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Military Change of Command Ceremonies

Images depict military personnel in formal settings delivering speeches during change of command ceremonies, showcasing uniforms, podiums, and ceremonial atmosphere.

Chaplain (Col.) Michael F. McDonald, the command chaplain for 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, speaks to distinguished guests and Families during an Assumption of Stole ceremony for Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John E. Scott, the new division chaplain for 3rd ID, at the Marne Chapel on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sept. 28, 2022. McDonald officiated the ceremony and bestowed a stole on Scott to formally recognize him as the Marne Division chaplain.

Lt. Col. Manuel Menendez, outgoing commander of the 232d Medical Battalion, addresses the audience in his parting remarks during the 232d MED BN change of command ceremony held at the U.S. Army Medical Department Amphitheater, on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas, June 13, 2022. The change of command ceremony recognized the change of leadership from Lt. Col. Menendez, outgoing commander, to the incoming commander Lt. Col. Genna Speed.

U.S. Air Force Col. Evaristo Orengo, III, the incoming 156th Wing commander, stands at attention during a change of command ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Dec. 10, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a time honored tradition, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility from one officer to another and this ceremony was held during the December regularly scheduled drill.

Lt. Col. Nick Stout, battalion commander of 2-1 Infantry Regiment, speaks to the service members of Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) during the Future Leaders Intensive Program at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on Feb. 12, 2024. The leader professional development portion of this event was to help the new lieutenants to become better leaders and give them skills to help their careers. Army

U.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, the United States Space Command commanding general, speaks about the expansion of USSPACECOM during a Leadership Professional Development session while visiting the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command on July 19 in Sembach, Germany. "We must grow into space-savvy, joint-focused and all-domain-cognizant soldiers to maintain our Army as the best in the world," said Dickinson. USSPACECOM conducts operations in, from, and to space to deter conflict, and if necessary, defeat aggression, deliver space combat power for the Joint and Combined force, and defend U.S. vital interests with Allies and partners.

Col. Brett Black relinquishes command of the 5th Mission Support Group to Col. Gregory Mayer on June 30, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The 5 MSG provides full-spectrum operational and expeditionary support to the 5th Bomb Wing's 27 B-52 strategic bombers, the 91st Missile Wing's 165 Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic missiles and Launch control centers and the 54th Helicopter Squadrons eight UH-1 helicopters delivering global assurance, precision strike and nuclear deterrence to six combatant commanders. (U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

LTG James M. Richardson says goodbye to Army Futures Command and to the US Army and retires after 40 years of service on October 4th, 2022 in Austin, TX. Special guests in attendance included Gen James C. McConville, Chief of Staff, US Army, Ms. Christine Wormuth, United States Secretary of the Army, Mr. Steve Adler, Mayor of Austin, TX, Mr. Jay Hartzell, President, The University of Texas at Austin, Ms. Sharon Wood, Executive Vice President, The University of Texas at Austin, and Gen John Murray, Commanding General, Army Futures Command (Retired)(US Army Photo by Patrick Hunter)

Chief Master Sgt. Richard Roberts, 192nd Wing command chief, speaks to Airmen about current events and command team priorities at one of the 192nd Wing All Calls on May 14, 2022, at the 203rd RED HORSE, State Military Reservation in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Col. Christopher G. Batterton, 192nd Wing commander, and Roberts hosted the various All Calls during May's regularly scheduled drill along with other leadership. Several Airmen were recognized for recent accomplishments with the presentation of a coin.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., speaks with Airmen at an all-call during his stop at Travis Air Force Base, California, Aug. 4, 2022. Brown stopped by The Gateway to the West on his way to visit bases throughout the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of operations to help reinforce the United States commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Lt. Gen. Xavier Brunson, commander of Americas First Corps, presents the oath of enlistment to eighteen high school military recruits during a ceremony at Saint Martin University, Lacey, Wash., May 3, 2022. You are choosing to do something that not everybody will do, said Brunson. To know there are young men and women willing to serve their nation makes not only myself and your families proud, but your country as well.

Col. Joshua Garrison, 860th Cyberspace Operations Group commander, delivers a speech during the 860th COG change of command ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 15, 2022. Before Garrison took command of the 860th COG, he held the position of Individual Mobilization Augmentee to the Director, Enterprise IT, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia.

SASEBO, Japan (April 7, 2022) Capt. Ken Ward, sixth commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), gives remarks during his change-of-command ceremony on the ships flight deck. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Gen. Gary Brito, commanding general, TRADOC, speaks at biannual Army People Sync Conference on February 7, 2023.U.S. Army Photo by Audra Simsic

U.S Army Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Randy A. George hosts the promotion ceremony for Deputy Chief of Staff, G-2, Maj. Gen. Anthony R. Hale, in the Patriot Room at the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, Jan. 03, 2024. Hale is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.

Col. Kenneth N. Reed, the outgoing Expeditionary District Commander, speaks to the audience during a Relinquishment of Command ceremony where he will transfer command of the district to interim Expeditionary District Commander, Lt. Col. Peter M. Ammerman, April 25, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Ammerman, from the 176th Engineer Brigade, Texas Army National Guard, 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)

Command Sgt. Maj. Subretta L. Pompey became the senior-enlisted leader of the U.S. Army Reserves 99th Readiness Division April 8 during an assumption-of-responsibility ceremony at division headquarters on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Pompey is the first African American and the first woman to serve in this position throughout the 99th's 80-year history, dating back to the 99th Infantry Division in World War II.

Lt. Stephen Caezza, security officer at Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) speaks to the crowd during the National Night Out 2022 event at CFAS Nimitz Park Aug. 22, 2022. National Night Out is an annual event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie and takes place across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Steven R. Rudder, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, speaks as a panelist in a panel discussion about amphibious forces contribution in supporting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific during the eighth iteration of the Pacific Amphibious Leaders Symposium, Tokyo, Japan, June 15, 2022. PALS brings together allied and partnered amphibious force leaders, experts and practitioners from around the Indo-Pacific to share ideas, best practices and recent experiences with amphibious operations. The 2022 symposium hosted senior leaders from 18 participating delegations who are committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific, with the objective of strengthening and developing regional relationships.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, command chief, Air National Guard, addresses Airmen of the 190th Air Refueling Wing during an enlisted all-call at Forbes Field ANG Base, Topeka, Kansas, April 2, 2023. The all call focused on the why behind what our Airmen do in the military.

Col. Jonathan Craig Taylor, Madigan Army Medical Centers commander and the director of the Military Health System Puget Sound Market, offers words of hope for efforts to stem rates of suicide in the military at the National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month Walk at Madigan on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., on Sept. 22.

Maj. Gen. Charles D. Costanza, the commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, gives a speech during a patching ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, April 19, 2022. During the ceremony, Soldiers formally received the division patch, which represents the history of the Marne Division; the three white stripes are symbolic of the three major operations in which the division participated during World War I, the Battle of the Marne River, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and the St. Mihiel Offensive, and the blue symbolizes the loyalty of those who placed their lives on the altar of self-sacrifice in defense of the American ideals of liberty and democracy.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jeremy Yates, 647th Air Base Group superintendent and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Senior Enlisted Advisor, provides the enlisted perspective during a Squadron Commanders Course and Spouses Orientation at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, June 22, 2022.Yates served as a senior enlisted mentor during a course that enabled newly selected commanders and their spouses an opportunity to gain insight from PACAF senior leaders, receive briefings from subject matter experts, and engaging discussions that allowed attendees to make connections with their fellow commanders and spouses throughout the Indo-Pacific theater.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Nicholas Davis, offgoing commander of 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, speaks during a change of command ceremony June 21, 2022, in which he relinquished command to Brig. Gen. Andrew T. Priddy in Naples, Italy. 2d MEB is currently supporting Task Force 61/2, which provides command and control amphibious and expeditionary capabilities on an experimental basis within the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Commands (AFRICOM) area of operations (AOO) to protect U.S. interests, reassure Allies and Partners, and enable integrated deterrence of adversaries.

U.S. Air Force Col. David Walmsley, out-going commander, 59th Training Group, provides remarks during the 59 TRG change of command, June 24, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.

Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, 66th Air Base Group command chief, address military and civilian personnel at an ABG commanders call at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., July 28. Weary, along with Col. Taona Enriquez, 66 ABG commander, discussed their priorities and expectations during the meeting with members of the ABG workforce.

From left, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, director, Air National Guard (ANG), Mrs. Dianne Loh, Mrs. Gwendolyn Williams, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, command chief, ANG, take part in the opening ceremony of the 2022 Air National Guard Senior Leader Conference (ASLC) in Dallas, Texas, April 19, 2022. ASLC joined together senior leaders and commanders from across the 90 wings, 50 states, 3 territories and the District of Columbia to exchange ideas and provide input on critical matters impacting the future of the ANG and Air Force.

A retirement ceremony is held for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, the eleventh Ohio state command chief, on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Her retirement followed a change of authority ceremony.

U.S. Army Col. Christopher R. Danbeck, the outgoing commander of U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, delivers his remarks during a change of command ceremony at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, July 12, 2022. Col. Danbeck relinquished command to Col. Kevin A. Poole.

RICHMOND, Virginia (July 29th, 2022) Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Phillip M. Brashear, son of the late Master Chief Master Diver Carl Brashear, speaks during his retirement ceremony after 40 years of service at the Frank B. Lotts Conference Center onboard Defense Supply Center in Richmond, Virginia on July 29th, 2022. CW5 Brashear was appointed as an Honorary Navy Chief Petty Officer by the Master Chief Petty officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith for his relentless dedication to the United States Navy. Over the course of 17 years, CW5 Brashear inspired Sailors and members of the Chiefs Mess to keep pushing forward in the face of adversity, volunteering his service to the Navy, and accepting responsibility beyond the call of printed assignment.

As part of military medicine's "Pivot to Readiness", the U.S. Army Medical Command is reorganizing and re-designating its Regional Health Commands to Medical Readiness Commands. During four ceremonies the Regional Health Commands will reflag and become Medical Readiness Commands.We are building the future of Army Medicine. Medical reform and restructuring will enhance the ability to recruit, organize, train, and equip medical Soldiers and leaders capable of supporting the current and future force.

CORONADO, Calif. (April 15, 2022) Cmdr. Blake Whittle, the new commanding officer of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 1, speaks during the units change-of-command ceremony at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, April 15, 2022. EODESU-1 plans, coordinates, integrates and provides logistics support that allows Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 1 and its units to support the fleet and joint force in accomplishing national objectives.

220420-N-YD132-1190 - NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (April 20, 2022) - Capt. James Johnston, outgoing commander of Task Force (TF) 57, gives remarks during a change of command ceremony, April 20, at Naval Support Activity Bahrain. TF 57 conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure security and stability in the Middle East region.

Maj. Gen. William Thigpen, Commanding General of U.S. Army South, provides remarks during the closing ceremony of Exercise Southern Vanguard 23 at Tolemaida Military Base, Colombian on Nov. 16, 2022. Exercise Southern Vanguard is U.S. Army South's premier training exercise taking place at the operational and tactical levels intended to increase interoperability between the United States and Western Hemisphere forces. This year's iteration, Exercise Southern Vanguard 23, involves Soldiers from U.S. Army South and the U.S. Army National Guard training alongside Colombian Army soldiers in varying terrain while conducting weapon familiarization lanes culminating in a bilateral military training operation.

U.S. Air Force Col. Derek Salmi, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, provides remarks during a Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, Dec. 6, 2022. Families at Travis AFB gathered for a Christmas tree lighting, music from Band of the Golden West and a visit from Santa Claus. (Air Force photo by Chustine Minoda)

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, participate in a joint press briefing at the close of the eighth Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Jan. 20, 2023.

Colonel Andrew Graham, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne), speaks the 160th SOAR Memorial Wall at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, June 2, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael A. Freeman, 628th Air Base Wing commander, addresses the personnel of the 628th ABW for the first time during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, July 15, 2022. The wing maintains $7.5 billion of physical infrastructure across 23,000 noncontiguous acres, as well as providing mission-ready expeditionary Airmen to combatant commanders in support of joint and combined operations.

Maj. Andrew Gibler, Air Combat Command F-35 Weapon System Team branch chief, speaks at a retirement ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Gregg Allen, 192nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron superintendent, on July 9, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Allen first enlisted in the military in 1979 and spent 21 years in the Virginia Air National Guard.

040910-F-2233S-050. Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

And the winner is U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Roger S. Giraud Commanding General Medical Readiness Command, Europe, announces the winning Team at Wagon Wheel Theater during the Best Leader Competition Awards Ceremony held on February 9, 2024. The rigorous competition is designed to select the best leader (squad) who will represent MRC, EUR at the 2024 United States Army Medical Command Best Leader Competition in June 2024. Army

Lt. Gen. Xavier Brunson, commanding general of Americas First Corps, offers remarks at the Yama Sakura 83 press conference at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec. 12, 2022. The Yama Sakura training event encourages participants to work as dedicated partners in support of the US-Japan security alliance and for the continued peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David Lindsey, an equal opportunity leader with the 547th Medical Company (Area Support), Regional Command East, Kosovo Force, and native of Madera, Calif., discusses the history of Asian American and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. military during an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month observance and cultural awareness presentation at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, May 27, 2022.

Col. Daniel Diehl, Commander of the 509th Bomb Wing, speaks during a Juneteenth event atWhiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 16, 2022. Juneteenth commemorates when Union soldiers emancipated the last non-Union slaves on the island of Glaveston, Texas, in 1865.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (Oct. 6, 2022) Vice Adm. Yancy Lindsey, right, Commander, Navy Installations Command, tours a barracks, USS North Carolina, at Naval Station Great Lakes. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

US Army Colonel Grady S. Mills, Incoming 13th Corps Support Command Commanding Officer delivers his remarks during the 13th Corps Support Command Change of Command Ceremony at Fort Hood's Sadowski Field, Texas. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kristofer Wolfram, 173rd Maintenance Squadron commander, speaks to the crowd and 173rd MXS members after assuming command during a ceremony July 29, 2022, at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Lt. Col. Kristopher Wolfram took over as commander of the 173rd MXS from Col. Adam Gaudinski who became the 173rd Maintenance Group commander.

U.S. Army Col. Robert J. Coker, outgoing commander of the 642nd Regional Support Group, speaks at the May 26, 2022, change of command ceremony at Fort Hood, Texas. Col. Christian M. Neary took charge of the unit, which conducts the duties of the Mobilization Support Brigade, supporting the mobilization and demobilization of Army Reserve and National Guard units from throughout the nation. Maj. Gen. Susan Henderson, commanding general of the 377th Theatre Support Command, oversaw the ceremony. The 642nd Regional Support Group is based in Decatur, Ga.

September 11th remembrance ceremony held in front of NASA Research Park Bldg-17 (Lunar Science Institute) hosted by the American Legion, Post 881, Moffett Field. Remarks by Military - Colonel Smith 7th Psychological Operatons Group, Moffett Field

Maj. Gen. Dennis LeMaster, the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE), commanding general, makes remarks during the 102nd MEDCoE Birthday commemoration event and cake cutting ceremony to honor the MEDCoEs place in Army Medicines rich and storied history, May 13, 2022, at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, the Assistant Adjutant General - Army of the Illinois National Guard and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, speaks at the 1744th Transportation Company's Welcome Home Ceremony. The 1744th Transportation Company, based in Crestwood, Ill., held its Welcome Home Ceremony on Feb. 18 in Elk Grove Village as part of the unit's final reintegration event. The unit returned in November after a 13-month federal deployment to the nation's Southwest Border.

Yokosuka, Japan (Jul. 25, 2022) - Capt. Michael S. Carl became the 39th NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka commanding officer after relieving Capt. Edward D. Pidgeon during a change of command ceremony held on July 1 onboard Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka.

Lt. Col. Donald Johnson III, 436th Force Support Squadron commander, receives his first salute from 1st Lt. Nicholas Johnston, 436th FSS military personnel flight chief and commander of troops, during a change of command ceremony held at the base fitness center on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 24, 2022. Col. Phelemon Williams, 436th Mission Support Group commander, presided over the ceremony as Griffin relinquished command to Lt. Col. Donald Johnson III.

Maj. Gen. John H. Phillips, commanding general of the 335th Signal Command (Theater), provides key insights to the importance of growing the cyber workforce during the Army JROTC Cyber Kickoff Event.The Army JROTC Cyber Kickoff Celebration, taking place April 26-27, 2022 in Huntsville, Alabama, will introduce the inaugural class of cyber pilot schools. The Cyber Pilot Program, scheduled to launch at 11 high schools across the country, will address critical challenges for the Army and the nation by working to build and expand a diverse cyber workforce.The two-day event will allow educators and administrators to hear from professionals currently battling cyber threats, engage in hands-on activities from the curriculum, and spend time planning and sharing best practices with their peers.Representatives and Leaders from JROTC Cyber Schools, U.S. Army, Department of Defense, National Agencies, Industry and Organizations Supporting Cyber Workforce Development/Education.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Damon Nester, 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, gives remarks during a 9/11 remembrance Ceremony Sept. 9, 2022, at Spangdahlem Air Base Germany. The ceremony was put together to honor the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.

Maj. Claudia Santos, 39th Force Support Squadron commander, announces the introduction of campus style dining at the Club Complex on Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Aug. 26, 2022. This expansion of dining options allows for Airmen with meal cards to utilize them at all FSS dining facilities. The Air Force Campus Style Dining System collaborated with Incirlik AB to implement this pilot program, making Incirlik AB the first base in USAFE-AFAFRICA to introduce campus style dining.

Capt. Martin Delaney, provost marshal of 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, speaks as the host during a dining in at Ft. Carson, Colo., Sept. 9. The brigade held the dining in to celebrate its past, build a more cohesive team, and provide a social atmosphere for camaraderie and fun. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jason Elmore.

Maj. Gen. John B. Richardson IV speaks at the Temple Chamber of Commerce 38th Annual Military and First Responder Salute on Oct. 25. at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center in Temple, Texas. Richardson was the key speaker at the event.

U.S. Army Outgoing commander Capt. Erick T. Furgal, provides remarks during the change of command ceremony for Bravo Company, 307th Military Intelligence at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, Feb. 16, 2024. Army

Chief Master Sgt. Pranav Zaveri, the 13th state command chief of the New Hampshire Air National Guard, speaks to the wing during a change of command ceremony at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire April 2, 2022. Zaveri expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead a talented group of passionate and driven Airmen.

Maj. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of 3rd Infantry Division, delivers a speech to Dogface Soldiers and distinguished guests during a twilight tattoo at Cottrell Field on Fort Stewart, Georgia, July 22, 2022. The twilight tattoo celebrates the constitution and organization of 3rd ID through performance and music, sharing the storied division's history for all past and present members of the Marne community. The event also highlighted the divisions Marne Hall of Fame with the goal of connecting current Dogface Soldiers with past Dogface Soldiers who demonstrated service within the division, their lifelong commitment to the divisions values, and either their valorous combat actions or their contributions to their chosen fields outside the division.

French national television reporters speak with U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Alex Pelbath, 437th Operations Group, about his perspectives on the one-year anniversary of Operation Allies Refuge at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Aug. 16, 2022. Pelbath served as an aerial mission commander at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, during the 17-day evacuation and was aboard the last U.S. C-17 Globemaster III to leave Afghanistan.

Maj. Gen. Robert Edmonson II, commanding general of the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command and the APG senior commander gives opening remarks during the APG Black History Month observance at the Myer Auditorium Feb. 15, 2024.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark J. Schindler, the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, speaks with state legislators during Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans Day at the state capitol.

U.S. Air Force Col. George Buch Jr., 386th Air Expeditionary Wing commander, briefs Airmen from the 386th AEW during an all-call at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, September 27, 2022. Buch briefed on the Wings new mission and vision statement as well as the future of Agile Combat Employment.

U.S. Army Col. Rachelle A. Retoma, the Fort Riley Dental Health Activity commander, delivers a speech about becoming the new DENTAC commander during a change of command ceremony on Aug. 26, 2022, at Fort Riley, Kansas. Retoma said she looks forward to working alongside her troops and thanked her family for their support.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Rueschhoff, 56th Fighter Wing commander, speaks during the 2022 Tower Challenge, Sept. 9, 2022, at Gila River Arena, Glendale, Arizona. During the event, participants climbed 2,071 steps, representing the 110 floors of the World Trade Center that first responders climbed during the terrorist attacks that occurred Sept. 11, 2001.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., speaks with Airmen at an all-call during his stop at Travis Air Force Base, California, Aug. 4, 2022. Brown stopped by The Gateway to the West on his way to visit bases throughout the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of operations to help reinforce the United States commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Brig. Gen. Robert L. Barrie, Jr., the U.S. Army's program executive officer for aviation, provides an update on the office's priority efforts during Fort Rucker's Aviation Industry Days event Aug. 3, 2022.

Brig. Gen. Stephanie R. Ahern, director of Concepts, Futures and Concepts Center, U.S. Army Futures Command, speaks to a crowd of Soldiers and industry representatives during Fort Rucker's Aviation Industry Days event Aug. 3, 2022.

U.S. Marine Col. Karl R. Arbogast, commanding officer, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, speaks about the capabilities of the new hangar during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Hangar 3090 at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, July 7, 2022. Hangar 3090, will be the new home of Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 and will set the standard for future F-35B Lightning II hangars.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (August 1, 2022) U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Steven R. Rudder, commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, delivers a speech during Distinguished Visitor Day as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, August 1. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Brig. Gen. Eric Strong, deputy commander of the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, gives a speech during a retreat ceremony on Founders Field, Fort Carson, Colorado, May 26, 2022. During the ceremony, Strong spoke on his time at the Mountain Post, expressing his admiration for the 4th Inf. Div. command staff and all their hard work throughout his time as the deputy commander.

The US Army Support Activity, Fort Dix, NJ had a Change of Responsibility” on 29 April 2022. The outgoing base Command Sergeant Major was CSM Tamara A. Edwards passing the colors to CSM James W. Van Zlike. Both Commanders spoke during this Ceremony along with the US Army Support Activity Commander COL Jon A. Brierton. The families of outgoing and incoming were in attendance. This event was held on Sharp Field, Fort Dix, NJ. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix [TSC Training Support Center)

Col. Beth Sweet, 75th Innovation Command, thanks her family, friends, and members of the 75th Innovation Command during a joint retirement ceremony at the 75th Headquarters in Houston, Sept. 10. Sweet, who speaks three languages, is the Deputy Director of the Advanced Phenomenologies Office at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

Col. Beth Sweet, 75th Innovation Command, thanks her family, friends, and members of the 75th Innovation Command during a joint retirement ceremony at the 75th Headquarters in Houston, Sept. 10. Sweet, who speaks three languages, is the Deputy Director of the Advanced Phenomenologies Office at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Clinton K. Murray, Medical Readiness Command-Europe, commander, addresses the audience during a redesignation ceremony on Sep. 30, 2022 in Landstuhl, Germany. Regional Health Command-Europe redesignated to MRC-EUR.

060501-A-5399B-072. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Army Master Sgt. Chad Emrick sings the National Anthem during the ESGR 50th Anniversary Commemoration ceremony in the Pentagon Auditorium, Washington, D.C., June 22, 2022. ESGR is a Department of Defense program that was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between reserve component service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton speaks with U.S. troops at the Manas Transit Center in Kyrgyzstan on December 2, 2010.

Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon, outgoing Alabama National Guard adjutant general welcomes Brig. Gen. David Pritchett to his new position as Alabama National Guard Adjutant General in Montgomery, Ala. on Jan. 5, 2024. (Alabama National Guard

Brig. Gen. Russell Driggers, Joint-Base San Antonio and 502d Air Base Wing commander, speaks during a United States Army Memorial Detachment award banquet, in San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 22, 2022. This award is given to the awardees for their selfless service in volunteering their own time to give back to military families by assisting in funeral honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Col. Daniel Finnegan, the commander of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, addresses the Airmen of the wing for the first time as commander during a change of command ceremony, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Oct. 16, 2022. Finnegan, previously the vice wing commander, took over command of the wing from Col. David Shevchik who commanded for three years.

Lt. Gen. Maude Leadership Lecture Series resumes at Fort Jackson

Brigadier General Renea Dorvall addresses attendees at a promotion ceremony held in the Helena Armed Forces Reserve Center auditorium on Jan. 6, 2023.Dorvall serves as the Assistant Adjutant General - Army and as commander of the Montana Army National Guard.

AMC Commander, GEN. Ronald Fogelman, speaks at RODEO 94. He emphasized the importance that these competitions have in this era of change. Also in attendance was Dr. Sheila Widnall, Secretary of the Air Force. Subject Operation/Series: RODEO '94 Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Italian Army Col. Giuseppe Milano, Italian Base Commander, gives a speech during the ribbon cutting ceremony of the revolving bridge over the Navicelli Canal at Camp Darby, Pisa Ammunition Storage AreaItaly, Sep. 22, 2022. Camp Darby celebrates the completion of a $42 million infrastructure modernization project, that includes railway bridge over the Navicelli Canal, upgrades to canal docks and a safe zone of loading and unloading ammunition. The project funded by the U.S. government, is a key strategic project and contributes to improving security at the site.

060312-N-6439C-087. Base: USS Nassau (LHA 4)

Col Scott Meyer, commander of the 446th Airlift Wing, tells his Airmen to be ready to fight, fly and win after assuming command during the 446th Airlift Wing assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, Nov 11, 2022. The assumption of command ceremony is part of military tradition where Airmen witness the formality of the change of responsibility and authority of wing command from one officer to another.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Rebecca Sonkiss, 618th Air Operations Center commander, addresses the crowd after assuming command of the 618th AOC on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 24, 2022. Sonkiss previously served as the Deputy Director for Counter Threats and International Cooperation on the Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Anthony Worsley, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) senior enlisted advisor, speaks with family members of missing in action (MIA) U.S. personnel during a Family Member Update (FMU) in Dallas, Texas, March 25, 2023. FMUs give family members of MIA personnel the opportunity to speak with government officials face-to-face about their specific cases. These events include formal presentations, question and answer sessions, and one-one-one discussions designed to keep family members informed of DPAAs mission to account for those still missing while addressing their individual needs.

United States Army Garrison Yongsan-Casey Command Sgt. Maj. Wayne Butterbrodt, 1-17th Infantry Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Joshua Weiss, 31 soldiers and KATUSAs participate in the Noncommissioned Officers Corps Induction Ceremony held at the Camp Casey Theatre, March 30, 2023. The inductees were soldiers and KATUSAs from USAG Caseys Headquarters and Headquarters Company, the Charlie Detachment of the 176th Financial Management Support Unit, and the 2nd Battalion2nd Aviation Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. The NCO Induction Ceremony celebrates newly promoted soldiers joining the noncommissioned officer corps.

Lt. Col. Anthony Williams, the outgoing 3rd Battalion, 345th Regiment Training Support Battalion commander, gives his final speech as the 3-345 commander during a Change of Command ceremony at the Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart June 28, 2023.

220819-N-ED185-2029SILVERDALE, Wash. (Aug. 19, 2022) Adm. Charles A. Richard, commander, U.S. Strategic Command, speaks during a change of command ceremony for the blue crew of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Alabama (SSBN 731) at the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, Wash., Aug. 19, 2022. Cmdr. Michael A. Lyle relieved Cmdr. Brian T. Murphy as the 18th commanding officer of Alabama.

Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Joseph M. Martin speaks at a ceremony inducting six Medal of Honor recipients into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes, at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Arlington, Va., July 6, 2022. The ceremony was held in honor of Army Spc. Five Dwight W. Birdwell; Army Maj. John J. Duffy; Army Spc. Five Dennis M. Fujii; Army Staff Sgt. Edward N. Kaneshiro; Sgt. Maj. Thomas P. Payne; and Army Col. Ralph J. Puckett, Jr. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

Command Sgt. Maj. Duane Weyer, senior enlisted leader with the Wisconsin Army National Guards 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, speaks during a formal sendoff ceremony Sept. 30 at the Miller High Life Theater in downtown Milwaukee. Approximately 280 Soldiers from the brigades headquarters company and 357th Signal Company will support Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa to enhance partnerships and stability in the region. Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs photo by Vaughn R. Larson

120806-N-WL435-350 BREMERTON, Wash. (Aug. 6, 2012) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick D. West speaks to an audience of Sailors assigned to the aircraft carriers USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), and other shipboard and shore Sailors at an all-hands call. West answered questions from the Sailors about deployments, current events and the future of the Navy.

KAISERSLAUTER, Germany- U.S. Army Reserve Col. Faith L. Junghahn (left) the commanding officer of the Medical Support Unit, 7th Mission Support Command addresses her new unit during a change of command officiated here at Kleber Kaserne on Sept. 11, 2022.

Brig. Gen. Kendall Clarke, deputy commanding general of the 10th Mountain Division, speaks during his promotion from the rank of colonel Jan. 5, 2023, at the 10th Mountain Division Museum on Fort Drum, New York. General Officers are afforded the unique opportunity to serve ones country at the highest level, serve and develop Soldiers under them, and shape the future and climate of todays Army, a sign of both their honor and profound responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Julianne Sharon, 104th Fighter Wing intelligence specialist, briefs Airmen during an all call Dec. 4, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Various topics were briefed during the all call, including acquiring new aircraft, addressing near peer competitors, and improvements to training.

220801-N-TT639-1187 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 1, 2022) - Capt. John C. Kiefaber, commanding officer of amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7), addresses the crew during a change of command ceremony on the flight deck, August 1, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Navy Capt. Jerry Bailey, the outgoing commanding officer of Field Medical Training Battalion - West, gives his remarks during a change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 8, 2022. Bailey, who transferred command to Capt. William Plummer III, will move to his next assignment as deputy commander of Navy Medical Forces Pacific after commanding FMTB-West for two years. Bailey is a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Plummer III is a native of Denver.

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