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Military Promotions and Ceremonies

Ceremonial moments capturing military personnel during promotions and leadership changes, emphasizing tradition and duty.

U.S. Air Force Col. Derek B. Routt, 177th Fighter Wing Commander, left, passes the 177th Maintenance Group's guideon to Lt. Col. Brian Cooper, 177MXG commander, center, June 24, 2022, at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. During the ceremony, Col. Joseph Leonard, right, relinquished command to Cooper.

Lt. Col. Eric Stringer, the 152nd Medical Group commander, and Maj. Gen. Shanna Woyak, Director of the Small Market and Stand Alone Medical Treatment Facility Organization (SSO) for the Defense Health Agency, stand at attention during Stringer's promotion ceremony Aug. 14, 2022 at the Nevada Air National Guard base in Reno. Woyak was the presiding official of the ceremony and a former 152nd Medical Group commander.

U.S. Air Force Col. Derek B. Routt, 177th Fighter Wing Commander, left, passes the 177th Maintenance Group's guideon to Lt. Col. Brian Cooper, 177MXG commander, center, June 24, 2022, at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. During the ceremony, Col. Joseph Leonard, right, relinquished command to Cooper.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting (right), Commander of Space Operations Command, presents the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award to Col. Peter J. Flores (left), outgoing Commander of Space Delta 12, and Chief Master Sergeant Charles J. Apodaca (center), Senior Enlisted Leader of Space Delta 12, during a Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, July 6, 2022.

040926-F-1987C-023. Base: Willow Grove Arb State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Mary Teeter relinquished command of the 305th Maintenance Group to U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Pendley during a change of command ceremony. U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Wiederholt, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, presided over the ceremony. Teeter led CAN DO Airmen and 305th innovation through both the COVID-19 pandemic as well as Operations Allies Welcome/Refuge.

U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command Incoming Commander Air Force Gen. Gregory M. Guillot speaks during the U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Feb. 5, 2024. (DoD

From left: U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kristina L. Schneider, of the 179th Airlift Wing, Ohio National Guard; Tech Sgt. Brett A. Yoakum, of the 164th Airlift Wing, Tennessee National Guard; Master Sgt. Daniel P. Keller, of the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho National Guard; and Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Sotomayor, of the 125th Fighter Squadron, Florida National Guard; listen to remarks by Lt. Gen. Michael A. Loh, director, Air National Guard (ANG), and Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, command chief, ANG, during 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.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Daniel DeVoe, outgoing 618th Air Operations Center commander, and Brig. Gen. Rebecca Sonkiss, 618th Air Operations Center commander, share a laugh during a change of command ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 24, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition providing Airmen an opportunity to witness the transfer of leadership.

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.

Gen. Thomas Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, receives the guidon from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. during the AFGSC assumption of command Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 7, 2022. The passing of the units guidon symbolizes the official transfer of command to Bussiere.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Space Delta 6 held its change of command ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado, Friday, September 9, 2022. During the ceremony, hosted by Lt Gen. Stephen Whiting, Commander, Space Operations Command, U.S. Space Force Colonel Roy Rockwell, transferred command of the Delta to incoming USSF Col Christopher Kennedy.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Terry Bullard, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, commander (Left), participates in a change of command forU.S. Air Force Col. Terrence Joyce AFOSI 5th Field Investigations Region inbound commander (middle), and U.S. Air Force Col. Laura Dejong, AFOSI 5th Field Investigations Region outbound commander, (right) at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 8, 2022. The change of command ceremony transferred command to Dejong from Joyce.

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 Col. Patrick Morgan relinquished command of the 165th Medical Group, Georgia Air National Guard, to Lt. Col. Chad Asplund on June 12, 2022 in the Fuel Cell Hangar at the 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah, Georgia. Morgan served as the commander of the medical group for 12 years and will retire on June 15, 2022 with a total of 40 years dedicated and honorable service to the United State Air Force.

Retired U.S Air Force Brig. Gen. Mark A. Maldonado and Chief Master Sgt. Charles C. Gass Jr., state command chief, D.C. National Guard, stand at attention at Joint Base Andrews Air Base, Maryland, Oct. 16, 2022. Gass was ceremoniously retired after nearly 30 years of military service.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Scott Crane, Missouri Air National Guard, is promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel during his promotion ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 10, 2022. Crane had many family and friends in attendance.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Angi Daiuto, 174th Attack Wing Chief of Safety, is promoted during a ceremony at Hancock Air National Guard Base, New York, Sept 10, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, salutes theAmerican flag during the 352nd Special Operations Wing change of command ceremony, June 24, 2022,at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England. Col. Mark McGill took command from the outgoing commander,Col. Nathan Owendoff.

U.S. Space Force Col. Peter J. Flores (center), outgoing Commander of Space Delta 12, stands at attention with Col. Ernest Lincoln Bonner (right), incoming Commander of Space Delta 12, and Maj. Gen. Shawn N. Bratton (left), Commander of Space Training and Readiness Command, during a Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, July 6, 2022.

From left to right, Col. Eric Guttormsen, 108th Wing commander, Master Sgt. Sarah Gibson, 108th Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant, Col. Bernadette Maldonado, outgoing 108th Mission Support Group commander, and Col. Lola Washington, incoming 108th MSG commander prepare to exchange the guidon during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 24, 2022. Washington assumed command of the 108th MSG from Maldonado who served as commander since May 2021.

Col. Taona A. Enriquez, 66th Air Base Group commander, returns a salute from personnel standing in formation during a change of command ceremony in the Aero Club Hangar at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., June 27. As commander, Enriquez is responsible for securing, supporting and sustaining more than 5,000 active duty, Reserve and National Guard personnel, Defense Department civilians and contractors, along with 130,000 retired military and spouses living in the six-state New England region and New York.

Chief Master Sgt. David Starr, 911th Civil Engineering Squadron senior enlisted leader, gives a speech during his promotion ceremony at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, April 1, 2023. The rank of chief master sergeant was established by Congress in 1958.

Col. John Poole, 317th Operations Group commander, Lt. Col. Brenton Gaylord, outgoing 317th Operations Support Squadron commander, and Lt. Col. Austin Rust, incoming 317th OSS commander, stand during the 317th OSS change of command ceremony officiated by Poole at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, June 30, 2022. The 317th OSS oversees organizing, training and equipping the aircrews of the 317th Airlift Wing.

020517-F-6833L-016. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Corey Thobe takes command of the 121st Air Refueling Wing Civil Engineering Squadron from Lt. Col. Daryl Brezina at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, June 4, 2022. Thobe and Brezina were joined by their families for a Change of Command ceremony to commemorate the event.

030812-F-5343T-001. Base: Fairchild Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Katrina Stephens, right, installation commander, congratulates Community College of the Air Force graduates during a ceremony at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., June 21. The CCAF is a federally chartered degree-granting institution that serves the U.S. Air Force's enlisted total force.

Michigan Air National Guard members attend a 110th Wing change of command ceremony at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, June 4, 2022. Col. Daniel J. Kramer II assumed command of the wing from Col. Shawn E. Holtz.

Col. Allison Black, 1st Special Operations Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Cory M. Olson, walk forward to welcome President Mario Abdo Benítez, of the Republic of Paraguay, to Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 30, 2023. Paraguay and the United States have been allies under the Rio Treaty, an agreement signed by several countries in the Americas for defense solidarity, since 1947.

From left: U.S. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Loren Bowden, quality assurance superintendent, 114th Maintenance Group, and U.S. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Rebecca Langloss, force support squadron superintendent, 114th Fighter Wing, and U.S. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Chad Weinacht, maintenance operations superintendent, 114th Maintenance Group, all pose for a photo during a Chief Master Sergeant Induction ceremony at Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, June 5, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, left, Third Air Force commander; awards Col. Jason Camilletti, outgoing 48th Fighter Wing commander; with the Legion of Merit during a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 29, 2022. During the ceremony, Camilletti relinquished command of the 48th FW to France, who then charged Campo with leading the wing.

U.S. Air Force Col. Rebecca Lange, 659th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group commander, poses with Master Sgt. Johnathon Lind, 4th Operational Support Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of air traffic control training, during the annual Joint Womens Leadership Symposium hosted by the Sea Services Leadership Association in Norfolk, Va., July 11, 2022. Lange and Lind earned the U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma Vaught Visionary Leadership Award for their work in projects Sword Athena and Warrior Braids.

Command Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Conner receives a Certificate of Appreciation from President Joe Biden presented from Maj. Gen. Michael Stencel, Adjutant General, Oregon, during his retirement ceremony on Dec. 3, 2022 at Camp Withycombe, Oregon. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

U.S. Air Force Col. Rusty Gohn, left, 436th Airlift Wing deputy commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Carolyn Russell, right, 436th AW command chief, present 436th Operations Group members, center, with a trophy during the 2023 436th AW Annual Awards Ceremony held at the Hartly Volunteer Fire Company in Hartly, Delaware, Feb. 23, 2024. The 436th OG Radar, Airfield and Weather Systems flight was recognized as the wings Team of the Year. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Col. Brent Cunningham, incoming commander, 30th Medical Group, gives a speech during a change of command ceremony on Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., July 8, 2022. Col. Cunningham assumed command from U.S. Air Force Col. Jessica Spitler.

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

Chief Master Sgt. Alan Tuschen (left), Wing installation manager with the 114th Civil Engineer Squadron, and Chief Master Sgt. Kristy Loen, superintendent of the 114th Command Post, pose for a photo during a chief master sergeant induction ceremony at Joe Foss Field, South Dakota, Jan. 7, 2023. These honorees have been inducted into the highest enlisted rank and will assume strategic leadership positions with significant influence throughout the base.

040501-F-9770E-012. Base: Little Rock Air Force Base State: Arkansas (AR) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Army Maj. Gen. Raymond Shields, left, the adjutant general of New York,speaks with Reuben Brigety, the United States ambassador to South Africa. Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, United States Air Force Deputy Commander of United States Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa at the African Aerospace and Defense Expo outside Pretoria, South Africa on Sept. 21, 2022 with is in the background as they speak. The New York National Guard sent over 60 Air Guard members and five aircraft to Africa's largest air show from the 21-25 of September as part of a State Partenership Program arrangement with the South African military.

U.S. Space Force Gen. John W. Jay Raymond, chief of space operation, gathers with Guardians for a photo at the 37th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 5, 2022.

Maj. Carolyn Hetrick sings the U.S. national anthem during the 507th Medical Squadron change of command on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Oct. 15, 2022. The ceremony celebrated the over-three years of leadership by Col. Bradford, and welcomed the new 507th MDS commander Lt. Col. Joseph Ronzio.

Senior Master Sgt. Richard Fanning Jr. (right) of the 193rd Special Operations Wing is congratulated by Col. Deane Thomey, commander of the 111th Attack Wing, during the Maj. Octavius V. Catto award ceremony Oct. 1 at the Union League of Philadelphia. (Pennsylvania National Guard photo by Jonathan Dahms)

Senior Enlisted Advisor Tony Whitehead (foreground), the SEA to the chief of the National Guard Bureau, stands at attention during a convention in Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 29, 2022.

U.S. Air National Guard Col. Randy Saldivar, the commander of the 168th Mission Support Group, Alaska, assumes command in a ceremony, Jan 12, 2023. Saldivar was previously the Logistics Squadron commander with the 176th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard.

Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, The Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard presents an award to Col. Craig Holan during the dual retirement ceremony for Col. Craig Holan, who commanded the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and retired after nearly 40 years of service and Col. Nick Johnson, who commanded the 65th Troop Command Brigade and served for 32 years. The dual retirement ceremony was held on May 14 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Space Delta 6 held its change of command ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado, Friday, September 9, 2022. During the ceremony, hosted by Lt Gen. Stephen Whiting, Commander, Space Operations Command, U.S. Space Force Colonel Roy Rockwell, transferred command of the Delta to incoming USSF Col Christopher Kennedy.

U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Morgan relinquished command of the 165th Medical Group, Georgia Air National Guard, on June 12, 2022 in the Fuel Cell Hangar at the 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah, Georgia. Morgan held his retirement ceremony following the change of command ceremony and he was recognized for his 12 years as commander to the 165th MDG and a total of 40 years dedicated and honorable service to the United State Air Force.

The Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nev. played host to the Outstanding Airmen of the Year Awards Banquet on Feb. 5, 2023, which honored the previous year's exceptional Airmen. The event was attended by Airmen, their families, and friends.

Senior Master Sgt. William L. Nearhood retires from the Virginia Air National Guard during a ceremony presided by Col. Christopher G. Batterton, 192nd Wing commander, on May 15, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. In 1985, Nearhood began his military career when he enlisted into the Navy then transferred to the VaANG in 1997 where he finished his nearly 37 year military career.

CRYSTAL CITY, VA. (May 13, 2022) - U.S. Air Force Col. James Parslow, the Senior Material Leader of the F-35 Mission Systems Division, F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office, was pinned the "Defense Superior Service Medal" by Lt. Gen. Eric T. Fick, the Program Executive Officer for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office, during Parslows retirement ceremony in Arlington, VA. Col. Parslow gave 23 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Air Force and two years at the F-35 Joint Program office. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle-space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35, which has been operational since July of 2015, is the most lethal, surviv

Col. Bryan M. Bailey, 911th Airlift Wing commander, addresses Airmen and guests during his assumption of command ceremony at the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Aug. 7, 2022. Bailey previously served as the commander of the 911th Operations Group, leading over 249 military and civilian personnel.

U.S. Air Force Col. Sheldon Wilson presents a retirement certificate to Lt. Col. Charles Loiacono during his retirement ceremony held at the 117th Air Control Squadron on Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Georgia June 12, 2022. Loiacono was commissioned into the Air Force in 2003 after graduating from the Academy of Military and Science at McGhee-Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee and became an Air Battle Manager shortly after. In his 35-years of military service Loiacono deployed 12 times and has accumulated over 3,740 flying hours in the E-8C JSTARS, of which 1,927 hours are combat flying hours.

010310-F-1851B-021. Base: Virginia Beach State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Hans F. Otto, right, assumes command of the 123rd Medical Group during a ceremony at the Kentucky Air National Guard Base in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 11, 2022. Otto is replacing Col. Michael A. Cooper, left, who has led the group since 2014 and is retiring.

Chaplain (Maj.) John Weston, 507th Air Refueling Wing chapel staff, gives the invocation during the 507th Medical Squadron change of command on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Oct. 15, 2022. The prayer was optional for those present to follow, as outlined in the Air Force equal opportunity guidelines.

Senior Master Sgt. William L. Nearhood, 192nd Wing superintendent of the advanced programs office, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard during a ceremony presided by Col. Christopher G. Batterton, 192nd Wing commander, on May 15, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. In 1985, Nearhood began his military career when he enlisted into the Navy then transferred to the VaANG in 1997 where he finished his nearly 37 year military career.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kent Harbaugh assumes command of the 217th Air Operations Group at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich., April 9, 2022. Col. Shawn Holtz, 110th Wing commander, presided over the ceremony in attendance with special guests Brig. Gen. Jeffrey RAlexander and 217th Air Operations Group service members. Harbaugh was previously the commander of the 217th Air Component Operations Squadron.

U.S. Air Force Col. Anadis Collado, 628th Medical Group commander, delivers a speech during the 628th MDG change of command ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 24, 2022. Collado has served in a myriad of roles within the medical service career field including at the clinical, hospital, and Numbered and Headquarters Air Force levels.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III renders honors as a soloist sings the national anthem, during the annual POW/MIA recognition ceremony at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 16, 2022.

Ukraine Defense Contact Group delegates discuss topics during the meeting at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 8, 2022. Close coordination between the U.S., Allies and partners is critical to continuously reviewing defense forces within Europe. This is the second time the UDCG has been held at Ramstein.

031121-F-2828D-153. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Brig. Gen. Trent Edwards, the Air Force Space Command director of financial management and comptroller and Chief Master Sgt. Brendan Criswell, the AFSPC command chief, use the ceremonial sword to cut the Air Force birthday cake, Sept. 16, 2016, at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. More than 125 members from AFSPC attended the Air Force Birthday ceremony.

020919-F-3431H-002. Base: Bolling Air Force Base State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 11th AW

U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Maj.) Daniel Wilton, a chaplain with the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, gives the invocation at the promotion ceremony for vice wing commander Lt. Col. Asheleigh Gellner in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. Gellner has 22 years of military service and transferred to the wing after graduating the U.S. Naval War College.

Col. Christopher Clark accepts the 144th Fighter Wing guidon from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Steven Butow, California Air National Guard commander, during an assumption of command ceremony, Sept. 11, 2022, at the Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif. Accepting the guidon is a symbolic Air Force tradition, representing that the incoming commander accepts the duties and responsibilities of the role. As the base commander, Clark will oversee the bases federal missions of providing air superiority in support of worldwide joint operations as well as the variety of Defense Support of Civil Authorities capabilities to the California Governor.

Lt. Col. Donald Johnson III, 436th Force Support Squadron commander, addresses attendees after assuming command of the 436th FSS during a change of command ceremony held at the base fitness center on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 24, 2022. Team Dover Airmen, family members and guests watched Johnson assume command of the 436th FSS. Presiding officer for the ceremony was Col. Phelemon Williams, 436th Mission Support Group commander.

U.S. Army Col. Kevin D. McMahan retires from the Washington Army National Gaurd after 31 years of service on Camp Murray, Wash., Aug. 6, 2022. McMahan was the former commander of the the 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, 96th Troop Command, and the 10th Homeland Response Force.

Col. Clayton Schaefer, 601st Air Operations Center commander, receives the ceremonial flag from Lt. Gen. Kirk Pierce, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region - 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern and Air Forces Space) commander, during the 601st AOC change of command ceremony at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida on June 1, 2022. The passing of the flag symbolizes Schaefer's acceptance of command of the 601st AOC. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Regina Young)

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.

Col. Michele Lo Bianco, 15th Wing commander, hands the guidon to Col. Stella Garcia, 15th Medical Group incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Aug. 1, 2022. During the ceremony, a guidon is passed from the former commander to the new commander, representing the transfer of responsibility.

14th Air Force Commander Major General William "Bill" R. Looney III speaks of the prestige and history of the P-40E Tomahawk that stands behind him at the ceremonial unveiling, on April 17, 2001, of the replica aerial fighter. The monument is located at the headquarters of the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. The P-40 "serves as, a monument, not to the aircraft but to the people of the original Flying Tigers, and as reminder to their modern-day counter-parts." The Warhawk memorial, funded by the 14th Air Force with Major General William R. Looney III in command, took three months from ground breaking to the dedication ceremony. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William L. Marshall, Operations, Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration deputy director and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and United States Air Forces Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA) Air Operations Center director, speaks during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Brookwood American Military Cemetery, England, May 29, 2022. Memorial Day provides us a solemn opportunity to remember our fallen brothers and sisters in arms, reflect upon their courageous sacrifice, and show gratitude for the freedom they gave their lives to defend. It also affords us the opportunity to pay homage to those families who lost their loved ones in service to the Nation-and continue to feel the full weight of that sacrifice today.

Lt. Col. Kenneth McCormick, the newly appointed commander of the 124th Maintenance Group, assumes command of the MXG during an assumption of command ceremony at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Jan. 7, 2023. McCormick embarks on a maintenance command after spending his early career as a pilot and cyber operations.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Nikki M. Drago guards the 3rd Wing colors during the 3rd Wing change of command ceremony at Hangar 2 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 15, 2022. U.S. Air Force Col. Travolis A. Simmons turned over command to Col. Kevin M. Jamieson as 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.

The 944th Fighter Wing holds a senior noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., April 10, 2022. The recently promoted Airmen were charged with increased responsibilities and authority as they accepted the leadership role of their new rank.

Commander of the Air Force Space Command, General Richard B. Myers (left) joins Ed Gormel (center) and Commander of the 45th Space Wing Brig. Gen. F. Randall Starbuck (right) after the presentation of the Hammer Award. The Hammer Award is Vice President Al Gore's special recognition of teams of federal employees who have made significant contributions in support of the principles of the National Partnership for Reinventing Government. Morley Winograd, director of the National Partnership for Reinventing Government, presented the award to the Joint Base Operations and Support Contract (J-BOSC) Source Evaluation Board (SEB). Gormel is a co-chair of the SEB. This Hammer Award acknowledges the accomplishments of a joint NASA and Air Force team that established the J-BOSC SEB. The team developed and implemented the acquisition strategy for establishing a single set of base operations and support service requirements for KSC, Cape Canaveral Air Station and Patrick Air Force Base

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Stewart C. Smith takes command of the 6th Space Warning Squadron, Cape Cod Space Force Station, Massachusetts, June 23, 2022. Smith, an Air Force Academy graduate, previously served as Director, Force Development, Joint Task Force Space Defense at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Timothy C. Sheehan, outgoing 6th SWS commander, relinquished his charge to Col. Miguel A. Cruz, commander of Space Delta 4, Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. Sheehan has served as 6th SWS commander since 2020.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Steve Reynolds, 104FW Maintenance Group Commander salutes Col. David Moon Halasi-Kun, 104th Fighter Wing Commander, during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, presents Lt. Col. William Street, aircraft commander with MOOSE 98, with the Distinguished Flying Cross during a ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, Dec. 9, 2022. Martin recognized 24 Airmen for their heroic actions during Operation Allies Refuge. The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any officer or enlisted person of the U.S. armed forces for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jacquita Melton assumed the role of Command Chief of the Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Wing in Springfield, Ohio during a change of authority ceremony held Dec. 3, 2022. Melton is the ninth command chief master sergeant of the Ohio National Guard's 178th Wing.

Brig. Gen. Daniel Gabrielli, Assistant Adjutant General for the Minnesota Air National Guard stands during a ceremony commemorating the U.S. donation of two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to the Republic of Croatia, held at the 91st Air Base near Pleso, Croatia on May 25, 2022. Croatia and Minnesota have collaborated for over 25 years as part of the National Guards State Partnership Program and continue to partner for increased interoperability between NATO allies. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette.)

011001-D-2987S-022. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nev. played host to the Outstanding Airmen of the Year Awards Banquet on Feb. 5, 2023, which honored the previous year's exceptional Airmen. The event was attended by Airmen, their families, and friends.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. speaks with Sen. Jon Tester during the Air Forces 75th birthday celebration at the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2022. The birthday officially falls on Sept. 18.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass pose with Capt. Charles Aly, recipient of the 2021 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award, junior officer category, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 3, 2023. The award is named for Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Lance Sijan, who died while being held as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

Ohio Air National Guard Capt. Erich Buhagiar (right) receives the Theodore Roosevelt Leadership Award during the National Guard Association of the United States 144th General Conference & Exhibition Aug. 29, 2022, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. The award is given to company grade officers who demonstrate outstanding leadership and professionalism in service to their country and community.

U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., poses for a photo with Lt. Gen. Themistoklis Bourolias, Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, during the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, England, July 15, 2022. Brown attended RIAT to meet with air and space chiefs from other nations and demonstrate the Department of the Air Forces commitment to its allies and partners.

Senior Master Sgt. William L. Nearhood, 192nd Wing superintendent of the advanced programs office, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard during a ceremony presided by Col. Christopher G. Batterton, 192nd Wing commander, on May 15, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. In 1985, Nearhood began his military career when he enlisted into the Navy then transferred to the VaANG in 1997 where he finished his nearly 37 year military career.

040109-F-0158T-002. Base: Mcchord Air Force Base State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011105-F-2155T-003. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, 18th Air Force commander, presents Lt. Col. Rual Montiague critical care air transport team physician with MOOSE 98, with the Distinguished Flying Cross during a ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, Dec. 9, 2022. Martin recognized 24 Airmen for their heroic actions during Operation Allies Refuge. The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any officer or enlisted person of the U.S. armed forces for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

Brig. Gen. Peter T. Green III, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Massachusetts Air National Guard, retired after 40 years of service in a ceremony held at the 104th Fighter WIng on Sept. 10, 2022. Brig. Gen. Green started his career as a security forces specialist at the 104FW and prior to moving to Massachusetts ANG Joint Force Headquarts was the 104FW Commander. Distinguished guests included Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Virginia Gaglio, Chief of Staff and Air Component Commander, Massachusetts ANG, Col. David 'Moon' Halasikun, 104FW Commander, Massachusetts Senator John Velis, Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe, and other 104FW leaders, members, family and friends. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

The 944th Fighter Wing holds a senior noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., April 10, 2022. The recently promoted Airmen were charged with increased responsibilities and authority as they accepted the leadership role of their new rank.

Col. Randy Saldivar, 168th Mission Support Group commander, speaks to the 168th Wing and MSG members during the 168th MSG Assumption of Command Ceremony at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Jan 12, 2023. The Assumption of Command ceremony marks a formal passing of responsibility, authority, and accountability of command.

Brig. Gen. Peter T. Green III, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Massachusetts Air National Guard, retired after 40 years of service in a ceremony held at the 104th Fighter WIng on Sept. 10, 2022. Brig. Gen. Green started his career as a security forces specialist at the 104FW and prior to moving to Massachusetts ANG Joint Force Headquarts was the 104FW Commander. Distinguished guests included Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Virginia Gaglio, Chief of Staff and Air Component Commander, Massachusetts ANG, Col. David 'Moon' Halasikun, 104FW Commander, Massachusetts Senator John Velis, Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe, and other 104FW leaders, members, family and friends. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

Members of the official party stand at attention during the playing of the Joint Forces Medley at the U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Feb. 5, 2024. (DoD

030701-F-0681L-015. Base: Fargo State: North Dakota (ND) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Daniel Caldas receives the Academic Achievement Award during the graduation ceremony for Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Class 22-4, April 22, 2022, at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brenda Miazga, 17th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron incoming commander, (right) assumes command from Col. Derek Larbie, 17th Medical Group commander, during the 17th OMRS change of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center, June 2, 2022. Change of commands are a military tradition representing the transfer of responsibilities from the presiding official to the upcoming official.

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.

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