Military Ceremonies and Leadership

Photos showcasing military personnel in ceremonial settings, addressing groups or making formal announcements, emphasizing leadership and transition events within various military units.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Joel Carey, United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Strategic Deterrence, and Nuclear Integration director of operations, gives remarks during a USAFE-AFAFRICA Warfare Center change of command ceremony at Einsiedlerhof Military Complex, Germany, July 15, 2022. Carey oversees a directorate staff and the 603rd Air Operations Center which provides integrated air and missile defense, aeromedical evacuation, space and cyberspace operations, aerial refueling, weather, combat aerial delivery, operational support airlift,distinguished visitor airlift, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and precision strike in the European and African Commands.

An activation ceremony for the newly-transitioned 125th Communications Squadron, 125th Fighter Wing, was held April 2, 2023 at the Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida. The flight was recently tasked with the stand-up of a Mission Defense Team (MDT) whose primary mission will be to provide functional mission assurance to the 125th Fighter Wing. The increased responsibility moves the 125th Communications Flight beyond its base communications and information technology focus resulting in the redesignation as a squadron.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Joel Carey, United States Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Strategic Deterrence, and Nuclear Integration director of operations, gives remarks during a USAFE-AFAFRICA Warfare Center change of command ceremony at Einsiedlerhof Military Complex, Germany, July 15, 2022. Carey oversees a directorate staff and the 603rd Air Operations Center which provides integrated air and missile defense, aeromedical evacuation, space and cyberspace operations, aerial refueling, weather, combat aerial delivery, operational support airlift,distinguished visitor airlift, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and precision strike in the European and African Commands.

North Carolina National Guard Lt. Col. Robert Felicio, the 505th Battalion Commander, addresses the 258th Engineer Utilities Det. and their families during a deployment ceremony at the Soldier Memorial Sports Arena in Butner, North Carolina, on Nov. 19, 2022. The 258th will be supporting Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa which conducts operations to enhance partner nation capacity, promote regional stability, dissuade conflict, and protect U.S. and coalition interests. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mary Junell)

Col. Barry Little, 341st Missile Wing commander, addresses the wing for the first time during a change of command ceremony July 18, 2022, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The 341st MW is responsible for maintaining and operating Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles across a 13,800 square mile missile complex.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Matthew Lintker, 18th Space Defense Squadron commander, speaks after assuming command of the newly re-designated 18 SDS during a ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif, April 13, 2022. The 18 SDS provides Space Domain Awareness (SDA) allowing military commanders to see the battlespace with clarity, strike with precision, navigate with accuracy, communicate with certainty, and operate with assurance over global distances.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael Leeney, commanding general of the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony, May 19, 2022, for an energy resilience project at Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, California. The project, which will be constructed, owned and operated by Bright Canyon Energy, will generate 26 megawatts of solar photovoltaics, and will include a battery energy storage system, backup generators and a microgrid control system. The project enhances the installations energy resilience by providing power for critical missions for a minimum of two weeks during electrical grid outages. The project supports the Army Climate Strategy goal to build a microgrid on every installation by 2035.

Task Force Thunder, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard, took command of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission under 7th Army Training Command (7ATC) from Task Force Bowie, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Arkansas Army National Guard, on Jan. 5, 2024. Under the guidance of U.S. European Command, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and Security Assistance Group-Ukraine, 7ATC leads the training and is supported and supported by a myriad of other organizations from across the U.S. Army. This training of Armed Forces of Ukraine has been conducted in Germany since April 2022.

Chaplain (Col.) Michael F. McDonald, the command chaplain for 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, speaks to distinguished guests and Families during an Assumption of Stole ceremony for Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John E. Scott, the new division chaplain for 3rd ID, at the Marne Chapel on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sept. 28, 2022. McDonald officiated the ceremony and bestowed a stole on Scott to formally recognize him as the Marne Division chaplain.

U.S. Army National Guard Capt. Bryant Wine, 124th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, commander, speaks to the audience during the 124th MPADs Change of Command Ceremony held at the Clay National Guard Center, Marietta, GA, August 7, 2022. Wine assumed command from Maj. Jena Hutchinson during the ceremony. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Kayden Bedwell.

Lt. Col. Casey Mills, commander for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, speaks during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia on September 30, 2022.

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

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Garrick Messer, South Carolina Army National Guard state surgeon, is promoted to the rank of colonel during a ceremony April 22, 2022, in Columbia, South Carolina.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Evan Pettus, incoming commander of 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) speaks to the other members of the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) change of command official party (from right to left) U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Barry Cornish, outgoing commander of 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, 22 July 2022. Maj. Gen. Pettus becomes the 102nd commander of 12th Air Force.

Soldiers of 2nd Battalion and 3rd Squadron of the 54th Security Forces Assistance Brigade receive the Florida flag from Florida National Guard leadership to fly during their deployment to the Horn of Africa. The 54th Security Forces Assistance Brigade conducts operations to strengthen and enable our partner nations in accordance with national security objectives.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Brandon I. Kumalae, incoming command sergeant major of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Hawaii Army National Guard delivers a speech during the 29th IBCT change of responsibility ceremony, Kapolei, Hawaii, Jan. 7, 2024. The change of responsibility ceremony is a time-honored tradition within the Army that commemorates the relinquishment of responsibility by passing the unit's colors from one senior noncommissioned officer to another.

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (July 8, 2022) U.S. Navy Cmdr. David Schleusener, command chaplain for Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ), gives the invocation during the CLDJ EMF Change of Charge ceremony, July 8, 2022. Camp Lemonnier is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia.

Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, outgoing commander, U.S. Africa Command, delivers his remarks after relinquishing his command to Marine Gen. Michael Langley during a change of command ceremony at Kelley Barracks on Aug. 9, 2022. Townsend served as AFRICOM's fifth commander.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, director, Air National Guard (ANG), addresses in-person members at the Domestic Capabilities Priorities conference at Denver Tech Center, Colorado, May 6, 2022. The annual event serves to identify and align critical ANG domestic operation equipping priorities with the allocation of National Guard and Reserve equipment account funds.

Lt. Col. Jared W. Snawder, outgoing Commander, 39th Signal Strategic Battalion, gives a speech during 39th Strategic Signal Battalion change of command ceremony June 30, 2022 at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium. (photo by Henri Cambier)

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.

Alpha Company bids farewell to 1st Sgt. Nathan Kent and welcomes 1st Sgt. William Booth.

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U.S. Army Col. Matthew James assumes command of the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Washington National Guard, from Col. James Perrin during a change of command ceremony on Camp Murray, Wash., December 4, 2022. In 2021, Perrin deployed as commander of Task Force Raven, the last U.S. task force to command a full nine-month rotation in the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine.

Maj. Gen. Mark T. Simerly, commanding general of U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee, speaks during the Holiday Block Leave Rehearsal of Concept drill Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, at Army Logistics University on Fort Lee, Virginia.

U.S. Air Force Maj. David Yu, commander of the 378th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron, speaks to his Airmen and leadership during the unit's change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 6, 2022. 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 Col. Catherine Logan, commander of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and the 11th Wing, speaks during the National Disability Employment Awareness Month proclamation signing at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., Oct. 31, 2022. This year's NDEAM theme, Disability: Part of the Equity Equation, recognizes the important role individuals with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive American workforce.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, command chief, Air National Guard, addresses Airmen of the 190th Air Refueling Wing during an enlisted all-call at Forbes Field ANG Base, Topeka, Kansas, April 2, 2023. The all call focused on the why behind what our Airmen do in the military.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John Nipp, commander, 184th Sustainment Command, Mississippi Army National Guard, speaks during a panel discussion at the Mississippi Cyber Initiative Conference in Biloxi, Mississippi, Oct. 13, 2022.

Alpha Company bids farewell to 1st Sgt. Nathan Kent and welcomes 1st Sgt. William Booth.

CRYSTAL CITY, VA. (Aug. 26, 2022) - Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, F-35 Joint Program Executive Officer, hosts a semi-virtual all-hands ceremony at the program headquarters in Crystal City, VA., Aug. 26, 2022. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35, which has been operational since July of 2015, is the most lethal, survivable, and interoperable fighter aircraft ever built. (Photo by America Henry-Wingo/Released)

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.

U.S. Air Force Col. Humberto Pabon Jr., the 156th Wing commander, delivers his speech after his assumption of command during the 156th Wing change of command ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Oct. 15, 2022. The change of command ceremony took place during the October regularly scheduled drill.

U.S. Army V Corps Forward outgoing Company commander Cpt. Sean Hartsell delivers his remarks during the change of command ceremony for Forward Company, V Corps, Camp Kosciusko, Poland, Nov. 17, 2022. V Corps Forward Company commander Cpt. Sean Hartsell relinquished command to incoming Company commander Cpt. Brian Mumford after completing his tenure as Company commander.

Capt. Min Kim, a chaplain assigned to 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, prays during a change of command ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, April 8, 2022.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Marcus Evans, commanding general of the 25th Infantry Division, provides remarks during the Top Intelligence Competition (TOPINT) awards ceremony in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 26, 2024. TOPINT 2024 is an annual competition that brings together Soldiers from across the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps to earn the title of Top Int among their peers.

Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe, Pacific Air Forces command chief, introduces each of the 8 Indo-Pacific nations in attendance at the Senior Enlisted Leader International Summit 2022 in Washington DC on August 1, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass hosted SELIS to further dialogues that secure our common interests and promote shared values.

Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, the Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, addresses a crowd during the 2022 Pass in Review Ceremony, June 17, 2022, at Camp Grayling, Mich. The Pass in Review Ceremony comes at the end of the Michigan National Guards annual training. Annual training is the two-week yearly training period conducted by all National Guard members to ensure mission-readiness by improving the skill level of Soldiers and Airmen with military duties.

Lt. Col. Kenneth Selby, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, gives a welcoming speech to incoming commander Capt. Tyler Elrod, during the Change of Command Ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, March 31, 2022. The change of command ceremony celebrates the achievements of the outgoing commander while welcoming the incoming leadership to the command.

Maj. Sherry Childs. Is the speaker during a ceremony at the Zutendaal Army prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Belgium, June 16. (photo by Henri Cambier)

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Royce Resoso speaks to soldiers assigned to the 335th Signal Command, during a Army Integrated Personnel and Pay System (IPPS-A) class in Pinellas Park, Fl on May 2, 2022. IPPS-A is the Armys online Human Resources (HR) solution to provide integrated HR capabilities across all Army Components.

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger gives a presentation during the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Observance on Jan. 16, 2024, in McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. The 2024 observance at Fort McCoy featured opening comments by Master Sgt. Ana Guzman with the Fort McCoy Equal Opportunity Office who organized the event. It also included an opening prayer by Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Amy Noble with the Fort McCoy Religious Support Office, and Messenger spoke about the legacy of MLK Jr. The 2024 theme for the observance was Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not A Day Off! After Messenger gave his presentation, a video of one of Kings most famous speeches, Ive Been to the Mountaintop, was played for the observance attendees.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Alexandre Santana, incoming CSM of the 578th Brigade Engineer Battalion, gives remarks during his change responsibility ceremony at Kearny Mesa Recreation Park, Calif., on June 4, 2022. The change of responsibility ceremony is a traditional event meant to reinforce noncommissioned officer authority in the U.S. Army and highlights their support to the chain of command.

Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. Jessica Denzer, 914th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, speaks to Airmen at her Assumption of Command Ceremony April 23, 2022 at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. Denzer was previously stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam which is a geographically separated tenant unit of the 624 Regional Support Group, Hickam, Hawaii.

U.S. Army Chaplain Col. Robert Lewis, assigned to the 335th Signal Command (Theater), leads a prayer during a change of command ceremony as we farewell Maj. Gen. John Phillips and welcome our new Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Tina Boyd on Aug 20, 2022 at Fort Gordon, in Augusta, Ga. The 335th SC (T) is a winning organization and we look forward to reaching new heights while focusing on our Soldiers and their Families first.

TINIAN, Northern Mariana Islands (Sept. 14, 2022) - Guest speaker Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson, Commander, Joint Region Marianas, delivers his remarks during a change of command ceremony held at the 107th Seabee Memorial in Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, Sept. 9.30 NCR conducts tactical and operational level planning, maintains major contingency response capability, and executes general engineering across the full range of military operations within the USINDOPACOM area of responsibility, fulfilling CTF 75 requirements in order to support the combatant command and other service component efforts to protect and defend the United States, its territories, allies, and interests; promote regional security and deter aggression. 30 NCR oversees all naval construction force units deployed throughout the USINDOPACOM area of responsibility.

Col. Colby Wyatt, outgoing commander of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma National Guard, speaks at a change of command ceremony, Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma, Aug. 14, 2022. 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)

Today, 2-2 Assault Helicopter Battalion, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, conducted a change of command. Col. Aaron Martin provides opening remarks to the change of command ceremony and congratulates Lt. Col. Bridget Dalziel on her successful completion of two years of command.

U.S. Space Force Gen. John "Jay" Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, and U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. Roger Towberman, Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force, discusses the importance of space and the cruciality of the Guardians that make assured access to space possible on Oct. 11, 2022, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. Gen. Raymond spoke about these matters during an all-call located on base.

Maj. General Iulian Berdilă, the Chief of the Romanian Land Forces, spoke to the Victory Corps during an awards ceremony at the corps' headquarters in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Oct. 13, 2022. During his visit, Berdilă briefed leaders, met with Soldiers and presented awards to Victory Corps personnel for their contributions to the strategic American-Romanian partnership.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Barry Cornish, outgoing commander of 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) addresses the men and women under his command for the previous two years at during the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Change of Command Ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, 22 July 2022. Maj. Gen. Cornish was the 101st commander to lead 12th Air Force.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with Company B, 1-118th Infantry Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, and Company I, 237th Support Battalion, South Carolina Army National Guard, stand in formation during a deployment ceremony at the General Mark Clark National Guard Armory in North Charleston, South Carolina, Aug. 7, 2022. More than 160 Soldiers from the unit will be mobilized for approximately a year to support Operation Spartan Shield, Task Force Spartan and U.S. Army Central Command.

U.S. Air Force Col. Nathan Colunga, Special Warfare Training Wing commander, addresses the audience at the SWTW all-call on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept. 27, 2022. At the all-call, the SWTW command team outlined its expectations and priorities for the wing.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Brubaker, 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment commander, gives his remarks during a change of ceremony June 28, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

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. Air Force Master Sgt. William Beyers, 81st Operaional Medical Readiness Squadron and 81st Dental Squadron first sergeant, serves as a judge during the 81st Training Group drill down on the Levitow Training Support Facility drill pad at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 28, 2022. Keesler trains more than 30,000 students each year. While in training, Airmen are given the opportunity to volunteer to learn and execute drill down routines.

Leaders from numerous government organizations gathered at the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command headquarters building on Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, Nov. 8-9, 2022, to participate in the Domestic Resilience Workshop. The event included remarks from NORAD and USNORTHCOM leaders, resilience discussions from the Federal Emergency Management Agency Deputy Director Erik Hooks, and briefings from other senior defense officials on such topics as National Guard perspectives, cyber concerns, critical infrastructure tools and defense mobilization. General Glen VanHerck, Commander, NORAD and USNORTHCOM, provided closing remarks to conclude the event. (Department of Defense photos by Joshua Armstrong)

Capt. Richard A. Benson, outgoing company commander of Forward Company Headquarters & Headquarters Battalion, U.S. Army Central addresses the audience during the change of command ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, on August 2, 2022.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. David Elliott, the outgoing sergeant major of 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, gives a speech at a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 2, 2022. During the ceremony, Elliott relinquished his role as the regimental sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. David Watts.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael E. Dixon, state command chief, Indiana Air National Guard, addresses the audience during an assumption of responsibility ceremony at the 122nd Fighter Wing (FW), Indiana September 10, 2022. During the ceremony Chief Master Sgt. Kyle D. Hoopingarner assumed the position of 122nd FW command chief followed by Dixon assuming the position of state command chief.

Col. Michael Flaherty, commander of the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, addresses Soldiers of the 837th Engineer Battalion and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 37th IBCT, during a combined call to duty ceremony Sept. 25, 2022, at Thomas Worthington High School in Worthington, Ohio. Multiple call to duty ceremonies were conducted across the state for several subordinate elements of the 37th IBCT, as about 1,800 Soldiers are deploying overseas for approximately a year in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

Brig. Gen. Bryan J. Teff, Michigan Air National Guard assistant adjutant general, speaks during a 110th Wing change of command ceremony at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, June 4, 2022. Col. Daniel J. Kramer II assumed command of the wing from Col. Shawn E. Holtz.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Demetrio "Jay" Castro III, director of the Aviation Branch Safety Office at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, speaks during a ceremony after being promoted from CW4 to CW5 at Fort Rucker, Alabama, November 18, 2022.

Chief Master Sgt. Ceasar Flores shares his story that led him to receiving the Purple Heart at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, June 17, 2022. Flores earned the Purple Heart for actions that took place during a deployment to Camp Bucca, Iraq in 2007.

U.S. Space Force Gen. John W. Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, speaks to members of Team Kirtland during an all-call at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Oct. 12, 2022. During the all-call, Gen. Raymond spoke about the origins of the Space Force and where the future of the force is headed.

Chaplain Benjamin Bahr delivers the invocation during the 107 Attack Wing's September 11th Remembrance Ceremony, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Sept. 9, 2022. "21 years ago, the entire world was changed by the actions of a few evil men. The attack on the United States was more than the destruction of airplanes, buildings, and innocent life; it was an assault on our entire way of life and the freedom we enjoy." Air National Guard photo, 1st Lt Jason Carr.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Valerie Sturdivant, the first sergeant of 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), 21st Signal Brigade, delivers remarks during the awards ceremony for the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P Hill, Virginia, May 23, 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.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Tyjee, 432d Security Forces Squadron dog handler, pays tribute to the fallen defenders during police week at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, May 20, 2022. Police week occurs annually to honor the law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, and to the officers who serve and protect their community.

WRAIR welcoming MSG Matthew Lewis to the unit and he takes the guidon and becomes the HHC 1SG

Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Stephen Messenger talks to guests Aug. 18, 2022, at the Community Appreciation Night event at McCoy's Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Nearly 60 people participated in the event that brings together Fort McCoy personnel with community leaders from nearby cities, townships, towns, and villages. It was the first event like this at the post since 2019.

Lt. Col. Jason Unsworth, CRDAMC chaplain, welcomes the audience of Soldiers, family members and civilians to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Centers annual prayer breakfast Oct. 26.

MESA, Ariz. - Brig. Gen. Royce P. Resoso, 335th Signal Command deputy commanding general, and Col. Patrick E. Hughes, 505th Signal Brigade commander, traveled to Mesa, Arizona, to conduct Relinquishment of Responsibility and Retirement ceremonies for Command Sgt. Maj. James A Milligan at Herrera Hall on the U.S. Army Reserve Center, February 24, 2024.A native of Monaca, Pennsylvania, Milligan entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1991. He earned a Associates Degree in Business at the University of Phoenix in 2009, and he has attended many Army courses that included Basic Infantry Rifleman and Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic schools. He joined the Army Reserve in 2000 and reclassified to the Army Signal Corps in 2009.Dozens of old colleagues and family members came from around the country to celebrate Milligans retirement, where he gave a heart felt speech. He thanked his wife Jennifer and three children, Micael, Jeffery and Julia, for their sacrifice throughout his military career. United States s

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Marc Rittberg, 23rd Health Care Operations Squadron commander, delivers a speech during a change of command ceremony at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 8, 2022. Before relinquishing command, Rittberg made remarks to thank his family, friends and fellow Airmen.

Command Sgt. Maj. Alexandra Perez, an instructor assigned to the German Noncommissioned Officer Academy addresses class 07-22 of the 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany June 14, 2022. Class 07-22 completed the month-long Basic Leadership Course, training Specialists and Corporals in the fundamentals of leading Soldiers.

United States Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey Command Sgt. Maj. Wayne Butterbrodt, 1-17th Infantry Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Weiss, 31 soldiers and KATUSAs participate in the Noncommissioned Officers Corps Induction Ceremony held at the Camp Casey Theatre, March 30, 2023. The inductees were soldiers and KATUSAs from USAG Caseys Headquarters and Headquarters Company, the Charlie Detachment of the 176th Financial Management Support Unit, and the 2nd Battalion2nd Aviation Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. The NCO Induction Ceremony celebrates newly promoted soldiers joining the noncommissioned officer corps.

Lt. Gen. Flem B (Donnie) Walker, Jr., AMC deputy commanding general and senior mission commander of Redstone Arsenal, speaks during his retirement ceremony Sept. 1, 2022, at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Walker, a native of Lineville, Alabama, retired after 36 years of service.

Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, commander, 1st Air Force, speaks to attendees during the Ohio National Guard Joint Senior Leader Conference at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in Lewis Center, Ohio, Feb. 2, 2024. Nordhaus, who commanded the 180th Fighter Wing in Swanton, Ohio from 2011 to 2013, now leads the organization responsible for ensuring the air sovereignty and air defense of the continental United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth T. Bibb Jr., 18th Air Force commander, answers an Airman Leadership School students question during a leadership panel at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, Apr. 21, 2022. The purpose of the panel was to engage with up and coming non-commissioned officers, and provide mentorship to future leaders.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Gavin Lawrence, the incoming Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command commanding general, addresses the crowd during SDDCs change of command ceremony July 20, 2022, at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with Headquarters Support Company, 351st Aviation Support Battalion (ASB), 59th Aviation Troop Command (ATC), South Carolina National Guard conduct a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated South Carolina Army National Guard Readiness Center, April 25, 2022, Sumter, South Carolina. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, the adjutant general for South Carolina, attended the event joined by local and state authorities, the 59th ATC command team, and members of the Sumpter community. The 351st ASB provides logistic and operational support to the Army Aviation elements of the South Carolina National Guard for emergency response operations domestically, and it supports combat operations outside the United States when activated at the federal level.

Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, delivers remarks as the Keynote Speaker to guest and local officials during the official renaming ceremony at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center, Umatilla, Oregon, on Sept. 29, 2022. Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Raymond F. Rees is a retired Oregon Guardsman and served as The Adjutant General, Oregon for more than 16 years, retiring from military service in 2013, and later worked as a civilian as the Deputy Secretary of the Army. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman, addresses members of Team Kirtland during an all-call at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Oct. 12, 2022. During the all-call, members of Team Kirtland were encouraged to ask questions about the Space Force.

U.S. Army Capt. Benjamin Mastro, commander of Eagle Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, gives a speech as Soldiers from the U.S. Army, British Army, and Bulgarian Land Forces, honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation during a Memorial Day Ceremony at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, May 30, 2022.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomed Mr. Kevin J. Bostick,U.S. Southern Command Exercises and Coalition Affairs Directorate Director for a visit to the IADC Campus on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Feb. 8, 2023. The Joint Staff's J7/9 Exercises and Coalition Affairs directorate utilizes partnerships across society, including exercises, civil affairs operations and humanitarian assistance activities, to improve the capacity of both USSOUTHCOM and partner nations to quickly respond to emergencies and neutralize threat networks. The J7/9 strives to develop a highly trained workforce that is focused on creative and cooperative solutions. As a result, the J7/9 strengthens partnerships between the U.S. government, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, businesses, academia and all elements of civil society. During the visit, Mr. Bostickconducted an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of th

U.S. Air Force Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, gives a speech during the Operation Christmas Drop push ceremony at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Dec. 5, 2022. This year marks the 71st iteration of Operation Christmas Drop, which is an opportunity for aircrews to hone valuable dynamic delivery skills while delivering aid to those in need.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Washburn, 48th Security Forces Squadron commander, gives remarks at a ribbon cutting ceremony for new security forces facilities at RAF Lakenheath, England, Feb. 15, 2024. The new facilities allow for faster arming and de-arming while simultaneously expanding the Liberty Wings mission capabilities. Air Force

Chief Master Sgt. Lloyd Morales, 88th Air Base Wing command chief, introduces himself during the wings commanders call Aug. 5, 2022, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Wing leaders took the opportunity to introduce themselves to military and civilian Airmen and outline their philosophies and expectations.

U.S. Army Capt. Kesa Channoy, team leader for Civil Affairs Team 0733, 407th Civil Affairs Battalion, talks about the importance of building relationships and civil-military cooperation during a ceremony for the combined Bulgarian Red Cross training between U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 407th Civil Affairs Battalion and Bulgarian Land Forces soldiers assigned to the Civil-Military Cooperation Company, 78th Support Battalion at Lozen, Bulgaria, May 11, 2022. The coordination between U.S. Army Civil Affairs, Bulgarian Civil-Military Cooperation, and local civilian organizations is crucial in supporting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the region, and is necessary to protect and promote humanitarian principles. Bulgaria is a steadfast and gracious host, and the U.S. is honored to continue its long-term cooperation through engagements such as bilateral exchanges to improve partnership interoperability.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Johnny R. Koyama, incoming commander of 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron, talks to the audience during a 2nd ASOS change of command ceremony at Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany, June 29, 2022.

Lt. Col. Michael Bystry, commander of 1st Battalion, 134th Field Artillery Regiment, addresses attendees of his units call to duty ceremony Sept. 21, 2022, at Marysville High School in Marysville, Ohio. Elements of the Ohio Army National Guards 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted call to duty ceremonies for their units in advance of an approximately yearlong deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve.

041013-F-8861W-003. Base: Naval Air Station Keflavik Country: Iceland (ISL)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Friel gives his speech as he relinquishes command to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Frank Bednar during the 233rd Communication Squadron change of command, Greeley Air National Guard Station, Greeley, Colorado, Oct 15, 2022. The 233rd provides immediate, worldwide missile warning, space launch and detection in the event of an attack against the United States.

U.S. Army Gen. Darryl Williams, the commanding general of United States Army Europe and Africa, addresses media during the official renaming ceremony for Camp Kościuszko,Poznan, Poland, July 30, 2022. The renaming of the Forward Operating Site-Poznan to Camp Kościuszko represents the United States and Polands shared history and marks the beginning of the first permanent U.S. presence on NATOs eastern flank.

CH (Col.) Michael McDonald, the 3rd Infantry Division command chaplain, discusses his experience as an Army chaplain during a chaplaincy symposium at Fort Stewart, Georgia, April 27, 2022. The event was a collaboration with chaplains from across the region to discuss the religious resources that churches within the Army offer to Soldiers and their Families.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, the commander of Alaskan Command, Eleventh Air Force, and North American Aerospace Defense Command Region-North American Aerospace Defense Command, addresses attendees assembled for the 2022 Below Zero Medicine conference at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 5, 2022. Krumm spoke about the importance of the Arctic to national security, and challenges the austere environment brings in providing medical support to Alaskan Command.

040604-M-3856G-035. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Miche'al Strayhorn is advanced to sergeant major during a ceremony at Ike Skelton Training Site, Jefferson City, Missouri, August 4, 2022.She is currently the J1 Directorate Sergeant Major at Joint Force Headquarters, Jefferson City, Missouri.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Four Thompson responds to questions on retention at the R2PM Muster at the Milwaukee Reserve center on April 29, 2022. The R2PM muster was organized to provide resources and information to those seeking reenlistment in the U.S. Army Reserve.

U.S. Army Sgt. Elliott Kolden, an NCO board mentor assigned to 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, responds to a question about the Soldier he is mentoring during a promotion board at Żagań, Poland, July 19, 2022. The 3/4th 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, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Joey D. Blacksher, assigned to 5th Ranger Training Battalion, speaks during his retirement ceremony on Stringer Drop Zone, Dahlonega, Ga., February 2, 2024. Command Sgt. Maj. Blacksher served 22 years of dedicated serve to the U.S. Army and the United States of America. Army Reserve

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