Naval Change of Command Events

Ceremonies highlighting naval officers saluting and changing commands aboard ships, featuring formal attire and maritime backgrounds.

220802-N-MH811-1111JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM August 2, 2022 - Capt. Aaron Peterson, right, from Scotland, South Dakota, relieves Capt. Melvin Smith, left, from Long Island, New York, as for Commander, Submarine Squadron (CSS) 1 commanding officer as Rear Adm. Jeff Jablon, Commander, Submarine Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet prepares to receive report of their relief during a change command ceremony on the battleship USS Missouri (BB 63), Aug. 2.

SAN DIEGO (August 4, 2022) Capt. Kathleen Ellis, USS Boxer Commanding Officer, salutes Capt. Matthew Cieslukowski, the ships prospective commanding officer, during a change of command ceremony on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD-4). Boxer is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Connor Burns (Released).

GALVESTON, Texas (Sept. 22, 2012) Cmdr. Randy Blankenship, blue crew, left, and Cmdr. Warren Cupps, gold crew, commanding officers of the Navy's second Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), speak with media after the commissioning ceremony in Galveston, Texas. Fort Worth will proceed to her homeport in San Diego.

SAN DIEGO (Nov. 17, 2022) Capt. DeWayne Sanders, commander, Amphibious Squadron (CPR) 1, salutes side boys during a change of command ceremony aboard amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27), Nov. 17, 2022. Capt. Tate Robinson relieved Sanders as commander, CPR 1 during the ceremony.

Captain David L. Aamodt, USN, Chief of Staff at Navy Warfare Development Command, is piped aboard during a retirement ceremony for Captain Zoah Scheneman. The ceremony was held on the fantail of the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship, USS Wisconsin (BB 64) and hosted by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Captain Scheneman served aboard the Battleship from 1988 to 1991 during Wisconsins reactivation and subsequent deployment to support Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm respectively.

220419-N-KB401-1628 PEARL HARBOR April 19, 2022 Cmdr. Douglas Pratt, right, from Nashua, New Hampshire, turns over command to Cmdr. Adam Matthews, left, from Livingston, Wisconsin, during a change of command ceremony for the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770) outside the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, April 19. Capt. Mike Majewski, commander, Submarine Squadron 7, presided over the ceremony.

220713-N-GF955-1135NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (July, 13, 2022) Capt. Walter Wrye, Maritime Operations Center Director for U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (USNAVSO), Cmdr. Christina Ortega, Theater Security Cooperation Director for USNAVSO, left, and Chief Yeoman Risha Ellis, assigned to USNAVSO, receive a tour of the Uruguay navy tall ship, Capitán Miranda at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., July 13, 2022. Capitán Miranda is conducting its XXXII Training Trip and is visiting Naval Station Mayport, July 12-17. With 29 midshipmen onboard, this ship visit offers U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet a unique opportunity to build rapport with the future leaders of the Uruguay navy and strengthen friendship and cooperation between our navies. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Commands joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhanc

PANAMA CITY, FL (June 10, 2022) 220610-N-OT328-0168 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.

220802-N-MH811-1111JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM August 2, 2022 - Capt. Aaron Peterson, right, from Scotland, South Dakota, relieves Capt. Melvin Smith, left, from Long Island, New York, as for Commander, Submarine Squadron (CSS) 1 commanding officer as Rear Adm. Jeff Jablon, Commander, Submarine Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet prepares to receive report of their relief during a change command ceremony on the battleship USS Missouri (BB 63), Aug. 2.

061117-N-3888C-198. Complete Scene Caption: The U.S. ambassador to Latvia, The Honorable Catherine Todd Bailey addresses members of the press during a press conference on the pier next to the U.S. Navy (USN) Ticonderoga Class Guided Missile Cruiser USS MONTEREY (CG 61), the flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 2 on Nov. 17, 2006. USN Rear Adm. Michael R. Groothousen (far right), Commander Standing NATO Maritime Group Two, USN CAPT. Robert E. Oldani (center right), USS MONTEREY Commanding Officer, and Royal Navy CMDR. Tim Cryar, HMS YORK Commanding Officer, look on during the MONTEREY?s visit to Riga, Latvia, in support of the upcoming NATO Summit Riga 2006. SNMG-2 was established as an immediate reaction force and as NATO?s maritime ready response force. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication SPECIALIST Second Class Leonardo Carrillo) (Released) Base: Riga Country: Latvia (LVA)

060731-N-3165S-004. Base: Yorktown State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220805-N-GR655-0004 GROTON, Conn. (August 5, 2022) - Cmdr. David Beam, incoming commanding officer for the USS Colorado (SSN 788), arrives to a change-of-command ceremony in Groton, Connecticut, Aug. 5, 2022. The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Colorado 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.

220622-MY642-1008PORTSMOUTH, Va. (June 22, 2022) Rear Adm. Darin K. Via passes through sideboys during a change of command ceremony for Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, held at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth on Jun. 22. Via was relieved by Rear Adm. Matthew Case after serving two years as the director of both the Tidewater Market (Defense Health Agency) and Naval Medical Forces Atlantic.

Cmdr. Alan Mardegian is piped ashore following the change of command ceremony for the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS San Juan (SSN 751) on Friday, May 13, pierside at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. Cmdr. Mardegian relieved Cmdr. Douglas Sattler, Jr. as commanding officer of the Los-Angeles-class fast attack submarine.

220503-N-SS900-1120 SAN DIEGO (May 3, 2022) Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander, Carrier Strike Group One, is rung ashore following a Carrier Strike Group One change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island, May 3. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Daniel Martin was relieved by Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello as commander, Carrier Strike Group One.

ZHANJIANG, People's Republic of China (April 20, 2015) Chinese media document the arrival of Vice Adm. Robert Thomas, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, during a welcome ceremony in Zhanjiang following the arrival of the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). Blue Ridge is conducting a port visit to Zhanjiang to build naval partnerships with China's South Sea Fleet to ensure peace and prosperity for the entire region.

220802-N-MH811-1007JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM August 2, 2022 - Capt. Melvin Smith, Commander, Submarine Squadron (CSS) 1 is piped aboard for the last time as commodore before a change of command ceremony aboard the battleship USS Missouri (BB 63), Aug. 2. During the ceremony, Capt. Aaron Peterson, from Scotland, South Dakota, relieved Smith, from Long Island, New York, as the CSS-1 commodore.

120602-N-ZQ631-100 SAN DIEGO (June 2, 2012) Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark Ferguson renders a salute upon his arrival on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum for the 70th Anniversary of The Battle of Midway Commemoration ceremony. The commemoration, attended by veterans of the battle, was held to pay tribute to the Sailors and Marines who fought at The Battle of Midway.

120817-N-XL102-205 NORFOLK (Aug. 17, 2012) Rear Adm. Kevin Sweeney relieves Rear Adm. Herman Shelanski during a change of command ceremony in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).

220814-F-LN908-0516DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania (Aug. 14, 2022) Mbarouk Nassor Mbarouk, Tanzanian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, boards the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4), Aug. 14, 2022. Hershel "Woody" Williams is rotationally deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

220401-N-TF178-1138SAN DIEGO (April 1, 2020) - Chief Warrant Officer David Orozco renders the first salute to Damage Controlman First Class Brandt Follas during Orozcos commissioning ceremony aboard Makin Island, April 1. Makin Island is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.

SATTAHIP, Thailand (June 12, 2013) Vice Adm. Pichaan Tiranet, deputy commander of the Royal Thai Fleet, right, congratulates U.S. Navy Sailors at the closing ceremony of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Thailand 2013. More than 1,200 Sailors and Marines participated in CARAT Thailand.

240202-N-IJ992-1109 OAK HARBOR, Wash. (Feb. 02, 2024) Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, Commander Naval Air Forces, is welcomed aboard during the change of command ceremony of Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI). Capt. David A. Ganci relieved Capt. David F. Harris as the commanding officer. Navy

060925-N-6266K-002. Base: USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

A Russian naval officer speaks to U.S. Navy and Coast Guard officers during a three-day goodwill port visit by the guided missile frigate USS MCCLUSKY (FFG-41) and the high-endurance cutter USCGC CHASE (WHEC-718). Base: Vladivostok State: Siberia Country: Russia (RUS)

Flag bearer Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Jennifer Warzecha, from Portland, Connecticut, assigned to the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) aircraft intermediate maintenance department, presents the ceremonial flag to Capt. Paul Lanzilotta, Fords commanding officer during a burial at sea on the ships aircraft elevator 2, Sept. 17, 2022. During the ceremony, the cremated remains of 30 souls were committed to the sea in the Atlantic Ocean. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting carrier qualiﬁcations and workups for a scheduled deployment this fall.

KOROR, Palau (July 21, 2022) - U.S. Navy Sailors pass the American flag during a retirement and change of command ceremony aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) 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.

SAN DIEGO (Jun. 10, 2022) - Vice Adm. John Mustin, Chief of Navy Reserve (CNAR) walks through side boys during arrival of the official party for the Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve (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.

220718-N-PW480-0048 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (July 18, 2022) Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) midshipman candidates salute the colors during the Cycle 2 graduation ceremony conducted inside the Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall at Recruit Training Command (RTC), July 18. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates 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

Rear Admiral (lower half) John W. Adams, left, commander, Naval Station San Diego, speaks through a translator to Admiral (ADM) Gennadiy Khvatov, right, during a tour of the base. Three ships of the Soviet Pacific Fleet are in San Diego for a five-day goodwill visit. Base: Naval Air Station, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040604-M-5523R-021. Base: USS Essex (LHD 2)

KINGS BAY, Ga. (Sept. 2, 2022) Rear Adm. John Spencer, outgoing commander of Submarine Group Ten, salutes the side boys during a change of command ceremony held aboard the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. Spencer is relieved by Rear Adm. Thomas R. TR Buchanan. The base is home to all east coast Ohio-class submarines. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen (Released)

220721-N-IV962-1022SAN DIEGO (July 21, 2022) - Capt. Jennifer Ellinger, offgoing Commodore of Commander Amphibious Squadron SEVEN (CPR 7), salutes the sideboys during a change of command and retirement ceremony aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), July 21. Ellinger assumed command of CPR-7 in January 2021, and will go on to Expeditionary Strike Group 3 in August 2022 for temporary assignment until her retirement in May 2023. Makin Island is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.

040604-M-5523R-017. Base: USS Essex (LHD 2)

PEARL HARBOR (June 29, 2022) - Royal Australian Navy Cmdr. Steward Muller, Commanding Officer of frigate HMAS Warramunga (FFH 152), greets U.S. Navy Cmdr. Christopher Green, Commanding Officer of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) after Warramunga arrived at Pearl Harbor for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (Royal Australian Navy photo by LSIS Matthew Lyall)

HAGÅTÑA, Guam (Sept. 30, 2022) - Cmdr. Jeffrey Cornielle, the Mariana Islands Range Complex (MIRC) director, Naval Forces Marianas, was ceremoniously promoted at the Lone Sailor Memorial outside of the Ricardo J. Bordallo Governors Complex, Sept. 30.

KINGS BAY, Ga. (Apr. 29, 2022) Cmdr. Ken Packard (left), incoming commanding officer of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (Gold), salutes Cmdr. Matt Luff (right), outgoing commanding officer, relieving him of his duties during a change of command ceremony held at the chapel onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen (Released)

120504-N-SI773-210Port Hueneme, Calif. (May 4, 2012) Chief Builder Keith Genereux, a Seabee assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, receives a flag during the reading of ÒOld GloryÓ at his retirement ceremony. Genereux retired at the Seabee Museum in Port Hueneme, Calif. Family, friends and members of Naval Base Ventura County were in attendance to show support for Genereux, as he ceremoniously retired from 21 years of faithful service.

050730-N-3672K-353. Base: USS Halsey (DDG 97) State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: DDG-96

HÅGATÑA, Guam (July 25, 2022) - Military leaders bow their heads in reverence during the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument unveiling ceremony in Hågatña, July 21. Military leaders, government officials, and local residents gathered for the ceremony, which honored Gold Star families and service members who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Participants of NATO-accredited Centres of Excellence (COE) Directors' conference receive a brief from Lt. Cmdr. Phillip Jones, assigned to USS Gerald R. Ford's (CVN 78) supply department, on the ship's supply elevators during a tour of Ford, April 28, 2022. The visit is the culminating event of the two-day conference sponsored by Commander, 2nd Fleet, and provided the participants an opportunity to observe and discuss Ford-class unique systems and equipment. Ford is in port Naval Station Norfolk preparing for its next underway period.

040930-N-4995T-001. Base: USS Arizona (BB 39) State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Rear Adm. Jeffery Czerewko arrives at a change of command ceremony to relieve Rear Adm. Richard Brophy as the commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4 at the commands headquarters building on Naval Station Norfolk July 8, 2022. CSG 4 mentors, trains and assesses East Coast units preparing to deploy.

120524-N-WL435-357NEW YORK (May 24, 2012) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert meets with Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during Fleet Week New York 2012. Fleet Week New York 2012 marks the 25th year the city has celebrated the nations sea services. The seven-day event coincides with the commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and will host more than 6,000 service members from the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard team in addition to coalition ships from around the world.

220929-N-GV721-1014 SAN DIEGO (September 29, 2022) Capt. Domitilo M. Pastorin walks through the side boys on the flight deck of 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.

220708-N-PV401-1021 PEARL HARBOR (July 8, 2022) - U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Michael Boyle, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022 Commander, Combined Task Force, speaks at a press conference. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The worlds largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the worlds oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

120423-N-WL435-098NEW DELHI (April 23, 2012) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert inspects the India navy Guard of Honour at the South Block military headquarters. Greenert is in India meeting with high-ranking military officials to discuss ongoing operations in the region.

U.S. Navy Sailors participate in a chief petty officer pinning ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of chief petty officer was created April 1, 1893, and the chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.

Rear Admiral Brian Penoyer, Coast Guard District Eleven commander smiles while Captain Rebecca Ore and Captain Ryan Manning, Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach commanders shake hands during during a change of ceremony for Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, San Pedro, California, June 21, 2022. Following the change of command ceremony Captain Ore was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral.

ANDAMAN SEA (Nov. 18, 2012) Capt. Daniel Dusek, commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), gives a tour of the ship's medical bay to Myanmar naval officers.

120802-N-QL471-101 NORFOLK (Aug. 2, 2012) Rear Adm. Townsend G. Alexander, commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, shows the audience an article about Capt. Mary Jackson during the Naval Station Norfolk change of command ceremony. Capt. David Culler Jr. relieved Capt. Mary Jackson as commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk.

220607-N-VQ947-1069 SAN DIEGO (June 7, 2022) Ensign Wesley Steckelberg, right, gives a tour of the flight deck to midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27) June 7, 2022. Portland is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship homeported in San Diego.

Capt. Victor Diaz arrives 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. Diaz.

120824-N-QY430-148NORFOLK (Aug. 24, 2012) Adm. John C. Harvey Jr., left, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, returns a salute from Vice Adm. Michelle Janine Howard as she assumes her new role as deputy commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command and commander of Task Force 20 from Vice Adm. David H. Buss, right, during a change of office ceremony at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads. Howard is the first African-American female to receive a third star in flag rank within the Department of Defense.

ASAN, Guam (Aug. 4, 2022) -- The official party renders honors during the singing of the national anthem at the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Marianas change of command ceremony in Asan, Guam Aug. 4. Capt. Troy Brown relieved Capt. Tim Liberatore as the commanding officer.

NEWPORT, RI (Sept. 30, 2022) Capt. Everett Alcorn, commanding officer, Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN), Rhode Island, gives a speech during the Officer Development School (ODS) class 22080 graduation ceremony, Sept. 30, 2022. 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.

220911-N-AS200-5001 - POINT MUGU, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2022) - Capt. Robert Barr Kimnach III, commanding officer Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) renders a salute during a 9/11 ceremony onboard Point Mugu. 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-2D Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

DN-ST-88-00978. Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (Jan. 25, 2024) JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (Jan. 24, 2023) Cmdr. James Fulks, outgoing commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Topeka (SSN 754), arrives at the change of command ceremony for the Topeka on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Jan. 25, 2024. Topeka, commissioned Oct. 21, 1989, is the third ship of the United States Navy named for the city of Topeka, Kan., and is the fourth improved Los Angeles-class submarine.

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. (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released).

Norfolk, Va. (September 1, 2022) LCDR Carnell Aurelio, assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, is promoted to Commander during a 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. (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released).

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.

Capt. Christopher Tepera relinquishes command to Capt. Victor Diaz at the 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.

A color guard from Naval Station Norfolk presents the colors during a retirement ceremony for Captain Zoah Scheneman. The ceremony was held on the fantail of the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship, USS Wisconsin (BB 64) and hosted by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Captain Scheneman served aboard the Battleship from 1988 to 1991 during Wisconsins reactivation and subsequent deployment to support Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm respectively. Standing in the front row rendering honors is The Honorable Raymond Jackson of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Vice Admiral James Kilby, Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and Mr. Michael Durkin, Executive Director of Navy Warfare Development Command.

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (June 01, 2022) U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief James Smitty Tocorzic speaks with nominees aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial during the 2022 U.S. Pacific Fleet Sailor of the Year (SOY) week. Sailor of the Year nominees and board members visited the Missouri to strengthen their understanding and appreciation for naval history and heritage. The SOY program, established in 1972, recognizes those who exemplify a warfighting spirit, the Navys core values, and a deep commitment to their commands and communities.

110316-N-9818V-373 CHENNAI, India (March 16, 2011) Chief Fire Controlman Seth Rusackas gives a tour to Indian navy sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) after the ship pulled into Chennai, India for a port visit. Decatur is conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

220825-N-GX935-9461 VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Aug. 25, 2022). Cmdr. Douglas Alley salutes sideboys departing Explosive Ordnance Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) 2 following his scheduled relief as commanding officer, EODTEU 2. Under the direction of commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2, EODTEU 2 oversees training for all East Coast based EOD and Mobile Diving and Salvage units ,as well as EOD Mobile Unit (EODMU)8, based in Rota, Spain.

220914-N-ZS023-1051 SAN DIEGO (Sept 14, 2022) Rear Adm. Wayne Baze, right, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, and Capt. Marc Crawford, commodore of Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE, stand at attention during a decommissioning ceremony for Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4), Sept 14. Coronado has been a test and training ship, and was key in developing the operational concepts foundational to the current configuration and deployment of todays LCS fleet. The LCS remain fast, agile, and networked surface combatants, designed to operate in near-shore environments, capable of open-ocean tasking and winning against 21st-century coastal threats.

220514-M-XB450-0482The color guard presents the colors during the commissioning of the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. in Charleston, S.C., May 14, 2022. Lt. General Petersen served in Korea and Vietnam during his career and his legacy is carried on today as an American hero and as an outstanding Marine.

Lt. Matthew Riley, chaplain U.S. Navy, gives an opening prayer at the USCGC Sequoia change of command 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.

LT. Jeffrey Zaun, second from left, leads LT. Lawrence Slade, third from right, and LT. Robert Wetzel down a red carpet at a ceremony in their honor. The three had been held prisoner by Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. Walking beside them are Rear Adm. Paul W. Parcells, left, commander, Tactical Wings, Atlantic, and Adm. Paul D. Miller, third from left, commander in chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. CHIEF of Naval Operations Adm. Frank B. Kelso II and Secretary of the Navy H. Lawrence Garrett III are at right. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

040225-N-4055P-001. Base: Shanghai Country: China (CHN)

220929-N-RB238-10924USS Port Royal Decomissioning at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, September 29 2022.

KINGS BAY, Ga. (Sep. 16, 2022) Capt. Eric Cole salutes Rear Adm. Thomas R. TR Buchanan, signifying he has properly relieved Capt. John Cage as the commodore of Submarine Squadron Twenty during a change of command ceremony held at the chapel onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen (Released)

DN-ST-89-08213. Base: Shanghai Harbor Country: China (CHN)

WASHINGTON (June 9, 2022) - Commander in Chief of the Israeli Navy Vice Adm. David Saar Salama receives a full-honors welcoming ceremony while visiting the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday at the Washington Navy Yard, June 9. During the two-day visit, Salama also paid tribute at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and conducted meetings with senior U.S. Navy leadership to discuss topics of shared interest to include force design, strategic competition, and regional security efforts.

Capt. Brian Hogan, commodore, Submarine Squadron Eight, center, renders a salute to Capt. Erick Lundberg, right, as he is relieved as commanding officer of the Pre-commissioning Unit Massachusetts (SSN 798) by Cmdr. Michael Siedsma, left, during a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 26, 2022.

220713-N-GF955-1005NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (July, 13, 2022) Rear Adm. Douglas Sasse, Reserve Vice Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, right, is greeted by Uruguayan navy Capt. Pablo Gonzalez, commanding officer of the Uruguay navy tall ship, Capitán Miranda (ROU 20), before a luncheon onboard the Capitán Miranda at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., July 13, 2022. Capitán Miranda is conducting its XXXII Training Trip and is visiting Naval Station Mayport, July 12-17. With 29 midshipmen onboard, this ship visit offers U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet a unique opportunity to build rapport with the future leaders of the Uruguay navy and strengthen friendship and cooperation between our navies. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Commands joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build endurin

Capt. Ryan Carrey, operations officer, left, for Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Europe Africa Asia (EURAFCENT) gives the oath of office and promotes Cmdr. Matthew Williams, executive officer, right, to the rank of captain in the presence of family and NAVFAC EURAFCENT fellows at Naval Support Activity Naples Sept. 1, 2022. NAVFAC EURAFCENT manages facility project planning and design, including all related acquisition, construction, leasing, environmental, maintenance, and contingency support required by the Navy and Department of Defense commands where the Navy is designated as the lead agent in Europe, Central Asia and Africa.

220331-N-XK047-1034SAN DIEGO (March 31, 2022) - Rear Adm. Wayne Baze, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, salutes sideboys aboard amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), March 31. Makin Island is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.

From left, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Guillermo Rosales, commander of Special Marine Air-Ground Task Force UNITAS LXIII, Vice-Almirante Chagas Vianna Braga (Vice Admiral Brazilian Marine Corps), Brazilian fleet marine force commander, and Contra-Almirante Marcelo Guimaràres Dias (Rear Admiral Brazilian Marine Corps) socialize during an award ceremony as part of a sports day at Ilha do Governador, Rio De Janeiro, during exercise UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 4, 2022. UNITAS is the worlds longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.

Cmdr. Erik Roberts, commanding officer of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92), reuintes with his family on pier at Naval Station Everett, Washington, Sept. 6. The Momsen, assigned to Carrier Strike Group Three, returned following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 3rd, 5th and 7th Fleets in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

220624-N-LK647-0319 NAVAL STATION NORFOLK (June 6, 2022) -- Rear Adm. Brian L. Davies, deputy commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, addresses the crew of USS Gravely (DDG 107), congratulating them on their return to homeport and thanking them for their efforts. Gravely is returning from a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, where it was employed by U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

SACRAMENTO Calif., (July 16, 2018) Rear Adm. Scott Jones, left, deputy commander of Naval Air Forces Atlantic, from Sacramento, and Rick Pickering, chief executive officer of Cal Expo, render honors as TAPS is played during a ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial at the California State Fair during Sacramento Navy Week, July 16. The Navy Office of Community Outreach uses the Navy Week program to bring Navy Sailors, equipment and displays to approximately 14 American cities each year for a week-long schedule of outreach engagements designed for Americans to experience first hand how the U.S. Navy is the Navy the nation needs.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Cody Mclean (right), an intelligence specialist with 3d Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Ground Combat Element, Marine Rotational Force-Darwin 22, speaks with Royal Australian Navy Capt. Moses Raudino, the commanding officer of Her Majesty's Australian Ship Coonawarra, during a community engagement event during the annual Darwin Military Muster in Darwin, NT, Australia, Aug. 13, 2022. The Muster was held at the Darwin Military Museum to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Australias withdrawal from the Vietnam War.

ARABIAN SEA (Sept. 14, 2012) Chief Fire Controlman Marlon Glass salutes the sideboys after being presented his anchors and cover during the chief petty officer pinning ceremony aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

KITTERY, ME. May 27, 2022, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard: USS Texas (SSN 775) Change of Command Ceremony was held at the shipyard where Cmdr. Kenneth Cooke was relieved by Cmdr. K. Chad Ingle as Commanding Officer, Texas. At the podium, Cmdr. Cooke makes remarks.

060814-N-8539M-002. Base: Rota Naval Base Country: Spain (ESP)

LOS ANGELES (May 28, 2022) Retired Fleet Master Chief Joann Ortloff, center, vice president of the West Coast Surface Navy Association, interviews Capt. Matthew Thomas, right, commanding officer of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27), and Capt. Aaron Taylor, commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), aboard Battleship Iowa Museum during Los Angeles Fleet Week, May 28, 2022. Los Angeles Fleet Week is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America's sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Oct. 16, 2022) - Sailors assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleets command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC19) demonstrate emergency medical procedures during the 44th annual Friendship Day celebration. For the first time in three years, CFAY held an open base event to highlight the friendship between the local Japanese community and the U.S. Navy. 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.

150427-N-DX698-062 PEARL HARBOR (May 27, 2015) Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., left, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III and Adm. Scott H. Swift, render honors during the joint U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) and U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT) change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. During the dual ceremony, Swift relieved Harris as the PACFLT commander and Harris assumed command of USPACOM from Locklear.

Capt. Christopher Tepera delivers remarks 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.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (April 12, 2016) Capt. Chris Bolt, former commanding officer of the U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), finishes pinning on Capt. Michael Donnellys “command-at-sea” pin following the ships change of command ceremony. Ronald Reagan provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

A motion picture cameraman films the arrival of distinguished guests at the commissioning ceremony for the nuclear-powered strategic missile submarine USS ALABAMA (SSBN 731). Base: Naval Submarine Base, Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220617-N-EI510-0363 KIEL, Germany (June 17, 2022) Vice Adm. Gene Black, commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet, arrives at the BALTOPS22 closing reception aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in Kiel, Germany, June 17, 2022. BALTOPS22 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

010621-F-3405C-009. Base: Langley Air Force Base State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

BANGKOK (Oct. 17, 2018) Adm. Phil Davidson, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, right, and Chief of Defence of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Gen. Pornpipat Benyasri, participate in an honors ceremony. This is Davidsons first visit to Thailand as commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

221023-N-DL524-1072 MIAMI (Oct. 23, 2022) Army Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command, and distinguished visitors speak with crew members of hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) during a tour on the ship's flight deck. Comfort is deployed to U.S. 4th Fleet in support of Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Dane Norris, left, and U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Michael Walters, right, service members assigned to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) take part in a repatriation ceremony at the American Memorial on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, March 30, 2023. The ceremony was held to repatriate possible remains found during a recent Recovery Mission to the Solomon Islands which will then be taken to DPAA facilities for possible identification in an ongoing effort to account for the 5,800 U.S. service members still missing from Pacific Theater during WWII.

220624-N-ZS023-1026 SAN DIEGO (June 24, 2022) Leadership and Sailors render honors during a change of command ceremony for Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE (COMLCSRON) at Naval Base San Diego. 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.

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