← Military & Defence

Military Change of Command Ceremonies

Images of military personnel during change of command ceremonies, showcasing uniforms, official settings, and a sense of duty and leadership.

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Amy Brown grades a Team on their Capabilities brief during Day 1 of the 2022 Spc. Hilda I. Clayton Best Combat Camera Competition at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia, May 19, 2022. The annual multi-day competition tests the tactical and technical proficiency of visual information and public affairs specialists across the DOD and participating international competitors.

Col. Beth A. Behn expresses her pride in becoming the U.S. Army Chief of Transportation during remarks at her assumption of command ceremony June 24 in Wylie Halls Doc Washburn Auditorium at Fort Lee, Virginia. Behn replaced Col. Frederick L. Crist, who is now the commanding officer of the 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command in Daegu, South Korea.

A 104th Fighter Wing Airman and spouse pose for a photo prior to boarding a Maine Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker for a combined incentive flight and spouse lift on the flightline at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, October 27, 2022. Spouse lifts, as well as incentive flights, are important opportunities to boost morale and give spouses the unique chance of experiencing the 104FW mission firsthand while aircrew members accomplish essential training tasks.

AIR BASE 201, Niger - U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Mykal Villalobos, the fitness operations Airman-in-charge with the 724th Expeditionary Air Base Group, is responsible for three fitness facilities servicing over 1,000 patrons weekly at Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger. She developed a six-month fitness calendar encouraging AB 201 personnel to participate in events that foster overall mental and physical wellness. She and her team provide a healthy outlet that improves the quality of life for over 600 personnel.

Senior Master Sgt. Kimberly Anderson of the 134th Inspector Generals office welcomes visitors to the Smoky Mountain Airshow Sept. 11, 2022.Members of the 134th Air Refueling Wing were on hand to assist the public at the Smoky Mountain Air Show, taking place at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base on September 10-11th, 2022.

220913-N-UB993-1217NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 13, 2022) Ombudsman-at-Large Evelyn Honea speaks with Electrician's Mate (Nuclear) First Class Andre Cook during Master Chief Petty Officer James Honea's all-hands call at Naval Station Norfolk, Sept. 13, 2022. Honea conducted his first fleet visit to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development, and quality of life.

Hawaii Army National Guard Spc. Casandra B. Ancheta, a mass communications specialist assigned to the 117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, 103rd Troop Command, poses with her camera at Pearl City, Hawaii, June 6, 2022. Ancheta enlisted in the HIARNG in 2016.

Airman 1st Class Kristin Kallsen, 22nd Communications Squadron network operations apprentice, shows a plastic M-16 to local children at Sedgewick County's Big Brothers Big Sisters, Aug. 5, 2010, McConnell Air Force Base.

011003-A-8510M-009. Subject Operation/Series: JOINT FORGE Base: Camp Comanche Country: Bosnia And/I Herzegovina (BIH)

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Stephanie E. Grundmann, a legal chief with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, poses for a photo on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, April 20, 2022. Grundmann, the recipient of the MCAS New River Go-Getter of the month, enlisted into the Marine Corps in Aug. 2018 from Cresco, Pennsylvania.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Autumn Harner, 20th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, routinely ensures the safety of base weapons, property and personnel at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sep. 22, 2022. Security Forces personnel conduct a both physically and mentally demanding mission, and are highly focused on ensuring people and property on base are protected, from writing tickets to investigating on-base incidents.

Airmen from the 141st Force Support Squadron pose for a group photo while supporting food service operations for the team building the Blackfeet Nation Senior and Cultural Center in Heart Butte, Montana August 9,2022. The 141st Civil Engineer Squadron, 141st Medical Group and 141st Force Support Squadron all participated in the deployment for training, strengthening bonds between neighbors.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, commander of the Maryland Army National Guard, speaks with morning news anchor Shelley Orman at the FOX 45 television studio in Baltimore, Md., Sept. 11, 2022. The interview focused on Birckheads thoughts from September 11, 2001, and how the terrorist attacks 21 years ago impacted the Maryland National Guard.

021003-F-1851U-002. Base: Ramstein Air Base State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Meet the MAWMy favorite part of the job is seeing the aircraft that we have put our heart, and hard work into, fly off to complete their missions throughout the Marine Corps.U. S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alec Doty, a crew chief with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, poses for a photo on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, April 4, 2022. Doty is a Dallas, Texas native. He joined the Marine Corps to act as a stepping stone into a career he wanted.

U.S. Coast Guard Sector New York Commander Captain Zeita Merchant speaks at the Coast Guard Art Program reception at the Salmagundi Club in New York City on July 7, 2022. The ceremony marked the 41st anniversary of the COGAP and featured 38 works from 27 artists from around the country.

A group of Soldiers listen to members of the Sergeant Major of The Army's Professional Development Forum during the Association of the United States Army Convention in Washington, D.C., Oct. 11. The theme of the forum was training management and included a variety of discussion topics such as the allocation of training time. More than 300 senior enlisted Soldiers from all components of the Army attended the discussion. (Official U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent C. Powell)

Cheyanne Thompson, wife of Lt. Col Christopher Thompson, is presented a bouquet of yellow roses from Sgt. 1st Class Sara McPherson, senior Human Resources noncommissioned officer, 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, 197th Field Artillery Brigade, during an assumption of command ceremony at the NH Army National Guard Armory in Plymouth on Dec 3. Yellow is a sign of welcome and new beginnings, and the budding flowers represent the anticipation of things to come.

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Joint Task Force Guantanamo J4 Property Book Office Non-commissioned Officer in Charge Sgt. 1st Class Susanatte N. Grosvenor, deployed to Joint Task Force Guantanamo with the Virgin Islands National Guard 786th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion verifies serial numbers of an incoming shipment with JTF Guantanamo J6 Supply NCOIC Sgt. Melinda B. Gibson while J6 Admin Clerk Spc. Elcina S. Bryan looks on; March 17, 2010 in the J4 warehouse. The Virgin Islands Army National Guard is here on a year-long deployment as JTF Guantanamos headquarters company. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of detainees, including those convicted by military commission and those ordered released by a court. The JTF conducts intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination for the protection of detainees and personnel working in JTF Guantanamo facilities and in support of the War on Terror. JTF Guantanamo provides support to the Office of Mi

220819-N-AS200-5552 LAGUNA PEAK, Calif. (Aug. 19, 2022) - Air Traffic Controller Petty Officer 2nd Class Telena Jenkins reenlists Aug 19. NBVC is a strategically located Naval installation composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2C Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

Toys for Kids Helps Make the Holiday Better for Soldiers, Families

A U.S. Marine with 3d Marine Division conducts a radio check with higher headquarters during an Alert Contingency Marine Air-Ground Task Force (ACM) drill at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Sept. 1, 2022. Routine short-notice ACM drills ensure III Marine Expeditionary Force Marines remain ready to rapidly deploy and maintain regional security in the Indo-Pacific. 3/3 is forward deployed in the Indo-Pacific under 4th Marines as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Emelia Soli, 319th Force Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of fitness and sports, and Col. Del Rivera, 319th Reconnaissance Wing vice commander, cut a ribbon Sept. 23, 2022, signifying the reopening of the rock wall in the fitness center at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The wall was closed in April 2021 after a water pipe burst, flooding the entry way of the gym and damaging the roof and floors.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Emelia Soli, 319th Force Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of fitness and sports, and Col. Del Rivera, 319th Reconnaissance Wing vice commander, cut a ribbon Sept. 23, 2022, signifying the reopening of the rock wall in the fitness center at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The wall was closed in April 2021 after a water pipe burst, flooding the entry way of the gym and damaging the roof and floors.

Col. Wendy Squarcia, 170th Group commander, speaks during an event celebrating the 20th year of the 170th Group at Offutt Air Force Base, Sept. 10, 2022.

WASHINGTON (April 10, 2019) Logistics Specialist 1st Class Sindy Johnson delivers remarks after being announced the Fiscal Year 2018 Navy Shore Sailor of the Year (SOY). She opened her remarks by applauding fellow Sailors who were also recognized as finalists for the program. She later spoke about her familys journey from Nicaragua that led to her proudly serving in the United States Navy. She thanked her father for his sacrifices, which included his return to their home country in order for her family to sustain a new life in the United States.

Lisette Estrella-Henderson, Solano County Office of Education superintendent, gives a speech during the Travis Spark Challenge event at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 13, 2022. Travis AFB and the Solano County Office of Education teamed up to host the Travis Spark Challenge. The Travis Spark Challenge is a team-based competition that motivates high school students to solve real challenges facing Travis AFB. The event was designed to teach the students life skills and empower them to make a difference in their community.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Lauren Hayes, a client systems operations technician with the 36th Contingency Response Group, signs the official Linebacker of the Week jersey at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 29, 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.

FORT HOOD, Texas - U.S. Army Gen. Michael Garrett, the U.S. Forces Command commanding general, speaks with Spc. Angie Valle, a culinary specialist assigned to 2nd Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, during Garretts site visit at Fort Hood, Texas, May 11, 2022. The visit included meetings with Fort Hood command teams, meals at on-base dining facilities and physical training with local units.

KITTERY, ME. Nov. 17, 2022, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard: Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti meets with leadership at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard during a visit which included briefs on the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program and Naval Sustainment System - Shipyards.

KITTERY, ME. Nov. 17, 2022, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard: Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti meets with leadership at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard during a visit which included briefs on the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program and Naval Sustainment System - Shipyards.

Capt. Stephannie Hernandez Ruberte, 4th Operations Support Squadron intelligence weapons officer, poses for a photo at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, April 5, 2022. Hernandez Ruberte is an Air Force Academy graduate who then attended weapons school before becoming an instructor for intelligence.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Symone Chur Martin, 22nd Airlift Squadron loadmaster apprentice, pushes a pallet off a C-5M Super Galaxy at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, August 26, 2022. The C-5M delivered over 90,000 pounds of humanitarian aid through the Denton Program. The Denton Program allows private U.S. citizens and private organizations to transport humanitarian goods to approved countries in need.

Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Dunn, 374th Airlift Wing command chief, and Col. Julie Gaulin, 374th AW vice commander, pose for the photo at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 21, 2022, during the Japanese-American Friendship Festival 2022. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, this year festival marks the first time Yokota has held the annual event since 2019.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Hui Chong Hutton, 60th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron flight nurse, participates in an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month campaign at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 3, 2022. Hutton was born and raised in Kun San, South Korea. She lived in Korea for almost 30 years before immigrating to the United States; she is the first in her family to join the U.S. military. Hutton deployed to Afghanistan in 2018, and in 2021, she supported both Operation Allies Welcome and Passenger Medical Augmentation Personnel missions.

Members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing participate in Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) training during drill weekend at Sumpter Smith Joint Air National Guard base, April 09, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Latasha Smith, 86th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron warrior medicine clinic flight chief, manages patient schedules at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Feb. 1, 2022. Smith oversees operations for 26 staff members that render comprehensive care for approximately 8,000 active duty service members, supporting 175 units and three wings.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett)

U.S. Air Force Airmen and Soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard attended a Womens History Month Event in St. Paul, Minn., March 25, 2023. This year, the theme was Paving the Way Forward, which reflects that progress is a journey, and many courageous women came before us who helped open doors and broke the glass ceiling.

Asian soldier smiling in farmers market

Portrait of woman soldier with salute, confidence and pride in army service for professional hero. Military career, security and courage, girl in uniform and respect at government intelligence agency

A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 525th Fighter Squadron Expeditionary team poses for a photo with his wife after returning from his deployment to Kadena Air Base, Japan, on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, April 8, 2023. While at Kadena, the Bulldogs supported multiple forward deployments, conducted higher headquarters taskings in support of joint and multinational partners, and conducted local training with other Kadena based assets, said Lt. Col. Matthew Tromans, 525th Fighter Squadron commander.

Happy, portrait and a woman in the army for service, war training or soldier in clothes. Smile, security and a female military veteran or girl in gear or uniform for battle, trust or in the navy

Teamwork, security and arms crossed with portrait of soldier for military service, veteran and mission planning. Intelligence, strategy, surveillance and warrior with people in control room for hero

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Aisha Nance, 18th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist from Wasilla, Alaska was selected as the 18th Wings Airman of the Week at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Airman of the Week program is an opportunity for outstanding Airmen to be recognized by KAB leadership as well as showcase these young leaders to their peers.

Newly promoted U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Lavasia Taylor, the training noncommissioned officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 7th Mission Support Command, poses for a photo with her wife, Mrs. Porchea Taylor, following her promotion ceremony Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, on Kleber Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Sgt. 1st Class Taylor is married to Mrs. Porchea Taylor, a U.S. Army civilian working in the commands Family Programs office. The 7th MSC is Americas Army Reserve presence in Europe. Comprised of 26 units across Germany and Italy, the 7th MSC provides logistical and sustainment support for U.S. Army Europe-Africa missions across the theater.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass takes a photo with a 156th Security Forces Squadron defender during her visit with the 156th Wing, Puerto Rico Air National Guard at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, May 14, 2022. CMSAF Bass spent time with Airmen and leadership at the 156th Wing and emphasized the importance of total force integration and overcoming challenges to more effectively accomplish the Air Force mission and be ready for the ever-evolving battlefield that future conflicts may hold.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Lemon (right), the U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys senior enlisted leader, presents an award during the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) 4th Quarter Awards Ceremony at Humphreys Family Theater on Sept. 27, 2022. Awardees were recognized for excellence, dedication, and achievements connected to the BOSS program.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership greeted Major General Germán Lopez, Colombian Defense Attaché for a visit to the IADC Campus on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2022. During the visit, the visitors conducted an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

Newly promoted 1st Lt. Chesnee Giraldo, a quartermaster officer assigned to the 55th Quartermaster Field Feeding Company, 16th Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Andres Giraldo, a targeting officer assigned to the XVIII Airborne Corps, pose for a photo together after Chesnees promotion ceremony Sept. 9, 2022, in Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. The father-daughter duo shared this big moment after he missed her commissioning and wedding due to operational requirements and COVID-19, respectively.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Megan Love, an AH-1Z Viper pilot with the Aviation Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), stands on the flight deck as the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) pulls into Helsinki, Finland, Aug. 5, 2022. The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 22nd MEU, under the command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

The North Carolina National Guard's first Black female helicopter pilot makes her final flight. . Captain Lindsey Jefferies Jones, who has been with the National Guard for 17 years, is greeted by friends, including Maj. Makeda Young, and family as she completes her last flight with the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade on Dec. 1.

U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sgt. ONeil McKenley, a survey team member with the 773rd Civil Support Team, 7th Mission Support Command, poses with his wife and daughter, following his promotion ceremony, Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, at Panzer Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. The 7th Mission Support Command is the U.S. Army Reserve presence in Europe. Comprised of 26 units across Germany and Italy, the 7th MSC provides logistical and sustainment support for U.S. Army Europe - Africa missions across the theater. For more stories and information on the 7th Mission Support Command, follow us on Facebook, @7thMSC. Army Reserve

U.S. Army Soldier Cpl. Smith gets promoted to Sergeant. He has been a committed and dedicated team member. (

ROTA, Spain (April 14, 2019) Boatswain's Mate Seaman Alyssa Mullinax stands watch as a phone talker aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) while arriving at Naval Station Rota, Spain, April 14, 2019. Porter, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its sixth patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S national security interests in Europe and Africa.

pretty young woman in wwii uniform us with an american flag

Sgt. Azaria Christian from the North Carolina Army National Guard's 295th Signal Company poses during Cyber Shield 2022 held at the Army National Guard's Professional Education Center on Camp Robinson, North Little Rock, Arkansas, June 5-17. Cyber Shield 2022 is the DODs largest unclassified cyber security exercise working with multiple military branches and inter-agencies to collaborate in continually bettering the militarys cyber security capabilities.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass delivers a keynote address, Airmen: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, during the 2022 Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md., Sept. 21, 2022.

250 New York National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Harlem Hellfighters 369th Sustainment Brigade said goodbye to their families for a year during a farewell ceremony 9 a.m. Sept. 18, 2022, at Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt Manor NY. The Soldiers of the 369th Sustainment Brigade will be deploying to Kuwait for a sustainment operations mission.

Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime Commander Army Brig. Gen. Gail Atkins and TJ Johnson, president/CEO of Tra' Bian Enterprises pose for a photo. Johnson served as guest speaker during a program honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the DLA Land and Maritime Operations Center Jan. 10.

040403-F-8039C-010. Base: Joe Foss Field State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

Cadet Samuel Roberts, from the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, poses in front of Margetis Clinic here at Fort Knox. Roberts participated in the Army Medical Department Internship Program (AMEDDIP) where Cadets are assigned to Medical Department Activities to gain insight into Army Medical Facilities and exposure to leadership in the medical arena.

GRAND PRAIRE, Tex. (June 13, 2022) Navy Counselor First Class Ashley Miller, a leading petty officer with Navy Talent Acquisition Group Red River poses for a photo at Navy Recruiting Station Grand Prairie June 13. NTAG Red River encompasses 150,000 square miles that includes North Texas and Oklahoma, and consists of 40 Enlisted Recruiting Stations, three Officer Recruiting Stations, and three Military Entrance Processing Stations.

An infographic shows U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tenee Johnson, 718th Force Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge, sharing why Black History Month is important to them at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 30, 2023. Different volunteers from all over the 18th Wing volunteered to share the importance of Black History Month and celebrate this month of observance. The graphic was created with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. Photography for the graphic provided by Pexels and Airman 1st Class Sebastian Romawac.

Capt. Josephine Nguyen, executive officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Patuxent River, on Thursday, July 21, 2022, presents Cdr. Kari Johndrow-Casey, director of Clinical Support Services at Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River, with a farewell gift to mark her end of tour.

Man the Force means recruiting the best possible candidates, whether they are Soldiers or Civilians. Its an essential component of ASCs Line of Effort 4: Develop, Empower and Protect a Professional Workforce. (Graphic by Greg Wilson)

Sgt. Michael Terry is a Signal Support Systems Specialist with the Reception Service Team. I love working with my Japanese counterparts. Beyond accommodating and a privilege to share best practices with them. The sharing of cultures has been an amazing experience.”

Staff Sgt. Gina Pau-Exzabe, 154th Force Support Squadron services craftsman, smiles while being highlighted for volunteering to be placed on a military appropriation man-day tour to assist the 15th Comptroller Squadron for a short term at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, April 7, 2022. Pau-Exzabe has been assigned to the 15th CPTS for the last four months, processing over 200 temporary lodging allowances for displaced service members and their families due to water contamination. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Staff Sgt. Alan Ricker)

of 2