Military Change of Command Ceremonies

Images of various military change of command ceremonies, featuring personnel in uniform exchanging honors and flags, emphasizing tradition and leadership.

Army Reserve Capt. Ryan Johnston, incoming commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 63rd Readiness Division, left, receives the 63rd RD HHD guidon from Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Miles Davis, commanding general, 63rd RD, center, as Army Reserve Maj. Freddie Scott, the outgoing commander, HHD, 63rd RD relinquishes command during a change of command ceremony, June 10, 2022, at the Sgt. James T. Witkowski Armed Forces Reserve Center in Mountain View, Calif.

Col. Jeffrey Darden, 317th Maintenance Group commander, clips the Meritorious Service Medal onto Maj. Andrew Brock, outgoing commander of the 317th Maintenance Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, 17 Jun 2022. During his command, Brock helped establish the Wings first Airman Tier 1 Training Program, which provides joint maneuver and defend-the-base warfighting skills for operating in contested environments.

U.S. Army Col. John M. Wenzel, incoming commander of the 166th Regiment - Regional Training Institute, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, passes the regimental flag to Sgt. Maj. Eric W. Miller, regiment operations Sgt. Maj., during the regiment's change of command ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, Pa. Jan. 19, 2024.

Brig. Gen. Daryl O. Hood receives the colors from Lt. Gen. Paul Calvert, the deputy commanding general for U.S. Army Forces Command, Sept. 7, during a change of command ceremony at the Myer Auditorium on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Hood is the ninth commanding general to lead the command since it was formed in 2004 in response to a recognized need to organize the U.S. Armys active component Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) formations.

Army Reserve Capt. Ryan Johnston, incoming commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 63rd Readiness Division, left, receives the 63rd RD HHD guidon from Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Miles Davis, commanding general, 63rd RD, center, as Army Reserve Maj. Freddie Scott, the outgoing commander, HHD, 63rd RD relinquishes command during a change of command ceremony, June 10, 2022, at the Sgt. James T. Witkowski Armed Forces Reserve Center in Mountain View, Calif.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Deprey, incoming commander of the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, takes command from Brig. Gen. William Betts, commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, during the unit's change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oct. 14, 2022. During the change of command ceremony, Maj. Bobby Budde relinquished command. The primary purpose of a change of command is for subordinates to witness an officer formally assume responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit. These ceremonies preserve the tradition of military service and stimulate unit esprit de corps.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, recognizes Airmen during his visit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 28, 2024. Schneider visited with Airmen across the installation to discuss the quality of life on station to learn more about the unique challenges Airmen and families face while being stationed in Alaska. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek C. France, Third Air Force commander, speaks with Col. Scott Carbaugh, 39th Medical Group commander, during his visit to Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Jan 27, 2023. Maj. Gen. France traveled to Incirlik AB to meet with Airmen, experience the wings Larger than Life weekend and observe how they support Third Air Force, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, and U.S. European Command objectives. Third Air Force issues directives to subordinate commands and takes action on behalf of the USAFE-AFAFRICA commander as directed. The command takes deliberate actions to develop Airmen and their families, confronts global challenges in support of the National Defense Strategy to defend our country and our allies and utilizes dedicated efforts to deliver peace to our nation and its allies by fostering stability and deterring aggression throughout Europe and Africa.

Lt. Col. Joseph Romeo, 943rd Security Forces commander assumes command during a change of name ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 10, 2022. The 943rd SFS missions is to provide the most highly effective, cohesive, and disciplined security force defender professionals in the world, able to deploy at a moments notice, to defend and protect U.S. military personnel and our allies.

Lt. Col. Steven Massara (right) takes command of the 80th Fighter Generation Squadron during an assumption of command ceremony at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 22, 2022. Massara, assumed command of the 80th FGS after the 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, commanded by Lt. Col. Justin M. Hickey, converted into two FGSs.

Chief Master Sgt. James A. Bottorff, 175th Wing Command Chief, Chief Master Sgt. Shane A. Price, Maryland Air National Guard State Command Chief, and U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jori Robinson, 175th Wing Commander, participate in the 175th Wing Command Chief Change of Responsibility ceremony at Martin State Air National Guard Base, Middle River, Maryland, April 1, 2023. Bottorff served as the Mission Support Group Senior Enlisted Leader before taking on the role of the 175th Wing Command Chief.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Marc Rittberg, 23rd Health Care Operations Squadron commander, renders final salute during a change of command ceremony at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 8, 2022. Rittbergs next assignment will be at Osan Air Base, Korea.

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Wanda N. Williams, commander of the 7th Mission Support Command, accepts the unit colors from Col. Trent E. Loiseau, outgoing commander of Medical Support Unit-Europe, 7th Mission Support Command during a change of command ceremony, Sep 11, 2022 at Kleber Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Col. Faith Junghahn assumed command of the unit from Loiseau.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Glen VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James Porterfield, NORAD and USNORTHCOM Command Senior Enlisted Leader, present a challenge coin to U.S. Army Sgt. Cameron Treuthardt, 229th Engineer Vertical Construction Company, during a coin ceremony at Joint Task Force North Headquarters, Fort Bliss, Texas, Oct. 14, 2022. Treuthardt was recognized for accomplishments during his deployment to the Southwest Border in an active-duty status under USNORTHCOM. U.S. Northern Command is providing Mobile Surveillance Camera operators, Intelligence analysts, and aviation support operations to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Lt. Col. Timothy Sullivan, second right, passes the guidon to Col. William Miller during the 131st Force Support Squadron's change of command ceremony Aug. 4, 2022, in Knob Noster, Mo. Lt. Col. Steven Eldien, right, took over the command upon Sullivans retirement.

Maj. Gen. David Hodne, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, awards an Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) to Capt. Zackary Bregovi, a military police assigned to 110th Military Police Company, 759th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, April 19, 2022, during the Combatives Recognition at Fort Carson, Colorado. Bregovi received an ARCOM for taking 1st place in the 205Ibs weight class at the 2022 Lacerda Cup.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Manning, right, 426th Air Base Squadron incoming commander, assumes command from 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.

19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command holds Senior Gunner Courseat locations across the Republic of Korea in late Oct 2022. Command Sgt. Maj. Chad Peters of 19th ESC congratulates graduates of the course which is the first of its kind conducted by 19th ESC. The course is designed to teach soldiers to be mounted machine gun gunnery subject matter experts.

Maj. Gen. David Hodne, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, awards an Army Commendation Medal to Spc. Ethan Could, a combat medic specialist assigned to the U.S. Army Medical Department Activity-Fort Carson, April 19, 2022, during the Combatives Recognition at Fort Carson, Colorado. The Lacerda Cup is a three-day competition that tests hand-to-hand skills and close-quarters combatives skills as individuals and teams compete in eight weight classes.

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

Lt. Gen. Jon Jensen, right, the director of the Army National Guard, awards the Legion of Merit medal to Col. Ravindra Wagh, of the Michigan Army National Guard, at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Wagh was presented the medal in recognition of his efforts as the operations officer of Joint Task Force Michigan, which provided COVID-19 response support to communities throughout Michigan.

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. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Hergenreter, center, 422nd Air Base Squadron incoming commander, assumes command of the 422nd ABS 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.

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 Maj. Martin Viera, a 103rd Rescue Squadron combat rescue officer of the 106th Rescue Wing, Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, New York Air National Guard, receives The Air Force Commendation Medal for heroism for actions at sea, at a ceremony on base, June 4, 2022. S

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.

The 2nd Infantry Division Artillery conducted a change of command ceremony July 6, 2022 on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea. Col. David Pasquale, the outgoing commander, relinquished his responsibilities to Col. Alexander Lee during the ceremony.

Spc. Alexander Blesh, a wheeled vehicle mechanic with Task Force Paxton, Pennsylvania National Guard, receives a promotion to the rank of sergeant during a promotion ceremony held at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 15, 2024. Promotion ceremonies in the U.S. Army are important occasions that recognize the dedication, hard work, and accomplishments of soldiers as they advance in their military careers. They provide an opportunity for unit cohesion, morale building, and the reinforcemeBnt of Army values and traditions. Army National Guard

Florida Army National Guard Ltc. Col. Jason M. Hunt, assumes command of Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, July 16, 2022. Hunt enlisted in the Army in 1994 and has had a distinguished career, his awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal (3rd award) and several others.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Brady and Command Sgt. Maj. Giancarlo Macri, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command present Staff Sgt. Erik Wickham (center) with a medallion during an Honorable Order of Saint Barbaras award ceremony April 12, 2022 at Sembach Chapel, Germany. The awards represented membership to the Order of St. Barbara, the patron saint of artillery.

U.S. Army CSM Deshawn M. Hamilton, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion (HHBN), Eighth Army, returns the Eighth Army Colors to 1st Sgt. Eric Grafton, Master of Troops at the HHBN Change of Responsibility ceremony on USAG Camp Humphreys, South Korea, July 27, 2022. The Change of Responsibility ceremony welcomed CSM Hamilton to HHBN.

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

Master Sgt. Ryan Fleishman with the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), is awarded Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Year during the Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition award ceremony at Camp Williams, Utah, Oct. 19, 2022. The Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition is an annual event that brings together Soldiers and Airmen from the major commands to compete for the title of Soldier/Airman of the year, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Senior NCO of the Year. The Army winners of this competition will represent the Utah Army National Guard at the Region VII Best Warrior Competition next spring.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Evan Pettus, incoming 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander salutes U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command (left), after assuming command of 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, 22 July 2022. Maj. Gen. Pettus becomes the 102nd commander of 12th Air Force.

U.S. Army Soldiers attending the Advance Leaders Course at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy - Fort Eustis compete in the Commandant's Inspection at Fort Eustis, Virginia March 30, 2022. They are judged on their attention to detail, wear of the uniform, and performance of drill and ceremony.

Command Sgt. Maj. Frederick Haerter relinquished responsibility of the 95th Troop Command to Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Brown during a Change of Responsibility ceremony at the Regional Training Institute Plaza, Fort Harrison, Mont. on July 19. Haerter has been selected to become the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific Command at Fort Shafter, Hawaii.

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Wongsai Heur, 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron, and the 35th LRS Deployment and Distribution Flight accept the 35th Fighter Wing Team of the Quarter award, from Col. Jesse Friedel, 35th FW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Aaron Sanchez, 35th FW acting command chief, during the first quarter award ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 20, 2022. The purpose of the 35th FW Awards Program is to recognize the outstanding professionalism, technical competence, and extraordinary performance of members in the categories of enlisted, officer, civilian, and teams.

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

1st Cyber Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. John Cabral (right) passes the guidon of the Legendary Defender battalion to Lt. Col. Adam Dykstra (left), 1st Cyber Battalion outgoing commander, as Col. John Popiak, the Cyber Protection Brigade commander, and incoming battalion commander Lt. Col. Danielle Gonzalez wait to be handed the banner during the Defenders change of command ceremony held June 15 in Signal Theater at Fort Gordon, Georgia. (Photo by Shatara Riis)

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Delbert Gustave, operations staff officer assigned to the 369th Sustainment Brigade, is promoted from the rank of major by Col. Seth Morgulas, commander of the brigade, during a promotion ceremony held at North Fort Hood, Texas, Sept. 26, 2022.

The Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 89th Military Police Brigade conducts a change of responsibility at Fort Cavazos, Texas Jan. 29 2024. 1st Sgt. Jonathan Stilwell relinquished responsibility to 1st Sgt. Jason Garrison and will become the new 1st Sgt. for the 64th Military Police Company.

Spc. Dudley Noel, Supply NCO for the 462nd Movement Control Battalion, performed the National Anthem during the 462nd MCB Transfer of Authority. While mobilized in Kuwait, the 462nd MCB performed multifunctional sustainment operation throughout U.S. Army Central Command area of operations, in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve.

Brig. Gen. Edward H. Bailey, right, Commanding General of Regional Health Command-Pacific, passes the colors to Col. Brad Franklin, left, incoming Commander of Public Health Command-Pacific, charging him with responsibility for the command. Public Health Command-Pacific welcomed a new Commander and Senior Enlisted Advisor during a combined change of command and change of responsibility ceremony aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Honolulu, Hawaii, July 13, 2022.

Col. Tammy McElhaney, left, 4th Mission Support Group commander, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Hans Winkler, incoming 4th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, as he assumes command of the 4th CES during a change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, July 22, 2022. Prior to assuming command of the 4th CES, Winkler was the commander of the 423rd Civil Engineer Squadron at Royal Air Force Air Station in Alconbury, United Kingdom.

HOHENFELS, Germany1st Air Cavalry Brigade held a change of command ceremony between outgoing commander Lt. Col. Matthew Minear and incoming commander Lt. Col. Robert Sickler, June 14, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, recognizes Airmen during his visit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 28, 2024. Schneider visited with Airmen across the installation to discuss the quality of life on station to learn more about the unique challenges Airmen and families face while being stationed in Alaska. Air Force

During a change of command ceremony on Camp Walker, Republic of Korea, Brig. Gen. Steven L. Allen, right, hands the command colors to Lt. Gen. Willard M. Burleson III, commanding general, Eighth Army, who hosted the ceremony. Brig. Gen. Allen relinquished command of 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command to Brig. Gen. Frederick L. Crist.

U.S Army Col. Chirstopher S. McClure, 1st Theater Signal Brigade Commander pinning Lt. Col. Sirian Thepsoumane the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal at the 1st Theater Signal Brigade Headquarters in Camp Humphreys, South Korea on July 8, 2022. Thepsoumane was recognized for his services as the United States Army Communications Information Systems Activity Pacific Director.

The 387th Military Police company conducted a color casing ceremony at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, Oct. 15, 2022. The 387th Military Police company has a rich history for its short span. It was first federally recognized on Nov. 6, 2006 in New Albany. The unit then deployed in 2009 with the 384th Military Police Combat support company to Mosul, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2010, the 387th Military Police Company responded to an earthquake in Haiti and again deployed two years later with the 381st Military Police Support Company in Afghanistan under Task Force Guardian in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2015, the unit was transferred to Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center. Then, in 2017 the unit mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. At the end of the ceremony, 387th Military Police Company commander, Cpt. Jay Ciesielczyk addressed the formation. I know the unit that receives you will be fortunate to have you in the

After serving three years as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of U.S. Special Operations Command, Command Chief Master Sgt. Greg Smith hands the responsibility to Command Sgt. Major Shane Shorter during a change of responsibility ceremony held in the headquarters, Aug. 4, 2022. Here, Smith passes the command flag to the USSOCOM Commander Gen. Richard D. Clarke. Photo by Michael Bottoms.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Zinkgraf, 437th Operations Support Squadron commander, receives the guidon and command of the 437th OSS from Col. Patrick Farrell, 437th Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, May 20, 2022. The 437th OSS are responsible for ensuring wing personnel meet worldwide C-17 Globemaster III airdrop, special operations airlift requirements, and provides flying operations support to the 437th and 315th Airlift Wings.

U.S. Army Col. Scott P. Nicholas, commander of Task Force Mustang (left), bids farewell to Col. Matthew B. Hill (right), commander of Task Force Eagle (11th Combat Aviation Brigade), during a Transfer-of-Authority ceremony held at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 27, 2022. 36th CAB, mobilized as Task Force Mustang, is deployed in support of the Combine Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Daesh, the common Arabic term for ISIS, within designated areas of Iraq and Syria.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Albert J. Goldberg, off-going commander of 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division, gives his remarks during a battalion change of command ceremony on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, on May 27, 2022. The ceremony represented the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from Lt. Col. Albert J. Goldberg to Lt. Col. Brian T. Spillane.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Nelson (right) accepts command of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing from U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. David Meyer, Ninth Air Force deputy commander, during the official wing Change of Command ceremony May 30, 2022, at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. The Change of Command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Grabiec, a public affairs specialist with the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, receives the Air and Space Achievement Medal from wing command Col. Daniel McDonough in Peoria, Illinois, April 30, 2022. Grabiec has served in the role for six years.

District of Columbia National Guard holds a change of command ceremony recognizing incoming commander, Maj. Michelle A. Watkis and former Commander, Lt. Col. Michael A. Cox Jr, of the 372nd Military Police Company, at the D.C. Armory, on Feb 3, 2024. During the ceremony, the passing of the unit's guidon signifies the changing of leadership.(Army National Guard

Spc. Aaron Nunez, Arkansas National Guard, receives an award for his performance during the National Guard Region V Best Warrior competition during an award ceremony in Oklahoma City, May 20, 2022. Soldiers from across six states tested their physical and mental proficiency to earn the title Best Warrior at Camp Gruber Training Center, near Braggs, Okla., May 15-20, 2022. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Caleb Stone)

The 109th Air Control Squadron commander Lt Col Chris Bilderback relinquished command to Maj Joshua J. McCarty during the Change of Command ceremony at Roland Wright Air Base on 11 June 22.

Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, passes the colors to Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, outgoing U.S. Africa Command commander, during a change of command ceremony in Stuttgart, Germany, on Aug. 9, 2022. U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley assumed command of U.S. Africa Command, becoming the sixth commander since the command was established in 2008.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Thomas Hensley, right, 16th Air Force deputy commander, coins Maj. Clay Francis, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron electronic warfare officer, at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England, Jan. 29, 2024. Hensley visited intelligence and cyber squadrons across the installation to get firsthand insight on their missions and to recognize outstanding Airmen.

Col. Mathew Gaetke, 51st Operations Group commander, left, receives the squadron guidon from Lt. Col. William Yoakley, 51st Operations Support Squadron outgoing commander, representing his relinquishing of command over the OSS at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 7, 2022. Change of Commands represent the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a flight, squadron, group, wing or MAJCOM from one commanding officer to another.

Capt. Marquis Morris, company commander, and 1st Sgt. Ryan Meek, with Battle Company, 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, receive the Armor and Cavalry Leadership Award for 2021, Fort Carson, Colorado, April 5, 2022. The Armor and Cavalry Leadership Award is awarded in recognition of leadership excellence within armor and cavalry units each year by the Office of the Chief of Armor.

Maj. James L. Frangenberg receives the unit flag to take charge of Regional Training Site (RTS)-Maintenance on Aug. 11, 2022, at Fort McCoy, Wis. RTS-Maintenance at Fort McCoy aligns under the 3rd Brigade (Ordnance), 94th Division of the 80th Training Command.

Maj. Anna Jung, 51st Maintenance Squadron incoming commander, receives her first salute as commander during the 51st MXS change of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 23, 2022. The change of command ceremony is deeply rooted in military tradition, which dates back to the reign of King Frederick of Prussia and has persisted into modern day.

Several Airmen with the 157th Air Operations Group received their annual awards and promotions during drill, May 14, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Col. Christopher J. Blaney, 157th Air Operations Group Commander, handed out the awards and promotion coins.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Christopher A. Ashinhurst, the commanding officer of 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, presents awards to the platoon honormen during a graduation ceremony at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 9, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 12- week transformation including training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions. Graduation ceremonies are held indoors when there is inclement weather.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jeannine Ryder, left, 59th Medical Wing and Market Director, San Antonio Military Health System, USAF Col. David Walmsley, middle, out-going commander, 59th Training Group and USAF Col. Michael Blowers, in-coming commander, prepare for the guidon exchange during the change of command, June 24, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.

From left, Brig. Gen. Rodney J. Fischer, 104th Training Division commanding general, Col. Mark P. Dedrick, 1st Brigade, 104th Training Division outgoing commander, Col. Jim Waldrop, incoming commander of 1st Brigade, 104th Training Division, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Renfrow, 1st Brigade, 104th Training Division command sergeant major, march into a change of command ceremony July 2 at the General George Patton Museum of Leadership, Fort Knox, Ky. During the ceremony outgoing commander Dedrick relinquished command of 1st Brigade to Waldrop.

New Jersey Army National Guard Sgt. Jailyn Sanchez receives the Golden Spoon award from Assistant Adjutant General, Brigadier Gen. Robert Hughes and Command Sgt. Maj. John Hicks during the 902nd Field Feeding Platoons Golden Spoon competition at Fort Drum, New York, on July 25, 2022. During the training period, the Soldiers of the 902nd supported the 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Teams eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) exercise by rotating from the white cell element in garrison, to falling in under forward support companies in the field.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass gives her patch to Master Sgt. Jorge Cruz, a command and control battle management operations specialist with the 141st Air Control Squadron, during an all-call at Ramey School, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, May 15, 2022. CMSAF Bass recognized Cruz's 41-year military career and devotion to service with the Puerto Rico Air National.

U.S. Army Capt. Daizjah Morris, executive officer to the deputy commanding general of support assigned to the 1st Infantry Division takes a photo with newly promoted U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Geoffrey A. Norman, deputy commanding general of support of the 1st Infantry Division after 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. Army Cpl. Justin Cembrano, 3rd Infantry Division aircraft structural repairer supervisor, receives a coin from Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. on Camp Kosciuszko, Poland, Jan. 20, 2024. Cpl. Cembrano consistently demonstrates dedication, initiative, and outstanding performance, making him a top 5% maintainer and non-commissioned officer.

U.S. Air Force Col. Robert McAllister, the A2/3/5 director assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, awards Lt. Col. Ralph Foshee, the commander of the 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron, case the 968th EAACS colors during the units inactivation ceremony on Sept. 29, 2022, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The 968th EAACS flew its last sortie, until reactivation, in AFCENTs area of responsibility on Sept. 23, 2022. The Panthers accomplished their mission but will be back again when needed.

Chief Master Sgt. Robert Bailey, senior enlisted leader of the 157th Air Intelligence Squadron, receives the chiefs bust from members of the Chiefs Council during his promotion ceremony, April 2, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Bailey had many family and friends come show support during his promotion.

Maj. John VanDusen and Sgt. 1st Class Donald Swain were announced as thewinners of the 80th Training Command's annual instructor of the yearcompetition.The 80th Training Command's annual instructor of the year competitionconsisted of a 20-minute class of participants choosing, an appearanceboard with questions from the Army Training and Doctrine Command and ArmyRegulations based one instructor knowledge, and an impromptu motivator styleof instruction with the intent to motivate students on a topic given by theboard.

U.S. Air Force Brigadier General David Cochran, West Virginia National Guard Assistant Adjutant General-Air, pins Master Sgt. James Keller, 167th Security Forces Squadron First Sergeant, with the Combat Action Badge (CAB) as his wife Julie Keller and Master Sgt. Jacob Heavner, 167tthe Mission Support Group First Sergeant observe, during a ceremony at the 167th Airlift Wing, Martinsburg, West Virginia, Aug. 7, 2022. The CAB is presented to U.S. Army Soldiers who personally engage or are engaged by the enemy. Keller received the medal for his actions while serving in Afghanistan in 2002 when he was assigned to SOTA 904, Military Intelligence Detachment, Support Company, Headquarters Battalion, 19th Group Special Forces.

Senior Master Sgt. Mark A. Hartnoll, a quality assurance superintendent with the 124th Maintenance Group, is promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sgt. by Col. John R. Williams, III, commander of the 124th MXG, July 8, 2022, in a ceremony at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. Hartnoll was also presented with a Chiefs coin and a numbered plaque to celebrate his achievement.

U.S. Air Force Col. Bruce T. Guest assumes command of the 509th Maintenance Group and receives the ceremonial guidon from U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Diehl, 509th Bomb Wing commander, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 6, 2022. The 509th MXG provides full spectrum organizational and field-level maintenance and munitions support for the 509th Bomb Wing.

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Potter assumed his authority as the senior enlisted leader and Keeper of the Colors for the 780th Military Intelligence (MI) Brigade (Cyber) in a Change of Responsibility ceremony hosted by Colonel Benjamin Sangster, the brigade commander, at the Post Theater, October 3.

Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Roger A. Towberman coins a Guardian assigned to Delta 12 during a tour of the Space Training and Readiness Command Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado, May 2, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Caleb Martinez, 23rd Health Care Operations Squadron senior enlisted leader, renders Lt. Col. Richard Odosso, 23rd HCOS commander, his first salute after assuming command during a change of command ceremony June 8, 2022, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority from one officer to another.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Alpha Co., 2-10 Assault Helicopter Battalion return home to their families on Fort Drum, Ny Sep. 7, 2022. VooDoo Soldiers spent almost a year in Iraq defending the nation.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Phillip Ferris, right, incoming commander of the 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron (EABS), renders a salute to Col. Matthew Bartlett, left, commander of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, during a change of command ceremony at Manda Bay Airfield, Kenya, May 09, 2022. The 475th EABS provides base operations and communications support for 13 mission partners enabling Special Operations Command Africa missions in Kenya and Somalia. Together, with African and international partners, they help provide a secure, stable, and prosperous Africa.

The 15th Space Surveillance Squadron guidon is unfurled during its activation ceremony at Kihei, Hawaii, May 26, 2022. The squadron is poised to execute a mix of research, operations, and customer support for the Space Development Agency.

Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Stebbins, the outgoing command chief for the 158th Fighter Wing, relinquishes authority as command chief to Col. David Shevchik, commander of the 158th Fighter Wing during the command chief master sergeant assumption of authority ceremony at the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, June 4, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Adrianne Schulz, the new command chief of the 158th Fighter Wing, has become the first female command chief in the seven decade history of the Vermont Air National Guard.

220609-N-FP334-1033 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (July 09, 2022) U.S. Army Soldiers from the 19th Space Company, 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, pass a guidon during a Change of Command ceremony. The Change of Command ceremony transferred command of 19th Space Company, 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade, from U.S Army Capt. Chris Cooper to U.S. Army Capt. Ryan Loughran.

Alaska Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Blair Dellaquila, the 168th Wing First Sgt., was promoted to Senior Master Sgt., and during her ceremony, she salutes her husband who is a maintenance officer and was prior enlisted.

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Grant Bolin, left, passes the battery Guidon to Capt. Kurt Rossi, right, outgoing commander of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, during the change of command ceremony at Tower Barracks, Germany, Feb. 21, 2024. Capt. Kurt Rossi relinquished command of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, to Capt. Pierce English. Army

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Steven A. Bailey relinquishes command of the 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron, to Brig. Gen. Robert Davis, left, commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, during a change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 8, 2022. Lt. Col. Ralph G. Foshee Jr., right, took command of the 968th EAACS during the ceremony. The tradition of change of command ceremonies are so that the unit can witness their new leader assume the responsibility and trust associated with the position of commander.

U.S. Army Col. Matthew James assumes command of the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Washington National Guard, from Col. James Perrin during a change of command ceremony on Camp Murray, Wash., December 4, 2022. In 2021, Perrin deployed as commander of Task Force Raven, the last U.S. task force to command a full nine-month rotation in the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine.

Lt. Gen. John D. Lamontagne, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa deputy commander, coins Senior Airman Alexia Kerns, 86th VRS/LGRVM, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, March 22, 2023. Lamontagne recognized several Airmen during his tour of the 86th Airlift Wing.

An assumption of command ceremony is held at the Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla., June 3, 2022. During the ceremony, Maj. Quinten Tibbetts, incoming 138th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, assumed command over the squadron from Lt. Col. Frank Horton. The assumption of command ceremony has been a part of military tradition since the 18th century.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jeannine Ryder, left, 59th Medical Wing and Market Director, San Antonio Military Health System, USAF Col. Michael Blowers, middle, in-coming commander, 59th Training Group and USAF Col. David Walmsley, right, out-going commander, prepare for and execute the guidon exchange during the change of command, June 24, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Brown receives a commendation for his service to the 208th Regional Training Institute between two Change of Responsibility ceremonies held consecutively at the Regional Training Institute Plaza, Fort Harrison, Mont. on July 19. Brown relinquished responsibility of the RTI to Command Sgt. Maj. William Frank, before assuming responsibility for the 95th Troop Command from Command Sgt. Maj. Frederick Haerter.

The Havoc family and the S6 team had the opportunity to witness Spc. Braddock's promotion ceremony to Corporal on December 1, 2022. Braddock has been a member of the Havoc family, and during that time, he has demonstrated true leadership qualities as well as a great desire to guide and instruct our soldiers.(Photo by Sgt. Alex Estrada/1st Signal Brigade Public Affairs Office)

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Commanding General Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, center, addresses the audience during the award ceremony of The Legion of Merit to retired Brig. Gen. Umberto DAndria, right, the former Italian Base commander during award presentation ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, Oct. 27, 2022. Brig. Gen. Umberto DAndria served as the Italian Base Commander for the United States Installations in Vicenza, Italy, from November 2015 to December 2020. During his five years as the base commander, his expertise and knowledge of working with national and local authorities aided United States military.

Maj. Gen. Todd Royar, U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command commander, shakes hands with newly-appointed Command Sgt. Maj. Nicholas D. Burney, outgoing sergeant major at the Aviation Center Logistics Command, immediately following a relinquishment of responsibility ceremony, as Burney's wife Tara looks on at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum, Fort Rucker, Ala., May 24, 2022.

Lt. Col. Victor M. Yinh (left) receives the Regional Cyber Center-CONUS colors from NETCOM Deputy Commander for Operations, Col. Scott Bird, during a Change of Director ceremony, held in the NETCOM HQ, Greely Hall, Fort Huachuca, Ariz.

Lt. Col. Sam Trapasso renders the first salute to the 127th Mission Support Group during the MSG Change of Command ceremony at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, June 4, 2022. Trapasso took command of the 127th Mission Group at the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, left, command chief, Air National Guard, poses for a photo after presenting a coin to Staff Sgt. Marcus Nelson, right, firefighter, 114th Fighter Wing, South Dakota National Guard, who received the coin on behalf of Staff Sgt. Peyton Voss, not pictured, firefighter, 114th Fighter Wing, South Dakota National Guard, during his visit to Joe Foss Field, April 4, 2022. Williams traveled to South Dakota to meet with unit members and provide national-level leadership insight. While visiting, Williams had the opportunity to recognize outstanding enlisted Airmen for their accomplishments and dedication to the unit.

Col. Wade Mueller, 155th Inspector General director complaints resolution, receives the oath of office by Col. Andrew Malousek, 155th Air Refueling Wing vice commander, April 1, 2023, during a promotion ceremony in Lincoln, Neb. Mueller has resolved 74 cases during his tenure as director of complaints, some which have been coordinated up to the Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General.

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