Military Change of Command Ceremonies

Ceremonial images depicting officers in formal dress, showcasing the tradition of authority transfer in the U.S. Air Force during important military ceremonies.

Senior Master Sgt. William L. Nearhood, 192nd Wing superintendent of the advanced programs office, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard during a ceremony presided by Col. Christopher G. Batterton, 192nd Wing commander, on May 15, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. In 1985, Nearhood began his military career when he enlisted into the Navy then transferred to the VaANG in 1997 where he finished his nearly 37 year military career.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Terry Bullard, Air Force Office of Special Investigations commander, (Left), presents a citation to U.S. Air Force Col. Terrence Joyce AFOSI 5th Field Investigations Region outbound commander, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 9, 2022. The change of command ceremony honored Joyce as he relinquished the AFOSI 5 FIR command.

U.S. Air Force Col. Casey J. Bartholomew assumes command of the 355th Mission Support Group during a change of command ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 7, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit or command.

Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing commander, hands a squadron guidon to Col. Gregory Richert during a change of command ceremony for the 374th Medical Group at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 21, 2023. Richert assumed command of the 374th MDG from Col. Brad Brough. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust.

Arnold Engineering Development Complex Commander Col. Randel Gordon, left, passes the 804th Test Group guidon to Col. Jason Vap charging him with command of the group during a change of command ceremony June 21, 2022, in the Aircraft Test Support Facility at Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee. Also pictured are Col. Linc Bonner, right, previous 804 TG commander, and Capt. Christopher Fernandez, guidon bearer.

Senior Master Sgt. William L. Nearhood, 192nd Wing superintendent of the advanced programs office, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard during a ceremony presided by Col. Christopher G. Batterton, 192nd Wing commander, on May 15, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. In 1985, Nearhood began his military career when he enlisted into the Navy then transferred to the VaANG in 1997 where he finished his nearly 37 year military career.

U.S. Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Edwin Vanderworlde, South Dakota National Guard Director, Joint Staff of Joint Force Headquarters, passes the state command chief sword to incoming Command Chief Master Sgt. Andy Anderson, South Dakota National Guard, during a state command chief change of responsibility ceremony at Joe Foss Field, South Dakota, Sept. 10, 2022. The sword symbolizes a formal transfer of command chief responsibilities and duties from one command chief to another.

Lt. Col. William Skaggs, right, director of operations for the 157th Air Intelligence Squadron, stands with Col. William Wirth, 157th Air Intelligence Squadron Commander, during his retirement ceremony, Aug. 6, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Skaggs served for 37 years.

U.S. Air Force Major Daniel Tennapel promotes Senior Master Sgt. Jennifer Buehner, 110th Logistics Readiness Squadron to the rank of Chief Master Sgt. at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Battle Creek, Michigan, on Dec. 3, 2022. Chief Buehner has served twenty-three distinguished years in the armed forces.

U.S. Air Force Col Robert Vidoloff, 691st Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group commander, presents the 41st Intelligence Squadron guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nicole Kump, 41st IS commander, during the 41st IS Activation and Assumption of Command Ceremony, Aug. 18, 2022, at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. The 41st IS was recently activated and delivers actionable ISR for cyber national mission force operations in order to deter, disrupt, and if necessary, defeat adversary cyberspace operations to defend the nations critical infrastructure, key resources and freedom of action in cyberspace.

U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Natalie Bakhsh, 175th Wing first sergeant of the Year, Maryland Air National Guard, receives an award from Brigidier General Edward Jones, assistant adjutant general for air, and Brigidier General Jori Robinson, 175 wing commander, at Warfield Air National Guard Base, Middle River, Maryland, during the 2022 Airman Recognition Ceremony, December 4, 2022. The yearly event pays tribute to the outstanding achievements of the Maryland Air National Guard and names the wing's outstanding Airmen of the year.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Racheal Kinsey receives the Distinguished Graduate Award during the graduation ceremony for Airman Leadership School class 22-5 and NCO Academy class 22-6, July 20, 2022, at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, presents the Bronze Star Medal to Master Sgt. Cory Haggett, a special tactics operator with the 23d Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, during a ceremony May 13, 2022, at Hurlburt Field, Fla. Haggett was also presented the Silver Star during the ceremony.

Col. Paul Franken (left)Commander of the Multi-Agency Augmentation Command (MAC) presents a certificate of appreciation to Col. Jeffery Burke, former Chief of the Army National Guard Operations Division, Multi-Agency Augmentation Command (MAC) D.C. National Guard, during his retirement ceremony, May. 14, 2022 at the D.C. Armory, Washington, D.C. Burke retires after 41 years of military service. In his military career, Burke served three years as Assistant Deputy Director for the Intelligence in the National Joint Operations and Intelligence Center at the Pentagon

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Rebecca Arbona, 17th Training Wing command chief, and Master Sgt. Aaron January, 17th Training Wing protocol noncommissioned officer in-charge, pose for a photo at the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony on Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 5, 2022. January and other inductees were celebrated and recognized for their achievements.

Lt. Col. Joseph Ronzio, 507th Medical Squadron commander, gives his first speech to his new unit on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Oct. 15, 2022.

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. Chief of Space Operations Gen. John W. Jay Raymond, meets with France Gen. Stephane Mille and Maj. Gen. Michel Friedling during a bi-lat meeting at the 37th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Col. April 6, 2022.

Hawaii Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 4 Shirley Bryant, Commander of Warrant Officer Candidate School and Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Edwin Parubrub present Warrant Officer Jonah Tenorio with the Rising Eagle Award for his exceptional leadership qualities both on and off duty. Tenorio was nominated by his peers for the award. The graduation ceremony for Warrant Officer Candidate School, Class 22-001, was held at Waimanalo, Hawaii, on October 16, 2022. (Photo by Spc. Bethany Cravalho)

Brig. Gen. Scott Durham, commander of Fourth Air Force, passes the 446th Airlift Wing guidon to Col Scott Meyer during an assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, Nov 11, 2022. The assumption of command ceremony is for Airmen of the 446 AW to witness the formality of the change of responsibility and authority of wing command from one officer to another.

Senior Master Sgt. William L. Nearhood, 192nd Wing superintendent of the advanced programs office, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard during a ceremony presided by Col. Christopher G. Batterton, 192nd Wing commander, on May 15, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. In 1985, Nearhood began his military career when he enlisted into the Navy then transferred to the VaANG in 1997 where he finished his nearly 37 year military career.

Gen. Duke Z. Richardson (left), commander of Air Force Materiel Command, hands the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center flag to Brig. Gen. John P. Newberry, incoming AFNWC commander, during the change of command from Maj. Gen. Anthony W. Genatempo (right), outgoing commander, at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, June 21, 2022. Newberry previously served as program executive officer for bombers and director of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Centers Bombers Directorate at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Lt. Col. Daniel Ortwerth, right, strategy plans officer for the 157th Combat Operations Squadron, salutes Col. William Miller, 131st Mission Support Group Commander, during his retirement ceremony, May 15, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Ortwerth served for 28 years.

Col. Michael Morales, right, accepts command of the 316th Security Forces Group from Col. Tyler Schaff, 316th Wing and Joint Base Andrews installation commander, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., June 24, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Paul Rodgers, 316th SFG senior enlisted leader, center, looks on.

U.S. Air Force Col. Janette Ketchum is presented with the Legion of Merit by U.S. Air Force Col. Wes Adams, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and 87th Air Base Wing commander during a change of command ceremony on Joint Base MDL, N.J., June 16, 2022. Ketchum relinquished command of the 87th Mission Support Group to U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Grimmett.

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Richard Wallace, GEOINT Imagery Technician assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, is presented a Certificate of Appreciation by Maj. James Papagni, the Deputy G2 of the 1st Infantry Division, August 11, 2022, on Fort Riley, Kansas. Wallace served 23 years as a Soldier leading up to his retirement ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mario Mendez Rivera, Airman Leadership School Class 22-D graduate, left middle, receives his diploma at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2022. The graduates attended the 24-day, 192-hour course focusing on developing leadership abilities, the profession of arms, and building effective communication.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III speaks during the U.S. Strategic Command change of command ceremony, Omaha, Neb., Dec. 9, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Troy Taylor was appointed the twelfth Ohio state command chief for the Ohio Air National Guard during a change of authority ceremony on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Maj. Gen. James Camp, the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Ohio National Guard, performed the ceremony as Taylor accepted authority from the previous state command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker.

Lt. Col Christopher Olson took command of the 346th Test Squadron from Lt. Col. Adan Reyes during a change of command ceremony June 27, 2023 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Col. Thomas Bodnar, 318th Cyberspace Operations Group, was the presiding officer of the ceremony.

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Carolyn R. Bartley, 270th Engineering Installation Squadron Commander, presents retired USANG Lt. Col. Brian C. Carr, the former commander of the 270th EIS, with a gift on behalf of the squadron after his retirement ceremony on base Sept. 18, 2022. U.S. ANG Lt. Col. Brian C. Carr relinquished command of the 270th EIS to Bartley during a change of command ceremony which was held just prior to his retirement.

U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Hebert (left), 369th Recruiting Group commander and presiding officer, presents Lt. Col. Alan Louie (right), the guidon, during the 342nd Recruiting Squadron change of command ceremony, Jun. 16, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. Louie took command from Lt. Col. Tiffany Debrow. The 342nd RCS covers a 1.2 million square-mile area of responsibility, which encompasses 18 Central Plains and Southeastern states, including the Caribbean. Its mission is to inspire, engage and recruit future Airmen to deliver airpower for America.

CRYSTAL CITY, VA. (June 16, 2022) - U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Eric T. Fick, the Program Executive Officer for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program, presents the Defense Superior Service Medal to U.S. Air Force Col. David Buchanan during Buchanan's retirement ceremony. Col. Buchanan gave 27 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Air Force. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle-space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35, which has been operational since July of 2015, is the most lethal, survivable, and interoperable fighter aircraft ever built.

220519-N-OL632-1145 NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (May 19, 2022) Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander, Carrier Strike Group 10, oversees the formal exchange of authority as Capt. Dave Pollard relieves Capt. Robert Aguilar as commanding officer of USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) during a change of command ceremony May 19, 2022. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable war fighting capability as the flagship of the carrier strike group which maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. (left) and Gen. Duke K. Richardson, Air Force Materiel Command commander, exchange salutes during a change of command ceremony June 13, 2022, at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Richardson assumed command of AFMCs workforce of more than 89,000 Airmen controlling over 100 major acquisition programs, while simultaneously running the Air Force medical and test schools.

Air Force Test Center Commander Maj. Gen. Evan Dertien, left, hands the Arnold Engineering Development Complex guidon to Col. Randel Gordon charging him with command of AEDC during the Change of Command Ceremony June 16, 2022, in the Aircraft Test Support Facility at Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee. Also pictured are Col. Jeffrey Geraghty, right, previous AEDC commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jennifer Cirricione, senior enlisted leader, AEDC.

Swearing-in ceremony for U.S. Park Police Chief Salvatore Lauro, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among the dignitaries on hand

Col. Daniel Davis, 932nd Operations Group commander, passes the 73d Airlift Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Edward Anderson, incoming 73d Airlift Squadron commander, during the change of command ceremony July 9, 2022 at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

Lt. Col. Wade Mueller, 155th Inspector General director complaints resolution, receives the tacking on rank of colonel by his sons Devin Mueller and CPT Mason Mueller April 1, 2023, during a promotion ceremony in Lincoln, Neb. Mueller has resolved 74 cases during his tenure as director of complaints, some which have been coordinated up to the Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General.

Brig. Gen. Jennifer Hammerstedt, Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex commander, salutes Lt. Gen. Tom Miller, Air Force Sustainment Center commander, while relinquishing command of the WR-ALC during a ceremony June 28, 2022, at the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. Brig. Gen. Jon Eberlan, who was the director of budget programs with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller, took over command of the WR-ALC.

U.S. Air Force Col. Derek Salmi, right, accepts command of the 60th Air Mobility Wing from Maj. Gen. Kenneth Bibb, 18th Air Force commander, during the 60th Air Mobility Wing change of command ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, July 27, 2022. Bibb presided over the ceremony as Salmi assumed command of the wing from Col. Corey Simmons.

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, Chief Master Sgt. Rebecca Arbona, 17th Training Wing command chief, and Master Sgt. select Kelly Patterson, 17th Training Support Squadron training systems flight chief, pose for a photo at the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony on Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 5, 2022. Inductees were presented a medallion, certificate, and plaque to commemorate their achievement of reaching the highest tier of the enlisted force.

Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, The Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard presents a retirement certificate to Col. Nick Johnson during the dual retirement ceremony for Col. Craig Holan, who commanded the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and retired after nearly 40 years of service and Col. Johnson, who commanded the 65th Troop Command Brigade and served for 32 years. The dual retirement ceremony was held on May 14 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, presents a Legion of Merit medal to Col. Craig Prather, former 47th Flying Training Wing commander, during the 47th Flying Training Wing change of command ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, July 22, 2022. The Legion of Merit is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given to exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

Maj. Gen. Douglas A. Farnham, Maine's Adjutant General, left, presents the organizational guidon of the Maine Air National Guard to its new commander, Brig. Gen. Frank W. Roy, middle, while Brig. Gen. Steven D. Michaud, outgoing commander, stands by after completing his command during a change of command ceremony at the 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor on April 3, 2022. (Maine Air National Guard photo by Sr. Airman Erick Green)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Tad D. Clark, 31st Fighter Wing incoming commander, right, assumes command from Maj. Gen. Derek C. France, 3rd Air Force commander, left, during a change of command at Aviano Air Base, July 18, 2022. The ceremonial passing of the guidon represents passing authority over the 31st FW from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek C. France, 3rd Air Force commander, left, awards the Legion of Merit to Brig. Gen. Jason Bailey, 31st Fighter Wing outgoing commander, right, during the 31st FW change of command ceremony at Aviano Air Base, July 18, 2022. The Legion of Merit is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.

U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Martin, left, 423d Air Base Group commander, receives the 423d Civil Engineer Squadron guidon from Lt. Col. Hans Winkler, 423d CES outgoing commander, during a change of command ceremony at RAF Alconbury, England, June 22, 2022. During his command, Winkler led a multinational workforce of 196 military and civilian personnel in the sustainment, maintenance, repair, fire protection and emergency services for 697 facilities across a two-installation and 916 acre complex.

Senior Airman Daniel Andrade, 4th Civil Engineer Squadron HVAC journeyman, receives the Commandants Award from Tech. Sgt. Devin Pope, Airman Leadership School instructor, during the ALS class 24-B graduation ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Feb. 8, 2024. The Commandants Award is given to an ALS student that possesses the highest degree of character, competence and commitment. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Col. Eugene Moore III, 17th Mission Support Group commander, (left) presents a Meritorious Service Medal to Maj. Joseph Newman, 17th Logistics Readiness Squadron outgoing commander, at the 17th LRS change of command ceremony at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, May 20, 2022. Newman served through both a pandemic and Winter Storm Uri and led the 17th LRS with excellence.

Col. Lucas Teel, 4th Fighter Wing commander, speaks about the Air Force heritage during the annual Air Force ball at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, September 17, 2022. The ceremony fostered esprit de corps and pride among Airmen through a shared history of exceptional service.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Lathan, left, incoming commander, 224th Joint Communications Squadron (JCSS), Georgia Air National Guard (ANG), salutes Col. Ryan Hampton, right, commander, 165th Missions Support Group, 165th Airlift Wing (AW) Georgia ANG, during a change of command ceremony in Brunswick, Ga., Feb. 3, 2024. The 224th JCSS, a geographically separated unit of the 165th AW, is tasked with delivering tactical deployable communications worldwide at a moments notice. Air National Guard

Incoming 131st Medical Group Commander Col. Andrew Hyatt receives the groups guidon from 131st Bomb Wing Commander Col. Matthew Calhoun during a change of command ceremony June 25, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Hyatt assumed command from Col. Russell Kohl.

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Col. Matthew Fritz, 419th Fighter Wing commander, pins a Bronze Star medal on recipient Senior Master Sgt. Edward Lewis, an Air Transportation Superintendent with the 67th Aerial Port Squadron, during a Commanders Call July 10, 2022 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The Bronze State Medal is awarded to members for heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone.

Col. Patrick Miller (left), 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, congratulates Col. Ivan Herwick, 88th Communications Group commander, after presenting him with the Legion of Merit medal during the units inactivation ceremony April 29, 2022, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Herwick was honored for his exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services as 88 CGs last commander.

U.S. Army Col. Kevin D. McMahan retires from the Washington Army National Gaurd after 31 years of service on Camp Murray, Wash., Aug. 6, 2022. McMahan was the former commander of the the 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, 96th Troop Command, and the 10th Homeland Response Force.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Brayan Martinez, Airman Leadership School Class 22-D graduate, left middle, receives his diploma at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 18, 2022. The graduates attended the 24-day, 192-hour course focusing on developing leadership abilities, the profession of arms, and building effective communication.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass congratulate Lt. Col. Nicholas Wabeke, recipient of the 2021 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award, senior officer category, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 3, 2023. The award is named for Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Lance Sijan, who died while being held as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

Nearly 20 Soldiers from Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and the 531st Hospital Center were formally welcomed into the U.S. Armys Noncommissioned Officer Corps at an NCO Induction Ceremony at Fort Campbells Wilson Theater, June 27.

230404-N-ED185-1036KEYPORT, Wash (April 4, 2023) U.S. Navy Cmdr. Mike Thorpe, left, deputy commander of Submarine Squadron 17, presents U.S. Navy Cmdr. Darren Gerhardt, commanding officer of the blue crew of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741), with a meritorious service medal during a change of command ceremony for the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Maine (SSBN 741). U.S Navy Cmdr. Rowdy A. Garcia relieved U.S. Navy Cmdr. Darren Gerhardt as commanding officer of Maine.

U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Tracey D. Canady, the 10th Florida State Command Chief Master Sgt., culminates 31 years of faithful service to the state and nation during his retirement ceremony held at St. Francis Barracks in St. Augustine, Florida, Sept. 16, 2022. Canady served as the personal advisor to Brig. Gen. Michael A. Valle, assistant adjutant general - air, Florida National Guard, on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, and proper utilization and progress of the enlisted force.

U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Martin, left, 423d Air Base Group commander, presents the Meritorious Service Medal citation to Lt. Col. Hans Winkler, 423d Civil Engineer Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony at RAF Alconbury, England, June 22, 2022. During his command, Winkler led a multinational workforce of 196 military and civilian personnel in the sustainment, maintenance, repair, fire protection and emergency services for 697 facilities across a two-installation and 916 acre complex.

Lt. Col. Brennan McDonald assumed command of the 300th Airlift Squadron from Lt. Col. Michael Parker Oct. 15, 2022 at Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The ceremony was officiated by Lt. Col. Diane E. Patton, commander of the 315th Operations Group, JB Charleston.

Brig. Gen. Rolf Mammen, 127th Wing Commander, Capt. Charles DiCiuccio, maintenance operations officer, 127th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and Chief Master Sgt. Rick Gordon, 127th Wing command chief, based in Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, pose after awarding DiCiuccio the Wings outstanding company grade officer of the year award. DiCiuccio and seven other individuals were awarded in different categories based on rank and will advance to the Michigan Air National Guard competition.

U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve officers were awarded the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award during a ceremony at The Pentagon, Oct. 26. 2022. The award is presented annually to the top 28 company-grade officers for their outstanding leadership capabilities and their ability to find solutions to difficult problems.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Luke Hopgood, center, 17 Force Support Squadron force management noncommissioned officer in charge, receives the 17th Training Wing Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter award from Col. Angelina Maguinness, left, 17th TRW commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Catherine Gaco-Escalera, right, 17th Medical Group senior enlisted leader, during the 17th TRW 4th Quarterly Awards Ceremony at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 2, 2024. 17th FSS is responsible for programs covering military and civilian personnel, education services and family support for technical training students. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Col. Callistus Elbourne, 628th Mission Support Group commander, presents a Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Matt Cherry, 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, during the 628th LRS Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 30, 2022. As commander, Cherry oversaw all of the supply point, ground transportation, fuels management and deployment operations for Air Mobility Commands busiest installation.

Chairman of the Memorialization Board, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) David Elicerio congratulates Chief Warrant Officer 5 (Ret.) Peter T. Panos during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at the Gen. John W. Vessey Recreation Center near Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, in Little Falls, Minnesota. Panos enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in 1994 after serving six years in the Marine Corps and 12 years in the Army Reserves. In total, Panos dedicated over 40 years of his life to military service. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes dignitaries from the Brazilian Ministry of Defense to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2022. During the visit, the dignitaries attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

Soldier Receives Distiinguished Service Cross

Chief Master Sgt. Julie Dieterlen, 512th Memorial Affairs Squadron superintendent, receives the Meritorious Service Medal citation from Col. Ryan Robin, 512th Mission Support Group commander, during her retirement ceremony May 14, 2022, on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. Dieterlen received several accolades in recognition of her service and leadership throughout her Air Force career.

U.S. Air Force Col. Dorothy Hinkley, commander of the 129th Medical Group, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, recites the oath of office after promoting to colonel during a ceremony, Sept. 10, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California. Hinkley earned her commission through the Navy ROTC program and served on active duty with the Navy before transitioning to the U.S. Navy Reserve and later transferring to the Air National Guard.

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Col. Gloria Field, 301st Mission Support Group commander, (left) passes the guidon to Major Mark Lee, (right) during the 301 FW SFS change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, Dec. 3, 2022. In a Change of Command ceremony, the guidon is passed from the former commander to the new commander, representing the transfer of responsibility.

Lt. Gen. Shaun Q. Morris, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center commander, passes the 88th Air Base Wing guidon to Col. Christopher Meeker during a change of command ceremony July 7, 2022, inside the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The wing is responsible for three primary missions: operating the installation; training and deploying expeditionary Airmen in support of joint operations; and defending the base and its people.

Retired U.S Air Force Brig. Gen. Mark A. Maldonado and Chief Master Sgt. Charles C. Gass Jr., state command chief, D.C. National Guard, read a certificate at Joint Base Andrews Air Base, Maryland, Oct. 16, 2022. Gass was ceremoniously retired nearly 30 years of military service.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jacquita Melton assumed the role of Command Chief of the Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Wing in Springfield, Ohio during a change of authority ceremony held Dec. 3, 2022. Melton is the ninth command chief master sergeant of the Ohio National Guard's 178th Wing.

The 944th Fighter Wing holds a senior noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., April 10, 2022. The recently promoted Airmen were charged with increased responsibilities and authority as they accepted the leadership role of their new rank.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Elliot Bicak, Airman Leadership School Class 22-D graduate, right, receives the John L. Levitow Award at Misawa Air Base, Japan, May 19, 2022. The Levitow award goes to the student who achieves the highest overall standing from a combination of academic scores, performance evaluation and leadership qualities; it's the highest honor awarded to an enlisted professional military education student.

Command Sgt. Maj. David Lanham passes the sword to Maj. Gen. James Eifert, Adjutant General of Florida, during the change of responsibility and retirement ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Lanham at St. Francis Barracks, St. Augustine, Florida on May 14, 2022. Command Sgt. Maj. Lanham is the outgoing Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Florida National Guard.U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Tori Miller.

CRYSTAL CITY, VA. (July 18, 2022) - Lt Gen Michael Schmidt (right), Program Executive Officer for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office, accepts a token of appreciation on behalf of the Program from the Greece Minister of Defense and members of the Greek delegation, during an office call in Arlington, VA. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle-space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35, which has been operational since July of 2015, is the most lethal, survivable, and interoperable fighter aircraft ever built.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Koetz receives the John L. Levitow Award during the graduation ceremony for Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Class 22-4, April 22, 2022, at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Hunter Leslie receives the Academic Achievement Award during the graduation ceremony for Airman Leadership School class 22-5 and NCO Academy class 22-6, July 20, 2022, at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

The 121st Air Refueling Wing holds a promotion ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Caron at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2024. Family and friends joined Caron to celebrate his ascension to the 9th and highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Corey Thobe takes command of the 121st Air Refueling Wing Civil Engineering Squadron from Lt. Col. Daryl Brezina at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, June 4, 2022. Thobe and Brezina were joined by their families for a Change of Command ceremony to commemorate the event.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David May, the Wisconsin National Guard's deputy adjutant general for Air, inducts retired U.S Air Force Brig. Gen. Margaret Bair into the Wisconsin Air National Guard Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin, Sept. 22, 2022. Bair began her military career in 1976 as an active-duty Air Force nurse, transitioning into the Montana Air National Guard in 1986, and Wisconsin ANG in 1994. During her career she served as the 128th Medical Group commander in Milwaukee, and Wisconsin ANG chief of staff, becoming the first female general officer in the history of the Wisconsin ANG.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David May, the Wisconsin National Guard's deputy adjutant general for Air, inducts retired U.S Air Force Brig. Gen. Margaret Bair into the Wisconsin Air National Guard Hall of Fame during a ceremony at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin, Sept. 22, 2022. Bair began her military career in 1976 as an active-duty Air Force nurse, transitioning into the Montana Air National Guard in 1986, and Wisconsin ANG in 1994. During her career she served as the 128th Medical Group commander in Milwaukee, and Wisconsin ANG chief of staff, becoming the first female general officer in the history of the Wisconsin ANG.

1st Sgt. Charles L. Johnson Retirement Ceremony, 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Air Defense Artillery Commandant's Office, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. 1st Sgt. Charles L. Johnson retired today after 20 over years serving in the U.S. Army. His presence as a senior enlisted Soldier as part of the Air Defense community is one that will not soon be forgotten. Johnson spent over 8 years stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and contributed immensely to the Air Defense mission by serving as a 1st Sgt. for 30th Air Defense Artillery and by leading troops towards careers of excellence while serving in the Commandant's office as the Operations NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer).Johnson served two tours overseas, one to Kuwait and one to Bahrain. His time there was well noted by the various military awards he received and prestigious accolades. Since gearing towards retirement Charles began studies in the hopes of becoming a teacher, but says that he would "still like to work close with Air Defense, just

Shannalea Taylor, honorary commander for U.S. Air Force Col. Craig Prather, presents an award to Col. Craig Prather, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, and his wife, Korena Prather, at the 80th Aniversario Annual Awards Ceremony in Del Rio, Texas, April 14, 2022. This event took place to honor outstanding military members at Laughlin Air Force Base and civilian leaders in Del Rio who support Laughlin and its mission.

Gen. Paul E. Funk II, TRADOC commanding general with newly promoted 2LT

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Izabella Amaro, center, Airman Leadership School Class 22-G graduate, receives her diploma at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 27, 2022. The graduates attended a 24-day, 192-hour course focusing on developing leadership abilities, the profession of arms, and building effective communication.

Col. Richard Erredge, 960th Cyberspace Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Billie Baber, 960th CW command chief, bow their heads for the invocation during a retirement ceremony, Nov. 4, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Baber retired after dedicating 26 years to military service.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, right, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. give an interview before a ceremony commemorating the Doolittle Raiders in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., April 18. 2022. The Doolittle Raid on April 18, 1942 was the first American air raid on the Japanese home islands during WWII.

Maj. Gen. David J. Francis, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commander, stands with Chief Warrant Officer 5 Bernd Knox, deputy, Army air-launched effects, Army aviation capability development, and integration directorate, during Knoxs retirement ceremony at Fort Rucker, Alabama, June 10, 2022.

220519-N-UD000-1056 NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (May 19, 2022) Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander, Carrier Strike Group 10, awards Capt. Robert Aguilar the Legion of Merit during a change of command ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) May 19, 2022. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Dennis Velez relieved Cheeseman, as Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable war fighting capability as the flagship of the carrier strike group which maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Craig Houchins, 17th Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader, presents Staff Sgt. Charles Gaines, 47th Security Forces Squadron military dog handler, the Distinguished Graduate award during the Airman Leadership School graduation ceremony at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, April 1, 2022. The Distinguished Graduate award recognizes the student who is in the top 10 percent of their class based on performance tasks, peer stratifications, and the capstone exercise.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Linda Davis, right, 17th Training Support Squadron outgoing commander, relinquishes command to Col. Angelina Maguinness, 17th Training Group commander, during the 17th TRSS change of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 17, 2022. Passing the guidon physically represents the symbolism of passing the squadron responsibilities to the next commander.

Master Sgt. Rick Lape, a 910th Security Forces Squadron Defender, and Col. Jeff Van Dootingh, commander of the 910th Airlift Wing, pose for a photo on Sept. 17, 2022, at the Eastwood Event Centre. Lape was presented with a trophy for outstanding achievements throughout the year while at a military ball celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. David Brendle, right, accepts the Distinguished Graduate Award from Holloman Top III representative Master Sgt. Troy Campbell during an Airman Leadership School graduation at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, Sept. 22, 2022. The distinguished graduate award is presented to the top ten-percent of graduates for their performance in academic evaluations and demonstration of leadership.

Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon, Alabama National Guard adjutant general pins the Purple Heart metal to retired Lt. Col. David Hartline at Alabama National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, July 14, 2022. (Army photo by Staff Sgt. William Frye).

U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel McDonough, the commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, speaks during a change of command ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, June 7, 2022. McDonough assumed command of the Illinois Air National Guard from Nezamis.

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