Military Ceremonies and Leadership Changes

Various military change of command ceremonies featuring officials delivering speeches. Flags and formal attire create a ceremonial atmosphere.

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

Maj. Gen. William Ryan III, commander, First Army Division West, was the guest speaker at the City of Gatesville Military Appreciate Fish Fry, held at the Gatesville Civic Center, Feb. 23, 2034. The fish fry is an expression of thanks for the United States Army Reserve and National Guard Soldiers who complete pre-mobilization and de-mobilization training at North Fort Cavazos. Army

The second annual Michigan Military & Veterans Gala provides an opportunity for networking and honoring of veterans and service members at the Lansing Event Center, Lansing, Mich., Nov. 5, 2022. The night featured a formal presentation of awards to veterans, service members and those who advocate for them throughout the 2022 year.

Opening ceremony unveiling the new Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, National Park Service officials including Gettysburg Superintendent John Latschar, representatives of The Gettysburg Foundation, and Civil War movie actor Stephen Lang among the dignitaries delivering remarks

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

220812-N-IT566-0039 FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (Aug. 12, 2022) Capt. Ann Case, commander of Navy Medicine Training Support Center, speaks during a ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the death of Hospitalman John E. Kilmer. Kilmer was killed, during the attack on Bunker Hill in Korea, while using his body to shield another man from enemy fire. On June 18, 1953, Kilmers mother and brother were presented the Medal of Honor for his actions on Aug. 12, 1952.

Jim Lehrer, of "The Newshour With Jim Lehrer," speaks to an audience at the Museum of Aviation, about his book, "Special Prisoner", about a B-29 pilot and World War II POW who encounters his torturous captor fifty years later. Base: Warner Robins Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Stephen Wilson, 39th vice chief of staff of the Air Force, provides an introduction for guest speaker retired U.S. Air Force Col. Cesar "Rico" Rodriguez during the U.S. Air Force 75th Ball at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, Sept. 17, 2022. The theme of this year's Air Force Ball was "Proud Past, Promising Future," and allowed participants to connect, engage and boost morale among the active duty, reservists, civilians, and private sector partners to foster an ongoing kinship within the Military City, USA, community.

DN-ST-88-00837. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Gen. James Rainey, Commanding General, U.S. Army Futures Command, serves as the keynote speaker Mar. 29 at the AUSA Global Force Symposium. His topic was transforming the Army for war-winning future readiness.

Lee Shelby explains how different types of gloves offer protection while working with electrical equipment to Marines at Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, February 15, 2024. Marine Corps

John Pentangelo, Director of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, provides some opening remarks before a presentation about the Battle of Midway onboard Naval Station Norfolk on Friday, June 3, 2022. The museum is located on the second floor of the Nauticus building in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia. The museum is one of ten U.S. Navy Museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command.

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve hosted its 50th Anniversary dinner at the Harvest Ridge Winery in Marydel, Delaware, June 29, 2022. The ESGR presented a Patriotic Employer Award, several Seven Seals Awards and a few Above and Beyond Awards. The ESGR offers employer programs and provides insight into the duties of Reservists and Guardsmen across all branches of the military.

The top teams from each JROTC service branch - Navy, Air Force, Army, and Marines - competed against each other in Washington D.C. June 24-27 at the Junior Academic Bowl (JLAB). This competition demonstrated the academic knowledge and skills learned in JROTC throughout the year. | Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

Professor Gerald Iguchi, a doctorate holder who serves as a history professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, gives his presentation May 19, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. The presentation was in support of Fort McCoy's observance of Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The heritage month recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States.

Attendees listen to opening remarks during the Space Conference of the Americas, Jan. 30, 2024 at U.S. Southern Command. During the conference, Department of Defense and U.S. government space leaders collaborated with counterparts from 11 Western Hemisphere nations to strengthen partnerships that benefit the people of the Western Hemisphere.

Lt. Gen. Donnie Walker, deputy commanding general of Army Materiel Command and senior commander of Redstone Arsenal, gives remarks that the Army Birthday dinner hosted by the Redstone-Huntsville Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, June 9 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Walker spoke of Redstone Arsenals integral role in military readiness and recognized attendees including current, former and future Soldiers, civilians, contractors, families, business and community leaders that support operations at the installation. | Photo by Lindsay Grant, Army Materiel Command Public Affairs Office

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

The Illinois National Guard Lincoln's ChalleNGe Academy color guard team prepares for the Posting of the Colors during a Gold Star Mothers and Family Day event Sept. 25 at the Crowne Plaza in Springfield, Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton presented flowers to family members of fallen heroes in attendance. Gov. Pritzker proclaimed September 25 as Gold Star Mothers Day in Illinois to recognize the mothers who suffered the supreme tragedy in the loss of their sons and daughters in wars and remember the sacrifices they have made. Since 1936, Gold Star Mothers and Family Day has taken place to recognize the loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty. (Illinois National Guard photo by Army Sgt. Trenton Fouche)

Former U.S. Army Spc. James McCloughan sings the national anthem during an inspirational conversation with Medal of Honor recipients in New York City on Nov. 9, 2022. Veterans Day New York is an annual public event that celebrates those who served and are currently serving in the U.S. military.

050725-A-7377C-007. Base: Camp Victory, Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Chief of Space Operations John W. Jay Raymond speaks during the USO service member of the year awards ceremony in National Harbor, Md., June 9, 2022. Staff Sgt. Ryan Daggett was named the Air Force service member of the year.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks participates in the Suicide Prevention recognition ceremony hosted by William Booth, Director, Defense Human Resources Activity, at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 7, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

Military delegation visiting Main Interior for Toys for Tots promotional event, meetings with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and other senior officials

050327-A-7003S-004. Base: Camp Victory, Baghdad Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Rear Adm. (lower half) Marsha Evans, assistant secretary of the Navy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, speaks with U.S. naval personnel while visiting the station. Base: Naval Station, Rota Country: Spain (ESP)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Russell Driggers, 502nd Air Base Wing, commander, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, provides closing remarks at the conclusion of the U.S. Air Force 75th Ball at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, Sept. 17, 2022. The theme of this year's Air Force Ball was "Proud Past, Promising Future," and allowed participants to connect, engage and boost morale among the active duty, reservists, civilians, and private sector partners to foster an ongoing kinship within the Military City, USA, community.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Russell Driggers, 502nd Air Base Wing, commander, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, provides closing remarks at the conclusion of the U.S. Air Force 75th Ball at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas, Sept. 17, 2022. The theme of this year's Air Force Ball was "Proud Past, Promising Future," and allowed participants to connect, engage and boost morale among the active duty, reservists, civilians, and private sector partners to foster an ongoing kinship within the Military City, USA, community.

Lynn Combs, a relative of Cpl. Donald L. Menken, a U.S. Army Korean War casualty who served in Company K, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, gives the eulogy during Menkens funeral at First Baptist Church in Ermine, Kentucky, May 14, 2022. Menken was reported missing in action after being wounded by artillery fire while guarding Outpost Harry on June 10, 1953, on a road to Seoul, Republic of Korea, in what is now the Demilitarized Zone and his remains were unaccounted for until Feb. 2, 2022, and then repatriated to the place Menken called home.

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (Aug. 16, 2022) - Puerto Princesa Vice Mayor Maria Nancy Socrates, speaks during the Pacific Partnership 2022 Philippines closing ceremony held aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

Commencement Address at the US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, 11:04AM. President John F. Kennedy delivers the commencement address to the graduating class of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.

Retired Master Sgt. Andrea Motley Crabtree, reflects on her struggles as a Soldier during the Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Jan. 19 at the Lee Theater. Crabtree is the Army's female deep sea diver. (photo by T. Anthony Bell)

President's Call to Service Award ceremony and reception for volunteers at the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne joining the National Park Service's Chief Historian for the Memorial, Daniel Martinez, among the dignitaries on hand

Alex Flanagan, left, a former National Football League sportscaster, and Eric Weddle, a former American Football safety in the National Football League, lead a discussion at the Camp Pendleton Theater and Training Center on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sept. 13, 2022. Weddle visited Marines on Camp Pendleton to discuss the importance of rest and recovery.

070315-M-0049M-016. Base: Mcb Camp S.D. Butler State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN)

GEN John G. Lorber, Commander, Pacific Air forces, speaks at his Pacific Air Forces Order of the Sword ceremony held in the Tradewinds enlisted Club. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220712-N-TH560-0078 NORFOLK, Va. (July 12, 2022) - The winners of the Capt. Joy Bright Hancock and Master Chief Anna Der-Vartanian Awards are recognized at the Joint Womens Leadership Symposium. The awards are presented annually to honor the leadership of Sailors who go above and beyond to foster an inclusive culture in the Navy.

HONIARA, Solomon Islands (Aug. 30, 2022) - Russell Comeau, U.S. Charge dAffaires for the Solomon Islands, gives remarks during the Pacific Partnership 2022 Solomon Islands opening ceremony at Unity Square during PP22. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership is a unifying mission that fosters enduring friendships and cooperation among many nations. The years mission in Solomon Islands will include participants from the United States, Japan and Australia.

Mr. Kristian Prikk, the Estonian Ambassador to the United States, gives a speech during an award ceremony in Washington D.C., Feb. 23, 2024.The Marines were awarded with the Estonian Rescue Board Lifesaving Medal from the Estonian Ambassador to the United States for heroic actions by rendering medical assistance to an injured Estonian civilian. Marine Corps

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

Mr. Robert Naething, deputy to the commanding general of United States Army North, speaks during a United States Army Memorial Detachment award banquet, in San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 22, 2022. This award is given to the awardees for their selfless service in volunteering their own time to give back to military families by assisting in funeral honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Brig. Gen. Mark Alessia, Director of the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff, gives his remarks at the state of Illinois American Legion event at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield, Illinois, July 15. Alessia discussed the Illinois National Guards State Partnership Program with Poland, COVID-19 relief efforts and units deployed overseas.

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. John Wayne Troxell speaks to service members, civilians and spouses during a Hiring Our Heroes event at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Sept. 15.

230409-N-IX644-1096 IONIAN SEA (April 9, 2023) Cmdr. Michael Kennedy, shipÕs chaplain of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), prays during Easter Protestant service, April 9, 2023. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Event, including wreath-laying ceremony, honoring Interior law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement and Security Larry Parkinson, and other officials on hand to speak, pose with law enforcement staff from respective bureaus

U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Diehl, 509th Bomb Wing commander, provides remarks during the 5th Annual Base Community Council Bomber Ball at the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, Missouri, Nov. 18, 2022. The BCC is made up of 18 different communities and more than 200 members that enhance the relationship between Whiteman Air Force Base and local communities through various programs.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Caroline Miller, Commander, 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio, provides closing remarks during the Chief Master Sgt. recognition ceremony, Apr. 28, 2022, Magnolia Halle, San Antonio, Texas. Brig. Gen Miller was the presiding official for this event honoring all promotees to the rank of CMSgt.

Col. Randel Gordon, commander, Arnold Engineering Development Complex, speaks at the City of Tullahomas annual Veterans Day Ceremony held in the South Jackson Civic Center in Tullahoma, Tennessee, Nov. 11, 2022. The program was scheduled for outdoors but weather forced it indoors.

Brad Berry, University of North Dakota mens hockey coach, speaks during the 319th Reconnaissance Wings celebration of the Air Forces 75th birthday at the Ralph Englestad Arena in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Sept. 16, 2022. The theme for the ball called airmen to Innovate, Accelerate and Thrive, to celebrate what the Air Force was able to accomplish over the past 75 years of service and to look forward to a bright future.

Ms. Kristin Bukovec, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) Acting Quality Assurance manager, gives a brief during a Family Member Update (FMU) in Denver, Colorado, Sept. 10, 2022. Bukovec spoke on the recovery and identification process DPAA goes through in order to successfully identify missing service members. This was one of many formal presentations, question and answer sessions, and one-one-one discussions designed to keep family members informed of DPAAs mission to account for those still missing while addressing their individual needs.(DPAA Photo by Lt. Col. Tamara R. Fischer-Carter)

Jim Laster, president and chief executive officer of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots foundation, speaks at the Inspector-Instructor (I&I) Orientation Training in New Orleans, Jan. 9, 2024. This annual training provides guidance to newly assigned I&I staff by giving them the tools and resources necessary to support the Marine Forces Reserve's ongoing mission to augment the active component.

FRANCO BAHAMONDE, FRANCISCO MILITAR Y POLITICO ESPA¿ÑOL. EL FERROL 1892-1975. JEFE DE ESTADO ESPA¿OL 1937-1975 APERTURA DE LAS CORTES EN EL AÑO 1967.

Gold Star Mother Vonda Rodgers, the mother of Army Sgt. Joshua P. Rodgers, speaks following the Gold Star 500. Joshua Rodgers was killed in action on April 27, 2017 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan. The Gold Star 500 riders arrived at the Great Lakes Community Center, part of the Naval Station Great Lakes near North Chicago, Illinois, on Sept. 24. Several Illinois National Guard active and retired service members participate in the ride that raises awareness of the approximately 300 Illinois service members who have fallen since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, including 34 members of the Illinois National Guard. This year's Gold Star 500 included 16 Polish riders who learned of the 5-day event through the Illinois National Guard's State Partnership Program with the Polish military. The Polish riders included seven Polish Army Soldiers, six students and three Polish Gold Star Family members. The Illinois Army National Guard co-deployed with Polish first to Iraq and then to Af

221001-N-MW880-2022 ADRIATIC SEA (Oct. 01, 2022) Cmdr. Alexa Sandifer, gun boss of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), speaks during a Hispanic Heritage Month observance ceremony, Oct. 01, 2022. The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

The National Anthem is sung by Suzy Cunningham, NASA Strategy and Integration manager, during a Veterans Day observance ceremony held in the Kennedy Space Centers Training Auditorium in Florida on Nov. 7, 2019. During the event, Kennedy was named a Purple Heart Entity by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, becoming the first NASA center to receive this designation for support and services provided to veterans through the spaceports Veterans employee resource group. Attendees included Kennedy employees and more than 20 Purple Heart recipients. Following the award presentation, Christopher Vedvick, a combat wounded veteran and Military Order of the Purple Heart department of Florida commander, spoke about his experience serving in the United States Army before retiring, his involvement in the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the purpose of the organization.

The U.S. Army Support Activity Celebrated a Change of Command on 21 July 2022. The outgoing Commander COL Jon A. Brierton had passed the colors to incoming Commander COL Mitchell J. Wiesniewski. The Ceremony had taken place at Fort Dix on Sharp Field with family, friends, service members and civilians in attendance. During the Ceremony Remarks were made by Commanding General of the 99th Readiness Division Major General Rodney L. Faulk. Also in attendance and remarks were read by the Director of IMCOM-Readiness Ms. Brenda Lee McCullough, she has held the position as Director of IMCOM-Readiness since 27 November 2016. Farewell remarks were made by Outgoing Commander COL Jon. A. Brierton with his thankful words to the Fort Dix Military and Civilian workforce as he showed much appreciation during his time as Commander. The Incoming Commander COL Mitchell J. Wiesniewski followed by addressing the attendees during his remarks on a very hot morning stating he was ready for the position and i

U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo delivers a keynote address at the VFW Annual Convention, in Orlando, Florida on July 22, 2019.

RADM Alan Reyes, Deputy Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command, provides some remarks as the keynote speaker during an unveiling and dedication of a Virginia Historical Marker honoring Filipino Sailors in the U.S. Navy on May 28, 2022. The event occurred at the Philippine Cultural Center of Virginia in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Fort Leavenworth Hall of Fame (HOF) Induction Ceremony.. Photographs Relating to Disasters and Emergency Management Programs, Activities, and Officials

Four dormitories were memorialized in honor of Master Sgt. John E. Allen, A2C George M. Bevich, Jr., Senior Airman Jason D. Cunningham, and Staff Sgt. Anissa A. Shero during a ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. June 14, 2022.

220914-A-SV210-215ORLANDO, Fla. - Jesse Campos, the Chief Engineer for Product Manager, Cyber Test and Training at the Armys Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), speaks to local chief engineers and systems architects during PEO STRI Modernization Industry Day at the Tech Grove campus in Orlando, Fla., Sept. 14. The event, offered both virtually and in person, served as an opportunity for PEO STRI officials to engage with industry and address the vision, goals, challenges and benefits for a PEO STRI Modernization Enterprise Architecture. PEO STRI leads a skilled and diverse workforce and works with high-caliber Army partners to enhance operational readiness and support the Armys modernization efforts by fielding and sustaining the next generation of multi-domain operations testing, training, and information operations capabilities. (Official Army photo by Donnie W. Ryan)

WASHINGTON (January 9, 2024) -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti gives the keynote address at the Surface Navy Association's 36th Annual National Symposium at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Washington D.C., Jan. 9. The symposium is a three-day conference that provides an opportunity for discussions on a broad range of professional and career issues for the surface Navy.

U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Davidson, 51st Fighter Wing vice commander, gives congratulatory remarks during the Korean Defense Veterans Association Alliance Education Conference at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea Nov. 18, 2022. The ROK-U.S. alliance has been prevalent for the past 68 years since the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty that formally established it in 1953.

Soesterberg, September 27, 2001 © Peter Wiezoreck Photo: Lieutenant Colonel Ludden Commander of the natres appeals to the room.

The seating area for guests attending the commissioning ceremony for the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS SALT LAKE CITY (SSN 716). Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - USS Monitor 30th Anniversary

230131-A-SV210-253ORLANDO, Fla. - Timothy F. Bishop, SES, deputy program executive officer for the U.S. Armys Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), delivers opening remarks on the first day of the Army Science Board

RENO, Nevada (Sept. 9, 2022) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday speaks during the Aviation Flag Panel at Tailhook Associations Hook 22, the largest annual naval aviation conference, in Reno, Nevada. Gilday traveled to Nevada and California, Sept. 8-13, to meet and speak with Sailors and Navy leaders.

Batanes Governor Marilou Orlina Cayco gives closing remarks on the final day of medical first responder (MFR) training in Batanes Province, Philippines, June 29, 2022. U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific Civil Affairs conducted MFR training for members of the Philippine military to provide them with the enhanced medical skills and confidence required to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster response care in times of crisis.

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