Military Change of Command Events

Scenes from various change of command ceremonies, emphasizing formal transitions of leadership within military units.

Col. Christopher Schlak, 509th Mission Support Group commander(left), Lt. Col. Devin Sproston, 509th Bomb Wing Security Forces commander(center), and Lt. Col. Stephen Addington, previous 509th Bomb Wing Security Forces commander(right), stand at attention at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 29, 2022. Whiteman security forces has a manning of almost 600 security police total on base.

Maj. Gen. Kimberly Colloton, Commanding General of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division, hosts a Relinquishment of Command ceremony where the outgoing Expeditionary District Commander, Col. Kenneth N. Reed, will transfer command of the district to interim Expeditionary District Commander, Lt. Col. Peter M. Ammerman, April 25, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Colloton hosted the time-honored transfer of authority and command ceremony as Reed was selected to lead the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division. Ammerman 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)

U.S. Air Force Col. Scott, left, 432nd Maintenance Group commander, gives the guidon flag to Lt. Col. Jennifer, right, 432nd Maintenance Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony at Creech air Force Base, Nevada, May 10, 2022. Jennifer assumed command of the 432nd Maintenance Squadron.

Today the Minnesota National Guard recognized members of the Minnesota National Guards Saint Paul-based 133rd Airlift Wing and Duluth based 148th Fighter Wing will gather in support of their 2021 and 2022 Outstanding Airman of Year nominees. Each unit selected candidates based on job performance, leadership, community involvement, and personal achievement during the previous year. The awards honor the Airmens accomplishments and highlight their dedication and devotion to duty.The following Airmen will be recognized for 2021: Master Sgt. Jay Jakeway (Senior Noncommissioned Officer)Master Sgt. Shannon Housey (First Sergeant)Staff Sgt. Alaina Lathrop (Noncommissioned Officer)Senior Airman Benjamin Swenson (Airman)Capt. Brent Shouler (Company Grade Officer)The Outstanding Airmen for 2022 to be recognized will be:Master Sgt. Shane Trisco (Senior Noncommissioned Officer)Master Sgt. Sterling Hartwick (First Sgt.)Tech. Sgt. Michael Schuette (Noncommissioned Officer)Senior Airman Madison Moritz

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Richard H. Deane, commander of troops, prepares to pass the unit colors during the U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Europe, assumption of responsibility ceremony, Sep 15, 2022 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Master Sgt. Andrew R. Colburn assumed responsibility from Master Sgt. Charles W. Douglas.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Charles Rice, right, 426th Air Base Squadron outgoing commander, relinquishes command to Col. Richard Martin, left, 423rd Air Base Group commander, during a 426th Air Base Squadron change of command ceremony at the Jåttå Military Compound in Stavanger, Norway, June 16, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority from one commander to another.

Lt. Col. Steven Eldien, receives the guidon from Col. William Miller, during the 131st Force Support Squadron's change of command ceremony Aug. 4, 2022, in Knob Noster, Mo. Eldien took over for Lt. Col. Timothy Sullivan, right, upon his retirement.

Artillery Soldiers of the Iowa National Guards 1st Batl. - 194ths Field Artillery took part in a change of command ceremony between Lt. Col Steven Hall, outgoing commander and incoming commander, Lt. Col. Neil Daniels May 23, 20222 while on Camp Ripley.

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian C. Anderson, 188th Wing Operations group commander, receives the Colonel oath given by Col. Kipp T. Parker, 188th Wing vice commander, during the 188th Wing Operations Group change of command ceremony. During the ceremony Col. Anderson took command of the 188th Wing Operations Group and was promoted, January 10, 2024 at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Col. Christopher Schlak, 509th Mission Support Group commander(left), Lt. Col. Devin Sproston, 509th Bomb Wing Security Forces commander(center), and Lt. Col. Stephen Addington, previous 509th Bomb Wing Security Forces commander(right), stand at attention at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 29, 2022. Whiteman security forces has a manning of almost 600 security police total on base.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jon T. Hannah, left, 422d Air Base Group commander, receives the 422d Security Forces Squadron guidon from Maj. Thomas W. Uhl, 422d Security Forces Squadron outgoing commander, during a change of command ceremony at RAF Croughton, England, June 16, 2022. Throughout his command, Uhl led over 200 Defenders, Ministry of Defence Police and Guard along with augmentees in providing security for the U.S. Air Forces only Bomber Forward Operation location and protection level 1 resources within the United Kingdom.

Senior Master Sgt. Mark A. Hartnoll, a quality assurance superintendent with the 124th Maintenance Group, is promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sgt. by Col. John R. Williams, III, commander of the 124th MXG, July 8, 2022, in a ceremony at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. Hartnoll was also presented with a Chiefs coin and a numbered plaque to celebrate his achievement.

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

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Huttle, incoming senior enlisted leader of the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, holds an NCO sword during a change of responsibility ceremony at Muir Army Airfield. During the ceremony, Huttle took over command sergeant major responsibilities from Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Livolsi who had been the 28th ECAB CSM since November 2017. The NCO sword represents the power, strength and fidelity of the command sergeant major's position.

Lt. Col. Chandra Fleming, 51st Operations Support Squadron newly-appointed commander, renders her first salute as the 51st OSS commander to her squadron at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 7, 2022. Change of Commands represent the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a flight, squadron, group, wing or MAJCOM from one commanding officer to another. They are a tradition rooted in military history, dating back to the 18th century.

Lt. Col. Ben Hines, chaplain, Area Support Group-Kuwait, gives kudos to Capt. Adam Landrum, chaplain, 531st Hospital Center, and Spc. Jessica Ramirez, religious affairs specialist, 531st Hospital Center, for their support of Area Support Group-Kuwait and all personnel at Camp Arifjan, during a monthly Unit Ministry Team gathering at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Aug. 10, 2022.

U.S. Army Col. Matthew James assumes command of the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Washington National Guard, from Col. James Perrin during a change of command ceremony on Camp Murray, Wash., December 4, 2022. In 2021, Perrin deployed as commander of Task Force Raven, the last U.S. task force to command a full nine-month rotation in the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine.

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.

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

Sgt. Richard Carlson of Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, a Health Care Specialist with the Minnesota National Guards Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 1st Battalion, 94th Cavalry Regiment recieves an Army Commendation Medal and an engraved knife. He was one of twelve National Guard Soldiers who competed in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, participated in an awards ceremony. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Christina M. Lewis passes the guidon to outgoing commander Lt. Col. Ryan J. Smith on June 24, 2022 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Lt. Col. Eric J. Tolska replaced Lt. Col. Ryan J. Smith who was promoted to another assignment in the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pfc. Michael Hayes)

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Damien J. Squilla, left, incoming commander of Support Battalion, 196th Infantry Brigade, receives the battalion colors from Col. Ryan O'Connor, commander of the 196th Infantry Brigade, during the change of command ceremony, Fort Shafter, Hawaii, June 9, 2022. This event is signified by honoring the outgoing commander and receiving the incoming commander.

U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers Capt. Marlena Janes (left) Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) commander, 143d Expeditionary Sustainment Command (ESC) adjusts spearhead of HHC unit guidon as 1st Sgt. Jacob Webb (right), HHC first sergeant, 143d ESC, stands at the position of attention during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Jan. 3, 2023.

The 104th Fighter Wing promoted Jeff St. Jean, equipment maintenance flight chief, to chief master sergeant in a ceremony held on May 6, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Massachusetts. All of the 104FW chiefs present took a moment to pose for a photo. Chief St. Jean was congratulated by family, friends, 104FW leadership and members. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

U.S. Air Force Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, recognizes Airmen during his visit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 28, 2024. Schneider visited with Airmen across the installation to discuss the quality of life on station to learn more about the unique challenges Airmen and families face while being stationed in Alaska. Air Force

Alaska Air and Army National Guardsmen return to Fairbanks, Alaska, Sept. 30 from assisting Nome community residents affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of storm-related debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

U.S. Air Force Col. Calvin Powell, left, vice commander of the 435th Air Expeditionary Wing, presents the Defense Superior Service medal to Col. Matthew Bartlett during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 31, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Jason Chambers assumed command of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group from Col. Matthew Bartlett in a ceremony presided over by Powell.

Lt. Col. Thomas Gawrych relinquishes the 110th Security Forces Squadron guidon from 110th Mission Support Group Commander, Lt. Col. Daniel Guy, symbolizing his relinquished role of commander of the 110th Security Forces Squadron at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich., June 5, 2022. Lt. Col. Gawrych relinquished command of the 110th Security Forces Squadron to Maj. John Wilkinson.

U.S. Air Force Col. Melvin Maxwell, left, 60th Mission Support Group commander, recognizes Airmen assigned to the 60th Security Forces Squadron during a National Police Week event at Travis Air Force Base, California, May 17, 2022. The 60th SFS celebrated National Police Week by organizing events to honor all Defenders, Masters-at-Arms, Air Force Office of Special Investigations members and law enforcement officers who have served, are currently serving and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. Al Knapp, 914th Aircraft Maintenance Group commander, stands next to Lt. Col. Jessica Denzer, incoming commander of the 914th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron during an Assumption of Command Ceremony, April 23, 2022 at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. Command of the 914 AMXS was given to Denzer during this ceremony by the passing of the squadron guidon, which symbolizes responsibility and trust in the presence of the entire unit.

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

Lt. Gen. Maria Barrett, U.S. Army Cyber Command commanding general, passes the guidon of the Cyber Protection Brigade to Col. Christopher Stauder, incoming CPB commander, during a change of command ceremony at Fort Gordon, Georgia, Oct. 27, 2022. (Photo by Shatara Riis)

Leaders from the 435th Air Expeditionary Wing and 449th Air Expeditionary Group stand at attention during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 31, 2022. U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Chambers assumed command of the 449th AEG from Col. Matthew Bartlett in a ceremony presided over by Col. Calvin Powell, vice commander of the 435th AEW.

Lt. Col. Megan Davis, 303rd Intelligence Squadron incoming commander, receives her first salute as commander during the 303rd IS assumption of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 18, 2022. The first salute rendered is a tradition to honor the new commander upon their assumption of command.

The 416th Theater Engineer Command (TEC) Commanding General Maj. Gen. Matthew V. Baker accepts the guidon from the 647th Regional Support Group (RSG) outgoing Commander Army Reserve Col. Michael W. Miller during a Change of Command Ceremony at the Wichita Veterans Memorial Park in Wichita, Kan. April 9, 2022. The Change of Command ceremony marks the moment when the unit leadership changes, and the transfer of responsibility is complete. The 647th RSG is headquartered at the 1st Lt. Lanny J. Wallace Army Reserve Center in Wichita, Kan. and is a deployable headquarters that manages base camps and provides support to troops when mobilized. (Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Anaidy G. Claudio)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Linda Hurry, director of logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff for logistics, engineering and force protection, coins Staff Sgt. Ian Bigger, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aircraft inspection craftsman, at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 30, 2023. During her visit, Hurry recognized Airmen from all across the installation for their superior performance in improving logistics mission capabilities.

Sgt. Major Tom A. Dow Jr., incoming senior enlisted advisor, receives the Program Executive Office Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO TRI) colors from Ms. Karen D. H. Saunders, SES, program executive officer for PEO STRI, during a change of responsibility ceremony in Orlando, Fla., April 7. During the ceremony, Sgt. Major Steven A. Brown turned over his duties as senior enlisted advisor.

Fifteen Minnesota National Guard and two Croatian Soldiers are competing in Minnesotas Best Warrior Competition April 7-10, 2022, at Camp Ripley. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers nominated by units across the state. Croatia and Minnesota have worked together for 25 years as part of the National Guards State Partnership Program. Minnesotas winners will move on to compete against the best Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from states across the region at Camp Ripley in May. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Robert Brown)

Col. Silas Darden, 960th Cyberspace Wing vice commander, Col. Joshua Garrison, 860th Cyberspace Operations Group commander, and Col. Thaddeus Janicki, 860th COG former commander, stand together during the 860th COG change of commander ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 15, 2022.

U.S. Soldiers with the 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, family and friends gather for a change of responsibility ceremony at Muir Army Airfield. During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Livolsi passed the brigades senior enlisted leader responsibilities to Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Huttle.

Lt. Col. Michael C. Cusack, staff judge advocate, speaks during a ceremony honoring the members of the Fort Rucker Soldier and Family Legal Assistance Office for being the only team in the U.S. Army selected to receive the American Bar Association's Legal Assistance Distinguished Service Award, at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence June 24, 2022.

U.S. Army Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment hosted a redeployment ceremony in Ansbach, Germany on Feb. 26. Alpha Btry commanded by U.S. Army Capt. Michael Archer deployed the Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) air defense system to Poland, Slovakia, and Romania reinforcing NATOs Easter Flank in Aug. 2023, marking the first operational deployment of the M-SHORAD platform.

Lt. Col. Jeremy McCraney, right, 702 Munitions Maintenance Squadron commander, relinquishes the guidon to Col. Michael Clancy, 52nd Munitions Maintenance Group commander, at Buechel Air Base, Germany, June 23, 2022. McCraney commanded the 702 MUNSS for two years, and earned the German Armed Forces cross of honor in silver.

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

Col. Tracy J. Ostrom, commander, 528th Hospital Center (left), and Command Sgt. Maj. Thuan V. Cao, senior enlisted advisor, 528th HC, case the colors during the Transfer of Authority Ceremony, Jan. 8,2024, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The 3rd Medical Command (Forward) provides comprehensive health service support throughout the theater. They possess a deep portfolio of specialties that includesexpeditionary surgical, dental, optometry, preventive medicine, and veterinary services that offers fly-away capability anywhere in theater.

Airman 1st Class Kevin Buckner, representing the 151st Air Refueling Wing, is awarded Utah National Guards Airman of the Year 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.

2nd Lt. Rhallane Reese, chaplain candidate, leads a prayer during Engineer Company Advisor Team 6520, 5th Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Regiment, 54th Security Forces Brigade, call to duty ceremony at the Maj. Gen. Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2024. This is the fifth employment for the 5/54. The advisors support the ongoing importance of employing advisor teams into regions of international competition to bolster national security globally. Army National Guard

Soldiers assigned to the Military Intelligence Readiness Command and U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) - Army Reserve, pose for a photograph 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

120 Soldiers return home from deployment Feb. 9 as they are embraced by loved ones. The group deployed in May 2023 in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. The certified Military Police Officers were sent to bases in Germany and Italy to provide law enforcement support for the garrisons of Wiesbaden, Kaiserslautern, Baumholder and Vicenza. While there, the unit covered all law enforcement functions of the Military Police Branch to include traffic enforcement, Access Control Point operations, disturbance calls, responding to traffic accidents, security patrols and community policing. Soldiers spent nine months on rotation supporting over 100,000 Soldiers, Families, and civilians across four unique installations. A homecoming ceremony was held at Fort Johnson's Warrior Gym. Army

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Barnes, center, commander of the 407th Air Expeditionary Group, presents Lt. Col. Nicholas Redenius, the outgoing commander of the 61st Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, with the Meritorious Service Medal during a redesignation and change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, April 2, 2022. The 61st EAS was deactivated and redesignated as the 41st EAS.

Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing Commander, sheathes the Wing Ceremonial Sword presented by Staff Sgt. Michael Smith, 374th Maintenance Squadron metals technology craftsman, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 15, 2022. Smith volunteered over three weeks worth of time to create the ceremonial sword.

Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th Airlift Wing Commander, sheathes the Wing Ceremonial Sword presented by Staff Sgt. Michael Smith, 374th Maintenance Squadron metals technology craftsman, at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Sept. 15, 2022. Smith volunteered over three weeks worth of time to create the ceremonial sword.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Robert W. Hartzog, command sergeant major of the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade from the Texas Army National Guard (center), provides remarks of appreciation to Sgt. Daniel T. Clavin, signal operations support sergeant, 25U, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3-142 Assault Helicopter Battalion from the New York Army National Guard, during a command and staff meeting held at the 36th CAB headquarters in Camp Bhuering, Kuwait, Sept. 15, 2022. Clavin, a native of Farmingville, NY, was presented a Certificate of Appreciation by the brigade command team for his timely actions over procuring and installing over 40 workstations within two days, required to meet operational standards for the Task Force Rough Rider's Tactical Operations Center.

U.S. Army Tracy G. Monteith, in coming commander of the 359th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, passes the 359th TTSB guidon back to Command Sgt. Maj. Sheldon Gray to complete the passage of command during the change of command ceremony at Barton Field on Fort Gordon in Augusta, Ga on June 26, 2022. Col. Travis A. Hartman relinquished command of the 359th TTSB to Col. Tracy G. Monteith, ceremony was presided over by Major. Gen. John H. Phillips, commanding general, 335th Signal Command Theater.

Col. Aaron Martin, outgoing Commander of the 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, completed two consecutive years of command and relinquished the controls to Col. Benjamin Boardman in their change of command ceremony on June 30, 2022. Col. Martin received the legion of merit for his successful completion of command.

Sgt. Joshua Kleinhans of Kiel, Wisconsin, a Fire Control Specialist with the Wisconsin National Guards B Battery, 1st Battalion, 121st Field Artillery Regiment and Spc. Kyle Lawson of Fort Wayne, Indiana, an Infantryman with the Indiana National Guards C Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 134th Infantry Regiment stand for regonition for second and third place during an award ceremony. They were part of twelve National Guard Soldiers who competed in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, participated in an awards ceremony. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Livolsi shares remarks during a change of responsibility ceremony at Muir Army Airfield. During the ceremony, Livolsi passed the brigades senior enlisted leader responsibilities to Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Huttle.

Maj. Gen. Sherrie L. McCandless (left) commanding general, District of Columbia National Guard, passes the 113th Wing unit guidon to Brig. Gen. Shannon D. Smith as he assumes command of the unit in a ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, July 15th, 2022.

Senior Airman April Dishneau(Right) of the 168th Wing, 168th Force Support Squadron was promoted to Senior Airman during the June drill in the Alaska Air National Guard. A ceremony was held to celebrate her accomplishments and Clement's Services Senior Enlisted Leader(left) said a few words during the ceremony. The Force Support Squadron Services provides quality of life to the Wing's members and their families performing duties to keep our unit operational, including fitness, feeding Airmen, lodging, mortuary affairs, and the management and accounting procedures needed to support the mission.

U.S. Air Force Col. Richard McElhaney, 36th Contingency Response Group commander, passes the guidon to Maj. Kaitlyn E. Roes, 644th Combat Communication Squadron commander, during the 644 CBCS assumption of command ceremony at Northwest Field, Guam, July 14, 2022. Before assuming command, Roes was a full-time student at the Army Command and General Staff College.

The USAMU Color Guard stands before the audience during the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Change of Responsibility Ceremony at Fort Benning, Georgia on September 30, 2022.

Warrant Officer Katherine Strobel, takes command of the 202nd Army Band and addresses her new Soldiers during a change of command ceremony at Wellman Armory on Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky., September 24, 2022.

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. - Members from the Robins Air Force Base Airmen Leadership Course, Class-22 Foxtrot, retire the flag during a retreat ceremony at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Aug. 26th, 2022. Retiring the flag is representative of two things- the end of the official duty day and paying respect to the flag and what it stands for.

Members from the 509th Bomb Wing pose for a group photo during a Community College of the Air Force graduation ceremony at the Mission's End club on Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 2, 2022. The CCAF serves over 300,000 Airmen and awarding over 22,000 associate in applied science degrees annually.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Wilbur Oles, Marine Medium Tilt-Rotor Squadron 163, commanding officer (Left) and USMC Sgt. Maj Andres Swisher (Right), VMM-163 Sergeant Major, fold the unit colors during a Transfer of Authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 1, 2022. The folding of the colors symbolizes the relinquishment of authority of a mission. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas Johns)

The 422nd Air Base Group base honor guard present the colors during a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Croughton, England, June 6, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

From left to right: U.S. Army Col. Troy V. Alexander, United States Army North Atlantic Treaty Organization Brigade (USANATO) commander and incoming Command Sgt. Maj. Kisha M. Thomas render honors during an Assumption of Responsibility ceremony on Jan. 19, 2023 at Sembach, Germany. The USANATO BDE is a diverse command of over 1,000 Soldiers and Civilians assigned to support NATO missions and commands across 82 locations in 22 countries.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 114th Space Control Squadron based at Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, are honored at a deployment ceremony ahead of their departure, Sept. 23, 2022. The Airmen will be supporting Operation JUNIPER SHIELD and providing non-kinetic effects to combatant commanders in support of global theater campaigns.

U.S. ARMY JAPAN held a patching ceremony at Yano Field in CAMP ZAMAJAPAN on JUNE 17th, 2022, authorizing both U.S Army Soldiers and JapanSelf-Defense Force members to wear the new patch that symbolizes theirenduring bilateral relationship.

Senior Master Sgt. Dwight N. Watkins, right, network sections chief for the 157th Air Operations Group, salutes Capt. Garth Myers, 157th Air Communications Flight commander, during his retirement ceremony, June 26, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Watkins has served over 25 years.

U.S. Army Capt. Robert Scarborough and 1st Sgt. Charles Price from the 8th Ordnance Company, 264th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, case the guidon on Fort Liberty, N.C., Feb. 27, 2024. During the casing ceremony, it is customary for the unit's flag, or its colors, to be properly stored prior to the unit's deployment. Army

Royal Canadian Air Force, 2 Air Movements Squadron, Canadian Forces Base Trenton, Team Spirit award winners, pose for a photo during the Port Dawg Rodeo at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, June 24, 2022. Fourteen teams of port dawgs from around the world competed in five events in order to earn the honor of Top Dawg: a pallet-building competition, a 10k forklift skills course, a 25K loader aircraft upload, a combat fitness challenge and a center of balance knowledge test.

A new commanding officer took charge of the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) during a change of command ceremony marking the formal transition of command from outgoing commander Colonel Joseph H. Parker to Colonel Kyle M. Hogan. The event was held aboard Naval Air Station Corpus Christi on Friday, July 15. L-R: COL Kyle M. Hogan, General Kenneth T. Royar, MSG Joshua McKee, Colonel Joseph H. Parker.

U.S. Army Col. Deon D. Maxwell Sr.(middle), USAMMC-E commander passes the unit colors to Master Sgt. Charles W. Douglas, incoming Senior Enlisted Advisor during a change of command & relinquishment of responsibility ceremony, July 8, 2022 at Kaiserslautern, Germany. Col. Deon D. Maxwell Sr. assumed command of the unit from Col. Shane A. Roach and Master Sgt. Charles W. Douglas assumed responsibility from Sgt. Maj. Francis V. Famularcano.

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing bow their heads during the invocation for the 378th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron change of command ceremony, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nov 29, 2022. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that signifies the formal transfer of authority and command responsibility of a unit from one officer to another.

U.S. Army Col. Stephen Capeheart, commander of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division(left), and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Chaney, command sergeant major of the 3ABCT(right), uncase the brigade colors during a transfer of authority ceremony at Zagan, Poland, June 23, 2022. This ceremony marked the end of an 11-month rotation for the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Soldiers, and the beginning of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Divisions rotation.

U.S. Air Force Col. Pete Boone, commander, 156th Wing, speaks to Airmen during the mid-year commanders all-call at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, June 5, 2022. Wing leadership spoke about the strategic vision for the wing, the threat of U.S. adversaries, as well as the importance of maintaining readiness.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, right, Third Air Force commander, passes the Third Air Force guidon to Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa commander, left, during Randalls final commander's call at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 18, 2022. Third Air Force exercises delegated authority over assigned forces including personnel management, General Courts Martial Convening Authority, and advising subordinate commands on requirements, programs, and budget.

U.S. Army Col. David T. Hatcher, commander of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Hawaii Army National Guard hands the guidon to Command Sgt. Maj. Brandon I. Kumalae, incoming command sergeant major of the 29th IBCT 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 which commemorates the relinquishment of responsibility by passing the unit's colors from one senior noncommissioned officer to another.

Army Reserve Capt. Ryan Johnston, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 63rd Readiness Division, passes the unit guidon to Army Reserve 1st Sgt. Salvador Nieto-Gallardo, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 63rd Readiness Division, during a change of command ceremony, June 10, 2022, at the Sgt. James T. Witkowski Armed Forces Reserve Center in Mountain View, Calif.

From left to right: U.S. Army Col. Joshua D. Hirsch, outgoing 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command commander, Maj. Gen. Heidi J. Hoyle, commanding general of Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command and Col. Robert L. Kellam incoming 598th Transportation Brigade, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command commander, render honors while the German and American National Anthem play at a change of command ceremony, July 11, 2022, at Daenner Kaserne, Kaiserslautern, Germany. The 598th TBDE executes mission command for strategic seaport operations in support of both U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command.

Col. Terry R. Tillis, right, commander of the "Spartan Brigade," 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, addresses Soldiers and Families of the "BattleKings Battalion," 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, during the BattleKings' change of command ceremony on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 14, 2022. The change of command ceremony signifies the transfer of command and with it the responsibility for the readiness and welfare of the unit's Soldiers and Families.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, the U.S. Army Surgeon General, and MEDCOM Commanding General (right) passes the unit colors to Brig. Gen. Clinton Murray incoming Regional Health Command Europe commander (left) during a change of command ceremony June 1, 2022 at Kirchberg Kaserne, Landstuhl, Germany. Murray assumed command of RHCE from Brig. Gen. Mark Thompson.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nick W. Biggs, outgoing commander, 191st Air Refueling Squadron, passes the guideon to Col. Douglas Foster, commander, 151st Operations Group, at a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022 at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Utah. Change of commands are rooted in rich military history which allows subordinates to witness the formality of command change from one officer to another.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Brown relinquished responsibility of the 208th RTI to Command Sgt. Maj. William Frank during a Change of Responsibility ceremony at the Regional Training Institute Plaza, Fort Harrison, Mont. on July 19.

Col. Nathaniel Rusin, left, 480th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing commander, receives the guidon from Col. Garry Floyd, right, 694th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group outgoing commander, during a change of command at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, 8 July, 2022. The passing of the guidon from an outgoing commander to an incoming commander ensures the unit and its Airmen are never without leadership.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jeremy Ponn, right, incoming commander of the 387th Air Expeditionary Group, assumes command and receives the 387th AEG guidon flag from Col. Clinton Wilson, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, during an assumption of command ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 30, 2022. Col. Jeremy Ponn, incoming commander, 387th AEG, succeeded Col. Josh Pyers, outgoing commander, 387th AEG.

U.S. Army Col. John B. Mountford is promoted to Brig. Gen. by U.S. Army Europe & Africa Commanding General, Gen. Darryl A. Williams along with Brig. Gen. Mountfords wife during his promotion ceremony at Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, Jan. 19, 2024. Brig. Gen. Mountford serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff of Operations at Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) in United Kingdom. The ARRC is a rapid reaction force maintained by NATO and is capable of deploying a High Readiness Force Headquarters at short notice for operations and crisis response.

Col. Jim Waldrop, right, incoming commander of 1st Brigade, 104th Training Division, receives the unit colors from Brig. Gen. Rodney J. Fischer, the 104th Training Division commanding general, during a change of command ceremony July 2 at the General George Patton Museum of Leadership, Fort Knox, Ky. During the ceremony outgoing commander Col. Mark P. Dedrick relinquished command of 1st Brigade to Waldrop.

U.S. Air Force Col. Frederick Coleman, 505th Command and Control Wing commander, left, handing the squadrons guidon to Lt. Col. Alex Botardo, 505th Communications Squadron commander, right, during a change of command ceremony, Hurlburt Field, Florida, June 10, 2022. The squadron directly supports the annual training of more than 60,000 joint and coalition warfighters with a primary focus on the operational level of command and control. U.S. Air Force Col. Frederick Coleman, 505th Command and Control Wing commander, left, handing the squadrons guidon to Lt. Col. Alex Botardo, 505th Communications Squadron commander, right, during a change of command ceremony, Hurlburt Field, Florida, June 10, 2022. The squadron directly supports the annual training of more than 60,000 joint and coalition warfighters with a primary focus on the operational level of command and control. (U.S. Air Force photographer Shelton Keel)

U.S. Airmen with the 156th Wing Honor Guard, present the colors during the 156th Wing 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.

U.S. Army Col. Jake Miller, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Resmondo, 128th Aviation Brigade command team, recognized Soldiers of the 1st and 2d Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment and Company B, 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment Initial Entry Soldiers who assisted with the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command change of command ceremony last week by serving as color bearers, color guard, and salute battery, during an awards presentation ceremony at Fort Eustis, Virginia, Sept. 12, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Ashley Montgomery, 386th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron Personnel Support for Contingency Operations team chief, sings the national anthem at the Patriot Day memorial ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, September 11, 2022. Airmen and coalition partners gathered for the ceremony to honor and remember the lives lost 21 years ago in the United States.

Col Kenneth Jensen (right) accepts the guidon from Col Gregory Buchanan (left),459th Air Refueling Wing commander, during his assumption of command of the 459th Maintenance Group.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Mosser, U.S. Army Reserve Command deputy commanding general, passes command to Brig. Gen. Cary Cowan Jr. at a change of command ceremony on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 26, 2022. Cowan previously served as deputy commanding general for the 200th MP Command.

The U.S. Air Forces 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron held its inactivation ceremony on Sept. 29, 2022, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The 968th EAACS flew its last sortie, until reactivation, in AFCENTs area of responsibility on Sept. 23, 2022. The Panthers accomplished their mission but will be back again when needed.

The U.S. Army Reserves 200th Military Police Command welcomed Brig. Gen. Cary Cowan Jr. as its new commanding general during a change-of-command ceremony Aug. 26 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Cowan assumed command from Maj. Gen. John Hussey during the ceremony, which was presided over by Maj. Gen. Gregory Mosser, U.S. Army Reserve Command deputy commanding general.

Col. Timothy Gallagher, 4th Cavalry "Saber" Brigade Commander, presides over the Change of Command Ceremonies for 3rd Battalion, 409th Regiment, Mustang Battalion, 4th Cavalry Brigade, 1st Army Division East, at the General George Patton Museum of Leadership, June 24, 2022, where Mustang Commander Lt. Col. Thomas Carver relinquished command to Lt. Col. Michael Caldwell.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Willard M. Burleson IIICommanding General, Eighth Army (Center), Col. Anne-Marie R. Wiersgalla (Left) outgoing Brigade Commander, and Col. Christopher S. McClure (Right) incoming Brigade Commander during the 1st Theater Signal Brigade Change of Command Ceremony held at Camp Humphreys, Republic of South Korea, July 7, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bridget Zorn, right, the incoming commander of the 264th Combat Communications Squadron, receives command of the squadron from 182nd Mission Support Group commander Col. Steven Rice during a ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. Zorn previously served as the commander of the Missouri Air National Guards 239th Combat Communications Squadron for four years before transferring to the Peoria-based unit.

Col. Sean Rassas, 926th Wing commander, passes the guidon to Col. Christopher Zorich as he assumes command of the 926th Operations Group Dec. 9, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. (U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Lucretia Cunningham)

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