Military Change of Command Ceremonies

Images depicting various military change of command ceremonies. Subjects in military uniforms exchange guidons, showcasing formal transitions of leadership with flags and ceremonial backdrops.

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

U.S Air force Col Christian L. Lyons, 88th Medical Group commander, hands the 88th Medical Support Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Damian K. Pardue, as Pardue assumes command of the squadron during a ceremony inside the 88th Medical Center, June 23, 2022, at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The ceremony pays honor to the outgoing, and welcomes the incoming commander, of the squadron.

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.

Col. Miguel Cruz, Space Delta 4 commander (left), congratulates Lt. Col. Christopher Castle, incoming 13th Space Warning Squadron commander, during the 13th SWS change of command ceremony June 16, 2022, at Clear Space Force Station. The 13th SWS, located at Clear SFS, Alaska, provides strategic missile warning and space domain awareness by operating and maintaining the Upgraded Early Warning Radar.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Space Delta 9 conducted its change of command ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado June 21, 2022. During the ceremony, United States Space Force (USSF) Lt. General Stephen Whiting, Commander of Space Operations Command, transferred command of the Delta from USSF Colonel Casey Beard to incoming commander, USSF Colonel Mark Bigley.

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Cesar M. Quintana Jr., Dental Health Command Europe, senior enlisted advisor prepares to pass the unit colors during an assumption of command ceremony in Sembach, Germany, Sep. 22, 2022. DHCE oversees command and control functions of three Dental Health Activities located throughout Europe.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Marc Rittberg, 23rd Health Care Operations Squadron commander, center, relinquishes command during a change of command ceremony June 8, 2022, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. Rittberg passed the guidon to the presiding officer to surrender his authority of the 23rd HCOS.

Lt. Col. Patrick Cornwell receives the Minnesota Distinguished Service Medal at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, July 10, 2022. Cornwell served as the Camp Ripley Deputy Commander for 23 months, overseeing the base through a global pandemic and the largest state activation in Minnesota's history."The people up here are great," said Cornwell. "I'm happy to be here on the weekends because I still get to enjoy Camp Ripley and do my best to mentor some of the staff here as we go forward."(Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

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

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

A change of command ceremony for the 152nd Security Forces Squadron (SFS) was held Feb. 3, 2024 at the Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nev. Col. Justin Galli presided over the ceremony as previous 152nd SFS commander Col. Shaun Cruze relinquished command to Maj. Lewis Roberts.

U.S. Army Capt. Walker Wood, executive officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Infantry Division Artillery, congratulates U.S. Army Spc. Damien Cochran, assigned to HHB, 1st DIVARTY, after re-enlisting at Forward Operating Site Adazi, Latvia, July 1, 2022. The 1st DIVARTY is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Col. Chris Sigler, commander, 167th Airlift Wing, passes the guideon to Capt. Aaron Hansrote, signifying Hansrotes new role as 167th Comptroller Flight commander during a change of command ceremony at the 167th base dining facility, Martinsburg, West Virginia, Dec. 3, 2022. Hansrote took command of the flight, previously commanded by Lt. Col James Domenico.

Colonel Andrew Q. Jordan, Fort Campbell garrison commander, presents Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph G. Harbour, outgoing garrison senior enlisted adviser, with a retirement pin Nov. 10 at Wilson Theater during a relinquishment of responsibility and retirement ceremony. Harbour served in the position since May 2020, and Jordan said he was an invaluable source of guidance who was always willing to advocate for the installations civilian employees.

Washington Air National Guard Col. Mike Berens (left), along with members of the Washington Air National Guard Headquarters at Camp Murray, Wash., present a lithograph to Chief Master Sgt. Marvin Boyd (right) during his retirement ceremony, held at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., on Oct., 15, 2022. Chief Boyd retired after 35 years of military service beginning in the U.S. Navy and concluded as the Washington Air National Guard State Command Chief Masters Sergeant during his final three years of service. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. (ret.) John Hughel, Washington Air National Guard Public Affairs)

Washington Air National Guard Col. Mike Berens (left), along with members of the Washington Air National Guard Headquarters at Camp Murray, Wash., present a lithograph to Chief Master Sgt. Marvin Boyd (right) during his retirement ceremony, held at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., on Oct., 15, 2022. Chief Boyd retired after 35 years of military service beginning in the U.S. Navy and concluded as the Washington Air National Guard State Command Chief Masters Sergeant during his final three years of service. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. (ret.) John Hughel, Washington Air National Guard Public Affairs)

Maj. Gen. Matthew Baker, Commanding General of the 88th Readiness Division, promotes Capt. Nathi Kijpatanasilp, 88th RD Headquarters Detachment Commander, to Maj, and Command Sgt. Maj. James Flemister, acting Senior Enlisted Advisor of the 88th RD, prepares to present Kijpatanasilp with his promotion certificate. the 88th RD command classroom at Fort McCoy, WI on 19 Jan, 2024

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

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Thomas Hensley, right, 16th Air Force deputy commander, coins Master Sgt. Casey Stewart, 95th Reconnaissance Squadron RC-135 Rivet Joint productions superintendent, 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.

Lt. Gen. Mark Weatherington, Air Force Global Strike Command deputy commander, right, coins Capt. Tristan Davey, 7th Operations Support Squadron weather flight commander, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 23, 2022. Davey was coined for leading the redesign of the inter-continental U.S. and bomber task force weather product, consolidating the existing 15 brief templates to two slides. This standardized the product, improving speed of creation, readability and fidelity.

Col. Douglas Copeland, outgoing Project Manager for Soldier Maneuver and Precision Targeting (PM SMPT), receives the Legion of Merit from Brig. Gen. Christopher Schneider, Program Executive Officer (PEO) Soldier, during a relinquishment of charter ceremony held on Fort Belvoir, July 14. The ceremony marked the disestablishment of PM SMPT after more than 20 years of providing Soldiers with capabilities designed to enhance lethality, mobility and survivability.

Sgt. 1st Class Dudley Gee, a Motor Sergeant with the 829th Engineer Vertical Construction Company, (right) receives the Army Commendation Medal from Cpt. Daniel Burns, Commander of the 829th EVCC, for his contributions to the 829th Engineer Vertical Construction Company, resulting in the unit being awarded the Army Award for Maintenance Excellence 2022 at Fort McCoy, Wis., on Oct. 14, 2022. Active duty Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard units across the nation each compete separately and the competition within each component is divided into three categories: small, medium, and large, depending on the number of Soldiers within each unit. (Wisconsin National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Peck)

U.S. Air Force Col. Derek B. Routt, commander of the 177th Fighter Wing (left), New Jersey Air National Guard, gives a memento to 177th Medical Group chief of aerospace medicine, Lt. Col. Ronald M. Frank, during his retirement ceremony at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, Jan. 6, 2024. For more than 23 years, Frank distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as a flight surgeon with the 177th Medical Group.

Maj. Gen. Sean Gainey, Director, Joint C-UAS Office (JCO) and Director, Fires in the G3/5/7, HQ Department of the Army, congratulates Sgt. John A. Peeler on his re-enlistment on Jan. 10. Sgt. Peeler is an air defender assigned to the 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, forward-deployed in southeast Poland.Just days after the invasion began, Avenger short-range air defense Soldiers and equipment from 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment deployed to multiple Allied countries in eastern Europe to assure our NATO Allies that we are committed to our obligations under Article 5, and to deter any potential acts of aggression against NATO. The deployment of these air & missile defense systems is purely defensive. They contribute to the robust shielding provided along NATOs Eastern flank.

U.S. Air Force Col. Pete Boone, the outgoing 156th Wing commander, relinquishes command to U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Loiselle, the assistant adjutant general-air, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, during the 156th Wing change of command ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Oct. 15, 2022. The change of command ceremony took place during the October regularly scheduled drill.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Timothy P. Herrington was recognized for more than 28 years of service to the Mississippi Army National Guard during a retirement ceremony held at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 6, 2022. Herrington previously served as a commissioned officer obtaining the rank of colonel. Herrington was present the Legion of Merit, the Mississippi Magnolia Cross and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. His wife, Carmen, was presented the Mississippi Magnolia Necklace and a certificate of appreciation. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Sgt. Jovi Prevot)

U.S. Air Force Col. John J. Cotton, incoming 35th Medical Group commander, accepts the guidon from Col. Jesse J. Friedel, 35th Fighter Wing commander, as he assumes command during a change of command ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 24, 2022. Cotton previously served as the Air Force Aerospace Medicine consultant from August 2020 to June 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Richard, 35th Fighter Wing commander, coins Senior Master Sgt. Gabrial Valenzuela, 35th Maintenance Squadron wing weapons manager, during a chief master sergeant release ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Dec. 1, 2022. Air Force officials selected 514 senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant for the 22E9 promotion cycle.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, outgoing commander of Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), is presented with the Defense Distinguished Service Medal by U.S. Army Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, during AFCENTs change of command ceremony at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, July 21, 2022. During his tenure, Guillot led air, space, and cyberspace operations in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE, FREEDOM'S SENTINEL, ALLIES REFUGE and played a pivotal role in ending 20 years of combat operations in Afghanistan, including the retrograde of 1,500 service members, followed shortly by the largest non-combatant evacuation in American history.

Lt. Col. Stephen Keefer, incoming 4th Operations Support Squadron commander, assumes command of the 4th OSS during the 4th OSS change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, April 15, 2022. Keefer has spent over four years flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet as an exchange officer with the Royal Australian Air Force.

The 169th Maintenance Group conducts a change of command ceremony, May 15, 2022 at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, in which out-going commander, U.S. Air Force Col. Adrian Meyer relinquishes his command to Col. Christopher Gamble. U.S. Air Force Col. Quaid Quadri, 169th Fighter Wing commander, officiates the passing of the unit colors to signify to the Airmen of the group the significance of this formal event.

Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramón CZ Colón-López meets with U.S. Air Force Col. David Wilson, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and 673d Air Base Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Guzman, 673d ABW command chief at the Combined Headquarters building on JBER, Alaska, Jan. 17, 2023. JBER was one of two military installations in Colón-Lópezs trip to Alaska where he and Alaska congressional members engaged with troops and base leadership.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Justin Moore, 17th Comptroller Squadron incoming commander, (right) assumes command from Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, during the 17th CPTS change of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center, June 3, 2022. Change of commands are a military tradition representing the transfer of responsibilities from the presiding official to the incoming official.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, left, director, Air National Guard, presents a coin of excellence to Tech Sgt. Donald Cronce, 168th Communications Flight, 168th Wing, Alaska National Guard, Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, August 9, 2022. Cronce was recognized for the work he supported with both the 354th and 168th Communications Squadron while simultaneously ensuring customer needs with a positive attitude and setting a stellar example for his Airmen.

The 169th Maintenance Group conducts a change of command ceremony, May 15, 2022 at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, in which out-going commander, U.S. Air Force Col. Adrian Meyer relinquishes his command to Col. Christopher Gamble. U.S. Air Force Col. Quaid Quadri, 169th Fighter Wing commander, officiates the passing of the unit colors to signify to the Airmen of the group the significance of this formal event.

Indiana National Guard Col. Michael Fish, Valparaiso, 38th Infantry Division judge advocate general and Porter County Superior Court 1 Judge stands at attention for the 38th Infantry Division Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Timothy Thombleson, while he removes Fish's lieutenant colonel rank during his promotion ceremony at the Cyclone Division Armory in Indianapolis, Saturday, May 21, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Ruth Kehoe, off-going commanding officer of 2nd Intelligence Battalion (2nd Intel Bn), passes the colors to Lt. Col. Douglas McDonough, oncoming commanding officer of 2nd Intel Bn, during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 18, 2024. The change of command ceremony symbolizes the passing of authority and responsibility from the off-going to the oncoming commanding officer. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Ruth Kehoe relinquished command of 2nd Intel Bn to Lt. Col. Douglas McDonough.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Morton Bartlett, right, incoming commander of the 13th Expeditionary Combat Weather Squadron, salutes U.S. Air Force Col. Justin Dupuis, commander of the 4th Air Support Operations Group and presiding commander of the ceremony, during a change of command ceremony at Poznan, Poland, June 2, 2022. The 13th ECWS, which falls under the 4th Air Support Operations Group in the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing, is a specialized weather squadron focusing on weather intelligence tracking for U.S. Army Europe-Africa forces.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, the adjutant general of South Carolina, presents an Army Commendation Medal to U.S. Army Sgt. Mack Williams, Marksmanship Training Unit, South Carolina National Guard, during an award ceremony, April 26, 2022, in Columbia, South Carolina. Williams competed in the Winston P. Wilson National Guard Combat Shooting Championship in Little Rock, Arkansas, earning the best overall individual marksman and the title Combat National Champion, recording the highest ever score in the pistol competition. The competition lasted four days with over 400 competitors.

The 1/135th Assault Helicopter Battalion conducted a change of command ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, on June 12, 2022. Change of command ceremonies are a formal recognition of an outgoing commander passing on their duties and responsibilities to an incoming commander.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Lieutenant (Lt.) General (Gen.) David N. Miller Jr., Commander of Space Operations Command, coins Master Sergeant (MSgt.) Luis Alvarado, Engineering Specialist of the 50th Engineering Squadron (50 SEC), during his visit to Schriever SFB, CO., February 29, 2024. Lt. Gen. David N. Miller Jr. visited various locations around Schriever. (U.S, Space Force

Col. Christopher Schlak, 509th Mission Support Group commander(left), passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Devin Sproston, 509th Bomb Wing Security Forces commander(right), at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 29, 2022. Change of commands are a military tradition of passing command from one commanding officer to another.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force Roger Towberman, paid a visit to Schriever SFB, Colorado, 7 September, 2022. During the visit, Towberman answered many questions from USSF Guardians on career and service issues.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Alexandre Santana, 578 Brigade Engineer Battalion, 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, is promoted to the rank of Command Sgt. Major in front of collogues and family at Kearny Mesa Armory, Calif., on June 4, 2022. Santana was later installed as Command Sgt. Major of the 578 BEB. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Simone Lara)

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

Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command, presents her coin of excellence to Sgt. Fisher Parker, a military Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Non-Commissioned Officer assigned to 76th Operational Response Command, for his exemplary effort during Exercise Onaway Response Jan. 24, 2024 at Camp Parks, Calif. 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, Bi

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

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, left, director, Air National Guard, Left, and Lt. Col. Mark Masterson, right, commander, 216th Space Control Squadron, recognize Tech Sgt. Jaime Gomez, space operator, 216th Space Control Squadron at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, Feb. 5, 2023. During his visit Loh spoke with Airmen and was immersed in the unique mission of the 195th Wing unit.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass presents her coin to Master Sgt. Raymond Rosa with the 156th Force Support Squadron at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Puerto Rico, May 14, 2022. CMSAF Bass spent time with the 156th Wing, Puerto Rico Air National Guard and emphasized the importance of total force integration and overcoming challenges to more effectively accomplish the Air Force mission and be ready for the ever-evolving battlefield that future conflicts may hold.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Samuel Logan, 312th Training Squadron commander, places a suicide awareness patch on the uniform of Staff Sgt. Robert Kirkpatrick, 312th TRS instructor at the Louis F. Garland Department of Defense Fire Academy, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 8, 2022. Members of the 312th TRS designed the patch, which was lauded for its design and message from several Air and Space Force leaders, who also approved its wear on occupational camouflage uniforms.

U.S. Air Force Col. Eric Schmidt, left, 432nd Wing/432dnd Air Expeditionary Wing commander, gives the guidon flag to Col. Anquenetta Blount, right, 432nd Mission Support Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Creech air Force Base, Nevada, May 10, 2022. Blount assumed command of the 432nd Mission Support Group.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Dillon (left), 319th Operations Group commander, passes the guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Hoffman, 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron incoming commander, during the 319th AMXS change of command ceremony in a hangar, June 10, 2022, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The passing of the guidon is a symbolic gesture through which the presiding officer receives the guidon from an outgoing commander and then passes it to the incoming commander.

U.S. Air Force Col. Calvin Powell, left, 435th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander, pins the Legion of Merit medal on Col. Daniel Kobs, 409th Air Expeditionary Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Nigerien Air Base 101, Niamey, Niger, May 28, 2022. During the ceremony, Kobs relinquished command of the 409th AEG to Col. Kevin Lee.

Chief Master Sgt. Brett Barbee, former 104th Fighter Wing command chief, salutes Col. David Halasi-kun, 104FW vice commander as Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Jeffers, 104th FW command chief stands by during his change of responsibility ceremony at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, May 14, 2022. Chief Barbee relinquished command to Chief Jeffers who is the new 104FW command chief.

Lt. Col. Seth Kaste returns the unit guidon to Master Sgt. Edward Schmitt, unit first sergeant, during a formal change of command ceremony for the Wisconsin National Guards 54th Civil Support Team Oct. 7 at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Madison, Wis. Kaste, who had served previously in the 54th CST, takes command as outgoing commander Lt. Col. Matthew Kelly assumes his new assignment as administrative officer and rear detachment commander for the Wisconsin Army National Guards 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. The 54th CST is the states full-time response team for emergencies or terrorist events that involve weapons of mass destruction, toxic industrial chemicals or natural disasters. The unit is designed to rapidly deploy, assist local first-responders in determining the nature of an attack or hazardous materials scenario, and provide medical, communications, technical support and advice. Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs photo by Vaughn R. Larson

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Thomas M. Feltey, Armor School Commandant, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence gives Polish army Col. Krzysztof Kuba, commander of the Land Forces Training Center a United States Army Armor School patch during a visit to the Land Forces Training Center at Biedrusko, Poland, July 7, 2022. Feltey visited the training center to observe how Polish armor forces conduct training and operations.

U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Commander, Col. Reid E. Furman thanks Staff Sgt. Katherine Bolcar, vocalist for U.S. Army Europe and Africa Band and Chorus, for her performance of the American and German national anthem during the Awards and Recognition Ceremony Feb. 9, 2024 at the Armstrongs Club in Kaiserslautern, Germany. U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz serves, supports, and secures the total force community enabling power projection for the European Theater. Army

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald J. Place, DHA director, and his wife, Carol, meet with DHA employees during a farewell event with the workforce Dec. 9 at Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. Place will depart the Agency Jan. 3, 2023 after serving as the agencys third director and retire following 37 years of service to the nation, the Army and the military health system.

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.

Spc. Dylan Tullis, 1st Battalion, 11th Aviation Regiment air traffic controller, receives a challenge coin from Brigadier Gen. Michael C. McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, at Fort Rucker, Alabama, July 25, 2022. Tullis received the coin for his selfless service in aiding a fellow Soldier following a motorcycle accident. He was the first person on scene and promptly notified emergency services, his chain of command, and stayed with the Soldier until paramedics arrived.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Hergenreter, center, 422nd Air Base Squadron incoming commander, assumes command from Col. Jon Hannah, left, 422nd Air Base Group commander, during a 422nd ABS 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.

Yesterday the Iron Eagles welcomed Maj. Gen. Adam Joks, V Corps Deputy Commanding General for Interoperability, during a Table Top Exercise (TTX) to discuss future Gray Eagle training missions in Poland. At the conclusion of the visit, Col. John Morris presented Joks with a 1AD patch symbolizing the enduring partnership of our two great nations.

Col. Ian Gillis, 101st Air Refueling Wing Commander presents a coin to a medical professional from Montenegro at the wing medical squadron, Nov. 8, 2022 in Bangor, Maine. Montenegro medical staff are working together with the 101st medical squadron to share best demonstrated practices and build rapport.

168th Engineer Brigade Transfer of Authority

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Travis Betz (left), battalion commander of the 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment (AOB) and U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Shane Kester (right), senior enlisted leader of the 1-58th, uncase the regiment colors during the Air Operations Battalion (AOB) transfer of authority ceremony from the 1st Battalion, 107th Aviation Regiment (AOB) to the 1-58th AOB at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 15, 2022. The uncasing of the colors signifies the battalions arrival and preparedness to assume its role within the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa.

Lt. Col. Timothy Kirchner, right, incoming 4th Force Support Squadron commander, salutes Col.Tammy McElhaney, 4th Mission Support Group commander, during the 4th FSS Change of Command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, June 17, 2022. During the ceremony Kirchner assumed command of the 4th FSS from Lt. Col. Zachary Spotts.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ryan Scott, 2-10 AHB Commander, conducts his last flight as battalion commander on Fort Drum, Ny. July 15, 2022. Lt. Col. Scott was pinned his Master Aviator Wings afterwards, after completing 15 years of service and 2,000 flight hours.

U.S. Army Sgt. Emilie Kellogg was promoted from Corporal to Sergeant. Sgt. Kellogg serves as the Operations NCO for 35th Infantry Division Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Stuenkel.

U.S. Army Gen. Paul LaCamera, U.S. Forces Korea commander, passes the U.S. Space Forces Korea guidon to U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Joshua McCullion, USSFK inaugural commander, during the units activation ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 14, 2022. The newly activated USSFK will be tasked with coordinating space operations and services such as missile warning, position navigation and timing, and satellite communications within the region.

U.S. Air Force Chaplain Maj. Lane Campbell, prays during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 31, 2022. U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Chambers assumed command of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group from Col. Matthew Bartlett in a ceremony presided over by Col. Calvin Powell, vice commander of the 435th Air Expeditionary Wing.

U.S. Space Force Chief Master Sgt. James Seballes presents the unit guidon to Maj. Gen. Timothy Sejba, commander of Space Training and Readiness Command, during a change of responsibility ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, Jan. 19, 2024. During the ceremony, Chief Master Sgt. Karmann-Monique Pogue succeeded Seballes as the second senior enlisted leader of STARCOM.

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

U.S. Air Force Col. David Wright, 175th Maintenance Group commander, passes the guidon to U.S. Air Force Capt. Ernest Walker, incoming 175th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony at Martin State Air National Guard Base, Middle River, Maryland, March 31, 2023. The change of command ceremony is rooted in military history, dating back to the 18th century.

Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Detachment 1, Company Alpha, 1st Battalion - 112th Aviation are recognized by Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold (center) and other leaders who attended the formal Demobilization Ceremony held at the Army Aviation Support Facility at Salem, Oregon on Jan. 19, 2024. A total of 27 Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers teamed-up with Soldiers from Idaho, North Dakota, Montana and Wisconsin as part of a 12 month mobilization along the U.S. Southwest Border. (National Guard

OAY recipient Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Wagner Senior Master Sgt. Matthew Wagner, assigned to the 32nd Aerial Port Squadron, receives an Outstanding Airman of the Year award from Col. Bryan M. Bailey, commander of the 911th Airlift Wing and 911th AW Command Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Jendrzejewski, April 2, 2023, at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station. The OAY is recognized annually and given to members for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th Fighter Wing commander (left), hands a guidon to Col. Matthew Johnston, 56th Operations Group commander (right), during the 56th OG change of command ceremony June. 3, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The 56th OG builds the future of air power by executing world class flying operations, providing elite instruction and cultivating the air power community for the United States, our allies and our partners.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jared Shannon, a unit deployment manager assigned to the 36th Security Forces Squadron, is presented with a Stripes for Exceptional Performers promotion from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Birch, commander of the 36th Wing, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Nov. 10, 2022. The STEP program allows the major command, unit commanders and senior officers to select a limited number of Airmen or Guardians with exceptional potential for promotion.

U.S. Air Force Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony L. Whitehead, the senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau, meets with 131st and 509th crew chiefs at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Aug. 30, 2022. During his visit, he saw how Whitemans B-2 Spirit stealth bomber mission is a model for Air Force Total Force Integration.

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

Lt. Col. Patrick Cornwell receives the Minnesota Distinguished Service Medal at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, July 10, 2022. Cornwell served as the Camp Ripley Deputy Commander for 23 months, overseeing the base through a global pandemic and the largest state activation in Minnesota's history."The people up here are great," said Cornwell. "I'm happy to be here on the weekends because I still get to enjoy Camp Ripley and do my best to mentor some of the staff here as we go forward."(Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

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. Air Force Lt. Col. Sean Griffin, 23rd Operations Support Squadron commander, assumes command during a change of command ceremony at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 29, 2022. Griffin took command of the 23rd OSS after serving as director of air operations, agile combat employment team for United States Air Forces Europe at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. A change of command ceremony is a traditional event that symbolizes the transfer of authority and responsibility from one officer to another.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth T. Bibb Jr., left, 18th Air Force commander, speaks to Airmen from the 6th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, May 6, 2022. Eighteenth Air Force leadership recognized several star performers from across the 6th ARW on the final day of their visit. Each individual Airman was coined and congratulated for their accomplishments and thanked for their work

Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, right, installation command chief, presents a coin to Staff Sgt. Eric Mikhlin, 66th Security Forces Squadron BDOC controller, during a visit to the squadron at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Oct. 11. Mikhlin was recognized for his work during an event with the Mass. National Guard and Mass. State Police last month.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership hosts a hail and farewell ceremony on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 24, 2022. During the ceremony arriving team members were greeted and departing members received awards, parting gifts and shared a few words with fellow staff members, students and faculty.

Lt. Col. Justin Delorit, right, accepts command of the 819th RED HORSE Squadron from Col. Matthew Welling, 800th RED HORSE Group commander, during a change of command ceremony July 18, 2022, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. RED HORSE stands for Rapid Engineer Deployable, Heavy Operational Repair Squadron, Engineer.

Ohio Air National Guard leadership from around the state attend a change of command ceremony at the Toledo Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Chad Holesko assumed command of the 180th Fighter Wing from Col. Michael DiDio.

Lt. Col. Patrick J. Szvetitz, incoming commander of the 2-130th Airfield Operations Battalion (AOB), (Left) Col. Michele Harper, 449th Combat Aviation Commander, and Lt. Col. Daniel McAuliffe, outgoing commander of the 2-130th AOB, take a photo following the battalion change of command ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Harnett Regional Jetport in Erwin, North Carolina, June 4, 2022. The battalion is prepared for continued local, national, and foreign aviation operations. (Photo by US Army Capt. Patrick Montandon, 449th Combat Aviation Brigade/Released)

Soldiers with the Mission Command Support Group (MCSG), 88th Readiness Division, gather together following the MCSG change of command ceremony at Fort Snelling, Minn., Nov. 20, 2022. MCSG supports over 30 subordinate units within the 88th Readiness Division.

U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Zuhlke, right, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Warfare Center outgoing commander, relinquishes command of the USAFE-AFAFRICA Warfare Center to Maj. Gen. Joel Carey, left, USAFE-AFAFRICA Strategic Deterrence, and Nuclear Integration director of operations, at Einsiedlerhof Military Complex, Germany, July 15, 2022. Zuhlke entered the Air Force in May of 1995 as a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. Zuhlke is a Command Pilot with over 3,000 flying hours, primarily in the F-15E Strike Eagle.

U.S. Air Force Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony L. Whitehead, the senior enlisted advisor to the chief of the National Guard Bureau, recognizes U.S. Army Spc. Andrew Hughes at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Aug. 30, 2022. Whitehead visited the base to learn how National Guard Soldiers and Airmen contribute to state and national mission success.

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

The 167th Theater Sustainment Command team poses for a picture with U.S. Marine Col. Boyd Miller during his visit to the 167th TSC headquarters in Anniston, Alabama, Aug. 10-11, 2022. (L to R) Command Sgt. Maj. Kevin Stallings, 167th TSC CSM; Maj. Gen. Sylvester Cannon, 167th TSC Commanding General; Marine Col. Boyd Miller, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) Director of J4 Logistics; Brig. Gen. Terry Grisham, 167th TSC Deputy Commanding General.

Sgt. Peter Lebron III, who is a combat medic with the 801st Field Hospital, re-enlists for another 8 years while deployed to Iraq. Sgt. Lebron is a movement NCO for Joint Task Force Med 374 and is tasked with booking and tracking flights for medical personnel entering and leaving Central Commands area of responsibility under Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Army Soldiers receive new shoulder sleeve insignia during the reflagging ceremony of the 11th Airborne Division, June 6, 2022, at Pershing Parade Field, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The activation returns the historic 11th Airborne Division to an active Army role, with a focus on operations in extreme cold weather and mountainous high-altitude environments. The ceremonies at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson reflagged the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, into the 1st and 2nd brigade combat teams, 11th Airborne Division, respectively.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, left, deputy director of the Air National Guard (ANG) coins Capt. Wilson Treftz, right, a chaplain assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, at Vermont ANG Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 11, 2022. Treftz was recognized by Pirak for his outstanding contribrbutions as an Airmen in the 158th Fighter Wing.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, left, deputy director of the Air National Guard (ANG) coins Capt. Wilson Treftz, right, a chaplain assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, at Vermont ANG Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 11, 2022. Treftz was recognized by Pirak for his outstanding contribrbutions as an Airmen in the 158th Fighter Wing.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bridget Zorn, right, the incoming commander of the 264th Combat Communications Squadron, receives command of the squadron from 182nd Mission Support Group commander Col. Steven Rice during a ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. Zorn previously served as the commander of the Missouri Air National Guards 239th Combat Communications Squadron for four years before transferring to the Peoria-based unit.

Maj. Gen. Clark J. Quinn, the deputy commander, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central), is greeted by Senior Airman Dalyn Castillo, a munitions technician assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, during a base tour September 9, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Quinns visit focused on visiting the various squadrons of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, to provide a direct means of communication for enlisted Airmen.

Maj. Gen. Bryan Radliff, 10th Air Force commander, coins Master Sgt. Trevor Bethel, an aviation resource manager for the 302d Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Nicholas Wasser, an operations noncommissioned officer with 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment, congratulates Staff Sgt. Joseph Chavira, a senior drill sergeant with Company H, during a de-hatting ceremony May 26, 2022 at Fort Eustis, Virginia. The de-hatting ceremony is a symbolic tradition where drill sergeants retire their campaign hats after completing their tour of duty.

of 3