Military Ceremonies and Promotions

Images of military personnel during promotions, oaths, and retirement ceremonies, highlighting camaraderie and tradition within armed forces.

General James Mingus, Vice Chief of Staff of The Army, delivered presiding remarks to the audience as the ceremony prepares to swear in Brigadier General Andrew Saslav, February 02, 2024, Fort Liberty N.C. Gen. Mingus served as the 82nd Airborne Division Commander from August 2, 2018 to July 10, 2020. Army

U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. George W. Smith Jr., the commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force, hands a piece of cake to Lance Cpl. Frida Ponce as the youngest Marine present at a Marine Corps Birthday Ball celebration at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California, Oct. 28, 2022. Marines with I MEF hosted the ball to mark the 247th birthday of the Corps, and honor the legacy of past generations of Marines.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Seth Allen, University of Connecticut ROTC professor of military science, administers the oath of office to Cadet Michael Cotto, left, Cadet David Crowe, center, and Cadet Brian Goggin, right, during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. Each officer must recite the oath of office upon receiving their commission, during which they will swear to defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, pledge to bear true allegiance to the United States and to faithfully perform the duties of the office they are about to enter.

Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Edwards (right), command sergeant major for the Vermont Army National Guard, congratulates Brig. Gen. David Manfredi, the Vermont National Guard director of joint staff, and his wife, Kathy, after Manfredi's retirement ceremony May 26, 2022 at Camp Johnson, Vermont. Manfredi retired May 26 after more than 30 years of service, including assignments as commander of the 124th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) and commander of the 3-172nd Infantry (Mountain). He deployed to Afghanistan twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Sgt. Maj. Timothy Jensen, G3/5/7 Operations sergeant major, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, presents the U.S. flag to Sgt. 1st Class Joel OMalley, Sexual Assault Response coordinator, ASC and Rock Island Arsenal, Sept. 27, at the installation quarterly retirement ceremony. Flanking OMalley is Maj. Gen. David Wilson, commanding general, U.S. Army Sustainment Command, and senior mission commander, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, who served as the host. (Photo by Linda Lambiotte, ASC Public Affairs)

Maj. Nathaniel Weander (center), deputy commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel during a ceremony held Jan. 22, 2024, at the district headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana. His wife Kristen and USACE New Orleans District commander Col. Cullen Jones pinned on his new rank during the ceremony that day.

U.S. Marines with 9th Marine Corps District, Western Recruiting District, Marine Corps Recruiting Command, celebrate the Marine Corps' 247th Birthday in Northbrook, Ill., November 4, 2022. Since 1921, the Corps has celebrated their birthday and honored the legacy of the U.S. Marine Corps at the Marine Corps Ball. November 10 is the official birthday of the Marine Corps.

Soldiers, Families and civilians congratulate Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph G. Harbour, outgoing garrison senior enlisted adviser, and his wife Lori Nov. 10 at Wilson Theater following a relinquishment of responsibility and retirement ceremony. Harbour had served as the garrisons command sergeant major since May 2020, capping off a 29-year military career.

Mason Tickner and Sheri Tickner, son and wife of Maj. Gen. Thomas J. Tickner, pin his major general rank on during Tickner's promotion ceremony at the Fort Hamilton Community Club April 7.

General James Mingus, Vice Chief of Staff of The Army, delivered presiding remarks to the audience as the ceremony prepares to swear in Brigadier General Andrew Saslav, February 02, 2024, Fort Liberty N.C. Gen. Mingus served as the 82nd Airborne Division Commander from August 2, 2018 to July 10, 2020. Army

Colonel Robert A. Sucher, commanding officer, Marine Barracks Washington, congratulates Staff Sgt. Hannah N. McFadden after the final evaluation of Ceremonial Drill School at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2022. This assessment is the culminating event of CDS, a three-week course designed to teach the intricacies of ceremonial drill in keeping with the high standards upheld at Marine Barracks Washington.

Brig. Gen. Joane Mathews, Wisconsins deputy adjutant general for Army, awards competitors with a coin during the award ceremony for the Wisconsin National Guard State Best Warrior Competition at Fort McCoy, Wis., April 10. Soldiers from the Wisconsin National Guard competed for the opportunity to represent Wisconsin at the regional event May 11-15 at Camp Ripley, Minn. (112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment photo by Staff Sgt. Bridget Vian)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Carlton W. Hassle, left, an aviator and director of the Vandegrift Team, with Deputy Commandant for Information presents a folded American flag to Col. Robert S. Morgan, right, the acting Chief of Staff of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command during Morgans retirement ceremony at Sewells Point Golf Course, Norfolk, Virginia, July 8, 2022. Morgan received various accolades during his time as an enlisted Marine and commissioned officer such as the Legion of Merit, Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. Morgan dedicated 34 years of faithful service to the U.S. Marine Corps.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station New River, color guard march with colors during the 247th Marine Corps Ball, in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, Nov. 5, 2022. A celebration for the Marine Corps birthday is held every year to reflect on the traditions, history and legacy of the Marine Corps.

Army Reserve Sgt. Brady A. Benedict (center), a military policeman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 345th Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 95th Training Division (Initial Entry Training), 108th Training Command (IET), stands at attention in front of fellow Soldiers and senior noncommissioned officers while he is promoted to the rank of sergeant by Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels (left), Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew Lombardo, command sergeant major, U.S. Army Reserve, during the Army Reserve Command Sergeant Major Panel held at the Association of The United States Army annual convention in Washington, D.C., October 12. Benedict was the top performing Soldier in the Army Reserve's recent Best Squad Competition that had teams competing from across all components in the Army. He was promoted early, out of the normal promotion cycle, due to his outstanding performance. (Official U.S. Army Reserve Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent C. Powell)

2nd Lt. Nicholas Henson of Byron, Illinois, has his new rank pinned on by his father, retired Lt. Col. Bryce Henson and Sgt. 1st Class William Rylko. Twenty-two Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and one U.S. Army Reserve Soldier graduated from the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) on Aug. 21, fulfilling the leadership and military education requirements to be commissioned as U.S. Army officers. The Illinois National Guard's Officer Candidate School transforms enlisted noncommissioned officers and qualified civilians into U.S. Army officers. The future leaders complete more than 661 hours of classroom and field instruction, must meet the commissioning standards of the U.S. Army and be examined, and approved by a federal recognition board.

The Joint Armed Forces Color Guard, along with Soldiers from the United States Army Band Pershings Own, present the colors before the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship Game between the University of Michigan Wolverines and the University of Washington Huskies on January 7-8, 2024 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.

U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Hollyanne Milley offer condolences to James Megellas following the funeral service for Megellas' grandfather, U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Megellas. in Section 75 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 2, 2022.Lt. Col. Megellas is considered the most decorated officers in the history of the 82nd Airborne Division. His awards include the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, and other military honors for his World War II European service. Lt. Col. Megellas is being considered for the Medal of Honor for his service and leadership during the Battle of the Bulge, an upgrade of the Silver Star he received for this service.

The family of U.S. Air Force Col. Asheleigh Gellner, the vice wing commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, pins on her new rank at a promotion ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. Gellner has 22 years of military service and transferred to the wing after graduating the U.S. Naval War College.

Pinning on the stars, General (Ret) Barry McCaffrey promoted Colonel Jason K. Kamiya, The Deputy Director for Strategy, Plans and Policy to the rank of Brigadier General (BGEN). Assisting with the pinning is BGEN Kamiya's wife, Carmen. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Gen Dustin Shulz (left), director of intelligence, U.S. Southern Command, administers the oath of office to U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Melissa Adamski (right), commander, Military Intelligence Readiness Command, during a promotion ceremony. Brig. Gen. Melissa Adamski was promoted in an event held at the National Museum of the United States Army, Ft. Belvoir, Va., Feb. 25, 2024. Army Reserve

Retired Maj. Gen. Deborah Ashenhurst (left), director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, presents the Ohio Military Hall of Fame for Valor medal to Joe Carter during the OMHOF Class of 2022 induction ceremony April 22, 2022, at the Ohio Statehouse Atrium in Columbus, Ohio. Carter is the son of retired Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey N. Carter, who was awarded the Silver Star Medal while serving with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. Following his service in the Regular Army, Carter, who died last January, joined the Ohio Army National Guard, serving with the 107th Armored Calvary and retiring as the command sergeant major of the 37th Brigade, 38th Infantry Division. The OMHOF recognizes Ohio veterans who were awarded medals for valor during their military service.

Members of the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity

Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, adjutant general of Mississippi, administers the oath of office to Col. Lawrence Austin, Sr., Mississippi Military Judge, during Austin's promotion ceremony at Grenada County Court House, Grenada, Mississippi, September 10, 2022. Col. Austin is tasked with overseeing the Mississippi National Guards Military Justice program and presiding over Courts Martial and administrative proceedings.

U.S. Air Force, Navy, and civilian counterparts give U.S. Air Force Col. Rebecca S. Elliot, 628th Medical Group commander, right, a standing ovation during the 628th MDG change of command ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 24, 2022. As the 628th MDG commander, she ensured 628th Air Base Wing and 437th Airlift Wing Airmen are medically prepared to support more than 60 Joint Base Charleston mission partners and combatant commanders worldwide.

BACH had five service members graduate from the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) June 10, 2022, at Cole Park Commons on Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The IPAP mission is to provide the uniformed services with highly competent, compassionate Physician Assistants who model integrity, strive for leadership excellence, and are committed to lifelong learning. Our graduates are commissioned into the officer corps of their respective service and take their place beside other military health care professionals in providing medical services to active duty military personnel, their dependents, and retirees.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Telita Crosland becomes the Defense Health Agencys fourth director at a ceremony held in Falls Church, Virginia, on Jan. 3. Crosland succeeds U.S. Army Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Ronald Place, who served as director since October 2019.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Devon Simpson, assigned to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, renders a salute to Sgt. Maj. of the U.S. Army Michael A. Grinston, 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.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Michael Cotto, left, a field artillery officer, renders his first salute as a newly commissioned second lieutenant to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brian Duckworth, right, a civil affairs team medic assigned to the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion, during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. The first salute, also known as the silver dollar salute, is a military tradition in which a newly commissioned officer renders their first salute as an officer to an enlisted soldier of their choosing, usually a noncommissioned officer who has mentored and guided the up and coming officer on their journey, and presents that soldier with a silver dollar coin as a sign of gratitude and respect.

Members of the base Honor Guard team march past audience members and the official party for the Combined Force Space Component Command (CFSCC) change of command ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Aug. 22, 2022. U.S. Army Gen. James H. Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander, was the presiding officer for the ceremony and transferred CFSCCs command from U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. DeAnna M. Burt to U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess.

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.

Sgt. Elijah Clarke, a multichannel transmission systems operator-maintainer assigned to 94th Army Air Missile Defense Command, renders a salute to U.S. Army Pacific Command Sgt. Maj. Scott A. Brzak, USARPACs senior enlisted advisor, as part of the knowledge board on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 9, for the 2022 USARPACs Best Warrior Competition. The USARPAC BWC 2022 is an annual week-long competition consisting of competitors from multiple USARPAC units across the Indo-Pacific. The noncommissioned officers and junior enlisted Soldiers are evaluated in several categories such as general military knowledge, basic Soldier skills, and physical fitness.

221202-N-LN782-1007 (Dec. 02, 2022) U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command's Pass in Review in Great Lakes, Illinois, Dec. 2, 22. row of chief combination covers sit on a table prior to a chief petty officer. More than 35,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp

Capt. Quinten Thompson, a military advisor assigned to 2nd Battalion, 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade is promoted to the rank of major during a ceremony at Fort Benning, Ga., Dec. 12. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jason Elmore.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Luke Mooney stands at attention while his family, William Mooney and Theresa Mooney, pin on his second lieutenant rank insignia during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. Mooney, who hails from Manhattan, New York, previously served as an enlisted soldier in Charlie Company, 143rd Infantry Regiment, Rhode Island Army National Guard, now he will serve in the same regiment as an infantry officer.

U.S. Air Force Col. Catherine "Cat" Logan, commander of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling and the 11th Wing, listens to Rep. Clay Higgins along with service members from JBAB during their visit to the U.S. Capitol, Nov. 15, 2022. Service members of JBAB also toured the U.S. Capitol during their visit.

U.S. Army South Staff Judge Advocate, Jennifer Venghaus, is promoted from the rank of lieutenant colonel to colonel with the assistance of her Family during a joint promotion ceremony 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. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald Place, Defense Health Agency director and the ceremonys presiding official, presents the unit guidon to U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Darrin Cox, incoming Small Market and Stand Alone Military Medical Treatment Facility Organization (SSO) director, during the SSO change of directorship ceremony, Sept. 29, 2022, Port San Antonio, Texas.

Col. Jennifer Venghaus, the U.S. Army South Staff Judge Advocate, and Col. Joseph Venghaus, Trial Judge, 5th Judicial Circuit, speak with Maj. Gen. William Thigpen after their joint promotion ceremony 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. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Marlon Burton, a group superintendent with the 182nd Mission Support Group, Illinois Air National Guard, is promoted to chief master sergeant by group commander Col. Steven Rice, in Peoria, Illinois, on April 30, 2022.

040111-A-6634T-001. Base: Fort Gordon State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: SOUTHEAST

030424-M-9248U-001. Base: Yuma State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: H&HS

2nd Lt. Cameron Holdsworth is pinned his new rank by his fiancé and mother during the Officer Candidate School graduation, held at the Edward Cross Training Center, in Pembroke, NH, Sept 11. Holdsworth will serve as a supply officer with the 3643rd Brigade Support Battalion upon completion of the Basic Officer Leadership Course.

Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman Lt. Col. Troy. Wing, is promoted to the rank of colonel while being pinned on by his family during a promotion ceremony at the 171st Air Refueling Wing, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, Sept. 18, 2022. Col. Wing serves as the Operations Group Commander.

2nd Lt. Adam Mathis of Altamont, Illinois, received the Army Achievement Medal for having the highest overall academic averages resulting in a tie throughout the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) Officer Candidate School. Twenty-two Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and one U.S. Army Reserve Soldier graduated from the program Aug. 21 in a ceremony at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Springfield, Illinois. The Illinois Army National Guard's Officer Candidate School transforms enlisted non-commissioned officers and qualified civilians into U.S. Army officers. The future leaders complete more than 661 hours of classroom and field instruction, must meet the commissioning standards of the U.S. Army and be examined, and approved by a federal recognition board.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Emmanuel K. Agbemble, the oldest enlisted Marine at Combat Logistics Regiment (CLR) 27, right, passes a piece of the 247th Marine Corps birthday cake to Lance Cpl. John Mei, the youngest marine at CLR-27, during the CLR-27 birthday ball at Marston Pavilion on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 3, 2022. CLR-27 hosted a Marine Corps Birthday Ball to celebrate the Marine Corps 247th Birthday, to uphold Marine Corps traditions and boost unit morale.

Michael Bradley was promoted to lieutenant colonel at a promotion ceremony held at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 6, 2022. Bradley was pinned by his wife, Dawn, and his daughter, Farris. Col. Rick Weaver, commander of Camp Shelby, was also in attendance.

Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Patrick J. Muenks retirement ceremony takes place at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 23, 2022. Muenks retired after 41-years of dedicated service to the Missouri Army National Guard. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jeffrey Kenney, 6th Marine Regiment Commanding officer and Sgt. Maj. Giovanii Lobo 6th Marine Regiment sergeant major, stand during a performance by the 2d Marine Division Band at Cité de la Musique et de la Danse de Soissons, France, May 27, 2022. This is an annual formal concert that serves to commemorate American participation in World War I.

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Donnie Davis (right), senior enlisted advisor, Office of Army Cemeteries and Army National Military Cemeteries, greets German Navy Rear Adm. Axel Ristau (left), defense attaché, German Embassy in DC upon his arrival to Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., April 3, 2023. Ristau was at ANC with Gen. Carsten Breuer, chief of defense, German Armed Forces to participate in a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Nearly 20 Soldiers from Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and the 531st Hospital Center were formally welcomed into the U.S. Armys Noncommissioned Officer Corps at an NCO Induction Ceremony at Fort Campbells Wilson Theater, June 27.

The Marines of the U.S. Department of State celebrate their 243rd birthday with a cake cutting ceremony featuring guest speaker Lieutenant General Charles G. Chiarotti on Nov 1, 2018, in Washington, DC.

Officer candidate Josiah Mastriano is pinned the rank of second lieutenant during an Officer Candidate School commissioning ceremony Aug. 7 at Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pa.

Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III U.S. Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, commander, U.S. Central Command in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, May 16, 2022. Austin visited UAE as part of a U.S. delegation to express condolences on the passing of the President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, . (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)

Col. Matthew W. Brown receives the officer's pistol belt from U.S. Army Garrison - Fort Hood Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew E. Ladd, his previous senior enlisted advisor during his promotion ceremony to the rank of brigadier general on July 12, 2022. The III Armored Corps and Fort Hood held a promotion ceremony in honor of Col. Matthew W. Brown, the chief of staff of III Armored Corps, in front of friends, family, and Soldiers.

Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, places a medallion around Sgt. (Ret.) Diane M. Busztas neck during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at the Gen. John W. Vessey Recreation Center near Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, in Little Falls, Minnesota. The Court of Honor commemorates the lasting contributions of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of their communities, State, and Nation. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools hand certificates and gifts to the family of 1st Sgt. Neill A. Sevelius during a retirement ceremony at Camp Gilbert H. Johnson, North Carolina, Jan. 11, 2024. The ceremony was held to recognize Sevelius 20 years of honorable service.

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), participate in a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., Feb. 12th, 2024. Laying the wreath in honor of President Lincoln's birthday is Maj. Gen. Trevor J. Bredenkamp, commanding general, Joint Force Headquarters - National Capital Region. Army

After receiving his first salute Idaho Army National Guard 2nd lt. Grant Frazier is congratulated by Boise State University Instructor Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Ingram. The Boise State University Spring 2022 Semester has come to an end for the Bronco Battalion. Several cadets received their commission on Friday, May 6, 2022 with family, friends and fellow cadets celebrating their achievement. In the closing moments of the academic year, plans were placed in motion for the semester to come. While some members of the Bronco Battalion will move on, others will step up to fill their vacant seats at the planning meetings every Friday morning following physical training. The lineage of the Bronco Battalion will continue.

Maureen McAllen, left, 433rd Airlift Wing director of staff and retired Colonel, shakes hands with John Shroyer, right, Retired Command Chief, at the annual award ceremony Feb. 3, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Attendees of the banquet were allowed to wear previous legacy uniforms from past military service years. Air Force

Indiana National Guard Capt. Michael Ratliff presents flowers to Deedra Thombleson, wife of Maj. Gen. Timothy Thombleson, during a change of command ceremony at the Cyclone Division Armory in Indianapolis, Jan. 22, 2023. Red roses symbolize the support she has shown to the 38th Infantry Division. (Indiana National Guard photo by Sgt. Kelsea Cook)

Cdr. Michael Dickenson, Commanding Officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Nashville, family pins his command ashore pin on his uniform during a change of command ceremony at NTAG Nashville headquarters in Nashville,Tenn. NTAG Nashville includes 46 Navy recruiting stations across the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Georgia covering 138,000 square miles.

Col. Eric Swenson receives the unit colors from Maj. Gen. Diana Holland, Mississippi Valley Division commander, and becomes the districts 67th commander and district engineer.

DA-SC-88-00719. Base: Fort Richie State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Almirante (Colombian Navy Admiral) Francisco Hernando Cubides Granados, Commander of the Colombian Navy, recognizes Colombian Marine Corps recruits for their superior performance at basic training during an award ceremony at the Base de Entrenamiento de Marina in Coveñas, Colombia, Jan 11, 2023. For the first time in Colombian history, 60 women completed the Juramento de Bandera de Infantes de Marina after they completed three months of recruit training and joined the ranks in the Colombian Naval Infantry. U.S. Southern Commands Women, Peace and Security (WPS) program recognizes the diverse roles women play as agents of change in preventing and resolving conflict, countering terrorism and violent extremism as well as building post-conflict peace and stability in the Western Hemisphere.

Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) director, Army Brig. Gen. request permission to go ashore for the last time. Davis retires from his last tour of duty, WRNMMC as hospital director, following 40 years of military service during a retirement ceremony held in the hospitals Memorial Auditorium, Sept. 9.(DOD Photograph by Harvey A. Duze, Office of Command Communications - WRNMMC)

Soldiers from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) participate in Flags-In, where Soldiers placed U.S. flags at the headstones and niche of service members buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. Over 250,000 flags were planted at the final resting place of our Nation's fallen. Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth participates in the event.

Gen. Martin Dempsey, chief of staff of the Army and nominee for chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talks with Army National Guard Capt. Thomas Harper of the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at the French Ambassador's Residence in Washington, D.C., on July 25, 2011, before a private ceremony awarding the French Croix de la Valeur Militaire, roughly analagous to the Silver Star, to five National Guard and one active duty Special Forces Soldiers. Harper was one of the award recipients.

221017-N-TP834-1002 PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (Oct. 17, 2022) U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, commander, U.S. Space Command, greets Japan Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Gen. Koji Yamazaki, during a visit to USSPACECOM headquarters, Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., Oct. 17, 2022. The visit was part of a four-day trip to the U.S. by Yamazaki, which included visits to USSPACECOM and U.S. Strategic Command, and a Trilateral Chiefs of Defense Conference with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Army Gen. Mark Milley and Gen. Seung-Kyum Kim, Chairman of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff. Members of USSPACECOM briefed Yamazaki and staff on threats to the space domain and facilitated a discussion on USSPACECOM and its commitment to an increasingly growing combined force. In light of the DPRKs recent destabilizing missile activity, Yamazaki and Dickinson reaffirmed a strong U.S.-Japan alliance in space, which is a cornerstone of peace, security, and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

CSM Laquyin N. Brock of 25th Division Sustainment Troop Battalion, retired from the worlds greatest Army! CSM Brock dedicated 25 years of the Army values in her daily military career. Her leadership and perseverance she displayed was an inspiration to all. She will be greatly missed in her retirement.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Susan Henderson, commanding general of the 377th Theatre Sustainment Command, based in New Orleans, La. shares a laugh with retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Janet Cobb and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Stephen Rutner, commanding general of the U.S. Army Reserve Deployment Support Command in Birmingham, Al. during the room dedication ceremony at the Deployment Support Command May 14, 2022. The ceremony was to commemorate Cobbs service to the unit from June 2008 to March 2011.

Michael Bradley was promoted to lieutenant colonel at a promotion ceremony held at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 6, 2022. Bradley was pinned by his wife, Dawn, and his daughter, Farris. Col. Rick Weaver, commander of Camp Shelby, was also in attendance.

101st Soldier escorts Little Rock Nine member

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Mississippi (May 23, 2022) - Rear Adm. Ronald Piret, Commander, Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Command, presided over the promotions of Naval Oceanographys newest Senior and Master Chief Aerographers Mates at NASA Stennis Space Center, Mississippi May 23, 2022. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions faster than the adversary.

Former POW and U.S. Army CWO-2 James Hardy Hestand talks with escorts and other POWs in the passenger lounge after his arrival from Clark Air Base, Philippines. CWO-2 Hestand was captured on 17 Mar 71 in Cambodia and released by the Viet Cong at Loc Ninh on 12 Feb 73. Subject Operation/Series: HOMECOMING Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

District of Columbia National Guard holds promotion ceremony for Maj. Michelle A. Watkis, in D.C. Armory, February 3, 2024. During the ceremony, Watkis was given the Oath of Office by Col. R. Brian Deaton, 74th Troop Command Commander, DCARNG. Army

220428-N-DM318-1007 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (Apr. 28, 2022) Capt. J M Montagnet Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi commanding officer greets Rear Adm. Carl Lahti, commander, Navy Region Japan/commander, U.S. Naval Forces Japan, during a site visit to the installation. NAF Atsugi supports the combat readiness of Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW 5), Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FIVE ONE (HSM-51) and 30 other tenant commands and provides logistic support, coordination, and services to units assigned to the Western Pacific.

U.S. Air Force Col. Karolyn Teufel, right, incoming commander, 113th Medical Group, District of Columbia Air National Guard, is congratulated by fellow D.C. Air National Guardsmen during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Jan. 6, 2023. Col. Teufel has served over 20 years in the Air Force and has been a Capital Guardian since 2011.

Frank Muscarello, the Commandant of the Marine Corps League Detachment 774, left, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Matthew Perry, the commanding officer of Recruiting Station Baton Rouge, pose together during a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony held by the American Legion Nicholson Post 38 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sept. 11, 2022. The 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at American Legion Nicholson Post 38 is an annual event. During the event, Louisiana natives who lost their lives September 11, 2001 were named and highlighted.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, 55th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, passes the colors to Col. William C. Hannan, Jr., incoming USACE Transatlantic Division commander, during the Divisions change of command ceremony downtown Winchester, Va., July 26, 2022. (Photo by Catherine Carroll, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Public Affairs Office)

Col. Michael Parks, 507th Air Refueling Wing commander, administers the oath of office to Col. Alvin Bradford, 507th Medical Squadron commander, during a promotion ceremony September 30, 2022, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Sophia Green, a systems engineer specialist, assigned to Alpha Co., Intelligence Support Battalion, Marine Forces Reserve, and a participant in the Marine Forces Reserve Diversity AIMED Officer Program (DAOP), speaks to Gen. Eric Smith, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Aug 19, 2022. DAOP provides enlisted Marines with the opportunity to see the process of commissioning in the Marine Corps firsthand so that they can make informed decisions on a potential career as an Officer.

U.S. Navy Chief Operations Specialist Tyler Waddell, from Center City, Minnesota, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), has his new rank pinned on his family during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony at the Coastal Virginia Church, in Norfolk, Virginia, Oct. 21, 2022. The John C. Stennis is in Newport News Shipyard working alongside NNS, NAVSEA and contractors conducting Refueling and Complex Overhaul as part of the mission to deliver the warship back in the fight, on time and on budget, to resume its duty of defending the United States.

Maj. Gen. Kerry L. Muehlenbeck, the Adjutant General of Arizona and State Command Sgt. Maj. Aaron P. Buelow present scholarship awards to winners along with the National Guard Association of Arizona and Enlisted Association of Arizona during the 2022 Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs Professional Development conference April 30, 2022 at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, Ariz. The AZDEMA PD event is an annual event where state employees, Soldiers, and Airmen come to listen to speakers on a wide range of subjects to foster critical thought, learning, and inspiration.

Mrs. Nwafor, the spouse of the incoming 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Anthony A. Nwafor, holds a bouquet of yellow roses during Command CWO change of responsibility May 17, 2022 on Fort Riley, Kansas. Yellow is the color of joy and friendship. The roses symbolize the relationship between the Soldiers and the Family Readiness Group.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David H. Berger, commandant of the Marine Corps, shakes hands with a graduate during the Marine Corps University Commencement ceremony at Little Hall, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, June 8, 2022. Graduates attended different colleges, to include Marine Corps War College, School of Advanced War Fighting, and Command and Staff College. Graduates are prepared to perform with increased effectiveness in service, joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational environments at the tactical, operations, and strategic levels of war, across the range of military operations.

Sgt. Albert Gonzalez joins the ranks of the Noncommissioned Officer Corps during the 110th Aviation Brigade NCO Induction Ceremony at Fort Rucker, Alabama, December 14, 2022.

General (GEN) Paul X. Kelly, Commandant of the Marine Corps, and his wife attend the state funeral service for the Unknown Serviceman of the Vietnam Era at Arlington National Cemetery. Interment will take place at the Tomb of the Unknowns following the service. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DA-SC-88-02769. Base: Arlington State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Col. Douglas Jeffrey IV, 507th Operations Group commander, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Michael Waters, departing 507th Operations Support Squadron commander, Jan. 7, 2023 on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Waters served as the 507th OSS commander for approximately two years and relinquished command to Lt Col. Robert Cameron.

061019-N-1550W-003. Base: Naval Station, Mayport State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

001012-M-3740T-003. Base: Usmc Recruit Depot, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Science and Technology Acedemies Reinforcing Basic Aviation and Space Exploration (STARBASE), a Department of Defense youth program opens its first facility on Fort Drum, N.Y., Sep 16, 2022. STARBASE was created to expose youth to innovative hand-on activities in science, technology and mathematics within the aviation field.

Colonel Roger Duff, of U.S. Army Reserve Special Forces and Bureau of Reclamation Upper Colorado Region Office, listening to Secretary Gale Norton's speech at Department of Interior South Building ceremony marking adoption by Interior employees of U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and 10th Mountain Division as wartime focal points for volunteer activities on behalf of military families

A scene is shown May 10, 2022, of a special signing ceremony for a memorandum/agreement between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy in Black River Falls, Wis. The ceremony was held at the Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal Office Building on the east side of Black River Falls and included Fort McCoy Garrison Commander Col. Michael Poss and Command Sgt. Maj. Raquel DiDomenico, garrison command sergeant major, and Ho-Chunk Nation Chief Clayton Winneshiek and Ho-Chunk Nation President Marlon WhiteEagle. This memorandum of understanding between the Ho-Chunk Nation and Fort McCoy represents Fort McCoys assumption of the U.S. Armys legal responsibility under multiple federal laws and presidential executive orders to protect natural, historic, and sacred places with traditional religious and cultural importance to all Native American peoples, but especially those of the Ho Chunk Nation, on whos aboriginal territory the Fort McCoy military installation is now located.

Staff Sgt. Anthony K. Havens, platoon sergeant, Alpha Company, executes present sword during the final evaluation of Ceremonial Drill School at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2022. This assessment is the culminating event of CDS, a three-week course designed to teach the intricacies of ceremonial drill in keeping with the high standards upheld at Marine Barracks Washington.

Sasebo-based Sailors and family members pledge the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America during a naturalization ceremony at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) July 27, 2022. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and Region Legal Service Office Western Pacific collaborated to conduct the naturalization ceremony at CFAS allowing Sailors to become U.S. citizens.

970930-D-9880W-008. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps LtCol. Charles Winchester, outgoing commanding officer of the 9th Marine Corps District, and Col. Jeffrey Buffa, incoming commanding officer of the 9th Marine Corps District, conduct a change of command ceremony at Naval Station Great Lakes. After the ceremony LtCol. Winchester held a retirement ceremony where he was honorably discharged after serving 31 years in the Marine Corps.

Gwen Goodbar, a Ohio native and spouse of Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John E. Scott, accepts yellow roses during an Assumption of Stole ceremony at the Marne Chapel on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sept. 28, 2022. The ceremony formally recognized Scott as the new division chaplain for 3rd ID.

Emma White, wife of Lt. Gen Robert "Pat" White, is presented with red roses during the III Armored Corps and Fort Hood change of command ceremony Oct. 4, 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas. White is the outgoing Commanding General of III Armored Corps and Fort Hood.

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