Modern Military Ceremonies

Contemporary images depicting various military award and change of command ceremonies, featuring personnel in uniform and formal settings.

U.S. Army Col. Seth Morgulas, commander of the 369th Sustainment Brigade and Command Sgt. Maj. Curtis Moss, senior enlisted advisor to Morgulas uncase their brigades flag during a transfer of authority ceremony, Nov. 3, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The transfer of authority ceremony signifies the end of the responsibilities of Task Force Phoenix followed by the assumption of responsibility by Task Force Hellfighter.

Sergeant Major of the Army, Michael A. Grinston, came to the 7th Army Non-Commissioned Officer Academy to visit and coin instructors at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Jan. 20, 2022. Soldiers were also able to ask the SMA to address questions and concerns about the Army during a town hall event the same day.

The South Carolina National Guard held a changing of the stole ceremony at the Adjutant General Complex auditorium, Columbia, South Carolina, July 9, 2022. U.S. Army Chaplain (Col.) Norris Darden, Jr., South Carolina National Guard senior state chaplain, passed the stole to incoming chaplain, U.S. Army Chaplain (Lt. Col.) James Davidson, South Carolina National Guard. The transferring of the stole is similar to the passing of a unit's guidon during a change of command ceremony. The changing of the stole demonstrates the responsibility for spiritual leadership and pastoral care passing from one chaplain to another.

Spc. Alyssa Dameron, a Burlington, Iowa, native and combat engineer assigned to Company A, 224th Brigade Engineer Battalion, Iowa Army National Guard, smiles as the guest speaker pins her newly-earned Air Assault badge on graduation day of a U.S. Air Assault course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 9, 2022. Dameron was the youngest of over 180 Soldiers and Airmen to graduate the 12-day course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. Cadre from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia, traveled as a mobile training team to teach the course.

Master Sgt. John Johnson, right, a resource analyst with AFIMSCs Emergency Services Branch, congratulates Tech. Sgt. Johnathan Page with the 775th Civil Engineering Squadrons EOD flight, during the Air Force EOD Team of the Year Grand Finale competition held at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Indiana, July 25-27, 2022. Hosted by the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, the competition seeks to drive innovation, restore readiness, and develop and retain leaders within the EOD career field.

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

U.S. Air Force Col. Danielle Willis, 93d Air Ground Operations Wing commander, center, relinquishes command during a change of command ceremony at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 15, 2022. Willis passed the guidon to the presiding officer to surrender her authority of the 93d AGOW.

Lt. Col. Christopher Richelderfer (left center), incoming commander of Barquist Army Health Clinic, passes the unit guidon to Sgt. 1st Class Heather Lonebear, senior enlisted leader of Barquist Army Health Clinic, at a change of command ceremony June 14, 2022, Fort Detrick, Maryland. Lt. Col. Christopher Richelderfer assumed command of the clinic from Lt. Col. Johnathan Evans.

Lt. Col. Michael J. Esposito assumes command of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 29th Infantry Division from Lt. Col. John R. Roche during a change of command ceremony Septempber 11, 2022, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Maj. Gen. John M. Rhodes, commanding general of the 29th Infantry Division, presided over the traditional exchanging of the unit colors that represented the change of command from Roche to Esposito.

Lt. Gen. Mark Weatherington, Air Force Global Strike Command deputy commander, left, coins Capt. John Fredericks, 7th Bomb Wing staff judge advocate office chief of military justice, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 23, 2022. Fredericks was recognized for developing a local dashboard for commanders, allowing regular updates on the status of military justice actions in their units. This enables them to make informed decisions in the interest of good order and discipline.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom James, left, commander of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense, removes the Army patches from the uniform of U.S. Space Force Master Sgt. Maurice Erickson, right, 1st Sgt. for the JTF-SD, during an interservice transfer ceremony at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, Sept. 21, 2022. James presided over the ceremony and administered the oath of enlistment to Erickson as he transferred into the U.S. Space Force

U.S. Air Force Col. Clinton M. Wilson, left, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, and Col. Jason R. Barnes, outgoing commander of the 407th Air Expeditionary Group, stand at attention during an inactivation ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 30, 2022. The 407th AEG executed tactical airlift and airdrop, remotely piloted aircraft launch and recovery for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and was responsible for all airfield operations at two coalition airfields.

Col. Joshua Wood, 51st Fighter Wing commander, passes the guidon to Maj. Brett Ramnarine, 51st Comptroller Squadron newly appointed commander, during the squadrons assumption of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 29, 2022. The ceremonial passing of the guidon to Ramnarine marks the beginning of his command of the 51st CPTS.

U.S. Army Maj. Brendan T. Collins, 39th Transportation Battalion Executive Officer (right) und Capt. Zachary B. Griffin, incoming 42d Transportation Company, commander (left) unfurl the guidon for the first time during the activation ceremony, Oct. 14, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany

The 1/135th Assault Helicopter Battalion conducted a change of command ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, on June 12, 2022. Change of command ceremonies are a formal recognition of an outgoing commander passing on their duties and responsibilities to an incoming commander.

SUFFOLK, Va. (Sept. 14, 2022) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea answers questions during an all-hands call at Naval Information Forces Command, Sept. 14, 2022. Honea conducted his first fleet visit to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development, and quality of life.

Lt. Col. Peter M. Ammerman, the interim Expeditionary District Commander, passes the unit colors to Sgt. Maj. Jun Tomagan, the Expeditionary District Senior Enlisted Advisor, during a Relinquishment of Command ceremony, April 25, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Maj. Gen. Kimberly Colloton, Commanding General of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division, hosted the time-honored transfer of authority and command ceremony as Col. Kenneth N. Reed, the outgoing Expeditionary District Commander, was selected to lead the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Southwestern Division. Ammerman will lead the district until Reeds replacement, Lt. Col. Richard Childers, arrives in July, from his current assignment as the Walla Walla District commander. (Photo by Richard Bumgardner, Transatlantic Expeditionary District Public Affairs)

Blanchfield Army Community Hospital conducted a change of Responsibility ceremony where Command Sgt. Maj. Marlon E. Faulds relinquished responsibility of his position to Master Sgt. Johnny D. Thompson, December 9, 2022, at Wilson Theater on Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kara Taylor, 17th Comptroller Squadron outgoing commander, (right) relinquishes command to Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, during the 17th CPTS change of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center, June 3, 2022. Passing the guidon physically represents the symbolism of passing the squadron responsibilities to the next commander.

Col. Barry Little, vice commander of the 20th Air Force, pins the captain rank onto newly promoted Capt. Cory Sylvester, squadron command post commander with the 320th Missile Squadron, June 12, 2022, at the Bravo-01 missile alert facility near Harrisburg, Nebraska. Pinning on rank is a sign of congratulations to the promote from their coworkers, family and friends.

POLAND Friday, February 9th 2023, HHC Brigade Archangels welcome CPT Grant Moyer as the new commander.We thank CPT Olivia Lynch for her for the time and energy and wish her all the best on her future endeavors!(

U.S. Army Spc. Damon Swanson, UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter repairer, 15T, for 2nd Battalion, 149th Aviation Regiment, General Support Aviation Battalion, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Mustang, 36th Infantry Division (right), receives congratulations from Col. Scott P. Nicholas, commander of Task Force Mustang, during a command and staff meeting held at Task Force Mustang headquarters in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 26, 2022. Swanson, native of Conway, Arkansas, was recognized as Task Force Mustang's "Hero of the Week" for his recent performance reviews as a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter repairer, responsible for preparing Army helicopters for in-depth inspections and maintenance checks.

Spc. Nathaniel Miska of Oakdale, Minnesota, a Carpentry and Masonry Specialist with the Minnesota National Guards 850th Engineer Company, stands for recongition of his first place finish. He was one of twelve National Guard Soldiers who competed in the Region IV Best Warrior Competition May 11-15, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, participated in an awards ceremony. The annual competition tests the military skills, physical strength and endurance of the top Soldiers and noncommissioned officers from the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio National Guards. The winners will move on to compete in the National Guards competition on July 20-30, 2022, at Camp Smyrna, Tennessee. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Gen. James J. Mingus, U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff, greets Maj. Jeff Benton, a plans officer assigned with the XVIII Airborne Corps, during a senior leader engagement at Army Futures Command's Project Convergence - Capstone 4 being held at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 28, 2024. Mingus met with XVIII Airborne Corps Soldiers to discuss their experimentation efforts as part of PC-C4. PC-C4 is the largest, two-phase experiment from February 23 through March 20 to assess how technology can enhance cross-domain military operations and unified strategic approaches involving partners from various nations and joint services. Army

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

Lt. Gen Sean C. Bernabe, the new commanding general of III Armored Corps and Fort Hood, is promoted by his wife Jayne Bernabe, Oct. 4, 2022, at Fort Hood, Texas. Bernabe was promoted to lieutenant general prior to taking command of the corps.

On Dec. 2, 2022, Command Sgt. Major Jay A. High's relinquishment of responsibility ceremony was conducted. He was the Command Sgt. Major for over three years, and helped build strong foundations for all the noncommissioned officers in the brigade.

CLINTON, NC, the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) "Old Hickory", incoming Col. Paul Hollenack assumes command from Brig. Gen. Charles Morrison, Army National Guard, during the change of command ceremony at the 30th ABCT Headquarters on Jan 21, 2023.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Erments Dimanche, a logistics officer with the 369th Sustainment Brigade, is given an Army Achievement Medal from Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Bank, an Assistant Adjutant General of the Air National Guard, during an awards ceremony at Camp Smith Training Site, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2022. Dimanche received the award for exceptional meritorious service while in support of Joint Task Force New York that was vital to the success of the New York State COVID 19 mission. His leadership and actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Joint Task Force New York and the U.S. Army.

Paratroopers from across the 82nd Airborne Division participated in the fourth day of the Divisions Best Squad Competition at Fort Bragg, N.C. on June 10, 2022. Today they participated in a 14-mile ruck march and a knowledge-based board.

Kentucky National Guard senior leadership welcomed home Soldiers from the 1-149th Infantry Battalion at the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Ky. The 1-149th spent 9 months in Kosovo in support of Task Force Red Dragon. (US Army photo by 1st Lt. Kaitlin Baudendistel)

U.S. Army Col. Brian E. McCarthy, commander of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Shaiko, command sergeant major of the 1ABCT, case the brigade colors during a transfer of authority ceremony at Zagan, Poland, June 23, 2022. This ceremony marked the end of an 11-month rotation for the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Soldiers, and the beginning of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Divisions rotation.

U.S. Air Force, Maj. Gen. Derek France, left, Third Air Force commander, presents a coin to Nicholas Underwood, right, 422nd Air Base force support development flight chief at RAF Croughton, England, Dec. 7, 2022. The 3rd AF command team visited multiple installations throughout the 501st Combat Support Wing to recognize and speak with Airmen and civilians from across the wing.

U.S. Air Force Capt. Anthony Maggio, the Equal Opportunity Director at the 117th Air Refueling Wing, holds a retirement ceremony at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Jan. 6, 2024. Maggio retired after 22 years in the United States Air Force and the Air National Guard.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Erments Dimanche, a logistics officer with the 369th Sustainment Brigade, shakes hands with Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Bank, an Assistant Adjutant General of the Air National Guard, after receiving the Meritorious Service Medal during an awards ceremony at Camp Smith Training Site, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2022. Dimanche received the award for exceptional meritorious service while in support of Joint Task Force New York that was vital to the success of the New York State COVID 19 mission. His leadership and actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Joint Task Force New York and the U.S. Army.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Erments Dimanche, a logistics officer with the 369th Sustainment Brigade, shakes hands with Air Force Brig. Gen. Michael Bank, an Assistant Adjutant General of the Air National Guard, after receiving the Meritorious Service Medal during an awards ceremony at Camp Smith Training Site, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2022. Dimanche received the award for exceptional meritorious service while in support of Joint Task Force New York that was vital to the success of the New York State COVID 19 mission. His leadership and actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Joint Task Force New York and the U.S. Army.

Maj. Gen. Sean M. Salene, the U.S. Central Command's Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J-5), is greeted by Maj. Samuel H. Waterman, the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron commander, September 27, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Salene met with key leaders at the U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi and the 380th AEW. Meetings focused on how U.S. Forces in the UAE coordinate with their Emirati Partners to maintain regional security.

Brig. Gen. Guy Jones, deputy director and chief of staff at Futures and Concepts Center, congratulates Staff Sgt. Erick Alvarez on his second place finish in FCCs 2022 Best Warrior Competition on April 28, 2022, on Fort Bliss, Texas.

U.S. Army, Sgt. Maj. Andrea Metcalf, G-1 Sergeant Major, Joint Force Headquarters, Vermont National Guard presents a printed copy of the U.S. constitution to U.S. Army Col. Dana Tourangeau, Deputy Chief of Staff of Personnel, at Joint Force Headquarters, Vermont National Guard, during his retirement ceremony at Camp Johnson, Colchester, Vt., May 6, 2022. Col. Tourangeau retires from the Guard after three decades of service.

Brigadier Gen. Michael C. McCurry assumed command of the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker from Maj. Gen. David J. Francis as facilitated by Lt. Gen. Theodore D. Martin, commander, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, during a change of command ceremony on Fort Rucker's Howze Field July 21, 2022.

U.S. Army Sgt. Kevin Izquierdo, assigned to the 14th Field Hospital, recieves a challenge coin from Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Campbell, the senior Noncommissioned Officer of the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, after winning the NCO of the Quarter Board on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Feb. 10, 2023. The Soldier and NCO of the Quarter Board, chaired by the brigade command sergeant major with the units senior-most NCOs as voting members, tested the Soldiers military knowledge, customs and courtesies, and composure under pressure. Competition events are a test of grit and toughness, foster readiness and esprit de corps, and are a fundamental part of the brigades strategy to build lethal, cohesive teams with expert leaders.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William Betts presents the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing guidon to Lt. Col. Jeremy Lock, during the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron change of command ceremony, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 19, 2022. The passing of the guidon symbolizes the official assumption of responsibility, authority and accountability of the unit.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Grabiec, a public affairs specialist with the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, receives the Air and Space Achievement Medal from wing command Col. Daniel McDonough in Peoria, Illinois, April 30, 2022. Grabiec has served in the role for six years.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Mikael Sundin, Command Chief Master Sergeant, Continental U.S. NORAD Region - 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern, Air Forces Space), left, presents a challenge point to Pennsylvania Air National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Justin Shaeffer, right, for his performance serving as a boom operator with the 171st Air Refueling Wing's Operations Group near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, July 7, 2022. Sundin visited the 171st ARW to speak with Airmen and reinforce the importance of the 171st ARW's role in the North American Aerospace Defense Command's homeland defense mission.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Scott Crane, Missouri Air National Guard, recites the Oath of Office from U.S. Air Force Col. Ed Black, during his promotion ceremony to lieutenant colonel at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 10, 2022.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command Commander and Chief Master Sgt. Jacob C. Simmons, Space Operations Command Senior Enlisted Leader, visit the Clear Space Force Station Fire Department to hear from the Clear Team members on their operations and wellbeing. The Clear Space Force members provide strategic missile warning, missile defense, and Upgraded Early Warning Radar as an integral part of deterrence in support of Homeland Defense. Clear SFS is home to Arctic Airmen and Guardians assigned to the 13th and 213th Space Warning Squadrons and 268th Security Forces, providing 24/7 missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Akeel M. Gaines, 250th Brigade Support Battalion, New Jersey National Guard, is congratulated by a guest at his appointment ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Oct. 24, 2022. Command Sgt. Maj. Gaines assumed the command of the 250th BSB located in Teaneck, October 1st.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. John F. Kelliher III, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command commander, establishes his intentions and expectations as the incoming commander during the succession of command ceremony at Camp Elmore, Virginia, Aug. 4, 2022. During the ceremony Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley, the outgoing commander, relinquished his duties to the incoming commander, Kelliher. The commander is responsible for proper employment and support of Marine Corps Forces and executing developmental procedures to fulfill the Service-retained operating forces in support of the combatant commander.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brian Welde, assumes command of the 378th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, from Brig. Gen. Robert Davis, commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, during an Assumption of Command ceremony at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, May 6, 2022. The primary purpose of an assumption of command is for subordinates to witness an officer formally assume responsibility, authority and accountability for the unit. These ceremonies preserve the tradition of military service and stimulate unit esprit de corps.

Lt. Col. Peter Dyrud, (right), 351st Special Warfare Training Squadron commander, spoke with Maj. Gen. Michele C. Edmondson, (left), Second Air Force commander, about seating capacity for the pararescue jumpers graduation event, at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., April 29, 2022. During her visit, Edmondson visited multiple base units including the 58th training squadron, as well as received a human performance integration briefing.

U.S. Army Cpt. Kamal Gill assigned to 1st battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiments (1-77 FAR) takes command of Charlie Battery during the Activation Ceremony of Charlie Battery 1-77 FAR at Tower Barracks, Grafenwoehr, Germany, Jan. 10 2024.

U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark A. Milley speaks with U.S. Air Force Gen. Tod D. Wolters during a change of command ceremony for U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, on July 1, 2022. Upon taking command from Wolters, U.S. Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli assumed responsibility for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 64,000 permanently assigned military and civilian personnel and works closely with NATO Allies and Partners.

Col. Dolphis Hall, 4th Medical Group commander, left, and Lt. Col. Joseph Popham, 4th Medical Support Squadron commander, furls the 4th MDSS guidon at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, April 1, 2022. Lt. Col. Popham relinquished command of the 4th MDSS during the inactivation ceremony.

The winning squad of the 91st Military Police Battalion's brigade level competition, representing the 385th Military Police Battalion, pose following an awards ceremony at the 91st Military Police Battalion Headquarters on Fort Drum, N.Y., March 9, 2023. This event was conducted as part of a best squad competition designed to assess Soldiers on technical and tactical proficiency and teamwork.

The 191st Air Refueling Squadron, Utah Air National Guard, participates in a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022 at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Utah.Change of commands are rooted in rich military history which allows subordinates to witness the formality of command change from one officer to another.

Today, U.S. Army Europe and Africa was honored to host Brig. Gen. GeneMeredith, and Command Sgt. Maj. James Light. As the director of Army safety,Meredith highlighted the #Army's excellent year in Safety during FY22. Theymet with U.S. Army Europe and Africa safety team and other senior leaders todiscuss risk management, safety prevention and the Combat Readiness Center's resources that can be used throughout the European theater to continue this success. This historic decrease in mishaps indicates our Army's tireless efforts to mitigate risk. Each year U.S. Army Europe and Africa drives,trains, and conducts parachute jumps across the European and Africancontinent . The Combat Readiness Center's main mission is focused onprevention of accidental loss of our people and resources, with a vision ofa Safety Culture in the Army that focuses on a continuous application of therisk management process. U.S. Army Europe and Africa wants to continue tofoster a culture that incorporates risk manag

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Tara Burke, Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 101st Field Artillery Regiment, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, salutes during a Casing of the Colors ceremony in Waterbury, Vt., December 3, 2022. Traditionally, this military ceremony commemorates unit history prior to the transfer of duty stations. The apex involves furling the guidon and placing it inside a protective sheath. Following their transfer to Massachusetts, Bravo Batterys lineage and honors transfer to the 172nd Law Enforcement Detachment of Garrison Support Command.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Lieutenant (Lt.) General (Gen.) David N. Miller Jr., Commander of Space Operations Command, was briefed by members of the Guardian Resilience Team (GRT), during his visit to Schriever SFB, CO., February 29, 2024. Lt. Gen. David N. Miller visited various locations on Schriever. Space Force

Col. Kyle Grygo, 51st Mission Support Group commander, passes the guidon to Maj. Vincent McLean, 51st Logistics Readiness Squadron newly appointed commander, during the squadrons assumption of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, July 22, 2022. The ceremonial passing of the guidon to McLean marks the beginning of his command of the 51st LRS.

Maj. Terrence Briggs, outgoing 4th Communications Squadron commander, passes the 4th CS guidon to Col. Tammy McElhaney, 4th Mission Support Group commander, after relinquishing command during a change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Oct. 28, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Hector Soto-Rodriguez, the outgoing sergeant major of Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), middle, hands the non-commissioned officer sword to Col. Robert Guice, commanding officer of MACG-18, left, while U.S. Navy Lt. Michael Marcelli, the Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1 Chaplain, stands at attention during a relief ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 8, 2022. The ceremony was held to relieve Sgt. Maj. Hector Soto-Rodriguez as the MACG-18 Sergeant Major.

U.S. Air Force Col. William Hunter, 81st Training Wing commander, signs the Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation as Tech. Sgt. Hernan Negron Santiago and Staff Sgt. Danielle Davidson, 334th Training Squadron instructors, stand by inside the 81st TRW headquarters building at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Sept. 14, 2022. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated September 15 through October 15.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Hector Soto-Rodriguez, the outgoing sergeant major of Marine Air Control Group (MACG) 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), middle, prepares to hand the non-commissioned officer sword to Col. Robert Guice, commanding officer of MACG-18, left, while U.S. Navy Lt. Michael Marcelli, the Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1 Chaplain, stands at attention during a relief ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 8, 2022. The ceremony was held to relieve Sgt. Maj. Hector Soto-Rodriguez as the MACG-18 Sergeant Major.

As he is prone to do when around young Soldiers, Maj. Gen. Kenneth Kamper, Fires Center of Excellence and Fort Sill commanding general, left, had 17-year-old Pvt. Gunner Turner, a basic trainee, center right, call his family. The phone call was part of Kamper's 247th Army birthday celebration with Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Burnley, right, and Fort Sill's oldest Soldier, 62-year-old Maj. Felix Kumai, 434th Field Artillery Brigade chaplain.

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Space Base Delta 1 Commander, U.S. Space Force Colonel Shay Warakomski (left) presents the Meritorious Service Medal certificate to outgoing 50th Civil Engineer squadron commander, U.S. Air Force Lt Col Andrew Cullen during the unit's change of command ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado, 15 June 2022. Air Force Lt Col Monica Pickenpaugh then assumed responsibilities as the squadron's new commander.

Brig. Gen. Toni Lord, Virginia National Guard air component commander, congratulates Master Sgt. John Lugo, 192nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production superintendent, for winning the 2022 Gen. Lew Allen Jr. Award at the National Guard Bureau level in the senior non-commissioned officer category, on Aug. 7, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Adam Nichols, 158th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, shakes hands with Maj. Kenneth Voller, site activation lead from the Royal Danish Air Force, Fighter Wing Skrydstrup, after a tour of the F-35A Lightning II aircraft maintenance area at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 26, 2022. Strengthening alliances and attracting new partners creates asymmetric advantage through access, interoperability, increased partner capacity and increased domain awareness.

The 104th Fighter Wing Civil Engineering Squadron held a promotion for Lt. Col. Sarah Sinclair on Feb. 14, 2024 at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Sinclair expressed gratitude toward her fellow Airmen during the promotion as she further advances her military career, which started at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Senior Master Sgt. Brett Blanchard salutes his retirement flag held by his wife during a ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Jan. 6, 2024. Blanchard served for 33 years, spending the majority of his career in the education and training realm ensuring Airmen met training and development requirements for career advancement.

Airman Miranda Clement(Right) of the 168th Wing, 168th Force Support Squadron, 168th Services Flight was promoted to Airman during the June drill in the Alaska Air National Guard. The Force Support Squadron Services provides quality of life to the Wing's members and their families performing duties to keep our unit operational, including fitness, feeding Airmen, lodging, mortuary affairs, and the management and accounting procedures needed to support the mission.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass coins Airman First Class Cole Alli of the 127th Operations Group during an all call at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Feb. 4, 2024. Alli achieved mission qualification in record time and demonstrated versatility as a multi-capable airman. Beyond his professional achievements, Alli's commendable sense of volunteerism extends to both the 127th Wing and his local community. Air National Guard

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael Bedryk, commander of the 369th Special Troops Battalion and Command Sgt. Maj. Tracy-Ann Stewart, senior enlisted advisor to Bedryk, uncase their battalions flag during a transfer of authority ceremony, Nov. 3, 2022, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The transfer of authority ceremony signifies the end of the responsibilities of Task Force Phoenix followed by the assumption of responsibility by Task Force Hellfighter.

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany- Army Lt. Col. David Gladish (right) the outgoing commander of the 7th Intermediate Level Education Detachment, 7th Mission Support Command, receives the Meritorious Service Award from Brig. Gen. Wanda N. Williams, commander of the 7th MSC during the unit´s change of command ceremony held at the Tower View Conference Center at USAG Bavaria, Grafenwoehr Oct.16, 2022. The 7th Intermediate Level Education Detachment educates United States and international field grade officers assigned or deployed to Army Europe, Army Africa, and Army Central areas of responsibilities in order to build and lead organizations under Mission Command in Unified Land Operations.

Tech. Sgt. Katy Martello, 192nd Maintenance Squadron shift lead, is recognized for her accomplishments with the presentation of a coin from Col. Christopher G. Batterton, 192nd Wing commander, at one of the 192nd Wing All Calls on May 14, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Batterton and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Roberts, 192nd Wing command chief, hosted the various All Calls during May's regularly scheduled drill along with other leadership and recognized several Airmen.

Goodfellow Air Force Base and Laughlin Air Force Base 1st Sergeants pose for a photo after receiving the L trophy from Airman Leadership School class 22-G, Goodfellow AFB, Texas, Oct. 13, 2022. The L is awarded to the losing team after a best of three volleyball game played between the ALS students and the 1st Sergeants.

Maj. Ishmael Macedo accepts the 144th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron guidon from Col. Marcia Cole, 144th Maintenance Group commander and presiding official, during a Change of Command ceremony, Sept. 11, 2022, at the Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif. Maj. Macedo became the commander of the 144th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as Col. Ceasar Gonzales relinquished command.

Maj. Ishmael Macedo accepts the 144th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron guidon from Col. Marcia Cole, 144th Maintenance Group commander and presiding official, during a Change of Command ceremony, Sept. 11, 2022, at the Fresno Air National Guard Base, Calif. Maj. Macedo became the commander of the 144th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as Col. Ceasar Gonzales relinquished command.

U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick F. Farrell, 437th Operations Group outbound commander, relinquishes command of the 437th OG to Col. Robert V. Lankford, 437th Airlift Wing commander, during a ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 24, 2022. With more that 1,100 personnel and 40 C-17 Globemaster IIIs, the 437th OG support Department of Defense tactical airdrop, worldwide airlift and aeromedical evacuation support.

USAR Soldier SSG Edward Singh Chollet, receives the Expert Soldier Badge.The Expert Soldier Badge (ESB) is a special skills badge of the United States Army. It is similar in appearance to the Combat Action Badge. The ESB is awarded to Soldiers who have completed testing and do not serve in the Infantry, Special Forces, or Medical Branches.Photo by Tim Yao

Col. Jun Oh, 374th Operations Group commander, left, passes the 374th Operations Group guidon to Lt. Col. Alexander Kelly, incoming 319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron commander, right, during the 319th ERS activation and assumption of command ceremony at Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kanoya Air Base, Japan, Oct. 23. 2022. The ceremony marks the official acceptance of Kelly as the 319th ERSs newest commander.

New York Air National Guard Master Sgt. Grant Drumgold and Tech. Sgt. Franklin Angel, recruiters at the 105th Airlift Wing, pose at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York, Feb. 28. Drumgold and Angel were recognized among the top ANG recruiters in the nation for their performance and enlistment rates. (New York Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy Curry (left), 319th Reconnaissance Wing commander, passes the 319th Mission Support Group guidon to U.S. Air Force Col. David Castor, 319th MSG incoming commander, during a 319th MSG assumption of command ceremony Aug. 12, 2022, at the fire department on Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The guidon was passed to Castor, symbolizing his official acceptance of command.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roosevelt Alexander, left, U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Arnold Sandoval, middle, and U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Ayana Hodges, right, 325th Force Support Squadron culinary specialists, accept their trophy for coming in first place at the 2022 Regional Chef Competition June 30, 2022, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The competition was the first of its kind in the area and the theme for the event was Represent Your Culture!

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Troy D. Galloway, deputy commanding general, Army National Guard, United States Army Forces Command, gives remarks prior to cutting a cake in honor of the U.S. Armys 247th Birthday in Fayetteville N.C., June 14, 2022. The event featured 15 Soldiers from across the XVIII Airborne Corps reenlisting on the field of Segra Stadium, home of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Armando Martinez, outgoing commanding officer of Headquarters Battalion, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), passes the Marine Corps colors to Lt. Col. Clinton Gebke, incoming commanding officer, during a change of command ceremony at MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, California, July 14, 2022. Martinez relinquished command to Gebke, former commanding officer of Communication Strategy and Operations Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Matthew Lintker, left, commander of the 18th Space Defense Squadron, passes the guidon to U.S. Space Force Maj. Nathan Glandon, incoming commander of the 18th SDS Detachment 1, during an activation and assumption of command ceremony at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, July 14, 2022. The 18 SDS Det. 1 will deliver timely, threat-focused Space Domain Awareness in support to the Joint Task Force-Space Defenses protect and defend mission. The JTF-SD, and its National Space Defense Center, provide unprecedented unity of effort with the Department of Defense, Intel Community and National Reconnaissance Office to protect and defend against threats in the space domain.

Chief Master Sgt. Nathan Chrestensen, left, 54th Fighter Group senior enlisted leader, and Staff Sgt. Alexis Mayle, 314th Fighter Squadron aviation resource manager, pose together in Chrestensens office during a Chief for a Day event on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, July 21, 2022. The program drives Airmen who have the potential to be great leaders in the U.S. Air Force to continue toward that goal.

Corey Jacobson, left, legislative director for Rep. Lieu (D-CA-33) shakes hands with U.S. Space Force Brig. Gen. Dennis Bythewood, right, deputy commander of the Joint Task Force-Space Defense during a U.S. Representatives visit to the JTF-SD Commercial Operations cell (JCO) facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Aug. 29, 2022. The staff members also visited U.S. Space Command and Space Operations Command headquarters in the area before heading to Combined Functional Space Component Command at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., to learn about combatant command integration.

First Sgt. Angela Wilkins hands the guide on to Warrant Officer Katherine Strobel as she assumes command during a change of command ceremony at Wellman Armory on Boone National Guard Center, Frankfort, Ky., September 24, 2022.

The Mercury Brigade would like to extend their congratulations to the newly promoted KATUSAs. We always appreciate their work to advance the organization's mission. For everything they have done to improve our squad, we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude.

U.S. Army Capt. Cory Finn (right), commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 3-142nd Assault Helicopter Battalion (AHB), New York Army National Guard, attached to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) from the Texas Army National Guard, congratulates Sgt. Daniel T. Clavin (left), signal operations support sergeant, 25U, assigned to HHC, 3-142 AHB, during a Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve teleconference held at the 36th CAB headquarters in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 22, 2022. Clavin, a native of Farmingville, NY, was presented a Certificate of Appreciation by the brigade command team for his timely actions on procuring and installing over 40 workstations within two days, in order to meet operational standards for the Task Force Rough Rider's Tactical Operations Center.

Lt. Col. Gregory Polk, commander, Task Force Pioneer, renders a salute to a U.S. Soldier during a combined promotion and award ceremony at Union III forward operating base in Baghdad, Iraq, April 6, 2022. As part of Army tradition, Task Force Pioneer facilitates a monthly mass ceremony to promote Soldiers, present awards and recognize exemplary accomplishments.

U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Rogge and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Frank Bednar assumes command of the 233rd Communication Squadron pose with the 233rd command flag during the 233rd Communication Squadron change of command, Greeley Air National Guard Station, Greeley, Colorado, Oct 15, 2022. The 233rd provides immediate, worldwide missile warning, space launch and detection in the event of an attack against the United States.

The United States Army Garrison Humphreys Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program hosted their 3rd Quarter Awards Ceremony at Humphreys Family Theater, June 28, 2022. Awardees were recognized for excellence, dedication, achievements connected to the BOSS program.

Brig. Gen. William J. Johnson, is pinned by Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford, the adjutant general of Arkansas, becoming the first African American general in the 203 year history of the Arkansas National Guard.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Juan Valles, flight chief of 36th Security Forces Squadron, speaks to 36 SFS and 36th Wing leadership during a Linebacker of the Week presentation at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, April 13, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens Mission, Vision and Priorities.

U.S. Air Force Jon T. Hannah, left, 422d Air Base Group commander, receives the 420th Munitions Squadron guidon from Maj. Christopher Wood, 420th Munitions Squadron outgoing commander, during a change of command ceremony at RAF Welford, England, May 26, 2022. During his command Wood was responsible for all munitions operations maintaining USAFEs second largest weapons stockpile valued at $403 million in war reserve material.

Chaplain (Col.) Michael F. McDonald, the command chaplain for 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, congratulates Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John E. Scott, the new division chaplain for 3rd ID, during an Assumption of Stole ceremony at the Marne Chapel on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Sept. 28, 2022. McDonald will rely on Scott and his Unit Ministry Teams to care for every Soldier, Family member and civilian in 3rd ID.

Col. Vincent Myers, the BACH Commander, and Col. Andrew Jordan, the Fort Campbell Garrison Commander, joined Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett, and presented both Fort Campbell and Montgomery County Emergency Services with awards. The Fort Campbell EMS received the Civilian Service Commendation Medal and the Montgomery County Emergency Service workers received the Public Service Commendation Medal, recognizing them for assistance during recent events and for their continued partnership with the Fort Campbell community. "We have a lot of resources on Fort Campbell, but we don't have everything we need, so we rely on partnerships with our local community, especially when it comes to fire services and EMS," said Jordan, "and some of our local communities rely on us ... it's reciprocal."

Brig. Gen. Joseph R. Harris II, Hawaii Air National Guard commander, receives the guidon as Brig. Gen. Dann S. Carlson, outgoing 154th Wing commander, relinquishes command Sept. 7, 2022, at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Throughout Carlson's three-year tenure as wing commander, beginning in August 2019, he has placed 'ohana as the organization's number one priority, emphasizing a need to take care of every member and their families as they set out to accomplish the 154th Wing's mission.

Brig. Gen. Gregory S. Johnson, Adjutant General of the U.S. Army, receives an introduction of Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations from Col. Chip Hollinger, AFMAO commander, during his visit at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 15, 2022.

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