Military Leadership Ceremonies

Images of military leaders delivering speeches or participating in ceremonies, featuring formal uniforms and ceremonial settings.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder conducts a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Dec. 13, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

Lt. Col. Joseph Sanchez, 15th Healthcare Operations Squadron commander, gives a speech during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 21, 2022. Sanchez took command of the 15th HCOS after serving as the 15th Medical Support Squadron commander, which was deactivated before the ceremony.

TOKYO (Oct. 5, 2022) U.S. Space Force Gen John W. Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, left, and Commander of United States Forces Japan, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen Ricky Rupp, right, visit Japans Ministry of Defense to engage with senior officials, in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Raymond and Rupp reinforced the United States ironclad commitment to the U.S.-Japan alliance following a North Korean ballistic missile launch that passed over northern Japan on Oct. 4th.

Brig. Gen. Gent Welsh, Commander, Washington Air National Guard delivers his remarks as the Presiding Official for Chief Master Sgt. Marvin Boyds retirement ceremony held at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., on Oct. 15, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Boyd retired after 35 years of military service beginning in the U.S. Navy and over thirty years in the Washington Air National Guard. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. (ret.) John Hughel, Washington Air National Guard Public Affairs)

The 121st Air Refueling Wing holds a promotion ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Caron at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2024. Family and friends joined Caron to celebrate his ascension to the 9th and highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. Air National Guard

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder conducts a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Dec. 13, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

FORT MEADE, Md. - Sfc. Joshua M. King, an infantryman assigned to United States Army Garrison Fort George G. Meade, gives his goodbye speech during his retirement ceremony here, June 18, 2022. King has been serving in the Army since Sept. 6, 2002, where he progressed to the rank of Sergeant First Class before retiring after 20 years of service.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ryan Lathan, incoming commander, 224th Joint Communications Squadron (JCSS), Georgia Air National Guard, gives remarks during a change of command ceremony in Brunswick, Georgia, Feb. 3, 2024. The 224th JCSS, a geographically separated unit of the 165th Airlift Wing, is tasked with delivering tactical deployable communications worldwide at a moments notice. Air National Guard

The chief of the National Guard Bureau, Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, delivers remarks at the annual POW/MIA recognition ceremony at the Pentagon, hosted by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Washington, D.C., Sept. 16, 2022.

U.S. Space Force Colonel Marqus Randall, Space Delta 18 commander, share remarks at the activation ceremony for Space Operations Command's newest Delta, Space Delta 18, and established the National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC) at the Nutter Center, Dayton, Ohio, June 24, 2022. Space Delta 18 is named in honor of the U.S. Space Force's role as the 18th member of the intelligence community. Delta 18 will deliver critical intelligence on threat systems, foreign intentions, and activities in the space domain to support national leaders, allies, partners and joint war fighters.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, outgoing 19th Air Force commander, gives final remarks during the 19th Air Force change of command ceremony Aug. 19, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Members of 19th Air Force lead innovation in training through Pilot Training Transformation while monitoring production and overseeing top-level instruction and flying operations, manning, contracts, logistics and maintenance trends.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder conducts a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Oct. 6, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder speaks to members of the Pentagon Press Corps during a press briefing at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Oct. 18, 2022.

Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry shares his thoughts following his promotion to major general at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Aug 3, 2022.

Family, friends and colleagues gathered at the Illinois Military Academy's auditorium Sept. 17, to celebrate the career of Col. Daniel Reichen and wish him well in future endeavors. Reichen retired as the Commander of the 129th Regimental Training Institute and most recently served as the Illinois National Guard's Director of Human Resources.

Maj. Gen. Todd Royar, the outgoing commander of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, gives farewell comments during his retirement ceremony Aug. 12, 2022, at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. Royar retired after nearly 35 years of active duty service.

U.S. Air Force Major Charles Morton III, 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, delivers a speech during the 628th LRS Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 30, 2022. This is Mortons second time being assigned to Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina.

U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Scott Linton, deputy commanding general-readiness, 88th Readiness Division, assumes his role as the distinguished guest speaker for the Eagle Battalion Army ROTC UWL, WSU and VU Spring Commissioning ceremony at Riverside Park in La Crosse, Wis., May 14, 2022. Linton told the cadets, "I'm certain you will be amazing leaders. I am proud and humbled to stand with you today, Live in the moment, cherish your time with your Soldiers, care for them and their families like they are your own because they truly are. They are America's greatest asset and so are you."

U.S. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Loren Bowden, speaks to the crowd at the Chief Master Sergeant Induction ceremony at Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, June 5, 2022. Chief Master Sergeant is the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force and these individuals are tasked with developing and mentoring junior enlisted airmen.

U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Brett A. Yoakum, of the 164th Airlift Wing, Tennessee National Guard, answers a question from the crowd during a panel of former Air National Guard (ANG) senior enlisted leaders after the Outstanding Airmen of the Year ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on Aug. 25, 2022. The event was part of Focus on the Force Week 2022an annual event hosted by the command chief of the ANG that highlights professional development and celebrates the accomplishments of the enlisted corps.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 (Ret.) Peter T. Panos addresses the crowd during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022. After receiving their medallion, each inductee was given the opportunity to speak.As you may have heard, the Court of Honor recognizes individuals with distinguished service records,” said Panos. I believe what it really does is recognize the individuals as the face for all the enlisted, [noncommissioned officers warrant officer and officers who through their support and guidance and their accomplishments have allowed us to have outstanding careers.” (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Pentagon Press Secretary U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder addresses members of the press during a press briefing at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Jan. 17, 2024.

Col. Brad Brough, 374th Medical Group commander, speaks to attendees at a change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 29, 2023. Col. Gregory Richert assumed command of the 374th MDG from Brough. The change of command ceremony is a tradition dating back to the Roman era, where military leaders would pass batons, colors, standards, or ensigns that symbolized the passing of command to subordinates in attendance, and ensured unit members were never without official leadership or a continuation of trust.

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Alaska Air National Guard Col. Kenneth Radford, Alaska Air National Guard chief of staff, promotes to brigadier general May 11, 2022, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. Radford previously served as 176th vice wing commander, 176th Operations Group commander and 249th Airlift Squadron commander. (Alaska Air National Guard photo by David Bedard)

Col. Mark C. Dmytryszyn, outgoing 2nd Bomb Wing Commander, makes remarks during the 2nd Bomb Wing change of command ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, March 31, 2022. As the 2nd Bomb Wing commander, Dmytryszyn promoted the welfare of more than 11,400 military and civilian personnel, 6,300 family members, and 25,000 retirees.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder holds a press briefing, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Jan. 17, 2023.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Cory Olson, Air Force Special Operations Command command chief, delivers a speech during an Order of the Sword ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 15, 2022. The Order of the Sword recognizes and honors senior officers with the rank of colonel or above, and civilian equivalents, for conspicuous and significant contributions to the welfare and prestige of enlisted members.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Andrew Gebara, 8th Air Force and J-GSOC commander, speaks at the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, Madingley, England, Sept. 1, 2022. Leadership from the 501st Combat Support Wing joined the 8th Air Force commander and command chief, along with other U.S. Air Force leaders, to mark the 80th Anniversary of the formation of the Mighty Eighth Air Force and to commemorate those who gave their lives in the ultimate sacrifice.

Army Gen. James McConville, chief of staff of the Army, addresses attendees at the 2022 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit, Nashville, Tennessee, April 4, 2022.

Maj.Gen. Matthew Davidson, Commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, speaks at the Mackay Trophy 2021 Presentation. Crews of Shadow77 and 78, 73d Expeditionary Special Operations Squadron, Joint Special Operation Air Component-Central receive Mackay Trophy 2021 awards for their support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel, which provided close-air support for 2,000 American evacuating the embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, in August 2021. The awards ceremony took place in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, Wirght-Patterson Air Force base on Dec. 12, 2022.

U.S. Army Sgt. Tyler Holloway, with the U.S. Army National Guard, is inspected by Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Brian A. Hester, the Cmd. Sgt. Maj. of the Army Futures Command, while competing in the 2022 Best Squad Competition at the Pentagon Library and Conference Center in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 7, 2022. The competition tests the squads proficiency in their warrior tasks and battle drills and identifies the most cohesive, highly trained, disciplined and fit team - ready to fight and win - while demonstrating commitment to the Army Values and Warrior Ethos.

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U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark J. Schindler, the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, speaks with state legislators during Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans Day at the state capitol.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Michael Miller, 432nd Mission Support Group superintendent, gives a speech during his retirement ceremony at Creech Air Base, Nevada, Feb. 5, 2023. Miller served the U.S. Air Force with pride and diligence for 23 years. Air Force

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes General William Arnulfo López Chay, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of National Defense of Guatemala and other dignitaries to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 28, 2022. During the visit, General López attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, spoke with Class 62 students and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

Master Chief Rob Bushey, pauses to gather his thoughts while reading his remarks during his retirement ceremony in Washington, D.C., on June 10, 2022. Bushey, who served as the Deputy Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, retired after more than 31 years of service. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Jetta Disco.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kristen Jenkins, 28th Bomb Squadron commander, delivers remarks after assuming command of the squadron during the 28th BS change of command ceremony inside the Three Bay Hangar at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 22, 2022. Jenkins assumed command of the 28th BS which provides all B-1B Lancer initial qualification and instructor upgrade training.

Chief Master Sgt. William Hebb, installation command chief, addresses Community College of the Air Force graduates during a ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., June 21. Hebb will retire from the Air Force during an in-person ceremony at the Minuteman Commons here July 8 at 3 p.m.

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Air Force Joint Chief Gen. Norton A. Schwartz addresses National Guard delegates from 54 states and territories during the National Guard Association of the United States conference in Nashville, TN, Sept. 12.

Retirement ceremony for Col. Stephen Schmidt

U.S. Air Force Col. Lawrence Evert, the 354th Operations Group commander, delivers opening remarks during an 18th Aggressor Squadron change of command ceremony on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 22, 2022. As the 354th OG commander, Evert is responsible for maintaining an 18 million square foot airfield in the American arctic, directing the execution of RED FLAG-Alaska, leading the Pacific Air Forces F-16 Aggressor enterprise in support of joint and coalition aerial warfare training, and providing combat-ready F-35 forces to combatant commanders in support of worldwide contingency operations.

U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations, Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, presides over the Space Operations Command (SpOC) Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, January 9th, 2023. Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, SpOCs first commander, handed the reins over Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kris Barcomb, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, retires after 23 years of dedicated and honorable service at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., July 8, 2022.

Event honoring the 186th birthday of Ulysses S. Grant, at the General Grant National Memorial, New York City, New York, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne delivering remarks and joining participating dignitaries incluiding U.S. Army Brigadier General Robert Caslen, Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at the U.S. Military Academy; Adrian Benepe, New York City Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation; Maria Burks, Commissioner of the National Parks of New York Harbor; and Ulysses Grant Dietz, the great-great grandson of General Grant. Also on hand for the event, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony, were members of the U.S. Military Academy Corps of Cadets Honor Guard.

U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Miller, 88th Air Base Wing and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base commander, speaks during a Memorial Day ceremony, May 30, 2022, at Dayton National Cemetery, Dayton, Ohio. Local military and civilian leaders and community members participated in Memorial Day events in the greater Dayton area.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Troy Taylor was appointed the twelfth Ohio state command chief for the Ohio Air National Guard during a change of authority ceremony on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Maj. Gen. James Camp, the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Ohio National Guard, performed the ceremony as Taylor accepted authority from the previous state command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker.

Col. Edward Fink Jr., 193rd Special Operations Wing commander, delivers remarks to attendees during a 193 SOW assumption of command ceremony Oct. 28, 2022, Middletown, Pennsylvania. In his first address as commander, Fink laid out his top priorities of mission, people and relationships.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Major Jeff Logan, Command Sgt. Major of the Georgia Army National Guard, sits on the board for the Regional Best Warrior Competition at Camp Blanding, Fla., May 10, 2022. Logan evaluated a total of nine noncommissioned officers during his portion of the board.

Col. Norman C. Waters stands at attention during the National Anthem as part of his retirement ceremony, Fort Detrick, Maryland, Aug. 12, 2022. Waters ended his career a Soldier-Scientist as director, Force Health Protection, U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) - during his career, Waters served across the globe helping fight infectious diseases and spearheading research to help better equip and protect U.S. service members. USAMMDA is a subordinate command of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, under the Army Futures Command. As the premier developer of world-class military medical capabilities, USAMMDA is responsible for developing and delivering critical products designed to protect and preserve the lives of Warfighters across the globe. These products include drugs, vaccines, biologics, devices and medical support equipment intended to maximize survival of casualties on the battlefield.

Army Gen James McConville, chief of staff of the Army, addresses attendess at the 2022 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit, Nashville, Tennessee, April 4, 2022.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin gives his remarks during a change of command ceremony on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Feb. 9, 2024. During the ceremony, Gen. Kevin Schneider assumed command of Pacific Air Forces from Gen. Ken Wilsbach. Air Force

Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau, addressed the 131st National Guard Association of the United States General Conference in Nashville, Tenn., on Sept. 11, 2009. McKinley told the gathering that Guard members proved themselves after 9/11 and Katrina, but they "face new challenges".

U.S. Air Force Installation & Mission Support Center change of command ceremony, Aug. 12, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. USAF Maj. Gen. John Wilcox relinquishes command of AFIMSC to USAF Maj. Gen. John Allen.

After almost 30 years in the Air Force, serving on active duty andin the Idaho Air National Guard, Col. Shannon Smith, Chief of Staff, Idaho Air National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters, was promoted to brigadier general during a ceremony June 4, 2022, held at the Idaho Military Division headquarters on Gowen Field. Smith has been selected to be the new commander for the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, located at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

Lt. Gen. James Jacobson, Pacific Air Forces deputy commander, speaks in front of attendees at Fairchilds 75th Anniversary Air Force Ball at the Spokane Convention Center in Spokane, Washington, September 24, 2022. Jacobson has recorded more than 4,100 total flying hours and flown combat missions for operations Desert Shield, Allied Forces and Enduring Freedom.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jennifer Johnson, 17th Healthcare Operations Squadron incoming commander, speaks during the 17th HCOS change of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 10, 2022. Johnson thanked everyone who believed in her and was proud to be the incoming commander for this prestigious squadron that recently passed an inspection less than .2% of the Air Force can pass.

Maj. Gen. Douglas Coppinger, Central Security Service deputy chief, receives the 17th Training Wing mission brief at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, September 9, 2022. Coppinger discussed the vision for the wing's future and the steps to achieve the wing's goals.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 2nd Space Operations Squadron 2 (SOPS) conducted its change of command ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado 6 July, 2022. During the ceremony, officiated by Space Delta 8 Commander, U.S. Space Force (USSF) Colonel Matthew Holston, outgoing USSF Lt Col Michael Schriever relinquished command of the squadron to USSF Lt Col Robert Wray. As the new commander, Wray now assumes the responsibility of overseeing the daily operations of a unit whose mission is to operate the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite constellation, which provides global navigation, time transfer, and nuclear detonation detection.

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin delivers his keynote address to Mobility Airmen attending the 2022 Airlift/Tanker Association Conference in Denver, Colo., Oct. 28, 2022. This years A/TA Symposium brought together Air Force senior leaders, industry partners, media, partner nations representatives, and 1,600 Airmen with mobility equities, to include Airmen from Air Force Special Operations Command and Air Force Education Command. The open environment drove discussion on issues and challenges facing America and the Air Mobility community at large, with a specific focus on the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility and the mobility joint force requirements that will yield safety and security for the nation.

Chief Master Sgt. Steven Gonsalves retires from the United States Air Force at Tinker Air Force Base Oklahoma, September 10, 2022.

Lt. Col. Daniel Hellinger, 65th Airlift Squadron commander, gives a speech during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 24, 2022. Hellinger previously served as the 15th Wing Chief of Safety.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder holds a press briefing about the latest security assistance package in support of Ukraine at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Aug. 24, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

The chief of the National Guard Bureau, Army Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, delivers remarks at the annual POW/MIA recognition ceremony at the Pentagon, hosted by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Washington, D.C., Sept. 16, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

U.S Air Force Col. Scott Rowe, 12th Flying Training Wing commander, gives final remarks at the wing change of command ceremony August 1, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The 12th FTW consists of three flying groups and a maintenance group that is responsible for Pilot Instructor Training, Combat Systems Officer Training, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot Indoctrination, Basic Sensor Operator Qualification and all U.S. Air Force Academy flying programs.

Chief Master Sgt. Robert Smith, 193rd Special Operations Wing command chief, delivers remarks to attendees during an assumption of responsibilities ceremony Oct. 28, 2022, Middletown, Pennsylvania. In his first address as command chief, Smith said that developing the next generation of leaders and war fighters is one of his top priorities.

Command Sgt. Maj. Julio T. Santos, 110th Aviation Brigade, speaks during the 110th Aviation Brigade Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony at Fort Rucker, Alabama, December 14, 2022.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder speaks to members of the Pentagon Press Corps during a press briefing at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Oct. 20, 2022.

020124-F-3050V-005. Complete Scene Caption: Speaking before Congressional, Defense, and Aerospace industry leaders, General Gregory S. Martin, USAF, commander, US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), said that, "One of the most important missions that the U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) performs is reaching out and interacting with nations in that region of the world." He spoke during an aerospace power seminar on Capital Hill, Washington, D.C. General Martin added that the credibility earned through interaction paid great dividends when negotiating over flight rights, basing privileges and other support for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. He credited the support to years of partnering with USAFE region nations to create an environment that helps those nations develop and progress. "Our ability to present realistic, sensitive and important military and humanitarian relief training, and operational support has given us not only the access that we're capitalizing on right now, but also an oppor

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder address members of the press during a briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Nov. 8, 2022.

Chief Master Sgt. Gary L. Spaulding, military personnel management officer for the Kentucky Air National Guard, speaks to the audience during his retirement ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., June 12, 2022. Spaulding served 35 in the Kentucky Air Guard.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. John Fitzpatrick, U.S. Navys Nuclear Power Training Unit - Charleston executive officer, speaks to the audience during a graduation ceremony aboard USS Yorktown (CV 10) at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Jan. 12, 2024. The Nuclear Power Training Unit is a technical school that trains officers, enlisted Sailors and civilians for shipboard nuclear power plant operation and maintenance of surface ships and submarines.

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno, gives his testimony about sexual assault in the military before the Senate Armed Services Committee at Capitol Hill June 4, 2013.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder conducts a press briefing in the Pentagon Press Briefing room at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 6, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

Army Gen James McConville, chief of staff of the Army, addresses attendess at the 2022 Army Aviation Mission Solutions Summit, Nashville, Tennessee, April 4, 2022.

Army Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief, National Guard Bureau, delivers remarks and congratulates National Guard awardees at the Black Engineer of the Year Award Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Stars and Stripes dinner and reception, Baltimore, Maryland, Feb. 16, 2024. The National Guard Bureau was the featured military organization of the 2024 Stars and Stripes event. Army National Guard

A retirement ceremony is held for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, the eleventh Ohio state command chief, on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Her retirement followed a change of authority ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Joshua Matias, 47th Operations Support Squadron senior enlisted leader, speaks during the Airman Leadership School graduation at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, July 7, 2022. Matias offered advice to the new graduates and emphasized taking care of your Airmen and standing up for them as their supervisor.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership hosts a Convocation Ceremony for Class 62 students on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 2, 2022. The event is a college tradition symbolizing the coming together of students from the Western Hemisphere to a unified body as Class 62.

U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. DeAnna M. Burt, Commander, Combined Force Space Component Command, U.S. Space Command and Vice Commander, Space Operations Command, mentors young space professionals April 4, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Part of the 37th Space Symposium, the "speed mentoring" event is an exchange between leaders in the space field and up-and-coming professionals, both civilian and military, from around the globe.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 8, 2022) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday delivers remarks during the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Change of Office ceremony held at Mahan Hall, United States Naval Academy, Sept. 8, 2022. MCPON James Honea relieved MCPON Russell Smith to become the 16th MCPON.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder speaks during a press conference at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Jan. 12, 2023.

U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Tracey D. Canady, the 10th Florida State Command Chief, culminates 31 years of service to the state and nation at a retirement ceremony held at St. Francis Barracks in St. Augustine, Florida, Sept. 16, 2022. In his latest role, Canady served as the personal advisor to Brig. Gen. Michael A. Valle, assistant adjutant general - air, Florida National Guard, on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, and proper utilization and progress of the enlisted force.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder speaks during a press conference at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Jan. 24, 2023.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. testifies before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense for the Department of the Air Forces fiscal year 2023 budget request, Washington, D.C., May 17, 2022.

The annual Dr. Wernher Von Braun Memorial Dinner was held at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center's Davidson Center on October 26, 2017 with Keynote speaker General John Hyten, Commander of U.S. Strategic Command. Emcee was Mark Larson of Mark Larson Media Services, Inc. Dr. Wernher Von Braun Memorial Scholarships were presented to 8 college students by the National Space Club. Educator of the Year was awarded to Tammy Thorpe; Community Service award was presented to Huntsville, Al. Mayor Tommy Battle. The Communications Award was presented to retired astronaut Dr. Mike Massimino. The Distinguished Science Award was presented to Dr. Martin Weisskopf. The Astronautics Engineer Award was presented to Douglas R. Cooke. The Dr. Wernher Von Braun Space Flight Trophy was presented to Robert Lightfoot.

Capt. Martin Delaney, provost marshal of 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, speaks as the host during a dining in at Ft. Carson, Colo., Sept. 9. The brigade held the dining in to celebrate its past, build a more cohesive team, and provide a social atmosphere for camaraderie and fun. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Jason Elmore.

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David Bellon, commander, Marine Forces Reserve, testifies before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense (SAC-D), during the National Guard and Reserve posture hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington June 7, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Peterson, Air National Guard Assistant to the Deputy Surgeon General, is promoted to brigadier general in St. Paul, Minn., Oct. 16, 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Joseph R. Clearfield, deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, delivers the keynote address during the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Associations annual TechNet Indo-Pacific Conference breakfast in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 12, 2022. TechNet Indo-Pacific focuses on regional issues military leaders have identified, including full spectrum cyber operations as adversaries leverage cyberspace to conduct operations below the threshold of conflict. The conference featured speakers and discussions about how industry and government can collaborate to face these regional challenges. Exhibitors also demonstrated solutions and services that meet the militarys requirements to face cyber operations.

Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Steven Poulin and the director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Kelly K. McKeague, attend the annual POW/MIA recognition ceremony at the Pentagon, hosted by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Washington, D.C., Sept. 16, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon, outgoing Alabama National Guard adjutant general sits with CMSgt David Bullard Alabama National Guard command senior enlisted leader during a change of command ceremony in Montgomery, Ala. on Jan. 5, 2024. (Alabama National Guard

President Barack Obama meets with Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. and Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, left, in the Oval Office, Sept. 30, 2014.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander, meets with leaders and representatives at the USAF 75th anniversary celebration at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan, Aug. 25, 2022. The ceremony included a formation flyover led by the Royal Jordanian Air Force which underscores the strength of the U.S.-Jordanian security partnership and the importance of partner nation coordination and interoperability.

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U.S. Army Col. William C. Hannan, Jr., incoming U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division commander, speaks to the audience of attendees during the change of command ceremony downtown Winchester, Va., July 26, 2022. (Photo by Catherine Carroll, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Public Affairs Office)

Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsins adjutant general, speaks during an Oct. 1 ceremony to officially rename Volk Fields lodging and conference center after Maj. Gen. Al Wilkening, Wisconsins adjutant general from 2002 to 2008, at Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center. The 205,745 square-foot facility has 1,035 available beds and four conference rooms. In the 2022 fiscal year, Hotel Volk hosted more than 238 units for more than 60,000 bednights.Maj. Gen. Wilkening retired after 38 years of service to this state and nation. He was widely respected for his strategic vision, which combined with his focus and drive laid the foundation for Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center to provide capabilities as the premier Air National Guard training facility in a rapidly evolving global environment. Maj. Gen. Wilkening was highly respected throughout the entire National Guard community and was often a by-name selection to serve on a wide range of councils and committees. Volk Field photo

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U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Freeman, 628th Air Base Wing commander, gives opening remarks during the Air Force Ball at Charleston Marriott, South Carolina, Sept. 10, 2022. This years ball was held in celebration of the Air Forces 75th birthday as an official military branch of service.

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder conducts a press briefing in the Pentagon Press Briefing room at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Oct. 25 2022.

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