Military Ceremonies and Briefings

Images of soldiers at various ceremonies, including invocation, change of command, and memorial events. Capturing solemnity and duty in military settings.

NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland commanders and non-commissioned officers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), alongside The Royal Lancers, Prince of Wales Troop, and Romanian Sky Guardians participated in a combined arms rehearsal and emergency deployment ready exercise in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Nov. 1, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Soldiers assigned to the U.S. Army Cyber Protection Team 172 and 285th Medical Company (Area Support) bow their heads during the invocation portion of their combined call to duty ceremony Aug. 7, 2022, at Reynoldsburg High School-Summit Campus in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The Soldiers will be deployed in support of Department of Defense operations worldwide, including working with U.S. allies and partner nations. (Photo by Spc. Jessica Silhavy, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment/RELEASED)

Lt. Gen. Mary K. Izaguirre was sworn in as the 46th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army during a change of command ceremony hosted by Gen. Randy George, Army Chief of Staff, at Joint Base San Antonio - Fort Sam Houston, Jan. 25.

Members of the 1st Special Operations Wing attend a 9/11 memorial ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Sept. 9, 2022. The ceremony honored the victims of 9/11, including the hundreds of first responders who lost their lives while responding to the attack.

Staff Sgt. Tyler Hitchens, 512th Force Support Squadron assistant wing career advisor, briefs Team Dover members upon their arrival at a simulated deployment location during Liberty Eagle Readiness Exercise 2022 at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, July 11, 2022. The 436th and 512th Airlift Wings tested their ability to generate, employ and sustain airpower across the world in a simulated contested and degraded operational environment.

Non-commissioned officers with the 332d Air Expeditionary Wing graduate from First Sergeant Symposium at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Sept 27, 2022. They learned leadership, mental resiliency and other competencies from previous 1st Sgts. and Helping Agency Team members.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain (May 2, 2022) - Sgt. Maj. Steven L. Lunsford, the Sergeant Major of Marine Forces Central Command (MARCENT) held a townhall meeting for the enlisted Marines and Sailors assigned to Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, May 2. The townhall was held so Lunsford could address the enlisted members and answer any questions they had about the Marine Corps future and Naval integration. TF 51/5 responds to crises and contingencies; coordinates, plans, and executes operations; conducts theater security cooperation; and advances emerging Naval concepts at sea, from the sea, and ashore in order to support U.S. Central Command, 5th Fleet, and Marine Corps Forces Central Command theater objectives.

U.S. Army Gen. Richard Clarke visited Hurlburt Field and interacted with Air Force Special Operations Command Airmen on Aug. 24, 2022. During the visit Clarke provided guidance to air commandos on staying ready today, relevant tomorrow, and resilient always.

Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Huff, 66th Troop Command, Mississippi National Guard, briefs members of the Joint Operations Center (JOC) prior to the start of PATRIOT 24 exercise at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Feb. 17, 2024. PATRIOT is a Domestic Operations disaster-response training exercise conducted by National Guard units working with federal, state and local emergency management agencies and first responders. Air National Guard

NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland commanders and non-commissioned officers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), alongside The Royal Lancers, Prince of Wales Troop, and Romanian Sky Guardians participated in a combined arms rehearsal and emergency deployment ready exercise in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Nov. 1, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, 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 Col. Anthony King (left), commander of the 30th Medical Brigade, sits alongside Brig. Gen. Karen Monday-Gresham (center), commanding general of the 7th Mission Support Command and deputy commanding general of the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, and Col. Howard Matthews Jr.(right), judge advocate, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, while watching the eight students from Sembach Elementary School perform their poem reading and song performances during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance at Tiger Theater, Sembach Kaserne, Germany, on Jan. 16, 2024. MLK Day is held each year on the third Monday in January; the Department of Defense stands with the nation in honoring the life and enduring influence of MLK as he is celebrated as a champion of nonviolence in America and as a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Henry Rymer, first sergeant of Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID) directs a question to the allied commanders and senior non-commissioned officers assigned to The Royal Lancers, Prince of Wales Troop, and Romanian Sky Guardians, members of NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Poland during a combined arms rehearsal and emergency deployment ready exercise in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Nov. 1, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, 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. Air Force Master Sgt. Christopher Hill, center, 118th Wing, Tennessee National Guard, and Master Sgt. Ashley Davis, left, 195th Wing, California National Guard, both deliver a presentation during the 2022 Air National Guard (ANG) Enlisted Leadership Symposium (ELS), Camp Shelby, Mississippi, September 13-15, 2022. More than 170 Airmen representing ANG units from each state, territory, and the District of Columbia attended the symposium, a three-day event, hosted by Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams, ANG command chief, focused on the theme Empowering Airmen to Accelerate.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Christopher Hill, center, 118th Wing, Tennessee National Guard, and Master Sgt. Ashley Davis, left, 195th Wing, California National Guard, both deliver a presentation during the 2022 Air National Guard (ANG) Enlisted Leadership Symposium (ELS), Camp Shelby, Mississippi, September 13-15, 2022. More than 170 Airmen representing ANG units from each state, territory, and the District of Columbia attended the symposium, a three-day event, hosted by Chief Master Sgt. Maurice Williams, ANG command chief, focused on the theme Empowering Airmen to Accelerate.

Soldiers assigned to the 16th Military Police Brigade return back to Fort Bragg, N.C. to reunite with their families June 27, 2022 following a five-month deployment to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility. The brigade was rapidly deployed to Europe in February to reinforce and reassure our NATO allies.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Courtney Freeman, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center command chief, speaks to members of the 621 Contengency Response Wing at an all call, Feb. 21, 2024. Freeman toured multiple Contengency Response Squadrons and saw the 621st CRW's ability to rapidly train and respond to new threats globally. Air Force

Col. Lenny Williams, Illinois Army National Guard Chief of Staff; Sgt. Maj. David Merritt, ILARNG Operations and Planning Sergeant Major; Lt. Col. Jason Henderson, ILARNG State Aviation Officer; and Col. Steve Foster, ILARNG Chaplain, stand at attention during Merritts retirement ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois July 22.

Lt. Col. Dylan W. Malcomb administers the oath of enlistment to Staff Sgt. Dustin C. Fry at the Anderson Fieldhouse pool on May 2, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Fry is a 15F instructor with Company C, 1st Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment.

U.S. Air Force leadership from the 62d Airlift Wing attend the Air & Space Forces Associations Legends Tour panel discussion at the McChord Theater on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Aug. 8, 2022. The AFA Legends Tour aims to engage with Airmen and foster open discussions with former Air Force senior leadership.

Members of the 116th Air Support Operations Squadron watch a demonstration on how to properly harness a static line parachute rig during training at Fairchild Air Force Base, Spokane, Wash., Feb. 5, 2024. Static line parachuting automatically deploys the parachute when the Airmen step out of the aircraft. (Washington Air National Guard

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (June 28, 2022) - U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Farrell J. Sullivan relinquishes command of Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) to Brig. Gen. Matthew S. Reid during a change of command ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, June 28. Brig. Gen. Sullivan commanded TF 51/5 since July 2020 to June 2022 and lead TF 51/5 through several operations in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility. TF 51/5 responds to crises and contingencies; coordinates, plans, and executes operations; conducts theater security cooperation; and advances emerging Naval concepts at sea, from the sea, and ashore in order to support CENTCOM, 5th Fleet, and Marine Corps Forces Central Command theater objectives.

Airmen from the 3rd Wing proceed through the pre-deployment function line at the Joint Mobility Complex, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 21, 2022, in preparation to support NATO Air Shielding. Integration with NATO Allies and Partners further demonstrate the Alliances dedication to deter and defend in an increasing complex and changing security environment.

Sgt. 1st Class Crystal Seymore, U.S. Army liaison for Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, briefs Brig. Gen. Gregory S. Johnson, Adjutant General of the U.S. Army, in the departures section during his orientation of AFMAO at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 15, 2022.

American Red Cross member Mr. John Matthews briefs U.S. Soldiers assigned to 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division in support of Operation European Assure, Deter and Reinforce in Poznań, Poland, Nov. 30, 2022. The 1 ID is 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. Air Force Col. William Hunter, 81st Training Wing commander, delivers remarks to Keesler's first Dragon University Airmen inside the Bay Breeze Event Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 6, 2022. Dragon University is the 81st Training Wing's Professional Development Incentive Program. The program is led by the Keesler Air Force Base career assistance advisor, and is supported by the Total Force Development Council, Chief's Group, Company Grade Officer Council, Top III and the 5/6. After completing the program, each Airman will receive a patch for military members and a pin for civilians.

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - The outgoing Task Force Echo (TFE) VI formation, primarily assigned to the 127th Cyber Protection Battalion (CPB), is composed of Army National Guard Soldiers from Indiana, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, with additional Soldiers from Florida, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia. TFE VI was commanded by Lt. Col. Rose Gilroy, commander of the 127th CPB, with Command Sgt. Maj. Kermit Harless as the senior enlisted leader.

Fifteen Minnesota National Guard and two Croatian Soldiers are competing in Minnesotas Best Warrior Competition April 7-10, 2022, at Camp Ripley. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers nominated by units across the state. Croatia and Minnesota have worked together for 25 years as part of the National Guards State Partnership Program. Minnesotas winners will move on to compete against the best Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from states across the region at Camp Ripley in May. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Luther C. Talks)

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 503rd Airborne Infantry Regiment, and 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery, 173rd Airborne Brigade wait to board a U.S. Air Force C-17 from Aviano, Italy in support of the U.S. Africa Commands Exercise AFRICAN LION 22 in Agadir, Morocco, Wednesday, June 21, 2022. African Lion 22, led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, is U.S. Africa Commands largest annual exercise focused on increasing training and interoperability between the U.S. and partners and allies in Africa.

A student speaks to senior enlisted leadership at the Joint Perspective panel inside the 305th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment classroom on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Oct. 3, 2022. As part of the Leading Edge program, the Joint Perspective panel is a class involving senior enlisted leadership from each military branch to meet with students to share their services perspectives on joint operations and how their branches integrate on the battlefield. 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.

Rear Adm. Joseph DiGuardo, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), delivers remarks during his change of command and retirement ceremony at Assault Craft Unit 4 onboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Sept. 30. Rear Adm. Bradley Andros, relieved DiGuardo as NECC commander. Navy Expeditionary Combat Command is the Navys single functional command for 20,000 Active Duty and Reserve expeditionary forces, and is the central management for the readiness, resources, manning, training and equipping of those entities. The command enables Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces the ability to execute combat, combat support and combat service support missions across the full spectrum of naval, joint, and combined operations, allowing access from the sea and freedom of action throughout the littorals and inland operating environments.

SUFFOLK, Va. (Sept. 14, 2022) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea speaks with Sailors during an all-hands call at Naval Information Forces Command, Sept. 14, 2022. Honea conducted his first fleet visit to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development, and quality of life.

U.S. Army Col. Barbara P. Tucker, right, commander of the 103rd Troop Command (103 TC), Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), and Capt. Cliff Yim, commander of the 50th Quartermaster Detachment (50 QM), 103 TC, HIARNG, participate in a unit activation ceremony for the 50 QM at Waiawa Armory, Pearl City, Hawaii, Feb. 3, 2024. The mission of the 50 QM is to provide field feeding support for up to 700 personnel at the Echelons Above Brigade level as well as provide National Guard Civil Support throughout Hawaii. Army National Guard

Florida Governor Rick Scott addresses Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment while traveling to the east coast of Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Matthew. Governor Scott and Maj. Gen. Michael Calhoun, The Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard, met with soldiers Thursday afternoon, thanking them for their dedication to state disaster relief efforts.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 122nd Fighter Wing (FW) Indiana Air National Guard stand at attention during a retirement ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. John B. Canfield, maintenance group superintendent, at the 122nd FW, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sept. 10, 2022. Canfield retired after 38 years of military service.

220729-N-ZW825-0074 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (July 29, 2022) Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) Cycle 3 midshipman candidates listen to a safety brief prior to the start of a small arms live fire training event at Recruit Training Command (RTC), July 29. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and

Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley, 18th Air Force command team, speaks to Airmen during a 317th Airlift Wing Mission Brief during his visit to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 25, 2022. During the Mission Brief, CMSgt. Bickley spoke on being prepared for modern era-conflict and imminent threats.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon flagship is renamed during a change of command ceremony at the Toledo Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Chad Holesko assumed command of the 180th Fighter Wing from Col. Michael DiDio.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sept. 15, 2022) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea speaks with Sailors during an all-hands call at Naval Air Station Oceana, Sept. 15, 2022. Honea conducted his first fleet visit to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development, and quality of life.

Maj. Matthew Knight, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations senior chaplain, shares information about the AFMAO resiliency program and family support team roles in caring for the mortuary team as well as families of the fallen with Col. Rudolph Cachuela, Air Mobility Command surgeon general, and members of the 436th Medical Group during the general's visit to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 20, 2022.

Brig. Gen. Daniel Gabrielli, Assistant Adjutant General for the Minnesota Air National Guard, claps for the winners of the Croatian Best Soldier Competition during an award ceremony on May 26, 2022, near Slunj, Croatia. Croatia and Minnesota have worked together for over 25 years as part of the National Guards State Partnership Program which enable them to particpate in events like this. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette)

Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Johnson and Lt. Col. Charles Greene, command team for the 68th Division Sustainment Support Battalion (DSSB), uncase the unit colors during the Transfer of Authority ceremony with the 746th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) at Forward Operating Site Powidz, Poland on Nov. 22, 2022. The uncasing of the colors is an army tradition symbolizing the incoming unit is properly relieving the outgoing unit.

Col. Brady Wilkins, outgoing 7th Maintenance Group commander, gives his final salute to 7th MXG Airmen at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, May 13, 2022. During his two year tenure of command, Wilkins was responsible for creating the first-ever B-1 bomber virtual hot refueling site certification process in Europe, saving the Air Force over $600,000 and validating B-1 hub-and-spoke operations for Bomber Agile Combat Employment.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, center, command chief, Air National Guard, meets with Lt. Col. Nathan Vanhoof, right, commander, 241st Air Traffic Control Squadron, 139th Airlift Wing, Missouri National Guard at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 10, 2022. During his visit, Williams spoke about readiness, taking care of Airmen, and the health of the force.

Airmen assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing salute Col. Lucas Teel, 4th FW commander, during the official Wing Change of Command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, May 11, 2022. Prior to assuming command of the 4th FW, Teel was the vice commander of the 366th FW at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.

Denis Van Denbrink, a volunteer tour guide, shows a slide of both the 2nd Armored Division and 101st Airborne Division in formation at Carentan June 1944 to U.S. Army Soldiers and affiliated D-Day historical units, June 2, 2022, during the D-Day 78th Commemoration Carentan Battlefield Orientation, at the Theatre de Carentan, Carentan, France. Together, the US and our indispensable European allies are demonstrating the strength of alliance and dedicated resolve borne out of D-Day 78 years ago and forged over almost eight decades of combat-credible cooperative security.

Fort Sill soldiers bow their heads in prayer during Fort Sills National Prayer Breakfast April 6.

JOINT BASE LEWIS-McChord, Wash. - 'Pumas' of 1-364th Training Support Battalion, 189th Infantry Brigade salute as the national anthem plays during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Schwab U.S. Army Reserve Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington Dec. 4, 2022. During the event, the outgoing command sergeant major Aaron Palmquist relinquished responsibility of the battalion to Command Sgt. Maj. Melissa D. Vine.

Airmen from the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, stand in formation during the wings Change of Command ceremony, April 2, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base, California. During the ceremony, outgoing commander U.S. Air Force Col. Jeffrey Waldman relinquished command to incoming commander, Col. Victor Teal, Jr. At center is Master Sgt. Miguel Hernandez, who serves as first sergeant with the 129th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

Soldiers and family gathered for the 161st Military History Detachment's deployment ceremony at Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, Georgia on January 7, 2024. The unit will deploy to the U.S. Army Central Command Area of Responsibility to collect the history of the United States Army.

WORCESTER, Mass -During a large ceremony at the DCU Center, here Families, Friends, and leaders gathered on January 23, 2024, to send off the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment before their deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Speakers at the ceremony included Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, and Lt. Col. Alex Hampton, commander of the 1-181st Infantry Battalion. During the ceremony, Hampton and Command Sgt. Maj. Sean P. Fitzgerald, Command Sergeant Major of the 1-181st Infantry Battalion cased the battalion colors while they are deployed under the command of U.S. Central Command, upon returning home, the unit will uncase their colors.

Ohio Air National Guard leadership from around the state attend a change of command ceremony at the Toledo Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Chad Holesko assumed command of the 180th Fighter Wing from Col. Michael DiDio.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 354th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron (OMRS) stand in formation during a 354th OMRS assumption of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 27, 2022. The assumption of command ceremony announces the arrival of a units new commander.

Gov. Tony Evers, Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp Wisconsins adjutant general and other senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders joined family and friends at the Miller High Life Theater in downtown Milwaukee Sept. 30 for a formal sendoff ceremony for approximately 280 members of the Wisconsin Army National Guards 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade headquarters and the 357th Signal Company. The deploying Soldiers will support Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa to enhance partnerships and stability in the region. Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs photo by Vaughn R. Larson

A group of 4th Infantry Division career counselors sit and listen to senior leaders talk about the current retention climate across the Army on Aug. 24, 2022 at Fort Carson, Colorado. The purpose of the training was to learn the newest and greatest messages and changes in retention said Sgt. Maj. Yajaira Villarreal, non-commissioned officer in command assigned to 4th Infantry Division Retention.

On Nov. 22, 2022 in Powidz Poland, Soldiers salute the American flag as the National Anthem is played during the the 746th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) Transfer of Authority ceremony. They transferred authority with the 68th Division Sustainment Support Battalion (DSSB).

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 who led the battalion through various training, missions, and deployments.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, command chief, Air National Guard speaks with junior enlisted members of the 111th Attack Wing, Pennsylvania National Guard, during a Rising Six Council meeting during his visit to Biddle Air National Guard Base in Horsham, Pennsylvania, on May 14, 2022. Williams answered questions from Airmen and discussed the National Defense Strategy during his visit. (Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Wilfredo Acosta)

Airmen from the 501st Combat Support Wing hold an American flag prior to rehearsal for a national anthem demonstration at Wembley Stadium, in London, England, Oct. 30, 2022. Approximately 70 uniformed personnel represented the U.S. Air Force and nation by unveiling an American flag during the pre-game ceremonies of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos NFL game.

Members of the U.S. Air Force 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron applaud during an inactivation ceremony on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Oct. 15, 2022. Civil engineers sustain the construction and maintenance of facilities, runways, roads, and other key infastructure assets.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospitals Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) company held a Change of Command ceremony June 15, 2022, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where Capt. Huy T. Nguyen relinquished command to Capt. Joshua J. Lockwood.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master. Sgt. Randy Gilbert, center, 422nd Air Base Squadron first sergeant, presents the guidon during a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Croughton, England, June 6, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston addresses 1st Infantry Division's artillery Soldiers during a town hall held at Forward Operation Site Adazi, Latvia, May 2, 2022. Grinston is the Army Chief of Staff's adviser on matters affecting the enlisted force and devotes most of his time traveling to observe training and interacting with Soldiers and their Families.

A technical sergeant select high fives her peers during a promotion release ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 21, 2022. Technical sergeants are experts in their career field that provide supervision to their subordinates and assist their team with attention to detail, positive work climates and clear communication.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, commanding general of U.S. Army Central (left), receives a brief tour of an aircraft maintenance bay by 1st. Sgt. Jeffrey P. Bragg, first sergeant of Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, General Support Aviation Battalion, assigned as "Task Force Roosevelt" to the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (center), accompanied by Command Sgt. Maj. Ron L. Hill, command sergeant major of Task Force Roosevelt, on Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 17, 2022. 36th CAB, mobilized as Task Force Mustang, is deployed in support of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Daesh, the common Arabic term for IS or ISIS, within designated areas of Iraq and Syria.

Airmen from the California Air National Guards 129th Rescue Wing stand in formation during the wings Change of Command ceremony, April 2, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base, California. During the ceremony, outgoing commander Col. Jeffrey Waldman relinquished command to incoming commander, Col. Victor Teal, Jr.

NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Poland Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-8 CAV) alongside United Kingdom Army soldiers assigned to The Royal Lancers, Prince of Whales Troop, Romanian Sky Guardians, and the Polish Armed Forces 15th Mechanized Infantry Brigade attend the NATO Team Leaders Academy in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Oct. 18-20, 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. Air Force Maj. Bobby Budde, outgoing commander of the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, speaks to Airmen and leadership during the unit's change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oct. 14, 2022. During the ceremony, Budde relinquished command to Lt. Col. Michael Deprey. The primary purpose of a change of command is for subordinates to witness an officer formally assume responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit. These ceremonies preserve the tradition of military service and stimulate unit esprit de corps.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Anthony Tuero, incoming 13th Fighter Generation Squadron (FGS) commander, holds a "Cave Putorium" panther-claw hand sign representing the 13th FGS during a squadron activation ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 13, 2022. During the ceremony, the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was inactivated, and the 13th and 14th FGSs were activated in its place.

Lt. Col. Jack Lehneman, incoming commander of the Vermont National Guard's 86th Troop Command, takes over his new command. The 86th Troop Command has multiple subordinate units, the 131st Judge Advocate General, 172nd Law Enforcement Detachment, 40th Army Band, 172nd Public Affairs Detachment, CIT/136th CSC, 1/D Co. 1-224th Aviation Safety and Security, 2/C Co. 1-224th Aviation, C Co. 3-126th Aviation, B Co. 2-245th Aviation.

Airmen from the 8th Aircraft Maintenance Unit depart center stage after reciting the Dedicated Crew Chief charter during a Dedicated Crew Chief Appointment ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Jan. 3, 2023. To receive the title of DCC, a crew chief must demonstrate a history of superior performance in their career, comply with all safety practices and complete all required training.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brian Welde, incoming commander of the 378th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, listens to the remarks of Brig. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, during the units Assumption of Command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 6, 2022. The primary purpose of an assumption of command is for subordinates to witness an officer formally assume responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit. These ceremonies preserve the tradition of military service and stimulate unit esprit de corps.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ralph G. Foshee Jr.,right, assumes command of the 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron, from Brig. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, during a change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 8, 2022. Lt. Col. Steven A. Bailey relinquished command of the 968th EAACS during the ceremony. The tradition of change of command ceremonies are so that the unit can witness their new leader assume the responsibility and trust associated with the position of commander.

Nearly 30 Soldiers with 1st Airfield Operations Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment, 90th Troop Command, Oklahoma Army National Guard, returned home Saturday, April 29, 2016, at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Norman, Oklahoma after being deployed to the Middle East for nearly a year. While deployed, the AOB provided air traffic control and airfield operations in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve.

SUFFOLK, Va. (Sept. 14, 2022) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea answers questions during an all-hands call at Naval Information Forces Command, Sept. 14, 2022. Honea conducted his first fleet visit to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development, and quality of life.

U.S. Navy Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Jeremy Blythe with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, leads the Corporals Course graduation ceremony in a prayer aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 17, 2022. Corporals Course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to become successful small-unit leaders as they enter the career into the non-commissioned officer ranks. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Air Force Col. Calvin Powell, right, vice commander of the 435th Air Expeditionary Wing, speaks to the audience during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 31, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Jason Chambers assumed command of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group from Col. Matthew Bartlett in a ceremony presided over by Powell.

The 2d Theater Signal Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company hosted a Change of Responsibility ceremony Oct. 14, 2022 at USAG Wiesbaden, Germany. First Sergeant Matthew A. Weber relinquished responsibility to 1st Sgt Randy L. Buttram during the ceremony.A change of responsibility ceremony represents the transfer of authority from one leader to another, ensuring the unit and its Soldiers are never without leadership. (U.S. Army photos by Spc. Renisha Washington)

1st Sgt. Charles L. Johnson Retirement Ceremony, 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Air Defense Artillery Commandant's Office, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. 1st Sgt. Charles L. Johnson retired today after 20 over years serving in the U.S. Army. His presence as a senior enlisted Soldier as part of the Air Defense community is one that will not soon be forgotten. Johnson spent over 8 years stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and contributed immensely to the Air Defense mission by serving as a 1st Sgt. for 30th Air Defense Artillery and by leading troops towards careers of excellence while serving in the Commandant's office as the Operations NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer).Johnson served two tours overseas, one to Kuwait and one to Bahrain. His time there was well noted by the various military awards he received and prestigious accolades. Since gearing towards retirement Charles began studies in the hopes of becoming a teacher, but says that he would "still like to work close with Air Defense, just

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

National Guard Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead visits Soldiers of the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort, Ky. on Dec. 4, 2022. Whitehead visited Kentucky to recognize Soldiers for their work throughout the year.

220911-N-RF885-093 MIAMI (Sept. 11, 2022) Reserve Sailors pray during a 9/11 memorial ceremony presented inside the auditorium at Navy Reserve Center, Miami.

Col. Eric Leckel, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guards 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, and Command Sgt. Maj. Duane Weyer, the brigades senior enlisted leader, case the brigade flag during a formal sendoff ceremony Sept. 30 at the Miller High Life Theater in downtown Milwaukee. Encasing the brigade flag symbolizes that the unit is leaving the authority of the state as it deploys in support of Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa. While the brigades headquarters company and its 357th Signal Company are deploying, the remainder of the brigade will remain in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs photo by Vaughn R. Larson

Camp Ripley hosted a birthday celebration at the education center on 8 July 2022. Warrant Officers came together to pay their respects to the 104th Birthday of the Warrant Officers Corp.

Maj. Gen. William G. Holt II, commander of the Curtis E. LeMay Center for Doctrine Development and Education and the vice commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, and his team visit members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing March 4, 2023, at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama. Holt and his team were visiting in order to thank and give recognition to the crew members who quickly put together a KC-135R Stratotanker flyover for the funeral of a fellow military member.

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, speaks with Chief Master Sgt. Rebecca Arbona, 17th TRW command chief, during the Commanders Call on Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 27, 2022. Reilman stated the importance of developing of resiliency in Airmen and their families.

Newly promoted U.S. Army Noncommissioned Officers stand at attention as they recite the Creed of a Noncommissioned Officer on Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, Jan. 12, 2024. The induction ceremony is a time-honored tradition that marks the transition of Soldiers joining the NCO Corps. The 3rd Infantry Divisions mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. James Armstrong, a Johnson City, Tennessee native, commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, center left, provides input at an urban field exercise debrief during an Adversary Force Exercise as part of Service Level Training Exercise 2-24, at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, Feb. 12, 2024. The purpose of AFX is to create a credible, realistic threat for the exercise forces participating in SLTE 2-24 to engage against during the upcoming Marine Air-Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise in a force-on-force, unscripted wargame. Marine Corps

Gen. Glen VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and Sgt. Maj. James Porterfield, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, NORAD and USNORTHCOM, spoke with the integrated active duty and National Guard members in the Western Air Defense Sector (WADS) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 3, 2022. WADS is one of two sectors responsible to the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and NORAD for peacetime air sovereignty, strategic air defense, and airborne counterdrug operations in the continental United States and plays a vital part in homeland defense.

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 48, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve, receive their graduation certificates for Corporal's Course during exercise Gunslinger 22 at Salina, Kansas on June 20, 2022. Corporals Course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to become successful small-unit leaders using realistic problem-based situations that a Marine Corporal will encounter.

Lt. Gen. Charles R. Hamilton, the G-4 for the Department of the Army, speaks with Soldiers on Fort Riley, Kansas, on April 13, 2022. Hamilton spent a good deal of time giving leadership advice and discussing how to treat Soldiers and correct deficiencies.

Army Reserve soldiers take a moment of silence during Army Reserve Chaplain Iheanyichukwu Sunday's opening invocation during the 78th Training Division's Assumption of Command Ceremony at Muscatatuk Urban Training Center, IN. April 27, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Sheets, 23rd Wing commander, speaks to Airmen during an all call at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Jan. 3, 2024. Sheets took the time to reiterate his priorities for Team Moody - prepare the force, support the force, and strengthen the family.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael A. Grinston talks about how the more recent changes in U.S. Army policy referenced the research behind the changes during a town hall held at Forward Operation Site Adazi, Latvia, May 2, 2022. Grinston is the Army Chief of Staff's adviser on matters affecting the enlisted force and devotes most of his time traveling to observe training and interacting with Soldiers and their Families.

Technical Sgt. Rachel Belden Cruz, 22nd Operational Medical Readiness Squadron independent duty medical technician, goes over Self-Aid Buddy Care with Airmen, Aug. 19th, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. Airmen rotated through four training stations throughout the day in preparation for an upcoming readiness exercise.

Lt. Col. Cory Farrer, 36th Fighter Squadron newly-appointed commander, renders his first salute as the 36th FS commander to his squadron members at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 30, 2022. Change of Commands represent the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a flight, squadron, group, wing or MAJCOM from one commanding officer to another. They are a tradition rooted in military history, dating back to the 18th century.

U.S. Air force Col. Christian L. Lyons, 88th Medical Group commander (left), Master Sgt. Jason Vavro, 88th Medical Support Squadron first sergeant, Lt. Col. Matthew J. Gross outgoing, 88th MDSS commander (middle), Lt. Col. Damian K. Pardue, (right), incoming 88th MDSS commander await the transfer of the guidon signifying the transfer of authority and responsibility during the squadrons change of command ceremony inside the 88th Medical Center, June 23, 2022, at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The ceremony pays honor to the outgoing, and welcomes the incoming commander, of the squadron.

Adm. Charles Richard, United States Strategic Command commander, speaks at an all call on Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 18, 2022. During the all call, Adm. Richard stressed the importance of Minot AFB providing two legs of the nation's nuclear triad, while answering questions from Airmen.

Col. Chris Landers, commander of 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade, speaks during an advisor integrated rehearsal, Dec. 5, at Ft. Benning, Ga. The advisor integrated rehearsal is designed to ensure advisors understand how they will assist and advise foreign military partners during large scale combat operations. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jason Elmore.

Lt. Col Latasha Watson was the first outgoing commander of the Theater Contracting Center-Southeast Asia. Nothing gives me more peace than to know that I am about to hand this organization off to my battle buddy. Lt. Col. Shawn Peynado and I have known each other for years. So when I found out he was selected as my successor, I was very excited because I knew what Shawn will bring to the table,” said Watson during the change of command ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, on July 11, 2022

7 - LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - Detachment Texas (Cyber Rangers), 782nd Military Intelligence Battalion (Cyber), whereby Lt. Col. Jason H. Seales (right) relinquished his command to Maj. Matthew D. Heinmiller (left) in a ceremony hosted by Lt. Col. Thomas M. Nelson, the battalion commander, in Arnold Hall Community Center, May 25.

The 10th Mountain Division holds an award ceremony for the top five squads that competed in D-Series at the Magrath Sports Complex, Fort Drum, N.Y. Jan. 19, 2024. Todays D-Series commemorates the trials and tribulations of the inaugural class of the 10th Mountain Division, experienced during the culminating event held in 1944 that bears the same name.

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