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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. Todd Wydra, 51st Maintenance Group commander, left, passes the squadron flag to Maj. Kelliane Matsuoka, 36th Fighter Generation Squadron commander, during the 36th FGS assumption of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 16, 2022. Similar to a change of command ceremony, the passing of the guidon to the new commander represents the assumption of responsibility for a flight, squadron, group, wing or MAJCOM. This assumption of command ceremony was significant in that this is the first time an FGS has been activated at Osan AB.

WHITE BEACH, Japan (Sept. 20, 2022) Vice Adm. Yancy Lindsey, Commander, Navy Installations Command, listens to a port operations brief given by Boatswains Mate 1st Class Curtis Grafton as he tours Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa (CFAO) White Beach Naval Facility. CFAO maintains and operates facilities to support the U.S. Navy's naval and aviation assets in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Delaware Army National Guard Col. Michael Murphy is promoted to his current rank by Brig. Gen. Carl Danberg at the Major Joseph R "Beau" Biden III National Guard/ Reserve Center, April 2, 2023.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master. Sgt. Randy Gilbert, left, 422nd Air Base Squadron first sergeant, Col. Jon Hannah, center left, 422nd Air Base Group commander, Lt. Col. Christopher Hergenreter, center right, 422nd ABS incoming commander, and Lt. Col. Timothy Kirchner, right, 422nd ABS outgoing commander, sing the Air Force song 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.

Army Materiel Command Deputy Commanding General and Redstone Arsenal Senior Commander Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan unfurls the three-star flag, supported by Sgt. Maj. Samara Pitre and Sgt. 1st Class Robert Peters during his promotion ceremony.

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

Maj. Gen. Michel M. Russell Sr., commanding general, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, hands the unit colors to Col. Martin A. Wohlgemuth, incoming commander, Area Support Group-Kuwait, during his change of command ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, July 15, 2022.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jesus Robles, outgoing senior enlisted advisor of 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division addresses the Soldiers of the battalion before 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.

The 121st Air Refueling Wing holds a retirement ceremony for Capt. James Felty, 121st Air Refueling Wing Force Support Squadron, at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, June 4, 2022. Felty retired after 22 years of service to the nation.

Members of the 35th Fighter Wing (FW) render a salute for the playing of the national anthem during the 35th FW change of command ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 30, 2022. The change of command ceremony was attended by United States U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force leadership, members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and representatives of Misawa City, Japan.

Army Reserve drill sergeant Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Ousley, left, presents the American flag to recently retired Sgt. 1st Class James Greco, right, during a retirement ceremony July 1 at the General George Patton Leadership Museum July 1, Fort Knox, Ky. The 104th Training Division hosted a ceremony to honor the retirement of four Soldiers with more than 100 years of combined service July 1 at the General George Patton Museum of Leadership, Fort Knox Kentucky - Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Mattingly, 1st. Sgt. James S. Ward, 1st Sgt. William J. Henderson, and Greco.

U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Zingaro, 165th Mission Support Group commander, passes a guidon to Lt. Col. Ileana O'Shea, the incoming commander of the 165th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Georgia Air National Guard, in a change of command ceremony on August 6, 2022 held in Savannah, Georgia at the 165th Airlift Wing. OShea started her military career in the 165th Medical Group in 1999 as an enlisted diet therapy journeyman and later commissioned as a flight nurse in the North Carolina Air National Guard. She returned to the Georgia ANG where she served in the 116th Air Control Wing, Georgia State Headquarters and then made her way back to the 165th Airlift Wing.

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

Col Karwin Weaver passes the guidon to Maj Kelly Ryan as he assumes command of the 419th Maintenance Squadron in a ceremony Feb. 4, 2024 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Donald S. Gallagher, center left, 20th Security Forces career field manager, and Chief Master Sgt. Donald S. Gallagher, right, 20th Security Forces career field manager, present the 2021 Air Force Best Small Security Forces Squadron to the 422nd Security Forces Squadron Airmen during a visit to Royal Air Force Croughton, England, May 23, 2022. Gallagher and Collins visited RAF Croughton to meet and recognize the 422nd SFS Airmen.

Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Krause presents Sgt. 1st Class Andrea Collins with a Sergeant Audie Murphy Award during a ceremony at the Fort Meade Post Theater May 17, 2022. Krause is the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade command sergeant major. Collins is a 782nd Military Intelligence Battalion senior digital network analyst sergeant for E. Company.

Command Sergeant Major Cloyd E. Bookout passes the NGPEC flag to Col. Leland D. Blanchard II during the National Guard Professional Education Center Change of Command ceremony in Militia Halls Jones Auditorium, June 16, 2022, at Camp Robinson, Arkansas welcoming Colonel Catherine L. Cherry as the incoming commander and bidding farewell to Colonel Leland D. Blanchard II as the outgoing commander.(Photo by Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Jim Heuston)

Maj. Macharia Davis assumes command of the District of Columbia National Guard Joint Force Headquarters - Higher Headquarters Detachment, during a Change of Command Ceremony at the D.C. Armory, Feb. 4, 2023. The ceremony symbolized the transfer of command between outgoing commander Maj. LeJuan Strickland and incoming commander Maj. Davis. Brig. Gen. Leland Blanchard, commander, D.C. National Guard Land Component Command (LCC) presided over the ceremony. Air National Guard

Capt. Matthew McKinley, a military Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Officer assigned to 76th Operational Response Command is promoted to the rank of Major by Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command, during exercise Onaway Response exercise, Jan. 24, 2023 at Camp Parks, Calif. Task Force 76 conducts Exercise Onaway Response to train on a range of life-saving capabilities such as medical response, decontamination, engineering, technical rescue, patient evacuation, communications, and logistics support (moving people, equipment, and supplies by land and air).The 76th Operational Response Command (76th ORC) is the Army Reserve's Center for Defense Support of Civilian Authorities, providing support to state and local officials, first responders, and other federal agencies during emergencies or natural disasters. The 76th ORC is home to two Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) brigades, a space bri

U.S. Army Maj. Brendan T. Collins, 39th Transportation Battalion Executive Officer (right) und Capt. Zachary B. Griffin, incoming 42d Transportation Company, commander (left) unfurl the guidon for the first time during the activation ceremony, Oct. 14, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany

U.S. Air Force Col. Clinton Wilson, left, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, receives the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group guidon from Col. Richard Palmer, the outgoing commander of the 386th EMDG, at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 30, 2022. The 386th EMDG was deactivated and redesignated as the 386th EMDS.

Col. David Shevchik, commander of the 158th Fighter Wing, presents a Meritorious Service Medal to outgoing Command Chief Master Sgt. Jeffrey Stebbins 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.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Curtis Moss, the senior enlisted advisor to the commanding officer of the 369th Sustainment Brigade, welcomes the incoming Soldiers during a Transfer of Authority ceremony at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation theater on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 19, 2022. The Transfer of Authority occurred between the outgoing 9th Finance Management Support Unit and the incoming 82nd Finance Battalion.

NAPLES, Italy (Jan. 22, 2024) - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti recognizes Hospital Corpsman Alexandra Waldron, assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Naples, during an all hands call at the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Headquarters in Naples, Italy, Jan. 22. Franchetti and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea traveled to Italy to meet with Sailors and communicate the CNOs strategic priorities of warfighting, warfighters and the foundation that supports them with the fleet.

Col. Alvin Bradford, former 507th Medical Squadron commander, says goodbye to his former troops after the 507th MDS change of command ceremony on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Oct. 15, 2022. It is customary to hold a reception for farewells and snacks after an Air Force ceremony.

Sgt. Maj. Arthur M. Arebalo Jr., outgoing Sergeant Major of 4th Marine Division, relinquishes command to incoming Sgt. Maj. Christopher J. Adams during a relief and appointment ceremony, June 8, 2022, at Marine Corps Support Facility New Orleans. Adams previously served as the Marine Corps Installations National Capitol Region-Marine Corps Base Quantico Sergeant Major and assumed the position of 4th Marine Division Sergeant Major from Arebalo, who served 4th Marine Division since 2020.

U.S. Space Force Capt. Hanson Oxford, 53rd Space Operations Squadron Detachment C commander, left, poses for a photo with U.S. Army Maj. Nathan Gadberry, former commander of the 53rd Signal Battalion, right, during a transfer of authority recognition ceremony at the Wideband Satellite Operations Center in Landstuhl, Germany, September 12, 2022. The ceremony formally recognized the tactical transfer of authority from the 53rd Signal Battalion to the 53rd Space Operations Squadron, Detachment C.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Sarah Sinclair assumes command of the 104th Civil Engineering Squadron from Lt. Col. Jeremy Dugan Dec. 3, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 18 participate in an appointment ceremony held at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma, Dec 2, 2022. The ceremony was held to appoint Sgt. Maj. Smith as the Sergeant Major of MACG-18.

Col. David Key, the commander of the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, and Command Sgt. Maj. Denice Malave poses with Soldiers after they received Army Commendation Medals on Fort Stewart, Dec. 9, 2022.The individuals were recognized for their tireless efforts and professionalism in support of the overall unit's ongoing missions.

Brig. Gen. Kevin Lambert, the Deputy Commanding General-Maneuver for 3rd Infantry Division and Sgt. Maj. Quentin Fenderson, the division command sergeant major, presents the Best Chef award to Col. Pete Moon, commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID, for 1st ABCT winning the Best Chef Competition during the 3rd ID 2022 Marne Week Closing Ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Dec. 1, 2022. The closing ceremony recognized the event winners of Marne Week, which is an opportunity for Dogface Soldiers past and present to celebrate being a member of the Rock of the Marne Division.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Andrew Morris, executive officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, and Master Gunnery Sgt. Steven Hazenberg, provost sergeant with Headquarters and Headquarter Squadron (H&HS), present the Junior Sailor of the Quarter Award to U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Gabriela Valentino, a personal specialist with H&HS, during the quarterly award recognition ceremony at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, May 11, 2022. The ceremony recognized Marines and Sailors for their exceptional work ethic and achievements during 2nd quarter of fiscal year 22.

Gen. Anthony Cotton, United States Strategic Commandcommander, presents a commanders coin to Capt. JacquesSoto, 40th Helicopter Squadron pilot, during the 2022Omaha Trophy presentation at Malmstrom Air Force Base,Mont., June 28, 2023. Soto received his coin for leading anaircrew into a snowstorm to rescue an ailing man from hisremote home.

The Dragon Brigade bid Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond J. Belk farewell during a Relinquishment of Responsibility ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea on May 19, 2022.I have only ever heard him described one way '' said Col. McLellan Solid, and a true professional.

Command Sgt. Maj. Stan Williams, command sergeant major of the 184th Sustainment Command, and Brig. Gen. John Nipp, commander of 184th Sustainment Command, Mississippi Army National Guard, stand together at the Davis Road Park water distribution site near Jackson, Mississippi, Sept. 7, 2022. Over 11,000 cars received bottled water, hand sanitizer and non-potable water from water buffalo trucks since the site opened Sept. 1.

The 332d Air Expeditionary Wing celebrates with an E-6 release party for those Airmen selected to promote to Technical Sergeant at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, July 23, 2022. 332d AEW Commander Brigadier General R. Ryan Messer along with Command Chief Master Sergeant Kevin M. Eberlin help celebrate the occasion. Promotion to TSgt is very competitive, this year the promotion rate is only 16%. Promotions exemplify technical skills, leadership, and a standard of excellence.

Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard on July 9, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Martin's 20 years of military service was celebrated by family and friends along with numerous retired and currently serving military personnel who impacted her career.

U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Zingaro, 165th Mission Support Group commander, takes a guidon from Lt. Col. Puanani Miller to relinquish her command of the 165th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Georgia Air National Guard, to Lt. Col. Ileana O'Shea in a change of command ceremony on August 6, 2022 held in Savannah, Georgia at the 165th Airlift Wing. Miller served over 2 years as the 165th LRS commander and was selected as the Chief of Staff for the 165th AW for her next position.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Duc Vo, commander of the 578th Brigade Engineer Battalion, Command Sgt. Maj. Rodney Plamondon, CSM of the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Command Sgt. Maj. Oliver Damon, outgoing CSM of the 578th BEB, participate in the change responsibility for Command Sgt. Maj. Alexandre Santana, incoming CSM of the 578 BEB, at Kearny Mesa Recreation Park, Calif., on June 4, 2022. The change of responsibility ceremony is a traditional event meant to reinforce noncommissioned officer authority in the U.S. Army and highlights their support to the chain of command.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Robert "Pat" White, outgoing commanding general of III Armored Corps and Fort Hood, receives the Distinguished Service Medal from Gen. Andrew P. Poppas, commanding general, U.S. Army Forces Command, Oct. 4, 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas. White was given the medal to award his service as commander of III Armored Corps and Fort Hood.

The 22nd Air Refueling Wing hosted its 3rd Quarter Award Ceremony at the Robert J. Dole Community Center Ballroom, Oct. 25, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The quarterly awards highlight Airmen, civilians and teams across the wing for the work they have done throughout the past quarter.

At the conclusion of the Project Convergence 22 ROC Drill, Lt. Gen. Scott McKean deputy commanding general of Army Futures Command and director of Futures and Concepts Center, gives Sgt. 1st Class Jose A. Mercado Guzman, JMCs Strategic Plans NCOIC, a coin in appreciation for his work.

Five service members listen to a briefing on Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, Colorado, Feb. 15, 2024. This formal entryway into the Cheyenne Mountain facility features the insignia of four of the installation's tenants: North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Northern Command, Air Force Space Command and U.S. Strategic Command. Space Force

David Omura, director for Columbia Veterans Affairs Health Care System and Dorn VA Medical Center, presents an award to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, the adjutant general for South Carolina, during a ceremony April 5, 2022, at the South Carolina Emergency Management Division in West Columbia, South Carolina for the South Carolina National Guards participation in COVID-19 relief efforts. The South Carolina National Guard was activated March 13, 2020 in support of the COVID-19 response efforts in the state. The South Carolina National Guard assisted with distribution of personal protective equipment across the state, assisted local and state agencies with food and supply distribution, transportation of personnel and supplies, and set up and operated testing and vaccination sites across all counties.

U.S Air Force Master Sgt. Lucas Lynn with the 182nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a portrait at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, April 2, 2023. Lynn was recognized for referring the most non-prior service applicants ending with accession.

U.S. Army CW5 Timothy Shrewsbury gets promoted from chief warrant officer 4 to chief warrant officer 5 on Fort Drum, NY Jun 24, 2022. The U.S. Army rank of chief warrant officer 5 is called a "unicorn" rank because it is rarely seen in the Army.

Gen. Ed Daly, Army Materiel Command commanding general, and Lt. Gen. Flem B (Donnie) Walker, Jr., AMC deputy commanding general and senior mission commander of Redstone Arsenal, salute during a retirement ceremony in Walkers honor Sept. 1, 2022, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Walker, a native of Lineville, Alabama, retired after 36 years of service.

Command Chief Warrant Officers 5 William Erickson (left) and Brian Searcy (right) are honored and recognized with Maj. Gen. Michael Turley (center), the adjutant general. The Utah Army National Guard welcomes its new command chief warrant officer during a change-of-responsibility ceremony, Dec. 5, 2022, in the Draper headquarters auditorium. During the ceremony, Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brian Searcy relinquishes the role of command chief of the Utah Army National Guard to Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Erickson.

The 1st Aviation Brigade's team is named "Best Squad" after a weeklong competition at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, Fort Rucker, Ala., during a ceremony at Howze Field Aug. 5, 2022. The team includes Staff Sgt. Matthew Vecchione, Sgt. Paul Gonzalez, Spc. Giovanni Quiles, Spc. Joseph Shaffer and Spc. Gunnar Wright.

Maj. Gen. Tom Wilcox (left), Air Force Installation and Mission Support commander, discusses AFIMSCs roles and responsibilities with Gen. Duke K. Richardson, Air Force Materiel Command commander, during his visit to at AFIMSC headquarters at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, July 6, 2022. Richardson visited for three days of immersion briefings and tours to learn about AFIMSCs missions. The general took command of AFMC on June 13 and made AFIMSC the first of his visits to the commands six centers.

Command Sgt. Maj. Robert V. Abernethy and Chief Master Sgt. Phillip L. Easton share a moment during the U.S. European Command change of responsibility ceremony, Stuttgart, Germany, Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Abernethy, a South Carolina native, assumed responsibility from Easton, who served as the commands top enlisted adviser since August 2019.

Col. Jeffery B. Hambrice assumed command of Fort Campbell Dental Activity from Lt. Col. Michael Hoffman, during a ceremony on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on August 18.

Gen. Michael X. Garrett, outgoing Commanding General of U.S. Army Forces Command, passes the guidon to Gen. James C. McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army, on Fort Bragg, N.C. July 8, 2022. The change of command ceremony was followed by Garretts retirement ceremony after 38 years of service.

Senior Airman April Dishneau of the 168th Wing, 168th Force Support Squadron, 168th Services Flight was promoted to Airman during the June drill in the Alaska Air National Guard. A ceremony was held to celebrate her accomplishments and her husband placed her new rank on the uniform in the tradition of Air Force promotions. The Force Support Squadron Services provides quality of life to the Wing's members and their families performing duties to keep our unit operational, including fitness, feeding Airmen, lodging, mortuary affairs, and the management and accounting procedures needed to support the mission.

Col. Brian Gunderson, director of staff assigned to the Nevada Air National Guard, promotes Tech. Sgt. Jillian Green of the 152nd Security Forces Squadron to master sergeant September 10, 2022 at the Nevada Air National Guard base, Reno, Nev.

Nevada Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Jillian Green assigned to the 152nd Security Forces Squadron promotes to master sergeant during September training. Col. Brian J. Gunderson, director of staff, Nevada National Guard presided over the ceremony held at the Nevada Air National Guard base in Reno.

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 Senior Airman Connor Taylor, right, communication flight network systems operator, 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ryan T. Butler, with 1st Intelligence Battalion, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, is awarded the Bronze Star Medal by the Commanding Officer of 1st Intel Battalion, Lt. Col. Thomas Kulisz at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, April 21, 2022. The award ceremony was held to recognize CWO2 Butler for his hard work and superior achievements while forward deployed with Marine Operations Group Charlie. (SPMAGTF-CR-CC).

Chief Master Sgt. Charles Clingman, Jr., retires from military service at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Sept. 10, 2022. Clingman first enlisted in 1983 and served in Philippines, Guam and Korea in addition to multiple locations in the United States during his career. During his time with the 117th Civil Engineering Squadron Clingman served as first sergeant in 2014 and was promoted to chief master sergeant in 2019.

The Virginia Air National Guard chiefs' council recognizes Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron, during her retirement ceremony on July 9, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Martin's 20 years of military service was celebrated by family and friends along with numerous retired and currently serving military personnel who impacted her career.

Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa commanding general, welcomes nine U.S. Army Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets as they begin the Cadet Troop Leader Training program at Caserma Del Din on July 22, 2022. The CTLT program is designed to offer real-world lieutenant-level leadership experience in an active duty unit, where cadets assume leadership positions outside the college classroom to prepare for operations in the Army following their commission. (Army photo by Staff Sgt. Solomon Abanda)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III receives the guidon from outgoing U.S. Africa Command Commander, U.S. Army GEN Stephen Townsend during the U.S. Africa Command Change of Command Ceremony at Kelley Barracks, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, Germany, 09 August 2022 (DoD photo by U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Julian W. Kemper).

U.S. Army CW5 Timothy Shrewsbury gets promoted from chief warrant officer 4 to chief warrant officer 5 on Fort Drum, NY Jun 24, 2022. The U.S. Army rank of chief warrant officer 5 is called a "unicorn" rank because it is rarely seen in the Army.

Command Sgt. Maj. Frederick Haerter passes the 95th Troop Command guidon to Col. Michael Beck, commander of the unit. Haerter relinquished responsibility of the unit to Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Brown.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. coins Staff Sgt. Parker Dubois, 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs noncommissioned officer in charge of command information, during an all call at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 12, 2022. During his visit, Brown held an all call where he recognized select Airmen from the 354th FW for their outstanding performance.

Brig. Gen. Michael L. Cunniff, left, The Adjutant General of New Jersey, presents the Humanitarian Service Medal to a New Jersey Army National Guard Soldier during the award ceremony at the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville, N.J., May 3, 2016. More than 80 New Jersey Army and Air Guard members received the Humanitarian Service Medal for their assistance in the Superstorm Sandy rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. More than 2,200 Soldiers and Airmen who took part in the largest domestic mobilization in the New Jersey National Guards history will receive the medal in the coming weeks. New Jersey National Guard troops rescued more than 7,000 residents and their pets in the days after the storm made landfall. The troops remained on duty following the storm, assisting civil authorities with security, transportation, logistics, and reconstructing efforts, delivering more than 10,000 meals and hundreds of thousands of gallons of fuel. The federal military award is normally reserved

Maj. Jessica Warzecha relinquishes command of the Training Support Unit during a Change of Command Ceremony, April 5, 2022 at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The incoming commander is Maj. Torin Roth.

French Army soldier First Class Romain and U.S. Army Specialist Abdulmalik Daud stand by a gravestone replica as a sentry detail during a Veterans Day/Remembrance Day ceremony inside the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Center, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Nov. 11, 2022. The term "sentry" comes from the French "sentinelle" in the 17th century to describe someone posted in a watchtower to prevent unwanted passage.

Maj. Gen. James Smith, commanding general, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, left, gives a coin to Col. Matthew Anastasi, support operations officer, 21st Theater Sustainment Command for excellence during his farewell ceremony in the SPO conference room, June 24, on Panzer Kaserne. Col. Anastasi successfully supported operations in this theater for three years through the COVID-19 pandemic, Operation Allies Welcome and contingency operations during the Ukraine Crisis.

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)

Col. Vincent Myers, the BACH Commander, and Col. Andrew Jordan, the Fort Campbell Garrison Commander, joined Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett, and presented both Fort Campbell and Montgomery County Emergency Services with awards. The Fort Campbell EMS received the Civilian Service Commendation Medal and the Montgomery County Emergency Service workers received the Public Service Commendation Medal, recognizing them for assistance during recent events and for their continued partnership with the Fort Campbell community. "We have a lot of resources on Fort Campbell, but we don't have everything we need, so we rely on partnerships with our local community, especially when it comes to fire services and EMS," said Jordan, "and some of our local communities rely on us ... it's reciprocal."

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, receives a guidon from U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Frank Kammer, incoming CJTF-HOA command senior enlisted leader, during a change of responsibility ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 7, 2022. U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Jason Colon relinquished responsibility of CJTF-HOA to Kammer. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas Johns)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Nahom, commander, Alaskan NORAD Region, Alaskan Command and Eleventh Air Force, gives a coin to Senior Airman Evelynn Perry, 354th Medical Group commander support staff, during a base visit at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Feb. 1, 2024. During his visit, Nahom received briefings from base leadership and met with Airmen across the installation. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Sage, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing commander, and Col. William Notbaum, relinquishing 332d EMSG commander, furl the 332d EMSG guidon during an inactivation ceremony at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, May 13, 2022. This group inactivation signifies a shift in the 332d AEWs organizational structure to an A-Staff construct, mirroring major commands and Air Force headquarters to more readily identify staff equivalents at the joint operating level; it optimizes internal communication and creates more efficient interfacing with other services.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., speaks with Airmen at an all-call during a base visit at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Aug. 5, 2022. Brown discussed the importance of strengthening relationships with allies and partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Col. Deon Maxwell passes the USAMMC-E flag to incoming senior NCO advisor Master Sgt.Charles Douglas during the joint change of command/assumption of responsibiliity July 8.

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.

Command Sergeant Major Joseph G. Harbour, outgoing garrison senior enlisted adviser, briefly dons a hat he received from Bill Harpel, civilian aide emeritus to the Secretary of the Army, Nov. 10 at Wilson Theater during a relinquishment of responsibility and retirement ceremony. Harpel also presented Harbour and his wife Lori with a certificate of appreciation and commemorative photograph on behalf of Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts.

U.S Army Lt. Gen. Anthony R. Hale. Poses with his wife. In the Patriot Room at the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, Jan. 03, 2024

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class William Bischel, an aircraft maintenance technician with the Minnesota Air National Guard's 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth, Minnesota, receives a coin from U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mikael Sundin, the Command Chief Master Sergeant of Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and 1st Air Force, during a visit to Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin Nov. 22, 2022.

220630-N-XC372-2149 CAMP H. M. SMITH, Hawaii (June 30, 2022) Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, passes a cutlass to Fleet Master Chief David Isom, incoming Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) at USINDOPACOM, during a change of responsibility ceremony at USINDOPACOM headquarters. The CSEL advises the commander on enlisted issues and provides leadership to joint service members throughout the region, promotes enlisted professional development through training and education opportunities, and serves as a mentor for senior enlisted service members within the area of responsibility.

Washington National Guard Cpt. James Deakins, commander of the 141st Military History Detachment, 96th Troop Command, and his senior enlisted advisor Sgt.1st Class Michael Tietjens, case the unit colors during a pre-deployment ceremony on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., Sept. 6, 2022. The 141st MHD will soon deploy to the Middle East where they will collect historically significant documents, photos, and primary source material for use by future writers of the Army's history.

The Illinois Army National Guards staff officer in the Illinois Army National Guard Headquarters Plans, Operations, and Training Directorate (G3), Nicholas Krzesinski, was promoted to lieutenant colonel during a ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield on Jan. 4.Krzesinskis daughter, Madelyn removed the colonels rank during the ceremony as Eliot, Krzesinskis son, pinned him with his new rank.

From center left, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Phillips, command sergeant major of U.S. Army Garrison-Vicenza (USAG-V); Col. Williams, commander of USAG-V; Col. Breen, U.S. Army Health Clinic in Vicenza commander; and Command Sgt. Maj. Rivera, U.S. Army Health Clinic in Vicenza command sergeant major, cut the ribbon at the Warrior Transition Unit single soldier quarters ribbon-cutting ceremony while some wounded Warriors look on in Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 22, 2008.

Staff Sgt. Jarvis Hancock re-enlists for another 8 years while deployed to Iraq. Staff Sgt. Hancock is a Surgical Tech and Detachment Sergeant for the 207th Head and Neck Detachment assigned to the 801st Field Hospital. The 801st Field Hospital is currently staffing the Role III medical facility in Iraq that treats not only US forces, but also coalition forces from 72 different countries.

U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy Curry, 319th Reconnaissance Wing commander, passes the 319th Comptroller squadron guidon to U.S. Air Force Maj. Nakeshia Dean, 319th CPTS incoming commander, during the 319th CPTS change of command ceremony June 21, 2022, at the Northern Lights Club on Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The guidon was symbolically passed to the incoming commander, symbolizing the acceptance of command.

From left, U.S. Army Col. Andrew Steadman, commander of 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT), 4th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Col. Matthew Hill, 11th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) commander, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Manuel Rios, the 11th CAB senior enlisted leader, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Hau Sun, the 1st SBCT senior enlisted leader, pose for a photo at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, May 30, 2022. 11th CAB leaders gathered with the 1st SBCT leadership to bid farewells and celebrate their organizations shared efforts and accomplishments while mobilized in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolves mission to advise, assist and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of Daesh within designated areas of Iraq and Syria

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.

060918-A-5168K-002. Base: Lsa Anaconda Country: Iraq (IRQ)

WIESBADEN, Germany - Col. David W. Mayfield, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden Commander and Command Sgt. Maj. Richard A. Russell, listen to a question posed by an audience member at the quarterly all hands meeting held Aug. 5, 2022 at the Taunus Theater on Lower Hainerberg. (Photo by Michele Wiencek, Training Support Activity Europe Visual Information)

Maj. Odea Parson, outgoing commander of Joint Force Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment passes the colors to Brig. Gen. James McCormack, assistant adjutant general, Pennsylvania Natioanl Guard, symbolizing the relinquishing of command to incoming commander Capt. Justin Ellis during a change of command ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Aug. 7, 2022. Parson has been in command of the detachment since March 2019.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Nathan Fallin (right), the Command Chief of the 117th Air Refueling Wing, coins a member of the 117th Mission Support Group at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Aug. 13, 2022. The all call opened with awards and later addressed other items regarding the 117th Mission Support Group.

Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill Command Sergeant Major Stephen Burnley presents a K-Bar knife to Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Barnett, a drill sergeant with C Battery, 1st Battalion, 22nd Field Artillery, 434th Field Artillery Brigade the 2022 FCoE Drill Sergeant of the Year.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John Hewitt, technical inspector, 15T, for Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment, Assault Helicopter Battalion, attached to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Mustang, 36th Infantry Division (right), receives congratulations from Command Sgt. Maj. Robert W. Hartzog, command sergeant major of Task Force Mustang, while receiving his Certificate of Achievement as the brigade's "Hero of the Week" during a command and staff meeting held at Task Force Mustang headquarters, Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 19, 2022. Hewitt was recognized for his performance as a key leader in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter Blade Folding Teams, responsible for preparing Army helicopters for shipment by U.S. Air Force assets in the Middle East. His leadership and dedication is reflected in the numerous academic and hands-on training exercises he required of all his team members, resulting in preparing aircraft for shipment in less than two hours while conforming to U.S. Air Fo

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Betts, center, is applauded after assuming command of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, by Lt. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, commander, Ninth Air Force, and Brig. Gen. Robert Davis, outgoing commander of the 378th AEW, during a change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 9, 2022. 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 Maj. Gen. William "Bill" Green Jr., chief of chaplains, is greeted by U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Hill, on Feb. 2, 2024, at garrison headquarters. During his visit, Green met with garrison leadership and presided over the promotion of Lt. Col. (Chaplain) James Fisher. Hamilton is the only active U.S. Army base in the New York City area, home to the New York City Recruiting Battalion, and New York Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), one of two largest MEPS in the nation. Army

A group of U.S. Army Rangers, assigned to 5th Ranger Training Battalion, salutes the colors during a retirment ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Joey D. Blacksher on Stringer Drop Zone, Dahlonega, Ga., February 2, 2024. Command Sgt. Maj. Blacksher served 22 years of dedicated serve to the U.S. Army and the United States of America. Army Reserve

Pfc. Min Seok Choi, a Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army Soldier, responds to questions during a military knowledge board held during the 2022 Eighth Army Best Warrior and Squad Competition at Camp Casey, South Korea, May 13, 2022. The board is one of several tasks the competitors must complete as part of the Best Warrior Competition.

Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, places a medallion around Chief Warrant Officer 5 (Ret.) Peter T. Panoss neck during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at the Gen. John W. Vessey Recreation Center near Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, in Little Falls, Minnesota. The Court of Honor commemorates the lasting contributions of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of their communities, State, and Nation. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Cordery, senior enlisted advisor for 18th Military Police Brigade is presented with certificate of appreciation for being the guest speaker at a Basic Leader Course (BLC) graduation at 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Grafenwoehr, Germany, May 11, 2022. The 7th Army NCOA mission is to train and develop future leaders who are adaptive, disciplined and ready to lead effectively at the squad and team levels.

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