Military Awards and Ceremonies

Ceremonial presentations of awards and change of command events within various military branches, depicting recognition and leadership transitions.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Shawn D. Cameron, center, incoming commander, 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, assumes command of the 386th ELRS and receives the guidon from Col. John Gustafson, left, commander of the 386th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, during a change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 13, 2022. Cameron succeeded Maj. Angela L. Petersen, outgoing commander, 386th ELRS.

Brig. Gen. Roy W. Collins, Director of Security Forces, deputy chief of staff for logistics, engineering and force protection, headquarters U.S. Air Force and Chief Master Sgt. Donald Gallagher, 20th Security Forces career field manager present the 2021 Air Force Best Medium Security Forces Unit award to Maj. Rudy McIntyre, 28th Security Forces Squadron commander at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., July 27, 2022. The 28th SFS was named best of 35 U.S. Air Force medium-sized security forces units.

The 51st Fighter Wing command team presents the Airman of the quarter award to Senior Airman Connor Bayer, 51st Operational Medical Readiness Squadron public health technician, during the 51st Fighter Wing quarterly awards ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 19, 2024. Wing leadership regularly acknowledges outstanding performers, expressing appreciation for their contributions to the "Fight Tonight" mission.

U.S. Army Maj. Andrew DeLaney assumes command of the North Carolina Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team during a change of command ceremony at the Carolina Beach Road Armory in Wilmington, North Carolina, Dec. 2, 2022. DeLaney takes command from U.S. Army Lt. Col. Benjamin R. Wynn, left, holding an award for his service leading the battalion through various training, missions, and deployments, from U.S. Army Col. Charles Morrison, right, the commander of the 30th Brigade.

U.S. Army Reserve Col. Melissa Adamski, right, commander of the Military Intelligence Readiness Command, presents the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Armys award plaque to U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Myles Kalf, left, 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion Maintenance NCOIC, during an awards ceremony. The 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 336th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, Military Intelligence Readiness Command, U.S. Army Reserve, received the Department of the Army level Army Award for Maintenance Excellence, MTOE medium category, in an event honoring the unit held on Fort George G. Meade, Md., Jan. 20, 2024.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Shawn D. Cameron, center, incoming commander, 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, assumes command of the 386th ELRS and receives the guidon from Col. John Gustafson, left, commander of the 386th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, during a change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 13, 2022. Cameron succeeded Maj. Angela L. Petersen, outgoing commander, 386th ELRS.

From left to right, U.S. Air Force Maj. Levi Cass, 48th Rescue Squadron commander, Brig. Gen. Sean Choquette, 12th Air Force (Air Force Southern) vice commander, Tech. Sgt. Sean Hopper, 48th Rescue Squadron pararescueman and Master Sgt. Christopher Wilson, 48th Rescue Squadron pararescueman, pose for a photo during an award ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Dec. 12, 2022. Hopper and Wilson each received the Bronze Star Medal for their heroic actions in Afghanistan in 2021.

Jim Beach accepts the organization plaque and value engineering certificate on behalf of Matthew Spielman and the Integrated Fires Mission Command Project Office team during an award ceremony Jan. 9. From left are Aviation and Missile Commands Command Sgt. Maj. Bradford Smith, AMCOM Commander Maj. Gen. Tom OConnor and Beach.

1st Lt. Tristan Meadows, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division poses for a photograph after being awarded Honor Graduate for Basic Military Mountaineering Course 22-002 at Black Rapids Training Site 21 July. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Dennis/11th Airborne Division Public Affairs NCO)

U.S. Army Spc. Jameson Harris and Spc. Joshua Cowden, assigned to 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 18th Airborne Corps, receive their third place award during the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 20, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the physical, tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

Lt. Col. Jennifer Malatesta, right, 374th Force Support Squadron outgoing commander, passes a guidon to Col. Ryan Vetter, 374th Mission Support Group commander, during the 374th FSS change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 7, 2022. The change of command ceremony formally transferred command of the 374th FSS from Lt. Col. Jennifer Malatesta to Maj. Jordan Hayes.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christopher Olson, the flight chief of financial operations with the 36th Comptroller Squadron, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Birch, 36th Wing commander, and U.S. Chief Master Sgt. John Payne, 36th Wing command chief, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 15, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens Mission, Vision and Priorities.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. poses for a group photo with Airmen assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing during a visit to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 12, 2022. Brown visited Eielson as part of his tour of the Indo-Pacific region to meet with partners and allies and engage with Airmen.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (January 18, 2024) Sailors stationed aboard Naval Station Great Lakes and its tenant commands are presented lone Sailor statues from the Navy League at a Sailor of the year ceremony at the National Museum of the American Sailor, Jan. 18, 2024. Since its founding in 1902, the Navy League has provided a voice for stronger sea services. The Navy League has grown to become the foremost citizens organization serving, supporting and standing with all U.S. sea services.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Kirk S. Pierce, Lt. Gen. Kirk S. Pierce, commander of Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern and Air Forces Space), presents the Distinguished Graduate award to Airman 1st Class Maria Garcia, 315th Training Squadron student, during the 315th TRSs intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance professionals graduation ceremony, at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, May 24, 2022. Garcia was recognized for her outstanding academic achievement during her training.

U.S. Army Maj. Andrew DeLaney, left, assumes command of the North Carolina Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team during a change of command ceremony at the Carolina Beach Road Armory in Wilmington, North Carolina, Dec. 2, 2022. DeLaney takes command from U.S. Army Lt. Col. Benjamin R. Wynn who led the battalion through various training, missions, and deployments.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (January 18, 2024) Sailors stationed aboard Naval Station Great Lakes and its tenant commands are presented lone Sailor statues from the Navy League at a Sailor of the year ceremony at the National Museum of the American Sailor, Jan. 18, 2024. Since its founding in 1902, the Navy League has provided a voice for stronger sea services. The Navy League has grown to become the foremost citizens organization serving, supporting and standing with all U.S. sea services.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Andrew Morris, executive officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, and Master Gunnery Sgt. Steven Hazenberg, provost sergeant with Headquarters and Headquarter Squadron, present the Single Marine Program Representative of the Quarter Award to Cpl. Abbey Teitelbaum, an electrician with Marine Wing Support Squadron 373, during the quarterly award recognition ceremony at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, May 11, 2022. The ceremony recognized Marines and Sailors for their exceptional work ethic and achievements during 2nd quarter of fiscal year 22.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Crystal Glaster, 47th Force Support Squadron commander, presents the 47th FSS guidon to Col. Matthew Altman, 47th Mission Support Group commander, at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, on July 20, 2022.The passing of the guidon signifies an official shift of leadership from one commander to another.

U.S. Air Force Col. William Hunter, 81st Training Wing commander, Capt. Ryan Standish, 81st Security Forces Squadron operations officer, and Chief Master Sgt. Sarah Esparza, 81st TRW command chief, pose for a photo inside the Bay Breeze Event Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 19, 2022. Standish was recognized as the top Dragon University mentor for the 3rd quarter. Dragon University is the 81st TRW's Professional Development Incentive Program.

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)

Army Reserve drill sergeants Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Ousley, left, and Sgt. Allyson Nordin fold the American flag during a retirement ceremony at the General George Patton Leadership Museum July 1, Fort Knox, Ky. 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 - Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Mattingly, 1st Sgt. James S. Ward, 1st Sgt. William J. Henderson, and Sfc. James Greco.

U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Zingaro, 165th Mission Support Group commander, passes a guidon to Lt. Col. Ileana O'Shea, the incoming commander of the 165th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Georgia Air National Guard, in a change of command ceremony on August 6, 2022 held in Savannah, Georgia at the 165th Airlift Wing. OShea started her military career in the 165th Medical Group in 1999 as an enlisted diet therapy journeyman and later commissioned as a flight nurse in the North Carolina Air National Guard. She returned to the Georgia ANG where she served in the 116th Air Control Wing, Georgia State Headquarters and then made her way back to the 165th Airlift Wing.

Col. Silas Darden, 960th Cyberspace Wing vice commander, presents the leadership guidon to Col. Joshua Garrison, 860th Cyberspace Operations Group commander, during the 860th COG change of command ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 15, 2022.

U.S. Army Sgt. Jordan Dirr, center, first-place noncommissioned officer winner of the 73rd Troop Commands Best Warrior Competition, stands with his unit sponsor, Sgt. Baylee Rathamn, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. William Adams, state command sergeant major, during the competitions award ceremony at Camp James A. Garfield Joint Military Training Center in Ravenna, Ohio, Nov. 5, 2022. Dirr, assigned to the 437th Military Police Battalion, will go on to compete at the state-level against other Ohio Army National Guard Soldiers in Spring 2023.

628th Air Base Wing annual award winners are presented with an award from 628th ABW leadership during the 2023 628th ABW Annual Awards Ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 8, 2024. 628th ABW leadership recognized the accomplishments in numerous categories to include enlisted Airmen, Sailors, officers, civilians, and teams. Air Force

GREAT LAKES, Il. (January 18, 2024) Sailors stationed aboard Naval Station Great Lakes and its tenant commands are presented lone Sailor statues from the Navy League at a Sailor of the year ceremony at the National Museum of the American Sailor, Jan. 18, 2024. Since its founding in 1902, the Navy League has provided a voice for stronger sea services. The Navy League has grown to become the foremost citizens organization serving, supporting and standing with all U.S. sea services.

The 142nd Operations Support Squadron held a change of command ceremony at Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, June 11, 2022. Lt. Col. Daniel McAllister relinquished command and Lt. Col. Bradley Young, previously serving as 123rd Fighter Squadron director of operations, assumed command from the presiding officer for the event, 142nd Operations Group Commander, Col Aaron Mathena.

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Karen Monday-Gresham, commanding general of the 7th Mission Support Command poses with newly promoted Col. Jason Frankenfield, her staff judge advocate, following his promotion ceremony at the command headquarters, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2024, in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Left to right, C Company, 232d Medical Battalion senior leaders Sgt. First Class Nicholas Kelly, Cpt. Nirav Patel, First Sgt. Mona Rohler, and Staff Sgt. Maricar Bacarro pictured outside of Slagle Dining Facility, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, November 24, 2022. The group were among dozens of U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE) leaders to take care of MEDCoE Soldiers during the 2022 Thanksgiving feast hosted at Rocco and Slagle dining facilities.

Let's give Senior Airman Monjanique Anderson from the 81st Dental Squadron a shout-out for being chosen as the Warrior of the Week during this week's staff meeting! She assisted in the coordination and participated in our annual Resident Graduation Ceremony. She led an eight member set-up and tear down-crew and escorted the official party, honoring six graduates in front of 90 attendees. In addition, Anderson was paired with a civilian provider where they treated 166 patients and completed 1,400 procedures, making them the highest producing team in five years. She was then selected to join the General Medical Education program as one of their residency technicians where in just one month her departments assistance helped slash our non-deployable rate by three percent. She also recruited seven volunteers for a recent Air Force Sergeants Association bowling event, which generated $1,500 in donations for the Special Olympics Association.

Sgt. 1st Class Jessie R. Turner, Company C, 2d Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Aviation Brigade, Fort Carson, Colorado, receives the 2020 DUSTOFF Flight Medic of the Year Award during the Army Aviation Senior Leader Forum at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Jan. 25, 2023. Presenting the award is Maj. Gen. Michael McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence commander and Army aviation branch chief, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Myke Lewis, chief warrant officer of the branch, Command Sgt. Maj. James Wilson, branch command sergeant major, retired Maj. Gen. William T. Crosby, Army Aviation Association of America president, and an industry partner. The award is one of several Army Aviation Association of America National Functional Awards presented annually for a specific area or specialty within the Army Aviation community.

The United States Army Garrison Humphreys Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program hosted their 3rd Quarter Awards Ceremony at Humphreys Family Theater, June 28, 2022. Awardees were recognized for excellence, dedication, achievements connected to the BOSS program.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force, Roger A. Towberman, poses for a photo with Airmen and Guardians who were awarded his coin during an all-call on Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., May 20, 2022. CMSSF Towberman gave his coin to six service members for going above and beyond their duties on base. .

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Martin Dyogi, from the 49th Component Maintenance Squadron, accepts the 49er of the Quarter Award, during the 49th Wings 3rd Quarter Award ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Nov. 21, 2022. Quarterly award winners were selected based on their technical expertise, demonstration of leadership and job performance.

U.S. Army Maj. Daniel Spencer and his brothers gather for a photo during his promotion ceremony from captain to major at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Jan. 11, 2024. From left, Maj. Daniel Spencer; U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Tim Spencer; U.S. Air Force Maj. Mike Spencer; U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Phil Spencer and U.S. Air Force Maj. Greg Spencer.

Master Sgt. Cadalia Gonsales and 1st Lt. Jeffrey Robbins (left) receive coins from the 13th ESC Commanding General Sean Davis (right) during a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the return of Fort Hood's Pregnancy Postpartum Physical Training (P3T) program at Abrams Physical Fitness Center, Jul. 21. The program was recently reinstated after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 complications.

The Virginia Air National Guard chiefs' council recognizes Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron, during her retirement ceremony 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.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 432nd Mission Support Group stand for a group photo after presenting Chief Master Sgt. Michael Miller, 432nd MSG superintendent, his shadow box during his retirement ceremony at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Feb. 5, 2024. Miller served the U.S. Air Force with pride and diligence for 23 years. Air Force

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Jan. 11, 2024) Sailors assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, receive awards and recognitions from Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay, during an awards ceremony on Jan. 11, 2024. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

Goodfellow Air Force Base master sergeant selects pose for a photo during a master sergeant release party at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow AFB, Texas, June 2, 2022. Of all eligible promotees, only 14.8 percent were selected to join the ranks of senior non-commissioned officers.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, left, poses for a photo with Tech. Sgt. Phanomphone Phimmasone, center, 441st Vehicle Support Chain Operations Squadron vehicle analytics and development non-commissioned officer in charge and his supervisor Master Sgt. Justin Petty, 441st VSCOS, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, June 22, 2022. During her visit to JBLE, Bass hosted an all-call to recognize outstanding performers and give the opportunity to hold open discussion with Airmen.

Col. Ryan Vetter, 374th Mission Support Group incoming commander, right, receives a guidon from Col. Andrew Campbell, 374th Airlift Wing commander, during the 374th MSG change of command ceremony, June 15, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Receiving the guidon signifies Vetter accepting command of the 374th MSG.

Maj. Angela Carlson receives Meritorious Service Medal. (from left) Col. Martin Doperak, and Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Forker Jr.

Spc. Nickalus Johnson, Texas National Guard, receives a trophy from Command Sgt. Major John Hernandez, Oklahoma state command sergeant major, for being the Soldier of the Year winner in the National Guard Region V Best Warrior Competition during an award ceremony in Oklahoma City, May 20, 2022. Soldiers from across six states tested their physical and mental proficiency to earn the title Best Warrior at Camp Gruber Training Center, near Braggs, Okla., May 15-20, 2022. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Caleb Stone)

Let's give a shout-out to Airman 1st Class Jason Siacunco with the 81st Mission Support Squadron for being chosen as the Warrior of the Week this week! Siacunco has been committed to nurturing the spiritual well being of fellow Airmen in the MSG. He has a remarkable in going above and beyond to care for Airmen and Guardians. Siacunco always extends a helping hand and steps up without reservation, embodying a true leader. Air Force

The Office of the Command Surgeon team of U.S. Army North, received the quarterly Army Medicine Wolf Pack Award in the historic Fort Sam Houston Quadrangle, October 5, 2022. The Wolf Pack Award recognizes exceptional teamwork by an integrated group of military and civilian team members who focus on excellence and superior outcomes in support of Army medicine.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Zachary Wilson, non-commissioned officer in charge, education and training with the 36th Wing Medical Group receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul R. Birch, 36th Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John E. Payne, 36th Wing command chief, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, July 6, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens Mission, Vision and Priorities.

Winners of the Texas Military Department Best Warrior Competition, Spc. Dylan Waite, right, 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment, for the Army enlisted category; Sgt. 1st Class Ben Theiring, right center, 136th Military Police Battalion, 136th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, for the Army noncommissioned officer category; Senior Airman Jake Schlang, left center, 147th Air Support Operation Squadron, 147th Attack Wing, for the Air enlisted category; and Staff Sgt. Johnathon Nichols, left, 147th Air Support Operation Squadron, 147th Attack Wing, for the Air noncommissioned officer category, were presented their awards at a ceremony at Bastrop, Texas, April 1, 2023. Waite, Theiring, and Schlang will move on to represent Texas at the National Guard Bureaus Region V competition later this Spring.

U.S Air Force medical technicians from Fairchild Air Force Base are awarded first place in the Air Commando Challenge at the Medic Rodeo 2022 competition closing ceremony hosted at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Aug. 18, 2022. The 27th Special Operations Wing hosted the 13th iteration of Medic Rodeo; this year incorporated the MEDIC-X initiative which organizes, trains and equips medics to create a more agile, multi-capable, and interoperable force, capable of accomplishing tasks outside of their core Air Force Specialty.

Chief Master Sgt. James Bolling, 507th Security Forces Squadron Senior Enlisted Advisor, and Capt. Robert Yates, 507th SFS commander, present the Defender of the Year award to Tech. Sgt. Kaleb Siah (center) April 30, 2022, at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

U.S. Army Central Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark and Command Sergeant Major Jacinto Garza, pose with the Area Support Group-Kuwait (ASG-Kuwait) Command Team, Col. Charles S. Lockwood and Command Sgt. Maj. Mathew J. Selvaggio, while attending the USARCENT Commander's Conference (ACC) at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait on May 2, 2022. The ARCENT Commander's Conference was hosted by Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark and Command Sgt. Maj. Jacinto Garza, where various topics were covered regarding professional growth in leadership roles.

U.S. Army Soldier Staff Sgt. Smith gets promoted to Sergeant 1st Class. She has been a committed and dedicated team member.

628th Air Base Wing annual award winners are presented with an award from 628th ABW leadership during the 2023 628th ABW Annual Awards Ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 8, 2024. 628th ABW leadership recognized the accomplishments in numerous categories to include enlisted Airmen, Sailors, officers, civilians, and teams. Air Force

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.

The winner for Best Soldier from the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Best Warrior Competition, is Spc. Logan Gardiner, an explosive ordnance technician with 52nd Ordnance Group, pose for a photo during the awards ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, July 14, 2022. The 20th CBRNE Commands Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the best Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year from Soldiers within the command and its major subordinate commands.

Col. Douglas Whitehead (left), 39th Weapons System Security Group commander, passes the guidon to Maj. Jeffrey Allen, incoming commander for the 39th Maintenance Squadron, during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 1, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Hill, outgoing commander of the 39th MXS, relinquished command to Whitehead, who then charged Allen with leading the 39th MXS. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of command from one officer to another. Allen previously served as the 31st MXS director of operations at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ilena OShea takes command of the 165th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Georgia Air National Guard, from Lt. Col. Puanani Miller in a change of command ceremony on August 6, 2022 in Savannah, Georgia.

Lt. Col. Shaun Cruze, commander 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Senior Master Sgt. Jordan Clark and Col. Brian Gunderson, Nevada Air National Guard Director of Staff-Air pose after Clark was awarded the Maj. Gen. Drennan A. Clark Order of Nevada during the April unit training assembly roll call at Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno. Clark has served over 26 years with the Nevada Air National Guard in various positions in the 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 92nd Civil Support Team. This award is presented for exceptional service of 25 years to the United States Military. Of this service, 20 years must be in the Nevada National Guard. The member's career achievement must have had a significant impact on the Nevada Military and represent dignity and accomplishments to the state of Nevada at a level of superior achievement. This must be exceptionally meritorious service to the Nevada Military Department ant its subordinate units. The service must demonstrate long term, pos

Pennsylvania Air National Guard Maj. Hugh Black, assumes command of the 111th Civil Engineering Squadron by accepting the units colors from PAANG Lt. Col. Steven Good, 111th Mission Support Group Deputy Commander, during a ceremony at Biddle Air National Guard Base in Horsham, Pennsylvania, Feb. 3, 2024.

Colonel Todd T. Inouye, the 380th Expeditionary Mission Support Group commander, passes a guidon to Lt. Col. Marti L. Garrison, the new commander of the 380th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron, during a change of command ceremony May 6, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the official transfer of authority from one commander to the next.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, left, Air Mobility Command commander, andChief Master Sgt. Brian Kruzelnick, right, AMC command chief, congratulateMaster Sgt. Bradley Barnes, former 735th Air Mobility Squadron firstsergeant, for being named AMC's First Sergeant of the Year, during an AMCAll Call with 735th AMS and 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing personnel atJoint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii June 22, 2022.

The 157th Air Refueling Wing Legal Office earned the Air Mobility Command Air National Guard Legal Office of the Year Award June 3, 2022 at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire. The team was chosen for their superb mission accomplishment and proactive leadership for the Wing and the ANG.

Staff Sgt. Jeremy M. Lowe, Company C, 2d Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment, Frankfort, Kentucky, receives the 2021 DUSTOFF Flight Medic of the Year Award during the Army Aviation Senior Leader Forum at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Jan. 25, 2023. Presenting the award is Maj. Gen. Michael McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence commander and Army aviation branch chief, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Myke Lewis, chief warrant officer of the branch, Command Sgt. Maj. James Wilson, branch command sergeant major, retired Maj. Gen. William T. Crosby, Army Aviation Association of America president, and an industry partner. The award is one of several Army Aviation Association of America National Functional Awards presented annually for a specific area or specialty within the Army Aviation community.

Brig. Gen. Kevin Lambert, the Deputy Commanding General-Maneuver for 3rd Infantry Division, and Sgt. Maj. Quentin Fenderson, the division command sergeant major, present the Marne Cup to Col. Pete Moon, commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, for 1st ABCT winning Marne Week during the 3rd ID 2022 Marne Week Closing Ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Dec. 1, 2022. The closing ceremony recognized the event winners of Marne Week, which is an opportunity for Dogface Soldiers past and present to celebrate being a member of the Rock of the Marne Division.

Col. Leah Boling, Director, Air National Guard Chaplain Corps addresses service members during an awards ceremony honoring Master Sgt. Christopher Kronenwetter, Michigan Air National Guard Chaplain Corps Superintendent June 4, 2022, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich. Master Sgt. Kronenwetter was awarded the 2021 Air Force Chaplain Corps Minuteman Award by Col. Boling. The award is given annually to one Religious Affairs Airman for excellence in his/her field, and for going above and beyond typical responsibilities. Kronenwetters leadership nominated him for the 2021 Minuteman Award for his outstanding work in the Wing and the State of Michigan. He contributes his success to a supportive family, leadership, and peers that cultivate an environment for professional growth.

Leadership from the 142nd Operations Group (OG) and the Operations Support Squadron conduct a redesignation ceremony, changing the Operations Support Flight to the Operations Support Squadron (OSS), Sept. 9, 2022, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon. During the Ceremony the guideons were switched out to visually represent the change from Flight to Squadron. 142nd OG commander, Col. Aaron Mathena, plans to continue growing the OSS to be the most it can be. Currently the squadron is comprised of 40 members but the intention is to expand it to 50 in the near future. The function of the OSS is to provide training and development, planning, scheduling and to manage life support activities in support of flying operations.

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Soldiers and Civilians of the 780th Military Intelligence (MI) Brigade (Cyber) were on hand to witness the reflagging of E Company (Empire), 782d MI Battalion (Cyber), to F Company (Fury), 781st MI Battalion (Cyber), October 4, at the DeKalb Army Reserve Center.

Members of the U.S. Military Academy Class of 2023 tore open sealed envelopes during the Branch Night ceremony Dec. 1 at Eisenhower Hall. The cadets celebrated earning one of the 17 Army branches they will go into when they graduate and commission in May.

Tony Pierce, the 512th Airlift Wing 2023 Key Spouse of the Year, center, accepts his award from Col. Doug Stouffer, left, and Chief Master Sgt. David Melby on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Feb. 4, 2024. Pierce regularly meets with the 512th Force Support Squadron commander to discuss strategic vision, operations tempo and advise on issues affecting Airmen to ensure mission goals are aligned and executed. Air Force

Gen. Ed Daly, Army Materiel Command commanding general, presents Lt. Gen. Flem B (Donnie) Walker, Jr., AMC deputy commanding general and senior mission commander of Redstone Arsenal, a certificate of retirement during a retirement ceremony in Walkers honor Sept. 1, 2022, at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Walker, a native of Lineville, Alabama, retired after 36 years of service.

At Walter Reed Army institute of Research Facility COL Robert O'Connell and CSM Rodmond Churchhill present 1SG Vincent Nunez a reward at the relinquish of responsibility ceremony.

Staff Sgt. Michael Lincks, Missouri National Guard, receives a trophy from Command Sgt. Major John Hernandez, Oklahoma state command sergeant major, for being named the Region V Noncommissioned Officer of the Year in the National Guard Region V Best Warrior competition during an award ceremony in Oklahoma City, May 20, 2022. Soldiers from across six states tested their physical and mental proficiency to earn the title Best Warrior at Camp Gruber Training Center, near Braggs, Okla., May 15-20, 2022. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Caleb Stone)

All six females Soldiers who earned their Air Assault badges on graduation day of a U.S. Air Assault course smile for a group photo at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 9, 2022. Over 200 students participated in the 12-day course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. Cadre from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia, traveled as a mobile training team to teach the course.

The 104th Fighter Wing holds a retirement ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Patrick Renna Jan. 24, 2024, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Dozens of Renna's peers, family members, and friends attended the ceremony to thank him for his leadership and congratulate him on his accomplishment.

U.S. Marine Gen. Eric M. Smith, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, stands for a photo with Marines from Marine Corps Recruiting Station Montgomery at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, Feb. 10, 2023. Smith visited the Marines of Marine Corps RS Montgomery and Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion 23rd Marines to address questions and concerns about improving the force.

Lt. Col. Mario Iglesias, right, the Program Executive Officer Ground Combat Systems M2A4 Bradley Fighting Vehicle product manager, poses with Soldiers and Capt. James Corino, left, the Charlie Company commander, assigned to the "Hound Battalion," 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, after giving the U.S. Army First Unit Equipped award for completing field-level maintenance and operator new equipment training on the modernized M2A4 Bradley Fighting Vehicle at Fort Stewart, Georgia, April 22, 2022. The near decade-long effort to upgrade the BFV culminated in the first unit, 3rd Bn., 67th AR, 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, equipped with, and trained on the M2A4 variant, upgraded with enhanced mobility and power generation capabilities to bring increased lethality and survivability to the warfighter.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Baldwin (right), Californias 46th adjutant general, receives his retirement order alongside his wife at Mather Field, Sacramento, California, Sept. 28, 2022. Baldwins career spanned over four decades, 11 of those serving as adjutant general.

Staff Sgt. Tyler Burkel, 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and his battalion's partners from Charles Middle School, El Paso ISD receive an award from Brig. Gen. Michael Simmering, deputy commanding general - operations, 1st Armored Division, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Williams, senior enlisted advisor, 1st Armored Division, during the Fort Bliss Partners in Education Kick-Off Event Sept. 30, 2022 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center. 3rd Battalion received a total of three awards for their partnership efforts in academic year 2021-2022 including a Top Hours Award, Volunteer of the Year Award, and Partnership of the Year Award. (Photo by Christopher Bohn, Fort Bliss MWR)

U.S. Army Soldiers pose for a photo at the conclusion of a Non-Commissioned Officer Induction ceremony, conducted by the 369th Sustainment Brigade and the 143rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command held at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Feb. 18, 2023. The NCO induction ceremony is a celebration of the newly promoted joining the ranks of a professional noncommissioned officer corps and emphasizes and builds on the pride all share as members of such an elite corps. The ceremony also serves to honor those men and women of the NCO Corps who have served with pride and distinction.

Students pose for a picture with service members of senior enlisted leadership, while holding certificates at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Leading Edge graduation ceremony inside the 305th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment auditorium on Joint Base MDL, N.J., Oct. 7, 2022. JB MDL kicks off the Leading Edge program designed to prepare all service members in the ranks of E4 to E-6 with the basic foundations to further support joint base operations. During the program, students will be required to work in small groups, comprehend and synthesize information presented to them, and create solutions to the capstone objectives provided.

The 104th Fighter Wing promoted Christopher Auclair, Wing Weapons Manager, to chief master sergeant in a ceremony held on June 12, 2022 at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Massachusetts. Airman 1st Class Jeremy Lakata presented Chief Auclair a custom made gift from the weapons team. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

Staff Sgt. Kory Talbert, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing sexual assault response lead victims advocate and Capt. Allan Romero, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing sexual assault response coordinator, pose for a photo next to the SAPR t-wall at an undisclosed location April 27, 2022.

Leaders within the XVIII Airborne Corps pose for a group photo after the XVIII ABC Data Warfare Company activation ceremony on June 1, 2022, at Fort Bragg, N.C. The Data Warfare Company, which was established on April 1, 2022, provides the foundation of innovation project management and development in support of Americas Contingency Corps. Based at Fort Bragg, NC, it will be fully mission capable in July 2022.

The Inter-American Defense College and United States Northern Command hosts the inaugural North American Defense Framework for Women, Peace, and Security Workshop at IADC Kennedy Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 27-29, 2024. The event brought together military and civilian experts from Canada, Mexico, the United States, and the Bahamas. The collaborative event focused on integrating gender perspectives into military education, addressing gender-based violence, and enhancing gender equality in military operations. Participants, representing diverse ranks and branches, formulated actionable recommendations and formed partnerships, signifying a transformative shift toward a more inclusive defense framework. Air Force

Col. Daniel Davis, 932nd Operations Group commander, passes the 932nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron guidon to Col. Mellissa Steckler, incoming 932nd AES commander, during the assumption of command ceremony July 10, 2022 at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - (From left) David Aubrey, Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery Director; Steven McCray, Memorial Services Detachment vice commander; Brig. Gen. Caroline M. Miller, 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio commander; Loreto "Manny" Mendoza, Memorial Services Detachment commander; and Gene Kuwik, MSD member, were recognized and awarded the Department of Air Force Commanders Public Service Award at the 502nd ABW headquarters April 18. The detachment performs burial honors for all veterans interred at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. As of Dec. 31, 2021, the MSD has rendered honors at 41,523 funerals and more than 1,900 veterans funerals at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. U.S. Air Force photo by Olivia Mendoza Sencalar

Brig. Gen. William H. Kale III, left, Air Force Director of Civil Engineers, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, and Tech. Sgt. Heather Truitt, right, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron operations management craftsman, pose for a photo at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 5, 2022. Truitt was coined by Kale after being recognized by 436th CES leadership for her outstanding performance and contributions to the squadron.

The winners from the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Best Warrior Competition, Best NCO is Sgt. Micah Miller, an explosive ordnance technician with 52nd Ordnance Group, Best Soldier is Spc. Logan Gardiner, an EOD tech with 52nd EOD, and Best Officer is Cpt. John Lintner with 48th Chemical Brigade, pose for a photo during the awards ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, July 14, 2022. The 20th CBRNE Commands Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the best Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year from Soldiers within the command and its major subordinate commands.

U.S. Air Force Col. Eric N. Erickson (left), 177th Medical Group commander, displays a plaque given to Lt. Col. Ronald M. Frank, 177th Medical Group chief of aerospace medicine, at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Jan. 6, 2024. Frank dedicated more than 23 years of service to the 177th Medical Group.

Kuwait Army doctors, 531st Hospital Center, and Area Support Group - Kuwait medical personnel pose for a picture at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Aug. 26, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Davidson, 47th Flying Training Wing (FTW) commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Lester Largaespada, 47th FTW command chief, present Karla Hernandez, 47th Mission Support Group, an award during the 2023 47th FTW Annual Awards Ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 2, 2024. Annual award winners were selected based on their technical expertise, demonstration of leadership and job performance. Air Force

Michiko Yoshizawa, 35th Contracting Squadron, accepts the 35th Fighter Wing Category III Civilian of the Quarter award, from Col. Jesse Friedel, 35th FW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Sanchez, 35th FW acting command chief, during the first quarter award ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2022. The purpose of the 35th FW Awards Program is to recognize the outstanding professionalism, technical competence, and extraordinary performance of members in the categories of enlisted, officer, civilian, and teams.

U.S. Army soldiers with the United States Army Marksmanship Unit receive awards for winning the team competition during the awards banquet for the 62nd annual Interservice Rifle Championships in Quantico, Virginia, June 27, 2023. The matches began in 1960 to promote the Competition-In-Arms Program, which was established in 1901 to encourage interest and improvement in marksmanship by refining skills through advanced marksmanship training and competition.

Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Harron, senior enlisted leader for the 157th Air Communications Flight, stands with members of the Chiefs Council during his retirement ceremony, April 1, 2023, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Harron was presented with the traditional minuteman bust.

Col. Kyle Goldstein, 340th Flying Training Group commander, presents Master Sgt. Jessica Aloy, 340th FTG Financial Management, with the 2021 4th Quarter NCO of the Quarter award during the group's fall Mass Unit Training Assembly held at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas Oct. 27-28, 2022. Col. Goldstein and Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Howard, 340th FTG senior enlisted leader, also recognized more than 20 members for exceptional performance in the annual, quarterly, and promotion announcement categories.

Brig. Gen. Toni Lord, Virginia National Guard air component commander, congratulates Tech. Sgt. Gregory Wills, 192nd Maintenance Squadron armament systems craftsman, for winning the 2021 Lt. Gen. Leo Marquez Award at the National Guard Bureau level in the technician category, on Aug. 7, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

Cadet Fuentes poses for a picture with SBD 3 Commander, Col. Mia Walsh and SBD 3 Senior Enlisted Leader CMSgt Sarah Morgan after receiving his USSF patch during a patching ceremony at US Air Force ROTC Detachment 055 in Los Angeles, Calif., December 12, 2022. The United States Space Force patching ceremony is where new Guardians receive patches worn by current Guardians, along with a handwritten note welcoming them to the service. Out of 15 seniors, five were selected to join the USSF.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Dominic Schlau, former 125th Fighter Wing, Munitions Systems Chief Enlisted Manager, 125th Maintenance Squadron, holds his retirement ceremony, May 14, 2022 at Jacksonville IAP. Schlau retires after over 38 years of service and was the fIrst Munitions Systems Chief Enlisted Manager in the Florida Air National Guard.

Ordnance Soldiers pose for photo after receiving the U.S. Army Technicians Badge in Ball Auditorium on Fort Gregg-Adams, Va., Feb. 28, 2024.The Technician badge lays the framework for the recruiting, training, talent management and equipping ordnance professionals that will conduct field level maintenance, munitions operations, and protection tasks in 2030 and beyond.

Sarah Sinclair, 104th Civil Engineering Squadron commander, promotes to lieutenant colonel, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Following the ceremony, Sinclair spoke about how valuable the support of her brothers and sisters in arms is and said, "moving forward I know you'll be there and I'll be here for you as well." Air National Guard

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