Soldier Homecoming and Ceremonies

Photos of soldiers returning from deployment and military ceremonies, highlighting moments of honor, command changes, and the celebration of service.

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!(

One hundred and twenty Soldiers return home from deployment Feb. 9. The group deployed in May 2023 in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. The certified Military Police Officers were sent to bases in Germany and Italy to provide law enforcement support for the garrisons of Wiesbaden, Kaiserslautern, Baumholder and Vicenza. While there, the unit covered all law enforcement functions of the Military Police Branch to include traffic enforcement, Access Control Point operations, disturbance calls, responding to traffic accidents, security patrols and community policing. Soldiers spent nine months on rotation supporting over 100,000 Soldiers, Families, and civilians across four unique installations. A homecoming ceremony was held at Fort Johnson's Warrior Gym. Army

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!(

Michigan Air National Guard service members attend the 110th Security Forces Squadron change of command ceremony for relinquishing commander, Lt. Col. Thomas Gawrych and assuming commander, Maj. John Wilkinson at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich., June 5, 2022.

U.S. Soldiers of the 29th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii Army National Guard, render a salute during the 29th BSB change of command ceremony in Kapolei, Hawaii, Jan. 6, 2024. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition within the Army which commemorates the relinquishment of command by passing the unit colors from the outgoing commanding officer to the incoming commanding officer.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew Kelley, commander of 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division calls his formation to attention to greet French President Emmanuel Macron at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base, Romania, June 15, 2022. The U.S. Army's presence and commitment to the defense of our allies are important symbols of assurance and provide deterrence against potential adversaries.

Col. Jeffery B. Hambrice assumed command of Fort Campbell Dental Activity from Lt. Col. Michael Hoffman, during a ceremony on Fort Campbell, Kentucky, on August 18.

Commander of troops Capt. Jaime Smith, 914th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Director of Operations, orders the AMXS troops to execute a first salute to their new squadron commander, Lt. Col. Jessica Denzer April 23, 2022 during an assumption of command ceremony at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. Denzer was previously stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam which is a geographically separated tenant unit of the 624 Regional Support Group, Hickam, Hawaii.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 10th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, render a salute during the playing of the "Star Spangled Banner" at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 22, 2022. The Raider Brigade is constantly deployment-ready to protect the core principles found in the United States Constitution against all enemies who may jeopardize those values, both foreign and domestic.

NIGERIEN AIR BASE 201, Niger - U.S. Marine Corps Michael Langley, U.S. Africa Command commander, speaks to Airmen and Soldiers stationed at Nigerien Air Base 201, Niger, during his visit, Sept. 18, 2022. The visit here was one stop on a three-day trip to Niger and Chad from Sept. 18-21, Langley's second trip to Africa since taking command of U.S. Africa Command on Aug. 9.

Maj. Jessica Warzecha relinquishes command of the Training Support Unit during a Change of Command Ceremony, April 5, 2022 at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The incoming commander is Maj. Torin Roth.

Commander of troops Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert Phillips holds the Demon Saber during the command Chief Warrant Officer change of responsibility on May 17, 2022 at Fort Riley, Kansas. The saber is a symbol of lethality of Army aviation on the battlefield.

Members of the newly activated U.S. Space Forces Korea stand in formation during the units activation ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Dec. 14, 2022. The newly activated USSFK will be tasked with coordinating space operations and services such as missile warning, position navigation and timing, and satellite communications within the region.

U.S. Marines with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, stand in formation during a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 9, 2022. Sgt. Maj. Thomas W. Tabisz transferred the office of the sergeant major to Sgt. Maj. Michael A. Moore. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

U.S. Army Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment hosted a redeployment ceremony in Ansbach, Germany on Feb. 26. Alpha Btry commanded by U.S. Army Capt. Michael Archer deployed the Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) air defense system to Poland, Slovakia, and Romania reinforcing NATOs Easter Flank in Aug. 2023, marking the first operational deployment of the M-SHORAD platform.

Friends and colleagues listen as Master Sgt. Donald Siltman gives his remarks during his retirement ceremony at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois August 25, 2022. Siltman retired after nearly 40 years of military service. He enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard in 1983 as a Quartermaster and Chemical Repairman with Detachment 1, 3637th Maintenance Company (DS). Throughout his career, Siltman graduated from multiple military courses, including Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course, First Sergeant Course, SAMSE Maintenance Control Operations and NIMS/ Unified Command Course. He has also served in multiple Non-Commissioned Officer positions to include North Artillery Maintenance Support Team Leader, Battalion and Brigade Maintenance Control Sergeant, Headquarters Platoon Sergeant, Unit Movement Officer and First Sergeant. He deployed in 2007-2008 with the 3637th M

Brig. Gen. Larry Nicholson, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan commanding general, speaks after the transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, April 12. During the speech Nicholson expressed his gratitude for the hard work and helping hand that Gulab Mangal, the Helmand province governor, gave to the Marines during their stay in Afghanistan.

Airmen assigned to the 334th Fighter Generation Squadron render the final salute to Maj. Christina Merritt, former 334th FGS commander during a change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, June 24, 2022. During the change of command ceremony, Merritt relinquished command to Maj. Amanda Miller, incoming 334th FGS commander.

Soldiers assigned to 3rd Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, salute the flag as the national anthem plays during a welcome home ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug. 25, 2022. The ceremony was held at Newman Gym to mark the redeployment of the brigade after a deployment to Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Combat Sustainment Support Battalions wait in formation with their company guidons for the start of the transfer of authority ceremony between the 336th CSSB and the 382nd CSSB. These battalions are subordinate to the 369th Sustainment Brigade while forward deployed to the CENTCOM area of operations.

U.S. Army Soldiers of the 572nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, and 186th Brigade Support Battalion, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, participate in a change of command ceremony held at the Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport, North Clarendon, Vt., July 10, 2022. The military ceremony features passing the unit's guidon between commanders to symbolically mark the transition of responsibility and authority.

An activation ceremony for the newly-transitioned 125th Communications Squadron, 125th Fighter Wing, was held April 2, 2023 at the Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida. The flight was recently tasked with the stand-up of a Mission Defense Team (MDT) whose primary mission will be to provide functional mission assurance to the 125th Fighter Wing. The increased responsibility moves the 125th Communications Flight beyond its base communications and information technology focus resulting in the redesignation as a squadron.

Airmen assigned to the 32nd Aerial Port Squadron reenlist at Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pennsylvania, Jan. 7, 2024. Nearly a dozen Airmen gathered inside of a C-17 Globemaster III for a mass reenlistment.

March Air Reserve Base Airmen with the California Air National Guard host a Change of Command ceremony for incoming 163d Attack Wing Commander Col. Clark Bramante at March ARB, Oct. 16, 2022. A Change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit to a commanding officer. The mission of the 163d ATKW is to provide dedicated, disciplined, and diverse guardsmen ready to defend California, the nation and local communities from any threats that compromise the safety, security and well-being of citizens and allies.

The 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, JoAnne S. Bass, visited Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base on Jan. 6-7, 2024. Chief Bass participated in a base tour where she heard from subject matter experts about the mission capabilities and accomplishments of the 151st Wing. Afterward, she attended the Utah Air Guard Airmen of the Year Banquet, where Bass gave the keynote speech and celebrated with the Airmen of the Year award winners.

The 36th Sustainment Brigade, Texas National Guard cased their flags, or colors, and the 369th Sustainment Brigade, New York National Guard uncased their flags, during a transfer of authority ceremony, Nov. 3, 2022 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The transfer of authority ceremony signifies the end of the responsibilities and mobilization of one force followed by the assumption of that responsibility by another.

Poland, Sept. 12, 2022, the 1st Armored Division Assumed Responsibility for the aviation component of Atlantic Resolve under the 1st Infantry Division, Providing Air support capabilities to units deployed in Europe.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Eckenrode speaks at a change of command ceremony on Sept. 18, 2022 at the Flemington National Guard Armory. Capt. Jennifer Wain replaced Capt. Bradley who was promoted to another assignment in the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pfc. Michael Hayes)

U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. David N. Miller Jr., Space Operations Command commander, speaks with 21st Security Forces Squadron unit trainers about their virtual training simulator at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, Feb. 29, 2024. The 21st Security Forces trainers explained how the simulator allows for a greater variety and volume of training scenarios. Space Force

U.S. Air Force Maj. Sarah Sinclair assumes command of the 104th Civil Engineering Squadron from Lt. Col. Jeremy Dugan Dec. 3, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

United States. Air Force Col. Michael P. Richard, 35th Fighter Wing (FW) commander, renders his first salute as commander during the 35th FW change of command ceremony at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 30, 2022. The change of command ceremony formally transferred command of the 35th FW from Friedel to Richard.

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

Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Huff, 66th Troop Command, Mississippi National Guard, briefs members of the Joint Operations Center (JOC) prior to the start of PATRIOT 24 exercise at Camp Shelby, Miss., Feb. 17, 2024. PATRIOT is a Domestic Operations disaster-response training exercise conducted by National Guard units working with federal, state and local emergency management agencies and first responders. Air National Guard

Lt. Col. Erin P. Davis, 15th Military Intelligence Battalion out-going commander, hands the Battalion guidon off to Col. Heather L. Maki, 116th Military Intelligence Brigade Commander, during a change of command ceremony in West Fort Hood, Texas, June 30, 2022. The Change of Command Ceremony is a formal passing of authority and accountability of command from one leader to another.

Task Force Thunder, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard, took command of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission under 7th Army Training Command (7ATC) from Task Force Bowie, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Arkansas Army National Guard, on Jan. 5, 2024. Under the guidance of U.S. European Command, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and Security Assistance Group-Ukraine, 7ATC leads the training and is supported and supported by a myriad of other organizations from across the U.S. Army. This training of Armed Forces of Ukraine has been conducted in Germany since April 2022.

U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 335th Signal Command (Theater) farewell Maj. Gen. John Phillips and welcomed our new Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Tina Boyd on Aug 21, 2022 on Fort Gordon, Augusta, Ga. We welcome Maj. Gen. Boyd and her family. The 335th SC (T) is a winning organization and we look forward to reaching new heights while focusing on our Soldiers and their Families first.

Blanchfield Army Community Hospitals Medical Department Activity (MEDDAC) company held a Change of Command ceremony June 15, 2022, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where Capt. Huy T. Nguyen relinquished command to Capt. Joshua J. Lockwood.

Maj. Gen. Andrew Gebara, center, 8th Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Steve Cenov, 8th Air Force command chief and J-GSOC senior enlisted leader, are briefed by a member of the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Oct. 17, 2022. Members of Ellsworth showcased significant contributions to the long-range strike mission and how they continue to maintain readiness and innovate.

Idaho Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Holden Kennedy gives instructions to soldiers from Charlie Company.Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers from Charlie Company, 2-116th Combined Arms Battalion, 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team engaged in urban conflict exercises practicing entrance into buildings occupied by an opposing force. Solders from the 2-116th CAB were completing exercises prior to deployment in support Operation Spartan Shield.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Charlie Company, 29th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Hawaii Army National Guard, render a salute during the 29th BSB change of command ceremony in Kapolei, Hawaii, Jan. 6, 2024. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition within the Army which commemorates the relinquishment of command by passing the unit colors from the outgoing commanding officer to the incoming commanding officer.

Soldiers assigned to 330th Movement Control Battalion arrive at Fort Bragg N.C. Dec. 12th. The 330th Movement Control Battalion completed a nine-month deployment to EUCOM in support of Atlantic Resolve.

Task Force Thunder, 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard, took command of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine mission under 7th Army Training Command (7ATC) from Task Force Bowie, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Arkansas Army National Guard, on Jan. 5, 2024. Under the guidance of U.S. European Command, U.S. Army Europe and Africa, and Security Assistance Group-Ukraine, 7ATC leads the training and is supported and supported by a myriad of other organizations from across the U.S. Army. This training of Armed Forces of Ukraine has been conducted in Germany since April 2022.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Steven Siclari, incoming commanding officer of 2nd Radio Battalion (2nd Rad. Bn.), II Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and Lt. Col. Agur Adams, outgoing commanding officer of 2nd Rad. Bn., stand in front of the unit colors during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 22, 2022. 2nd Rad. Bn. provides signals intelligence, electronic warfare, limited cyberspace operations, and special intelligence communications support to the Marine air-ground task force and joint forces commander.

Leaders acorss the U.S. Army attend the 2023 Army People Sync Conference in February.U.S. Army Photo by Audra Simsic

Troopers of 4-6 Air Cavalry Squadron, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade redeploy to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on Jun. 5 and 7, 2022. The squadron was on a 9 month rotation to the Republic of Korea in support of 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

U.S. Army Cpt. Nicholas J. Hedlesky, outgoing commander of Signal, Intelligence, and Sustainment Company, U.S. Army Lt. Col. John C. Hately, commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, and U.S. Army Cpt. Kamilah Cruz Méndez, incoming commander of SIS Co., render a salute during the national anthem during change of command ceremony to commence in Poznan, Poland, July 1st 2022. SIS Co. is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, Americas forward deploy corps in Europe.

Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston speaks to Soldiers and families in South Korea at the Humphreys family theatre, Nov. 23. Grinston visited the peninsula to gain a better understanding of the mission in Korea and to connect with the Soldiers who serve there.

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 237th Brigade Support Battalion, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team stand during a call-to-duty ceremony, Sep. 24, 2022, at Stow-Munroe Falls High School, Ohio. The ceremony say family, friends, and state officials gather to support and send-off the 237th BSB as they deploy in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Maurice L. Williams, command chief, Air National Guard, addresses Airmen of the 193rd Special Operations Wing in an enlisted town hall at the Harrisburg International Airport, Middletown, Pennsylvania, May 15, 2022. During his visit, Williams spoke to Airmen about their role and responsibilities towards mission accomplishment and the Air Force whole Airman concept.

A U.S. Soldier of Islamic faith, with Task Force Hurricane, leads a prayer at an Independence Day vigil held by the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, July 4, 2022. The vigil was held prior to PSABs Fourth of July Carnival, to reflect on our nations challenges while also celebrating the triumphs.

Lt. Col. Joseph Sanchez, 15th Healthcare Operations Squadron commander, recieves his first salute during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 21, 2022. During the ceremony, a guidon is passed from the former commander to the new commander, representing the transfer of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher Horoho, 86th Civil Engineer Squadron fire and emergency services firefighter, addresses the audience during the 9/11 memorial ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Sept. 9, 2022. Attendees gathered in the firehouse to honor the fallen heroes of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

737th Training Group leadership briefs the Texas 23rd Congressional District, U. S. House of Representative staff during their visit to Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Sep. 27, 2022. The visit helps to provide the congressional staff an overview and understanding of mission operations throughout JBSA.

U.S. Army Col. John B. Gilliam, commander of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3/1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), delivers his speech during the Transfer of Authority ceremony in Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, Feb. 4, 2023. The 3/1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

Servicemembers with the U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy and the Japan Ground Self Defense Force conduct a cake cutting ceremony in celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps 247th birthday during Keen Sword 23, aboard the USS Orleans LPD-18 in the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 11, 2022. Keen Sword is a biennial training event that exercises the combined capabilities and lethality developed between 3d Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force and the JGSDF. This bilateral field-training exercise between the U.S. military and the JGSDF strengthens interoperability and combat readiness of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.

Alaska Guardsmen tasked with supporting the 58th Presidential Inauguration receive a briefing from their officer and noncommissioned officer in charge of the joint task force at the National Guard armory on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 17, 2017. The 47 Guardsmen are from the Alaska Army National Guards 297th Regional Support Group and the Alaska Air National Guards 168th Wing Security Forces Squadron and 176th Wing SFS. The Guardsmen departed JBER for the National Capital Region, Jan. 18, 2017, where they will be charged with assisting local law enforcement officials in providing a safe and secure environment for civilians attending the inauguration.

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Newcomb, a instructor of the Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program, teaches his students at the Ike Skelton Training Site, Jefferson City, Missouri, April 26, 2022. Every year the Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program Level Two Course is taught to National Guardsmen.

Airmen from the 501st Combat Support Wing along with attendees sing the Air Force song at the conclusion of a change of command ceremony at RAF Croughton, England, June 16, 2022. During the ceremony, Maj. Thomas W. Uhl, relinquished command of the 422d Security Forces Squadron to Maj. Kendall P. Benton.

U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion, 3d Marine Division conduct a change of command ceremony on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, on May 27, 2022. The ceremony represented the transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability from Lt. Col. Albert J. Goldberg to Lt. Col. Brian T. Spillane.

Col. Joseph Orcutt, 624 Regional Support Group interim commander, visits Andersen Air Force Base Fire and Emergency, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on June 14, 2022. The visit was a way to show Orcutts and the RSGs appreciation to civilian supervisors, including Fire Chief Stanley Torres, who have been supportive of the units Reserve Citizen Airmen.

U.S. Navy Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Jeremy Blythe with 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, leads the Corporals Course graduation ceremony in a prayer aboard Amphibious Assault Ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 17, 2022. Corporals Course provides students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to become successful small-unit leaders as they enter the career into the non-commissioned officer ranks. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Lt. Col. Tammy Bogart, commander, Phoenix Recruiting Battalion, salutes Command Sgt. Maj. Aaron Diediker, command sergeant major, Phoenix. Rec. Bn., at the conclusion of a battalion change of command ceremony, June 24, Papago Park Military Reservation, Phoenix. Bogart assumed command from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Brandon Oliveira, who will retire from the U.S. Army after 22 years of service. (Photo by Alun Thomas, USAREC Public Affairs)

Lt. Col. Nicholas Brence, 51st Security Forces Squadron newly-appointed commander, renders his first salute as the 51st SFS commander to his squadron at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, June 7, 2022. Changes of Command represent the formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a flight, squadron, group, wing or MAJCOM from one commanding officer to another. They are a tradition rooted in military history, dating back to the 18th century.

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.

Outgoing Army Field Support Battalion-Africa Commander Lt. Col. Miguel Flores, 405th Army Field Support Brigade Commander Col. Brad Bane and incoming AFSBn-Africa Commander Lt. Col. Alexander Amato render honors to the National Colors at the AFSBn-Africa change of command ceremony June 10 at Leghorn Army Depot, Italy. (photo by Vincenzo Vitiello)

U.S. Air Force Col. David Shevchik, former commander of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, returns from his final flight in a F-35A Lightning II from the Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Nov. 6, 2022. It is tradition for pilots to be recognized and celebrate the final flight of their military career.

The United States-Norwegian Reciprocal Troop Exchange ended with a closing ceremony April 5, 2022, at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. (Minnesota National Guard Photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 23rd Security Forces Squadron practice obtaining custody of a weapon from a variety of threats during the first iteration of Krav Maga training, April 13, 2022, at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. While 23rd SFS members train to be prepared in a variety of situations, must maintain positive control of the situation.

Soldiers with the 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, stand at attention for the National Anthem during a Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Jan. 10, 2024. The rite of passage that the ceremony brings emphasizes and builds on the pride of past and present NCOs.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. James Himes, 321st Training Squadron, Military Training Instructor, right, provides instructions to U.S. Air Force basic military trainees, 321st TRS, flights 638, 639, 640, and 641, on the proper techniques to safely handle the M4 carbine rifle during their second week of basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Aug. 23, 2022. Trainees were taught safety and muzzle discipline, as well as, proper positioning and handling of the weapon.

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (June 28, 2022) - U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Farrell J. Sullivan salutes while honors are being rendered to him during a change of command ceremony where he relinquished command of Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) to Brig. Gen. Matthew S. Reid aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, June 28. Brig. Gen. Sullivan commanded TF 51/5 since July 2020 to June 2022 and lead TF 51/5 through several operations in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility. TF 51/5 responds to crises and contingencies; coordinates, plans, and executes operations; conducts theater security cooperation; and advances emerging Naval concepts at sea, from the sea, and ashore in order to support CENTCOM, 5th Fleet, and Marine Corps Forces Central Command theater objectives.

U.S. Army Reserve Col. William Putnam, center, MIRC deputy commander, Luther Thomas Jr., left, MIRC command executive officer, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Davis, right, MIRC command chief warrant officer watch as the Military Intelligence Readiness Command conducts a change of responsibility ceremony at Fort Belvoir, Va., Jan. 21, 2024. Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Bailey assumed responsibility as Military Intelligence Readiness Command command sergeant major from outgoing command sergeant major, Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Brian Bertazon.

U.S. Army Soldier asks a question during the 595th Transportation Brigade (SDDC) SHARP panel on Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Jan. 12, 2023. The panel consisted of agencies around Camp Arifjan that provide services in the event of a Sexual Assault. The panel drew upon experiences and incidents to give awareness and knowledge of individual and command responsibility.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Christopher Castle takes command of the 13th Space Warning Squadron during a Change of Command at Clear Space Force Station. The Change of Command welcomed Castle and honored the outgoing commander, Lt. Col. William Hassey.

NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup Poland Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3-1 ABCT) alongside soldiers from the U.S., Poland, Romania and UK engage in the training while attending the NATO Team Leaders Academy in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Oct. 19, 2022. The 3-1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

FORT BLISS, TEXAS - Col. Brett Venable comments on the success of both Lt. Col. Ezella Washington (middle, left) and Sgt. Maj. Jason Hopkins (middle) during an induction ceremony into The Order of Military Medical Merit hosted by Maj. Gen. Sean C. Bernabe, Commander of 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss, May 13, 2022. The Order of Military Medical Merit (O2M3) is awarded to a member of the Army Medical Department (AMEDD) who through dedicated application of talent, effort, and spirit, has made a significant contribution having an impact on the whole of the Army. Lt. Col. Ezella Washington is the Division Surgeon and Sgt. Maj. Jason Hopkins is the Chief Medical NCO both assigned to the 1st Armored Division Surgeon Section.

Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, marches the U.S. Africa Command colors to the stage during a change of command ceremony in Stuttgart, Germany, on Aug. 9, 2022.

U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III crew from the 517th Airlift Squadron and U.S. Army Paratroopers conduct a preflight brief prior to a static line jump at Allen Army Airfield, Fort Greely, Alaska, June 15, 2022 during RED FLAG-Alaska 2202. Approximately 1,600 service members from three nations participate in flying, maintaining and supporting more than 70 aircraft from over 22 units during this iteration of exercise.

DV - Lt Gen Schmidt, F-35 PEO visit, F-35 ITF Edwards AFB, Ca., 22 March 2023.

U.S. Army and International Paratroopers attend a Ch-47 Chinook Helicopter aircraft safety brief during Leapfest 2022 at the Quonset Army Aviation Support Facility in Washington County, Rhode Island, August 3, 2022. Leapfest is the largest, longest standing, international static line parachute training event and competition hosted by the 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island Army National Guard to promote high level technical training and esprit de corps within the International Airborne community.

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

Florida Army National Guard, Lt. Col. Mark Bianchi, 48th Civil Support Team (WMD-CST) commander, briefs local, state and federal authorities as well as other CST teams from N.Y., I.L., S.C., G.A., and N.C., at C.W. Bill Young Armed Forces Reserve Center during Operation Night Hammer, May 22, 2022. Operation Night Hammer is the first ever training operation of its kind to coordinate and cooperate with other states and entities to identify Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) agents.

U.S. Navy Lt. Benjamin Shear, the chaplain with 1st Marine Corps District, gives a prayer before Marine Corps Recruiting Station Pittsburghs Retirement, Relief and Appointment ceremony in Pittsburgh, Jul. 1, 2022. During this ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Edward Shaffer retired after 25 years of service and relinquished his duties as sergeant major of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Pittsburgh to Sgt. Maj. Jose Cabrera.

Kuwait Army Sgt. Maj. Najah Zamel Alenezi and Sgt. Maj. Mona Mubarak Alhajeri stand among American female Soldiers while being recognized during the Womens Equality Day event at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Aug. 26, 2022.

The 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team headquarters company, Wisconsin Army National Guard, conducted a change-of-responsibility ceremony, October 15, 2022 at its headquarters company at Camp Douglas, WI. During the ceremony, Command Sgt. Maj. Walter R. Smithson relinquished responsibility of the headquarters company to 1st Sgt. Keith T. Graeme. (32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team photo by Staff Sgt. Kati Volkman/Released)

040910-F-2233S-009. Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 150th Aviation Regiment, present arms during a change of command ceremony on June 24, 2022 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Lt. Col. Eric J. Tolska replaced Lt. Col. Ryan J. Smith who was promoted to another assignment in the National Guard. (U.S. Army National Guard photos by Pfc. Michael Hayes)

U.S. Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 28th Infantry Division, and their families are honored during a deployment ceremony at Zembo Shrine Auditorium. These Soldiers are deploying to the Middle East for a year in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Command Sgt. Maj. Rolando Zapata, center, outgoing senior enlisted advisor for the Maintain Battalion, 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, addresses Soldiers and guests during the battalion relinquishment of responsibility at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, July 6, 2022. A change of responsibility ceremony is rich in symbolism and heritage within the military and reinforces the role of the noncommissioned officer in the Army, highlighting their role as a bridge between the commander and the formation's enlisted Soldiers.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 148th Infantry Regiment, Ohio National Guard, check-in at the Joint Reception, Staging, Onward movement, and Integration site for the Northern Strike exercise at Camp Grayling, Mich., Aug. 6, 2022. The Northern Strike 22-2 exercise brings 7,400 people from 19 states and 4 coalition countries to Northern Michigan to build interoperability while training in realistic multi-domain environments.

Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment conduct Combat Water Survival Training May 22, 2022 at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL. This training allows for a simulated environment, meant to assist Soldiers in developing survival skills to help prepare for situations such as helicopter crashes near large masses of water. Its good to have these experiences with one another, said 1st Lt. Jonathan Mercado. Being able to conduct this training successfully is going to identify who may need additional support and ensure success for follow on missions.

U.S. Air Force 45th Security Forces Squadron defenders, salute the American flag May 20, 2022, at Patrick Space Force Base, Fla. Defenders at the fallen hero ceremony salute the flag to recognize and honor all lives that were lost in the line of service for the United States.

Master Sgts. from the 624th Regional Support Group site the Senior NCO Creed and Senior NCO Charge while at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Aug. 7, 2022. The Senior NCO Creed and Senior NCO Charge were made so service members have an understanding of the additional responsibilities they have in the Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gerald McDonald, assistant adjutant general - Air Force, makes remarks to the airmen of the 103rd Maintenance Wing during the welcome home ceremony at Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Connecticut, Feb. 4, 2023. The 103rd recently returned home from deployment to the Horn of Africa.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing attend a presentation on Women, Peace, and Security delivered by U.S. Air Force Maj. Alea Nadeem Jan. 7, 2024 at Truax Field in Madison, Wisconsin. The WPS strategy is to promote equality and include women in leadership roles and decision making processes.

U.S. Marine Corps Recruits with Hotel Company, Second Recruit Training Battalion, listen to a class during the first day of swim training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, June 13, 2022. The basic swim qualification consists of a 25-meter swim, tower jump into the water, four-minute tread, 25-meter pack swim, and an underwater gear shed.

Paratroopers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division discuss troop movement and mission execution in preparation for Operation Falcon Blitz on Fort Bragg, NC, Jan. 27, 2023. Paratroopers will conduct an airborne operation in order to enhance brigade readiness and lethality.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 102nd Cavalry Regiment, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, initiates their deployment at the 102nd Cavalry Regiments fairwell ceremony at the Westfield Armory, Westfield, New Jersey, on Jan. 14, 2024. More than 1,500 NJARNG Soldiers will deploy in support of U.S. Central Commands Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF-OIR advises, assists, and enables partnered forces until they can independently defeat Islamic State of Iraq and Syria - ISIS - in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, in order to set conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks. It is the largest deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard Soldiers since 2008.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Wade Dailey, 16th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, describes how to tie down vehicles on a C-17 Globemaster III at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2022. Airmen from the 16th AS and Soldiers from the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade worked together during an iteration of Joint Base Charlestons Mission Oriented Trainer program.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Wade Dailey, 16th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, describes how to tie down vehicles on a C-17 Globemaster III at Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, Sept. 15, 2022. Airmen from the 16th AS and Soldiers from the 108th Air Defense Artillery Brigade worked together during an iteration of Joint Base Charlestons Mission Oriented Trainer program.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 92nd Medical Group Bioenvironmental flight prepare for an exercise training the detection and handling of radioactive assets at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, June 16, 2022. The 92nd MDG Bioenvironmental flight taught Airmen how to operate new radiation detection equipment and safety measures when dealing with radioactively contaminated assets.

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