Military Change of Command Ceremonies

Images showcasing various military change of command ceremonies, highlighting formal leadership transitions and traditions within armed forces.

Capt. Christopher Clarkin, commander, Data Warfare Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, XVIII Airborne Corps, passes the company guidon during the units 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.

The 142nd Operations Support Squadron held a change of command ceremony at Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, June 11, 2022. Lt. Col. Daniel McAllister relinquished command and Lt. Col. Bradley Young, previously serving as 123rd Fighter Squadron director of operations, assumed command from the presiding officer for the event, 142nd Operations Group Commander, Col Aaron Mathena.

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Cesar M. Quintana Jr., (middle) Dental Health Command Europe, senior enlisted advisor passes the unit colors to Brig. Gen. Clinton K. Murray (right), Regional Health Command Europe commander, 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. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Eric French passes a sword during a change of responsibility ceremony for the 166th Regiment Regional Training Institute, June 4, 2022, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. The passing of the sword from French to Command Sgt. Maj. Oscar Laughman symbolizes the exchange of authority from one leader to the next. The sword is also a visual reminder of power, strength and fidelity of the position it represents.

U.S. Army Col. Carrie Perez, commander of the 36th Sustainment Brigade presents a gift to Brig. Gen. Thomas Vickers, commander of the 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ernesto Castillo, senior enlisted advisor to Perez presents a gift to Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Gaiser, senior enlisted advisor to the commander of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command, during a transfer of authority ceremony, Nov. 3, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The transfer of authority ceremony signifies the end of the responsibilities of Task Force Phoenix followed by the assumption of responsibility by Task Force Hellfighter.

Lt. Col. Thomas Gawrych relinquishes the 110th Security Forces Squadron guidon from 110th Mission Support Group Commander, Lt. Col. Daniel Guy, symbolizing his relinquished role of commander of the 110th Security Forces Squadron at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich., June 5, 2022. Lt. Col. Gawrych relinquished command of the 110th Security Forces Squadron to Maj. John Wilkinson.

Capt. Christopher Clarkin, commander, Data Warfare Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, XVIII Airborne Corps, passes the company guidon during the units 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.

U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer John C. Beck, left, and Master Chief Petty Officer Joseph L. Johnson, both with 2nd Marine Logistics Group, stand at attention before the passing of the cutlass during a Change of Charge Ceremony on Camp Johnson, North Carolina, Jan 10, 2024. During the Ceremony Command Master Chief Joseph L. Johnson assumed the office of the Command Master Chief of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group from Master Chief Petty Officer John C. Beck.

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.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital conducted a change of Responsibility ceremony where Command Sgt. Maj. Marlon E. Faulds relinquished responsibility of his position to Master Sgt. Johnny D. Thompson, December 9, 2022, at Wilson Theater on Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

U.S. Army Col. Ronald D. Hogsten, commander of the 298th Regiment Multi-functional Regional Training Institute (RTI), Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), passes the unit guidon to Lt. Normandy Smithers, incoming 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. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul R. Birch, 36th Wing commander, Col. Andrew L. Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, and Col. Kyle A. Benwitz, 515th Air Mobility Operations Wing commander, stand at attention during the playing of the National Anthem to begin the push ceremony for the 71st iteration of Operation Christmas Drop at Andersen Air Force Base, Dec. 5, 2022. Operation Christmas Drop 2022 will deliver 200 drops of donated goods via airlift to 56 islands across the Pacific benefitting over 23,000 people.

U.S. Army Col. Michael LaPoint, right, Commander, 57th Troop Command, New Jersey Army National Guard, passes the 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion colors to Lt. Col. Eric J. Tolska, incoming commander, during the Battalions change of command ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, June 24, 2022. (New Jersey National Guard photo by Mark C. Olsen)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, speaks during an awards ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Aug. 28, 2022. The engagement was part of a four-day trip by senior leaders to Djibouti, Somalia, and Manda Bay, Kenya, from August 28-31, 2022, to meet with host nation leaders, senior interagency officials, and deployed troops to better understand the political and military situation in East Africa, discuss shared concerns and priorities, and see ongoing operations firsthand.(Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Destani K. Matheny)

Today the Minnesota National Guard recognized members of the Minnesota National Guards Saint Paul-based 133rd Airlift Wing and Duluth based 148th Fighter Wing will gather in support of their 2021 and 2022 Outstanding Airman of Year nominees. Each unit selected candidates based on job performance, leadership, community involvement, and personal achievement during the previous year. The awards honor the Airmens accomplishments and highlight their dedication and devotion to duty.The following Airmen will be recognized for 2021: Master Sgt. Jay Jakeway (Senior Noncommissioned Officer)Master Sgt. Shannon Housey (First Sergeant)Staff Sgt. Alaina Lathrop (Noncommissioned Officer)Senior Airman Benjamin Swenson (Airman)Capt. Brent Shouler (Company Grade Officer)The Outstanding Airmen for 2022 to be recognized will be:Master Sgt. Shane Trisco (Senior Noncommissioned Officer)Master Sgt. Sterling Hartwick (First Sgt.)Tech. Sgt. Michael Schuette (Noncommissioned Officer)Senior Airman Madison Moritz

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Charles Rice, center, 426th Air Base Squadron outgoing commander, prepares to relinquish command to Col. Richard Martin, left, 423rd Air Base Group commander, during a 426th Air Base Squadron change of command ceremony at the Jåttå Military Compound in Stavanger, Norway, June 16, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority from one commander to another.

U.S. Army incoming Company commander of V Corps Forward Company Cpt. Brian Mumford stands in front of his formation during the change of command ceremony for Forward Company, V Corps, Camp Kosciusko, Poland, Nov. 17, 2022. V Corps Forward Company commander Cpt. Sean Hartsell relinquished command to incoming Company commander Cpt. Brian Mumford after completing his tenure as Company commander.

Soldiers of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, participate in a Casing of the Colors ceremony in Waterbury, Vt., December 3, 2022. Traditionally, this military ceremony commemorates unit history prior to the transfer of duty stations. The apex involves furling the guidon and placing it inside a protective sheath. Following their transfer to Massachusetts, Bravo Batterys lineage and honors transfer to the 172nd Law Enforcement Detachment of Garrison Support Command.

Soldiers of the 762nd Transportation Company applaud Sheila and Lorenzo Seaberry receiving the Soldier's Medal on behalf of their grandson, Spc. Tarik Seaberry.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 492nd Fighter Generation Squadron present their first salute to Maj. Nathan Stroupe, commander of the 492nd FGS, during 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.

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - The incoming Task Force Echo (TFE) VII formation, primarily assigned to the 125th Cyber Protection Battalion (CPB), is composed of Army National Guard Soldiers from South Carolina, California, Michigan, and Ohio, with additional Soldiers in the Task Force from Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, and Virginia. TFE VII is commanded by Maj. (Promotable) Daniel Byrnside, commander of the 125th CPB, with Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Larkin as the senior enlisted leader.

Regional Health Command Europe conducted a relinquishment of responsibility ceremony Aug. 12, as they bid farewell to the outgoing senior enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle S. Brunell.

Col. James Schlabach, incoming 91st Operations Group receives the guidon from Col. Kenneth McGhee, 91st Missile Wing commander on July 12, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The significance and importance of the guidon is that it represents the unit and its commanding officer. (U.S. Air Force photos by Airman Alysa Knott)

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

1st Sgt. Tyler Heleine wipes away a tear 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 Capt. Walker Wood, executive officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, speaks about U.S. Army Spc. Damien Cochran, assigned to HHB, 1st DIVARTY, during Cochrans re-enlistment at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, July 1, 2022. 1st DIVARTY 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.

Polish soldiers, assigned to the 14th Garrison Support Unit and U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to Area Support Group Poland, exchange greetings at a ceremony 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 Installation Management Command 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.

Command Sgt. Maj. Salvador Garcia Garcia, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, congratulates newly promoted 1st Sgt. Curtis N. Thornton as Lt. Col. Corbett W. Baxter battalion commander of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa HHBn looks on during a promotion ceremony on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy September 9, 2022. 1st Sgt. Thornton was promoted in a ceremony shortly before taking responsibility as the SETAF-AF Intelligence & Sustainment Company First Sergeant, in a separate ceremony.

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!(

Lt. Col. Christopher Shamblin, outgoing 7th Healthcare Operations Squadron commander, passes the guidon to Col. Elizabeth Somsel, 7th Medical Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, June 27, 2022. Shamblin served as the commander of the 7th Healthcare Operations Squadron for the past two years.

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.

The USAMU Color Guard stands before the audience during the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia on September 30, 2022.

Leadership from the 142nd Operations Group (OG) and the Operations Support Squadron conduct a redesignation ceremony, changing the Operations Support Flight to the Operations Support Squadron (OSS), Sept. 9, 2022, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon. During the Ceremony the guideons were switched out to visually represent the change from Flight to Squadron. 142nd OG commander, Col. Aaron Mathena, plans to continue growing the OSS to be the most it can be. Currently the squadron is comprised of 40 members but the intention is to expand it to 50 in the near future. The function of the OSS is to provide training and development, planning, scheduling and to manage life support activities in support of flying operations.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Maurice Barnett, commanding general, 10th Army Air Missile Defense Command, passes the Army Field Flag to U.S. Army Col. Bruce Bredlow, incoming commander, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, placing his trust and confidence in Col. Bredlow to command the brigade Oct. 6 on Sembach Kaserne, Germany. Adding the active-duty brigade headquarters to the theater adds significant capacity to the U.S. contribution to the Alliances ground-based air defense in EUCOM and increases interoperability with NATO Allies and partner nations.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Wayne Harrison salutes Lt. Col. Corey Gause, 167th Mission Support Group commander as Harrison assumes command of the 167th Force Support Squadron during a change of command ceremony at the 167th base dining facility, Martinsburg, West Virginia, Dec. 3, 2022. Harrison was formerly the Director of Inspections at the 167th Airlift Wing Office of the Inspector General and is replacing Lt. Col. Benjamin Mathias, 167th FSS commander since 2020.

Lt. Col. Alexander Kelly, commander of the 319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, returns his first salute as commander to a formation at the 319th ERS activation and assumption of command ceremony at Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kanoya Air Base, Japan, Oct. 23, 2022. Pacific Air Forces is deploying MQ-9s, a medium-altitude, long endurance remotely piloted aircraft, and personnel to JMSDF Air Base to conduct airborne reconnaissance operations in close coordination with the Japan Ministry of Defense in furtherance of the U.S.-Japan treaty and to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Soldiers assigned to 330th Movement Control Battalion arrive at Fort Bragg N.C. Dec. 12th. The 330th Movement Control Battalion completed a nine-month deployment to EUCOM in support of Atlantic Resolve.

General Andrew P. Poppas, commanding general, U.S. Army Forces Command, officiates the oath of office for newly promoted III Armored Corps Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Sean Bernabe, as he reaffirmed his commitment to the U.S. Army during a ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas, Oct. 4, 2022. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Desmond Cassell)

Chief Master Sgt. Robert P. Blum, command staff augmentee member, 231st Civil Engineer Flight, addresses the audience during his promotion ceremony, May 14, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Blum has served for 27 years.

Brig. Gen. Daniel Gabrielli, Minnesota Air National Guards Assistant Adjutant General and former commander for Task Force Holloman during Operation Allies Welcome, visits Airmen assigned to the 4th Fighter Wing and talks about their successes during OAW at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, May 20, 2022. On August 29, 2021, President Biden directed the Department of Homeland Security to lead and coordinate ongoing efforts across the federal government to support vulnerable Afghans as they safely resettle in the United States.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 114th Space Control Squadron based at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, are honored at a deployment ceremony ahead of their departure, Sept. 23, 2022. The Airmen will be supporting Operation JUNIPER SHIELD and providing non-kinetic effects to combatant commanders in support of global theater campaigns.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 12 Combat Aviation Brigade, Soldiers and family gathering the Change of Command Ceremony from (left) CPT Victor L. Ripley (center) Col. Patrick G. Schuck to (right)CPT Jennifer L. Sybert. The ceremony took place at Katterbach Army Airfield, Ansbach, Germany, July 1, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Diehl, 509th Bomb Wing commander, presents U.S. Air Force Col. Mark Reynolds, 509th Medical Group commander, with the Legion of Merit Medal during the 509th MDG change of command ceremony on Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 20, 2022. Reynolds received the medal for his contributions to Team Whiteman and the 509th MDG during his command.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. William A. Ryan III,deputy commanding general of Americas First Corps, recognizes Soldiers from the corps's Headquarters & Headquarters Battalion during the 2022 warfighter exercise award ceremony, on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Nov. 5, 2022.

U.S Marine Corps Col. Gregory Gordon, the commanding officer of 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, addresses guests during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 10, 2024. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Charles Anklam, outgoing battalion commander, relinquished command of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment to Lt. Col. Mark Paige.

Master Sgt. Anthony S. Alvarez accepted the Blanchfield Army Community Hospital Medical Troop Battalion colors from the BACH Medical troop commander Lt. Col. Les Patterson, during a troop battalion Relinquishment of Responsibility ceremony in the hospital atrium, May 20, 2022 , at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Alvarez assumed BACH Troop Sergeant Major responsibilities from Sgt. Maj. Brian Hawkins. Prior to the Relinquishment of Responsibility, they conducted an awards ceremony and induction into The Order of Military Medical Merit.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Loiselle, the assistant adjutant general-air, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, salutes Airmen 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.

Command Sgt. Maj. Tawaina Gennie, 39th Signal Strategic Battalion, returns the unit guidon during 39th Strategic Signal Battalion change of command ceremony June 30, 2022 at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium. (photo by Henri Cambier)

On December 2, 2022, soldiers from the 1st Signal Brigade participated in the Relinquishment of Responsibility Ceremony at Camp Humphreys in the Republic of South Korea. (Photo by Sgt. Alex Estrada/1st Signal Brigade Public Affairs Office)

Left to right: Col. Jason Gingrich, 39th Air Base Wing commander; Maj. Trivendhiran Pillai, outgoing 39th Comptroller Squadron commander; and Maj. Tarah Cotton, incoming 39th CPTS commander, participate in a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 14, 2022. During the ceremony, Pillai relinquished command to Gingrich, who then charged Cotton with leading the 39th CPTS. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of command from one officer to another. Cotton previously served as recruiting flight commander, AFROTC Detachment 130, Howard University, Washington, D.C.

From left, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom James, commander of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense, U.S. Army Sergeant 1st Class Maurice Erickson, 1st Sgt. for the JTF-SD, and Ericksons spouse, Amanda, participate in an interservice transfer ceremony at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Sept. 21, 2022. James presided over the ceremony and administered the oath of enlistment to Erickson as he transferred into the U.S. Space Force.

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.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Division stand at attention for the entrance of U.S. Army Col. Geoffrey A. Norman, deputy commanding officer of support of the 1st Infantry Division before his promotion ceremony at Poznan, Poland, June 1, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Renee Turner, first sergeant at the 105th Airlift Wing, lowers the guidon during the 9/11 Day Remembrance Ceremony Sept. 11, 2022 at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York. Turner was the guidon bearer during the ceremony.

220804-N-XK809-1215 FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (Aug. 4, 2022) Vice Adm. Ross Myers, left, salutes General Paul M. Nakasone, Commander, U.S. Cyber Command, Director, National Security Agency and Chief, Centeral Security Service as he is relieved of command of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet during a change of command ceremony at the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet Headquarters. During the ceremony, Vice Adm. Craig Clapperton relieved Vice Adm. Ross Myers as commander of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet.

Adm. Charles Richard, United States Strategic Command commander, speaks at an all call on Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 18, 2022. During the all call, Adm. Richard stressed the importance of Minot AFB providing two legs of the nation's nuclear triad, while answering questions from Airmen.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. William Doug Marshall, the commander of the 1st Battalion 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jaime Lopez case their battalions colors during a transfer of authority ceremony April 22, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. In January 2022, the 1-44 ADA successfully engaged medium ballistic missile threats with the simultaneous launch of Patriot interceptor missiles preventing potential loss of life and damage to U.S. Central Command critical assets.

U.S. Marines with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452, (VMGR) (Yankees) stand in formation during a deactivation ceremony for the squadron, at Newburgh, New York, Dec. 2, 2022. The Marine Corps plans to activate VMGR-153 in fiscal year 2023. The squadron will be based at Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.

U.S. Army Col. Deon D. Maxwell, commander (right) passes the unit colors to Master Sgt. Andrew R. Colburn, incoming Senior Enlisted Advisor (left) both with U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Europe, during a assumption of responsibility ceremony, Sep 15, 2022 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Colburn assumed responsibility from Master Sgt. Charles W. Douglas.

Michigan Air National Guard members attend a 110th Wing change of command ceremony at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, June 4, 2022. Col. Daniel J. Kramer II assumed command of the wing from Col. Shawn E. Holtz.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Kristen Pujol, right, 422nd Air Base Squadron senior enlisted leader, along with Airmen from the 422nd ABS, render a final salute during a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Croughton, England, June 6, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

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. Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, adjutant general, Vermont National Guard, left, and relevant leaders bow during the benediction at a Casing of the Colors ceremony for Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, in Waterbury, Vt., December 3, 2022. The benediction is a short prayer for blessing and guidance performed by Chaplains in military ceremonies around the world.

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.

Maj. Gen. Chris Mohan, the commanding general of U.S. Army Sustainment Command, passed the colors of the 405th Army Field Support Brigade to Col. Crystal Hills, signifying the official change of leadership at the 405th AFSB. Hills assumed command of ASCs Europe and Africa support brigade from Col. Brad Bane during a change of command ceremony on Daenner Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany, June 30. (photo by Elisabeth Paqué)

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the 156th Wing Honor Guard, pause for the playing of the United States and Puerto Rico national anthems during the Puerto Rico Air National Guard assistant adjutant general-air 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.

From left to right, Lt. Col. Adam Ropelewski, commander of 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and Command Sgt. Maj. Jesus Robles, outgoing senior enlisted advisor of 2nd Bn., 77th FA Reg., 2SBCT, 4th Inf. Div., pass the battalion colors during a change of responsibility ceremony July 29 at Fort Carson, Colo. Change of responsibility ceremonies are a time honored tradition in which a unit transfers responsibility from one senior enlisted advisor to the next.

U.S. and multinational Soldiers assigned to various units within U.S. Army Europe and Africa footprint, celebrate graduation ceremony from the Basic Leader Course (BLC) at the 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Grafenwoehr, Germany, March 30, 2023. The 7th Army NCOA trains U.S. and multinational Soldiers using the BLC curriculum from the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, poses for a photo with Staff Sgt Jacob Allen, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft Craftsman, Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 9, 2024. He was coined for his actions such as identifying and replacing a faulty starter-generator while on temporary duty travel during an Agile Combat Employment Exercise. His actions avoided the pack-up and shipment of the aircraft and enabled four sorties to support a joint forces exercise. He also while deployed witnessed a major vehicle accident, assessed the scene, removed the driver from the vehicle and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until emergency services arrived.

Col. Bryan M. Harris, commander, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division gives a speech during a change of comand ceremony, Jan. 23, 2023, Zagan, Poland. The 2/1 is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Senior Master Sgt. Carmen Daniels, 192nd Force Support Squadron senior enlisted leader, promotes to the rank of chief master sergeant June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron commander, presided over the ceremony attended by Daniels' family, friends and fellow members of the Virginia Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard by Staff Sgt. Kellyann Elish)

Pennsylvania National Guard Senior Enlisted Leader Command Sgt. Maj. Jon Worley speaks with the 111th Attack Wing's Student Flight on June 11, 2022 at Biddle ANG Base, Horsham, Pennsylvania. During the visit with these newly enlisted Airmen, Worley spoke about the importance of their service. The Student Flight is a program designed to help new, non-prior service enlistees become better prepared for basic training, making the transition from civilians into the Air National Guard a little easier.

Lt. Col. Craig Rasley, incoming commander of the 7th Munitions Squadron, sits with Col. Joshua Pope, 7th Maintenance Squadron commander on Dyess Air Force Base Texas, 16 Jun 2022. The change of command ceremony is a formal tradition used to usher in a new commander for military units.

U.S. Air Force Col. Russell Cook, 23rd Wing commander, passes the guidon to Col. Michael Gallagher, 23rd Mission Support Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 17, 2022. Gallagher accepted command of the 23rd MSG. The passing of the guidon represents the official change of leadership within a unit.

Gen. Glen VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and Sgt. Maj. James Porterfield, Command Senior Enlisted Leader, NORAD and USNORTHCOM, formally recognized superior performers in the Western Air Defense Sector (WADS) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, May 3, 2022. Master Sgt. Mark Keene was highlighted for outstanding achievement in performance of his duties at WADS and in the community. WADS is one of two sectors responsible to the Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and NORAD for peacetime air sovereignty, strategic air defense, and airborne counterdrug operations in the continental United States and plays a vital part in homeland defense. (Department of Defense photo by Chuck Marsh)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Conrad Sheldon, an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 102nd Infantry Regiment, Connecticut Army National Guard, stands at the position of attention with an Army Commendation Medal attached to his uniform, following be named Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for winning the 2023 Connecticut Army National Guard Best Warrior Competition, inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, East Lyme, Connecticut, March 26, 2023. The competition drew soldiers from across the Connecticut Army National Guard and over the course of three days these competitors faced off against one another in a variety of events testing their physical fitness, land navigation skills, marksmanship skills and warrior task competencies.

Newly-installed Army Support Activity-Black Sea (ASA-Black Sea) Commander U.S. Army Lt. Col. Brian C. Fiddermon, right, embraces the outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Jeremy A. McHugh, following the ASA-Black Sea Change of Command Ceremony at Mihail Kogălniceanu Airbase, Romania, Aug. 2, 2022. McHugh served as ASA-Black Sea commander for two years, responsible for Army installations in Romania and Bulgaria; in the last eight months, he simultaneously served as the acting commander of U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz, headquartered in Germany..

The official party prepares to transfer authority for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, Baghdad Iraq, Sept. 8, 2022. Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, presided over the ceremony between U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John Brennan and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane.

U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Townsend, 48th Fighter Wing vice commander, renders the first salute to Brig. Gen. Joseph Campo, incoming 48th Fighter Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 29, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Jason Camilletti, outgoing 48th FW commander, relinquished command of the 48th FW to Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, who then charged Campo with leading the Liberty Wing.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Steve Alkire, commander of the Wyoming Army Guard, speaks to the Soldiers, friends, and families of the 2-149th Aviation Battalion (Wyoming Outriders, during their deployment ceremony in the JFRC auditorium, Cheyenne, Wyo., June 9, 2022. This is the sixth deployment for Cowboy Aviation in the last ten years. The Wyoming Outriders will be supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in the Middle East.

U.S. Air Force Col. George M. Buch Jr., right, incoming commander, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, assumes command of the 386th AEW and receives the guidon from Maj. Gen. Clark J. Quinn, assistant deputy commander, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), during a change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, July 1, 2022. Buch was the Director of Safety for United States Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. He is a master navigator with more than 2,700 flying hours to include over 550 combat and combat support hours in the C-130 Hercules aircraft.

Iowa Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 209th Medical Company (Area Support) salute the flag while the national anthem plays during a send-off ceremony at Clear Creek Amana High School in Tiffin, Iowa, on July 16, 2022. Senior leaders, family and friends gathered in the auditorium to honor the 80 Soldiers who are mobilizing to Poland in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. They will be providing field hospital health service support as part of NATOs Enhanced Forward Presence mission, which enables the U.S. to provide deterrence to adversaries while supporting our NATO partners.

U.S. Army Col. Barbara P. Tucker, right, commander of the 103rd Troop Command (103 TC), Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG), and Capt. Cliff Yim, commander of the 50th Quartermaster Detachment (50 QM), 103 TC, HIARNG, participate in a unit activation ceremony for the 50 QM at Waiawa Armory, Pearl City, Hawaii, Feb. 3, 2024. The mission of the 50 QM is to provide field feeding support for up to 700 personnel at the Echelons Above Brigade level as well as provide National Guard Civil Support throughout Hawaii. Army National Guard

U.S. Army Capt. Elijah Eyoto, incoming commander, 66th Transportation company, receives the company guidon for the first time, during the Change of Command ceremony at, Kleber Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany, on Jan. 8, 2024.

Lt. Col. Megerdoomian presents 2nd Lt. Sammantha Ponsell an Army Achievement Medal. Her squad was the highest performing squad during the 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron spur ride.

U.S. Air Force Col. Mark Reynolds relinquishes command of the 509th Medical Group and passes the ceremonial guidon to U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Diehl, 509th Bomb Wing commander, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 20, 2022. The 509th MDG supports the 509th BW and Whiteman AFB tenant units by providing medical support, community health and wellness, and mission-ready medical Airmen.

Polish Col. Kristof Kuba and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Steven P. Carpenter, commander of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division shakes hands with newly graduated Polish tank crewmen during the Abrams Tank Training Academy ceremony at Biedrusko, Poland, Sept. 27, 2022. Poland is proudly working alongside 1st Infantry Division, other NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Army Reserve Col. Melissa Adamski, left, commander of the Military Intelligence Readiness Command, U.S. Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Bailey, middle, Military Intelligence Readiness Command command sergeant major, and Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Brian Bertazon, right, stand at attention during a change of responsibility ceremony held at Fort Belvoir, Va., Jan. 21, 2024. U.S. Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Bailey assumed responsibility as Military Intelligence Readiness Command command sergeant major from outgoing command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Brian Bertazon.

Retreat ceremony performed in honor of Lt. Col. Todd Hudson's retirement from the military, Sept. 11, 2022 at the Nevada National Guard Base in Reno.

U.S. Army Capt. Zachary B. Griffin, 42d Transportation Company receives the guidon from Maj. Brendan T. Collins, 39th Transportation Battalion, Executive Officer, officially recognized as the commander of the 42d TC during the activation ceremony, Oct. 14, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany

Task Force Thunder, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard, took command of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission under 7th Army Training Command (7ATC) from Task Force Bowie, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Arkansas Army National Guard, on Jan. 5, 2024. Under the guidance of U.S. European Command, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and Security Assistance Group-Ukraine, 7ATC leads the training and is supported and supported by a myriad of other organizations from across the U.S. Army. This training of Armed Forces of Ukraine has been conducted in Germany since April 2022.

Col. Tammy McElhaney, 4th Mission Support Group commander, passes the 4th Communications Squadron guidon to Maj. Joshua Gminski, incoming 4th CS commander, during a change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Oct. 28, 2022. The passing of a unit's guidon symbolizes a transfer of command.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Beeson, the U.S. Army Center for Initial Military Training command sergeant major, shakes hands with Sgt. Andrew Craigo, distinguished graduate and writing award winner of Class 03-22, Advance Leaders Course at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy at April 4. 2022 at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

U.S. Navy Capt. Randy L. Panke, the outgoing commanding officer of 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, salutes colors during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 5, 2022. During the ceremony, Capt. Dean Goad, the commanding officer of 2nd Medical Battalion, assumed command of 2nd Medical Battalion from Capt. Randy L. Panke.

Indiana National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Ashley Lovett instructs services members of their roles for the opening ceremonies of the week eight Colts game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022. The Commanders defeated the Colts 17-16.

After serving three years as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of U.S. Special Operations Command, Command Chief Master Sgt. Greg Smith (left) hands the responsibility to Command Sgt. Major Shane Shorter (right) during a change of responsibility ceremony held in the headquarters, Aug. 4, 2022. USSOCOM Commander, Gen. Richard D. Clarke (center) was the presiding officer over both ceremonies. Photo by Michael Bottoms.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, director, Air National Guard, coins Maj. Janice Gerber, a critical care air transport team (CCATT) member, 124th Medical Group, 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho National Guard, during his visit to Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Aug. 20, 2022. During his visit, Loh was able to learn about the many missions of the wing such as the CCATT, a highly specialized medical team that augments aeromedical evacuation crew members in combat operations.

Soldiers, Airmen, Seaman, and Marines await the final results of the 2024 Polyglot Games at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Feb. 3, 2024. The Utah Army National Guards 300th Military Intelligence Brigade (Linguist) hosted the sixth annual Polyglot Games which brought in over 200 service members from over 80 different units around the world.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael C. May, the state command chief for the Indiana Air National Guard, is congratulated on his retirement by members of the 181st Intelligence Wing at Hulman Field Air National Guard Base, Ind., Sept. 10, 2022. May served 30 years in the Air National Guard.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John Phillips assigned to the 335th Signal Command (Theater) receives a canon shell during a change of command ceremony on Aug 21, 2022 on Fort Gordon, Augusta, Ga. We farewelled Maj. Gen. John Phillips and welcomed our new Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Tina Boyd to the 335th Signal Command (Theater).

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