Military Ceremonies and Leadership

Images depict formal military ceremonies involving commanders in uniform giving speeches at podiums. The mood is serious and respectful, with a focus on leadership and tradition.

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. Gen. Shunji Izutsu, Chief of Staff Japan Air Self Defense Force, meets with Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. Jay Raymond during the 37th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Col. April 6, 2022.

Col. Terry McClain, 433rd Airlift Wing commander, presides over the Honorary Commanders Induction Ceremony in San Antonio, July 9, 2022. This was the second Honorary Commanders Induction Ceremony this year.

Incoming U.S. Strategic Command Commander U.S. Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton speaks during the USSTRATCOM change of command ceremony, Omaha, Neb., Dec. 9, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

U.S. Air Force Col. Corey Simmons, outgoing 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, delivers remarks during the 60th AMW change of command ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, July 27, 2022. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition of formal transfer of command, responsibilities and authority from one commander to another.

LTG James M. Richardson says goodbye to Army Futures Command and to the US Army and retires after 40 years of service on October 4th, 2022 in Austin, TX. Special guests in attendance included Gen James C. McConville, Chief of Staff, US Army, Ms. Christine Wormuth, United States Secretary of the Army, Mr. Steve Adler, Mayor of Austin, TX, Mr. Jay Hartzell, President, The University of Texas at Austin, Ms. Sharon Wood, Executive Vice President, The University of Texas at Austin, and Gen John Murray, Commanding General, Army Futures Command (Retired)(US Army Photo by Patrick Hunter)

U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Mills, 355th Wing commander, provides closing remarks during the POW/MIA Recognition Ceremony at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona, Sept. 16, 2022. Established in 1979 and celebrated on the third Friday in September, POW/MIA Recognition Day honors those who were held captive and returned, as well as those who remain missing.

040806-F-9891G-010. Base: Omaha State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark A. Milley conduct a press conference at the conclusion of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 8, 2022. This is the the fifth such meeting of defense leaders from around the world since Russias unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Nahom, commander of Alaskan NORAD Region, AlaskanCommand and Eleventh Air Force, speaks at the annual Alaska Federation of NativesConvention at the Dena'ina Center in Anchorage, Alaska, Oct. 21, 2022. The AFN Convention isthe principal forum for the Alaska Native community in addressing critical issues of public policyand government.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder speaks during a press conference at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Jan. 10, 2023.

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. Gen. Shunji Izutsu, Chief of Staff Japan Air Self Defense Force, meets with Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. Jay Raymond during the 37th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Col. April 6, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. James Clark, 11th Mission Support Group outgoing commander, awaits to relinquish command during the 11th MSG change of command ceremony on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., June 22, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority from one commander to another.

Chief Master Sgt. Brandon Buser, 131st Logistics Readiness Squadron Senior Enlisted Leader, delivers remarks during his retirement ceremony at Knob Noster, Missouri, June 26, 2022. Buser enlisted as a vehicle maintenance mechanic and served in a variety of leadership positions during his 30 years in uniform.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1-178th Field Artillery Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, celebrate the Saint Barbaras Day Ball, Dec. 3, 2022, Columbia, South Carolina. The legend of St. Barbara as she is known to be the patron saint of artillerymen, a day that those celebrate and amongst the 1-178th FA BN which have a rich history and share the same pride and devotion to community service as a citizen-soldier that their forefathers displayed when they followed the Swamp Fox Francis Marion into the swamps of the low-country of South Carolina, helped The Gamecock Thomas Sumter at the High Hills of Santee, and stood with Andrew Pickens at the Battle of Cowpens.

U.S. Space Force Col. Kenneth F. L. Klock, incoming commandant of the National Security Space Institute (NSSI), speaks during the NSSI change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., July 21, 2022. Col. Max. E. Lantz II served as the commandant of NSSI since Jan. 2019 before relinquishing command to Klock.

Brig. Gen Michael T. Rawls, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC) incoming commander, gives a speech during the AFOTEC change of command ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., July 19, 2022. Rawls received command from the outgoing commander, Maj. Gen. James R. Sears Jr.

Staff members from Joint Region Marianas (JRM) gathered for a special Mes CHamoru celebration at JRM headquarters in Asan, March 30. During the event, JRM Commander Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson offered remarks and welcomed Dr. Michael Lujan Bevacqua, curator of the Guam Museum, who shared some of the history of the CHamoru people on Guam. The annual observance recognizes the culture and heritage of the CHamoru people.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean K. Patterson, 88th Healthcare Operations Squadrons Senior Enlisted Leader, stands at attention while the Chief Master Sergeants Creed is read to him during the December enlisted promotion ceremony at Wright Patterson Medical Centers auditorium on Nov. 30, 2022. Friends, Family, and coworkers celebrate the accomplishments of the December enlisted Airmen promotes that are assigned to the Wright- Patterson Medical Center.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- New Space Delta 6 commander, U.S. Space Force Colonel, Christopher Kennedy, addresses the audience after accepting command of the unit at its change of command ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado, Friday, September 9, 2022. During the ceremony, hosted by Lt Gen. Stephen Whiting, Commander, Space Operations Command, U.S. Space Force Colonel Roy Rockwell relinquished command after two years of service.

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Col. Kevin Martin, 374th Operations Group outgoing commander, renders his final salute as commander during the 374th OG change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 22, 2022. The change of command ceremony formally transferred command of the 374th OG from Martin to Col. Jun Oh.

Outgoing Command Chief Warrant Officer of the Georgia Army National Guard, CW5 Carl Jackson delivers remarks following his official retirement April 29, 2022 at the Clay National Guard Center in Marietta, Ga.

020131-F-4029D-004. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Lt. Col. Joshua Yerk, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, addresses attendees after assuming command of the 436th CES during a change of command ceremony held at the base fire station on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 23, 2022. Team Dover Airmen, family members and guests watched Yerk assume command of the 436th CES. Presiding officer for the ceremony was Col. Phelemon Williams, 436th Mission Support Group commander.

Lt. Col. David Ramirez, 916th Operations Support Squadron deputy chief of wing intelligence and Goldsboro Civil Air Patrol instructor, speaks to Goldsboro CAP cadets about the importance of the base honor guard at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Dec. 7, 2022. Ramirez has volunteered with the group for three years, and continues to help promote activities to develop leaders and inform them about the military.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William L. Marshall, Operations, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration deputy director and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and United States Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) Air Operations Center director, speaks during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Brookwood American Military Cemetery, England, May 29, 2022. Memorial Day provides us a solemn opportunity to remember our fallen brothers and sisters in arms, reflect upon their courageous sacrifice, and show gratitude for the freedom they gave their lives to defend. It also affords us the opportunity to pay homage to those families who lost their loved ones in service to the Nation-and continue to feel the full weight of that sacrifice today.

Master Chief Rob Bushey delivers remarks during his retirement ceremony in Washington, D.C., on June 10, 2022. Bushey, who served as the Deputy Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, retired after more than 31 years of service. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Jetta Disco.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (Sep. 14, 2022) Naval Station Great Lakes and tenant commands reconize command ombudsmen during a ombudsman appreciation ceremony at the National Museum of the American Sailor. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul R. Birch offers remarks during the 36th Wing change of command ceremony, June 10, 2022, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. As installation commander, Birch is now responsible for the well-being of more than 8,000 joint military and civilian personnel on Andersen AFB. Additionally, he supports Department of Defense installation management of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as the Deputy Commander of Joint Region Marianas.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder conducts a press briefing in the Pentagon Press Briefing room at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 27 2022.

Scott W. Manamon, 123rd Intelligence Squadron superintendent, was promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, in a ceremony held Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Ark., Saturday, Apr. 2, 2022.

221020-A-FV109-0086CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.Col. Ricky L. Allbritton, commander, Letterkenny Army Depot, provides remarks during a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the transfer of the Heliborne Laser Fire and Forget, also known as Hellfire, missile and Joint Air to Ground Missile, JAGM, program to Letterkenny Army Depot Oct. 20.From the quality of the products we produce to the breadth of program capabilities to our diverse and skilled workforce, Letterkenny Army Depot is uniquely positioned to equip our Soldiers with the greatest air and missile defense and long-range precision fires systems,” Allbritton remarked. The addition of the Hellfire missile and JAGM weapon system to the depot’s portfolio further expands this capability and solidifies our relevance in the Army’s Organic Industrial Base.”

General Charles T. Robertson, Jr., Commander of the Air Mobility Command, speaks at the 21st Air Force Change of Command Ceremony. Command of the 21st Air Force passed from Major General John D. Hopper, Jr. to Major General George N. Williams. General Charles T. Robertson, Commander of the Air Mobility Command acted as the presiding official for the ceremony. Headquarters, 21st Air Force is responsible for assessing operational readiness and recommending improvements in the tanker/airlift system within the 21st Air Force area of Africa, Southwest Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, South and Central America, the Eastern United States, and Canada. 21st Air Force monitors tanker/airlift operations.... Complete Scene Caption: General Charles T. Robertson, Jr., Commander of the Air Mobility Command, speaks at the 21st Air Force Change of Command Ceremony. Command of the 21st Air Force passed from Major General John D. Hopper, Jr. to Major General George N. Williams. General Charles T. Robertson

V Corps deputy commanding general Maj. Gen. Jeffery Broadwater, center, and guests pose for a picture during the Winter Reception held at the Imperial Castle in Poznań, Poland, Dec. 10, 2022. V Corps hosted the Winter Reception alongside NATO allies and partners to reinforce the nations existing relationship, promote interoperability, unity and bolster deterrence throughout the transatlantic. V Corps is proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces throughout Europe.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman gives a speech at the Space Foundation and Discovery Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 4, 2022.

Col. Joseph Venghaus, Trial Judge, 5th Judicial Circuit, poses for a photo after a joint promotion ceremony with his wife, Col. Jennifer Venghaus, the U.S. Army South Staff Judge Advocate, at the Fort Sam Houston Courthouse in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Feb. 9, 2024. The couple met in college at Southwestern University, got married during law school in 2002, and have been serving in the Army together for 20 years. Army

000905-N-2383B-503. Base: Uss Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Scene Major Command Shown: USJFCom/Saclant

CHIEF of Naval Operations ADM Frank B. Kelso II selects the next reporter to ask a question during a press conference at the Pentagon regarding the Navy's investigation of the April 19, 1989, explosion aboard the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61). After a review of all available evidence concerning the cause of the blast, the Navy's official conclusion is that the exact cause cannot be determined.. Base: Arlington State: Virginia(VA) Country: United States Of America(USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Taylor, 60th Air Mobility Wing command chief executive assistant, sings the national anthem during a Distinguished Flying Cross ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, Dec. 9, 2022. U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, left, 18th Air Force commander, recognized 24 Airmen for their heroic actions during Operation Allies Refuge. The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any officer or enlisted person of the U.S. armed forces for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kris Barcomb, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, retires after 23 years of dedicated and honorable service at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., July 8, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. William Hunter, 81st Training Wing commander delivers remarks during the 81st Comptroller Squadron Change of Command Ceremony in the Bay Breeze Event Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, June 16, 2022. Maj. Christopher Newcome, outgoing 81st CPTS commander, passed command to Maj. Christopher O'Dell, incoming 81st CPTS commander.

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Chief Master Sgt. Steven Gonsalves retires from the United States Air Force at Tinker Air Force Base Oklahoma, September 10, 2022.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - ASSUMPTION OF COMMAND CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

Col. Eric Stringer, 152nd Medical Group commander, speaks to friends and family during his promotion ceremony Aug. 14, 2022 at the Nevada Air National Guard base in Reno.

Col. Justin B. Spears, 49th Wing commander, gives his first speech to the Fightin 49ers during a change of command ceremony, June 17, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Spears was previously the commander of the 14th Operations Group at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, before assuming his new role as the commander of the 49th Wing.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder speaks during a press briefing, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 22, 2022.

Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Aide de Camp Army Capt. Martin Hunt shares his appreciation and reflections on his time as ADC during his promotion ceremony May 2 in Philadelphia. Hunt says he was glad for the lessons learned and friendships made during his time.

Reportage: The commander of U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Gen. John E. Hyten, appears at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on his nomination to be vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D.C., July 30, 2019.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, participate in a joint press briefing at the close of the eighth Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 20, 2023.

Alpha Company, 46th Aviation Support Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade hosts a change of command at Evergreen Theater, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., April 29, 2022. Capt. Cameron Blackhurst reliquished command to Capt. Emmanuel Phillips.

Col. Joseph Venghaus, Trial Judge, 5th Judicial Circuit, gives remarks during a joint promotion ceremony with his wife, Col. Jennifer Venghaus, the U.S. Army South Staff Judge Advocate, at the Fort Sam Houston Courthouse in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Feb. 9, 2024. The couple met in college at Southwestern University, got married during law school in 2002, and have been serving in the Army together for 20 years. Army

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Phillip N. Ash, left, commanding officer, 1st Marine Corps District, and John J. Hodgens, Chief of Department, Fire Department of New York, interact during the Fire Department of New York and Marine Corps Association 247th Birthday Celebration, Fort Hamilton, New York, Nov. 9, 2022. The annual event gathers past and present service members from the FDNY, Marine Corps Fleet Force, and Marine Corps Reserve to honor traditions, build camaraderie, and remember past accomplishments.

Col. Brian Beachkofski, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Detachment 12s last commander, addresses the audience during a transition ceremony at the units headquarters in Boston, June 27. Det. 12 transitioned from a detachment to a division of AFLCMCs Digital Directorate.

NORFOLK, Va. (July 2, 2022) - Capt. Seth Mille, DDG 51 program manager, speaks about the Arleigh Burke-class program outlook during the 31st Commissioning Anniversary and Celebration Dinner, July 2, 2022. July 4, 2022 marks 31 years since the U.S. Navy commissioned the first Aegis-equipped guided-missile destroyer, USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51).

SAN DIEGO (May 23, 2022) Rear Adm. Bradley N. Rosen gives a speech during the change of command ceremony on board Naval Air Station North Island. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Bradley N. Rosen relieved Rear Adm. Stephen D. Barnett as commander, Navy Region Southwest.

U.S. Army Gen. Mark Alexander Milley, Chief of Staff, listens intensly to questions asked by the press at Walter E. Washington Conference Center in Washington, D.C., October 9th, 2017. The Association of the United States Army is a nonprofit educational and professional development organization serving America's Army, Soldiers, Army civilians, and their families.

Vice Adm. Doug Perry addresses U.S. 2nd Fleet staff and guests during a change of command ceremony aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Vice Adm. Daniel Dwyer was relieved by Vice Adm. Doug Perry as commander, Joint Force Command Norfolk, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, and director, Combined Joint Operations from the Sea - Centre of Excellence. U.S. 2nd Fleet employs maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic to ensure access, deter aggression, and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Lt. Col. Thomas Shine assumed command of the 193rd Special Operations Support Squadron during a change of command ceremony in Middletown, Pennsylvania, Jan. 7, 2024. The presiding officer for the ceremony was Col. Gordon Frankenfield, 193rd Special Operations Group commander.

LT. GEN. Tom Kelly, director of operations for the Joint STAFF, answers a question about Operation Desert Storm as Rear Adm. Mike McConnell, director of intelligence for the Joint STAFF, stands by during a press briefing at the Pentagon. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomes General Eduardo Enrique Zapateiro Altamiranda, Commander General of the Colombian National Army to the IADC campus at Ft. Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., April 6, 2022. During the visit General Zapateiro spoke to students and was inducted in to the IADC Hall of Honor. Additionally, he participated in an office call with leadership, received a college briefing and took a tour of the campus.

Chief Master Sgt. John Storms, command chief, Air Combat Command, discusses Agile Combat Employment at an Air and Space Force Association panel, on Sept. 20, 2022. Storms and other major command chiefs and a senior enlisted leader discussed the role Airmen have in ACE, as well as the future of the enlisted force.

Pentagon Press Secretary U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder conducts a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Jan. 23, 2024.

Chaplain John Schwartz gives the invocation during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 24, 2022. Col. Lola Washington assumed command of the 108th Mission Support Group from Col. Bernadette Maldonado who served as commander since May 2021.

041002-F-4800M-338. Base: Memphis-Shelby Iap State: Tennessee (TN) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael DiDio, outgoing commander of the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing, gives remarks during a Change of Command ceremony at the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2022. During the ceremony, outgoing 180FW commander, DiDio, relinquished command to Col. Chad Holesko.

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Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder conducts a press briefing in the Pentagon Press Briefing room at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 27 2022.

Lt. Col Jacob Helgestad speaks during a Memorial Day flag raising and dedication event, May 26, 2022 at Medica headquarters in Minnetonka. The ceremony commemorated the first time a U.S. flag was raised at Medica. It also gave service members of the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment an opportunity to thank Medica for their support while deployed. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Romanian Minister of Defense Angel Tîlvăr, left, speaks with Maj. Gen. Julian Cheater, assistant deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for international affairs, and Nicolas Dean, Air Force foreign policy advisor, before a meeting at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., March 31, 2023. Tîlvăr and Kristyn Jones, assistant secretary of the Air Force for financial management and comptroller, performing the duties of the undersecretary of the Air Force, discussed U.S. commitment to the transfer of F-16 fighter aircraft from Norway and the importance of the U.S.-Romania strategic partnership.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Chiefs of Delegation and Alumni from 36, 41, 43, 46, 47, 49, 54, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 and 61 for a 60th anniversary Celebration on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Oct. 7, 2022. During the celebration visitors participated in a campus tour, a Panel on Ethics and Strategic Leadership, a BBQ and an Alumni Recognition Ceremony, including the release of the 60th Anniversary Book Strengthening Strategic Leadership in the Americas.

GEN John A. Wickham Jr., U.S. Army CHIEF of STAFF, congratulates LGEN Alexander M. Weyand, Commanding General of the U.S. Army, Japan/IX Corps, after Weyand was presented with the Distinguished Service Medal during a ceremony at the Pentagon. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes General William Arnulfo López Chay, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of National Defense of Guatemala and other dignitaries to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 28, 2022. During the visit, General López attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, spoke with Class 62 students and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

Gen. Duke Richardson, Air Force Materiel Command commander, delivers remarks Oct. 15 during the Air Force Materiel Command International Ball in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. This years theme was “Year of the International Partner … An Evening of Intrigue.”

WASHINGTON (Sept. 7, 2022) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday addresses attendees at the 2022 Senior Enlisted Leadership Mess Symposium, Sept. 7, 2022. The Leadership Mess is composed of command master chiefs (CMC) serving numbered fleets, operational forces, and various flag officer details. The annual symposium is an opportunity for senior enlisted leaders to see, solve, and share best practices while exchanging ideas and feedback to leadership in an effort to improve the Navy.

Col. Carl Magnusson, 94th Airlift Wing commanders, speaks during Academy Day at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga, June 11. 2022. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Rep. Hank Johnson hosted the 2022 Academy Day at Dobbins. High school students met with congressional staffers to learn their service academy nomination process and spoke with representatives from West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, and other military accessioning sources throughout the morning.

031106-F-2828D-174. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, left, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. Jay Raymond speak before testifying at the House Armed Services Committee on the Department of the Air Forces fiscal year 2023 budget request, Washington, D.C., April 27, 2022.

Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Zachary Holden, narrates for Oregon Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Conners retirement ceremony, held on Dec. 3, 2022 at Camp Withycombe, Oregon. Conner served over 38 years in both the Active Duty Air Force and the Oregon Air National Guard with his final assignment serving as the State's Command Senior Enlisted Leader. (Photo by Aaron Perkins, OMD Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Sgt. Tyer Holloway, assigned to the U.S. Army National Guard, recites The Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

First Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden and Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Kathleen Hicks visit Fort Drum, NY, January 30, 2023. Dr. Biden's visit was geared toward making on post living better for Soldiers and their families.

Chief Master Sgt. Jason Shaffer, 88th Air Base Wing command chief, delivers the closing remarks May 14, 2022, for the Wright-Patterson Chief Master Sergeant Recognition Ceremony at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The event honored the Wright-Patt Airmen recently selected for promotion to the Air Forces highest enlisted rank.

The 2009 Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting and Exposition will run through Wednesday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., and is expected to draw more than 32,500 participants.

U.S. Air Force Col. Derek Salmi, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, renders his first salute as the 60th AMW commander during a change of command ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, July 27, 2022. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition of formal transfer of command, responsibilities and authority from one commander to another.

Col. Christopher Meeker, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, claps in congratulations for Airman Leadership School class 22-F graduates during their graduation ceremony Aug. 18, 2022 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. ALS is required for senior airmen selected for staff sergeant to teach them about leadership and Air Force culture and is open to eligible civilians.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Edward Cunningham, 110th Wing chief of safety, during his retirement ceremony at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Oct. 15, 2022. Cunningham served with the U.S. Marines and U.S. Air National Guard for twenty-three years.

Commander of the 908th Maintenance Group Lt. Col. Stuart Martin, addresses the audience during an Assumption of Command ceremony July 9, 2022 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Martin takes command of the 908 MXG as the unit is preparing for a potential remission from a tactical C-130H Hercules mission to being the Air Force's Formal Training Unit for the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, responds to a question during a media roundtable at Space Symposium, April 6, 2022.

Lt. Col. Stephen Frodsham, 192nd Wing inspector general, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard after a career of more than 22 years, on April 1, 2023, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard met with business leaders for a luncheon to discuss the skills National Guard service members bring to the workforce and how the National Guard can continue to work with business to strengthen the economy moving forward.

020920-D-9880W-120. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

120627-N-WL435-042 WASHINGTON (June 27, 2012) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert holds a press conference to give the public an update on the status of Navy. During the press conference Greenert announced Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West will retire this year and his relief as the 13th MCPON will be Fleet Master Chief Michael D. Stevens. Greenert also discussed the Navy's strategic 60-percent strategic balance of forces in the Asia-Pacific.

030417-M-9902V-029. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Foster State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: HQMC

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. listens to opening comments while testifying before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense for the Department of the Air Forces fiscal year 2023 budget request, Washington, D.C., May 17, 2022.

Pentagon Press Secretary U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder conducts a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Jan. 30, 2024.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Daniel McDonough, the commander of the Illinois Air National Guard, addresses the wing during a change of command ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, June 7, 2022. McDonough previously served as the 182nd Airlift Wing commander for four years.

Master Sgt. Michael Mathiesen, Force Protection Sustainment superintendent, delivers the keynote address during an Airman Leadership School graduation ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., May 19.

220524-N-YV347-1053 SAN PEDRO (May 24, 2022) Capt. David Webber, the Deputy Commander at Navy Recruiting Region West, discuss the benefits of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education) program on the USS Iowa (BB-61) in San Pedro, Ca. May 24, 2022. LAFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.

Pentagon Press Secretary U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder conducts a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Jan. 30, 2024.

ARLINGTON, Va. (Feb. 21, 2013) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert speaks to members of the American Society of Naval Engineers (ANSE) about advances in warfighting technology and techniques and how shipbuilders should incorporate those concepts as they forge ahead with new designs to compliment the modern maritime strategy.

U.S. Army Sgt. Tyer Holloway, assigned to the U.S. Army National Guard, prepares to engage the board panel while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

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