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.

U.S. Air National Guard Col. Nate Aysta assumes command of the 148th Fighter Wing from Col. Chris Blomquist at the 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth, Minn., Sept. 10, 2022. U.S. Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General presided over the Change of Command Ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Tyrell McClora, left, senior enlisted leader of the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group, presents the 386th EMDG guidon flag as Col. Clinton Wilson, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, and Col. Richard Palmer, the outgoing commander of the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group, furl the 386th EMDG guidon flag at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 30, 2022. The 386th EMDG was deactivated and redesignated as the 386th EMDS.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Sage, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing commander, receives the 332d Expeditionary Maintenance Group guidon from Col. William Chudko, relinquishing 332d EMXG commander, during a combined inactivation ceremony at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, April 6, 2022. This group inactivation signifies a shift in the 332d AEWs organizational structure to an A-Staff construct, mirroring major commands and Air Force headquarters to more readily identify staff equivalents at the joint operating level; it optimizes internal communication and creates more efficient interfacing with other services.

U.S. Air Force Col. Mansour Elhihi, 125th Operations Group commander, delivers comments at the deployment ceremony for the 114th Space Control Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida, 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. Air Force Col. Jason Purdy, 23rd Maintenance Group commander, left, passes the guidon to Maj. Tyler Gibson, 75th Fighter Generation Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 22, 2022. Gibson accepted command of the 75th FGS. The passing of the guidon represents the official change of leadership within a unit.

Lt. Gen. Jon Jensen, left, director of the Army National Guard, presents a directors coin of excellence to Sgt. Travarus Franklin, with the Group Support Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, Alabama Army National Guard during exercise Northern Strike at Camp Grayling, Michigan, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Coins were presented to Franklin - as well as Staff Sgt. Henry Hunter, to Franklins left, and Spc. Demetrius Jackson, both with the same unit - in recognition of their work and effort as the unit prepared to take part in the exercise.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Richard T. Childers, center, the newly minted Expeditionary District Commander, poses with Maj. Gen. Kimberly Colloton, Commanding General of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division, along with Sgt. Maj. Joseph Taylor, far left, the Expeditionary Districts senior enlisted advisor, Col. Craig Baumgartner, Transatlantic Division's Chief of Staff, and Lt. Col. Peter M. Ammerman, far right, the former Commander. (Photo by Ahmed Magdy, ASG-Kuwait Training Support Center)

U.S. Army Capt. Olivia Schretzman, 511th Engineer Dive Detachment commander, delivers remarks during a pre-deployment ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, September 9, 2022. Soldiers with the detachment are deploying to support Operation Spartan Shield 2023 as a part of Task Force Spartan.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Harley, 138 Fighter Wing Judge Advocate, issues the oath of office to 1st Lt. Nancy Mock, 138 FW Judge Advocate, at the Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla., Oct. 2, 2022. Judge advocates handle a large range of possible legal issues including international law, operations law, environmental law and military and civilian personnel issues. (Photo by Oklahoma Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Alyssa Smalley)

U.S. Air Force Col. Sandra Nestor assumes command of the 509th Medical Group and receives the ceremonial guidon from U.S. Air Force Col. Daniel Diehl, 509th Bomb Wing commander, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 20, 2022. The 509th MDG supports the 509th BW and Whiteman AFB tenant units by providing medical support, community health and wellness, and mission-ready medical Airmen.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Amanda Altman, right, 422d Communications Squadron incoming commander, receives the guidon from Col. Jon T. Hannah, 422d Air Base Group commander, during an assumption of command ceremony at RAF Croughton, England, June 27, 2022. Altman completed an Air University Fellowship at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, prior to assuming command of the 422d CS.

Lt. Col. Kenneth Green, 40th Helicopter Squadroncommander, and Mr. Terry Kroeger, USSTRATCOMconsultation committee member, trade challenge coinsduring the 2022 Omaha Trophy presentation at MalmstromAir Force Base, Mont., June 28, 2023. The StrategicCommand Consultation Committee coin is one of the rarestchallenge coins given out, as only the commanders of unitswho have won the Omaha Trophy can receive it.

Col. Michael S. Johnson, 110th Aviation Brigade commander, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Col. Bryan Whittier, 1st Battalion, 11th Aviation Regiment outgoing commander, at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

Col. David Key, the commander of the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, reenlists Staff Sgt. Zackary Folks, a mortuary affairs specialist assigned to the brigade on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Dec. 9, 2022. Folks was recognized for his dedication to the 3rd DSB and for continuing his service by re-enlisting for three more years.

Army Col. David Newman, Commanding Officer of the 561st Regional Support Group (RSG), and Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Leising Command Sgt. Maj. of the 561st RSG, uncase the 561st RSG's colors at a transfer of authority ceremony, November 18, 2022 at Fort Hood, Texas. With the transfer of authority, the 561st Regional support Group takes on the task of supporting mobilizing and demobilizing National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers.

The 405th Army Field Support Brigade commander, Col. Brad Bane, passes the Army Field Support Battalion-Africa colors to Lt. Col. Alexander Amato signifying Amatos official appointment as commander of AFSBn-Africa. Amato assumed command of the battalion from Lt. Col. Miguel Flores during a ceremony at Leghorn Army Deport in Livorno, Italy, June 10. (photo by Vincenzo Vitiello)

Chief Master Sgt. Gary Reny, officially retired during a ceremony on Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, Sep. 10, 2022. Reny celebrated his retirement after 35 years of honorable military service with many family members and friends.

U.S. Army Reserve Col. Faith Junghahn, commander (left) passes the unit colors to Master Sgt. Brenda L. Vejar, senior enlisted leader (right), both with the Medical Support Unit-Europe, 7th Mission Support Command during a change of command ceremony, Sep 11, 2022 at Kleber Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Junghahn assumed command of the unit from Col. Trent Loiseau.

Adm. Charles Richard, left, U.S. Strategic Command commander, and Gen. Anthony Cotton, right, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, pin the Joint Meritorious Unit Award ribbon on the Air Force flag at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana on May, 18, 2022. The JMUA was given to AFGSC in recognition of the commands efforts and achievements during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. AFGSC ensured mission success across three intercontinental ballistic missile wings and 495 remote facilities across the nations northern-tier bases, enabling U.S. Strategic Command to meet mission readiness capabilities.

U.S. Army South Commanding General, William L. Thigpen, passes the Army South colors to the incoming senior enlisted leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald J. Graves, at JBSA - Fort Sam Houston, April 15, 2022. Now as we bid farewell to one great leader, the Army always gets it right and replaces that person with another outstanding leader. That is absolutely the case today as we welcome Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald J. Graves to our team. said Thigpen. Graves, a native of Tipler Wisconsin, joined the U.S. Army in 1995 and most recently served as the command sergeant major for the Army Test and Evaluation Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

Staff Sgt. Ashely Froberg, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) specialist assigned to 21st CBRN Company, receives the winning trophy from Major Gen. Antonio V. Munera, commanding general for the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command July 14 at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Froberg and her teammates represented the Fort Hood, Texas-based 48th Chemical Brigade in the 20th CBRNE Command's Best Squad Competition and will compete in the U.S. Army Forces Command's Best Squad competition set to begin August 13 at Fort Hood, Texas.

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 37 years of service to the nation, the Army and the military health system.

The Best-in-Language French 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

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian T. Stahl, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group commander, presents the 361st Expeditionary Attack Squadron guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Peterson, 361st EATKS incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia April 1, 2022. A change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander. The 361 EATKS operates and maintains remotely piloted aircraft in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE.

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. - U.S. Space Force Col. Christopher Fernengel, Space Delta 3 - Space Electromagnetic Warfare commander, second from right, publishes the order to re-designate the 4th, 5th and 16th Space Control Squadrons to the 4th, 5th and 16th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadrons during their re-designation ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, April 15, 2022. The 4th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron trains, equips, and mobilizes to employ space electromagnetic warfare capabilities in order to support full spectrum national security objectives. The 5th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron provides combat-ready electromagnetic warfare forces to the commander, U.S. Space Command in order to protect and defend US and allied global operations. The 16th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron provides combat-ready space warfighters to defend the space domain with space control systems for our Nation, the Joint Force and allies.

Members of the 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron render their first salute to U.S. Air Force Col. Thomas Preston, commander of the 33rd Maintenance Group, during a change of command ceremony at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, June 24, 2022. The first salute is a customary sign of respect and responsibility between members of the unit and the commander. The change of command ceremony represents the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one individual to another. The ceremony has been a tradition in military history dating back to the 18th century.

Sgt. Maj. Jun Tomagan, the Expeditionary District Senior Enlisted Advisor, passes the unit colors to Col. Kenneth N. Reed, the outgoing Expeditionary District Commander, during a Relinquishment of Command ceremony, April 25, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Maj. Gen. Kimberly Colloton, Commanding General of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division, 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. Lt. Col. Peter M. Ammerman, the interim Expeditionary District Commander, 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 Brig. Gen. Jeannine Ryder, left, 59th Medical Wing and Market Director, San Antonio Military Health System, prepares to present USAF Col. David Walmsley, right, out-going commander, 59th Training Group the Legion of Merit during the change of command, June 24, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.

Col. Jason T. Edwards, right, passes the Soldier Support Institute colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Wilson, center, during an assumption of command ceremony Aug. 2 at the SSI auditorium. Edwards assumed command of the institute from Col. Cort J. Hunt, acting commander.

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command welcomes new Commanding General, Gen. Gary Brito.U.S. Army Photo by Jean Wines.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Thomas, reveals the 167th Communications Squadron guidon held by Senior Master Sgt. Jason Ruby, as Master Sgt. Jacob Kent holds the 167th Communications Flight guidon before it is retired during a ceremony marking the redesignation the 167th Communications Flight to a squadron at the 167th Airlift Wing, Martinsburg, West Virginia, February 3, 2024. Air National Guard

The 10th Mountain Division holds an award ceremony for the top five squads that competed in D-Series at the Magrath Sports Complex, Fort Drum, N.Y. Jan. 19, 2024. Todays D-Series commemorates the trials and tribulations of the inaugural class of the 10th Mountain Division, experienced during the culminating event held in 1944 that bears the same name.

Liberty Wing Airmen salute a flight of volunteers after the flag folding at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Sept. 16, 2022. Airmen from across the wing volunteer to carry a flag in honor of those who are still missing but never forgotten during a 24-hour vigil run held annually at RAF Lakenheath.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, left, director, Air National Guard, presents his commander's challenge coin to Master Sgt. Thomas Schmidt, 128th Airborne Command and Control Squadron, 116th Air Control Wing (ACW), Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Aug. 2, 2022. Loh recognized Schmidt for superior performance during a visit to the 116th ACW.

U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Shelton, 505th Test and Training Group commander, left, hands the 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron guidon from Lt. Col. Leslie Woll, 605th TES incoming commander, Hurlburt Field Florida, July 28, 2022. The 605th TES conducts operational tests, including cybersecurity assessments, as well as tactics development and evaluation of upgrades to systems. The 605th TES also provides support for developmental testing and various other major command and joint special projects.

U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer John C. Beck, outgoing Command Master Chief of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, speaks to Marines and Sailors of 2nd MLG after a Change of Charge Ceremony on Camp Johnson, North Carolina, Jan. 10, 2024. During the Ceremony Command Master Chief Joseph L. Johnson assumed the office of the Command Master Chief of 2nd Marine Logistics Group from Master Chief Petty Officer John C. Beck.

Outgoing Andrew Rader U.S. Army Health Clinic commander Lt. Col. Jessica Milloy relinquishes command to Col. Tracy Michael, commander of the Fort George G. Meade Medical Department Activity, June 16.

Ohio Air National Guard leadership from around the state attend a change of command ceremony at the Toledo Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Chad Holesko assumed command of the 180th Fighter Wing from Col. Michael DiDio.

Col. Shahram Takmili passes the organizational colors to Brig. Gen. Charlene Dalto representing the relinquishing of command during the 300th Military Intelligence Brigade change-of-command ceremony, Aug. 6, 2022, at Camp Williams, Utah. During the ceremony, Col. Shahram Takmili relinquished command to Col. Cody Strong.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, center, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa commander, pins on a meritorious service medal on Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, right, Third Air Force commander, during Randalls final commanders call at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, May 18, 2022. Third Air Force is the only numbered Air Force for USAFE-AFAFRICA, consisting of 10 wings geographically spread from the Cape of Good Hope, Africa to the Arctic.

Army Reserve drill sergeant Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Ousley, left, presents the American flag to recently retired 1st Sgt. James S. Ward, right, during a retirement ceremony at the General George Patton Leadership Museum July 1, Fort Knox, Ky. The 104th Training Division hosted a ceremony to honor the retirement of four Soldiers with more than 100 years of combined service July 1 at the General George Patton Museum of Leadership, Fort Knox Kentucky - Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Mattingly, Ward, 1st Sgt. William J. Henderson, and Sfc. James Greco.

Capt. Rose McCann, team chief, 1st Regiment, 338th Training Support Battalion, administers the Oath of Reenlistment to Sgt. Zachary Shearer on Feb. 4, 2023, Fort McCoy, Wis.

Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Toohey, commander, 4th Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne) toasts the Special Forces Regiment during a graduation ceremony at Fort Bragg, North Carolina August 18, 2022. The ceremony marked the completion of the Special Forces Qualification Course where Soldiers earned the honor of wearing the green beret, the official headgear of Special Forces.

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

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mikael Sundin, 1st Air Force Command Chief, gives a challenge coin to Senior Airman Derrick Angiletta, a crew chief, assigned to the Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing Aerospace Control Alert mission, at the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, July 6, 2022. Sundin visited the 180FW to speak with Airmen and reinforce the importance of the 180FWs role in NORADs Homeland Defense mission, maintaining robust capabilities to defend the airspace over Canada, Alaska, and the continental U.S.

The Best-in-Language Arabic 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

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Bulldog Troop, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, pass the guidon to relinquish and assume command during a Change of Command Ceremony at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Dec. 2, 2022. Capt. John Afdem relinquished command of the troop to Capt Isak Visser.

Col. Joseph Kramer, 7th Bomb Wing commander, stands beside Col. Brady Wilkins, outgoing 7th Maintenance Group commander, during a Change of Command ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, May 13, 2022. Changes of command in the military are a tradition that formally represent the transfer of authority from one leader to another.

Maj. Gen. John B. Richardson IV, 1st Cavalry Division commanding general (left), and Command Sgt. Maj. Shade S. Munday (right) stand with Staff Sgt. Brandy Treib, the 1st Cavalry Division Fiscal Year 2023 Career Counselor of the Year, at the division headquarters, Dec. 12, 2022.

Polish Land Forces Gen. Jarosław Mika, general commander of Branches of the Armed Forces, and U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Kolasheski, the commanding general of U.S. Army Fifth Corps, salute while Polands national anthem plays at the official renaming ceremony for Camp Kościuszko, Poznan, Poland, July 30, 2022. The renaming of the Forward Operating Site at Poznan to Camp Kościuszko represents the United States and Polands shared history and marks the beginning of the first permanent U.S. presence on NATOs eastern flank.

Air Force Maj. Gen. Leah Lauderback, director of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for the U.S Space Force, swears in Col. Louis Melancon during a transfer ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., June 7, 2022. Melancon transferred from the U.S. Army; he will be taking over as the director of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance for Space Systems Command.

Maj. Nathan B. Gadberry, 53rd Signal Battalion (Satellite Control) commander, cases the units colors for the last time with former and remaining Soldiers of the battalion on Dec. 5 at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado. Prior to the casing ceremony, the 53rd Signal Battalion was the oldest operational battalion under the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, first in the 1st Space Brigade before transferring to the Armys Satellite Operations Brigade in 2019.

U.S. Army Col. Scott P. Nicholas, commander of the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) from the Texas Army National Guard (center), accompanied by Command Sgt. Maj. Robert W. Hartzog, command sergeant major of the 36th CAB (left), congratulates 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, in order to meet operational standards for the Task Force Rough Rider's Tactical Operations Center.

Maj. Daniel Jamerson (right), outgoing 39th Force Support Squadron commander, relinquishes the guidon to Col. Christopher Robinson, 39th Mission Support Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, July 15, 2022. Robinson then charged Maj. Claudia Santos with leading the squadron. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility from one officer to another.

060710-A-7969G-007. Base: Bayji State: Salah Ad Din Country: Iraq (IRQ) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHEAST

The former commanding general for the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives (CBRNE) Command, Maj. Gen. Antonio V. Munera and his wife Tacy receive awards from U.S. Army Forces Command Deputy Commanding General Lt. Gen. Paul Calvert, Sept 7, during a change of command ceremony at the Myer Auditorium on Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Munera lead the command for two years and was replaced by Brig. Gen. Daryl O. Hood.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear presents the Kentucky Air National Guard Outstanding First Sergeant of the Year award to Master Sgt. Joshua Thompson during Leadership Development Day, held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 5, 2023. Thompson is first shirt for the 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

The 387th Military Police company conducted a color casing ceremony at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, Oct. 15, 2022. The 387th Military Police company has a rich history for its short span. It was first federally recognized on Nov. 6, 2006 in New Albany. The unit then deployed in 2009 with the 384th Military Police Combat support company to Mosul, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2010, the 387th Military Police Company responded to an earthquake in Haiti and again deployed two years later with the 381st Military Police Support Company in Afghanistan under Task Force Guardian in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2015, the unit was transferred to Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center. Then, in 2017 the unit mobilized in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. At the end of the ceremony, 387th Military Police Company commander, Cpt. Jay Ciesielczyk addressed the formation. I know the unit that receives you will be fortunate to have you in the

Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Patrick J. Muenks retirement ceremony takes place at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 23, 2022. Muenks retired after 41-years of dedicated service to the Missouri Army National Guard. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Stangl, commander of the 48th Maintenance Group, left, and Maj. Nathan Stroupe, commander of the 492nd Fighter Generation Squadron, right, stand at the position of attention during the 492nd and the 494th FGS activation and assumption of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, Oct. 21, 2022. Stroupe assumed command of the newly formed 492nd FGS.

Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron, addresses Col. David R. Lands, 192nd Mission Support Group commander, and the audience 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.

Lt. Col. Norm Smithers, Hawaii Army National Guard, Staff Exercise (STAFFEX) director of staff, and Col. Pam Ellison, Hawaii Army National Guard, STAFFEX chief of staff, deliver instructions at the conclusion of the academic phase of the staff exercise portion of Super Garuda Shield 2023 (SGS2023) before the teams formed for the planning portion in Surabaya, Indonesia, Sept. 02, 2023. #SuperGarudaShield 2023 is an annual exercise that has significantly grown in scope and size since 2009. #SGS2023 is the second consecutive time this exercise has grown into a combined and #joint event, highlighting the 7 participating and 12 observing nations commitment to #partnership and a #freeandopenindopacific.

On 29 April 2022 the 77th Sustainment Brigade had a Change of Command” on Sharp Field located on Fort Dix, NJ. The 77th SUS BDE headquarters is located on Fort Dix, NJ. The outgoing Commander COL Matthew M. Cain is passing the colors to the new incoming Commander COL Thomas J. Kim on the parade grounds. Also in attendance was BG Jake S. Kwon to celebrate this event. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix [TSC Training Support Center)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Mark Camerer, United States Air Force Expeditionary Center commander (left) passes the guidon to Col. Dan Cooley 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing incoming commander (right), at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 7, 2022. The wing provides rapid global mobility support en route in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East through aircraft maintenance, aerial port operations, command and control, expeditionary aircrew support, and aeromedical evacuation.

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Roy Yamada, G4 sergeant major and master of ceremonies for the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Hawaii Army National Guard, salutes the flag 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. Space Force Lt. Gen. Stephen Whiting (left) and Chief Master Sgt. John Bentivegna, Commander and Senior Enlisted Leader of Space Operations Command, recognize winners of the team award category at SpOC Headquarters at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, April 21, 2022.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Alyssa Kelleher, deputy commander of the 169th Regiment (Regional Training Institute), Connecticut Army National Guard, administers the oath of office to Cadet Jacob Melia, left, Cadet Luke Mooney, center, and Cadet Phil Rudak, right, during a commissioning ceremony held inside the auditorium of the Regional Training Institute at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Sept. 6, 2022. Each officer must recite the oath of office upon receiving their commission, during which they will swear to defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, pledge to bear true allegiance to the United States and to faithfully perform the duties of the office they are about to enter.

Brig. Gen. Ryan P. Keeney, left, 7th Air Force deputy commander, presents the guidon to Col. Tanner Woolsey, 607th Air Operations Center incoming commander, during an assumption of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Jan. 11, 2024. Prior to taking command, Woolsey served as the Chief of Combat Plans and Integrated Air and Missile Defense Divisions at the 613th Air Operations Center, assigned to Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom James, left, commander of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense, administers the oath of enlistment to U.S. Space Force Master Sgt. Maurice Erickson, right, first sergeant for the JTF-SD, during an interservice transfer ceremony at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Sept. 21, 2022. The official U.S. Space Force song, Semper Supra, was announced the day prior and played during the ceremony, completing Ericksons transition from Soldier to Guardian.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Jonathon N. Sims, 12th Marines Commanding Officer, and Japan Self- Defense Force Col. Watanabe Koki, 2d Division Chief of Staff, Northern Army, address participants during the opening ceremony of Resolute Dragon 22 at Yausubetsu Maneuver Area, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct. 1, 2022. Resolute Dragon 22 is an annual bilateral exercise designed to strengthen the defensive capabilities of the U.S.-Japan Alliance by exercising integrated command and control, targeting, combined arms, and maneuver across multiple domains.

(From Left)Maj. Gen. Matthew Baker, Commanding General of the 88th Readiness Division, Capt. Nathi Kijpatanasilp, 88th RD Headquarters Detachment Commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. James Flemister, acting Senior Enlisted Advisor of the 88th RD, stand before the unit the 88th RD command classroom at Fort McCoy, WI for Kijpatanasilp's promotion to Maj. on 19 Jan, 2024

Winners were announced at a banquet after the 2022 Sandhurst Military Skills Competition ended. The University of North Georgia received the ROTC cup and took 4th place overall out of 48 national and international teams. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Command Sgt. Maj. Jermaine Ocean (center), the senior enlisted leader and keeper of the colors for the 781st Military Intelligence Battalion (Cyber), following his assumption of duties during his change of responsibility ceremony, at the post theater January 23.

Lt. Col. Peter B. Walther from 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division takes command of the 2-35 IN Cacti from Lt. Col. Jason M. Wingeart during a change of command ceremony at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, June 1, 2022.

Maj. Gen. Greg Brady, Commanding General of the 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, recognizes Sgt. 1st Class Brent Lufkin, an air defender assigned to the 13th Missile Defense Battery, with a challenge coin during a visit to the battery in Israel on June 25, 2022. The 13th MDB, headquartered outside of Tel Aviv, is part of the strong and enduring mil-to-mil partnership between the IDF and the 10th AAMDC built on trust developed over decades of cooperation. The 10th AAMDC and IDF work together consistently to strengthen the interoperability necessary for maintaining and improving Israel's air and missile defense capacity.

New York Army Brig. Gen. Isabel Smith (L), Director Joint Staff, New York National passes the Joint Task Force Empire Shield guidon to New York Army National Guard Lt. Col. Jeffrey Roth, the incoming commander of Joint Task Force Empire Shield, during a change of command ceremony held at the Fort Hamilton Army Garrison Reserve Center, Brooklyn, NY, on May 9, 2022. Members of the New York Military Forces Joint Task Force Empire Empire Shield present the colors during the task force change of command ceremony at Fort Hamilton Brooklyn, New York on May 9, 2022. The Army and Air National Guardsmen, along with members of the New York Guard and New York Naval Militia assigned to the task force , and serving in State Active Duty status conduct homeland security operations, in the New York City Metropolitan Area, to deter and prevent terrorist acts. (Photo by Division of Military and Naval Affairs New York Guard Cpt Mark Getman)

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Keith Delgado, 102nd Medical Group (MDG) Senior Enlisted Leader, receives the rank of Chief Master Sergeant during his promotion ceremony on Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, Jan. 6, 2023. Prior to his promotion ceremony, Delgado was selected as 102nd MDG Senior NCO of the Quarter and 102nd Intelligence Wing SNCO of the Year. (Air National Guard

041107-F-3188G-037. Base: Al Dhafra Air Base Country: United Arab Emerites (UAE)

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Kostiantyn Stanislavchuk, right, engages with Airmen during a luncheon March 22, 2023, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The purpose of Chief Stanislavchuks visit was to enhance joint nation interoperability and discuss issues affecting the international community of enlisted Airmen.

The command team from 311th Signal Command, which included Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler and Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan DeHart visited the 41st Signal Battalion and had the opportunity to to recognize and give coins to some soldiers there.

The command team from 311th Signal Command, which included Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler and Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan DeHart visited the 41st Signal Battalion and had the opportunity to to recognize and give coins to some soldiers there.

General Randy George, Chief of Staff of the Army, with Sergeant Nolan Svoboda, a paratrooper assigned to the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division 2nd Battalion, 505th Infantry Regiment during the 2024 NASCAR Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024. The Daytona 500 is a 500-mile-long NASCAR Cup Series motor race held annually and is regarded as the most important and prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with Company A, 1-118th Infantry Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, stand in formation during a deployment ceremony at the Moncks Corner Armory in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Aug. 7, 2022. More than 130 Soldiers from the unit will be mobilized for approximately a year to support Operation Spartan Shield, Task Force Spartan and U.S. Army Central Command.

628th Air Base Wing annual award winners are presented with an award from 628th ABW leadership during the 2023 628th ABW Annual Awards Ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Feb. 8, 2024. 628th ABW leadership recognized the accomplishments in numerous categories to include enlisted Airmen, Sailors, officers, civilians, and teams. Air Force

Col. David R. Lands, 192nd Mission Support Group commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Sean Fretwell, 192nd MSG superintendent, hold an All Call for the group May 15, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. The leadership highlighted unit accomplishments and recognized outstanding MSG Airmen for their individual accomplishments.

Army Reserve Col. Adam C. Miller passes the guidon to 647th Regional Support Group Command Sgt. Maj. George Kibuuka signifying his trust in the non-commissioned officer 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. Army Col. Ryan O'Connor, commander of 196th Infantry Brigade, passes the battalion colors to Lt. Col. Damien J. Squilla, the incoming commander for the support battalion, as he assumes command 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. Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadets were amongst the graduates of the Cadet Leadership Development Course. US Army photo by SPC Jaden Witt.

Staff SSgts. from the 624th Regional Support Group site the NCO Creed and NCO Charge while at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Aug. 7, 2022. The NCO Creed and NCO Charge were made so service members have an understanding of the additional responsibilities they have in the Air Force.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 50th Quartermaster Detachment (50 QM), 103rd Troop Command, Hawaii Army National Guard, participate in a unit activation ceremony for the 50 QM at Waiawa Armory, Pearl City, Hawaii, Feb. 3, 2024. The mission of the 50 QM is to provide field feeding support for up to 700 personnel at the Echelons Above Brigade level as well as provide National Guard Civil Support throughout Hawaii. Army National Guard

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Duke A. Pirak, right, deputy director of the Air National Guard (ANG) is introduced to Austrian Maj. Gen. Norbert Huber, center, defense, military, naval, and air attaché, by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, left, adjutant general of Vermont, at the Vermont ANG Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Sept. 11, 2022. Pirak, who assists the ANG director in managing the 108,300 members in the ANG, made the visit during a Vermont National Guard open house, which was also attended by representatives from Austria who have recently signed a State Partnership Program agreement with Vermont.

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Soldiers and Civilians of the 780th Military Intelligence (MI) Brigade (Cyber) were on hand to witness the reflagging of E Company (Empire), 782d MI Battalion (Cyber), to F Company (Fury), 781st MI Battalion (Cyber), October 4, at the DeKalb Army Reserve Center.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 Kayce Clark reacted to comments during her promotion to chief warrant officer 5 at the Army Aviation Support Facility in West Jordan, Utah, August 6, 2020. With family, friends, and many fellow members of the Utah National Guard attending the ceremony, her father, retired Col. Joseph M. Clark, pinned on the rank. Making history, Kayce is the first female to be promoted to chief warrant officer 5 in the Utah National Guard.

Col. Robert Ford Jr. (left), commander of the 90th Security Forces Group,Maj. Dexter Binion (middle), outgoing commander of the 90th Ground CombatTraining Squadron, and Maj. Robert Hudspeth, incoming commander of 90 GCTS,listen to the opening remarks during a change of command ceremony May 26,2021 in the Regional Training Institute building at Camp Guernsey, Wyoming.The change of command ceremony signifies the transition of command fromBinion to Hudspeth.

Col. William Liess, 108th Operations Group commander, left, receives the guidon from Lt. Col. Kristopher Szymczak, right during a change of command ceremony held in the 108th Operations Group auditorium at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 22, 2022. Lt. Col. Sharon Gilliland assumed command of the 150th Special Operations Squadron from Szymczak who served as commander since October 2020.

ID/RUCD 201th Field Artillery Brigade, The 2-18th and 2-4th FAR Transfer of Authority Ceremony held at the Carey Physical Center in Camp Casey. 7 DecUnit of the Incoming 2nd Battalion 4th Field Artillery Flag unceasing.

Alpha Company bids farewell to 1st Sgt. Nathan Kent and welcomes 1st Sgt. William Booth.

Hawaii Army National Guard Lt. Col (P) David R. Hatcher II, incoming commander of th 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Brig. Gen. Stephen F. Logan, HIARNG Commander and Col. Jonathan A. Ishikawa, outgoing commander of the 29th IBCT, conclude the change of command ceremony at Kalaeloa, Hawaii, April 18, 2022. Ishikawa relinquished the position of commander to Hatcher.

U.S. Air Force Col. David Wright, 175th Maintenance Group commander, passes the guidon to U.S. Air Force Maj. Mark Rutt, incoming 175th Maintenance Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony at Martin State Air National Guard Base, Middle River, Maryland, March 31, 2023. The symbolic tradition of passing the guidon has survived through military history and remains the key event of change of command ceremonies.

Master Sgt. Joshua Gendron salutes Chief of the Romanian Land Forces Maj. Gen. Iulian Berdilă during an awards ceremony at V Corps main headquarters in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Oct. 13, 2022. During his visit, Berdilă briefed leaders, met with Soldiers and presented awards to Victory Corps personnel for their contributions to the strategic American-Romanian partnership.

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