Military Ceremonies and Speeches

Military personnel giving speeches during various change of command and responsibility ceremonies, showcasing formal attire and flags in background.

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

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

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, speaks during the Commanders Call on Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 27, 2022. Reilman restated his focus on mental health and resiliency.

Command Sgt. Maj. Mason Riepe, the incoming battalion command sergeant major for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, speaks during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia on September 30, 2022.

Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Miguel L. Castellano presides over the 78th Training Division's Assumption of Command Ceremony at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, IN on April 27, 2022.

Lt. Col. Matthew Incorvaia, 192nd Wing chaplain, gives the invocation at the 149th Fighter Squadron change of command ceremony June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Lt. Col. Lawrence Dietrich took command of the unit from Lt. Col. William J. Shnowske who served as the commander since Aug. 8, 2020.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Christopher Castle, 13th Space Warning Squadron commander, addresses the audience at the 13th SWS change of command ceremony at Clear Space Force Station, Alaska, June 16, 2022. Castle expressed his excitement for the future of Clear Space Force Station.

COL Robert J O'Connell saying a prayer at the HHC Assumption of Responsibility Ceremony

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Bartlett, outgoing commander of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, shares final remarks during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 31, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Jason Chambers assumed command of the 449th AEG from Bartlett in a ceremony presided over by Powell.

Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation branch chief, participates in a discussion during the Aviation Senior Leader Forum at Fort Novosel, Ala., Jan. 23, 2024.

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

U.S. Army Col. Kevin D. McMahan retires from the Washington Army National Gaurd after 31 years of service on Camp Murray, Wash., Aug. 6, 2022. McMahan was the former commander of the the 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, 96th Troop Command, and the 10th Homeland Response Force.

U.S. Army Col. Brian Harris, the commander of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, speaks during the battalions change of command ceremony at the Fort Riley, Kansas, Cavalry Parade Field, June 15, 2022. Harris thanked the outgoing 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd ABCT, 1st Inf. Div., commander, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Nicholas R. Talbot, for his tenure and work as battalion commander, and welcomed U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ryan R. Kroells as the battalions incoming commander.

U.S. Army Col. Damon Knarr, Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District commander, speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Razorback Inn at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Nov. 30, 2022. The new facility totals approximately 144,000 square feet and consists of 250 standard guest rooms and 20 business suites as a joint effort between the Air Force Services Center, Army Corps of Engineers, and many government and civilian organizations.

Sgt. Maj. David Merritt, the Operations and Planning Sergeant Major for the Illinois Army National Guard, gives remarks during his retirement ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois July 22. Merritt has 30-years of military service. He enlisted into the Army in August of 1992 as a private, serving five years as a petroleum supply specialist at Fort Hood, TX and Fort Lewis, WA. He then enlisted into the Illinois Army National Guard as a traditional Soldier in August of 1997. He will continue to reside in East Peoria after his retirement with his wife, Wendy and two sons, Gunner and Tavin.

Brig. Gen. Jon Harrison, assistant adjutant general - Army, Oklahoma National Guard, addresses Soldiers from Task Force Lexington during their departure ceremony in Lexington, Oklahoma, June 12, 2022. Roughly 100 Soldiers assigned to Task Force Lexington are preparing to deploy to the Middle East in support of Inherent Resolve. Task Force Lexington is comprised of aviators, flight medics, aircraft maintainers, and fuel technicians from multiple companies under 90th Troop Command. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Reece Heck)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force Commander, addresses members of the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron during an inactivation ceremony Sept. 30, 2022 at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. There are many career fields that make up the 816th EAS, such as crew chiefs and loadmasters.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Travis Acheson, former assistant adjutant general-air, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, speaks during the PRANG ATAG change of command ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Sept. 17, 2022. The change of command ceremony took place during the September regularly scheduled drill.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with Company A, 1-118th Infantry Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, stand in formation during a deployment ceremony at the Moncks Corner Armory in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Aug. 7, 2022. More than 130 Soldiers from the unit will be mobilized for approximately a year to support Operation Spartan Shield, Task Force Spartan and U.S. Army Central Command.

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash., - The Holistic Health and Fitness program launches its post-pilot Thunderbolt Performance Center at the Soldier Center Medical Home in a ribbon cutting ceremony April 13. Col. Thomas A. Bryant speaks about the H2F initiative, its conception within the Army footprint and a way forward. H2F implementation has faced many challenges of Equipment, facilities and onboarding personnel,” said Col. Thomas A. Bryant, H2F Action Officer with America’s First Corps. Despite these challenges and with effective leadership and command involvement, we stand in this facility today, celebrating this momentous event. H2F is not so much a ‘program’ as a new way of living everyday life to curb the past trends of military readiness and its burden upon our healthcare system-improving healthy living for ourselves and our families.”

U.S. Space Force Gen. John Jay Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, speaks to audience members of an All Call at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Oct. 11, 2022. Raymond discussed the importance of space, the cruciality of Guardians making assured access to space possible and Vandenbergs key role in space.

U.S. Space Force Gen. John Jay Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, speaks to audience members of an All Call at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Oct. 11, 2022. Raymond discussed the importance of space, the cruciality of Guardians making assured access to space possible and Vandenbergs key role in space.

U.S. Air Force Col. Derek Salmi, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, delivers remarks during a Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Memorial Week ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, Sept. 12, 2022. POW/MIA Remembrance Day is recognized on the 3rd Friday in September every year. Travis AFB dedicated a week to honor prisoners of war, service members still missing and their families.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Howard, outgoing senior enlisted advisor, 21st Theater Sustainment Command provides remarks during a change of responsibility ceremony, June 3, 2022, at the NCO Field, Daenner Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Command Sgt. Maj. Kofie Primus assumed responsibility of the unit from Howard.

Dutch Lt. Col. Jan Willem de Wolf speaks at the defense attaché forum July 19, 2022 in Baghdad, Iraq. The forum participants broke into smaller groups for more in-depth discussions and then selected a representative to brief the complete forum about their respective discussion groups. The defense attaché forum brought together defense attachés from several Global Coalition countries as well as representatives from CJTF-OIR and interagency partners to discuss topics including the need for increased repatriation and reintegration of displaced persons in northeast Syria to reduce ISIS influence in those vulnerable populations; the threat of ISIS members in detention centers operated by Syrian Democratic Forces in northeast Syria; and the need for greater international action to address these ongoing security and humanitarian challenges.

U.S. Army Maj. Luke Bryan, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, asks a question about Soldier training modifications during a visit from Commanding General of United States Army North (Fifth Army), Lt. Gen. John R. Evans Jr., at Barlow Theater on Fort Riley, Kansas, Oct. 25, 2022. Bryan, along with the brigade leadership, attended the conference to discuss the current state of the Army and planning for upcoming events.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander, Air Combat Command, speaks at the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) building rededication at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 22. The building is named in honor of 1st Lt. Raymond Knight, a U.S. Army Air Forces P-47 Thunderbolt pilot awarded the Medal of Honor for two days of heroic flying in Italys Po Valley in World War II, destroying 14 grounded enemy aircraft and leading attacks that wrecked 10 others before being hit by ground fire and dying in a crash while returning to base.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Kristopher Chiola, CATALIST program coordinator, speaks to New Jersey Air National Guard Airmen, Soldiers, and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs civilians during the CATALIST class 002 induction on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, May 22, 2022. CATALIST, which stands for Cultivating Agile and Transformational Air Guard Leaders through Inspiring and Structured Training, marks a significant step toward the New Jersey Air National Guard commanders goal of strengthening the development of future military leaders.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Gregory S. Gaudet, incoming commander of the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron, gives remarks during a change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 2, 2022. Gaudet is a senior pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours and has world-wide operational experience including combat duty in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald Place, Defense Health Agency director, speaks during an all-call attended by medical personnel from all over Okinawa at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 12, 2022. Place spoke about what it means to be a military medical professional and answered questions from the congregation.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John D. Garvin, outgoing commander of the 387th Air Expeditionary Squadron, gives remarks during a change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 2, 2022. As commander of the 387th AES, Garvin oversaw over 350 personnel in 127 different Air Force Specialty Codes across numerous locations throughout Southwest Asia in support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Enduring Sentinel and Spartan Shield.

Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general, speaks to attendees during the Ohio National Guard Joint Senior Leader Conference at the Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in Lewis Center, Ohio, Feb. 2, 2024. During the JSLC, Harris spoke about the importance of culture and retention to the organization. Air National Guard

Members of the 349th Air Mobility Wing and other distinguished visitors gathered to celebrate the 2023 Annual Award winners during a banquet on February 03, 2024, at Travis Air Force Base, California. (US Air Force

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Steven Schultz, commander, 114th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, speaks during his change of command ceremony at Joe Foss Field, South Dakota, Aug. 7, 2022. A change of command ceremony is a formal transfer of command, responsibilities and authority from one commander to another.

U.S. National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, and state and federal employees with the South Carolina Military Department participate in the South Carolina Military Department Day at the State House in Columbia, South Carolina, March 30, 2022, providing military vehicle displays, equipment demonstrations, and information booths to bring recognition to and educate the lawmakers and general public about the capabilities and personnel that make up the organization. The South Carolina Military Department is a community-based organization with a dual role of a federal mission in support of national defense, as well as the state mission to serve the governor and the citizens of South Carolina in response to natural disasters, civil unrest, and other operations as directed by the governor.

U.S. Air Force Col. John Gustafson, commander, 386th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, gives remarks during the 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 13, 2022. Maj. Shawn D. Cameron, incoming commander, 386th ELRS, succeeded Maj. Angela L. Petersen, outgoing commander, 386th ELRS.

Col. Michael DiDio delivers remarks during the 180th Fighter Wing change of command ceremony in Swanton, Ohio on Oct. 15, 2022. Col. Chad Holesko assumed command of the 180th Fighter Wing from Col. Michael DiDio.

Troopers of 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade redeploy to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on Jun. 5 and 7, 2022. The squadron was on a 9 month rotation to the Republic of Korea in support of 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Sept. 23, 2022) - Capt. Randy Panke, Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) - Mike Commanding Officer, addresses EMF - Mike and NMRTC Jacksonville staff during a ceremony to establish EMF - Mike as a standalone Echelon V command, certified to deploy. Panke, a Medical Service Corps officer, recently served as Commanding Officer, 2nd Medical Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

220428-N-KK394-1008NORFOLK, Va. (April 28, 2022) Rear Adm. Brian Davies, deputy commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, speaks during a Holocaust Day of Remembrance ceremony, April 28. The U.S. Congress established Days of Remembrance as the nation's annual commemoration of the Holocaust.

Command Sgt. Maj. Sherwood, incoming senior enlisted advisor for the Maintain Battalion,” 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, speaks to Soldiers and distinguished guests during her assumption of responsibility ceremony at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug.,17, 2022. An assumption of responsibility ceremony is rich in symbolism and heritage within the military and reinforces the role of the noncommissioned officer in the Army, highlighting their role as a bridge between the commander and the formation's enlisted Soldiers.

220615-N-VI040-1030 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (June 15, 2022) Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kevin M. Ryan, outgoing commanding officer of Fleet Readiness Center (FRC) Western Pacific delivers remarks as he is relieved by Cmdr. Joseph M. Holt during a change of command ceremony held onboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan June 15, 2022. FRC Western Pacific is a global maintenance, repair, and overhaul solution dedicated to sustaining and optimizing the performance of U.S. military aviation assets.

USACE Deputy Commanding General Maj. Gen. Richard Heitkamp speaks during an event that marked the beginning of the Mid-Chesapeake Bay ecosystem restoration project following an initial contract award of $43.1 million on October 6, 2022, at Fort McHenry.

U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Philip Boldt, commander of the 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 336th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, Military Intelligence Readiness Command, addresses soldiers during an awards ceremony. The 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion, 336th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade, Military Intelligence Readiness Command, U.S. Army Reserve, received the Department of the Army level Army Award for Maintenance Excellence, MTOE medium category, in an event honoring the unit held on Fort George G. Meade, Md., Jan. 20, 2024.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Evan Pettus, 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander, speaks at the units building rededication at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 22. The building is named in honor of 1st Lt. Raymond Knight, a Medal of Honor recipient and U.S. Army Air Forces P-47 Thunderbolt pilot who flew 82 combat missions over four months of flying in Italy in World War II, also earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and six Air Medals, destroying 14 grounded enemy aircraft before being hit by ground fire and dying in a crash while returning to base.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Cory A. Staudinger, incoming commander, 386th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, gives remarks during an assumption of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 24, 2022. Staudinger succeeded Lt. Col. Dale Ellis, outgoing commander, 386th EAMXS.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Albert Serrano, the command sergeant major of the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, reflects upon his tenure with the 1st CAB during a relinquishment of responsibility ceremony held at Marshall Air Field on Fort Riley, Kansas, Dec. 6, 2022. Serrano discussed the units growth, his interactions with the Soldiers, and the future of the unit.

Master Sgt. Robin Cummings, 152nd Air Operations Group, sings the national anthem at the start of the 152nd Combat Operations Squadron change of command ceremony June 5, 202022, at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, NY. Col. Kevin St. John, 152nd Air Operations Group commander, presided over the ceremonial change of command.

U.S. Army Col. Deon D. Maxwell, USAMMC-E commander addresses the audience during an assumption of responsibility ceremony, Sep 15, 2022 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Master Sgt. Andrew R. Colburn assumed responsibility from Master Sgt. Charles W. Douglas.

U.S. Army Maj. General Brian Eifler, U.S. Army Alaska Commander, speaks during the reflagging ceremony of the 11th Airborne Division, June 6, 2022, at Pershing Parade Field, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The activation returns the historic 11th Airborne Division to an active Army role, with a focus on operations in extreme cold weather and mountainous high-altitude environments. The ceremonies at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson reflagged the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, into the 1st and 2nd brigade combat teams, 11th Airborne Division, respectively.

U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Eric Burke, command chief of the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, talks about resiliency during an all hands meeting, Dec. 3, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California.

050206-F-9730R-059. Base: Louisville State: Kentucky (KY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Rusnok, the Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni commanding officer, gives a speech during the Red Ribbon Week proclamation signing at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Oct. 24 2022. Red Ribbon Week encourages school aged children to be drug free by informing them of the dangers of drug abuse.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kenneth H. Donnolly, 102d Signal Battalion outgoing commander, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony at Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, Germany, June 19, 2022. Donnolly relinquished command of the unit to Lt. Col. Crystal D. Ernst.

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Gorup, the Noncommissioned Officer-Charge of the Illinois National Guard's Joint Operations Center, retired with almost 26 years of service on Sunday, May 15, during a ceremony on Camp Lincoln in Springfield. Gorup spent 21 years of his career in the Infantry and deployed four times, the last being with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009. Pictured is Sgt. 1st Class Gorup speaking during the ceremony.

220603-N-OT701-1040 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (Jun. 3, 2022) Rear Adm. Tim Kott addresses an audience during the Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific (MIDPAC) change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 3. The ceremony marked a formal transition of MIDPAC from a dual-hatted command aligned with Commander, Navy Region Hawaii (CNRH) to a single operationally focused battle staff that will oversee and operate with Hawaii-based surface ships.

060302-A-5399B-081. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHEAST

Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, introduces a USO show during a troop visit, Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, July 4, 2019. Lengyel is hosting a USO Tour, visiting troops in six countries in three combatant commands.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Brian C. Tripp, the outgoing Commander Public Health Activity - Italy, delivers his farewell speech during change of command ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, August 3, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Maj.) David Schenone offers the invocation of a Women Veterans Day ceremony held by the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, June 3, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California. The ceremony highlighted the contributions of women in military service and was followed by a networking and development workshop for the wings female service members.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Steve Ortner, commander of the 494th Fighter Generation Squadron, leads the squadron chant during the 492nd and the 494th FGS activation and assumption of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 21, 2022. During the ceremony Ortner relinquished command of the 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and assumed command of the newly formed 494th FGS.

Illinois Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Gorup, the Noncommissioned Officer-Charge of the Illinois National Guard's Joint Operations Center, retired with almost 26 years of service on Sunday, May 15, during a ceremony on Camp Lincoln in Springfield. Gorup spent 21 years of his career in the Infantry and deployed four times, the last being with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team to Afghanistan from 2008 to 2009. Pictured is Sgt. 1st Class Gorup speaking during the ceremony.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion 263rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, South Carolina National Guard, conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the renovation of Battery B, Sept. 10, 2022, Easley, South Carolina. In attendance were U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, South Carolina State Senator Thomas Alexander, South Carolina State Representative Neal Collins, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty, the adjutant general for South Carolina National Guard, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Frank Rice, commander, 263rd Army Air and Missile Defense Command.

U.S. Army National Guard 1st. Sgt. Daniel Schaab is advanced to sergeant major, at the Ike Skelton Training Site, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 15, 2022. Gathered by family, friends and many teammates, Sgt. Maj. Schaab has made a significant positive impact on the lives and careers of his Soldiers over the years.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Robert Hanks conducts a speech at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 10, 2022. Military change-of-commands are a time-honored tradition formally symbolizing the continuity of authority as the command passes from one individual to another.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kyle Ellison, former 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade commanding general, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony on Camp Courtney, Okinawa, Japan, June 16, 2022. Brig. Gen. Fridrik Fridriksson received command from Ellison.

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Col. Chad Bridges, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team commander, addresses Guardsmen, their loved ones, and dignitaries at the departure ceremony. More than 160 Guardsmen from the 39thInfantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters departed Camp Joseph T. Robinson April 4, 2023, and will make their way to Grafenwoehr, Germany, for a year-long mission training Ukrainian armed forces.

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

220909-N-AU994-1001 PENSACOLA, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2022) Capt. Clifford Collins Jr., Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) chief of staff, looks at the American flag as a source of inspiration as he speaks during a 9/11 commemoration ceremony held at NETC headquarters at Naval Air Station Pensacola Sept. 9, 2022. Collins was at the Pentagon on 9/11, in a newly renovated office area next to where American Airlines Flight 77 impacted the building. He shared some of his experiences from that day, the ongoing impact on himself and other survivors, and the importance of never forgetting.

220909-N-AU994-1001 PENSACOLA, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2022) Capt. Clifford Collins Jr., Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) chief of staff, looks at the American flag as a source of inspiration as he speaks during a 9/11 commemoration ceremony held at NETC headquarters at Naval Air Station Pensacola Sept. 9, 2022. Collins was at the Pentagon on 9/11, in a newly renovated office area next to where American Airlines Flight 77 impacted the building. He shared some of his experiences from that day, the ongoing impact on himself and other survivors, and the importance of never forgetting.

Sgt. Maj. Sandra M. Cook, acting senior-enlisted leader of the U.S. Army Reserves 99th Readiness Division, delivers remarks as Command Sgt. Maj. Subretta L. Pompey becomes the senior-enlisted leader of the 99th RD April 8 during an assumption-of-responsibility ceremony at division headquarters on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Pompey is the first African American and the first woman to serve in this position throughout the 99th's 80-year history, dating back to the 99th Infantry Division in World War II.

U.S. Army Maj. General Brian Eifler, U.S. Army Alaska Commander, speaks during the reflagging ceremony of the 11th Airborne Division, June 6, 2022, at Pershing Parade Field, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The activation returns the historic 11th Airborne Division to an active Army role, with a focus on operations in extreme cold weather and mountainous high-altitude environments. The ceremonies at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson reflagged the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, into the 1st and 2nd Brigade Combat Teams, 11th Airborne Division, respectively.

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (June 28, 2023) Commander Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Capt. Craig Mattingly speaks at an all-hands call, June 28. NSTC supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and enlisted Sailors. This training includes the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) at more than 160 colleges and universities across the country, Officer Training Command (OTC) in Newport, Rhode Island, Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navys only boot camp, as well as the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) and Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) citizenship development program at more than 600 high schools worldwide.

Chaplain (Col.) Kevin Wainwright, Fort Bliss senior command chaplain, delivers the invocation as part of the opening ceremony for the Fort Bliss Partners in Education Kick-Off Event Sept. 30, 2022 at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center. The PIE Program has been active between the Fort Bliss and El Paso communities for 36 years. (Photo by Christopher Bohn, Fort Bliss MWR)

U.S. Army Cpt. Marco A. Montesdeoca, incoming commander for Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division (3-6 CAV) delivers a speech during a change of command ceremony at Lielvārde, Latvia, Oct. 10, 2022. The 3-6 CAV is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Richardson, 347th Rescue Group commander, gives a speech during the HH-60W Jolly Green II Initial Operational Capability ceremony, Sept. 9, 2022 at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The ceremony displayed the platforms operational capabilities and signifies that the HH-60W has met the criteria for IOC and awaits declaration.

U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Richardson, 347th Rescue Group commander, gives a speech during the HH-60W Jolly Green II Initial Operational Capability ceremony, Sept. 9, 2022 at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. The ceremony displayed the platforms operational capabilities and signifies that the HH-60W has met the criteria for IOC and awaits declaration.

220801-N-TT639-1104 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 1, 2022) - Capt. Joel B Lang, commanding officer of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), addresses the crew during a change of command ceremony on the flight deck, August 1, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Brig. Gen. Andrew Preston, commandant, Field Artillery School, was the guest speaker for the University of Oklahomas ROTC commissioning ceremony May 13 2022. Your success is very important to me personally. You are the future of our Army and my generation passes the mantle of leadership to you, said Preston.

Maj. Gen. Mark T. Simerly, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general, speaks to the audience during the Chief of Transportation Relinquishment of Command here May 25. About 60 members of the greater sustainment community attended the event held in Fort Lees Transportation Museum Annex.

Col. Reggie Harper, commander of 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, gives remarks during the change of command for 615th Aviation Support Battalion, Storck Barracks, Germany, June 8, 2022.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. JB Vowell, U.S. Army Japan commanding general, gives remarks during the opening ceremony for Exercise Yama Sakura 83 at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec. 5, 2022. Since its inception in 1982, Yama Sakura has focused on the development and refinement of joint force lethality between the U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Shawn D. Cameron, incoming commander, 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, gives remarks during a change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 13, 2022. Cameron succeeded Maj. Angela L. Petersen, outgoing commander, 386th ELRS.

USARPAC Commanding General Gen. Charles A. Flynn makes his remarks on Jan. 5, 2023, during the Flying V ceremony held at Historic Palm Circle, Fort Shafter, Hawaii. The Flying V ceremony traditionally welcomes or honors senior Army officials when they assume duties or depart from #USARPAC. The V refers to how the colors are posted during the ceremony, which is in a V-shape.

U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Eric Burke, command chief of the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, talks about resiliency during an all hands meeting, Dec. 3, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California.

Garrison Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Chad Maynard gives a briefing March 31, 2022, to Fort McCoy Garrison workforce members in building 60 at Fort McCoy, Wis. The annual briefing by the commander updates the workforce on current garrison policies and actions as well as providing an outlook to the future.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director, Air National Guard, speaks to Airmen with the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho National Guard during an all-call on Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Aug. 20, 2022. Loh identified his priorities during the all-call, which are ready forces, partnerships, Airmen, force structure, and policy.

Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Campbell, outgoing command sergeant major for the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, gives his farewell speech to the Soldiers and leaders at his change of responsibility and retirement ceremony Dec. 2 at Cooper Field on Fort Hood, Texas. The ceremony marks the end of Campbell's 30-year Army career.

1SG Vincent Nunez specking at his relinquish of responsibility ceremony

U.S. Army Capt. Zachary B. Griffin, 42d Transportation Company commander recognizes Soldiers in the unit for their hard work and professionalism during the activation ceremony, Oct. 14, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany

Col. Chip W. Hollinger, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations commander, gives his input during a continuity of operations plan tabletop exercise at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Feb. 21, 2024. A COOP is to restore essential operations at a different location and resume operations within an allotted time. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Col. Russell Cook, 23rd Wing commander, gives a speech during the HH-60W Jolly Green II Initial Operational Capability ceremony, Sept. 9, 2022 at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. Cook believes the future of Air Force Rescue is secure and Moody's team is ready to recover anybody, anytime, anywhere against any adversary. The ceremony displayed the platforms operational capabilities and signifies that the HH-60W has met the criteria for IOC and awaits declaration.

This week our Iron Eagles public affairs team attended the annual public affairs symposium in Wiesbaden, Germany. For “A Year of Lessons Learned” there they heard from keynote speakers such as Former USAREUR Commander Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ben Hodges, “DCG for USAREUR-AF” Lt. Gen. Andrew Rohling, and “Army Chief of Public Affairs” Maj. Gen. John Rafferty. Throughout the symposium the teams spoke on many topics covering everything from Russia/Ukraine to the 2023 communication strategy. Big things are in store for the future of Army communications

Lt. Col. Justin L. Darnell, commander, Army Field Support Battalion - Korea, waves to friends and family members viewing remotely during his remarks at the AFSBn-Korea assumption of command ceremony at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, July 8.

050620-A-9665L-001. Subject Operation/Series: RED DRAGON Base: Fort Mccoy State: Wisconsin (WI) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: USAR

(CHINA LAKE) - OICC China Lake Commanding Officer Capt. Laurie Scott delivered closing remarks during the ribbon cutting ceremony held June 14, delivering five munitions magazines to Navy Munitions Command Detachment China Lake on Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, which officially marked the first facilities to be completed as part of the $2.7B Military Construction and Restoration and Modernization Earthquake Recovery Program.

220909-N-AU994-1002 PENSACOLA, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2022) Capt. Clifford Collins Jr., Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) chief of staff, speaks during a 9/11 commemoration ceremony held at NETC headquarters at Naval Air Station Pensacola Sept. 9, 2022. Collins was at the Pentagon on 9/11, in a newly renovated office area next to where American Airlines Flight 77 impacted the building. He shared some of his experiences from that day, the ongoing impact on himself and other survivors, and the importance of never forgetting.

Lt. Col. Jahara Matisek speaks during the Senior Enlisted Leader International Summit in Arlington, Va., Aug. 2, 2022. The summit is hosting senior enlisted leaders from 54 countries to reinforce partnerships between military services.

U.S. Air Force Col. Pete Boone, commander, 156th Wing, speaks to Airmen during the mid-year commanders all-call at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, June 5, 2022. Wing leadership spoke about the strategic vision for the wing, the threat of U.S. adversaries, as well as the importance of maintaining readiness.

Maj. Gen. Charles Costanza, the 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, delivers a speech during a Silver Star Medal ceremony for U.S. Army Veteran Staff Sgt. Harold Nelson, a World War II Veteran of 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, at Fort Carson, Colorado, Oct. 4th, 2022. According to Nelson, his unit helped liberate Anzio, Italy, from enemy forces in 1944. While his unit was moving towards Rome, they came under fire from German forces. Nelson had expended all of his ammunition, so he climbed onto an abandoned German tank and began firing back. This act suppressed German fighters long enough for his platoon to move to a better position to attack and led to the surrender of the enemy forces during that battle.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jason Potter, Marine Medium Tilt-Rotor Squadron 266 commanding officer, speaks during a Transfer of Authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 1, 2022. During the ceremony, VMM-266 took authority of the marine tilt-rotor mission at Camp Lemonnier. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas Johns)

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