commanding Officer of Recruiting Station Salt Lake City, passes the first slice of cake to the guest of honor, Danny Maher, during the cake cutting ceremony for RS Salt Lakes Marine Corps Birthday Ball celebration in Las Vegas, Nev., Nov. 11, 2022. Danny Maher, a Marine Corps veteran, author, and founder of VetTV, was invited to be the guest of honor for RS Salt Lake Citys Birthday Ball, having served with Maj. Margiotta as infantry officers and platoon commanders. Since 1921, the Corps has celebrated their birthday and honored the legacy of the U.S. Marine Corps at the Marine Corps Ball. November 10 is the official birthday of the Marine Corps.

Colonel Eries Mentzer, left, commander of Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, presents a photo display to Romay Davis at the ceremony honoring Davis for receiving the Congressional Gold Medal July 26, 2022, in Montgomery City Hall in Montgomery, Alabama. The 102-year old World War II veteran was honored for her service as a member of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.The all-female and all-black unit received the Congressional Gold Medal from President Joe Biden and the ceremony was held on the 74th anniversary of the Armed Forces Womens Integration Act.

060118-N-3207B-088. Base: Al Udeid Air Base, Doha Country: Qatar (QAT)

Maj. Kenneth Mandakunis, G3, 32d AAMDC, was inducted into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara during the Saint Barbara's Social, December 3rd at the Plaza Hotel in El Paso, Texas

Secretary Dirk Kempthorne with aides, members of security detail, and U.S. Park Police Chief Salvatore Lauro at Main Interior

Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth presents a photo and citation to Medal of Honor recipient Army Sgt. Maj. Thomas P. Payne, in a ceremony in which Birdwell and five others were inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., July 6, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John R. Evans, commanding general of Army North, and Command Sgt. Maj. Phil K. Barretto, senior enlisted advisor of Army North, presents William B. Kingman with a plaque inducting him into the Distinguished Quartermasters during the Armys 247th birthday celebration, held at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, June 14, 2022. Distinguished Quartermasters greatly reflect exceptional contribution to the Army mission through their tireless support to military programs and the San Antonio community. The Armys annual birthday celebration highlights total force history and tradition, and commemorates the continuous commitment to defending America 24/7.

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan presents a citation to Dr. Linda Singh during the renaming and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Maj. Gen. Linda L. Singh Readiness Center located in Eldersburg, Maryland, Oct. 22, 2022. The new readiness center supports the Maryland Army National Guard's 200th Military Police Company and the 729th Quartermaster Company.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Witherly, 16th Airlift Squadron chief enlisted manager, presents retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Joel Klasen with a Legendary Lion certificate during a squadron celebration at Isle of Palms, South Carolina, May 7, 2022. The 16th AS celebrated its 82nd anniversary with several tributes to its history.

Medium shot, front view, Congressman Vic Snyder, Democrat, 2nd District, Arkansas, cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the grand opening of a new facility for the 53rd Airlift Squadron. He is assisted by (left to right) Colonel Jeter, USAF, Commander 314th Civil Engineering Squadron; COL Sleight, USAF, Commander 53rd AS; COL Wineberger, USAF, 53rd Airlift Squadron; COL Paul Fletcher, USAF, Commander 314th AW; COL Thomas Holden Jr., USA Commander, Army Corp of Engineers and Mr. J.L. Herdon, Vice-President, Dallas Office of Clark Construction. Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

031107-M-5181A-061. Base: Marine Corps Base, Quantico State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MCSC

Participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 16 at the Fort Drum DoD STARBASE Academy were Stephen Todd, Jefferson-Lewis BOCES district superintendent; Eric Wagenaar, Fort Drum deputy to the garrison commander; Command Sgt. Maj. Shelly Jenkins, Fort Drum garrison senior enlisted advisor; Col. James Zacchino Jr., Fort Drum garrison commander; Michael O'Toole, Civil-Military Programs director with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower and Reserve Affairs; and Joanne Witt, Fort Drum DoD STARBASE Academy director. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvanias adjutant general, welcomes Lt. Gen. Valdemaras Rupšys, Lithuania's, Chief of Defense, and Ambassador Dennis B. Hankins, foreign policy advisor to chief, National Guard Bureau, and their teams to Fort Indiantown Gap Nov. 30, 2022, to discuss the future of the State Partnership Program. Lithuanias official party also includes: Brig. Gen. Modestas Petrauskas, defense attaché to the U.S., Command Sgt. Maj. Remigijus Katinas of the Armed Forces of Lithuania, Lt. Col. Giedrius Anglickis, military assistant to the chief of defense, Maj. Kazimiras Bogdanas, aide de camp to the chief of defense, and Maj. Rūta Montvilė, the public information officer.The United States official party also includes: Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, deputy adjutant general-Army, Brig. Gen. Michael Regan, deputy adjutant general-Air, Command Sgt. Maj. Jon Worley, senior enlisted advisor, Lt. Col. Stephanie Baugh, defense attaché, U.S. Embassy Vilnius, Lithuania, Maj. Dustin Wolfgang,

Capt. David Adams, Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS), Tetsuya Ito, director general of the Kyushu Defense Bureau (KDB), and Kazuya Hayashi pose for a photo during the Length-of-Service Awards Ceremony for U.S. Forces Japan Employees at CFAS Oct. 18, 2022. The ceremony, held annually by KDB and CFAS, honors the service of base employees who have worked for 10, 20, 30, and 40 years as master labor contractors or under indirect hire agreements.

Col. Andy Nuce administers the Oath of Office to newly promoted Lt. Col. Daniel Rhoades during a promotion ceremony at the USAMMDA headquarters building, Fort Detrick, Md., Sept. 1, 2022. Nuce is the commander of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston hosts a reception for International Military Student Officers on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Arlington, Va., March 13, 2023. The reception was meant to foster fellowship among international service members.

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

Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) cut the ribbon on its new Production Training Facility November 30.

Steven McCray, 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.

Coast Guard Air Station - Clearwater - Vice Admiral Thad Allen Visit - 26-HK-277-26. Hurricane Katrina

U.S. Army Air Corps 1st Lt. Gerald Teldon (right), retired, receives his award from his grandson, Rabbi Levi Teldon, for his honorable service as a pilot on July 29, 2022, at the Chabad Center for Jewish Life and Learning, San Antonio, Texas. Teldon, born in Bronx, N.Y., in 1924, joined the military in 1944. He completed 62 missions during WWII and the Korean War. Lt. Col. Andrew Stein, 502nd Operations Support Squadron commander, was the presiding officers. The awards presented to Teldon are as follows: the Air Medal; American Campaign Medal; European - African - Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; National Defense Medal; and the Distinguished Unit Citation.

Retired Space Force Lt. Gen. William Liquori, center, poses after being presented the OMalley Space Visionary Leadership Award at the 2022 Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md., Sept. 20, 2022.

Airman 1st Class, Gianny E. Serrano receives the 111th Attack Wing, 2023 Airman of the First Half Award, from Col. Lynn Lee, 111th Attack Wing Commander, at an awards banquet for members of the Biddle Air National Guard Base in Horsham, Pennsylvania, Feb. 3, 2024. Air National Guard

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