← Military & Defence

Military Honor Ceremonies

Photographs capture soldiers in uniform during formal ceremonies, emphasizing teamwork and respect in military culture.

A joint-service color guard presents the colors during a ceremony at RAF Molesworth, England, Aug. 2, 2022. The ceremony was for the deactivation of USAFRICOM J2 Molesworth, and the activation of the Joint Intelligence Command, USAFRICOM.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment (1/5), 1st Marine Division, salute during the pass in review protion the change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 9, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Andrew Terrell relinquished command of 1/5 to Lt. Col. Nicholas Freeman.

Members of the Oklahoma National Guard present the colors during a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the 45th Infantry Division Museum in Oklahoma City, May 30, 2022. The museum has held military remembrance ceremonies since its establishment in September 1976. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Sgt. Reece Heck)

Maj. Gen. Chris LaNeve, Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, and civillians all pay respects during the Airborne Memorial Ceremony in Normandy, France, June 6, 2022. All attendees came to pay respects to the fearless actions of Paratroopers who began their liberation of Normandy 78 years ago to the day.

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, pause for questions 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.

030125-M-1852W-002. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Fuji State: Honshu Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: 3/12 HQ Btry

U.S. Army Soldiers of the 572nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, and 186th Brigade Support Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, participate in a change of command ceremony held at the Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport, North Clarendon, Vt., July 10, 2022. The military ceremony features passing the unit's guidon between commanders to symbolically mark the transition of responsibility and authority.

Sgt. Marshall Edgerton, a Gold Star family member and a paratrooper with Signals Intelligence Support company, re-enlists at the 82nd Airborne Division Museum at Fort Bragg, NC, April 28, 2022. Sgt. Edgerton is the son of Spc. Marshall Edgerton, Sr. who was also a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division and was killed in Iraq in 2003.

040408-M-5324O-015. Base: Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Lt. Col. Michael R. Sandstrom, former Commanding Officer of the 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, reliquishes command to Lt. Col. Gregg F. Curley in a change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., July 1, 2022. The 3rd Recruit Training Battalion is a part of the Recruit Training Regiment and houses the companies of India, Kilo, Lima, and Mike.

U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division color guard, march on the colors during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 23, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Brandon Graham relinquished command of 1st Marine Regiment to Col. Brendan Sullivan.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Andrew Kelley, the regimental commander of 10th Marine Regiment, present the guidon to Maj. Christopher Tyson, the battery commander of Fire Support Battery, 10th Marines, during the battery activation ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 7, 2022. This activation will give fire support Marines the opportunity to gain additional capabilities that will increase their ability to produce lethal and non-lethal effects across the battlefield.

U.S. Marines with 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division, and members of the Northern Army, Japan Self- Defense Force, participate in the opening ceremony for exercise 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Farrell J. Sullivan, left, Maj. Gen. Julian D. Alford, center, and Maj. Gen Jason Q. Bohm, right, salute during the pass and review at the Training Command change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., July 28, 2022. Brig. Gen. Sullivan received command of the U.S. Marine Corps Training Command from Maj. Gen. Julian Alford during the event.

U.S. Marines with 1st Marine Division (1st MARDIV), raise the flag during a Colors Ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 6, 2022. During the ceremony, Marines and Sailors of 1st MARDIV were awarded for their excellence in service.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with 1st Marine Division, stand in formation during a change of charge ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 22, 2022. During the ceremony, Command Master Chief PatrickPaul Mangaran relinquished his post to Command Master Chief Richard Bolton.

Airmen assigned to the 36th Wing stand in formation before the start of Guam's 78th Annual Liberation Day parade in Hagatna, Guam, July 21, 2022. This parade marked the 78th commemoration of Guam's liberation by U.S. military forces on July 21, 1944, which ended the Japanese occupation that had begun in 1941.

Solders of the 166th Regiment Regional Training Institute stand in formation during a change-of-command ceremony on Aug. 12, 2022, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. Col. Robert Jorgensen Jr. assumed command from Col. Patrick Monahan, who is retiring, during the ceremony. (Pennsylvania National Guard photo by Brad Rhen)

050812-A-9419D-008. Base: Camp Grayling State: Michigan (MI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, prepare to compete in Warlord Games on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 1, 2022. The Warlord Games is a quarterly event where Marines from 2/2 compete in various competitions to strengthen the unit's esprit de corps.

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

Lieutenant Colonel Bickham and Colonel Conway salute the colors during pass and review at the graduating ceremonies held on the parade deck. Base: Usmc Recruit Depot, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Squadron officers for the 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment, led by squadron commander Lt. Col. Chris Reese, march down a hill with the squadron guidon during annual training at Gowen Field, Idaho, July 23.

Participants attend a 9/11 Memorial Ceremony Sept. 9, 2022, at Hill AirForce Base, Utah, to honor those who died from the Sept. 11, 2001, terroristattacks. The Sept. 11 attacks were one of the darkest days in U.S. history,with nearly 3,000 people killed.

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, present colors during the 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company relief and appointment ceremony held at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 12, 2022. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

Base honor guard Airmen practice presenting colors, Oct. 26, 2022, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.The honor guard is made up of Airmen who volunteered to represent the Air Force in a professional manner.

A United States, Montana, Air Force and firefighter flag, as well as multiple law enforcement uniforms, are pictured during the 9/11 ceremony Sept. 9, 2022, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. The ceremony was held to honor and remember the many first responders who lost their lives 21 years ago in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

U.S. Marines and Sailors with 2d Marine Division approach the finish line during the Doc Kent hike on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 31, 2023. The Doc Kent hike is meant to evaluate cardiovascular fitness, physical preparedness, specific military historical knowledge, and unit cohesiveness for Marines and Sailors while building esprit-de-corps across the division.

Airmen of the 139th Airlift Wing march away from a flagpole after participating in Reveille at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, on June 2, 2022. The 139th is attending their regular scheduled drill, or RSD.

220607-N-OX321-1052 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (June 7, 2022) - Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Daniel Anderson, from Huntington, Mass. and assigned to Naval Air Station Sigonella security department, speaks to attendees during a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Midway held on NAS Sigonella, June 7, 2022. The Battle of Midway is often regarded as a critical turning point in the Pacific during World War II. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

The 1st Aviation Brigade conducts a change of responsibility ceremony to bid farewell to Command Sgt. Maj. Terrence D. Reyes, Jr., and to welcome Command Sgt. Maj. John R. Bonilla at Fort Rucker, Alabama, December 2, 2022.

Soldiers assigned to the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson stand in front of the American flag during an invocation by the 4th Inf. Div. chaplain, May 26, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. A chaplain's invocation is a traditional part of many Ivy Division ceremonies.

U.S. Marines with 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade held a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 20, 2022. During the ceremony Brig. Gen. Anthony Henderson relinquished his command of the 2d MEB to Col. Nicholas Davis.

Color guard Soldiers assigned to the "Maintain Battalion," 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, stand at attention during the battalion relinquishment of responsibility at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, July 6, 2022. A change of responsibility ceremony is rich in symbolism and heritage within the military, reinforcing noncommissioned officer authority in the Army and highlighting their role as a bridge between the commander and the formation's enlisted Soldiers.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Patrick Eldridge (left), the incoming commanding officer of 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, receives the unit colors from Col. Daniel Skuce (right), the outgoing commanding officer of 11th Marine Regiment during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 30, 2022. During the ceremony, Skuce relinquished command of 11th Marine Regiment to Eldridge.

Joint color guard team presents the colors at the 502nd Air Base Wing Change of command ceremony, May 3, 2022, Pfingston Basic Military Training Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The 502d Air Base Wing is host to Joint Base San Antonio which unifies 11 geographically distinct locations including JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, JBSA-Lackland, JBSA-Randolph and JBSA-Camp Bullis.

U.S. Army Col. Michael Shouse, commander of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, bows his head in prayer during the 673d Air Base Wing and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, change of command ceremony at Heritage Park on JBER, June 28, 2022. U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten G. Aguilar turned over command to Air Force Col. David J. Wilson as Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, commander Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region, Alaskan Command, and 11th Air Force, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

U.S. Army Col. Amy Downing, left, commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Sustainment Brigade and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur Hynes, right, command sergeant major of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Sustainment Brigade, prepares to uncase their flag and streamers during the color uncasing ceremony marking their arrival into the European theater at Grafenwöhr, Germany, Oct. 6, 2022. The 101st Airborne Division and 1st Infantry Division unite in Europe 77 years later to work alongside other NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps.

U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) J79 Director of Exercises and Coalition Affairs; Kevin Bostick speaks during the closing ceremony in Guatemala City, Guatemala on March 27, 2023. CG23 is an annual Army-led combined, joint, interagency, multi-national partnership-building exercise designed to build capacity, capabilities and interoperability with Central American partner nations.

U.S. Marines with the 1st Radio Battalion color guard, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, stand at parade rest during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 23, 2022. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Kabiru Labaran, the outgoing sergeant major relinquished his role of battalion sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Hugo Dubon.

020508-F-9259M-016. Subject Operation/Series: COMBINED ENDEAVOR 2002 Base: Lager Aulenbach State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

060223-A-5399B-024. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NORTHEAST

Oregon Army National Guard Color Guard members render colors during the National Anthem to begin the renaming ceremony at the Raymond F. Rees Training Center, Umatilla, Oregon, on Sept. 29, 2022. Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Raymond F. Rees is a retired Oregon Guardsman and served as The Adjutant General, Oregon for more than 16 years, retiring from military service in 2013, and later worked as a civilian as the Deputy Secretary of the Army. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

061006-A-5168K-001. Base: Lsa Anaconda Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Leadership from the 633d Air Base Wing, along with local law enforcement, sit in attendance at the opening ceremony of National Police Week at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, May 16, 2022. Multiple law enforcement agencies in the Hampton Roads area, to include the Newport News Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department and the Virginia State Police, rallied together to show appreciation and respect for those currently serving and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while working in the line of duty.

The Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division Command Team Uncase their Colors at Powidz, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022, the 1st Armored Division Assumed Responsibility for the aviation component of Atlantic Resolve under the 1st Infantry Division, Providing Air support capabilities to units deployed in Europe.Photo Credits. SPC. William Thompson

040618-M-3856G-024. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Gregory P. Gordon, left, the incoming commanding officer of 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, passes the regimental colors to Sgt. Maj. Giovanni A. Lobo, the regimental sergeant major, at a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 29, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. Jeffrey R. Kenney, the outgoing regimental commander of 6th Marines, relinquished command to Col. Gregory P. Gordon.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, senoir leaders across the Army, and civillians honor the heroic actions of D-Day at the Airborne Memorial Ceremony in Normandy, France, June 6, 2022. Paratroopers come to Normandy to celebrate the triumph and victory of the 82nd Airborne Division in liberating Normandy from Nazi rule.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Siebrand Niewenhous, outgoing commanding officer of 1st Supply Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, relinquishes command to oncoming commanding officer Col. Taunja Menke during a change of command ceremony on Camp Pendleton California, June 29, 2022. The change of command ceremony marked the passing of command from Col. Siebrand Niewenhous to Col. Taunja Menke.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Daniel Wittnam, outbound commanding officer, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center (MCMWTC) Bridgeport, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command (MAGTFTC), salutes Col. Ronald Storer, inbound commanding officer, during a change of command ceremony at MCMWTC Bridgeport, California, July 1, 2022. Wittnam relinquished command of MCMWTC Bridgeport to Storer, formerly the Assistant Chief of Staff G-3/5/7 of MAGTFTC. (U.S. Marine Corps photo Lance Cpl. Joshua Sechser)

010524-A-8415D-019. Base: Fort Dix State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Navy Capt. Sherry A. Caraveo, the commanding officer of 2nd Dental Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, gives a speech during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Capt. Sherry A. Caraveo assumed command of 2nd Dental Battalion from Capt. Nadji M. Hariri.

Soldiers stand at attention for the playing of the Italian and American national anthems during the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion Change of Command Ceremony May 31, 2022 in Vicenza, Italy. The Change of Command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit or command.(U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Tianna Field)

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

U.S. Army Reserve Maj. Gen, Matthew Baker, commander, 88th Readiness Division, reenlists 50 Service members during the U.S. Armys 15th Military Police Brigade/U.S. Army Reserve Reenlistment/Honor ceremony at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., Sept. 11, 2022. The service members included 25 U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers. The Speedway hosted a Military Appreciation Day in honor of 9/11 and held a moment of silence where the speedway fell silent.

Members of the official party move July 14, 2022, during the Fort McCoy Garrison change-of-command ceremony at Fort McCoy, Wis. Col. Stephen T. Messenger received the garrison flag from Brenda McCullough, director of Installation Management Command-Readiness signifying Messenger as the new garrison commander. Messenger replaces Col. Michael D. Poss who became the garrison commander June 10, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in a virtual change-of-command ceremony. Poss moves on to serve in a position at the 88th Readiness Division also at Fort McCoy. Messenger arrives after serving in his prior assignment as the director of engineering and logistics, J4, Joint Task Force Civil Support, Fort Eustis, Va., which was on the front lines of the nations COVID response.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Andrew Terrell (right), the outgoing commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment (1/5), 1st Marine Division, transfers the unit colors to Lt. Col. Nicholas Freeman, the incoming commanding officer of 1/5, during a change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 9, 2022. During the ceremony, Terrell relinquished command of 1/5 to Freeman.

The command team of the 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Mullinax pose for a group photo with Soldiers of the Big Red One. The service members were part of a ceremony honoring Charles Shay and other Native-American Soldiers that fought on D-Day.

From left, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Hannah Meza, 65th Medical Operations Squadron medical technician, Staff Sgt. Zackery Vaught, 65th Security Forces Squadron security forces specialist, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Kose, 65th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, honor those killed on 9/11 during a remembrance ceremony Sept. 11, 2013, at Lajes Field, Azores. The first responders led the 65th Air Base Wing in a boots and utes” memorial run.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jelani Edwards, former senior enlisted NCO, 4th Infantry Division Artillery, looks over the formation while listening to his farewell, April 8, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. Edwards said he loves every single Ivy gunner and that he knows they'll continue to do great.

U.S. Soldiers from the United States Army North Atlantic Treaty Organization (USANATO) Brigade render honors during a change of command ceremony, July 7, 2022 at Sembach, Germany. Col. Troy V. Alexander assumed command of the unit from Col. Miles T. Gengler.

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, pose for an annual group photo at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 3, 2022.

Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division march to Sainte-Mère-Église following the Airborne Memorial Ceremony in Normandy, France, June 6, 2022. Paratroopers come to Normandy to celebrate the triumph and victory of the 82nd Airborne Division in liberating Normandy from Nazi rule.

Oklahoma National Guard Lt. Col. Tonia Toben, commander of the 345th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion relinquishes her command to Lt. Col. Darrin Fox in a change of command ceremony held at Camp Gruber Training Center, near Braggs, Okla., May 14, 2022. Toben deployed to Iraq in 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the logistics and forward operating base mayor for two bases in Baghdad, Iraq. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Caleb Stone.)

Military Vet Holding Flag & Welcoming Soldiers Home in San Diego

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, gather in a formation during Adversary Force Exercise (AFX) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, California, May 8, 2022. The purpose of AFX is to create a credible, realistic threat for the exercise forces participating in the Integrated Training Exercise to engage against during the upcoming MAGTF Warfighting Exercise in a force-on-force, unscripted wargame.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Brian W. Cavanaugh, center, the commanding general of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, and Lt. Cmdr. John M. Horst, left, a plans and tactics officer with the USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), conduct a ship tour in Baltimore, Maryland, Sept. 10, 2022. Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore is an annual public event that celebrates the contributions of the U.S. sea services and maritime capabilities from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. More than 2,300 service members participated in Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore 2022 engaging and assisting with ship tours, live bands and static equipment displays.

031101-M-5977R-053. Base: Jacksonville State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Master Sgt. Sean Loveland, 88th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant, carries his squadrons guidon in the Ruck to Remember, May 20, 2022, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The five-kilometer march was in honor of Defenders who died in the line of duty and marked the end of National Police Week.

The colors of 1ST Battalion, 21st Field Artillery are presented to COL David Ralston, reviewing officer, by Command Sergeant Major Larry Ingram at 1ST Battalion, 21st Field Artillery, 1ST Cavalry Division activation ceremony. Base: Fort Hood State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030201-M-5753Q-012. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Camp Coyote Country: Kuwait (KWT) Scene Major Command Shown: 7th Marines

U.S. Marines with Bravo Company, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, salute during a change of command ceremony at the community center, Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, on May 25, 2022. Change of command ceremonies allows individuals to witness the official passing of authority change between officers. During the ceremony, the outgoing commander passes the units guidon to the incoming commander, symbolizing the transfer of authority, responsibility, and total commitment to all Marines and Sailors.

U.S. Marines in a color guard from 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, take their place in formation with the regimental colors during a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 9, 2024. The relief and appointment ceremony represented the official passing of responsibilities from the previous battalion sergeant major, 1st Sgt. Francisco Velasquez, to the new battalion sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Rodger Bond.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Serena T. Mukai, the incoming Commander Public Health Activity - Italy, assumed command during change of command ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, August 3, 2022.

66th Security Forces Squadron defenders carry American flags as part of a Memorial Day Flag Run at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., May 26. Starting at 5 a.m. and continuing until 9 p.m., service members circled the track carrying a U.S. flag to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to the nation.

040723-M-9812M-026. Base: Mcas, Beaufort State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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

U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, stand in formation during an awards ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Sep. 16, 2022. During the ceremony, Marines and sailors from across the division were awarded for their exceptional performance.

Beaufort High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps presents the colors during the opening ceremony of the 24th Annual KidsFest at Cross Creek Shopping Center in Beaufort, South Carolina, April 2, 2022. The event is held every year to provide a fun and effective way of presenting resources available to families in the community during Month of the Military Child and Child Abuse Prevention Month.

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.

Airmen from the 501st Combat Support Wing grab the seam of an American flag at Wembley Stadium, in London, England, Oct. 30, 2022. Approximately 70 uniformed personnel represented the U.S. Air Force and nation by unveiling an American flag during the pre-game ceremonies of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos NFL game.

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Troopers from the 191st Regional Support Group, Puerto Rico Army National Guard, uncase their unit guidon prior to a Transfer of Authority ceremony here Jan. 2, 2009. The 191st RSG relieved the 111th Combat Support Battalion, New Mexico Army National Guard, as Joint Task Force Guantanamos Headquarters and Headquarters Company. JTF Guantanamo conducts safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of detained enemy combatants, including those convicted by military commission and those ordered released. 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 Global War on Terror. JTF Guantanamo provides support to the Office of Military Commissions, to law enforcement and to war crimes investigations. The JTF conducts planning for and on order responds to Caribbean mass migration operations. (JTF Guantanamo

KEYPORT, Wash. (June 27, 2022) - Sailors assigned to Trident Refit Facility, Bangor (TRFB), participate in a pinning during a frocking ceremony held outside of the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum. TRFB supports the nations strategic deterrence mission by repairing, incrementally overhauling, and modernizing Pacific Fleet strategic ballistic missile submarines during refits.

Col. James C. Maker, Fort Meade Medical Department Activity commander, assumes command of the MEDDAC at a change of command ceremony held at the main entrance of Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center June 21, 2022.

U.S. Marines with the Marine Corps Base Quantico color guard stand at attention during the Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Memorial Dedication Ceremony on The Basic School, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, July 8, 2022. The memorial was created to recognize those Marine Corps lieutenants who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation, the Marine Corps, and their fellow Marines.

Senior Airman Emma Britton, 66th Force Support Squadron ceremonial honor guardsman, spreads a U.S. flag during a folding demonstration at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., May 24.

Maj. Doug Dinkins, 75th Security Forces Squadron commander, addresses Defenders during the bases National Police Week opening ceremony May 23, 2022, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The 75th SFS held several activities May 23-26 to commemorate and honor law enforcement who have given their lives in the line of duty.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Maj. Robert Leatherman, the sergeant major for Marine Wing Support Squadron 372, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, delivers the squadron colors to Lt. Col. Richard Marshall Jr., the outgoing commanding officer of MWSS-372, during a change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 25, 2022. Marshall transferred command of the squadron to Lt. Col. Kristofer Skidmore. Marshall is a native of Cleveland, and Skidmore is a native of Lake Ridge, Virginia.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Emmaline Hill, the commanding officer of Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 6, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, gives a speech during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 13, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Emmaline Hill assumed command of CLB-6 from Lt. Col. Michael Vincent.

U.S. Army Garrison Commander welcomes the community, partners, and tenant units to Fort Devens Day. U.S. Army Garrison Fort Devens celebrated their 105th anniversary on August 20, 2022.

U.S. Marines with 12th Marines, 3d Marine Division, and members of the Northern Army, Japan Self- Defense Force, participate in the opening ceremony for exercise 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.

020527-F-3071N-001. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force Col. Dave Abel, 5th Combat Communications Group commander, and Lt. Col. Whitney Walker, 85th Engineering Installation Squadron outgoing commander, unfurl the new 85th EIS guidon at the reassignment ceremony outside Maltby Hall on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Feb. 6, 2023. The 85th EIS was redesigned from the 38th Cyberspace Engineering Installation Group to the 5th CCG.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Rupert K. Palmer, outgoing sergeant major of 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and Mrs. Palmer attend his relief and appointment ceremony held at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 12, 2022. Palmer is passing his responsibilities as the sergeant major of 5th ANGLICO to Sgt. Maj. Junior E. Diaz. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Roe Lemons, the outgoing commanding officer of 3d Battalion, 12th Marines, transfers the battalion colors to Lt. Col. Stephen Boada, the incoming commanding officer during a change of command ceremony on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 9, 2022. The ceremony represented the transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability.

U.S. Marines from Marine Corps Base Quantico await the start of the Semper 5ive, adjacent to JamesMonroe High School, Fredericksburg, Virginia, May 22, 2022. The Semper 5ive is a 3.1-mile USA Track and Field certified moderate hills course loop through the beautiful historic streets of Fredericksburg to promote physical fitness, generate goodwill in the community, and showcase the organizational skills of the Marine Corps.

120117-N-AC887-024 CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2012) The family of Lance Cpl. Donald Hogan render honors during the Navy Cross and barracks dedication ceremony for their fallen son. Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), the honorable Ray Mabus, presented the family with the Department of the Navy's highest award. Hogan, a 20-year-old Marine, was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan after helping his fellow Marines get out of harm's way.

General Kroesen, Brigadier General (BGEN) Foss, and Colonel Coffman salute the flag as they pass in review, during a change of command ceremony in which BGEN Foss will assume the duties as 7th Army Training Commander. Country: Federal Republic Of Germany (FRG)

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