Military Ceremonies and Parades

Various military ceremonies showcasing soldiers in uniform during relinquishments of command and deployment send-offs, emphasizing discipline and solemnity.

Lt. Col. Paul Mendoza, the new commander of the 4th Battalion 3rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, awaits to be handed the 4-3 ADA colors during a change of command ceremony June 17, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The 4-3 ADA is the oldest Air Defense Battalion in the active U.S. Army and was originally constituted on May 9, 1794.

The Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division participates in the 1st CAB relinquishment of responsibility ceremony held at Marshall Air Field on Fort Riley, Kansas, Dec. 6, 2022. HHC was one of the units in attendance at the event that witnessed Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Serrano, the 1st CAB command sergeant major, relinquish his responsibility for the brigade.

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.

During the 78th Training Division's Assumption of Command Ceremony, Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Miguel L. Castellanos receives the colors from Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. John R. Hilton at Muscatatuk Urban Training Center, IN on April 27, 2022.

Maj. Gen. Bob D. Harter receives the 81st Readiness Division's guidon during his assumption of command ceremony held today at the 81st Readiness Division on Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. Harter, who officially assumed command of the 81st RD on September 20, 2022, most recently served as the Deputy Chief of the Army Reserve at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.Distinguished guests at this event included Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels, Chief of the Arm Reserve and Commanding General of U.S. Army Reserve Command; the Honorable Kevin Shwedo, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, South Carolina; Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, South Carolina Adjutant General; Mrs. Jennifer Harding, South Carolina State Chair, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve; Mr. George Sharpe, Staff Representative from the office of U.S. Senator Tim Scott; Mr. Sam Brick, United States Army Reserve Ambassador; Brig. Gen. Jason Kelly, Commanding General, U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson; Brig. Gen. (Ret) Jan Haigler;

Lt. Col. Paul Mendoza, the new commander of the 4th Battalion 3rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, awaits to be handed the 4-3 ADA colors during a change of command ceremony June 17, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The 4-3 ADA is the oldest Air Defense Battalion in the active U.S. Army and was originally constituted on May 9, 1794.

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

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron commemorate fallen defenders at Police Weeks closing ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 21, 2022. Former President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation in 1962 designating May 15 to May 21 as Police Week.

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

Service members assigned to the 17th Training Wing post the colors during the activation and assumption of responsibility for the 533rd Training Squadron, Detachment 1, at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 21, 2022. The activation of the 533rd TRS Det 1 officially establishes the Space Forces own organized intelligence technical training unit.

Pennsylvania Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 166th Regiment - Regional Training Institute stand in formation during the regiment's change of command ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, Pa. Jan 19, 2024.

New York Air National Guard Col Paul A Salas (left), the outgoing Commander of Joint Task Force Empire Shield, Brig. Gen. Isabel Smith, Director Joint Staff, New York National, and New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Jeffrey Roth, the incoming commander salute during the playing of the National Anthem during the task force change of command ceremony held at the Fort Hamilton Army Garrison Reserve Center, Brooklyn, NY, on May 9, 2022. The Army and Air National Guardsmen, along with members of the New York Guard and New York Naval Militia assigned to the task force , and serving in State Active Duty status conduct homeland security operations, in the New York City Metropolitan Area, to deter and prevent terrorist acts. (Photo by Division of Military and Naval Affairs New York Guard Cpt Mark Getman)

Maj. Gen. David Doyle, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division, speaks to 404th Aviation Support Battalion, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division at the 2024 Lt. Gen. Ellis D. Parker Award ceremony for best combat Service Support in the Department of the U.S. Army at 404th ASB Hangar, Fort Carson, Colorado on Feb. 12th, 2024. The Parker Award, a multi-component Department of the Army level award, recognized the battalion for the units excellence in accomplishing its mission essential task list. Army

The 430th Expeditionary Electronic Combat Squadron holds an Assumption of Command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 8, 2022. The primary purpose of an assumption of command is for subordinates to witness an officer formally assume responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit. These ceremonies preserve the tradition of military service and stimulate unit esprit de corps.

U.S. Army Capt. Jennifer Wain salutes at a change of command ceremony on Sept. 18, 2022 at the Flemington National Guard Armory. Capt. Wain replaced Capt. Clinton Bradley who was promoted to another assignment in the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pfc. Michael Hayes)

Col. Scott Lawson, commander of the 910th Operations Group, hands the 757th Airlift Squadrons unit flag to Lt. Col. Patrick Sines during an assumption of command ceremony at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, July 9, 2022. Sines assumed command of the 757th AS. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christina Russo)

U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Michael D. Stohler, commander, Indiana Air National Guard, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Michael E. Dixon participate in 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 Indiana Air National Guard state command chief.

U.S. Marine Corps senior drill instructors with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, dismiss their platoons during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 9, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 12- week transformation including training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions. Graduation ceremonies are held indoors when there is inclement weather.

U.S. Marines stand at attention for the playing of the national anthem during a change of command ceremony on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, June 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Jeremy Nelson, outgoing commanding officer, passed on the command of 3rd Landing Support Battalion to Lt. Col. Justin Hooker. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Soldiers assigned to the 42nd Infantry Division form up in front of their families, friends and distinguished guests during a ceremony marking their deployment to the Central Command area of responsibility, Rochester, N.Y., Jan. 11, 2020. The division headquarters are deploying to provide command and control to units and elements in theater.

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

The U.S. Army Reserve 319th Expeditionary Signal Battalion (ESB), conducted a change of command and uncasting of the colors ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas on June 1, 2022. The presiding official, Brig. Gen. Michael J. Dougherty, Deputy Commanding General, 335th Signal Command (Theater), participated in the ceremony with the outgoing Commander, Lt. Col. Douglas Ullrich, and the incoming Commander Lt. Col. Stephanie Lee.

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.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Oscar Moreno, outgoing Senior Enlisted Advisor, 512th Field Hospital holds the battalion colors during his Relinquishment of Responsibility Ceremony, April 11, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Moreno will attend the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Maj. Naomi Ballard assumes command of the 477th Maintenance Squadron, August 28, 2022, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Col. Jonathan Gration, 477th Fighter Group commander, passed the guidon to Ballard, charging her with command over the 477th MXS. Ballard has served over 11 years in the Air Force, active duty and reserve.

The 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters company, Wisconsin Army National Guard, conducted a change-of-responsibility ceremony, October 15, 2022 at its headquarters company at Camp Douglas, WI. During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Walter R. Smithson relinquished responsibility of the headquarters company to 1st Sgt. Keith T. Graeme. (32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team photo by Staff Sgt. Kati Volkman/Released)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nicholas Gronlund, center, the outgoing commander of the 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, passes the 386th ECS guidon to Col. Clinton Wilson, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, during a change of command ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 27, 2022. Gronlund led over 120 Airmen, providing critical communications support to 6,000 joint service and coalition personnel across three bases.

168th Engineer Brigade Transfer of Authority

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

Col. David Halasi-kun, 104th Fighter Wing vice commander, Chief Master Sgt. Brett Barbee, former 104FW command chief, and Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Jeffers, 104FW command chief, salute the flag during a change of responsibility ceremony at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, May 14, 2022. Chief Barbee relinquished command to Chief Jeffers who is the new 104FW command chief.

1st Sgt. Tyler Heleine speaks during his Sept. 10 retirement ceremony on Camp Lincoln, Springfield. Heleine, the Sheriff of Coles County, Illinois, retired after more than 21 years of service in the Illinois Army National Guard including a 2004-2005 tour in Iraq with the 1544th Transportation Co.

U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Dan Trainor, the operations noncommissioned officer for the 773rd Civil Support Team, 7th Mission Support Command, passes the unit guidon to Sgt. 1st Class Jaewon Choi, as Choi relinquishes the responsibilities of the senior non-commissioned officer, during a change of responsibility ceremony, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, at Panzer Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. The 7th Mission Support Command is the U.S. Army Reserve presence in Europe. Comprised of 26 units across Germany and Italy, the 7th MSC provides logistical and sustainment support for U.S. Army Europe - Africa missions across the theater. For more stories and information on the 7th Mission Support Command, follow us on Facebook, @7thMSC. Army Reserve

On 13 May 2022 at the Fort Dix School House Auditorium the HHC USASA Fort Dix had a Change of Command. The outgoing CDR MAJ William Jolly relinquished Command to MAJ Justin Warrick. Family and Soldiers were present during the ceremony held in the Fort Dix Schoolhouse Auditorium. Comments were made by Base Commander COL John Brierton and MAJ Foster as the narrator of the ceremony. MAJ Jolly has been the HHC Commander for the base shortly after his completion of the General Staff Course at Fort Belvoir. We welcome MAJ Warrick to his new position as the incoming CDR here at the USASA Fort Dix Base. Prior to his arrival at Fort Dix MAJ Warrick had Commanded the 80th Engineer Company, held a position as a Cybersecurity Course Manager, and instructed for the Army National Guard at Camp Robinson, Arkansas. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Gloria Agron, unit senior enlisted soldier of the 2nd Battalion, 298th Regiment Multi-functional Regional Training Institute (RTI), Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), passes the unit guidon to Lt. Col. Phoebe Inigo, outgoing commander of the 2nd Battalion, 298th RTI, HIARNG, during the change of command ceremony in Waimanalo, Hawaii, January 7, 2024. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition within the Army which commemorates the relinquishment of command by passing the units colors from one officer to another.

U.S. Navy Capt. Nadji M. Hariri, the outgoing commanding officer of 2nd Dental Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, passes the battalion colors to U.S. Navy Capt. Sherry A. Caraveo, the commanding officer of 2nd Dental Battalion, during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Capt. Sherry A. Caraveo assumed command of 2nd Dental Battalion from Capt. Nadji M. Hariri.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Beeson, the U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training command sergeant major, shakes hands with Sgt. Tyler Stewart, distinguished leadership board winner of class 03-22, Advance Leaders Course at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy April 4, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

U.S. Army Col. Andrew Landers, commander, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center(LRMC), hands the command guidon to U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. OmarMascarenas, during an Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony at LRMC, June 16.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Chelsea Payne, incoming 354th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron (OMRS) commander, renders a first salute during the 354th OMRS assumption of command ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, July 27, 2022. The assumption of command ceremony announces the arrival of a units new commander.

U.S. Soldiers competing in the Armys first-ever Best Squad Competition receive instructions for a timed medical lane event on Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Sept. 30, 2022. Each squad competing in the Army Best Squad Competition consists of five Soldiers; a squad leader, which is a sergeant first class or staff sergeant; a team leader, which is sergeant or corporal; and three squad members in the ranks of specialist or below.

Command Sgt. Maj. Albert E. Richardson Jr., senior enlisted advisor, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, assumes the responsibility as the senior enlisted advisor for the 1st TSC during an assumption of responsibility ceremony at Fort Knox, Kentucky on May 11, 2022.

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division render a salute during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 10, 2024. During the ceremony, Lt. Col Charles Anklam, the outgoing battalion commander, relinquished command of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment to Lt. Col. Mark Paige.

U.S. Army Col. Scott J. Rankin, Dental Health Command Europe commander, holds the unit colors during an assumption of command ceremony in Sembach, Germany, Sep. 22, 2022. DHCE oversees command and control functions of three Dental Health Activities located throughout Europe.

U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Digerolamo, 35th Maintenance Group commander, delivers remarks about the incoming Fighter Generation Squadron (FGS) commanders, during a squadron activation ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 13, 2022. The newly activated squadrons will replace the 35th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, aligning the 35th Fighter Wing with the Combat Oriented Maintenance Organization concept employed at several fighter wings throughout the Air Force.

Lt. Col. Jared Thompson, outgoing 728th Air Mobility Squadron commander, renders his final salute to the squadron during the change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 3, 2022. During the ceremony, Thompson relinquished command to Col. Dawson Brumbelow, 521st Air Mobility Operations Group commander, who then charged Lt. Col. Matthew Bryan with leading the squadron. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility from one officer to another.

1st Sgt. Denise J. Lewis, outgoing Intelligence and Sustainment Company First Sergeant, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, passes the I&S Company guidon to Capt. Derrick R. Hall, commander of the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa I&S Company, during a Change of Responsibility ceremony on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy September 9, 2022. The Change of Responsibility ceremony represented the official passing of authority from the outgoing 1st Sgt. Denise J. Lewis to 1st Sgt. Curtis N. Thornton.

Alaska Army National Guard Col. Thomas Elmore delivers his remarks during a change of responsibility ceremony at the Alcantra Armory in Wasilla, Alaska, Aug. 1, 2022. Command Sgt. Maj. Julie Small relinquished responsibility as the 297th Regional Support Group's Senior Enlisted Leader Command Sgt. Maj. Ryan Weimer. (Alaska National Guard photo by Victoria Granado)

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Guy Miller, senior noncommissioned officer of the 628th Aviation Support Battalion, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, passes an NCO sword to Sgt. Maj. Ross Houck during a change of responsibility ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Jan. 20, 2024. The change of responsibility ceremony is a military tradition when the senior NCO leaves a leadership position, and a new NCO takes his place. This ceremony honors the departing NCO and provides official recognition of the new leader.

Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles (left), the adjutant general of Mississippi, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jimmy Graham and Col. Bobby M. Ginn, Jr., Mississippi Army National Guard deputy chief of staff for logistics (G4) stand together during Graham's retirement ceremony held at the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum's Grand Gallery at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi June 9, 2022.

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 226 reinforced (VMM-226) leadership cases their colors while VMM-364 (REIN) uncases their colors during a transfer of authority ceremony April 1, 2023, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The VMM provides critical support for multiple operations within Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africas area of interest.

Lt. Col. Misty Bartley assumes command of the 72nd Aerial Port Squadron on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Oct. 15, 2022. The 72nd APS Airmen stood in formation to welcome Bartley as their new commander.

U.S. Army Cpt. Gideon Bernthal, 22nd Space Company Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS) 1st Space Battalion incoming commander, takes command during a change of command ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 19, 2022. JTAGS primary mission is to provide in theater ballistic missile early warning. This is achieved by manning and operating forward-based JTAGS units in Italy, Qatar, Korea and Japan.

Hawaii Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD), 103rd Troop Command render a salute in formation during a deployment ceremony at Pearl City, Hawaii, Aug. 7, 2022. The 117th MPAD is being mobilized in support of the European Deterrence Initiative and will provide direct public affairs coverage to contingency operations abroad.

Wyoming Army National Guard, Simon, and Colas leadership gathered at the Joint Force Readiness Center in Cheyenne, Wyo., on June 28, 2023, for a momentous ceremony. The Wyoming Army Guard celebrated the signing of its first corporate sponsor, Simon, a Colas Co., to the Army Partnership for Your Success Program.

12th Combat Aviation Brigade (12 CAB), Soldiers, Family and members of the Ansbach community, gathered for the Change of Responsibility Ceremony for the outgoing Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Zane B. Hansen to the incoming Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle P. Clutter. The ceremony took place in Hangar 2 on the Katterbach Airfield, Ansbach, Germany, Feb. 16, 2023.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Ammon Hennessee, 23rd Maintenance Squadron commander, center, assumes command during a change of command ceremony at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 23, 2022. Hennessee assumed command of the 23rd MXS after serving as the commander of the 75th Fighter Generation Squadron. A change of command ceremony is a traditional event that symbolizes the transfer of authority and responsibility from one officer to another.

POLAND Friday, February 9th 2023, HHC Brigade Archangels welcome CPT Grant Moyer as the new commander.We thank CPT Olivia Lynch for her for the time and energy and wish her all the best on her future endeavors!(

U.S. Air Force Maj. Christopher Wood, 420th Munitions Squadron outgoing commander, speaks during a change of command ceremony at RAF Welford, England, May 26, 2022. During the ceremony, Wood relinquished command of the 420th MUNS to Maj. Preston Smith.

WHITE BEACH, Japan (Sept. 20, 2022) Vice Adm. Yancy Lindsey, Commander, Navy Installations Command, listens to a port operations brief given by Boatswains Mate 1st Class Curtis Grafton as he tours Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa (CFAO) White Beach Naval Facility. CFAO maintains and operates facilities to support the U.S. Navy's naval and aviation assets in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron commemorate fallen defenders at Police Weeks closing ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 21, 2022. Former President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation in 1962 designating May 15 to May 21 as Police Week.

Ali Al Salem Base Honor Guard members march to the base theater stage during the 22nd Expeditionary Combat Weather Squadron change of command ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 10, 2022. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Zachariah Reinebold relinquished command to Maj. Mindy Pearson.

U.S. Air Force Airman Bronson Navarro, 110th Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle maintenance specialist, was presented with a commanders coin, by the 110th Wing Commander, Col. Shawn Holtz, April 9, 2022. Navarro came back from tech school with a positive attitude and dedicated his time to a temporary technician position following his Mission Essential Skills Training. He performed quality control inspections; processing 60+ work orders error free-- optimizing Fleet readiness, and capabilities. (Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Bethany Rizor)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas Sherman, Security Forces director, talks to members of the 802nd Security Forces Squadron during guard mount, March 30, 2023, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Sherman and Gallaghers visit to JBSA-Lackland was to brief the current state of security forces from the top and to recognize the top performers within the 802nd SFS.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Thomas Treacy, a career counselor with the Pennsylvania National Guard, presents a streamer to the 2-104th General Support Aviation Battalion, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade in honor of the battalion's excellence in Soldier retention.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Sage, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing commander, addresses 332d AEW members during a combined inactivation ceremony at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, April 6, 2022. This group inactivation signifies a shift in the 332d AEWs organizational structure to an A-Staff construct, mirroring major commands and Air Force headquarters to more readily identify staff equivalents at the joint operating level; it optimizes internal communication and creates more efficient interfacing with other services.

Pennsylvania Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler and Deputy Adjutant General-Army Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh recognize Sgt. 1st Class Amadou Traore for being named the Army National Guard Directors Recruiting and Retention Noncommissioned Officer of the Year April 28, 2022, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. Traore, a recruiter with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalions Delta Company, won the title at the Directors Strength Maintenance Awards Competition April 1 in St. Augustine, Florida.

Lt. Col. Kurt Taylor, Chaplain, 110th Wing Battle Creek Air National Guard, addresses service members during an awards ceremony honoring Master Sgt. Christopher Kronenwetter, Michigan Air National Guard Chaplain Corps Superintendent June 4, 2022, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich. Master Sgt. Kronenwetter was awarded the 2021 Air Force Chaplain Corps Minuteman Award by Col. Leah Boling, Director, Air National Guard Chaplain Corps. The award is given annually to one Religious Affairs Airman for excellence in his/her field, and for going above and beyond typical responsibilities. Kronenwetters leadership nominated him for the 2021 Minuteman Award for his outstanding work in the Wing and the State of Michigan. He contributes his success to a supportive family, leadership, and peers that cultivate an environment for professional growth.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Zeller, the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment senior enlisted advisor, prepares to case the battalions colors during a ceremony at Fort Bliss Tx., Sep. 6. The units colors were cased to signify that the unit has finished its training and is ready to deploy overseas. The colors will be unfurled in Africa when the unit assumes responsibility for a security mission as part of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

U.S Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jamie Mahan with the 182nd Operations Group, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a portrait at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, April 2, 2023. Mahan was recognized for winning the wing level 182d Airlift Wing 2023 Outstanding Airmen of the Year award in the Non-commissioned Officer category.

Formation Members of the 911th Airlift Wing congregate for a commanders call, April 2,2023, at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania. The 911th Airlift Wing gathers on a monthly basis for unit training assemblies.

Members of the 910th Security Forces Squadron pose for a photo with Brig. Gen. Roy W. Collins, director of security forces, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, while holding a trophy commemorating the unit being named the security forces outstanding Air Reserve component of the year for 2021, June 4, 2022, at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio. Collins visited the 910th SFS during the June unit training assembly to present the trophy and observe the units operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christina Russo)

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

Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, salute a Soldier Cross memorial erected in honor of Pfc. Alyssa Cahoon Sept. 16 at the Main Post Chapel. Cahoon attended Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson with her identical twin sister when she collapsed during a training event and passed away five days later surrounded by her sister and Family.

Airmen and Guardians welcome the ambassadors and staff members of the Air Force Wounded Warrior Project at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, August 9, 2022. The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program ambassadors and staff speak about their program aiming to provide a refined, simplified transition back to duty or in civilian life for service members.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- U. S. Space Force (USSF) Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting, left, Commander of Space Operations Command, receives the Space Delta 9 guidon from outgoing unit commander, USSF Colonel Casey Beard at a change of command ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado June 21, 2022. During the ceremony, Whiting transferred command of the Delta From Beard to incoming commander, USSF Colonel Mark Bigley.

Lt. Col. Jeremy Lawhorn, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, XVIII Airborne Corps, speaks at the Data Warfare Company activation ceremony on June 1, 2022, at Fort Bragg, N.C. The Data Warfare Company, which was established on April 1 2022, provides the foundation of innovation project management and development in support of Americas Contingency Corps. Based at Fort Bragg, NC, it will be fully mission capable in July 2022.

A 5-Soldier team from the Illinois Army National Guard's 6th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade will deploy to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Area of Responsibility. Logistics Advisor Team 6611 will team up with the 5th SFAB at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, before deploying. Pictured is Staff Sgt. Emmanuel Berrios of Lindenhurst, Ill., hugging a friend at the team's Aug. 7 mobilization ceremony on Rock Island Arsenal, Ill.

Sgt. Grant Browder holds the guide on for the 202nd Army Band during their change of command ceremony at Wellman Armory on Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky., September 24, 2022.

Chaplain (Col.) Michael F. McDonald, the command chaplain for 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, officiates the ceremonial appointment of Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John E. Scott as the new division chaplain for 3rd ID during an Assumption of Stole ceremony at the Marne Chapel on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sept. 28, 2022. The division chaplain is responsible for advising the commanding general on matters of religion, morals and morale, ensuring Soldiers and Families have freedom to practice their religion, and leading religious support operations for the division.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. poses for a group photo with Airmen assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing during a visit to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 12, 2022. Brown visited Eielson as part of his tour of the Indo-Pacific region to meet with partners and allies and engage with Airmen.

U.S. Air Force Col. James Reaves, 60th Maintenance Group commander, salutes during the 60th Air Mobility Wing change of command ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, July 27, 2022. Gen. Kenneth Bibb, 18th Air Force commander, presided over the ceremony as Col. Derek Salmi assumed command of the wing from Col. Corey Simmons.

U.S. Army Col. Kevin Jackson, 19th Battlefield Coordination Detachment commander, presents the Army Achievement Medal to Staff Sgt. Carissa Elam on Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 15, 2022. Elam, 721st Aerial Port Squadron special handling supervisor, was recognized for her knowledge and expertise which enabled the swift delivery and joint movement of critical aid to bolster European defense initiatives against Russian aggression. The 19th BCD conducts liaison between U.S. Army Europe and Africa or designated Army Forces/Land Component Command and the 603rd Air and Space Operations Center to coordinate air power and ground capabilities across the range of military operations within the U.S. European Command and U.S. African Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Stangl, commander of the 48th Maintenance Group, left, and Maj. Nathan Stroupe, commander of the 492nd Fighter Generation Squadron, right, participate in the 492nd and the 494th FGS activation and assumption of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 21, 2022. The new fighter generation squadrons will replace the 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

The 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Commander, U.S. Army Lt. Col. John R. Abella, foreground right, talks to the audience during a celebration of fifteen years partnership between the battalion and the community of Freihung, Germany, June 22, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. David Vanderburg (left), 97th Mission Support Group commander, passes a guidon to Lt. Col. Lara Styles-Smith, 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) commander, at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, June 10, 2022. The 97th LRS delivers agile logistics in support of the Air Force's sole C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46 Pegasus formal training units.

U.S. Army Col. Jorge M. Fonseca, left, commander, Area Support Group Poland, Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Trughon, center, command sergeant major, Installation Management Command Europe and Mr. Tommy R. Mize, director, IMCOM Europe, pay respects during the playing of the Polish and United States national anthems at Camp Kosciuszko, Poznan, Poland, Nov. 8, 2022. Soldiers from ASG-Poland participated in a ceremony, where they removed their current patch and replaced it with the IMCOM patch. ASG-Poland and IMCOM are responsible for delivering quality base services and support functions to service members and Department of the Army Civilians in order to centralized base operations and improve the quality of life for personnel.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers gather to commemorate the command tenure of U.S. Army Reserve Col. Trent E. Loiseau at the Medical Support Unit - Europe, and to welcome U.S. Army Reserve Col. Faith Junghahn as she assumes command during a change of command ceremony, Sep 11, 2022 at Kleber Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

U.S. Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 28th Infantry Division, and their families are honored during a deployment ceremony at Zembo Shrine Auditorium. These Soldiers are deploying to the Middle East for a year in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Col. Marcia Cole, 144th Maintenance Group commander, Col. Ceasar Gonzales, outgoing 144th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and Maj. Ishmael Macedo, incoming 144th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron stand at attention during the National Anthem at their Change of Command ceremony, Sept. 11, 2022, at the Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif. Maj. Macedo became the commander of the 144th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as Col. Gonzales relinquished command.

Lt. Col. Stephen Addington, previous 509th Bomb Wing Security Forces commander(right), relinquishes command with the guidon to Col. Christopher Schlak, 509th Mission Support Group commander(left), at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 29, 2022. The guidon represents the authority of a commander that is passed on to another.

The North Carolina National Guard holds a deployment ceremony for the 112th Financial Management Support Detachment of the 113th Sustainment Brigade at the NCNG armory in Siler City, N.C., Dec. 4, 2022. The nearly 25 Soldiers will deploy for Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Cody Anderson, right, a logistics readiness officer with the 182nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, assumes command of the 182nd Force Support Squadron in Peoria, Illinois, Oct. 2, 2022. FSS provides services in personnel, promotions, education, training, recreation, and fitness.

Chief Master Sgt. Sean Fretwell, 192nd Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader, addresses newly promoted Chief Master Sgt. Carmen Daniels, 192nd Force Support Flight senior enlisted leader, during her promotion ceremony June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Chief master sergeants throughout the Virginia Air National Guard presented Daniels with her own chief's head trophy as the 176th chief in the VaANG.

Ministry of Defense civilians, Police Force representatives, and military members composed the graduates of today's graduation. US Army photo by SPC Jaden Witt.

U.S. Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General, U.S. Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Chris Blomquist, Chief of Staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard and U.S. Air National Guard Chaplain, Col. Dan Pulju, Minnesota Joint Force Headquarters State Chaplin, stand at attention during the posting of the colors during Brig. Gen. Blomquists promotion ceremony. Sept. 10, 2022, at the 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth, Minn., The Posting of The Colors is performed during major events, ceremonies, and promotions.

Soldiers who competed in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, present their engraved Minnesota shaped plaques during an awards ceremony. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

United States Air Force Lt. Gen. Ricky N. Rupp, left, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, and Col. Jesse J. Friedel, right, 35th Fighter Wing (FW) outgoing commander, congratulate Col. Michael P. Richard, center, 35th FW incoming commander, after his assumption of he assumes command during the 35th FW change of command ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 30, 2022. The change of command ceremony formally transferred command of the 35th FW from Friedel to Richard.

Ryan Holiday, an American author, modern Stoic, and public-relations strategist, speaks to Joint Base Andrews team members at the Club at JBA, Md. April 11, 2023. Holiday answered questions from the audience about different stoic techniques and how to incorporate them into everyday life.

Hawaii Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD), 103rd Troop Command stand at parade rest in formation during a deployment ceremony at Pearl City, Hawaii, Aug. 7, 2022. The 117th MPAD is being mobilized in support of the European Deterrence Initiative and will provide direct public affairs coverage to contingency operations abroad.

Command Chief Master Sgt David Wade, Air Combat Command was presented with a gift for his efforts behind the scenes for the past 2 years of Sword Athena. ACC's Sword Athena 2022 members hosted a professional development event Mar. 28 - Apr. 1 at Langley Air Force Base. Sword Athena is a group of Airmen, officers and civilians working to identify potential challenges and barriers, present them to senior leaders and collaborate to present solutions to the commander of ACC.

Lt. Col. Eric J. Tolska assumed command of the Battalion during the ceremony. (New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen)

Five Soldiers are slated to represent the Cyber Protection Brigade at the U.S. Army Cyber Command Best Squad Competition in August. They are (left to right) Staff Sgt. Olivia Benford, Headquarters and Company A., 1st Cyber Battalion; Spc. Jason Hernandez, Headquarters and Co. A., 1st Cyber Bn.; Spc. Mikel Copeland, Company B, 60th Offensive Cyber Operations Signal Battalion; Spc. Isaiah Barragan, Company A, 60th OCO (SB); and Sgt. Josalynn Weaver, Company C, 2nd Cyber Battalion.

of 3