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Military Change of Command Ceremonies

Images depict formal military change of command ceremonies featuring uniformed personnel, awards, salutes, and patriotic backdrops, conveying a spirit of duty and tradition.

U.S. Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, passes a guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, during an AFSOC change of command ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Dec. 9, 2022. The passing of the guidon to Bauernfeind represented his assumption of command of AFSOC.

040401-F-3759D-003. Base: Altus Air Force Base State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher Heflin receives a Distinguished Graduate Award during the graduation ceremony for Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Class 22-4, April 22, 2022, at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman takes a selfie after engaging with Airmen and Guardian guests at the Space Foundation and Discovery Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 4, 2022. (U.S. Space Force photo Senior Airman Alexus Wilcox)

Members assigned to the 81st Training Wing attend an assumption of responsibility and ribbon cutting ceremony at the Archibald Mathies Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi on Feb. 8, 2024. The Mathies NCOA is a professional military education facility for noncommissioned officers focused on deliberately developing todays enlisted warriors to secure the competitive advantage of tomorrow. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. (left) and Gen. Arnold W. Bunch, Jr., speak during an award presentation at Bunchs retirement, June 13, 2022, at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Bunch retired after 38 years of service including a final tour as commander Air Force Materiel Command.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Bibb Jr., 18th Air Force commander, speaks during a change of command ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 19. 2022. The 18th Air Force headquarters at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois was reactivated Oct. 1, 2003 and is responsible for ensuring readiness and sustainment of approximately 36,000 active duty, Reserve and civilian Airmen.

040323-F-4406B-004. Base: Peterson Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

U.S. Space Force Col. Max E. Lantz II, outgoing commandant of the National Security Space Institute (NSSI), speaks during the NSSI change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., July 21, 2022. Lantz served as the commandant of NSSI since Jan. 2019 before relinquishing command to Col. Kenneth F. L. Klock.

Lt. Col. Dominic Calderon, 301st Airlift Squadron chief of training; 1st Lt.Kyle Anderson, 301st AS assistant operations officer; Master Sgt. Silva Foster, 301st AS loadmaster; Senior Airman Michael Geller, 517th Airlift Squadron loadmaster; and Staff Sgt. Dennis Gonzalez-Furman,437th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief, listen before being recognized during a Distinguished Flying Cross award ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, Apr. 1, 2022. The Distinguished Flying Cross medal is awarded to any officer or enlisted person of the United States armed forces who has demonstrated heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten Aguilar salutes Alaska Air National Guard Brigadier Gen. Anthony Stratton during the 673d Air Base Wing and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, change of command ceremony at Heritage Park on JBER, June 28, 2022. U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten G. Aguilar turned over command to Air Force Col. David J. Wilson as Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, commander Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region, Alaskan Command, and 11th Air Force, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

Col. Andrew Garcia assumes command of the 15th Maintenance Group by accepting the guidon from Col. Daniel Dobbels, 15th Wing commander, during a Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 6, 2022. The 15th MXG supports and maintains C-17 Globemaster IIIs, F-22 Raptors, and C-37 Gulfstreams.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Space Delta 6 held its change of command ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado, Friday, September 9, 2022. During the ceremony, hosted by Lt Gen. Stephen Whiting, Commander, Space Operations Command, U.S. Space Force Colonel Roy Rockwell, transferred command of the Delta to incoming USSF Col Christopher Kennedy.

040709-F-7436C-002. Base: Offutt Air Force Base State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050907-F-6911G-111. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Col. Stephen Frodsham, 192nd Wing inspector general, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard after a career of more than 22 years, on April 1, 2023, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

Col. Sirena Morris, 88th Mission Support Group commander, passes a guidon to Audric Bills during his appointment to leadership, May 23, 2022, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Morris appointed Bills as the 88th Force Support Squadron director during an assumption of leadership ceremony.

030710-F-6701P-003. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

040913-F-3050V-009. Base: Washington, D.C. State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Sirena Morris, 88th Mission Support Group commander, shakes hands with Audric Bills following his appointment to leadership, May 23, 2022, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Morris appointed Bills as the 88th Force Support Squadron director during an assumption of leadership ceremony.

US Air Force General Tony Robertson, Air Mobility Command Commander from Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, passes the flag to newly appointed 15th Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Walter Hogle, during Change of Command ceremonies at Travis AFB, California, on November 1, 1999. 15th Air Force Command CHIEF MASTER Sergeant Mark Luzader presented the guidon. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The 137th Airlift Squadron promoted its Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) Senior Master Sgt. Vincent Fasano to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, during a ceremony held at the 105th Airlift Wing, Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, NY, November 3, 2022.

Army Brig. Gen. Jason Benson, the Assistant Division Commander - Maneuver of the Minnesota National Guards 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, is promoted during an event at the Minnesota State Capitol on January 13, 2024. The promotion comes as Benson and more than 500 fellow Red Bulls prepare for an upcoming deployment to the Middle-East later this year.We do not promote people to brigadier general because that of which they have already done, said Army Maj. Gen. Charles Kemper, 34th Infantry Division Commander. "We promote them based on the potential they have to lead.

Lt. Col. John D. Duray, 9th Attack Squadron commander, gives his first speech to the Airmen of the 9th ATKS during a change of command ceremony, June 30, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The squadron is a training unit for new pilots and sensor operators for the MQ-9 Reaper.

The Honorable Carol DiBattiste, Under Secretary of the Air Force re-enlists US Air Force Technical Sergeant Tate Leger, 31st Maintenance Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy. Ms DiBattiste stopped at Aviano Air Base to meet with troops and families and talk about recruiting and retention. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Dorothy Hinkley, commander of the 129th Medical Group, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, recites the oath of office after promoting to colonel during a ceremony, Sept. 10, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California. Hinkley earned her commission through the Navy ROTC program and served on active duty with the Navy before transitioning to the U.S. Navy Reserve and later transferring to the Air National Guard.

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Barbara Bartch, commander of the 121st Maintenance Group, 121st Air Refueling Wing, assumes command from Col. Donald Braskett during a change of command ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 13, 2022. Prior to her current position, Bartch was the 121st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander.

Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, and Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass take a group photo with international partners Lt. Col. Mark Abrahams, United Kingdom Defense and Security Exports, Lt. Gen. Jose Gerardo Vega Rivera, Mexican Air Force; Lt. Col. Dana Sliwinski, Canadian Air Force; Lt. Col. Erik Kos, Netherlands North Atlantic Treaty Organization Joint Support Enabling Command; Lt. Gen. Alberto Biavati, Italian Air Force; and Air Commodore David Strong, Royal Australian Air Force, during the Airlift/Tanker Symposium, in Denver, Colo., Oct. 29, 2022. Additionally, representatives Lt. Col. Ianculescu Florin and Capt. Gabriel Andrei Alexandru, both from the Romanian Air Force, attended the A/TA Symposium. This years symposium brought together 1,600 Air Force senior leaders, industry partners, media, partner nations representatives, and Airmen with mobility equities, to include Airmen from Air Force Special Operations Command and Air Force Educat

U.S. Air Force Col. Frederick Coleman, 505th Command and Control Wing commander, left, hands the 505th CCW, Detachment 1s guidon flag to Lt. Col. Frank Klimas, rt, as he takes command at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, June 24, 2022. The 505th CCW, Det. 1 is the principal airpower advisor to the U.S. Army's Training and Doctrine Command, Combined Arms Center for present and future weapons systems, capabilities, ordinance, tactics, procedures, and limitations as they influence U.S. Army force structure, doctrine, concepts, training, modeling and simulation, acquisition, and analysis programs.

United States Air Force NCO Academy Class 22-7, E-flight at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center, Aug. 15, 2022, on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

An Airman from the 501st Combat Support Wing Honor Guard speaks with Air Vice-Marshal Andrew White CB DL, after a Ceremony of Remembrance at Stanwick Lakes, England, Feb. 22, 2024. U.S. and U.K. leaders gathered to honor 17 Airmen who died in a midair collision on Feb. 22, 1944, involving B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 303rd Bombardment Group at RAF Molesworth and the 384th Bombardment Group at RAF Grafton Underwood. The Airmen were part of Operation Argument, or "The Big Week," targeting enemy industrial sites and aircraft facilities in Central Europe to secure Allied air superiority for the upcoming landings in France in June 1944. Air Force

A U.S. Air Force Airman receives the Community College of the Air Force certificate during the graduation ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 19, 2022. The CCAF is the largest community college in the world, affiliated with schools in over 36 states and eight foreign locations and over 260,000 Air Force members registered.

ARLINTGON, VA. (June 30, 2022) - U.S. Air Force Maj. David Wilson, Maintenance Systems Modernization Branch Chief assigned to the Maintenance Systems Program Management Office of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office, recites the oath of office to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel during a promotion ceremony in Arlington, VA. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle-space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35, which has been operational since July of 2015, is the most lethal, survivable, and interoperable fighter aircraft ever built.

040611-F-5906P-199. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The 75th Innovation Command hosted a retirement ceremony during September Battle Assembly on Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Texas, Sept. 10. Retirees, from left, are Sgt. 1st. Class Danial Lisarelli; Master Sgt. Patrick Hewitt; Master Sgt. Richard Queen; Lt. Col. Samsul Alam; Lt. Col. Michael Ansay; and Col. Beth Sweet.

From left: U.S. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Rebecca Langloss, force support squadron superintendent, 114th Fighter Wing, and U.S. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Loren Bowden, quality assurance superintendent, 114th Maintenance Group and U.S. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Chad Weinacht, maintenance operations superintendent, 114th Maintenance Group, all pose for a photo during a Chief Master Sergeant Induction ceremony at Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, June 5, 2022. Chief Master Sergeant is the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force and these individuals are tasked with developing and mentoring junior enlisted airmen.

The 121st Air Refueling Wing holds a promotion ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Caron at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2024. Family and friends joined Caron to celebrate his ascension to the 9th and highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. Air National Guard

Kay Ivey, Alabama goveror, presents SrA James Watson with the Airman of the Year Award during the 2022 Alabama Governor's Outstanding Service Member Awards Luncheon in Montgomery, Alabama, May 17, 2022.

Members of the Ohio National Guard and Serbian Armed Forces assemble for a photo April 8, 2022, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. This State Partnership Program exchange was a continuation of the Ohio National Guards chaplain corps working closely with the Serbian Armed Forces since 2013 to reestablish a chaplaincy program that had not existed for more than seven decades in Serbia. Today, there are chaplains at Serbias military bases throughout the country, and the Ohio and Serbia chaplaincy relationship continues to grow.

GEN Lew Allen, Air Force chief of staff, presents the Department of Defense Distinuished Service Medal to LGEN Benjamin N. Bellis during his retirement ceremony. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

020827-A-2276P-003. Base: Miami State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Southeast

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Troy Taylor was appointed the twelfth Ohio state command chief for the Ohio Air National Guard during a change of authority ceremony on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Maj. Gen. James Camp, the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Ohio National Guard, performed the ceremony as Taylor accepted authority from the previous state command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Norma Przyborowski of the 253rd Command and Control Group, Wyoming Air National Guard, retires from military service during a ceremony at the Joint Forces Readiness Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, May 14, 2022

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matt Cherry, 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, gives remarks during the 628th LRS Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 30, 2022. Prior to his current position, Cherry completed the Air Forces Strategic Policy Fellowship in Washington, D.C. with duty at the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force Legislative Liaison and the United States Agency for International Development.

Gen. Arnold W. Bunch, Jr., Air Force Materiel Command Commander speaks to guests of the Order of the Sword ceremony, May 13, 2022 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The Order of the Sword is an honor awarded by noncommissioned officers to recognize an individual who has contributed significantly to the well-being and development of the enlisted force.

US Air Force Brigadier General Carrol Chandler (Middle) relieves command over to Major General Kurt Anderson, 19th Air Force Commander (left), Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, during the Wing Change of Command Ceremony at Luke AFB, Arizona, in Hangar 914. New Commander, BGEN John Barry (right) looks on. Base: Luke Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass pose with Capt. Christopher Locke, recipient of the 2022 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award, junior officer category, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 3, 2023. The award is named for Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Lance Sijan, who died while being held as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sadie L. Chambers speaks during the Military Womens Memorial 25th Anniversary Ceremony at the Military Womens Memorial in Arlington, Va., Oct. 15, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Damian Schlussel, Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jayar Dela Cruz, Mathies Noncommissioned Officer Academy commandant, stand at the position of attention during the assumption of responsibility and ribbon cutting ceremony on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 8, 2024. The Mathies NCOA is a professional military education facility for noncommissioned officers focused on deliberately developing todays enlisted warriors to secure the competitive advantage of tomorrow. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, incoming 18th Air Force commander, speaks during a change of command ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 19, 2022. The change of command ceremony represents a time-honored military tradition providing an opportunity for Airmen to witness the transfer of power to their newly appointed commanding officer.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander, speaks with South African Air Force Lt. Gen. W.S. Mbambo, Chief of the SAAF, during the Africa Aersopace and Defence Exhibition 2022 opening ceremonies, Sept. 21, 2022, at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion, South Africa. Fostering regional relationships among African partners allows for the opening of dialogue and helps build regional solutions that we can help our African partners implement to address regional concerns.

Kay Ivey, Alabama goveror, presents MSgt Roberick Caswell with the First Sergeant of the Year Award during the 2022 Alabama Governor's Outstanding Service Member Awards Luncheon in Montgomery, Alabama, May 17, 2022.

Capt. Joey Morlock assumes command of the 124th Security Forces Squadron, Gowen Field, ID, April 1, 2023. Having begun his Idaho Air National Guard career in security forces before commissioning, Morlock is returning to the unit as its commanding officer.

Staff Sgt. Yuri Motamedi (left), the Kentucky Air National Guards 2023 Non-Commissioned Officer of the year, receives the Kentucky Enlisted Exceptional Performance Award from Chief Master Sgt. Steven Best, 123rd Airlift Wing command chief master sergeant, during the Airmans Gala at the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 10, 2024. The Gala celebrated the units top-performing Airmen for 2023. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jeremy Stover, 420th Air Base Squadron commander, salutes during a change of command ceremony at RAF Croughton, England, July 20, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

041210-F-5756F-005. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Christina Lock, 151st Mission Support Group commander, passes the guidon to U.S. Air Force Maj. Travis R. Johnson, who assumes command of the 151st Civil Engineer Squadron during a ceremony on April 9, 2022 at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base in Salt Lake City.

US AIr Force Colonel Thomas Kane (Right) takes hold of the 60th Air Mobility Wing guidon, presented by Lieutenant General John B. Sams of 15th Air Force at Travis Air Force Base, California, to show his acceptance as he takes the reigns and becomes the new wing commander at Travis AFB, Ca., on October 15, 1999. On the right is his wife, Renee, proudly watching. COL Kane is no stranger to Travis as he was once the former 86th Airlift Squadron (later changed to the 20th Airlift Squadron) Commander whose troops flew the C-141 Starlifter cargo aircraft. U.S. Air Force photo by Kristina P. Cilia. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

050127-F-2177F-003. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Lincoln Bonner, left, commander, 804th Test Group, passes the guidon of the newly-activated 718th Test Squadron (718 TS) to Lt. Col. Dayvid Prahl as Prahl assumes command of the 718 TS during an activation ceremony May 20, 2022, at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. The 718 TS was previously designated the Space Test Branch and was led by Prahl.

CRYSTAL CITY, VA. (Sep. 14, 2022) - Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt, F-35 Joint Program Executive Officer (PEO), meets with Major General Juha-Pekka Keränen, Finnish Air Chief, during an annual visit in Crystal City, VA., Sep. 14, 2022. This was the first meeting between the Finnish Leadership and the PEO since they signed the Letter of Acceptance. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle-space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35, which has been operational since July of 2015, is the most lethal, survivable, and interoperable fighter aircraft ever built. (Photo by America Henry-Wingo/Released)

U.S. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Morin holds his retirement ceremony on September 10th, 2022 at the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Bangor, Maine. Morin was a former member of the United States Marine Corps before joining the Maine Air National Guard.

Col. David Chauvin, Chief of Staff, Nevada Air National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, presents Lt. Col. Todd Hudson, Nevada Air National Guard Chief of Safety, his retirement certificate at Hudson's retirement ceremony at the Nevada Air National Guard Base in Reno, Nev., on Sept. 11, 2022.

Major Gen. Francis Evon, adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard and Col. Steve Gwinn, commander of the 103rd Airlift Wing await the arrival of Vice President Kamala Harris beside Congresswoman Jahana Hayes at Bradley Air National Guard Base in East Granby, CT on October 5, 2022.

Hawaii Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Moses Kaoiwi Jr., director of joint staff for the Hawaii National Guard (HING), delivers a speech during a promotion ceremony at Kalaeloa, Hawaii, July 1, 2022. Kaoiwi was the guest speaker for Lt. Col. (P) David R. Hatcher IIs promotion to the rank of Colonel.

020301-F-1166S-004. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Moblility Command

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tom Whiteman, 121st Air Refueling Wing Chaplain, is promoted during a ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Aug. 13, 2022. Whiteman was joined by fellow Airmen and family members for his promotion ceremony.

030116-F-5611J-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Savannah International Airport State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

020405-F-0375W-007. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

The United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" perform a series of high show demonstrations during the Great Texas Airshow April 22 - 24, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. Along with this year marking the Air Forces 75th anniversary, Joint Base San Antonio was celebrating the 80th birthday of Air Education and Training Command.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Myles Krischel receives a Distinguished Graduate Award during the graduation ceremony for Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Class 22-4, April 22, 2022, at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

(Left to right) Chief Master Sgt. Leondas Moore, 388th Maintenance Squadron, Chief Master Sgt. Michael Young, 419th Maintenance Group, and Chief Master Sgt. Christian Suarez, 421st Fighter Generation Squadron, stand during the recitation of the Chief's Charge during the Chief Induction Ceremony Mar. 31, 2023, in Ogden, Utah. Only 1% of the entire enlisted force will earn the rank of chief.

040802-F-0464D-020. Base: Bolling Air Force Base State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A memorial for Senior Airman Melanie Locklear, 305th Air Mobility Wing maintainer, is held at the McGuire Air Force Base Chapel on Nov. 30, 2022. The memorial was attended by friends, family, and colleagues where awards and decorations were presented to her spouse by Lt. Col. Matt Ratcliffe, 305th Maintenance Squadron commander.

2nd Lt. Allyson Burba speaks during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 7, 2023. Burba was named the 2022 Cadet of the Year.

010925-F-7964B-002. Base: Fort Smith State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

21st Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Maxwell Bailey (Left), McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, attaches the Outstanding Unit Award Standard onto the 6th Air refueling Wing's Guidon. CHIEF MASTER Sergeant Rich Wehde (Right) assists with the guidon, while USAF Brigadier General James Soligan and Colonel Deihl look on. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Mary Teeter relinquished command of the 305th Maintenance Group to U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Pendley during a change of command ceremony. U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Wiederholt, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, presided over the ceremony. Teeter led CAN DO Airmen and 305th innovation through both the COVID-19 pandemic as well as Operations Allies Welcome/Refuge.

Lieutenant Gen. Luca Goretti, Italian Air Force Chief of Staff, and U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., pose for a photo during the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, England, July 15, 2022. Brown attended RIAT to meet with air and space chiefs from other nations and demonstrate the Department of the Air Forces commitment to its allies and partners.

Family members of U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Derek Salmi, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, pin his new rank at Travis Air Force Base, California, Jan. 4, 2024. Salmi commissioned from the U. S. Air Force Academy in 1998 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. He is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours and has deployed in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM and NEW DAWN.

230324-N-LN782-1054 (Mar. 24, 2023) U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command's Pass in Review in Great Lakes, Illinois, Mar. 24, 2023. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp

U.S. Army Soldiers, participating in the U.S. Army Forces Command Best Squad Competition, prepare to enter the squad board on Fort Hood, Texas, Aug. 19, 2022. These soldiers represent the best in U.S. Army Forces Command.

U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Guardsmen fold an American flag during a retirement ceremony, May 26, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The Honor Guard is responsible for supporting special events such as memorials, change of commands, military retirements, awards banquets, and various civic events.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass congratulate Master Sgt. Trevor Runyan, recipient of the 2020 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award, junior enlisted category, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 3, 2023. The award is named for Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Lance Sijan, who died while being held as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

U.S. Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Dakota Broderick, a Client Systems craftsman of the 133rd Test Squadron, right, is promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant at a ceremony at St. Edmonds Arena at Fort Dodge, Iowa, Sept. 10, 2022. Broderick and another Airman were promoted and two Airmen retired from the 133rd.

Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of Air Education and Training Command, gives remarks during Fiesta Fiesta opening ceremony at Hemisfair Park in San Antonio, Texas, Mar. 31, 2022 Fiesta Fiesta officially marks the start of the 11-day annual celebration featuring parades, exhibits, music, entertainment and family-friendly fun - all benefitting local, non-profit causes.

Maj. Gen. Michele Edmondson, Col. Rockie Wilson and Col. Lauren Courchaine stand at attention for the 37th Training Wing change of command at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 10, 2022. As the new 37 TRW commander, Courchaine oversees Basic Military Training, the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, the Defense Language Institute English Language Center and the 37th Training Group, which trains Airmen in 23 career fields.

Col. Christopher Clark accepts the 144th Fighter Wing guidon from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Steven Butow, California Air National Guard commander, during an assumption of command ceremony, Sept. 11, 2022, at the Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif. Accepting the guidon is a symbolic Air Force tradition, representing that the incoming commander accepts the duties and responsibilities of the role. As the base commander, Clark will oversee the bases federal missions of providing air superiority in support of worldwide joint operations as well as the variety of Defense Support of Civil Authorities capabilities to the California Governor.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass congratulate Master Sgt. Jeffrey Fitzgerald, recipient of the 2019 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award, junior enlisted category, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 3, 2023. The award is named for Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Lance Sijan, who died while being held as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

050121-F-4169T-002. Base: Maxwell Air Force Base State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An international military student glances at the coin he received during graduation ceremony for the Inter-American Air Forces Academy, Aug 8, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland. Approximately 200 students from 10 partner nations and the U.S. graduated from IAAFA during B-Cycle graduation.

U.S. Space Force 2nd Lt. Taylor Cotton, U.S. Air Force Academy admissions advisor, provides information to candidates and parents during Academy Day at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 15, 2022. The event provided an opportunity for service academy candidates to learn about the enrollment process as well as receive a potential congressional nomination for an appointment.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass congratulate Senior Master Sgt. Karla Pelayo, recipient of the 2022 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award, senior enlisted category, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 3, 2023. The award is named for Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Lance Sijan, who died while being held as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

040806-F-9891G-014. Base: Omaha State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Captain Stephen L. Hutchens, 774th Security Police Commander, prepares squadron flag to be incased during the 774th ABG inactivation ceremony. Base: Raf Chicksands Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

U.S. Air Force Col. Asheleigh Gellner, the vice wing commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a photo with wing commander Col. Rusty Ballard after her 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.

Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Air Force Gen. Park Inho makes remarks before presenting the Order of National Security Merit, Tong-Il Medal to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 6, 2022. The medal was awarded on behalf of the South Korean president in recognition of Browns exceptional contribution to the security of the Korean Peninsula.

U.S. Air National Guard Staff Sgt Ciara Loman was awarded enlisted member of the year the State of Utah Service Member of the Year awards during at the Utah State Capital on 09 June 22. The awards recognize the outstanding performers from each of the major military entities in the state representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, from active duty, guard and reserve organizations. (Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt Nicholas Perez)

A service member of the Spangdahlem Air Base Honor Guard, Germany, folds an American flag during a funeral for a retired Air force fighter pilot at Eisenschmitt Cemetery, Eisenschmitt, Germany, August 4, 2022. Retired Maj. Gary Retterbush was a pilot during the Vietnam War.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, presents Senior Airman Alexis Sanchez, loadmaster with MOOSE 98, with the Distinguished Flying Cross during a ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, Dec. 9, 2022. Martin recognized 24 Airmen for their heroic actions during Operation Allies Refuge. The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any officer or enlisted person of the U.S. armed forces for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Heather Head sings during the 11th Air Force change of command ceremony at Hanger 20 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, August 11, 2022. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm turned over command to Lt. Gen. Davis S. Nahom as Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, and Gen. Ken S. Wilsbach, Commander, Pacific Air Forces, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

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