Naval Change of Command Ceremonies

Formal ceremonies involving naval officers in dress uniform, standing at attention, reading orders, and saluting against a backdrop of flags.

220729-N-GR655-0053 GROTON, Conn. (July 29, 2022) - Rear Adm. Douglas Perry delivers remarks as a guest speaker during a change-of-command ceremony for the USS Vermont (SSN 792) at the U.S. Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut, July 29, 2022. The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Vermont and crew operate under Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) FOUR and its primary mission is to provide fast-attack submarines that are ready, willing, and able to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe.

PANAMA CITY, FL (June 10, 2022) 220610-N-OT328-0221 Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center Change of Command ceremony. Commander Erich Frandrup was relieved by Commander Troy Lawson during a change of command ceremony.

PATUXENT RIVER, Maryland (June 14, 2022) - Capt. John Brabazon, left, reads his orders at the NAS Patuxent River change of command ceremony as Capt. Derrick Kingsley stands at attention. Kingsley assumed command of the naval air station from Brabazon in a formal ceremony at the air station June 14.

221014-N-DK722-1016 NAVAL SUPPORT FACILITY DEVESELU, Romania (Oct. 14, 2022) Cmdr. Jonathan P. Schermerhorn, Commander, U.S. Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System Romania (USAAMDSRO), renders a hand salute to sideboys following a change of command ceremony on Naval Support Facility (NSF) Deveselu, Romania, Oct. 14, 2022. AAMDS is under the operational control of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe, based in Naples, Italy, and is part of the European Phased Adapted Approach (EPAA), which protects European NATO allies and U.S. deployed forces in the region.

FORT WORTH, Texas (Aug. 5, 2022) - Capt. Mark Hofmann reads his orders after relinquishing command of Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command Fort Worth (REDCOM FW) during a change of command ceremony held at the Navy Reserve Center drill hall onboard Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Aug. 5. Hofmann served as the REDCOM FW commander from August 2020 to August 2022, when he was relieved by his successor Capt. Albert C. Seeman.

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam (July 8, 2022) - Capt. Robert Stiles, left, relieves Capt. Steven Stasick as the commanding officer of Officer in Charge of Construction Marine Corps Marianas at Andersen Air Force Base July 8. Stasick served as the commanding officer from 2020 to 2022 and will report to Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Pacific as the vice commander.

NORFOLK (Sept. 14, 2012) Adm. John C. Harvey Jr. congratulates Adm. Bill Gortney as he assumes command of U.S. Fleet Forces Command aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 8, 2022) From right to left, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) James Honea, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, MCPON Russell Smith, and Ret. Adm. Bill Moran, salute and pay respects to the U.S. Navy ceremonial guard during the MCPON Change of Office ceremony held at Mahan Hall, United States Naval Academy, Sept. 8, 2022. Honea relieved MCPON Russell Smith to become the 16th MCPON.

220519-N-UD000-2001 NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (May 19, 2022) Capt. Dave Pollard salutes Capt. Robert Aguilar as he departs the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) following a change of command ceremony May 19, 2022. George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable war fighting capability as the flagship of the carrier strike group which maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

220729-N-GR655-0053 GROTON, Conn. (July 29, 2022) - Rear Adm. Douglas Perry delivers remarks as a guest speaker during a change-of-command ceremony for the USS Vermont (SSN 792) at the U.S. Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut, July 29, 2022. The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Vermont and crew operate under Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) FOUR and its primary mission is to provide fast-attack submarines that are ready, willing, and able to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe.

220630-N-AS200-3500 PORT HUENEME, Calif. (June 30, 2022) - A Master Chief assigned to Naval Construction Group One (NCG-1) conducts "piping the side" during the arrival of the official party at a Change of Command ceremony onboard Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Jun. 30. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2C Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

221202-N-OM737-1185NORFOLK, Va. (Dec. 2, 2022) Capt. Paul Burkhart, the commanding officer of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), arrives as a member of the official party as part of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) change of command ceremony in the ships hangar bay, Dec. 2, 2022. During the ceremony, Capt. Paul Burkhart relieved Murphy as commanding officer of Bataan.

HAKODATE, Japan (Oct. 7, 2022) Cmdr. Marcus Seeger, commanding officer of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65), speaks to a crowd during a welcoming ceremony hosted by the Hakodate America-Japan Society after arriving for a scheduled port visit, Oct. 7. Benfold is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleets principal surface force.

220902-G-TW079-039SINGAPORE (Sep. 2, 2022) Capt. Tim LaBenz, commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, departs after assuming command of DESRON 7 during the change of command ceremony aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) in Singapore, Sept. 2, 2022. Charleston, part of DESRON 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. As the U.S. Navys destroyer squadron forward-deployed in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7s Sea Combat Commander, and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements.

CORONADO Calif. (Dec. 1, 2022) U.S. Navy Sailors bow heads during the benediction at the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6 change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI), Dec. 1, 2022. HSC-6 is an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter squadron whose mission is maritime and overland strike, search and rescue, personnel recovery, naval special warfare, anti-surface warfare and logistics attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 20, 2022) - Rear Adm. Michael Buzz” Donnelly, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, addresses members of the press prior to going underway aboard America’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). CSG 5 is forward deployed to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of a free and open Indo Pacific.

DF-ST-85-12562. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

JINHAE, Republic of Korea - Cmdr. Preston Rackauskas, incoming commanding officer of Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC) departs the Change of Command Ceremony, Aug. 26, 2022. CFAC is located in the Jinhae District of Changwon City on the Southeastern coast of Republic of Korea is the only U.S. Navy installation on the Korean pennisula.

DN-ST-86-01337. Base: Bremerton Naval Shipyard State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Rear Admiral Robert Wirth, Deputy Director, Strategic Targeting and Nuclear Mission Planning, J5N, U.S. Strategic Command is piped ashore following a traditional change of command ceremony that was held Friday, Dec. 2 at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. Cmdr. Randall Leslie relieved Cmdr. Nicholas Meyers as commanding officer of the crew of the future USS Idaho (SSN 799).

PANAMA CITY, FL (June 10, 2022) 220610-N-OT328-0113 Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center Change of Command ceremony. Commander Erich Frandrup was relieved by Commander Troy Lawson during a change of command ceremony.

NORFOLK, Va. (Aug. 26, 2022) Rear Adm. Lance Scott, the outgoing commanding officer of Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, middle, salutes Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, Commander, Naval Air Forces, right, during a change of command ceremony at Vista Point Center, Aug. 26, 2022. After the ceremony, Scott retired from the U.S. Navy after 31 years of naval service. Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, ensures the optimum and uniform training, readiness and effective command, control and coordination of 12 land-based, operational multi-mission capable patrol squadrons, two reserve patrol squadrons, one fleet replacement squadron, one operational special projects unit, one special reconnaissance squadron, one unmanned patrol squadron, and operational task unit commands.

221202-N-NT795-296 NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2022) Chief Yeoman Nicholas J. Zirpoli, a native of Totowa, N.J., and administration officer assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 11, addresses his family and guests during his retirement ceremony held at American Legion Post 291 in Newport Beach, Calif., Dec. 2. Zirpoli retired after 20 years of naval service. MESF is a core Navy capability that provides port and harbor security, high value asset security, and maritime security in the coastal and inland waterways.

150724-N-JO908-163 (July 24, 2015) SAN DIEGO Vice Adm. Nora Tyson, left, assumes command of U.S. 3rd Fleet from Adm. Scott H. Swift, commander U.S. Pacific Fleet during the Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet change of command and retirement ceremony aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Tyson relieves Vice Adm. Kenneth E. Floyd as he retires after 35 years of honorable service.

GEN. Colin Powell, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of STAFF, speaks during the ceremony commemorating the 3,000th strategic deterrent patrol completed by the Navy's submarine force. The patrol was completed by the TENNESSEE. Base: Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Rear Adm. Brendan C. McPherson, Coast Guard District Seven Commander, Capt. Jo-Ann F. Burdian, the former commander of Sector Miami, and Capt. Christoper R. Cederholm, commander of Sector Miami, pose for a photograph during a change of command ceremony at Coast Guard Base Miami Beach, April 29, 2022. During the ceremony Cederholm relieved Burdian as the commander of Sector Miami.

Capt. Matthew Boland is piped aboard at the onset of the change of command ceremony for Submarine Squadron 12 that was held Friday, July 15, topside aboard the Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Delaware (SSN 791) at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. During the ceremony Capt. Boland turned over command of the squadron to Capt. Thomas ODonnell.

CORONADO, Calif. (Aug. 19, 2022) Rear Adm. Keith Davids speaks after relieving Rear Adm. Hugh W. Howard III as commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, during a change of command ceremony at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. NSW is the nations premiere maritime special operations force that extends the Fleet and Joint Forces reach for collection and lethality, delivers all domain options to undermine our enemies confidence, and strengthens diplomatic leverage.

220805-N-EV253-1195 SAN DIEGO (Aug. 5, 2021) - Cmdr. Loren Jacobi renders a salute to side boys after being relieved as the commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, during a change of command ceremony held aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island in Coronado, California, Aug. 5. During the ceremony, Jacobi was relieved by Capt. David Ayotte, who became the 46th commanding officer to lead the "Merlins" of HSC-3. HSC-3 is the Navys west coast MH-60S fleet replacement squadron, responsible for training pilots and aircrewmen by providing the most capable warfighters to the fleet.

PANAMA CITY, FL (June 10, 2022) 220610-N-OT328-0171 Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center Change of Command ceremony. Commander Erich Frandrup was relieved by Commander Troy Lawson during a change of command ceremony.

Rear Adm. Michael P. Kalleres, Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group 12, left, and Honduran Naval officers salute during a ceremony aboard the battleship USS IOWA (BB-61). Country: Honduras (HND)

Capt. Elizabeth Smith, commanding officer, Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) 150 - Alpha, provides comments during the establishment ceremony for EMF 150 - Alpha aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

220628-N-LN285-1194 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (June 28, 2022) - Rear Adm. Richard Seif, Commander, Submarine Group 7, addresses the crowd as the guest speaker during a change of command ceremony for the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) at the submarine piers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, June 28. During the ceremony, which was held on North Carolina, Cmdr. Tad Robbins, from Brazil, Ind., relieved Cmdr. Michael Fisher, from Sterling Heights, Mich., as North Carolinas commanding officer.

220603-N-UJ449-1389 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (June 03, 2022) U.S. Navy Medicine and Readiness Training Command Sigonella Command Master Chief Albert Wood, receives the ensign from the flag detail during his retirement ceremony on Naval Air Station Sigonella, June 03, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

220929-N-ZS023-1136 SAN DIEGO (Sept 29, 2022) Cmdr. Ralph Lufkin, right, relieves Cmdr. Edison Rush III as the commanding officer of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14) Blue Crew during a change of command ceremony on the ships flight deck, Sept. 29. LCS are fast, agile, mission-focused platforms designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.

CAPT. Thomas A. Mercer speaks during the change of command ceremony aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70). Mercer is being relieved as commanding officer of the ship by CAPT. George D. O'Brien Jr. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Darius Banaji, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) deputy director for operations, renders a salute during an interment ceremony for U.S. Navy Fireman Second Class Richard E. Casto at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii, Oct. 24, 2022. Casto was assigned to the USS Oklahoma which sustained fire from Japanese aircraft and multiple torpedo hits causing the ship to capsize and resulted in the deaths of more than 400 crew members on Dec. 7, 1941, at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.

Rear Admiral Michael R. Van Poots, Deputy Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic; and Deputy Commander, Submarine Force Pacific bows his head in prayer during U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command's Pass in Review in Great Lakes, Illinois, Jan. 4, 2024. Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.

SAN DIEGO (Jun. 10, 2022) - Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve (CNAFR) Rear Adm. Scott Jones speaks during the CNAFR change of command ceremony in the Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 hangar at Naval Base Coronado, Jun. 10. CNAFR mans, trains and equips the Naval Air Force Reserve in order to provide enduring operational support and strategic depth to Navy forces that win in combat.

Capt. Carl White, Deputy Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11, presents the Military Order of the World Wars Award of Merit to Seaman Christopher Knecht during a pass-in-review graduation ceremony at Recruit Training Command. Boot camp is approximately 10 weeks and all enlistees into the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp.

From left to right: U.S. Navy Capt. Nicholas R. Russo, Defense Contract Management Agency International commander, Capt. Brent L. Dessing, DCMA Wiesbaden outgoing commander and Capt. Edward D. Pidgeon, DCMA incoming Commander, stand at attention while the German and American National Anthems play at the Defense Contract Management Agency Europe change of command ceremony, July 28, 2022 at Wiesbaden, Germany. DCMA provides contract administration services for the Defense Department, other federal organizations and international partners, and is an essential part of the acquisition process from pre-award to sustainment.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Nov. 18, 2022) - CDR Tyler Scharar, public works officer onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony for a newly-upgraded Pier 5. The ceremony marked the completion of a two-year project that will support both legacy and newer classes of ships docked at CFAY. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

221212-N-VQ947-1016 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 12, 2022) Capt. John Ryan, left, commanding officer aboard amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27), shakes hands with Information Systems Technician Master Chief Rodney Shinn, right, during his reenlistment in front of the recovered NASA Orion Spacecraft, Dec. 12, 2022. Portland, along with Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), is underway in U.S. 3rd Fleet in support of the recovery. The retrieval operation is part of a Department of Defense effort that integrates combatant command service capabilities to determine best practices for safely retrieving spacecraft capable of carrying humans into space. The U.S. Navy has many unique capabilities that make it an ideal partner for supporting NASA, including its amphibious and expeditionary capabilities with the ability to embark helicopters, launch and recover small boats, three-dimensional air search radar and advanced medical facilities.

Admiral (ADM) Frank B. Kelso II speaks at the ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) where ADM Leon A. Edney assumes command from ADM Kelso as Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic/Commander in CHIEF, United States Atlantic Command. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

LAGO PATRIA, Italy - The change of command ceremony of Allied Joint Forces Command Naples (JFC Naples) from Adm. Robert P. Burke to Adm. Stuart B. Munsch took place at JFC Naples, Italy, June 27, 2022. The Change of Command Ceremony at JFC Naples symbolises the continuity and unity that is NATO and comes during a time of a changed security environment in Europe.

220707-N-TO573-1033 ADRIATIC SEA (June 7, 2022) Capt. Gavin Duff, left, commanding officer, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), salutes Lt. Cmdr. Christopher McHenry, from Rising Sun, Maryland, during the burial-at-sea for his late father U.S. Army Maj. (Ret.) Robert McHenry Jr., aboard the ship, June 7, 2022. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

DF-ST-85-12561. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN)

220917-N-NT795-913 SEAL BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 17, 2022) Capt. Andrew Anderson, deliver his remarks during a change of command in which he relieved Capt. Bradley Story, as commanding officer of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 11 held onboard Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach. Maritime Expeditionary Security Force is a core Navy capability that provides port and harbor security, high value asset security, and maritime security in the coastal and inland waterways.

CAPT. William B. Hayden, commanding officer of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72), speaks during the ship's commissioning ceremony. Seated behind him are Secretary of the Navy H. Lawrence Garrett III, left, and Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney, second from left. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

240104-N-ED185-2062KEYPORT, Wash. (Jan. 5, 2023) Capt. Micah D. Maxwell, the commanding officer of the blue crew of the Ohio-class guided missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726), speaks during a change of command ceremony for the submarine at Keyport, Washington, Jan. 5, 2024. During the ceremony, Capt. Eric A. Hunter relieved Capt. Maxwell as commanding officer of the blue crew of Ohio.

Capt. Marc Ratkus, commanding officer of Center for Information Warfare Training, presided over the change of command ceremony for Information Warfare Training Command San Diego where Cmdr. Tim L. Raymie relinquished command to Cmdr. J. Greg Gabriel on June 10, 2022.

Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath, incoming 5th District commander, reads his orders to report as the new district commander at the 5th District's change-of-command ceremony in Portsmouth, Virginia, May 11, 2022. The change of command is a time-honored tradition that promotes continuity and authority of command within the Coast Guard. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Emily Velez.

Commissioning of USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) took place on April 1, 2023 at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme.

220606-N-AS200-5005 POINT MUGU, Calif. (Jun. 6, 2022) - Vice Adm. Ross Myers, commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command / U.S. 10th Fleet delivers the order to disestablish Naval Satellite Operations Center (NAVSOC) during a ceremony onboard Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Jun. 6. NBVC is a strategically located Naval installation composed of three operating facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2C Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

230106-N-CE703-0112KEYPORT, Wash. (Jan. 6, 2023) Cmdr. John Thorpe(right) and his replacement, Cmdr. Terry L.Turner, salute each other at a change of command ceremony at the Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, Wa., Janurary 6th, 2023. During the ceremony, Turner relieved Thorpe as commanding officer of USS Alabama (SSBN 731)(Gold).

Tour of the Naval vessel, USS Normandy, by Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and aides during the Secretary's visit to Virginia

WILMINGTON, Del. (April 2, 2022) - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday greets Sailors assigned to USS Delaware (SSN 791) following a commissioning commemoration ceremony in Wilmington, Delaware, April 2, 2022. The submarine participated in a week-long commemoration of events in honor of the boats commissioning ceremony that took place administratively in April 2020 due to COVID restrictions at the time. Delaware, the seventh U.S Navy ship and first submarine named after the first U.S. state of Delaware, is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, delivery of special operations forces, strike warfare, irregular warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and mine warfare.

Lt. Cmdr. Linden Dahlkemper the incoming USCGC Sequoia (WLB 215) commanding officer, gives remarks during a change of command ceremony on July 15, 2022, aboard the cutter moored at Naval Base Guam. The U.S. Coast Guard District Fourteen Commander, Rear Adm. Michael Day, presided over the ceremony.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Gareth Montgomery, outgoing director of Installation and Logistics (I&L), Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal during his retirement ceremony aboard the installation, July 11, 2022. Montgomery directed I&L for two years and retired after 22 years of service.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (May 31, 2022) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday receives the U.S. Flag during the funeral service for retired Adm. Thomas B. Hayward, the 21st Chief of Naval Operations. Hayward was born May 3, 1924 in Glendale, California. After serving as an enlisted Sailor during World War II, Hayward attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1947. An aviator, he repeatedly served aboard aircraft carriers at sea and in training and test pilot commands ashore. He served as Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet and then as Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet prior to being named CNO. He passed away on March 3, 2022.

PANAMA CITY, FL (June 10, 2022) 220610-N-OT328-0169 Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center Change of Command ceremony. Commander Erich Frandrup was relieved by Commander Troy Lawson during a change of command ceremony.

Shipyard Commander Capt. Dianna Wolfson provided congratulatory remarks during Norfolk Naval Shipyard's 2022 Apprentice Graduation Oct. 14, celebrating the 176 graduates as they converted to journeymen in their trades.

020904-D-9880W-022. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220610-N-VP266-1160 WASHINGTON (June 10, 2022) -- Rear Adm, Nancy Lacore, right, relieves Rear Adm. Michael Steffen from his duties as Naval District Washington commandant, during a change of command ceremony at Washington Navy Yards Leutze Park, June 10, 2022. During the ceremony, Lacore became NDWs 93rd commandant.

Commanding Officer Capt. Jay Young (left) salutes outgoing Commanding Officer Capt. Tim Barney (right) after officially assuming command of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) during a Change of Command Ceremony August 12, 2022 at Vista Point Conference Center Norfolk, Virginia.

ST. LOUIS (Aug. 19, 2022) Cmdr. Benjamin Fischer, the outgoing commanding officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Mid America, is rung aboard during a change of command ceremony at Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, Aug. 19, 2022. After the ceremony, Fischer retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of naval service. NTAG Mid America, part of Navy Recruiting Command, recruits the next generation of Navy Sailors throughout areas encompassing Missouri, Kansas, central and southern Illinois, and a portion of Kentucky.

Master of Ceremonies, Lt. Anthony Ochiltree, speaks at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pearl Harbor (NMRTC-PH) Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony on June 23, 2022 at the Hickam Officer's Club, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Capt. (Ret.) Christopher Tepera retired after 26 years of U.S. Naval service and relinquished command to Capt. Victor Diaz.

220917-N-NT795-850 SEAL BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 17, 2022) Capt. Bradley Story, deliver his remarks during a change of command in which he was relieved by Capt. Andrew Anderson as commanding officer of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 11 held onboard Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach. Maritime Expeditionary Security Force is a core Navy capability that provides port and harbor security, high value asset security, and maritime security in the coastal and inland waterways.

221028-N-UQ872-1004 PORT HUENEME, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2022) Lt. j.g. Kevin Guo, a U.S. Naval Civil Engineer Corps Officers School (CECOS) Basic Class 273 graduate, is congratulated by Rear Adm. Dean A. VanderLey, commander of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) and 46th Chief of Civil Engineers, for graduating the CECOS course. The 15-week-long course covers a wide range of topics including leadership, professional development, public works, construction technology, contracting, expeditionary construction and combat operations.

Rear Adm. Robert Westendorff, left, congratulates Rear Adm. Richard Brophy after relinquishing command as Chief of Naval Air Training, July 19. Commander, Naval Air Forces Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, center, served as guest speaker and oversaw the transfer of command. The ceremony was held aboard USS Lexington Museum on the Bay in Corpus Christi, Texas. CNATRA safely trains the world's finest combat quality naval aviation professionals, delivering them to our naval forces at the right time in the right quantity with the right skills at the right cost.

DN-ST-86-02228. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220714-N-YS140-001A Navy Reserve Center (NRC) Alameda Sailor captures a picture of incoming commanding officer Capt. Kerri Chase aside outgoing commanding officer Capt. Roberto Dumlao at an NRC Alameda change of command ceremony aboard the USS Hornet (CV 12), Alameda, Calif., July 14, 2022. NRC Alameda was established after World War II and increased activity in the wake of the attacks on 9/11. The mission of the NRC is to provide customer service and enhance the mobilization readiness training for over 650 Navy Reservists. NRC Alameda is manned by 2 officers, 23 enlisted personnel and one DoD Civilian employee to carry out its mission in support of 26 units.

220615-N-VI040-1024 NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan (June 15, 2022) Rear Adm. Joseph B. Hornbuckle, Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (FRC), delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony held at FRC Western Pacific onboard Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. During the ceremony, Cmdr. Joseph M. Holt relieved Marine Corps Lt. Col. Kevin M. Ryan as FRC Western Pacifics commanding officer.

KOROR, Palau (July 21, 2022) - Capt. Timothy Quast, commanding officer of Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), salutes sideboys as he departs his retirement and change of command ceremony during Pacific Partnership 2022. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

050812-F-6911G-004. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Navy Chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. Brian Myers delivers the invocation at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pearl Harbor (NMRTC-PH) Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony on June 23, 2022 at the Hickam Officer's Club, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Capt. (Ret.) Christopher Tepera retired after 26 years of U.S. Naval service and relinquished command to Capt. Victor Diaz.

The guest of Honor Rear Admiral Sebo Hofkamp, Netherlands Defense Attache to the United States of America, gets a brief from Capt. Gregory Jones, during a Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington, Va., June 21, 2022. The hosting official for the evening was Maj. Gen. William Seely, Director of Intelligence, Headquarters Marine Corps, and Rear Admiral Sebo Hofkamp, guest of honor.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sept. 10, 2010) Vice Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony. Buskirk relieved Vice Adm. John M. Bird to become the 47th commander of U.S. 7th Fleet. U.S. 7th Fleet is responsible for the largest area of the Navy's numbered fleets and operates in the western Pacific and Indian Oceans.

SAN DIEGO (May 22, 2019) Capt. Henry Adams, from Houston, delivers remarks during the establishment ceremony for Surface Development Squadron (SURFDEVRON) ONE, May 22, 2019. Adams is the first commodore of SURFDEVRON ONE, which will integrate unmanned surface vessels and support fleet experimentation to accelerate delivery of new warfighting concepts and capabilities to the fleet.

Coastguardsmen shake hands during material inspection of the crew in a change of command ceremony for Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, San Pedro, California, June 21, 2022. Captain Ryan Manning took command of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach from Captain Rebecca Ore.

SAN DIEGO (August 4, 2022) Capt. Kathleen Ellis, USS Boxer Commanding Officer, makes her opening remarks during a change of command ceremony, on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD-4), before turning over command to Capt. Matthew Cieslukowski. Boxer is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mikal Chapman (Released).

PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 21, 2022) Command Master Chief Eric Kerwin provides motivational words to the Chief Selects during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony aboard Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) in the Philippine Sea on Oct. 21, 2022. Chancellorsville is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific and is assigned to Commander, Task Force 70, a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of its allies and partners in the region.

110923-N-OA833-004ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 23, 2011) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert stands beside Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus and former CNO Adm. Gary Roughead during the change of office ceremony held at the U.S. Naval Academy. Adm. Greenert is the 30th Chief of Naval Operations.

220908-N-UB993-1124 ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 8, 2022) Chief Yeoman Jayna Smith passes the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) cutlass to MCPON Russell Smith during his Change of Office and Retirement Ceremony held at Mahan Hall, United States Naval Academy, Sept. 8, 2022. Smith served as the 15th MCPON for four years, and turned over responsibility to James Honea as the 16th MCPON.

161029-N-ES994-022 GROTON, Conn. (Oct. 29, 2016) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson delivers the principal address at the commissioning ceremony for the Navy's newest fast attack submarine, USS Illinois (SSN 786) at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn. Illinois is the 13th Virginia-class fast attack submarine and the third Virginia-class block III submarine. This next-generation attack submarine provides the Navy with the capabilities required to maintain the nation's undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. Ê

220429-N-UJ449-1177 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (April 29, 2022) Capt. Kevin Pickard receives a Legion of Merit for his tour as Naval Air Station Sigonella commanding officer from Rear Adm. Scott Gray, commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central, and, during a change of command ceremony on NAS Sigonella, April 29, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

Norfolk, Va. (September 1, 2022). Commander Carnell Aurelio, assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, addresses members of his family and command during his promotion ceremony aboard the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64). The ceremony occurred in front of the Battleships iconic turret No. 1 and was attended by members of his family and command. The ceremony was hosted and coordinated by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, one of ten U.S. Navy museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command. The museum offers military ceremonies for area commands without cost as part of their military outreach offerings.

061114-N-0696M-022. Base: Washington State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221207-N-MR862-058 OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (07 Dec. 2022) Capt. Robert "Skillz" Majoris, commodore, Strategic Communications Wing (SCW) 1, gives remarks at the USS Oklahoma Memorial Garden in front of the Oklahoma City Capitol Building for the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who fought in World War II 81 years ago Dec. 07, 2022. SCW-1 is a tenant command at Tinker Air Force Base, ensuring National Security through the deterrence of adversarial nuclear ambitions.

221110-N-LN093-1071 (Nov. 10, 2022) Cmdr. Kevin Kahl (left) relieves Cmdr. Justin Collins (right), as commanding officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Phoenix during a change of command at the Steele Indian School Park Memorial Hall. NTAG Phoenixs area of responsibility includes more than 37 Navy Recruiting Stations and Navy Officer Recruiting Stations spread throughout 250,000 square miles of Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado.

NEWPORT, R.I. (Aug. 26, 2022) An Officer Development School (ODS) class 22070 distinguished graduate at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN), stands for a group photo with Capt. Everett Alcorn, commanding officer, OTCN, left, and Rear Adm. Cynthia Kuehner, commander, Naval Medical Forces Support Command, right, following the class graduation ceremony, Aug. 26. ODS provides staff corps officers al restricted line designators with training necessary to prepare them to function in their role as newly commissioned Naval officers.

110729-N-YR391-007MAYPORT, Fla. (July 29, 2011) Cmdr. Rolando Ramirez, commanding officer of the guided-missile frigate USS Doyle (FFG 39), delivers a speech during the ship's decommissioning ceremony at Naval Station Mayport. Doyle, named in honor of Vice Adm. James H. Doyle, has been in service with the U.S. Navy since May 1983.

NEWPORT, R.I. (Aug. 26, 2022) An Officer Development School (ODS) class 22070 distinguished graduate at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN), stands for a group photo with Capt. Everett Alcorn, commanding officer, OTCN, left, and Rear Adm. Cynthia Kuehner, commander, Naval Medical Forces Support Command, right, following the class graduation ceremony, Aug. 26. ODS provides staff corps officers and several restricted line designators with training necessary to prepare them to function in their role as newly commissioned Naval officers.

221007-N-ZS023-1059 SAN DIEGO (Oct 7, 2022) Capt. Marc Crawford, left, commodore of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE, congratulates Cmdr. Kristin Van Zeyl, commanding officer of Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Savannah (LCS 29) Gold crew, during her assumption of command ceremony on Savannahs flight deck, Oct 7. LCS are fast, agile, mission-focused platforms designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.

LAGO PATRIA, Italy - The change of command ceremony of Allied Joint Forces Command Naples (JFC Naples) from Adm. Robert P. Burke to Adm. Stuart B. Munsch took place at JFC Naples, Italy, June 27, 2022. The Change of Command Ceremony at JFC Naples symbolises the continuity and unity that is NATO and comes during a time of a changed security environment in Europe.

220624-N-ZS023-1103 SAN DIEGO (June 24, 2022) Capt. Marc Crawford, commodore of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE, delivers remarks to Sailors and guests after assuming command. LCS are fast, agile, mission-focused platforms designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions.

Rear Adm. Michael Johnston, Ninth Coast Guard District Commander, addresses the crowd at Chicago's Navy Pier during the 23rd annual Chicago's Christmas Ship ceremony Dec. 3, 2022. The event, which takes place during a regular buoy-tending run by Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw (WLBB 30), brings 1,200 trees from northern Michigan to struggling families in Chicago and commemorates the loss of the original Christmas Ship, the schooner Rouse Simmons, in a Lake Michigan gale in November of 1912. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer John Masson.

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Aug. 8, 2022) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) Cycle 3 Officer in Charge, Capt. John Compton, speaks during the graduation ceremony for Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) NSI Cycle 3 midshipman candidates inside the Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall at Recruit Training Command (RTC), August 8. The midshipmen will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers

The delegation from China departs San Diego after a three-day tour of naval installations. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Signifying more than just a thumbs-up...Capt. Steven Kewish gives thanks to the officers, Sailors, Navy Civilian Corps and contractors during the change of command ceremony, Sept. 9, 2022, as Capt. Juliann Althoff relieves him as commanding officer of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Oak Harbor and director, Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor. "I'm a better physician, better leader and better person because of the interactions I've had with all of our outstanding staff members. When I heard I was coming here, it felt like I won the lottery and I truly feel I have two families; personal and professional," said Kewish (official Navy photo by Douglas H Stutz, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton public affairs officer).

220929-N-GV721-1135 SAN DIEGO (September 29, 2022) Rear Adm. Mike J. Steffen, Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command, gives remarks onboard USS Midway Museum during the Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command San Diego (REDCOM SD) change of command ceremony. Capt. Domitilo M. Pastorin relieved Capt. Michael P. Joyner as REDCOM SD commander. REDCOM SD provides support to 19 Navy Reserve Centers spread across Calif., Ariz., Colo., N.M., Nev., Utah, Hawaii, and the U.S. Territory of Guam.

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