← Military & Defence

Troop Ceremonies and Salutations

Soldiers participating in ceremonies, including saluting the flag and change of command events, emphasizing military tradition and community.

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Col. Benjamin Sangster, commander of the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade (Cyber), hosted a transition of authority ceremony between two Army National Guard formations whereby one battalion transitioned with another to seamlessly continue the Task Force Echo cyberspace mission, October 28 at the Capt. John E. Smathers U.S. Army Reserve Center.

SEAC Ramón Colón-López, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addresses Airmen during an All-Call Aug. 5, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Florida. During his visit, the SEAC attended the Talon 13 Remembrance Ceremony, visited AFSOC Headquarters and 24th Special Operations Wing, had lunch with Airmen, and hosted an All-Call. The SEAC serves as the 4th Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the most senior enlisted service member, by position, in the United States Armed Forces, and the principal military advisor to the Chairman on all matters involving joint and combined total force integration, utilization, health of the force, and joint development for enlisted personnel.

Soldiers assigned to the Field Support Command, 2nd Battalion, 34th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, salute the U.S. flag during the playing of the national anthem on an FSC change of command at Drawsko Pomorskie, Poland, April 8, 2022.

In the last days of the Spring 2022 Semester the Bronco Battalion gathered in the student union to honor some of their cadets. At the close of the awards, two cadets, Jacob Ledger (left) and Joseph Hardin were added to the roster of cadets as they officially contracted into the ROTC program. Lt.Col. John Hawbaker, Professor of Military Science for BSU swore in the cadets.The Boise State University Spring 2022 Semester has come to an end for the Bronco Battalion. Several cadets received their commission on Friday, May 6, 2022 with family, friends and fellow cadets celebrating their achievement. In the closing moments of the academic year, plans were placed in motion for the semester to come. While some members of the Bronco Battalion will move on, others will step up to fill their vacant seats at the planning meetings every Friday morning following physical training. The lineage of the Bronco Battalion will continue.

U.S. Air Force Col. Shawn Holtz addresses 110th Logistics Readiness Squadron members at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, April 9, 2022. Holtz toured all squadrons on drill weekend coining well deserved members for high performance in the last year. (Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Bethany Rizor)

U.S. Army Maj. Andrew DeLaney assumes command of the North Carolina Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team during a change of command ceremony at the Carolina Beach Road Armory in Wilmington, North Carolina, Dec. 2, 2022. DeLaney takes command from U.S. Army Lt. Col. Benjamin R. Wynn who led the battalion through various training, missions, and deployments.

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. - Col. Benjamin Sangster, commander of the 780th Military Intelligence Brigade (Cyber), hosted a transition of authority ceremony between two Army National Guard formations whereby one battalion transitioned with another to seamlessly continue the Task Force Echo cyberspace mission, October 28 at the Capt. John E. Smathers U.S. Army Reserve Center.

WORCESTER, Mass -During a large ceremony at the DCU Center, here Families, Friends, and leaders gathered on January 23, 2024, to send off the 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry Regiment before their deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Speakers at the ceremony included Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, and Lt. Col. Alex Hampton, commander of the 1-181st Infantry Battalion. During the ceremony, Hampton and Command Sgt. Maj. Sean P. Fitzgerald, Command Sergeant Major of the 1-181st Infantry Battalion cased the battalion colors while they are deployed under the command of U.S. Central Command, upon returning home, the unit will uncase their colors.

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.

(Left to right) Maj. Gen. William B. Blaylock II and Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Stuenkel, commanding general and command sergeant major, respectively, for the 35th Infantry Division, case the colors of the 35th Infantry Division during the Task Force Spartan transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait

On 13 May 2022 at the Fort Dix School House Auditorium the HHC USASA Fort Dix had a Change of Command. The outgoing CDR MAJ William Jolly relinquished Command to MAJ Justin Warrick. Family and Soldiers were present during the ceremony held in the Fort Dix Schoolhouse Auditorium. Comments were made by Base Commander COL John Brierton and MAJ Foster as the narrator of the ceremony. MAJ Jolly has been the HHC Commander for the base shortly after his completion of the General Staff Course at Fort Belvoir. We welcome MAJ Warrick to his new position as the incoming CDR here at the USASA Fort Dix Base. Prior to his arrival at Fort Dix MAJ Warrick had Commanded the 80th Engineer Company, held a position as a Cybersecurity Course Manager, and instructed for the Army National Guard at Camp Robinson, Arkansas. (Photos taken by the Fort Dix TSC Training Support Center)

Soldiers assigned to the Military Intelligence Readiness Command and U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) - Army Reserve, pose for a photograph after competing in the 2024 Polyglot Games. The Utah National Guards 300th Military Intelligence Brigade (Linguist) hosted the 6th annual Best Linguist Competition (Polyglot Games) Feb. 3, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah that brought together over 200 linguists from nearly 80 different units. Army Reserve

Airmen attend one of the 192nd Wing All Calls on May 14, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Col. Christopher G. Batterton, 192nd Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Richard Roberts, 192nd Wing command chief, hosted the various All Calls during May's regularly scheduled drill along with other leadership. Several Airmen were recognized for recent accomplishments with the presentation of a coin.

1st Armored Division leaders participate in the After-Action Review for the Command Post Exercise III, at the Mission Training Center, Fort Bliss, Texas Feb. 10, 2023. During the AAR, participants will give critical feedback on different aspects of the exercise to maximize the effectiveness of future training events.

A closing ceremony is held for Exercise Yama Sakura 83 at Camp Asaka, Japan, Dec. 12, 2022. As a part of U.S. Army Pacific Operation Pathways, Yama Sakura 83 is the largest and most complex U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force bilateral command post exercise to date.

U.S. Army Curtis Buzzard, Commanding General, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, exits a brief during Kosovo Forces (KFOR) 33 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center near Hohenfels, Germany, Feb. 7, 2023.KFOR 33 is a multinational training event conducted to prepare the 48th IBCT (GA ARNG) for their deployment to the Kosovo Regional Command East. Army

A group of senior airmen pose for a picture during a staff sergeant release party Sept. 8, 2022, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. These Airmen are the newest staff sergeant selects for Malmstrom.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Brian Ibbs, commander, Force Support Squadron, salutes during a 9/11 ceremony Sept. 11, 2022 at Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York. Ibbs saluted during the playing of "Taps".

U.S. Air Force Airmen, assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, line up to congratulate Senior Master Sgt. Justin Seals, the 378th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron operations flight superintendent, on his selection to the rank of chief master sergeant, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dec. 9,2022. Air Force officials selected 514 senior master sergeants for promotion to chief master sergeant, out of 2,526 eligible, for a selection rate of 20.34 percent in the 22E9 promotion cycle.

Adm. Charles Richard, United States Strategic Command commander, speaks at an all call on Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Aug. 18, 2022. During the all call, Adm. Richard stressed the importance of Minot AFB providing two legs of the nation's nuclear triad, while answering questions from Airmen.

Newly promoted Chief Master Sgt. Carmen Daniels, 192nd Force Support Flight senior enlisted leader, gives thanks and acknowledgements during her promotion ceremony June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Daniels became the 176th chief in the Virginia Air National Guard and was celebrated by family, friends and fellow members of the VaANG.

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Matthew S. Reid, commanding general of Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) gives his remarks during retirement ceremony for Col. Robert S. White, chief of staff of TF 51/5, aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, July 20. Col. White retired after 30 years of honorable service.

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.

A group photo of the 12 captains and chief warrant officer 2s who competed to be Eighth Army's 2022 General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award nominees at a ceremony held at USAG Humphreys, South Korea, Dec. 5, 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, receives the unit colors from Lt. Col. Agur Adams, outgoing commanding officer of 2nd RadBn, during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 22, 2022. 2nd RadBn provides signals intelligence, electronic warfare, limited cyberspace operations, and special intelligence communications support to the Marine air-ground task force and joint forces commander.

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.

Maj. David Perkins, 374th Maintenance Squadron incoming commander, delivers a speech during the 374th MXS change of command ceremony, May 23, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another.

The official party for the Camp Ripley Garrison Commander change of command ceremony stands for a benediction given by Army Chaplain Maj. John Shay, December 10, 2022, Camp Ripley, Minnesota. During the ceremony, Camp Ripley bid farewell to Army Col. Joshua Simer and welcomed Army Col. Bryce Erickson. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)

Airmen and Guardians from the 501st Combat Support Wing, stand at attention during an assumption of command ceremony at RAF Croughton, England, June 27, 2022. An assumption of command is a military tradition that represents the formal gaining of a units authority and responsibility by a commander.

Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard on July 9, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Martin's 20 years of military service was celebrated by family and friends along with numerous retired and currently serving military personnel who impacted her career.

Winners were announced at a banquet after the 2022 Sandhurst Military Skills Competition ended. Brigham Young Universitys team took 5th place overall out of 48 national and international teams. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

U.S. Soldiers assigned to 173rd Airborne Brigade stand in formation with their new unit patches during a Patching Ceremony at Grafenwoehr, Germany, Dec. 2, 2022. The official ceremony welcomed the newest members into the organization.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with Company B, 1-118th Infantry Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, and Company I, 237th Support Battalion, South Carolina Army National Guard, stand in formation during a deployment ceremony at the General Mark Clark National Guard Armory in North Charleston, South Carolina, Aug. 7, 2022. More than 160 Soldiers from the unit will be mobilized for approximately a year to support Operation Spartan Shield, Task Force Spartan and U.S. Army Central Command.

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron commemorate fallen defenders at Police Weeks closing ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 21, 2022. Former President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation in 1962 designating May 15 to May 21 as Police Week.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Cantrell and other Airmen from the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, listen as Col. Victor Teal, Jr., wing commander, recognizes Airmen and talks about resiliency during an all hands meeting, Dec. 3, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California.

Soldiers from the 75th Field Artillery Brigade, 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment redeployed at Fort Sill Feb. 5 and 7 after they spent about a month at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California for an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise.

Yokota Air Base Honor Guard post the colors during the 374th Mission Support Group change of command ceremony, June 15, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass addresses Reserve and Guard Airmen during an all-call at Robins Air Force Base, April 29, 2022. Bass visited Robins to meet with both senior and junior Total Force members to talk about the future of the Air Force and receive feedback about challenges Airmen may be facing and how she can advocate for them.

U.S. Army chaplain Col. Joanne Martindale, Chief of the Chaplains Office, Army Reserve, gives the benediction at the conclusion of Maj. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., The Adjutant General of New Jersey, promotion ceremony at the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, Feb. 3, 2024. Hou commands more than 8,400 Soldiers and Airmen of the New Jersey National Guard. As Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Hou leads, directs, and manages the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in the execution of federal and state missions. In addition, she manages all state veterans programs, commissions, and facilities in New Jersey. (New Jersey National Guard

Sgt. Maj. Darnell Cabell, sergeant major for U.S. Army Finance and Comptroller, talks to Soldiers of 33rd Financial Management Support Unit, 10th Division Sustainment Troops Battalion, 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade, during his visit to Fort Drum, New York, July 28, 2022.

The Mexican Army delegation and U.S. Army delegation hears from 128th Aviation Brigade staff at Fort Eustis, Virginia, during the Fifth Army Inter-American Relations Program, August 30, 2022. FIARP dates back to 1947 and provides an opportunity for senior leaders to come together and exchange ideas to strengthen our defense relationship and enhance our ability to work together.

Staff Sgt. Edward Jones, the full-time Army National Guard recruiter in Bethel, introduces Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard and commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, during a Cama-i Dance Festival special recognition event at the Bethel Regional High School in Bethel, Alaska, March 25, 2023. During the event Saxe addressed the audience of more than 700 about the importance of community relationships.

Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general, stands for a photo with leaders enrolled in the Aviation Pre-Command Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama, September 26, 2022.

Maj. Gen. Michael C. McCurry, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general, stands for a photo with leaders enrolled in the Aviation Pre-Command Course at Fort Rucker, Alabama, September 26, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Maurice L. Williams, command chief, Air National Guard, addresses Airmen of the 190th Air Refueling Wing during an enlisted all-call at Forbes Field ANG Base, Topeka, Kansas, April 2, 2023. Williams responded to various questions asked by the enlisted members of the 190th ARW.

Col. Elizabeth Sumner, commander of the 124th Mission Support Group, speaks about Maj. Kahli Gorski at an assumption of command ceremony, June, 5, 2022, Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. This is Gorskis first command position, where she will serve as commander of the 124th Communications Squadron.

The 10th Mountain Division holds an award ceremony for the top five squads that competed in D-Series XXIV at the Magrath Sports Complex, Fort Drum, N.Y. Jan. 19, 2024. Todays D-Series commemorates the trials and tribulations of the inaugural class of the 10th Mountain Division, experienced during the culminating event held in 1944 that bears the same name.

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 Command Sgt. Maj. James E. Holloman, command sergeant major of 3-142 Assault Helicopter Battalion (AHB) from the New York Army National Guard (far right), attached to the 36th Combat Aviation Brigade of the Texas Army National Guard, introduces Sgt. Daniel T. Clavin, signal operations support sergeant, 25U, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3-142 AHB, to brigade leadership during a command and staff meeting held at the 36th CAB headquarters in Camp Bhuering, Kuwait, Sept. 15, 2022. Clavin, a native of Farmingville, NY, was presented a Certificate of Appreciation by the brigade command team for his timely actions over procuring and installing, within two days, over 40 workstations, required to meet operational standards for the Task Force Rough Rider's Tactical Operations Center.

Lt. Col. Thomas Gawrych relinquishes the 110th Security Forces Squadron guidon from 110th Mission Support Group Commander, Lt. Col. Daniel Guy, symbolizing his relinquished role of commander of the 110th Security Forces Squadron at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Mich., June 5, 2022. Lt. Col. Gawrych relinquished command of the 110th Security Forces Squadron to Maj. John Wilkinson.

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.

U.S. Army Gen. Richard Clarke, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, addresses Airmen with Air Force Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Aug. 24, 2022. Clarke visited Hurlburt field to provide guidance to AFSOC air commandos on staying ready today, relevant tomorrow, and resilient always.

Members of the 147th Attack Wing in formation for a Wing photo at Ellington Field JRB, Houston, Texas, December 4, 2022.

The 37th Training Group stood up a new squadron, the 346 Training Squadron, during a squadron activation ceremony on Feb. 13, 2024 at Port Hueneme, Calif. The 346 Training Squadron develops multi-capable Vehicle Management professionals ready to deliver tomorrow's global Force Generation demands. Air Force

Soldiers assigned to the New York Army National Guards 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation stand in formation during a farewell ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Latham, New York on June 9, 2022. The Soldiers will deploy to Kuwait in support of Army forces in the region after training at Fort Hood.

Leadership from the 39th Air Base Wing and Airmen from the 39th Comptroller Squadron Financial Operations Flight pose for a group photo during a commander immersion at Incirlik AB, Turkey, July 18, 2022. Members of the 39th ABW depend on this service when arriving, and it contributes to a welcoming and smooth transition. The command team was able to experience the in-depth process Airmen of the 39th CPTS completed for all U.S. military personnel located here.

Army Reserve 1st Sgt. Salvador Nieto-Gallardo, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 63rd Readiness Division, left, salutes next to Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Andrew Nguyen, G1, 63rd RD, who holds the unit guidon during a change of command ceremony, June 10, 2022, at the Sgt. James T. Witkowski Armed Forces Reserve Center in Mountain View, Calif.

Annie Price, Vice President of Consultant Support with Scentsy, Inc., assumes honorary command of the 124th CS with Maj. Kahli Gorski, commander of the 124th CS, June, 3, 2022, Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. Annie Price will serve as honorary commander of the 124th CS until 2025.

A student speaks to senior enlisted leadership at the Joint Perspective panel inside the 305th Operations Support Squadron Aircrew Flight Equipment classroom on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Oct. 3, 2022. As part of the Leading Edge program, the Joint Perspective panel is a class involving senior enlisted leadership from each military branch to meet with students to share their services perspectives on joint operations and how their branches integrate on the battlefield. JB MDL kicks off the Leading Edge program designed to prepare all service members in the ranks of E4 to E-6 with the basic foundations to further support joint base operations. During the program, students will be required to work in small groups, comprehend and synthesize information presented to them, and create solutions to the capstone objectives provided.

Airmen from the 319th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron stand at parade rest during the 319th AMXS change of command ceremony in a hangar, June 10, 2022, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The 319th AMXS maintains the RQ-4B Global Hawk, a high-altitude, remotely-piloted surveillance aircraft that is owned and operated by the 319th Reconnaissance Wing.

U.S Marine Corps Lt. Col. Charles Anklam, the outgoing commander of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, addresses guests during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 10, 2024. During the ceremony, Anklam relinquished command of 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines to Lt. Col. Mark Paige.

U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 1st Infantry Division Band, perform during a holiday concert at Camp Kosciuszko, Poland, Dec. 8, 2022. The 1 ID is proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Donna Prigmore, the commander of the Oregon Air National Guard, recognizes five 173rd Fighter Wing Airmen who accompanied her on a state partnership visit to Bangladesh for two weeks earlier in the month, at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore., Oct. 26, 2022. The Oregon National Guard State partnership with Bangladesh began in 2008 and focused on seaport and airport security for the nation.

The 163d Wing Command Chief Ryan Williams briefs troops at March Air Reserve Base in California on April 1st, 2023 before they disembark to Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines. The 163d will lead the way as part of the first large-scale integration of an unmanned platform into Philippine Air Space. They will work shoulder to shoulder with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to provide Intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, maritime domain awareness and simulated offensive air support for the exercise.

Airmen from across the 39th Air Base Wing attend the 39th Security Forces Squadron change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Alexander Liggett relinquished command to Col. Joseph Ringer, 39th Weapons System Security Group commander, who then charged Lt. Col. Amber Goodwin with leading the squadron. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility from one officer to another.

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

U.S. Army Maj. Robert Taylor, airfield management officer in-charge, for 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Mustang, 36th Infantry Division (standing, far left) provides his good remarks and appreciation to Sgt. Ishmel Henderson, airfield noncommissioned officer in-charge for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 36th CAB (standing, far right), during a command and staff meeting held at Task Force Mustang headquarters in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Nov. 2, 2022. Henderson was recognized as Task Force Mustang's "Hero of the Week" for his recent performance reviews and contributions to fellow Soldiers from across the task force with carrying out airfield inspections and Soldier training instruction at CBKU.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 12 Combat Aviation Brigade, Soldiers and family gathering the Change of Command Ceremony from CPT Victor L. Ripley to CPT Jennifer L. Sybert. The ceremony took place at Katterbach Army Airfield, Ansbach, Germany, July 1, 2022.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 125th Infantry Regiment, Michigan Army National Guard, attend the inprocessing brief 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.

U.S. Marines stand in formation, during the Headquarters and Service Company change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, July 14, 2022. During the ceremony, Capt. Moses R. Menchaca assumed command of Headquarters and Service Company from Maj. Charles M. Olmsted.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Christopher Coffman, center, incoming commander of the 407th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron, stands at attention as the audience applauds during a change of command ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 2, 2022. The 407th EOSS enables joint and coalition intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, precision strike, close air support, intra theater airlift, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation, distinguished visitor movement, helicopter and special operations throughout the area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William D. Betts, commander of the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, addresses Airmen, Soldiers, and Guardians during a base all-call at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, June 6, 2022. This was the first time that Betts and Chief Master Sgt. Jessica McWain, command chief of the 378th AEW, were able to address the men and women of the Wing since taking command. During the all-call they encouraged service members to value a sense of purpose larger than themselves, empower their people and commit to always improve. In doing so they will be able to complete the Wings mission of defending the base, integrating follow-on forces, sustain combat operations and build internal and external relationships, with each other and PSABs host nation partners in the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Squadron commanders under the 437th Operations Group give U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick F. Farrell, 437th OG outbound commander, his final salute during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 24, 2022. During his command, Farrell lead four airlift squadrons, the 437th Operations Support Squadron, and the 437th OG staff.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Julian Flores gives his departing remarks during a change of command ceremony for Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 16, 2022. This ceremony oversaw the change of command from Lt. Col. Flores to Lt. Col. Tyler Burnham. H&HS serves as the administrative unit for MCAS Cherry Point, and is the Marine Corps largest squadron.

First Sergeant Symposium attendees and Team Moody leadership pose for a photo after a First Sergeant Symposium at Moody Air Force Base, April 15, 2022. A first sergeant is a leader that provides support and council to Airmen. The symposium gave noncommissioned officers who aspire to be first sergeants the opportunity to learn bigger responsibilities and become more familiar with Moodys helping agencies.

From left to right, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jeremy Miller, the 3rd Maintenance Group senior enlisted leader, Tech Sgt. Kegan Stanko, Tech Sgt. Sean Peck and Staff Sgt. Damian McKinse, master technicians assigned to the 703rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and Chief Master Sgt. Nathan Breitenfield, the senior enlisted leader for the 703rd AMXS, pose for a photo during the Master Technician Program induction ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Oct. 13, 2022. The Master Technician Program introduces multi-functional technicians who are experts in their primary career field and have core capabilities in additional career fields.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jasmine N. Young, sthe 13th regimental command sergeant major of the Adjutant General Corps and AG School, receives the unit colors from Col. Chesley Thigpen, commandant of the AG School and chief of the AG Corps, during a ceremony held Feb. 9 at the Soldier Support Institute - Army Sustainment University - Adams Campus.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. David B. Womack, incoming deputy commanding general for maneuver for V Corps, delivers remarks during his welcoming ceremony, Victory Honors Ceremony, at Camp Kosciuszko, Poznan, Poland, Sept. 30, 2022. Womack becomes the first deputy commanding general to join V Corpsthe American command and control army element in the European Theaterin Poland since the base renaming to Camp Kosciuszko. V Corps works alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, executes joint and multinational training exercises, while building local community relationships.

U.S. Army divers of the 511th Engineer Dive Detachment render honors during a pre-deployment ceremony at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, September 9, 2022. The ceremony recognized Soldiers who will be supporting Operation Spartan Shield 2023 in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

On December 2, 2022,Command Sgt. Maj. Jay High 1st Signal Brigade speaking in the Relinquishment of Responsibility Ceremony at Camp Humphreys in the Republic of South Korea.

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Beverly, 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group commander, stands at attention with Col. Christopher Stanmire, 557th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron commander, after casing the unit's colors during an inactivation ceremony on Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, Oct. 15, 2022. Casing the units colors represents the inactivation of that unit.

U.S. Space Force Col. Marc Brock, Space Delta 2 (DEL 2) commander, speaks at a podium during the beginning of the 18th Space Defense Squadrons re-designation ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., April 13, 2022. The 18 SDS is a component of DEL 2, which focuses on Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Command and Control, integrating and synchronizing SDA capabilities in support of the contested and congested domain, and collaboration with allies and partners

U.S. Marines assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force practice shooting positions during an M18 weapons familiarization course aboard the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport USNS Trenton (T-EPF 5), November 30, 2022. Marines assigned to II MEF, based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, embarked aboard USNS Trenton (T-EPF 5) to improve interoperability while refining the U.S. capability to rapidly deploy forces aboard U.S. Navy expeditionary fast transport vessels.

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.

Each year in the United States, more than 12,000 individuals are diagnosed with a disease that requires a bone marrow transplant. Elba Adams is one such candidate who was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), also known as "pre-leukemia." Her best form of treatment is a Blood Stem Cell Transplant. Read more about her story in the photos. Currently, there are no matching donors for Elba. During the bone marrow drive on Sept. 1 at the Navy Exchange, she shared her story and inspired others to join the bone marrow donor registry through a simple cheek swab. YOU could be a match for Elba or one of the other individuals waiting for a match.On Thursday, Sept. 1, Hawaii's Lieutenant Governor Josh Green; Gen. Charles Flynn, Commanding General, U.S. Army Pacific, Brig. Gen. Edward Bailey, Commanding General, Regional Health Command-Pacific, Col. Bill Soliz, Commanding Officer, Tripler Army Medical Center; and leadership and staff from the Hawaii Market, Tripler Army Medical Center, Nav

SAN DIEGO - (Oct. 3, 2022) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) James Honea speaks to Sailors during an all hands call on Naval Base San Diego. Honea conducted his second fleet visit to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development, and quality of life.

Col. Nathan Mitchell, the 28th Maintenance Group commander, left, Lt. Col. Joshua Allen, the 28th Munitions Squadron outgoing commander, middle, and Maj. Jessica Haivala, the incoming 28th Munitions Squadron commander, right, stand for the playing of the Air Force song during a change of command ceremony at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. June 29, 2022. The playing of the Air Force song is customary during ceremonies.

New York Air National Guard 106th Rescue Wing maintenance team members speak with Brig. Gen. Denise Donnell, the commander of the New York Air National Guard and Brig Gen. Isabel Smith, the New York National Guard director of Joint Staff on Aug. 28, 2022 near Campo Grande, Brazil. One hundred and five New York Air National Guard members participated in the 5th annual Brazilian Joint Exercise TAPIO held in Campo Grande, Brazil, from Aug. 20-31, 2022.

Soldiers, family and friends stand ready at the Joint Force Headquarters, Headquarters Detachment held a change of command ceremony, Aug. 7, 2022, at Fort Indiantown Gap. The ceremony symbolized the transfer of unit command between outgoing commander Maj. Odea Parson and incoming commander Capt. Justin Ellis.

Airmen assigned to the 23rd Wing attend a Developmental Special Duty expo at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, Aug. 17, 2022. This was the first DSD expo hosted at Moody and aimed to connect Airmen interested in DSD positions with current and prior personnel to further their knowledge on available opportunities.

221006-N-UB993-1096CAMP PENDLETON, Cali. (Oct. 6, 2022) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea speaks with Sailors and Marines assigned to l Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) during an all-hands call at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Oct. 6, 2022. Honea conducted his second fleet visit to answer questions and discuss his priorities of warfighting competency, professional and character development, and quality of life.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command commander, poses for a photo with the U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa Space Integration Team at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, September 12, 2022. The USAFE-AFAF Space Integration Team helps coordinate joint space operations and integrate space forces and effects that support the commander.

Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) William Green, U.S. Army chief of chaplains, serves as guest speaker at Fort Leonard Wood's National Prayer Breakfast Feb. 13 in Nutter Field House.

Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery stand in formation April 7, 2022, after redeploying from the Republic of Korea.

US Army Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon visits airmen of the 117th Air Refueling Wing at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Ala., Sept. 11, 2022.

A group of Airmen assigned to the 99th Air Refueling Squadron (ARS) pose for a photo at Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base, Alabama, May 30, 2022. The 99th ARS is a geographically separated unit of the 6th Air Refueling Wing, which means that it functions as a small wing with 60 percent of the Airmen working in maintenance, 20 percent in operations, and 20 percent in mission support areas.

Chief Warrant Officer Five (CW5) Patrick J. Muenks retirement ceremony takes place at the Army Aviation Support Facility, Jefferson City, Mo., Sept. 23, 2022. Muenks retired after 41-years of dedicated service to the Missouri Army National Guard. (Photo by U.S. Army National Guard Spc. Rose Di Trolio.)

A second nursing station for the 189th Airlift Wing was officially opened during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the 189th Logistics Readiness Squadron, on Sept. 8, 2022, at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. The room was strategically placed in the 189th LRS in order to provide a designated space for one of the wings largest squadrons and its breastfeeding mothers. The second room was created after a department-wide policy for nursing and lactation rooms was published in November 2016 encouraging military facilities to provide space for nursing mothers.

North Carolina National Guardsmen Chief Warrant Officer 5 Ronald Williams, a safety officer of the 449th Combat Aviation Brigade, poses for a picture with fellow service members during his retirement ceremony in Morrisville, N.C., June 5, 2022. In honor of Williams 34 years of service, he conducted one last flight for the NCNG with his son, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Derek Williams, master gunner for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 130th Aviation Regiment, 449th CAB. (U.S. Army National Guard taken by Sgt. Hannah Tarkelly)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jeannine Ryder, left, 59th Medical Wing and Market Director, San Antonio Military Health System, USAF Col. David Walmsley, middle, out-going commander, 59th Training Group and USAF Col. Michael Blowers, in-coming commander, prepare for the guidon exchange during the change of command, June 24, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.

SEA Tony Whitehead, senior enlisted advisor to the chief, National Guard Bureau, recognizes commandant's list graduates at the Sergeants Major Academy's distance learning course, Class 001-24, during a ceremony at Fort Bliss, Texas, Feb. 23, 2024. Whitehead addressed both the distance learning graduates and participants of the ten-month resident course. The resident course, attended by enlisted students from across military branches including the U.S. Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, also welcomed international students. (National Guard

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