Military Change of Command Ceremonies

Images of change of command ceremonies featuring military personnel in uniform, flag presentations, and formal gatherings from various locations.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, pass the guidon to relinquish and assume command during a change of command ceremony at Tower Barracks, Germany, Aug. 2, 2022. Lt. Col. Anthony Brunner relinquishes command of the regiment to Lt. Col. Derek Reeves.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospitals Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) company held a Change of Command ceremony June 15, 2022, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where Capt. Huy T. Nguyen relinquished command to Capt. Joshua J. Lockwood.

Col. Michael R. Kaloostian, 2nd Theater Signal Brigade Commander, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Michael A. Duval incoming Commander, 39th Signal Strategic Battalion, during 39th Strategic Signal Battalion ceremony June 30, 2022 at Chièvres Air Base, Belgium. (photo by Henri Cambier)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, pass the guidon to relinquish and assume command during a change of command ceremony at Tower Barracks, Germany, Aug. 2, 2022. Lt. Col. Anthony Brunner relinquishes command of the regiment to Lt. Col. Derek Reeves.

Command Sgt. Maj. James R. Holmes III, the 35th Commandant of the 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy, left, and Command Sgt. Maj. Alexandra Perez, an instructor assigned to the German Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Delitzsch, Germany, right, deliver congratulatory remarks to the graduating class, 07-22, of Basic Leader Course at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, June 14, 2022. The 7th Army NCOA trains U.S. and multinational soldiers using BLC curriculum from the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence.

040915-F-0201C-010. Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen J. LaRocque, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz passes the unit colors to Lt. Col. Jeremy A. McHugh, outgoing commander, during a change of command ceremony, July 22, 2022, in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Col. Reid E. Furman assumed command of the unit from McHugh.

Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion attend an award and promotion ceremony for fellow Paratroopers on Fort Bragg, NC, Aug. 5, 2022. Paratroopers recieved awards for work done both in Poland and in Garrison.

Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief, National Guard Bureau, talks with multinational troops supporting a NATO mission, Ādaži Military Base, Latvia, June 16, 2022.

Gen. James J. Mingus, U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff, receives a brief from members assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps during Project Convergence - Capstone 4 at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Feb. 28, 2024. Mingus met with XVIII Airborne Corps Soldiers to discuss the XVIII Airborne Corps experimentation efforts as part of PC-C4 and recognized some of the Soldiers for their tireless efforts during the expermentation. As we transform for the Army of 2040, PC-C4 is designing adaptable command and control warfighting systems capable of rapid updates to improve functionality, capability and capacity that will enable our leaders and warfighters to innovate in response to evolving operations. Army

U.S. Army Capt. Alexander Ragnoli, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company Hoplites, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, speaks to Soldiers during a promotion ceremony at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, April 28, 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. Marine Corps Col. Sean P. Hoewing, right, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, receives the ceremonial non-commissioned officer sword from Sgt. Maj. Michael E. Cedano, left, the outgoing sergeant major of MAG 16, during a relief and appointment ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Sept. 14, 2022. The relief and appointment ceremony is a time-honored tradition which formally signifies the transfer of responsibility and authority from one individual to another. MAG-16 provides assault support transport of combat troops, supplies, and equipment, under all weather conditions during expeditionary, joint, or combined operations in support of the Marine Air Ground Task Force commander.

Leaders from the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, stand together with their guidon after the completion of the Ivy Week Utah Beach event, May 23, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. 4th Attack Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th CAB, 4th Inf. Div., won 8th place overall, earning them six points towards the Commander's Cup.

Lt. Col. Eric Megerdoomian relinquishes command of the 1-229th Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade to Lt. Col. Lori Perkins at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on Jun. 15, 2022.

Brig. Gen. Patrick R. Michaelis, left, and Brig Gen. Jason E. Kelly, right, glance at one another as Michaelis relinquishes his command of the U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson to Kelly. The change of command ceremony was held at Victory Field Aug. 31 and attended by Soldiers, South Carolina and Columbia senior leaders, civilians and their Family members.

Command Sgt. Maj. Julio Santos, 110th Aviation Brigade Command Sgt. Maj., addresses his troops during the change of responsibility ceremony at Howze Parade Field, Fort Rucker, Alabama, July 7, 2022.

Lt. Col Jamie Nasi, the incoming HHBN III Corps commander, passes the battalion guide-on back to Command Sgt. Maj. Karen Hill, the command sergeant major of HHBN III Corps, as a part of a change of command ceremony on Fort Hood, Tx on June 28, 2022. The passing of the battalion guide-on represents the passing of command from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Benjamin Ecklor takes command of the 106th Finance Battalion,16th Sustainment Brigade, at a reactivation ceremony June 15, 2022, at Daenner Kaserne. The 106th Finance Battalion was first constituted and activated in 1944. Soldiers from the 106th Finance Battalion have earned campaign participation credit in World War II, the Korean War, Southwest Asia in defense of Saudi Arabia, the Liberation and Defense of Kuwait, Operation Ceasefire and the War on Terrorism in Iraq.

Lt. Col. Charles Greene addresses the audience during the Transfer of Authority ceremony between the 746 Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and the 68th Division Sustainment Support Battalion on November 22, 2022 in Powidz, Poland.

021017-F-6340W-001. Subject Operation/Series: SABERTOOTH 2002 Base: Bolling Air Force Base State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 11 Wing

U.S. Airmen with the Puerto Rico Air National Guard stand at attention during a change of command ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Dec. 10, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a time honored tradition, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility from one officer to another, and this ceremony was held during the December regularly scheduled drill.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy M. Barr, incoming command sergeant major of the 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stands in front of a formation at the end of a change of responsibility ceremony at Żagań, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Marines with Marine Air Control Group 38, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, participate in a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, Feb. 15, 2024. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Joseph A. Alvarez assumed the responsibilities of MACG-38 sergeant major from Sgt. Maj. Gerardo C. Ybarra. Marine Corps

061212-N-6247M-007. Base: Oak Harbor State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NAVAL STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA

U.S. Army soldiers participate in a Change of Command Ceremony for outgoing commander U.S. Army Lt. Col. Derek Drouin and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Levi Thompson, the new commander of 6-9 Cavalry Regiment at a ceremony in Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 101st Airborne Division hold the U.S. Flag during a ceremony to honor paratroopers who died in an airplane crash during D Day operations in Beuzeville au Plain, France, June 1, 2022. During D Day operations a C47 carrying 17 paratroopers was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crash landed, killing 5 crew and the paratroopers. (U.S. Army photograph by Staff Sgt. Alexander Skripnichuk)

U.S. Army Soldiers sing the 101st Airborne Division Song "Screaming Eagles" during a Air Assault School Graduation in Mihail Kogalniceanu Airbase, Romania, on November 30, 2022. This would be the first ever Air Assault course hosted in Romania and a historic landmark for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

Airmen with the 914th Security Forces Squadron participate in a Fallen Defenders ceremony and ruck march May 14, 2022 on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. The mission of the ceremony and 8.4-mile march was to honor their fallen brothers and sisters. Airmen added non-perishable food items in their ruck pack to add weight; items were later donated to a local veterans non-profit organization.

Outgoing Command Sgt. Maj. Damon Woolever relinquishes Responsibility of the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery to Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Gregerson during a Change of Responsibility ceremony on Aug. 9, 2022, Fort Bragg, NC. Paratroopers thanked Woolever for his work over the past 21 months and remain excited to see where Gregerson will take the Division Artillery next.

2ID/RUCD 201th Field Artillery Brigade, The 2-18th and 2-4th FAR Transfer of Authority Ceremony held at the Carey Physical Center in Camp Casey. 7 DecUnit of the outgoing 2nd Battalion 18th Field Artillery are in line

Members of the African Land Forces Colloquium (ALFC) meet with Soldiers and observe lanes during Expert Soldier Badge (ESB) and Expert Infantry Badge (EIB) training in Grafenwoehr Training Area, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Sept. 14, 2021.ALFC 22 brings together African Land Force Commanders from multiple nations, along with select U.S. Army and Allied and partner army leaders, to 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area to address land force security challenges and opportunities. ALFC 22 emphasizes U.S. Army institutional training and ways to Train to Fight. Soldiers attempted to master their individual competencies and abilities to perform Skill Level 1 Warrior Tasks during ESB and EIB training, and those who successfully complete all the tasks during testing week receive their ESB or EIB.

Members of the African Land Forces Colloquium (ALFC) meet with Soldiers and observe lanes during Expert Soldier Badge (ESB) and Expert Infantry Badge (EIB) training in Grafenwoehr Training Area, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Sept. 14, 2021.ALFC 22 brings together African Land Force Commanders from multiple nations, along with select U.S. Army and Allied and partner army leaders, to 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area to address land force security challenges and opportunities. ALFC 22 emphasizes U.S. Army institutional training and ways to Train to Fight. Soldiers attempted to master their individual competencies and abilities to perform Skill Level 1 Warrior Tasks during ESB and EIB training, and those who successfully complete all the tasks during testing week receive their ESB or EIB.

A U.S. Airmen salute as part of a multilateral formation during a Victory in Europe Day World War II remembrance ceremony outside the Haut-commissariat de la République Tahiti, French Polynesia, May 8, 2022. The ceremony kicks off Marara 22, a multinational training that advances partners abilities to address complex and future contingencies throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Allied Forces South Battalion (AFSOUTH) bid farewell to Lt. Col Brian M. Travis and welcomed Lt. Col. Ebrima F. MBai during a change command ceremony at Joint Forces Command Naples, Italy, June 22, 2022

Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Ratliff, 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief, gets promoted during a ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait. He was promoted by Lt. Col. Sylvester dAgrella, 386th ECES commander, on Sept. 17, 2022. Ratliffs family was able to watch his promotion ceremony via cellphone streaming. Nearly 100 firefighters, friends, fellow chiefs and leaders took part in the ceremony. Ratiff, who is deployed from the 132nd Civil Engineer Squadron, Iowa Air National Guard, joined the top 1-percent of enlisted members upon promoting to his new rank.

Rear Admiral Michael R. Van Poots, Deputy Commander Submarine Force Atlantic, attends the capping ceremony at Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navys only boot camp, in Great Lakes, Illinois. The capping ceremony signifies Recruits becoming Sailors at the end of Battle Stations. It is the crucible event that Recruits must pass before graduation. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lindsey Bauer, center, relinquishes command of the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, during a change of command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, April 10, 2022. Lt. Col. Mark Melin, right, took command of the 908th EARS from Bauer during the ceremony.

U.S. Army Col. Michael F. Kloepper, Commander of 173rd Airborne Brigade, provides remarks during relinquishment of responsibility ceremony at Caserma Del Din, December 14, 2022, Vicenza, Italy. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Marcus D. ONeal, commander of the 103rd Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, salutes during a battalion standup ceremony on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sept. 16, 2022. The 103rd IEW battalion will support 3rd Infantry Division by providing multi-domain intelligence collection capabilities to the division headquarters.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. James Highland, 379th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron Personnel Support for Contingency Operations team chief, assists arriving personnel during in-processing on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Oct. 14, 2022. The AUAB PERSCO office tracks and processes the movement of personnel in the local area of responsibility.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jason E. Insell, the Division Sustainment Troops Battalion, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigades outgoing senior enlisted adviser, expresses confidence in Command Sgt. Maj. Malachi L. Thornton, the incoming battalion senior enlisted advisor, during a Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Alwyn Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Jan. 12, 2023. The DSTB includes a headquarters company as well as signal, finance, human resources, food service and transportation companies for command and control and logistics support to the brigade and the 3rd Infantry Division. Lt. Col. Melissa L. Hoaglin, the battalion commander, passed the unit colors from the outgoing to the incoming command sergeants major, symbolizing the relinquishment and acceptance of leadership and responsibility for the battalions Soldiers and mission.

(from left) U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) Command Sgt. Maj. Reese Teakell, 173rd Airborne Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Carlson, Sgt. 1st Class Anthony Hegberg, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 173rd Airborne Brigade Command, Sgt. Michael Martinez, Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade Command and Col. Joshua Gaspard, Commander of 173rd Airborne Brigade, pose together after presenting awards to the winning medics, Hegberg, and Martinez, during a ceremony held at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 16, 2024. U.S. Southern European Task Force, Africa hosted a best medic competition assessment and selection from 13-14 Feb., at Caserma Del Din/Caserma Ederle in order to select the best medics to represent 173rd Airborne Brigade in the FY24 Army Best Medic Competition. The 24-hour selection program measures a range of critical skills, including trauma care, emergency medicine, and physical fitness. Through rigorous and competitive scenario

011130-F-1868F-001. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE EAGLE Base: Maxwell Air Force Base State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

050114-F-5040D-810. Base: Andersen Air Base State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Croaitan Soldiers stand in formation before a ceremony commemorating the U.S. donation of two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to the Republic of Croatia, held at the 91st Air Base near Pleso, Croatia on May 25, 2022. Croatia and Minnesota have collaborated for over 25 years as part of the National Guards State Partnership Program and continue to partner for increased interoperability between NATO allies. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette.)

Lt. Col. Brian Dela Cruz assumes command of the 747th Cyberspace Squadron by accepting the guidon from Col. Michael Staples, 647th Air Base Group commander, during a Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 16, 2022. The 747th CYS was the Air Forces first operational cyberspace squadron and host a mission defense team that supports cyber defense missions to fight and defend against threats to the U.S and its allies.

Denis Van Den Brink explains what the war front looked like in 1944, during the Carentan Battlefield tour and plaque dedication ceremony in Carentan, France, June 2, 2022. This year, U.S. Army Europe and Africa commemorates the 78th anniversary of D-Day, the largest multi-national amphibious landing and operational military airdrop in history, and highlights the U.S.' steadfast commitment to European allies and partners.

U.S. Army Gen. Gary Brito, incoming commander of U.S Army Training and Doctrine Command, receives unit colors from Gen. James McConville, Chief of Staff of the Army, during a change of command ceremony September 8, 2022 at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

A group of U.S. Army Paratroopers stand in formation during the opening ceremony for Exercise Falcon Leap on Camp Orange Barracks, Schaarsbergen, Netherlands., Sep. 12, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise

More than 150 service members of the 856th Military Police Company from the Arizona National Guard rally together with their families on Bushmaster Field in Phoenix, Arizona for an emotional send off ceremony January 21st. The company prepares to step off on a year long deployment oversees in the Central Command area of responsibility.

Soldiers from V Corps, members of the Polish armed forces, and Poznan community members participate in a Polish Armed Forces Day parade on 14 August 2022, at Armia Poznań Memorial site, in Poznan, Poland. Events such as these further strengthen bonds between servicemembers and build trust among the local civilian community.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, and the Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, stand at parade rest after a transfer of authority ceremony at Powidz, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The 1st Armored Division's Combat Aviation Brigade assumed responsibility for the aviation component of Atlantic Resolve under the 1st Infantry Division, providing air support capabilities to units deployed to Europe.

Command Sergeant Major Charles W. Gregory, Jr., the outgoing Command Sgt. Maj., delivers his farewell speech during the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, September 1, 2022.

020606-A-8689B-004. Base: Fort Lewis State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: FORSCOM

Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion attend an award and promotion ceremony for fellow Paratroopers on Fort Bragg, NC, Aug. 5, 2022. Paratroopers recieved awards for work done both in Poland and in Garrison.

Lt. Col. Simon Kim relinquishes command of the 1-229th Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade to Lt. Col. James Fischer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on Jun. 16, 2022.

U.S. Army Col. Richard J. Ikena Jr., commander of the 1st Infantry Division Artillery, gives a speech about the history of the 1st DIVARTY on its 105th birthday to his Soldiers at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, May 24, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces.

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band performs during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sean M. Castilla, outgoing commander of NATO eFP Battle Group Poland and commander of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3/1 ABCT), operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), receives a Polish Army Medal from Polish army Maj. Gen. Dariusz Parylak, the chief of staff of the general command during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 2023. The 3/1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe.

XVIII Airborne Corps Soldiers receive awards and metals for their rapid deployments to Europe, Dec. 12, 2022, Fort Bragg, N.C. XVIII Airborne Corps Soldiers deployment to Europe started February 2022 and ended Oct. 28, 2022. Elements of the XVIII Airborne Corps completed a nine-month deployment to Germany in support of the NATO Alliance. Personnel from the Corps headquarters element provided a Joint Task Force-capable headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany. The deployment was directed by the Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III as a response to a heightened security environment in Eastern Europe and to reinforce NATOs eastern flank.

020813-A-2795I-0721. Base: Camp Zama State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: USAPAC

Service members from the seven participating countries attend the closing ceremony at Exercise Real Thaw 22 on Beja Air Base, Portugal, July 7, 2022. These multilateral exercises showcase capabilities, amplifying the diverse skills that strengthen NATO partnerships.

U.S. Soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division participate in a commemoration ceremony at Grandcamp-Maisy, France, June 5, 2022. This ceremony honored Cpt. Corvette Phillipe Kieffer, a French Navy Green Beret officer who led his men in the liberation of France during the D-Day landings.

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Scott Linton, deputy commanding general-readiness, 88th Readiness Division, administers the Oath of Office to several of the cadets and a warrant officer during the Eagle Battalion Army ROTC UWL, WSU and VU Spring Commissioning ceremony at Riverside Park in La Crosse, Wis., May 14, 2022.

Maj. Gen. David H. Tabor, outgoing commander of Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR), addresses the audience during the SOCEUR change of command ceremony at Stuttgart, Germany, June 28, 2022. Tabor served as the SOCEUR commander for the last two years and will move on to serve as a director in the department of the Air Force.

FORT CARSON, Colo. 2nd Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, supports Freedom Fest with a 12-cannon salute before the firework display at Iron Horse Park on Fort Carson July 1, 2022. (Photo by Jordan McCulley)

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Marine Division Band perform for the Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic (FMFLANT), Marine Forces Command (MARFORCOM), Marine Forces Northern Command (MARFOR NORTHCOM) change of command ceremony at the Naval Station Norfolk Pennsylvania House, Virginia, Aug. 30, 2022. FMFLANT, MARFORCOM and MARFOR NORTHCOM provide support to the combatant commander by representing Marine Corps capabilities and interests over all assigned and attached Marine Corps forces. The unit also coordinates Marine Corps-Navy integration of operational initiatives and advises Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command on support to Marine Corps forces assigned to U.S. Navy ships, bases and installations.

Members of the 460th Security Forces Squadron march down a road in honor of National Police Week at Buckley Space Force Base, Colo., May 17, 2022. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week.

Members of 509th Security Forces Echo Flight prepare to investigate a scene at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 15, 2022. 509th Security Forces respond to naything from car inspections to bomb threats on base.

Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) participated in multiple Market Garden commemoration ceremonies throughout the Netherlands, Sep. 11, 2022. They were able to reconnect with Dutch citizens and together they were able honor and remember the brave actions of the men that fought to liberate Holland from German occupation during World War II.

Lt. Col. Timothy Butler, commander of 3rd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division and Command Sgt. Maj. Don Batchan joined the reviewing party during a Polish Oath of Enlistment Ceremony August 27, 2022. Interactions like these build stronger bonds between U.S. and Polish forces here in Poland.

39th Air Base Wing leadership along with Airmen from the 39th ABW salute as U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek C. France, Third Air Force commander, leaves at the end of his visit at Incirlik Air Base, Türkiye, Jan 28, 2023. Maj. Gen. France, Third Air Force commander, 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.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR - HICKAM, Hawaii (Jan. 18, 2024) Musician 3rd Class Damien Chambers sings the National Anthem during a Plank Owner Ceremony for the newly formed Navy Closure Task Force - Red Hill at Joint Base Pearl Harbor - Hickam, Jan. 18, 2024. Charged with the safe closure of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF), NCTF-RH was established by the Department of the Navy as a commitment to the community and the environment. The task force is forming and expects take on responsibilities for Red Hill from Joint Task Force-Red Hill in early Spring 2024. NCTF-RH continues to engage in conversations in formal and informal forums with the people of Hawaii, regulatory agencies, and experts and officials to keep stakeholders informed as the Navy works to safely and deliberately close the RHBFSF.

Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn F. Carns, the senior enlisted advisor of the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, relinquished responsibility of the division April 15, 2022 on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea. Command Sgt. Maj. Carns will move on to Joint Base Lewis-McCord, Wash., where he will assume responsibility as the senior enlisted advisor of I Corps.

Emergency responders from Royal Air Force Mildenhall, RAF Lakenheath, and RAF Feltwell salute during the national anthem, and the presentation of colors at the opening of the 9/11 memorial ceremony on RAF Mildenhall, England, Sept. 11, 2022. The ceremony start time was set to begin at 3:28 PM, the time in England when the first tower collapsed.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Patrick Livingstone and Maj. Daniel Lambert, the respective outgoing and incoming commander of the 378th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, listen to the remarks of 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, June June 17, 2022. 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. Soldiers from the Virginia Army National Guard and the 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade thank troops assigned to the the Tajikistan Ministry of Defense following the field training exercise portion of the exercise Regional Cooperation 22 Aug. 18, 2022, at a training site near Dushanbe, Tajikistan. RC 22 is an annual, multi-national U.S. Central Command-sponsored exercise conducted by U.S. forces in partnership with Central and South Asia nations.

Lt. Gen. Maria Gervais, the deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, hands Maj. Gen. Antonio Munera the U.S. Army Cadet Command guidon symbolizing the transfer of authority from the outgoing commanding general, Maj. Gen. Johnny Davis, Fort Knox, Ky., Sept. 20, 2022. | Photo by Kyle Crawford, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

The official party arrives at their change of command ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, June 30, 2022. Col. Joseph Turnham, outgoing Wing commander relinquished command to Col. Scott Mills, the new 355th Wing commander.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Christopher Kocab, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152, receives the unit colors from Master Sgt. Luis Juarez, sergeant major of VMGR-152, during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, June 09, 2022. VMGR-152 hosted a change of command ceremony in order to formally recognize the total transfer of authority from Lt. Col. Christopher Kocab to Lt. Col. Jay Palmer, commanding officer of VMGR-152.

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, conduct a change of command ceremony outside of MCIPACs headquarters building on Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, June 24, 2022. Change of command ceremonies allow individuals to witness the official passing of authority change between officers. During the ceremony, the outgoing commander passes the units guidon to the incoming commander, symbolizing the transfer of authority, responsibility, and total commitment to all Marines and Sailors.

Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Maccini, left, senior enlisted leader of 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, speaks to cadre after conducting a two-day Order of the Spur event, June 16, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. I am extremely impressed and proud with what went on-- Thank you so much, said Maccini. As you all know, we are in a brotherhood, and we are about to induct more brothers and sisters into the brotherhood. Please thank them and congratulate them as well.

040224-F-5759C-008. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A member of III Corps (wearing black cowboy hat) presents the outgoing commander, LGEN Thomas A. Schwartz with a shell casing during the change of command ceremony. LGEN Leon J. LaPorte (second from left), the new III Corps commander, GEN David Bramlett (behind LGEN Schwartz), Commander, U.S. Army Forces Command look on. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Artillery Soldiers of the Iowa National Guards 1st Batl. - 194ths Field Artillery took part in a change of command ceremony between Lt. Col Steven Hall, outgoing commander and incoming commander, Lt. Col. Neil Daniels May 23, 20222 while on Camp Ripley.

Members of the African Land Forces Colloquium (ALFC) meet with Soldiers and observe lanes during Expert Soldier Badge (ESB) and Expert Infantry Badge (EIB) training in Grafenwoehr Training Area, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Sept. 14, 2021.ALFC 22 brings together African Land Force Commanders from multiple nations, along with select U.S. Army and Allied and partner army leaders, to 7th Army Training Commands Grafenwoehr Training Area to address land force security challenges and opportunities. ALFC 22 emphasizes U.S. Army institutional training and ways to Train to Fight. Soldiers attempted to master their individual competencies and abilities to perform Skill Level 1 Warrior Tasks during ESB and EIB training, and those who successfully complete all the tasks during testing week receive their ESB or EIB.

Deputy Commanding Officer Col. Bernard Harrington, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), gives a speech during an Honor Eagle Ceremony held in his honor, at Fort Campbell, Ky., May 23, 2022. Harrington served as the DCO-Sustainment for ten months. The ceremony was held to recognize Harringtons accomplishments and contributions to the Screaming Eagle Team.

Command Sergeant Major Reese W. Teakell, incoming Command Sgt. Maj., addresses the audience during the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, September 1, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Christopher Haar, the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, speaks with the Marines of CLR-3 following a battle colors rededication ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 16, 2022. The ceremony commemorated the Regiments 80th anniversary and its legacy of valor, honor, and fidelity. CLR-3 was activated on Camp Elliot, California, Sept. 16, 1942, and has taken part in combat operations from World War II and Vietnam through Iraq and Afghanistan.

A group of Romanian Paratroopers stand in formation during the opening ceremony for Exercise Falcon Leap on Camp Orange Barracks, Schaarsbergen, Netherlands., Sep. 12, 2022. More than 1000 Paratroopers from all over the world, 13 different nationalities, multiple airdrops per day, and training with each other equipment for two weeks. this is NATO's largest technical airborne exercise

A dozen-uniformed international flag bearers and an accompanying Marine detail present their colors during opening ceremonies on WPT Hill field for COOPERATIVE OSPREY '98. Participating are Albania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, additionally, NATO participants Canada, Netherlands and the United States. Subject Operation/Series: COOPERATIVE OSPREY '98 Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

070124-A-4746S-124. Base: Camp Echo State: Al Quadisiyah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

GEN. Carl E. Mundy, Commandant United States Marine Corps, presents the Legion of Merit Award to MAJ. GEN. Roy Spiekerman Van Weezdenburg, Commanding General Royal Netherlands Marine Corps. Base: MC Recruit Depot, Paris Island State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

General William R. Richardson, commading general, Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Fort Monroe, Va., presents installation colors to Major General Thomas W. Kelly, the new commanding officer of Fort Dix. Major General Robert H. Forman, right, the previous commanding general, looks on. Base: Fort Dix State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Left to right: U.S. Army Col. Robert McChrystal, incoming commander of 2nd Cavalry Regiment, U.S. Brig. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, Commanding General of 7th Army Training Command, Col. (Ret.) Frank Hurd, Honorary Colonel of the Regiment, and Col. Joseph Ewers, outgoing commander of 2nd Cavalry Regiment, salute the colors during a change of command ceremony at Grafenwoehr, Germany, June 10, 2022. The Dragoons bid farewell to the 81st COL of the Regiment, COL Joseph M. Ewers, and his family, and welcomed Colonel Robert S. McChrystal as the 82nd Colonel of the Regiment.

Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve Commanding General Maj. Gen. JB Vowell meets with Staff Lt. Gen. Issa Ozeir at the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs Headquarters on Feb. 18, 2024. Vowell's visit will start off the Peshmerga Command Post Exercise.

020403-F-3838S-006. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 2002 Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU) Scene Major Command Shown: CENTAF

U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Richard Marshall Jr., center, the outgoing commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, passes the squadron colors to Lt. Col. Kristofer Skidmore, the incoming commanding officer with MWSS-372, during a change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 25, 2022. Marshall served as the commander of MWSS-372 for two years and is transferring to the United States Institute of Peace, Washington, D.C. Marshall is a native of Cleveland, and Skidmore is a native of Lake Ridge, Virginia.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Rusnok, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, gives remarks during the closing ceremony of Exercise Active Shield 22 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, Nov. 18, 2022. Exercise Active Shield is a bilateral exercise conducted annually with the Japan Self-Defense Force to better prepare the air stations incident response procedures during base defense operations.

Bulgarian Land Forces Brig. Gen. Stanimir Hristov, commander of 2nd Mechanized Brigade, stands among his U.S. and U.K. counterparts, and announces the closing of Exercise Platinum Lion 2022, at Novo Selo Training Area, Aug. 5, 2022. Exercise Platinum Lion is a battalion-level event designed to provide quality, organized and realistic training for designated military units from the United States, United Kingdom and Bulgaria. The exercise reinforces relationships in a combined training environment, builds understanding of partner nation tactics, techniques and procedures and increases interoperability with these NATO Allies and partner forces.

Brigadier General John D. Howard, left foreground, Assistant Division Commander, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), presents the colors at the beginning of a division review held during MOUNTAIN FEST '89. MOUNTAIN FEST is an annual event held to mark the anniversary of the division's formation. Subject Operation/Series: MOUNTAIN FEST '89 Base: Fort Drum State: New York (NY) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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