← Military & Defence

Military Change of Command Ceremonies

Military personnel participating in formal change of command ceremonies, conveying a sense of tradition, leadership, and responsibility within military ranks.

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

U.S. Air Force Col. Erik Nott, 88th Surgical Operations Squadron commander, inducts and presents Erik Collins, Montgomery County Economic Development director, with an Honorary Commanders certificate and commanders pin Oct. 12 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The Honorary Commanders Program objective is to educate local leaders about a units mission and foster a supportive relationship with the community.

Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Barnett, a drill sergeant with C Battery, 1st Battalion, 22nd Field Artillery, 434th Field Artillery Brigade, flanked by 434th FA command team of Col. Daniel D. Blackmon, left, and Command Sgt. Major Scott A. Slater, earned the coveted Fires Center of Excellence Drill Sergeant of the Year during a ceremony June 9 2022.

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Brian Goggin, left, an infantry officer, renders his first salute as a newly commissioned second lieutenant to U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Reinaldo Barrera, right, an infantryman assigned to the 102nd Infantry Regiment, 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.

Lt. Col Marie T. Harnly receives a meritorious service medal from Col. Christopher J. Robinson, 39th Mission Support Group commander, for her time as commander of the 39th Civil Engineer Squadron during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, July 21, 2022. During the ceremony, Harnly relinquished command to Robinson who then charged Maj. Thomas M. Synovec with leading the 39th CES. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of command from one officer to another. Synovec was previously assigned as a student at the Air Command and Staff College, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

The 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command celebrated its 19th anniversary early during a widely attended cake cutting ceremony, Oct. 14. The ceremony was hosted by Brig. Gen. Daryl O. Hood (left), the commanding general of 20th CBRNE Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge Arzabala (right), the senior enlisted leader. U.S. Army photo by Marshall R. Mason.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin, the commander of 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Zeller, the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, senior enlisted leader, unfurls the units colors during a transfer-of-authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sep. 19. During the ceremony, more than 1,100 New York Army National Guard Soldiers officially began their service as part of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Shawn Tabankin, the commander of 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason Zeller, the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment, senior enlisted leader, unfurls the units colors during a transfer-of-authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sep. 19. During the ceremony, more than 1,100 New York Army National Guard Soldiers officially began their service as part of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa.

Soldiers assigned to the Military Intelligence Readiness Command and U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) - Army Reserve, shake hands after competing at the 2023 Polyglot Games. The Utah National Guards 300th Military Intelligence Brigade (Linguist) hosted the 6th annual Best Linguist Competition (Polyglot Games) Feb. 3, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah that brought together over 200 linguists from nearly 80 different units. Army Reserve

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, pins the Distinguished Flying Cross on Master Sgt. Zachary Cooper, during the 363d Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing Commanders Leadership Summit, March 28, 2023 at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. Cooper was recognized for his actions during a force protection patrol clearing operations against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda presence in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan in February 2019.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Lance Power, 81st Mission Support Group superintendent, and Chief Master Sgt. John Crane, 81st Force Support Squadron superintendent, present Edward Goldsmith, 81st Healthcare Operations Squadron medical support assistant, with the Volunteer Excellence Award inside the Sablich Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 19, 2022. The Volunteer Excellence Award recognizes individual federal civilians, family members, military and federal retirees who perform outstanding volunteer community service of a sustained and direct nature.

Lt. Col. Misty Bartley receives the 72nd Aerial Port Squadron guide-on flag from Col. Tanaka Dunn on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Oct. 15, 2022. Bartley officially took command of the 72nd APS after the the retirement of the previous commander.

MANAMA, Bahrain (Dec. 12, 2022) Egyptian Navy Rear Adm. Mahmoud Abdelsattar, right, shakes hands with Capt. Robert Francis, the outgoing commander of Combined Task Force (CTF) 153, during a change of command ceremony in Manama, Bahrain, Dec. 12. Francis turned over U.S. Navy command of the newly formed international Red Sea task force, CTF 153, to the Egyptian Navy during a ceremony in Bahrain where the multinational staff is headquartered.

Brig. Gen. Toni Lord, Virginia National Guard air component commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kelly Reich, Virginia Air Guard state command chief master sergeant, present the Air Combat Command Superior Performance Award to Tech. Sgt. Anita Smith, 192nd Comptroller Flight, on Aug. 7, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

Staff Sgt. Rowan Catlett, 184th Intelligence Support Squadron, Kansas Air National Guard, is awarded the Army Achievement Medal by Brig. Gen. Michael R. Cleveland, Assistant Adjunct General, Mississippi National Guard at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Feb. 21, 2024. Catlett received this award for his efforts during PATRIOT 24 exercise. PATRIOT is a Domestic Operations disaster-response training exercise conducted by National Guard units working with federal, state and local emergency management agencies and first responders. Air National Guard

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Thomas M. Bedell, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and Sgt. Maj. Lacey J. Lewis, the sergeant major of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, present the Junior Sailor of the Quarter Award to U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrea Molina, a logistics specialist with H&HS, during the quarterly award recognition ceremony at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Nov. 2, 2022. The ceremony recognized Marines and Sailors for their exceptional work ethic and achievements during the 3rd quarter of fiscal year 2022.

Maj. Gen. Michel M. Russell Sr., commanding general, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, presented a U.S. Army Central Certificate of Appreciation to Michelle Kibitlewski at Fort Knox, Kentucky in a joint ceremony held via video conference with the U.S. Army Central Command during their volunteer recognition ceremony held at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, May, 19, 2022. She received the award for the immense amount of volunteering she has done with the 1st TSC Soldiers and Family Readiness Group and the greater Fort Knox community.

The Tennessee Valley Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association honors Army Materiel Command Deputy Chief of Staff Col. Brett Ayvazian with a leadership award as part of its annual awards recognition program.

U.S Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Walker M. Field, Marine Corps University President, congratulates an officer during an Expeditionary Warfare School (EWS) graduation on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 12, 2022. EWS educates and trains company grade officers in order to prepare them mentally, morally, and physically for billets of increased leadership across the Fleet Marine Force and the Joint Force. The Expeditionary Warfare School emphasizes on the warfighting capabilities of a Marine Air Ground Task Force operating within a complex and distributed naval expeditionary environment.

U.S. Army Cpl. Khalil Griffin is 1 of 157 graduates to complete the Department of the Army Retention Training (DART) course at Vilseck, Germany, April 22, 2022. The DART course provides graduates the tools to become successful retention non-commissioned officers for their units with goals of retaining highly qualified Soldiers.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Phillip Young, a tactical data systems technician with Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (center), stands with his unit leaders at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 24, 2022. Young was recognized as the Service Person of the Quarter by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee for his dedication to giving back to the local community.

1st Lt. Cody Swift, missileer with the 320th Missile Squadron, pins the captain rank onto newly promoted Capt. Cory Sylvester, squadron command post commander with the 320th missile squadron, June 12, 2022, at the Bravo-01 missile alert facility near Harrisburg, Nebraska. Pinning on rank is a sign of congratulations to the promotee from their coworkers, family and friends.

The Benavidez Leader Development Program (BLDP) is an executive education leader development program that takes place for nearly four weeks from Jan. 29-Feb. 23 at the U.S. Military Academy, the Teachers College at Columbia University and various other locations.The BLDP is designed to educate USMAs Cadet Company Tactical Non-Commissioned Officers (TAC NCOs) and other NCOs from across the enterprise (DES, KACH, ACI, CTC), other units and services outside of USMA so that they are more educated. For the TAC NCOs specifically, it prepares them to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets, and to prepare the TAC NCOs to excel as senior NCOs at the tactical, operational and strategic levels of our Army. This happens through world-class executive-education experience in organizational leadership in partnership with Teachers College at Columbia University.The final phase of BLDP is a project presentation meant for the NCO students to find solutions to any problem facing their organizatio

Lt. Col. David Walters was awarded the Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal for his 27 years of service to the U.S. Army from Col. Jeremy St. Laurent, commander, 597th Transportation Brigade during a ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va. Sep. 6.

Warrant Officer 1 Amanda Joynt (Left), Maj. Gen. Benjamin Correll, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jeffrey Lee, and Ret. Chief Warrant Officer 5 Marv Peters (Right), pose for a photograph during the Warrant Officer Corps birthday cake cutting ceremony at Camp Dodge, Iowa on July 9, 2022. The Warrant Officers of the Iowa Army National Guard celebrated the Warrant Officer Corps 104th birthday as they do every year. (U.S. Army National Guard photograph by Sgt. Jonathan Perdelwitz)

The Inter-American Defense College and United States Northern Command hosts the inaugural North American Defense Framework for Women, Peace, and Security Workshop at IADC Kennedy Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 27-29, 2024. The event brought together military and civilian experts from Canada, Mexico, the United States, and the Bahamas. The collaborative event focused on integrating gender perspectives into military education, addressing gender-based violence, and enhancing gender equality in military operations. Participants, representing diverse ranks and branches, formulated actionable recommendations and formed partnerships, signifying a transformative shift toward a more inclusive defense framework. Air Force

Gen. Duke Z. Richardson, Commander of Air Force Materiel Command, stands with Wright-Patterson AFBs longest serving civilian, Fred Bennett, and WPAFBs most junior Airman, Airman 1st Class Robert Hernandez to commemorate the 30th anniversary of AFMC. The cake cutting ceremony celebrates the history and heritage of AFMC and took place in Headquarters AFMC, July 11, 2022.

Soldiers assigned to 541st Field Feeding Company, 498th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion compete in the DA Level 55th Annual Philip A. Connelly competition at Camp Carroll, South Korea Feb. 7-8, 2023. The challenge consisted of displaying professionalism and skill set by providing fine dining experience in a military field environment. The purpose is to promote and improve the Army food services and to recognize soldiers who are pursuing excellence in making food for the Army in both the deployed and Garrison environment.

502nd Air Base Wing held an honorary commanders hail and farewell ceremony, March 31, 2023, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. This program promotes mission partner relationships between Joint Base San Antonio and the 502nd Air Base Wing and community leaders throughout the city of San Antonio and surrounding areas.

Lt. Col. Susan Branson, executive officer to The Adjutant General; Tanya Gauthier, Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; and Sgt. 1st Class Toby Tirrito, New Jersey National Guard Joint Operations Center operations noncommissioned officer in charge; make preparations at the American Legion Joyce Kilmer Post 25 event recognizing women veterans, June 3, 2022.

Tech. Sgt. Dale Clark, 319th Recruiting Squadron client systems noncommissioned officer in charge, poses for a picture with Lt. Col. Richard Baysinger, immediate left, 66th Air Base Group deputy commander, and Chief Master Sgt. William Hebb, right, and family and friends during the E-7 release ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., June 2.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, left, deputy director, Air National Guard, coins Tech. Sgt. Jordon Schaefer, 225th Air Defense Squadron weapons director, for his superior performance during multiple temporary flight restriction intercepts at the Western Air Defense Sector, Washington National Guard, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Oct. 27, 2022. During Piraks visit, he fielded questions on a range of topics that spanned from national security threats to daily issues affecting the service members families such as inflation and housing issues.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald J. Place, DHA director, and his wife, Carol, meet with DHA employees during a farewell event with the workforce Dec. 9 at Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. Place will depart the Agency Jan. 3, 2023 after serving as the agencys third director and retire following 36 years of service to the nation, the Army and the military health system.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Brady and Command Sgt. Maj. Giancarlo Macri, 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command present Staff Sgt. Erik Wickham (center) with a certificate during an Honorable Order of Saint Barbaras award ceremony April 12, 2022 at Sembach Chapel, Germany. The awards represented membership to the Order of St. Barbara, the patron saint of artillery.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Brown (center), 86th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron medical material noncommissioned officer in charge, stands with Brig. Gen. Otis C. Jones, 86th Airlift Wing commander (left), and 86th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Charmaine Kelley, (right), at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 21, 2022. Brown received Jones first coin since taking command .

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Alfonso L. Hernandez, Property Book Officer, 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command, with direct support to 5th Armored Brigade, pauses for a photo at the 85th USARSCs headquarters, September 21, 2022. Hernandez won The Chief of Staff, Army, Supply Excellence Award, at Fort Bliss, Texas, July 15, 2022 and shared the experience on receiving the recognition.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Betts, commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, awards Maj. Alexander Yee, outgoing commander of the 378th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, a Meritorious Service Medal during the unit's change of command ceremony held at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 15, 2022. During the ceremony Yee relinquished command to Maj. Cynthia Lete. The primary purpose of a change of command is for subordinates to witness an officer formally assume responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit. These ceremonies preserve the tradition of military service and stimulate unit esprit de corps.

Command Sgt. Maj. Raquel DiDomenico, Fort McCoy Garrison command sergeant major, signs the observance sign Sept. 15, 2022, during Fort McCoys 2022 National Hispanic Heritage Month observance at McCoys Community Center at Fort McCoy, Wis. Licensed Counselor Carmella Navarro was the guest speaker. Navarro has experience working with the Army Reserves 85th Support Command and much more as a licensed clinical professional counselor. Navarro shared many personal experiences in her presentation. The 2022 National Hispanic Heritage Month observance at Fort McCoy was organized by Guzman with the Fort McCoy Equal Opportunity Office. In addition to the guest speaker, the banquet room at McCoys Community Center was adorned with materials highlight Hispanic Heritage, and more.

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Jurasek, deputy commanding general for support, First U.S. Army, congratulates Lt. Col. Timothy Davis, First U.S. Army, after pinning on him the Meritorious Service Medal during the quarterly retirement ceremony held June 2 in Heritage Hall, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Micheal Connor, ASC Public Affairs)

2nd Lt. Nicholas Marsh of Boise, Idaho, has his new rank pinned on by his spouse Sarah and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Abram Bennett. Twenty-two Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and one U.S. Army Reserve Soldier graduated from the 129th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) on Aug. 21, fulfilling the leadership and military education requirements to be commissioned as U.S. Army officers. The Illinois National Guard's Officer Candidate School transforms enlisted noncommissioned officers and qualified civilians into U.S. Army officers. The future leaders complete more than 661 hours of classroom and field instruction, must meet the commissioning standards of the U.S. Army and be examined, and approved by a federal recognition board.

The 2nd Infantry Division Artillery conducted a change of command ceremony July 6, 2022 on Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea. Col. David Pasquale, the outgoing commander, relinquished his responsibilities to Col. Alexander Lee during the ceremony.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Adolfo Garcia Jr., left, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune, poses for a photo with Rear Adm. Carey H. Cash, Chaplain of the Marine Corps and Deputy Chief of Chaplains of the Navy, on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 8, 2024. The Chaplain of the Marine Corps toured around MCB Camp Lejeune to coordinate with various commanders of East Coast installations and units. Marine Corps

The 404th Aviation Support Battalion, Fort Carson, Colorado, is awarded the 2022 Lt. Gen. Ellis D. Parker Award, Combat Service and Support category, during the Aviation Senior Leader Forum Jan. 25, 2023, at Fort Rucker, Ala. Receiving the award on the unit's behalf is Col. Ruisanchez, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kearns, and Command Sgt. Maj. Gamez, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade. The award was presented by Maj. Gen. Michael McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence commander and Army aviation branch chief, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Myke Lewis, chief warrant officer of the branch, and Command Sgt. Maj. James Wilson, branch command sergeant major.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, left, deputy director, Air National Guard, presents the General Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award to Maj. Nick Detloff, center, mission crew commander, 225th Air Defense Squadron (ADS), Western Air Defense Sector and Master Sgt. Christopher Doran, weapons director, 225th ADS, on Oct. 27, 2022, at Camp Murray, Washington. This award represents an individual or team who demonstrated innovation that improves efficiency, operational readiness, and replication of innovation across the U.S. Air Force. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Emily Moon)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Division Artillery (1 ID) and 4th Infantry Division Artillery (4 ID), alongside Latvian army soldiers assigned to the Mechanized Infantry Brigade and special guests pose for a picture during the 1 ID, 4 ID Transfer of Authority in Adazi, Latvia, Feb. 3, 2023. The 1 ID and 4 ID are proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Chief Warrant Officer Four Timothy Collins is congratulated for his promotion and his accomplishments during his promotion ceremony at the Wellman Auditorium on Boone Center in Frankfort, Kentucky, Jan. 22, 2024. He enjoyed the support from everyone. (Kentucky Army National Guard

Col. Lucas Teel, 4th Fighter Wing commander (left), and Chief Master Sgt. Eric West, 4th FW command chief (right), presents an award to Christopher DeFresne, 4th FW government special access programs security officer at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, June 7, 2022. DeFresne was named the civilian category two of the 1st quarter for 2022.

Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Brozell, assigned to the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa presents a bouquet of red roses, signifying the bonds of appreciation and respect for her dedicated service, to Mrs. Jeanie Gregory, during the SETAF-AF Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, September 1, 2022.

Capt. David Adams, Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS), greets Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Col.Tetsuo Fukuzoe, commanding officer of JGSDF 16th Infantry Regiment, at CFAS headquarters building Oct. 6, 2022. Adams and Fukuzoe met to increase Fukuzoes familiarity of CFAS installations and capabilities in order to support bilateral training exercises and to strengthen bonds between the U.S. Navy and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in Sasebo.

Newly promoted 1st Lts., Paul Rivera, operations officer (right), Kevin Cintron, logistics operations officer (center), and Katie Kelso, management analyst (left), 143d Expeditionary Sustainment Command, pose after promotion ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Jan. 3, 2023.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, commander Space Operations Command, and CMSgt Jacob Simmons, senior enlisted leader of Space Operations Command, placed their Headquarters Space Operations uniform patches andwritten notes to future Guardians into the SpOC time capsule in celebration of the command's 3rd anniversary on Oct 27, 2022, Peterson Space Force Base, Colo. Every year until 2030 SpOC leadership will add something to the box representing that year. In 2030 the time capsule will be officially opened for review. (Photo by Amber K. Whittington)

Col. Jonelle Eychner, 51st Mission Support Group commander, left, presents Lt. Col. David Lycan, 51st Security Forces Squadron outgoing commander, with a Meritorious Service Medal at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 7, 2022. The MSM is an award presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the U.S. Lycans dedication and leadership of the 51st SFS earned him the MSM.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessa Mullan, mental health administrator with the 36th Medical Group, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Col. Larry Fenner, 36th Wing vice commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brian Smith, senior enlisted leader for the 36th Operations Group, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Sept. 21, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens Mission, Vision and Priorities.

Oregon Army National Guard Command Sgt. Maj. Angel Smith, outgoing command sergeant major of 821st Troop Command Battalion, presents a plaque to Command Sgt. Maj. Tasha Cruz, the incoming command sergeant major of 821st TCB, during the change of responsibility ceremony on May 14, 2022, at the Salem Armory Auditorium. Cruz is the first female Soldier from the 234th Army Band to reach the rank of sergeant major.

Outgoing Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Matthew V. Baker receives a gift from the unit upon the symbolic passing of the colors during a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park in Bartlett, Illinois, July 24.

The Best-in-Language Chinese-Mandarin winners for the 2024 Polyglot Games were announced at the conclusion of the event, held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah on Feb. 3, 2024. Army National Guard

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III shakes hands with U.S. Marine Corps Gen Michael Langley following his assumption of command at the U.S. Africa Command Change of Command Ceremony at Kelley Barracks, U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart, Germany, 09 August 2022 (DoD photo by U.S Air Force Staff Sgt. Julian W. Kemper).

The 22nd Air Refueling Wing hosted its 3rd Quarter Award Ceremony at the Robert J. Dole Community Center Ballroom, Oct. 25, 2022, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The quarterly awards highlight Airmen, civilians and teams across the wing for the work they have done throughout the past quarter.

Senior Master Sgt. Steven Edmonson, 107 Logistics Readiness Squadron, is awarded a Certificate of Induction by Chief Master Sgt. Saleem Winters, 107 Logistics Readiness Squadron, Niagara Falls, NY, 8 July 2022. Air National Guard photo by 1st Lt Jason Carr

The commanding general of Installation Management Command, Lt. Gen. Omar J. Jones IV and Command Sgt. Maj. Jason R. Copeland present Charlene Franklin, support agreements management and program analyst, with a coin on Feb. 28 for revitalizing and enhancing the USAG Risk Management Internal Controls program.

Maj. Gen. Randall Kitchens, Chief of Chaplains, and Senior Airman Marian Patton, 341st Missile Wing Chapel religious affairs journeyman, cut a cake together during the 75th Chaplain Corp Anniversary celebration Feb. 2, 2024, on Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. The Air Force Chaplain Corps was established in 1949, after the Air Forces separation from the Army Air Corps. Air Force

Sgt. Donley poses for a photo during his retirement ceremony with 1st Sgt. Judge, Maj. Mosley, and Cpt. Hawley, leaders of the 94th Combat Support Hospital's Bravo Company, on June 4, 2022, in Seagoville, Texas.

Sgt. Canclini, of the 94th Combat Support Hospital, Bravo Company shares an emotional moment with Sgt. Donley and his wife after Sgt. Donley's retirement ceremony on June 4, 2022, in Seagoville, Tx.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald J. Place, DHA director, and his wife, Carol, meet with DHA employees during a farewell event with the workforce Dec. 9 at Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia. Place will depart the Agency Jan. 3, 2023 after serving as the agencys third director and retire following 36 years of service to the nation, the Army and the military health system.

Brig. Gen. Daryl O. Hood (left), the commanding general for the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jorge Arzabala (right), the senior enlisted leader, stand with Adam M. Ochylski (center) from the 20th CBRNE Command Logistics Section. Ochylski was selected as the 20th CBRNE Command Civilian of the Quarter for the 4th quarter. U.S. Army photo by Angel D. Martinez-Navedo.

Kuwaiti Military Cooperation Director, Brig. Gen. Fahad Al-Otaibi, presents a gift to U.S. Army Central's Deputy Commander, Maj. Gen. Wendul Hagler II, during the closing of Bilateral Project Financial Management Review at Patton Hall on Shaw AFB, S.C. Oct, 27.

IADC Director and graduation guest speaker, Maj. Gen. James E. Taylor(right) and the WHINSEC command team congratulate graduates as they receive their respective diplomas. Forty-nine students, representing the nations of Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, and Peru graduated here at WHINSEC. They completed the academic requirements for their respective courses. The courses were the International Operational Law (IOL), the Inter Agency Crisis Action Planning (IACAP), the Joint Disaster Response Techniques (JDRT), and the Medical Assistance (MEDAC).

U.S. Air National Guard, ANG, senior leaders in a group photo at the end of the day at Berry Field Air National Guard Base in Nashville, Tennessee, Jan 23, 2024. ANG, senior leaders attended the Atlantic Region Strategic Planning System to tackle problems facing their states.

Brig. Gen. Peter T. Green III, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Massachusetts Air National Guard, retired after 40 years of service in a ceremony held at the 104th Fighter WIng on Sept. 10, 2022. Brig. Gen. Green started his career as a security forces specialist at the 104FW and prior to moving to Massachusetts ANG Joint Force Headquarts was the 104FW Commander. Distinguished guests included Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Virginia Gaglio, Chief of Staff and Air Component Commander, Massachusetts ANG, Col. David 'Moon' Halasikun, 104FW Commander, Massachusetts Senator John Velis, Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe, and other 104FW leaders, members, family and friends. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Shon K. Antolin, left, outgoing command sergeant major of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Hawaii Army National Guard, Col. David T. Hatcher, commander of the 29th IBCT and Command Sgt. Maj. Brandon I. Kumalae, incoming command sergeant major of the 29th IBCT, pose for a photo during the 29th IBCT change of responsibility ceremony, Kapolei, Hawaii, Jan. 7, 2024. The change of responsibility ceremony is a time-honored tradition within the Army that commemorates the relinquishment of responsibility by passing the unit's colors from one senior noncommissioned officer to another.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, Continental U.S. NORAD Region commander, presents his commanders coin to U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Xavier Graciani, a security forces Airman assigned to the 180th Fighter Wing, after coining him, during a visit with the 180FW, in Swanton, Ohio, Feb. 1, 2024. Graciani was coined for his exemplary performance, maintaining the highest levels of proficiency and readiness. Air National Guard

The third Security Implications of Climate Change (SICC III) symposium was held from 26-28 June, 2023 in Gaborone, Botswana. The symposium, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), and the U.S. Institute for Peace (USIP), brought together leaders and representatives from over 36 countries to convene and discuss collaborative efforts to address climate-related challenges across the African continent.

Kristyn Jones, assistant secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and comptroller, presents Capt. Evan Amato, Battlefield Airborne Communications Node program office cost chief, Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence and Networks Directorate, with her coin during a visit to Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Aug. 11. Jones also met with other members of Hanscoms financial management workforce during her visit.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Santos Soto, Joint Task Force-Bravo J-3 senior enlisted leader, poses for a photo with senior leaders from Joint Task Force-Bravo recognizing his promotion at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Jan. 23, 2024. In this new capacity, Soto will serve his future command as the senior enlisted advisor representing enlisted, warrant officers and lieutenants to higher echelons of leadership.

Staff Sgt. Sara Kolinski, 104th Fighter Wing Barnestormer Training Flight Cadre, was presented her award for being the Air National Guard Region One 2020 Airman of the Year on May 14, 2022 at Barnes Air National Guard Base. Massachusetts Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Sean Sullivan presented Kolinski with her award.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Matthew Polus, Military Personnel Exchange Program outgoing commander, relinquishes command of MPEP to Brig. Gen. John Teichert, assistant deputy under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs, during a change of command ceremony at Edelweiss Lodge and Resort, in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, June 13, 2022. Prior to being the MPEP commander, Polus was the director of operations at the 451st Flying Training Squadron. Airmen a part of MPEP meet at the annual forum from around the world to reacclimate themselves into an air force environment with other members and to receive a strategic overview of the importance of what they do.

Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brian Searcy (right) is given a ceremonial saber commemorating 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.

The U.S. Army Central command team and staff pose for a group photo with the United Arab Emirates Land Forces during a key leader engagement at Patton Hall in Shaw Air Force Base, SC on September 27, 2022. These meetings are vital to maintaining strong partner nation relationships which shape future regional defense and bilateral cooperation.

Chief Master Sgt. Sean Fretwell, 192nd Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader, presents mementos to Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron commander, during her retirement ceremony on July 9, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Ending her military career with the Virginia Air National Guard, Martin's 20 years of service was celebrated by family and friends along with numerous retired and currently serving military personnel who impacted her career.

Col. Taona Enriquez, installation commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Alan Weary, installation commandchief, present Airman 1st Class Virginia Barrack with a certificate for being named the Unit SafetyRepresentative of the Quarter at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Feb. 3. Barrack was chosen as the USRof the quarter for her outstanding contribution and support of the Team Hanscom safety program.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Elijah Lincoln (center) is awarded an achievement medal with U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Moses Kaoiwi Jr., Hawaii Army National Guard commander, and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Glen Hayase, for his efforts in standing up the Hawaii National Guards first Cyber Mission Assurance Team May 14, 2022, at Fort DeRussy, Hawaii. Lincoln served as the commander of a National Guard Bureau pilot program from October 2018 through March 2020. During that time, the joint team of cyber specialists developed new methods of supporting critical networking infrastructure for government and civilian networks.

Cora, 97th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) military working dog (MWD), poses with the 97th SFS MWD team during Coras retirement ceremony at Altus Air Force Base (AAFB), Oklahoma, Sep. 15, 2022. Cora is the first MWD to retire from AAFB in three years.

001121-A-4543J-023. Base: Camp Carroll, Taegue State: Waegwan Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR) Scene Major Command Shown: 8th Army

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., left, presents U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jason Yunker, right, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels quality and compliance section chief, with the eighth annual Gen. Larry O. Spencer Innovation Award during his visit to Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2022. The award recognized Yunker for his work on the Versatile Integrating Partner Equipment Refueling (VIPER) kit and other efforts to enhance the Air Forces ability to flexibly refuel aircraft in austere locations anywhere in the world.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Daniel Lasica, director, U.S. European Command Strategy, Plans and Policy, hosted Maj. Gen. Philippe de Montenon, chief of the French Strategic Joint Operation Center, and a French military delegation to the commands headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, on Jan. 25, 2024. Discussions included ongoing security assistance to Ukraine; the two nations combined capability to respond to crisis; and participation in upcoming military exercises - including DEFENDER-Europe - to build readiness and interoperability.

Senior Leadership assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. make a donation to the Combined Federal Campaign on Oct 3, 2022. The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee focused, cost-efficient, and effective in providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all.

From the left, Col. Matt Husemann, 436th Airlift Wing commander, Rita Sheaffer, 436th Contracting Squadron administrative assistant, and Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Bayes, 436th AW command chief, pose for a photo after recognizing Sheaffer as the 436th AW Top Performer of the Week on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Dec. 5, 2022. Sheaffer was nominated for this award for her outstanding performance by her co-workers at the 436th CONS.

Kuwaiti Military Cooperation Director, Brig. Gen. Fahad Al-Otaibi, presents a gift to Airforce Central, Deputy Commander, Maj. Gen. Clark Quinn, during the closing of Bilateral Project Financial Management Review at Patton Hall on Shaw AFB, S.C. Oct, 27.

U.S. Air Force Col. John Gustafson, right, outgoing commander, 386th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, and Col. Clinton Wilson, center, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, furl the 386th EMSG guidon flag during an inactivation ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 22, 2022. The 386th EMSG enabled the wing to conduct air mobility, precision strike, personnel recovery, electronic attack and intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance operations throughout Southwest Asia.

The third Security Implications of Climate Change (SICC III) symposium was held from 26-28 June, 2023 in Gaborone, Botswana. The symposium, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), and the U.S. Institute for Peace (USIP), brought together leaders and representatives from over 36 countries to convene and discuss collaborative efforts to address climate-related challenges across the African continent.

(From left) Major Gregory Spiers, the Staff Judge Advocate of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Judge Advocate office; Senior Airman Estevan Gomez, a force protection escort with the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, and Staff Sgt. Alanna Metelka, the non-commissioned officer in-charge of 380th AEW/JA, pose for a photo after drawing Gomez as a morale patch winner May 18, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The drawing was to advertise the monthly JA newsletter which contains information necessary for Airmen station on ADAB.

Royal Air Force Mildenhall senior leaders start Fire Prevention Week by signing a fire safety proclamation at RAF Mildenhall, England, Sept. 27, 2022. The proclamation is signed annually to kick-off Fire Prevention Week, spreading awareness for fire safety.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Nov. 28, 2022) Newly frocked Sailors, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, Greece, pose for a group photo with NSA Souda Bays Triad after a frocking ceremony on Nov. 28, 2022. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Richard, right, 35th Fighter Wing commander, coins Senior Airman Wymon Fillerup, 35th Operations Support Squadron intelligence analyst, as the Wild Weasel of the Week at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 11, 2022. Wild Weasel of the Week is a program designed to highlight Airmen across the base whose achievements stand out above their peers.

Master Sgt. Ryan Fleishman with the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), is awarded Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Year during the Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition award ceremony at Camp Williams, Utah, Oct. 19, 2022. The Utah National Guard Best Warrior Competition is an annual event that brings together Soldiers and Airmen from the major commands to compete for the title of Soldier/Airman of the year, Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Senior NCO of the Year. The Army winners of this competition will represent the Utah Army National Guard at the Region VII Best Warrior Competition next spring.

Staff Sgt. Anthony Robbins and Pfc. Janelle Bradshaw, members of Task Force Thunder, pose with their challenge coins at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Jan. 19, 2024. They were recognized for supporting the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission.

030304-M-4547R-002. Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: MCB

U.S. Army and KATUSA Soldiers assigned to U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys Headquarters and Headquarters Company place their unit crest on the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) Inclusion Cup trophy during the 4th Quarter Awards Ceremony at Humphreys Family Theater on Sept. 27, 2022. HHC won first place in the annual competition and received an award for the Best BOSS Inclusion Video, Best Brigade BOSS Board, and Best Battalion BOSS Board in the USAG Humphreys BOSS Program for Fiscal Year 22.

Soldiers of the Aviation Battalion (Wyoming Outriders), Wyoming Army National Guard, pose for a group photo in the Joint Forces Readiness Center auditorium, Cheyenne, Wyo., June 9, 2022.

The U.S. Army Installation Management Command-Pacific Command Sgt. Maj. Jon Williams signs a leadership pledge during a ceremony commemorating IMCOM-Pacifics two decades enabling U.S. Army readiness at U.S. Army Garrisons across the Pacific from IMCOM-Pacific Headquarters at Fort Shafter, Hawaii on October 31, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert B. Sofge Jr., commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa, and Rear Adm. Calvin M. Foster, U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet Vice Commander, pose for a photo at U.S. Embassy Accra, Ghana on Feb. 5, 2024. During the visit Sofge toured the facilities, engaging with the U.S. Marines and key leaders at the U.S. Embassy, where he addressed the importance of the U.S. Marines mission in Ghana and it's surrounding regions. Marine Corps

of 4