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Military Change of Command Ceremonies

Images capturing significant military change of command events, highlighting the transfer of authority and responsibilities among leaders.

Maj. Charles Coffman, incoming 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, receives the guidon from Col. Ryan Vetter, 374th Mission Support Squadron commander, during the 374th LRS Change of Command Ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 27, 2022. A Change of Command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another.

Master Sgt. Amy Sharp, manpower analyst and human resources specialist with the 172nd Force Support Squadron, was promoted on May 12, 2022, into the long line of Air National Guard senior noncommissioned officers who inspire purpose, motivation, direction and discipline to their Airmen.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Hayes Jr. (right), renders his final salute as the 5th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron commander to U.S. Air Force Col. Henry Schantz, 18th Operations Group commander, during the 5th EACCS inactivation ceremony at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Sept. 30, 2022. Prior to inactivation, the 5th EACCS delivered command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance across the United States Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility.

(From left) Brig. Gen. David R. Lopez, the commander of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, passes the 380th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron guidon to Maj. Jason P. Thomas, the incoming commander of the 380th ELRS, during a change of command ceremony June 16, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Receiving the guidon symbolically recognizes a commander's assumption of command.

Lt. Col. Peter M. Ammerman, the interim Expeditionary District Commander, addresses Maj. Gen. Kimberly Colloton, Commanding General of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division, at the conclusion of the Relinquishment of Command ceremony where outgoing Commander, Col. Kenneth N. Reed, transferred command of the district to Ammerman, April 25, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Ammerman, a Texas Army National Guard engineer from the 176th Engineer Brigade, will lead the district until Reeds replacement, Lt. Col. Richard Childers, arrives in July, from his current assignment as the Walla Walla District commander. (Photo by Richard Bumgardner, Transatlantic Expeditionary District Public Affairs)

Lt. Col. Craig Rasley, incoming commander of the 7th Munitions Squadron, accepts the guidon on Dyess Air Force Base Texas, 16 Jun 2022. Changes of command in the military are a tradition that formally represent the transfer of authority from one leader to another.

U.S. Air Force Col. Joshua C. Waggoner, commander, 122nd Fighter Wing (FW), Indiana, left, and Chief Master Sgt. Kyle D. Hoopingarner participate in an assumption of responsibility ceremony at the Fort Wayne Air National Guard Base, Indiana September 10, 2022. Hoopingarner assumed the position of 122nd FW command chief followed by Chief Master Sgt. Michael E. Dixon assuming the position of Indiana Air National Guard state command chief.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Thomas Spencer, commanding general of the 42nd Infantry Division, New York Army National Guard (left), presents a 42nd ID challenge coin as a token of appreciation to Spc. Arcangelo Bonadonna, supply specialist for Echo Company, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment, Assault Helicopter Battalion, attached to the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Nov. 23, 2022. 36th CAB, mobilized as Task Force Mustang, provides full-spectrum Army aviation operations for the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve mission to advise, assist, and enable partnered forces in the enduring defeat of ISIS.

Sgt. Julian Garcia, a combat medic assigned to the "Hound Battalion," 3rd Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, recites the Oath of Enlistment for his reenlistment ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Dec. 12, 2022. Garcia is a team leader and reenlisted to further his military career.

Col. Bradley Weast, outgoing 39th Medical Group commander, relinquishes the guidon to Col. Jason Gingrich, 39th Air Base Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 2, 2022. Gingrich then charged Col. Scott Carbaugh with leading the group. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility from one officer to another.

Pennsylvania Air National Guard Lt. Col Pete Bigley, the former 103rd Attack Squadron Commander, relinquishes command to PAANG Col. Deane Thomey, 111th Attack Wing Commander, during a ceremony at Biddle Air National Guard Base in Horsham, Pennsylvania, Nov. 30, 2022. PAANG Lt. Col. Alex Van Zant, assumed command of the 103rd ATKS as Bigley is scheduled to retire later this year.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. John Klein, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, coins Staff Sgt. Lalaine Smith, 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron assistant non-commissioned officer-in-charge, at Joint Base Charleston, Oct. 20 2022. Klein visited EC units to see first-hand how they organize, train and equip warrior Airmen and to recognize exceptional performers.

U.S. Army LTC Joshua A. Pusillo, Eighth Army Headquarters Battalion commander, passes the Eighth Army Colors to CSM Deshawn M. Hamilton during the Eighth Army Headquarters Battalion Change of Responsibility ceremony on USAG Camp Humphreys, South Korea, July 27, 2022. The Change of Responsibility ceremony welcomed CSM Hamilton to the Eighth Army Headquarters Battalion.

Camp Ripley outgoing garrisoncommander, Army Col. Joshua Simer, prepares to pass the garrisoncolors to Army Brig. Gen. Kruse during a change of command ceremony at Camp Ripley near Little Falls, Minnesota, December 10, 2022. Simer will continue his career at the Minnesota National Guards Joint Force Headquarters J5 - Plans office. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Spc. Abbygail Heinen)

U.S. Air Force SNCOs and NCOs were recognized, June 10, 2022, during a promotion ceremony at the I.G. Brown Training and Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Thomas Sherman, Security Forces director, presents his coin to USAF Staff Sgt. Brittney Turco, 802nd Security Forces Squadron, March 30, 2023, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. BG Sherman's visit to JBSA-Lackland was to brief the current state of security forces from the top and to recognize the top performers within the 802nd SFS.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Barnes, left, commander of the 407th Air Expeditionary Group, receives the 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron guidon from Lt. Col. Jeffrey Greensfelder, outgoing commander of the 407th EOSS, during a change of command ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 2, 2022. Greensfelder led Airmen and Department of Defense contractors to conduct airfield operations, air traffic control, navigational aid maintenance, wing intelligence and wing weather across two airfields.

The command team from 311th Signal Command, which included Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler and Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan DeHart visited the 41st Signal Battalion and had the opportunity to to recognize and give coins to some soldiers there.

Col. Kyle Grygo, 51st Mission Support Group commander, receives a salute from Maj. Vincent McLean, 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron newly appointed commander, during the squadrons assumption of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 22, 2022. As the presiding officer, Grygo facilitated the assumption of command of the 51st LRS by presenting the ceremonial guidon to the incoming officer.

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 Col. Abraham Jackson, right, U.S. European Command Joint Intelligence Operations Center Europe Analytic Center outgoing commander, relinquishes command during the JIOCEUR Analytic Center change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Molesworth, England, July 7, 2022. The change of command ceremony is rooted in military history dating back to the 18th century representing the relinquishing of power from one officer to another.

Col. Brian D. Moore, 51st Maintenance Group commander, left, assists Lt. Col. Jared C. Struck, outgoing 51st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, right, in furling the guidon during the 51st AMXS Deactivation Ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 1, 2022. Struck led the squadrons reorganization and transition to the Fighter Generation Squadron structure, becoming Pacifc Air Forces first conversion to the newly official combat-oriented maintenance organization structure.

Brig. Gen. Joseph D'Costa recognized Pfc. Angelina Darcy with a coin of excellence for being the most junior soldier to earn this year's EFMB Competition, on Sept. 17th.

Brig. Gen. Joseph D'Costa recognized Pfc. Angelina Darcy with a coin of excellence for being the most junior soldier to earn this year's EFMB Competition, on Sept. 17th.

U.S. Air Force Col. Lance Vann, center, takes command, July 11, 2022, during the Personal Property Activity, Headquarters change of command ceremony, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Linda Hurry (left), Director of Logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., was the presiding officer.

Col. Robert L. Simmons (right) receives the 433rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron guidon from Col. Alvin Bradford, interim 433rd Medical Group commander, during his assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Feb. 4, 2024. Prior to becoming commander of the 433rd AMDS, Simmons served as an Individual Mobile Augmentee to the 51st Medical Group commander at Osan Air Base, Korea. Before that, he commanded the 913th AMDS at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. Air Force

1st Sgt. William Judge and Maj. Penny Mosley, leaders of the 94th Combat Support Hospital, Bravo Company, salute each other as their soldiers stand in formation in a ceremony to honor the medical retirement of Sgt. Scott Donley (standing, left), in Seagoville, Texas, on June 4, 2022.

Col. Christopher Robinson, incoming 39th Mission Support Group commander, renders his first salute to Capt. Brett Gaumond, 39th MSG executive officer, during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 14, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Angela Herron relinquished command to Col. Jason Gingrich, 39th Air Base Wing commander, who then charged Col. Christopher Robinson with leading the group. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility from one officer to another. Robinson previously served as the 16th Air Force director of communications at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jason D. Christie, right, assumes command of the 325th Force Support Squadron from Col. Elizabeth Harwood, 325th Mission Support Group commander, left, during an assumption of command ceremony at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, June 15, 2022. The 325th Force Support Squadron is tasked with providing combat support, military and civilian personnel programs, recreation and leisure programs and family support services.

U.S. Army Sgt. Joshua Alfaro, Behavioral Health Specialist with Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and his teammate Sgt. 1st Class Peter D. Bassman, Health Care Specialist are winners of the 2022 Best Medic Competition in Baumholder Baumholder, Germany Nov 28 - Dec 2, 2022. Bassman and Alfaro will represent Medical Readiness Command, Europe in the Army-wide Best Medic Competition to be held at Fort Polk, Louisiana in January 2023.

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 Sgt. Major Monty Drummond relinquishes responsibility of 4-409 Packhorse Battalion Dec. 7, 2022 at Waybur Theater on Fort Knox, Kentucky, after being in command of the battalion since 2020. Drummond has been highly effective in creating a culture of excellence by ensuring leader development and that the observers, coaches and trainers are consistently refining their abilities to train and validate.

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen Wanda Williams (left), commander of the 7th Mission Support Command, pins the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Gregory Larson (right), out-going commander of the 457th Civil Affairs Battalion, prior to a change of command ceremony, May 8, 2022 at Daenner Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Larson was replaced by Lt. Col. Kevin Kaufman as the commanding officer of the 457th CAB.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Stanley Budraitis, United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence deputy commander, presented coins to Soldiers from Class 0922-22, 1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment, April 7, 2022 at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Col. Christopher Nyland, Fort George G. Meade garrison commander, signs the proclamation during the garrison's Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month proclamation signing April 1, 2022.

BACH had five service members graduate from the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) June 10, 2022, at Cole Park Commons on Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The IPAP mission is to provide the uniformed services with highly competent, compassionate Physician Assistants who model integrity, strive for leadership excellence, and are committed to lifelong learning. Our graduates are commissioned into the officer corps of their respective service and take their place beside other military health care professionals in providing medical services to active duty military personnel, their dependents, and retirees.

220830-N-PC620-0031JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. (Aug. 30, 2022) From left, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James Porterfield, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command command senior enlisted leader, NORAD and USNORTHCOM Commander U.S. Air Force Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, Joint Task Force Civil Support commanding general, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey P. Van, and U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Kevin Guy, JTF-CS command senior enlisted leader, pose for a photograph in the foyer of JTF-CS headquarters on Fort Eustis, Virginia, Aug. 30, 2022. Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command, JTF- CS conducts CBRN response and all-hazards DSCA operations in support of the lead federal agency in order to save lives, mitigate human suffering, and prevent further injury.

U.S. Army Spc. Jennifer M. Sanchez, Property Book NCO, 92Y, for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, "Task Force Mustang," 36th Infantry Division (right), receives congratulations from Col. Scott P. Nicholas, commander of Task Force Mustang, while receiving her Certificate of Appreciation as the brigade's "Hero of the Week" during a command and staff meeting held at Task Force Mustang headquarters, Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 28, 2022. Sanchez, a native of Nacogdoches, Texas, was recognized for her stellar performance and administrative excellence in overseeing quality control measures for the brigade's monthly inventory audits.

Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, the U.S. Army Surgeon General and Commanding General of U.S. Army Medical Command, recently visited Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sept. 23, 2022, during a battlefield circulation. He also met with Soldiers of 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) and the 531st Hospital Center, to discuss operational readiness and partnerships with surrounding medical centers.

1st Lt. Del Frost, the executive officer of the 380th Expeditionary Medical Squadron, receives a challenge coin from Lt. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, June 3, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Frost was recognized for building partnerships with the 380th AEWs Emirati partners and local, host nation hospitals involved in the Trauma, Burn and Rehabilitative Medicine mission in the UAE.

Maj. David Simpson of the 168th Civil Engineering Squadron thanks the Finance office for taking care of Airmen across the wing, including the members of the CE Squadron. Simpson and Capt. Michael Nash received a certificate of appreciation from the 168th Wing finance members, thanking them for improving and supporting the finance office. (U.S. Air National Guard photos by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Master Sgt. Jeremi Issacs, 66th Comptroller Squadron Financial Operations Flight chief, is congratulated by Col. Taona Enriquez, 66th Air Base Group commander, during the 66 ABG quarterly awards ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., July 27, while Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, 66 ABG command chief, looks on. Issacs won the Chief Master Sgt. Bobby Jacques Spirit of Above and Beyond Award during the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Johnny R. Koyama, foreground right, incoming commander of 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron, receives the unit colors from U.S Air Force Col. Justin M. Dupuis, commander of 4th Air Support Operations Group, during a change of command ceremony at Rose Barracks, Vilseck, Germany, June 29, 2022.

More than 70 American Soldiers from the 52nd Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) and other Fort Campbell units earned the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge during a qualification event. Soldiers had to complete a basic fitness test, 100-meter swim in uniform, pistol qualification and 12-kilometer road march to earn the badge. U.S. Army photo by Capt. David G. Moehling.

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.

Lt. Gen. Gregory M. Guillot, the Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, speaks with Senior Airman Marta Burke, a contracting specialist assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Contracting Squadron, June 3, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Burke was recognized for her role in successfully managing multiple, critical life support projects for the base construction team.

U.S. Army Maj. Calvert C. Brown, incoming commander of the Recruiting and Retention Battalion, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, passes the battalion flag to Command Sgt. Maj. Tyrone C. Mickens, senior enlisted leader of RRBN, during a battalion change of command ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Feb. 23, 2024. Army National Guard

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Richard Kerwood, Ohio Army National Guard state command chief warrant officer, and Brig. Gen. Thomas E. Moore II, Ohio assistant adjutant general for Army, bow their heads during the chaplains invocation as part of Kerwoods promotion ceremony May 12, 2022, at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. As the state command chief warrant officer, Kerwood provides direction, guidance, resources, assistance and supervision of the Ohio Army National Guard Warrant Officer Cohort.

Senior Airman Emma Britton, center, 66th Force Support Squadron Patriot Honor Guard ceremonial guardsman, salutes Col. Taona Enriquez, 66th Air Base Group commander, during the 66 ABG quarterly awards ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., July 27, while Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, 66 ABG command chief, looks on. Britton won Airman of the Quarter during the ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Col. William Creeden, 1st Fighter Wing commander, greets an Airmen at the 1st Opperations Support Squadron hypobaric chamber ribbon cutting ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, Oct. 11, 2022. The hypobaric chamber is designed to simulate the effects of high altitude on the human body in a controlled environment. The chamber went into a mothball” status in 2014, but has been reopened as an active training device that, together with the Aerospace Physiology Flight, will now support more than 24 states and several hundred permanent party officers and enlisted flyers from across the JBLE community.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Broderick Morris, right, assumes command of the 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron from Col. Elizabeth Harwood, 325th Mission Support Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, June 16, 2022. The 325th LRS has several duties critical to mission success such as maintaining vehicles, fueling aircraft and ensuring the base is equipped with necessary ground transportation.

Lt. Col Gabriel Spicer, 751st Troop Commander, hands the guide on to Chief Katherine Strobel symbolizing the transfer on command to her from Chief Warrant Officer Five Gregory N. Stepp. The ceremony took place at Wellman Armory on Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky., September 24, 2022.

11 Soldiers of the 35th Infantry Division Artillery were promoted to the ranks of Sergeant and Staff Sergeant during a ceremony at the Division Headquarters in Leavenworth, Kansas, January 7, 2024. The Soldiers were promoted by Capt. Hans Stephensen and Acting 1st Sgt. Andrew Eicholtz.

U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher B. Meeker, 86th Civil Engineer Group outgoing commander, right, relinquishes command of the 86 CEG, during the 86 CEG change of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 30, 2022. The 86 CEG supports the infrastructure and buildings throughout the Kaiserslautern Military Community.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael J. Turley, the Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard attends to support the recipients of the State of Utah Service Member of the Year awards at the Utah State Capital on 09 June 22. The awards recognize the outstanding performers from each of the major military entities in the state representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, from active duty, guard and reserve organizations. (Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt Nicholas Perez)

Official pass of the Guidon Conducted at the United States Army Communications Information Systems Activity Pacific Change of Director Ceremony held at the 1st Theater Signal Brigade Headquarters in Camp Hummphreys, South Korea on July 8, 2022. The outgoing Director is Lt. Col. Sirian Thepsoumane and the incomming director is Lt. Col. Jung "Steve" Soh.

U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 335th Signal Command (Theater) farewell Maj. Gen. John Phillips and welcomed our new Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Tina Boyd on Aug 21, 2022 on Fort Gordon, Augusta, Ga. We welcome Maj. Gen. Boyd and her family. The 335th SC (T) is a winning organization and we look forward to reaching new heights while focusing on our Soldiers and their Families first.

Lt. Col. Carla Martinez, 433rd Maintenance Group commander, presents the 433rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron guidon to Maj. Nicholas Velazquez Jr. during the 433rd AMXS change of command ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Sept. 10, 2022. Velazquez previously served as the 433rd Maintenance Squadron Commander in the 433rd Airlift Wing.

A Keesler Air Force Base Honor Guard Airman presents Senior Master Sgt. Brett Blanchard with a flag during his retirement ceremony at Keesler AFB, Miss., Jan. 6, 2024. Blanchard served for 33 years, spending the majority of his career in the education and training realm ensuring Airmen met training and development requirements for career advancement.

U.S. Army Pfc. Antonio Mora, automated logistical specialist, 92A, for Alpha Company, 449th Aviation Support Battalion, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Mustang, 36th Infantry Division (right), receives congratulations from Col. Scott P. Nicholas, commander 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. 12, 2022. Mora, native of Laredo, Texas, was recognized for performing duties outside of his primary MOS, involving accurate receipt, storage, issue, accountability, and preservation of numerous individual, organizational, installation, and expendable supplies and equipment, resulting in multiple successes for Alpha Companys area of responsibility.

Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Molluskys wife, Michelle, receives recognition during his retirement ceremony at Camp Lincoln in Springfield, IL April 3, 2022. Mollusky met his wife in 1992 while stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas and in 1994 they were married. They have two children together, Taylor, 23, and Alex,19, and currently reside in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. He is also the father of Addam Kinsel (28) of Springfield.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler Stubbs, center, incoming commander of the 386th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, receives the 386th ECS guidon from Col. Clinton Wilson, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, during a change of command ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 27, 2022. Stubbs succeeded Lt. Col. Nicholas Gronlund, the outgoing commander of the 386th ECS.

The official party, consisting of (from left to right) Maj. Gen. Michael Turley, the adjutant general; Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brian Searcy; Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Erickson; and Command Sgt. Maj. Spencer Nielsen, senior enlisted leader, is acknowledged as part of the commencement of the ceremony. 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.

U.S. Air Force Col. George Buch, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, poses with U.S. Air Force Lt Col. Patrick Murphy, the new 46th Expeditionary Attack Squadron commander, while being given the GuideOn at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, Jan. 10, 2023. The change of command ceremony reaches back to the time of the ancient Romans and signifies the change of leadership from one commander to another.

Sgt. First Class Samuel Ryder and Lt. Col. Nathan Wall, command team for the 746th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) case the unit colors during the Transfer of Authority ceremony with 68th Division Sustainment Support Battalion (DSSB) at Forward Operating Site Powidz, Poland on Nov. 22, 2022. The casing of the colors is an army tradition symbolizing proper relief of the outgoing unit.

Brig. Gen. Kirk E. Gibbs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Pacific Ocean Division (POD) commanding general, passes the District colors to Col. Heather A. Levy, USACE Far East District (FED) commander, during a change of command ceremony held at River Bend Golf Course, USAG Humphreys, Republic of Korea, July 19. Levy arrived at FED from the Army War College, where she earned a masters degree in strategic studies, and was recognized as a distinguished graduate.

Commander coin was presented to Sgt. Joseph Paladino for his dedication during Tripler's U.S. Army Heritage Day.

Command Sgt. Maj. Salvador Garcia Garcia, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, adorns newly promoted 1st Sgt. Curtis N. Thornton with his hat and new rank during a promotion ceremony on Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy September 9, 2022. 1st Sgt. Thornton was promoted in a ceremony shortly before taking responsibility as the SETAF-AF Intelligence & Sustainment Company First Sergeant in a separate ceremony.

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)

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.

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.

From left, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, director, Air National Guard (ANG), Master Sgt. Daniel Keller, 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho National Guard, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, command chief, ANG, pose for a photo during an Outstanding Airmen of the Year (OAY) recognition ceremony at the 2022 Air National Guard Senior Leader Conference (ASLC) in Dallas, Texas, April 20, 2022. Loh and Williams recognized three of ANGs OAY winners for 2021 for their superior leadership, job performance and overall excellence.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Christopher Mohan, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Sustainment Command passes the 407th Army Field Support Brigade colors to Col. Jennifer S. Karim, incoming commander of the 407th AFSB during the change of command ceremony, June 24, 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas. The passing of the colors from an outgoing commander to an incoming commander is a ceremony that that represents the relinquishment of command in good faith to the next leader.

KAISERSLAUTER, Germany- The 7th Mission Support Command Commander, Brig. Gen Wanda Williams (left), pins the Army Commendation Medal on Col. Trent E. Loiseau, the outgoing commander of the Medical Support Unit during a change of command here at Kleber Kaserne on Sept. 11, 2022.

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

Air Force Maj. Gen. Leah Lauderback, director of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for the U.S Space Force, swears in Col. Louis Melancon during a transfer ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., June 7, 2022. Melancon transferred from the U.S. Army; he will be taking over as the director of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for Space Systems Command.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Phil Rudak, left, an aviation officer, renders his first salute as a newly commissioned second lieutenant to U.S. Army Sgt. Daouda Williams, right, an automated logistical specialist assigned to the 143rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. The first salute, also known as the silver dollar salute, is a military tradition in which a newly commissioned officer renders their first salute as an officer to an enlisted soldier of their choosing, usually a noncommissioned officer who has mentored and guided the up and coming officer on their journey, and presents that soldier with a silver dollar coin as a sign of gratitude and respect.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David Ling, Commanding General of the 79th Theater Sustainment Command, receives the organizational colors from U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Christopher Barra, outgoing Commanding General of the 451st Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Jan. 8, 2023, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. The 451st was Barras last assignment encompassing a 33 year career both in active duty and the Army Reserves.

U.S. Army Capt. Robert Holland, 3rd Infantry Division current operations officer-in-charge, receives a coin from Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. on Camp Kosciuszko, Poland, Jan. 20, 2024. Capt. Holland successfully tracked convoy operations and branch movement control team operations, while also leading monthly Soldier Family Readiness Group Town Halls.

U.S. Marine Col. Robert S. White, chief of staff of Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) receives the flag during the reading of Old Glory and passing of the flag at his retirement ceremony aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, July 20. Col. White retired after 30 years of honorable service.

U.S. Army Capt. Todd Thorp, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 2nd Battalion (BN), 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade presents a carving to commemorate the departure of U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Timothy Brogan, the outgoing first sergeant of HHC, 2nd BN, 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade during the HHC, 2nd BN, 5th SFAB Change of Responsibility ceremony held in Evergreen Chapel, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, Feb. 23, 2024. Army

Col. Stephen T. Messenger receives the Fort McCoy Garrison flag July 14, 2022, from Brenda McCullough, director of Installation Management Command-Readiness, at Fort McCoy, Wis., signifying Messenger as the new garrison commander. Messenger replaces Col. Michael D. Poss who became the garrison commander June 10, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in a virtual change-of-command ceremony. Poss moves on to serve in a position at the 88th Readiness Division also at Fort McCoy. Messenger arrives after serving in his prior assignment as the director of engineering and logistics, J4, Joint Task Force Civil Support, Fort Eustis, Va., which was on the front lines of the nations COVID response.

From left, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, director, Air National Guard (ANG), Tech. Sgt. Brett Yoakum, 164th Airlift Wing, Tennessee National Guard, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, command chief, ANG, pose for a photo during an Outstanding Airmen of the Year (OAY) recognition ceremony at the 2022 Air National Guard Senior Leader Conference (ASLC) in Dallas, Texas, April 20, 2022. Loh and Williams recognized three of ANGs OAY winners for 2021 for their superior leadership, job performance and overall excellence.

Maj. Gen. Michael Turley (left), the adjutant general for the state of Utah stands with Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brian Searcy as he is recognized for his service as command chief. 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.

U.S. Air Force Col. Teresa Frank, 125th Mission Support Group commander, left, passes the 125th Logistics Readiness Squadron guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Sarah Clark, outgoing 125th LRS commander, at the 125th LRS change of command ceremony at the 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville, Florida, Jan. 6, 2024. Clark served as the 125th LRS commander from Oct. 13, 2018 to May 1, 2023 and she commanded a 91 member squadron dedicated to providing logistics and deployment readiness operations to more than 1,900 Florida Airmen.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Eric Austin, the commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), presents a plaque to Corps Chief Warrant Officer 2 Donald McMurtrie in recognition of his selection for the Earle Hattaway Award, awarded to the Marine Aviation Ground Officer of the Year during the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) awards luncheon at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma, April 5, 2023. MCAA awarded The MCAA awards are presented annually to individuals and units that represent the best of the best in Marine Corps aviation, rewarding operational readiness and technical ingenuity throughout the service.

Lt. Col. Kristopher Szymczak gives a final salute during a change of command ceremony held in the 108th Operations Group auditorium at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 22, 2022. Lt. Col. Sharon Gilliland assumed command of the 150th Special Operations Squadron from Szymczak who served as commander since October 2020.

Lt. Col. Kira Coffey, 36th Airlift Squadron incoming commander, right, receives a guidon from Col. Kevin Martin, 374th Operations Group commander, during the 36th AS change of command ceremony, May 13, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Receiving the guidon signifies Coffey accepting command of the 36th AS.

U.S. Marine Col. Todd Manyx gives his closing remarks to the audience at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, Aug. 2, 2022. A Change of Command ceremony is held for the off going commanding officer, Manyx and the incoming Col. Rory Kent for MCIOC, Quantico.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Keith McCray, the commander of the 914th Maintenance Group, New York, assumes command in a ceremony October 1, 2022 in a hangar on Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. McCray was previously the deputy maintenance group commander with the 452nd Air Mobility Wing at March Air Reserve Base, California.

Welcome Mercury 7! On January 9, 2023, the Mercury Brigade welcomed the new BDE CSM, Command Sgt. Major Nicholas M. Curry. It is an honor to have him and his family join this Brigade and be a leader to the Soldiers here. His influence and guidance have already been felt throughout the ranks, and we wish CSM Curry continued success in his time here.

Sgt. Dain Petipren of Kalmazoo, Michigan, a Health Care Specialist with the Michigan National Guards 1171st Medical Company Area Support Company, recieves a paddle for completing the Row the Boat event with the fastest time. He was one of twelve National Guard Soldiers who competed in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, participated in an awards ceremony. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), transfers command of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, incoming commander of CJTF-HOA, during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 14, 2022. As a dynamic, joint and multinational operational headquarters, CJTF-HOA ensures a strategic partnership with Djibouti, responds to crises, supports operations, protects U.S. lives and enables the countering of violent extremist organizations throughout East Africa in order to enhance stability and prosperity.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthias Greene, commander of 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment, "Task Force Rough Rider," attached to the the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, "Task Force Mustang" (left), introduces Staff Sgt. John Hewitt, technical inspector, 15T, for Delta Company for Task Force Rough Rider, to 36th CAB leadership during a command and staff meeting held at Task Force Mustang headquarters in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 19, 2022. Hewitt was recognized as Hero of the Week” by Task Force Mustang 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 Force regulations.

U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Farrell, 437th Operations Group commander, presents the guidon to Lt. Col. Nicole Stenstad, 16th Airlift Squadron commander at the 16th AS Change of Command Ceremony on Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 10, 2022. The ceremony honored Lt. Col. James Long as he relinquished command of the 16th AS and welcomed Stenstad as she assumed command.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with Company A, 1-118th Infantry Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, stand in formation during a deployment ceremony at the Moncks Corner Armory in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Aug. 7, 2022. More than 130 Soldiers from the unit will be mobilized for approximately a year to support Operation Spartan Shield, Task Force Spartan and U.S. Army Central Command.

From left, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Chapman, a 354th Range Squadron conventional maintenance production supervisor, Staff Sgt. Byron Holland, a 354th RANS conventional maintenance crew chief, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. pose for a photo during a visit to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Aug. 12, 2022. During his visit, Brown recognized select Airmen from the 354th Fighter Wing for their outstanding performance.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Eric J. Adams, Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools (MCCSSS), awards an Instructor of the Year award to Gunnery Sgt. William Moore, an instructor with Logistics Operations School, MCCSSS, at Camp Johnson, N.C., April 5, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, director, Air National Guard (ANG), shakes hands with Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Sotomayor, 125th Fighter Wing, Florida National Guard, during an Outstanding Airmen of the Year (OAY) recognition ceremony at the 2022 Air National Guard Senior Leader Conference (ASLC) in Dallas, Texas, April 20, 2022. Loh and Command Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L, Williams, command chief, ANG, recognized three of ANGs OAY winners for 2021 for their superior leadership, job performance and overall excellence.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. James M. Morgan, the outgoing Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division passes the battalion colors to U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. David M. Pelham III, the incoming Command Sergeant Major of the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, during change of responsibility ceremony at King Field House, Fort Riley, Kansas, September 23, 2022. The ceremony was held to honor Morgan, and welcome Pelham.

U.S. Army Col. Bruce Bredlow, commander, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade and Master Sgt. Gregory Irvine, senior enlisted advisor, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, reveals the shoulder patch insignia for the new brigade during a ceremony Oct. 6 on Sembach Kaserne, Germany. Adding the active-duty brigade headquarters to the theater adds significant capacity to the U.S. contribution to the Alliances ground-based air defense in EUCOM and increases interoperability with NATO Allies and partner nations.

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