Military Ceremonies and Alliances

Photos capturing military personnel in ceremonial formations, joint exercises, and commemorative events, reflecting camaraderie, honor, and collaboration among forces.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, stand at Pershing Parade Field during the reflagging ceremony of the 11th Airborne Division, June 6, 2022, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The activation returns the historic 11th Airborne Division to an active Army role, with a focus on operations in extreme cold weather and mountainous high-altitude environments. The ceremonies at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson reflagged the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, into the 1st and 2nd brigade combat teams, 11th Airborne Division, respectively.

107 Attack Wing members observe a moment of silence during the 107 Attack Wing's September 11th Remembrance Ceremony, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Sept. 9, 2022. This year marks 21 years since one of the largest attacks on U.S. soil. Air National Guard photo, 1st Lt Jason Carr.

A joint band comprised of servicemembers from the United States Army and the Royal Thai Army play at the opening ceremonies of the Cobra Gold exercise, held in Rayong Province, Kingdom of Thailand. Joint Exercise Cobra Gold is the largest joint exercise in mainland Asia and a concrete example of the strong alliance and strategic relationship between Thailand and the United States. This year is the 43rd iteration of the multilateral exercise held from Feb. 27 to March 8, 2024. (

U.S. Army Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (3-8 CAV) and 1st Battalion, 185th Infantry Regiment along with soldiers from the Romanian Army Transylvanian Gepards Battery, British Army Black Dragons Troop, Polish Armed Forces 15th Mechanized Infantry Brigade and Croatian Army from Archer Battery stand in formation during a Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Oct. 4, 2022. The 3-8 CAV is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Army Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (3-8 CAV) and 1st Battalion, 185th Infantry Regiment along with soldiers from the Romanian Army Transylvanian Gepards Battery, British Army Black Dragons Troop, Polish Armed Forces 15th Mechanized Infantry Brigade and Croatian Army from Archer Battery stand in formation during a Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Oct. 4, 2022. The 3-8 CAV is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

030507-F-8591D-001. Subject Operation/Series: COMBINED ENDEAVOR Base: Lager Aulenbach State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

U.S. Army Lt. Col. John Avera, the deputy exercise director of Noble Partner, speaks with a member of the Georgian Defense Force, prior to the opening ceremony of the multinational exercise known as Noble Partner at the Vaziani Training Area, Georgia, Aug. 29, 2022. Exercise Noble Partner is designed to enhance regional partnerships and increase U.S. force readiness and interoperability in a realistic, multinational training environment. The exercise allows participants to conduct situational training exercises, live-fire exercises, and combined mechanized maneuvers. ( U.S. Army photo by Pfc Katlynn Pickle)

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) Soldiers stand in formation during the SETAF-AF change of responsibilityat Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, September 1, 2022. Command Sergeant Major Reese W. Teakell assumed responsibility from Command Sergeant Major Charles W. Gregory, Jr., the outgoing Command Sergeant Major.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, stand at Pershing Parade Field during the reflagging ceremony of the 11th Airborne Division, June 6, 2022, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The activation returns the historic 11th Airborne Division to an active Army role, with a focus on operations in extreme cold weather and mountainous high-altitude environments. The ceremonies at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson reflagged the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, into the 1st and 2nd brigade combat teams, 11th Airborne Division, respectively.

001117-A-6788L-001. Base: Fort Stewart State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to 3rd Infantry Division, salute the national colors during the welcome ceremony for Col. Jeremy Wilson, incoming deputy commanding general for support of the 3rd Infantry Division, on Fort Stewart, Georgia, August 5, 2022. The deputy commander closely monitors the usage and availability of resources while coordinating with external agencies to maintain the Divisions fighting capability and to reconstitute shortages and losses.

Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, right, United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander, expresses his appreciation to the Airmen of the 39th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) after an SFS training exercise at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Oct. 3, 2022. The wing takes deliberate actions to develop Airmen; confronts global challenges in support of the National Defense Strategy to defend our country and our allies; and utilizes dedicated efforts to deliver peace to our nation and its allies by fostering stability and deterring aggression throughout Europe and Africa.

SINGAPORE - U.S. Army Soldiers and Singapore Armed Forces service members stand in formation for the opening cermony of Exercise Tiger Balm 2022 here, June 6, 2022. Exercise Tiger Balm is a U.S. Army and SAF event that provides an opportunity to strengthen capabilities and interoperability through military-to-military cooperation.

U.S. Marines assigned to 2nd Marine Division Band, perform during a change of command ceremony at Camp Johnson, N.C., June 15, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition in which one commander relinquishes authority to another.

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. David Jarvis, drill instructor, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (MCRD PI), is presented a Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Award and a Navy Achievement Medal by Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East, at MCRD PI, South Carolina, April 19, 2022. Jarvis was given these awards for performing life saving steps on a Marine and for being a platoon sergeant, a Lance Cpl. seminar instructor, volunteering at Habitat for Humanity and Devil Pups while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

The Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 10th AAMDC, commanded by Capt. Jayson Ruizperez, execute a pass and review during a change of command ceremony, July 12, 2022 at Sembach Kaserne, Germany. The command's lineage dates from July 1, 1942 when it was first constitutes as the 10th Coast Artillery (Harbor Defense) at Fort Adams, Rhode Island. It deploys worldwide to conducts joint and combined/coalition air and missile defense operations in the U.S. European command area of operations.

Maj. Gen. Anthony R. Hale, U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and Fort Huachuca commanding general, passes the colors to Col. Brendon Dever, signifying his assumption of the position as the 111th Military Intelligence Brigade commander during a ceremony at Historic Brown Parade Field June 24.

U.S. Soldiers with the 10th AAMDC stands at parade rest as they listen to the General Officer addresses during a change of command ceremony, July 12, 2022 at Sembach Kaserne, Germany. The command's lineage dates from July 1, 1942 when it was first constitutes as the 10th Coast Artillery (Harbor Defense) at Fort Adams, Rhode Island. It deploys worldwide to conducts joint and combined/coalition air and missile defense operations in the U.S. European command area of operations.

020329-F-8063B-008. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Members from the 124th Security Forces Squadron participate in a 9/11 memorial ruck march at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Sept 24, 2022. Every September, In an effort to never forget the lives lost on 9/11 or the lives given in the war that followed, memorial marches like this one are previlant accross the military.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the Regimental Engineer Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, stand in formation during the change of command ceremony at Tower Barracks, Germany, July 8, 2022. Lt. Col. William Murray assumed command from outgoing Commander Lt. Col. John Davis Jr.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Kabiru M. Labaran, battalion sergeant major with 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, leads 1st RADBN in push ups after a motivational run at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, June 10, 2022. The Marines conducted the motivational run for Lt. Col. Benjamin R. Heredia in honor of his tenure at 1st RadBn. Lt. Col. Heredia served as the commanding officer of 1st RADBN for the past two years and is soon changing command with Lt. Col. Curtis A. Williamson.

The 2nd Marine Division Band prepares to perform at a change of command ceremony for Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Aug. 5, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition, symbolizing the passing of responsibilities and authority of command from one leader to another.

Service members from France, Germany, England, and America attend the 78th Cabbage Patch Ceremony in Carentan, France, June 3, 2022. This ceremony commemorates the 78th Anniversary of D-Day, the largest multi-national amphibious landing and operational military airdrop in history. The Cabbage Patch Commemoration Ceremony and Parade paid homage to the Paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division who fought enemy forces occupying this area surrounding Carentan.

TAMC Troop Battalion Team Change of Responsibility Ceremony!Tripler Army Medical Center Troop Battalion bids farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Duke, and welcomes Command Sgt. Maj. Amanda N. Miller.

Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps midshipmen, Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program students, and Officer Candidates perform a parade drill at the annual Northwest Navy Competition hosted by University of Washington in Seattle April 9, 2022. The Northwest Navy competition serves to increase individual and unit pride, and includes competitors from the NROTC programs of Oregon State University, University of Idaho, Washington State University, University of Utah, and University of Washington.

Members of the official party prepare to move July 14, 2022, during the Fort McCoy Garrison change-of-command ceremony at Fort McCoy, Wis. Col. Stephen T. Messenger received the garrison flag from Brenda McCullough, director of Installation Management Command-Readiness signifying Messenger as the new garrison commander. Messenger replaces Col. Michael D. Poss who became the garrison commander June 10, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in a virtual change-of-command ceremony. Poss moves on to serve in a position at the 88th Readiness Division also at Fort McCoy. Messenger arrives after serving in his prior assignment as the director of engineering and logistics, J4, Joint Task Force Civil Support, Fort Eustis, Va., which was on the front lines of the nations COVID response.

Members of the Georgian Defense Forces military band play the Georgian National Anthem during opening ceremonies of Noble Partner 22 at Vaziani Military Base, Georgia, Aug. 29, 2022. The Noble Partner 22 exercise consists of 2,400 military personnel from 21 countries and is designed to enhance Georgian, regional ally, partner, and U.S. forces' readiness.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division, takes a group photo with his Soldiers after the Charles Shay Memorial Ceremony at Omaha Beach, June 4, 2022. This ceremony recognizes Charles Shay, a Native American of the Penobscot Tribe and combat medic, who earned the Silver Star for his heroism on June 6, 1944.

Command Sgt. Maj. James R. Holmes III, commandant of the 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy renders honors to the flag during the Basic Leader Course (BLC) 006-22 graduation at 7th Army Training Command's NCOA in Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 11, 2022. The 7th Army NCOA mission is to train and develop future leaders who are adaptive, disciplined and ready to lead effectively at the squad and team levels

Soldiers from the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma National Guard, stand in formation at a change of command ceremony, Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma., Aug. 14, 2022. Col. Colby Wyatt served as the commander of the 45th IBCT for three years and relinquished command to Col. Andrew Ballenger. (Oklahoma Army National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

Members of the 8th Fighter Squadron board an aircraft to deploy for DESERT STRIKE replacing members of the 9th Fighter Squadron. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STRIKE Base: Holloman Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade stand at attention during a ceremonial uncasing of their flag, streamers and colors following the units arrival to the Grafenwöhr Training Area in Grafenwöhr, Germany, Oct. 6, 2022. After many years, the 101st Airborne Division once again joins the 1st Infantry Division in Europe to work alongside other NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps.

Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion attend an award ceremony for fellow Paratroopers on Fort Bragg, NC, Aug. 26, 2022. Paratroopers recieved awards for their achievements and efforts in Poland. Paratroopers do what is right all the time, when no one is watching or telling them to do it.

Ribbon cutting ceremony for the new 722nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal facility after the unit moved from Fort McClellan, Alabama when that facility closed. Taking part in the ceremony are (left to right): COL Gregory Potts, Anniston Army Depot commander, LTC Bruce Wright, 184th Ordnance Battalion commander, SPC Burman, CSM Charles Eberhardt, 52nd Ordnance Group, Fort Gillem, Georgia, LTC Bryan Keifer, Deputy Commander, 52nd Ordnance Group, Fort Gillem, Georgia, 1LT David Knapp, 722nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal commander. Base: Anniston Army Depot State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Sean P. Davis, the incoming commander for the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command renders a salute to soldiers during a pass in review at the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command change of command ceremony at Ft. Hood, Texas, July 15, 2022. Soldiers with the 13th ESC honored the outgoing general and incoming commander, Brig. Gen. Sean P. Davis, by marking the event in traditional fashion by passing command to the incoming general.

U.S. Army Cpt. Phuong Quach takes command of the formation during the 1st battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiments (1-6 FAR) Activation Ceremony of Charlie Battery Tower Barracks, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Jan. 10 2024. C BTRY, 1-6 FAR was the first American unit to fire a round on the European Continent, in October 1917 during World War One.

040604-F-6470S-002. Base: Whiteman Air Force Base State: Missouri (MO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Samuel L. Meyer, the commanding officer of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks during the 13th MEU Composite Ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 15, 2022 . Battalion Landing Team 2/4, Combat Logistics Battalion 13, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, and Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362 participated in the 13th MEU Composite Ceremony which commemorated the 13th MEU officially assuming command over the major subordinate elements in preparation for their upcoming deployment to the Indo-Pacific region.

011010-A-5399B-093. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Southwest

030425-M-9892R-012. Subject Operation/Series: BALIKATAN 2003 Base: Fort Magsaysay State: Luzon Country: Republic Of The Philippines (PHL) Scene Major Command Shown: 2nd Battalion 7th Marines

Class of 2025, Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy graduates from Cadet Field Training (CFT) at West Point, NY, June 12, 2022. CFT is a training the plebes (freshman) have to graduate to officially become a yearling (sophomore) and continue their path on the Long Gray Line.

011211-F-9032T-008. Base: RAF Lakenheath State: East Anglia Country: England / Great Britain (ENG) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

220826-N-ZS023-1002 SAN DIEGO (Aug 26, 2022) Cmdr. Matthew Shaw, center, executive officer of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Mobile (LCS 26) Blue Crew, and sailors assigned to Mobile Blue and Gold Crews, stand at parade rest during an exchange of command ceremony on the ships flight deck. LCS are fast, agile, mission-focused platforms designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Phillip Thompson, a platoon sergeant assigned to the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stands at parade rest during a Polish Oath Keeping ceremony at Zielona Góra, Poland, July 30, 2022. The 3/4 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bryan ONeal, incoming Command Sgt. Maj. of the 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, takes the command during change of responsibility ceremony at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy Oct. 20, 2022. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

Soldiers of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Task Force Nighthawk, arrive to begin training during KFOR 31 in Hohenfels Training Area in Germany on Oct. 3, 2022. KFOR 31 is a multinational training event conducted to prepare units for their deployment to the Kosovo Regional Command East. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. 1st Class Herschel Talley)

PALAWAN, Philippines (Sept. 11, 2019) Adm. Phil Davidson, left, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and Commodore Sean Anthony U. Villa, commander of Philippines Naval Forces West, participate in an honors ceremony at the Philippines Western Command headquarters. Davidson is in the Philippines to meet with military leaders and counterparts and reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-Philippines alliance and the continued security relationship between both nations.

Today, 2-2 Assault Helicopter Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, conducted a change of command. Lt. Col. Bridget Dalziel relinquished command to Lt. Col. Scott Gale. Col. Aaron Martin troops the line with the incoming and outgoing commanders as well as Maj. Trenton Coyle, the battalion executive officer.

The U.S. Army Reserves 200th Military Police Command welcomed Brig. Gen. Cary Cowan Jr. as its new commanding general during a change-of-command ceremony Aug. 26 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Cowan assumed command from Maj. Gen. John Hussey during the ceremony, which was presided over by Maj. Gen. Gregory Mosser, U.S. Army Reserve Command deputy commanding general.

U.S. Army Col. Amy Downing, left, commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Sustainment Brigade and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur Hynes, right, command sergeant major of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Sustainment Brigade, prepares to uncase their flag and streamers during the color uncasing ceremony marking their arrival into the European theater at Grafenwöhr, Germany, Oct. 6, 2022. The 101st Airborne Division and 1st Infantry Division unite in Europe 77 years later to work alongside other NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps.

031004-F-7685H-118. Base: Kirkush Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Col. Richard Ferguson, 29th Combat Aviation Brigade commander, Maryland Army National Guard, addresses his soldiers during a gathering for a brigade photo and award ceremonies during Northern Strike 22 at Camp Grayling, Michigan, on Aug. 15, 2022. The 29th CAB provides all domain command and control over the 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion from the Tennessee Army National Guard, the 1-111th General Support Aviation Battalion from the Florida Army National Guard and the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 from Jacksonville, North Carolina during Northern Strike 22 from Aug. 6 to 20, 2022.

A recruit with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, watches his platoon practice drilling on the parade deck on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., March 30, 2023. Injured recruits must recover before they're permitted to continue drilling.

U.S. Army Maj. Todd Castles, executive officer of the 101st Airborne Division Sustainment Brigade, stands at parade rest at the helm of the unit during a ceremonial uncasing of their flag, streamers and colors following the units arrival to the Grafenwöhr Training Area in Grafenwöhr, Germany, Oct. 6, 2022. After many years, the 101st Airborne Division once again joins the 1st Infantry Division in Europe to work alongside other NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps.

BOSTON (Sept. 27, 2022) U.S. Navy petty officers first class, selected for promotion to chief petty officer, prepare to march during Chief Petty Officer Heritage Weeks. During the week, Constitution Sailors teach the selectees a variety of time-honored maritime evolutions while living and working aboard the ship.USS Constitution, is the worlds oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. During normal operations, the active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the ships mission of promoting the Navys history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents. The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 when British cannonballs wer

GEN Colin Powell, center, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of STAFF, talks to an officer after disembarking from a UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter to visit troops in the field. MGEN Fred A. Gorden, Commanding General, 25th Infantry Division (Light), walks on Powell's left. Base: Schofield Barracks, Kaneohe Bay State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220612-N-OX321-1042 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (June 12, 2022) - Participants from 16 nations take part the ruck march qualification during a two-day event dedicated to earning the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge hosted by the German contingent assigned to NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance Force on Naval Air Station Sigonella, June 12, 2022. To qualify for the badge, participants had to compete in 100-meter swim in uniform, shuttle-sprints, 1,000-meter run, pull-up hang, marksmanship range and ruck march. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa, and Central Command.

Airmen from the 9th Security Forces Squadron participate in the closing ceremony celebrating National Police Week, May 20, 2022, on Beale Air Force Base, California. Police Week pays special tribute to the heroic law enforcement officers who lost their lives protecting us all.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 41st Field Artillery Brigade stand in formation during a Change of Command ceremony at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Aug. 3, 2022. Col. Daniel Miller relinquished command to Col. Wilbur Hsu.

U.S. Marines from Marine Light Attack helicopter Squadron 367 conduct a deactivation ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, April 22, 2022. HMLA-367s deactivation is in accordance with Force Design 2030 as the Marine Corps modernizes and continues to be a lethal fighting force.

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force stand in formation during the I MEF change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 16, 2024. Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering relinquished command of I MEF to Lt. Gen. Michael S. Cederholm. I MEF provides the Marine Corps a globally responsive, expeditionary, and fully scalable Marine Air-Ground Task Force, capable of generating, deploying, and employing ready forces and formations for crisis response, forward presence, major combat operations, and campaigns. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col Curtis Williamson, the on-going commanding officer and U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Benjamin Heredia, the off-going commanding officer of 1st Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, exchanges a handshake during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 21, 2022. During the ceremony Lt. Col. Benjamin Heredia relinquished his post to Lt. Col. Curtis Williamson.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe, Pacific Air Forces command chief, poses with Airmen with the 36th Security Forces Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 14, 2022. The purpose of Wolfes visit was to speak with Airmen in a variety of career fields about Andersen AFB, its importance in the region and how the Air Force could contribute to further enhancing the capabilities displayed across the base.

U.S. Marines with Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, stand in formation during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 16, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation, which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions.

French Forces stationed in Djibouti (FFDJ) and U.S. service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), stand in formation during a French Desert Commando Course graduation ceremony at the 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment, Djibouti, June 1, 2022. Members of the CJTF-HOA regularly train and work alongside allies, partners, and government organizations to achieve a unified effort to improve safety, security and prosperity in East Africa.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Christopher Kocab, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, presents the unit colors to Lt. Col. Jay Palmer, the incoming commanding officer of VMGR-152, during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 9, 2022. VMGR-152 hosted a change of command ceremony in order to formally recognize the total transfer of authority from Lt. Col. Christopher Kocab to Lt. Col. Jay Palmer.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, participate in the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Training Center (JPMRC) rotation 23-01 opening ceremony on Area X-Ray at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 20, 2022. By utilizing the JPMRC rotational construct, the 25th Infantry Division retains two BCTs in the Indo-Pacific region, capable of projecting war fighting capabilities.

4th Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard held a change of command ceremony at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center on Thursday, August 4, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Timothy W. Shubert relinquished command to the incoming commander, Maj. Rusty Gates.

040108-F-0451J-013. Base: Moody Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSOC

Approximately 250 Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 109th Field Artillery Regiment, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard deployed to Lithuania in support of Defender Europe 22 and NATO exercise Flaming Thunder in May.

U.S. Marines with 7th engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, pose for a group photo during an awards ceremony on Camp Pendleton, California, Mar. 5, 2023. The commanding general selected 7th Engineer Support Battalion based on a wholistic concept of readiness which includes the easily measurable aspects of individual, equipment, and training readiness, but it also includes the less measurable aspects that multiply a unit's combat effectiveness like cohesion, esprit de corps, trust up and down the chain of command, and individual discipline and integrity. The 1st MLG Fight Tonight award is part of the 1st MLGs commitment to provide a logistical force capable of fighting on a moments notice.

The 115th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi National Guard, salutes for the National Anthem during a Change of Responsibility ceremony on the Tower Barracks Parade Field, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Feb. 15, 2024. The ceremony was held by the 7th Army Training Command and welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Paul M. Fedorisin, while honoring the previous leadership of Command Sgt. Maj. Mark A. Morgan. The change of responsibility ceremony is a time-honored tradition commemorating the symbolic relinquishment of responsibility from one senior noncommissioned officer to another by passing the organizational colors. Army

Poland, Warsaw, Soldiers marching in Pilsudski Square

Members of the Georgian Defense Forces military band play during closing ceremonies of Noble Partner 22 at the 11th polygon of Vaziani, Georgia, Sept. 9, 2022. The Noble Partner 22 exercise consists of 2,400 military personnel from more than 21 countries and is designed to enhance Georgian, regional ally, partner, and U.S. forces' readiness.

Participants of the Noble Partner 22 exercise stand in formation at its opening ceremonies at Vaziani Military Base, Georgia, Aug. 29, 2022. The Noble Partner 22 exercise consists of 2,400 military personnel from 21 countries and is designed to enhance Georgian, regional ally, partner, and U.S. forces' readiness.

040723-M-9812M-021. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, stand in formation during the44th IBCTs farewell ceremony at the Cure Insurance Arena, Trenton, New Jersey, Jan. 14, 2024. More than 1,500 NJARNG Soldiers will deploy in support of U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - ISIS - in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks. It is the largest deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers since 2008.

221031-N-AV223-1045 SAN DIEGO (Oct. 31, 2022) Sailors conduct a damage control training exercise on the fantail of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Vinson is currently pierside in its homeport of San Diego.

220330-N-KB401-1011 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (March 30, 2022) -- SEAC Ramón Colón-López, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, meets with leadership of Commander, Submarine Squadron 1 and the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Minnesota (SSN 783) on the pier during a visit to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. SEAC Colón-López is visiting multiple commands to speak with Sailors that support maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Soldiers, assigned to Palehorse Troop, 4th Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, pose for a group photo during a situational training exercise at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Oct. 13, 2022. 2CR provides the 7th ATC with a lethal and agile force capable of rapid deployment throughout the European theater in order to assure allies, deter adversaries, and when ordered, defend the NATO alliance.

040408-F-5098W-001. Base: RAF Fairford State: Suffolk Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

050624-A-4861M-169. Base: Fort Lewis State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHWEST

U.S. Marine Corps Staff. Sgt. Peter Mccall, a senior drill instructor with Alpha Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, prepares to dismiss his platoon during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Aug. 26, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marines Corps customs and traditions.

220629-N-LY160-1039 EAST CHINA SEA (June 29, 2022) - The crew of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) stand in formation during a frocking ceremony on the flight deck, June 29. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Airmen with multiple Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve security forces units learn squad tactics pulling an ahkio sled Jan. 18, 2023, as part of a 16-day Cold-Weather Operations Course led by the Air Force at Fort McCoy, Wis. More than 50 Airmen are participating in the training from across the Air Force. Besides learning about use of snowshoes and moving as a squad over terrain pulling an ahkio sled in a cold-weather environment, the Airmen also learned about cold-weather shelters, survival techniques, cold-weather uniform wear, and more. Fort McCoy has a long history of supporting cold-weather training. Eighty years prior to this training, in January 1943, the installation hosted winter training for the Army's 76th Division prior to the Division deploying to Europe to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.

Members of the 509th Security Forces Squadron stand in formation during the Lt. Whiteman Wreath Laying Ceremony at Memorial Park Cemetery in Sedalia, Missouri, May 21, 2022. The 509th SFS annually take part in the ceremony honoring 2nd Lieutenant George A. Whiteman, a Sedalia native, being the namesake of Whiteman Air Force Base.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to units from 7th Army Training Command (7ATC) and V Corps perform the Army Combat Fitness Test portion of the 7ATC/V Corps-level Best Squad Competition at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, July 11, 2022. Teams from across U.S. Army Europe and Africa test their tactical proficiency, communication, and overall cohesion as they compete for the title of Best Squad. Winning U.S. Army squads will meet at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, to compete for the title of U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) Best Squad from August 8-12.

The unit flag is passed during Change of Command Ceremony and Transition of B Company, 14th Engineer Battalion (CBT) (Wheel) from Active Component to Washington Army National Guard. The ceremony was held on Rugged Field, Fort Lewis, Washinton. The outgoing Commander is US Army First Lieutenant Brian Bechard and the incoming Commander is US Army Captain Ron Bahr. US Army General Dennis J. Reimer, CHIEF of STAFF, US Army, attended the ceremony. Base: Fort Lewis State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The US Army Support Activity, Fort Dix, NJ had a Change of Responsibility” on 29 April 2022. The outgoing base Command Sergeant Major was CSM Tamara A. Edwards passing the colors to CSM James W. Van Zlike. Both Commanders spoke during this Ceremony along with the US Army Support Activity Commander COL Jon A. Brierton. The families of outgoing and incoming were in attendance. This event was held on Sharp Field, Fort Dix, NJ. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix [TSC Training Support Center)

BOSTON (Sept. 20, 2022) U.S. Navy petty officers first class, selected for promotion to chief petty officer, participate in a pike drill during Chief Petty Officer Heritage Weeks. During the week, Constitution Sailors teach the selectees a variety of time-honored maritime evolutions while living and working aboard the ship. USS Constitution, is the worlds oldest commissioned warship afloat, and played a crucial role in the Barbary Wars and the War of 1812, actively defending sea lanes from 1797 to 1855. During normal operations, the active-duty Sailors stationed aboard USS Constitution provide free tours and offer public visitation to more than 600,000 people a year as they support the ships mission of promoting the Navys history and maritime heritage and raising awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence. USS Constitution was undefeated in battle and destroyed or captured 33 opponents. The ship earned the nickname of Old Ironsides during the war of 1812 when British can

SAN DIEGO (28 July 2022) -Junior officers pose with surface warfare leaders during a junior officer training symposium. The symposium fosters discussion on a wide range of topics impacting the surface warfare community with the theme Embracing Ingenuity to sharpen our Competitive Edge.

000606-A-3254M-025. Base: Fort Irwin State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

U.S. Army Lt. Col. William Murray, Commander of the Regimental Engineer Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, speaks to the formation and guests during the change of command ceremony at Tower Barracks, Germany, July 8, 2022. Lt. Col. Murray assumed command from outgoing Commander Lt. Col. John Davis Jr.

050322-A-6157W-008. Base: Fort Lewis State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

03115-M-0857S-003. Base: Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: MCAS/ YPG

U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors with Golf Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion march with the guideons of their platoons during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 2, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 12- week transformation including training for drill, marksminship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions.

U.S. Soldiers of 101st Division Sustainment Brigade "Lifeliners", 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) stand in formation during a colors uncasing ceremony at Tower Barracks Parade Field, Germany, Oct. 6, 2022. The uncasing of the Lifeliners' colors symbolizes their arrival to the European theater and represents the history, honor, and esprit de corps of the Soldiers of 101st Division Sustainment Brigade.

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Colonel Benjamin F. Sangster (left), commander of the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade (Cyber), returns the salute from Lieutenant Colonel Micah J. Bushouse, the brigades deputy commander and commander of troops, signifying the conclusion of the organizations change of command ceremony on the McGlachlin Parade Field, June 28. Praetorians Everywhere and AlwaysIn the Fight!

of 3