U.S. Air Force Change of Command

Ceremonies involving the formal transfer of command and recognition of service, featuring high-ranking officials and military traditions.

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Band, and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Cuthbert Pattillo and Lt. Gen. Charles Pattillo in Section 75 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 14, 2022.Twin brothers, Maj. Gen. and Lt. Gen. Pattillo enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in November 1942. During World War II, both flew with the Eighth Air Forces 352nd Fighter Group, protecting bombers and attacking ground targets. Maj. Gen. Pattillo flew 135 combat missions before being shot down and captured by the Germans. He remained a POW until the end of the war.Both were released from active duty following World War II but were later recalled in early 1948, serving with the 31st Fighter Group. Later, both served with the with the 36th Tactical Wing at Furstenfeldbruck Air Base in Germany. While in Europe, both helped form and flew in the U.S

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, salutes Master Sgt. Cory Haggett, a special tactics operator with the 23d Special Tactics Squadron, 24th Special Operations Wing, after presenting him the Silver Star Medal during a ceremony May 13, 2022, at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The Silver Star is the third-highest military combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces.

U.S Air Force Brig. Gen. Caroline Miller passes the guidon to Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of Air Education and Training Command, during the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio change of command ceremony at JBSA-Lacklands Pfingston Reception Center, May 3, 2022. The change of command ceremony represents the formal passing of responsibility, authority and accountability of command from one officer to another.

Col. Shane Vesely (left), 353rd Special Operations Wing commander, Lt. Col. Buckley Kozlowski (center), former 459th Airlift Squadron commander, and Lt. Col. Tyler Oldham (right), 21st SOS commander face the crowd of attendees during a change of command ceremony for the 21st SOS at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 3, 2022. Per military doctrine, the primary purpose of a change of command ceremony is to allow subordinates to witness the formal leadership changeover of one officer to another.

US Air Force Major General Gerald Perryman Jr., (Right) passes the flag to General Richard B. Meyers, Air Force Space Command and US Space Command Commander, relinquishing his command of the 14th Air Force. The 14th Air Force Change of Command took place May 6th, 1999, in front of the Headquarters Building on Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

011028-F-8966D-003. Base: Randolph Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010921-F-1101B-001. Complete Scene Caption: SENIOR AIRMAN Robert Cook, USAF, (left), STAFF Sergeant Robert Furbush, USAF, (center), and SENIOR AIRMAN Jason Fields, USAF, members of the 39th Wing Honor Guard solemnly retreat after lowering and folding the American flag at the retreat ceremony on September 21, 2001. The flag flew at half-staff in front of the 39th Wing Headquarters since September 11, 2001, as a tribute to those lost in the recent terrorist attack. Shortly after 8 AM (EST) on September 11, 2001 in an attempt to frighten the American people, terrorist mounted attacks on the World Trade Centers Twin Towers and at the Pentagon. Hijackers deliberately flew civilian airliners into the buildings, killing themselves, the passengers and thousands on the ground. Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Chad Bickley, 18th Air Force command chief, holds a guidon during the 18th AF Change of Command Ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 19, 2022. The change of command ceremony represents a time-honored military tradition providing an opportunity for Airmen to witness the transfer of power to their newly appointed commanding officer.

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Band, and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Cuthbert Pattillo and Lt. Gen. Charles Pattillo in Section 75 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 14, 2022.Twin brothers, Maj. Gen. and Lt. Gen. Pattillo enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in November 1942. During World War II, both flew with the Eighth Air Forces 352nd Fighter Group, protecting bombers and attacking ground targets. Maj. Gen. Pattillo flew 135 combat missions before being shot down and captured by the Germans. He remained a POW until the end of the war.Both were released from active duty following World War II but were later recalled in early 1948, serving with the 31st Fighter Group. Later, both served with the with the 36th Tactical Wing at Furstenfeldbruck Air Base in Germany. While in Europe, both helped form and flew in the U.S

Lt. Col. Michael Roy, 6th Special Operations Squadron commander, reveals the official squadron guidon in front of Col. Michael Shreves, 27th Special Operations Group commander, during the 6 SOS activation at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Oct. 6, 2022. Previously the 27 SOG Detachment 1, the 6 SOS is an MC-130J Commando II aircraft flying unit that fulfills the 27th Special Operations Wings commitment to the Air Force Special Operations Commands new deployment model.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Stewart C. Smith takes command of the 6th Space Warning Squadron, Cape Cod Space Force Station, Massachusetts, June 23, 2022. Smith, an Air Force Academy graduate, previously served as Director, Force Development, Joint Task Force Space Defense at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Timothy C. Sheehan, outgoing 6th SWS commander, relinquished his charge to Col. Miguel A. Cruz, commander of Space Delta 4, Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado. Sheehan has served as 6th SWS commander since 2020.

The 96th Test Wing and Cyberspace Test Group leadership look on as colors are presented during the groups change of command ceremony July 7 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Col. David Hoffman took the group reins from Col. Michael Dooley during the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

020607-F-2164A-001. Base: RAF Mildenhall Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)

040316-F-5253G-036. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

GEN Robert E. Huyser, Military Airlift commander in chief, is presented his retirement orders by Air Force CHIEF of STAFF GEN Lew Allen Jr. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Rusty Ballard, the commander of the 182nd Operations Group, Illinois Air National Guard, receives the Legion of Merit during a change of command ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, June 7, 2022. Brig. Daniel McDonough assumed command of the Illinois Air National Guard from outgoing commander Maj. Gen. Peter Nezamis.

Military members were honored at the Idaho Steelheads hockey game on Dec. 2, 2022. Members of the Idaho National Guard had the pleasure of opening the Military Appreciation Night with the teams mascot, Blue, at the CenturyLink Arena in Boise. Soldiers and Airmen of the Idaho National Guards joint honor guard presented the U.S. and state flags, while Sgt. 1st Class Michael Robinett of the 25th Army Band performed Taps on the trumpet and 2nd Lt. Rodrigo Cortes sang the National Anthem.

Lt. Col. Daniel Hellinger, 65th Airlift Squadron incoming commander, assumes command of the 65th AS by accepting the guidon from Col. Garrett Fisher, 15th Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 24, 2022. The 65th AS enables global airlift and communication between senior leaders throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kyle Stewart, outgoing commander of the 8th Airlift Squadron, listens to remarks during the 8th AS change of command ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, June 3, 2022. Stewart relinquished command to Lt. Col. Nicholas Disney. Aircrews of the 8th AS operate the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, directly supporting numerous U.S. government agencies and international forces in global operations ranging from troop airlift/airdrop to lifesaving medevac and humanitarian/disaster relief.

Col. Nate Somers, right, accepts command of the 316th Mission Support Group from Col. Tyler Schaff, 316th Wing and Joint Base Andrews installation commander, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Md., June 22, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Anibal Rodriguez, 316th MSG senior enlisted leader, looks on.

U.S. Air Force Col. David Moon Halasi-Kun, 104th Fighter Wing commander, returns a salute to Lt. Col. Andrew St. Jean, the new 104th Mission Support Group commander, during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National 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.

Lt. Col. Joseph Murphy, 49th Communications Squadron commander, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from Col. Juan Alvarez, 49th Mission Support Group commander, during a change of command ceremony, July 7, 2022 on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The 49th CS manages and operates base communications security and cyber security programs for the 49th Wing.

Honor guardsmen present colors during the U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Feb. 5, 2024. (DoD

U.S Army National Guard Soldiers with the South Carolina National Guard attend the 9/11 Morning of Remembrance Ceremony, Sept. 11, 2022, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center in Columbia, South Carolina. During the ceremony, Soldiers and Airmen from the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard participated in the ceremony by playing music, conducting a fly over, and presenting gifts and flowers to family members of those servicemembers and first responders who have given their lives in the service of others.

The official party for the Joint Force Command Norfolk, U.S. 2nd Fleet, and Combined Joint Operations from the Sea - Centre of Excellence change of command ceremony bow their heads in prayer during the ceremony held aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), Jan. 12, 2024. Vice Adm. Daniel Dwyer was relieved by Vice Adm. Doug Perry as commander, Joint Force Command Norfok, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, and director, Combined Joint Operations from the Sea - Centre of Excellence. U.S. 2nd Fleet is tasked with employing maritime forces in the Atlantic and Arctic to ensure acceess, deter aggression, and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations, Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, presides over the Space Operations Command (SpOC) Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, January 9th, 2023. Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, SpOCs first commander, handed the reins over Lt. Gen. David N. Miller, Jr.

SHAPE, Belgium - SHAPE holds a change of command ceremony where incoming Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Christopher Cavoli assumes command from SACEUR General Tod D. Wolters. During the ceremony General Cavoli became the 20th SACEUR in a ceremony presided over by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. (NATO Photo by Adj Frederic Rosaire)

Col.s Kenneth Black and Tassika Davis stand at attention during the presentation of the colors at the 96th Mission Support Groups change of command ceremony July 27 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Davis took the groups reins from Black during the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

US Air Force Captain Bill Rupp (Far left), Executive Officer to Lieutenant General John B. Sams the Commander of 15th Air Force, stands ready to encase the flag while Technical Sergeant T.J. Silva (2nd from left), Enlisted Aide to LTGEN Sams, retires the 3 star flag that once flew for the former 15th Air Force Commander. General Tony Robertson (3rd from left), Air Mobility Command Commander at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, presides over the ceremony. Base: Travis Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Western Air Defense Sector Honor Guard post the colors during the 225th Air Defense Group change of command ceremony at the Pierce County Readiness Center, Camp Murray, Washington, Dec. 3, 2022. Brig. Gen. Gent Welsh, Washington Air National Guard commander, presided over the ceremony where Col. Raed Gyekis relinquished command to Col. Ricardo Camel

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Josh Olson, outgoing 86th Airlift Wing commander receives his final salute after relinquishing command at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 15. In his time as commander, Olson led the wing through the COVID-19 pandemic, provided temporary shelter and security for over 34,000 Afghan evacuees during Operation Allies Refuge, and sought to strengthen relationships with both allies and partners. Most recently, the 86 AW hosted the Ukraine Defense Consultative Group led by the U.S. Secretary of Defense who met with representatives from more than 40 countries.

LGEN Richard A. Burpee, left, Commander, 15th Air Force, addresses some remarks to COL Albert D. Jensen, right, and COL William J. Ehrie, second from right, during the 96th Bombardment Wing (96th BMW) change of command ceremony. Ehrie is relieving Jensen as commander of the 96th BMW. Base: Dyess Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, left, presents the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, the 32nd Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, during his retirement ceremony in Summerall Field in Fort Myer, VA Jan. 31, 2012. Chiarelli was accompanied by his wife Beth.

DA-SC-85-01163. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

COL Gregory L. Trebon (right) receives the 24th Wing flag from LGEN Frank D. Campbell (left), 12th Air Force commander, during the change of command ceremony. Base: Howard Air Force Base Country: Panama (PAN)

Oregon National Guard Brig. Gen. Mark Crosby, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, and Oregon Army National Guard Sgt. Nathan Flores, enjoy the 71st Annual Linn County Veterans Day Parade from the observation platform at Albany, Oregon on Nov. 11, 2022. The event is recognized as one of the largest Veterans Day parades in the United States each year. (National Guard photo by John Hughel, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Band, and the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon conduct military funeral honors with funeral escort for U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Cuthbert Pattillo and Lt. Gen. Charles Pattillo in Section 75 of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Sept. 14, 2022.Twin brothers, Maj. Gen. and Lt. Gen. Pattillo enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in November 1942. During World War II, both flew with the Eighth Air Forces 352nd Fighter Group, protecting bombers and attacking ground targets. Maj. Gen. Pattillo flew 135 combat missions before being shot down and captured by the Germans. He remained a POW until the end of the war.Both were released from active duty following World War II but were later recalled in early 1948, serving with the 31st Fighter Group. Later, both served with the with the 36th Tactical Wing at Furstenfeldbruck Air Base in Germany. While in Europe, both helped form and flew in the U.S

Corporal David B. Milano, MIA, was lost in action during the Korean War on December 2, 1950. After 71 years, he will be repatriated back to the United States and reunited with his family. An Honor Guard made up of members of the Utah National Guard conduct an Honorable Carry at the Salt Lake City International Airport, April 26, 2022. Milano was born in Chicago, Illinois on Dec. 23, 1932, to Albert and Lida Milano. His family relocated to Utah, where Milano will be laid to rest next to his mother, sister and brother-in-law at Evergreen Memorial Park, 100 Monroe Blvd., Ogden, Utah.

Colin L. Powell and Herbert Norman Schwarzkopf, Us Army, 1990.

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael A. Freeman, 628th Air Base Wing commander, receives his first salute from Capt. Andrew Peterson, 628th ABW vice commander, during the 628th ABW Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, July 15, 2022. The 628th ABW provides installation support to more than 60 DoD and federal agencies serving more than 90,000 Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Coast Guardsmen, civilians, dependents and retirees.

Brig. Gen. Peter T. Green III, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Massachusetts Air National Guard, retired after 40 years of service in a ceremony held at the 104th Fighter WIng on Sept. 10, 2022. Brig. Gen. Green started his career as a security forces specialist at the 104FW and prior to moving to Massachusetts ANG Joint Force Headquarts was the 104FW Commander. Distinguished guests included Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts Air National Guard, Brig. Gen. Virginia Gaglio, Chief of Staff and Air Component Commander, Massachusetts ANG, Col. David 'Moon' Halasikun, 104FW Commander, Massachusetts Senator John Velis, Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe, and other 104FW leaders, members, family and friends. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Master Sgt. Lindsey S. Watson)

030929-F-1166S-004. Complete Scene Caption: Standing before a US Air Force (USAF) C-130H Hercules cargo aircraft, 166th Airlift Wing, the McGuire Air Force Base (AFB) Honor Guard posts the colors during the 21st Air Force (AF) Redesignation Ceremony. The 21st AF redesignated to the 21st Expeditionary Mobility Task Force (EMTF). The 21st EMTF here at McGuire AFB and the 15th EMTF at Travis AFB, California (CA), will take over the lead of Air Mobility Commands (AMC) four subordinate Air Mobility Operations Groups (AMOG). The AMOGs are specialized groups responsible for training and deploying AMC mission support forces. The AMOG provides the organization and management for deployable forces and is able to deploy rapidly anywhere in the world at a moments notice. Base: Mcguire Air Force Base State: New Jersey (NJ) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

020709-F-0148C-004. Base: Tulsa International Airport State: Oklahoma (OK) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Members of the Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard post the colors during the national anthem at the 99th Medical Group change of command July 15, 2022, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. A function of the honor guard is to provide their services for opening ceremonies for appropriate events attended by the general public.

030911-F-3050V-062. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: DOD

Veterans of Foreign Wars District III hosts a memorial event Nov. 11 at Yongsan Garrison, Seoul Korea. U.S. and Korean dignitaries placed wreathes and flowers to honor veterans.

Keesler Honor Guard members conduct a flag-folding ceremony over a casket during a training session June 26, 2013, at the Locker House, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.

U.S. service members of Vietnamese descent, including four flag and generalofficers, pay tribute to veterans of the Vietnam War at the Vietnam WarMemorial in Washington, D.C., April 30, 2022. The wreath laying ceremonyfalls on the anniversary of Operation Frequent Wind, which evacuated SouthVietnamese civilians during the fall of Saigon at the conclusion of theVietnam War in 1975.

DF-ST-89-09126. Base: Osan Air Base Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

U.S. Space Force Col. Max E. Lantz II, outgoing commandant of the National Security Space Institute (NSSI), right, presents the unit guidon to Col. Niki J. Lindhorst, commander of Space Delta 13, during the NSSI change of command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., July 21, 2022. Lantz served as the commandant of NSSI since Jan. 2019 before relinquishing command to Col. Kenneth F. L. Klock.

820518-D-2987S-029. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Airmen 1st Class Christina Selkor, left, and Spencer Eagan, right, 501st Combat Support Wing Honor Guard team members, present the colors during a Ceremony of Remembrance at Stanwick Lakes, England, Feb. 22, 2024. U.S. and U.K. leaders gathered to honor 17 Airmen who died in a midair collision on Feb. 22, 1944, involving B-17 Flying Fortresses from the 303rd Bombardment Group at RAF Molesworth and the 384th Bombardment Group at RAF Grafton Underwood. The Airmen were part of Operation Argument, or "The Big Week," targeting enemy industrial sites and aircraft facilities in Central Europe to secure Allied air superiority for the upcoming landings in France in June 1944. Air Force

U.S. service members with the Hickam Honor Guard present arms during the National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony hosted by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Sept. 16, 2022. The event is held every year on the third Friday of September, honoring prisoners of war and missing-in-action service members. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

U.S. Air Force Col. Vincent Krepps, left, Senior Materiel Leader, Upper Echelon, Cryptologic & Cyber Systems Division, prepares to present the Legion of Merit to USAF Col. Timothy Helfrich, right, outgoing, Senior Materiel Leader, Cyber Systems, during the CSG change of leadership ceremony, July 27, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

Lt. Col. Dominic Calderon (left), 1st Lt. Kyle Anderson and Master Sgt. Silva Foster, from the 301st Airlift Squadron, take in the moment during their Distinguished Flying Cross ceremony, Apr. 1, 2022 at Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

Brig. Gen. Jed French, commander of the NHANG, Chief Master Sgt. John Symington, the outgoing NHANG state command chief, and Chief Master Sgt. Pranav Zaveri, the 13th state command chief in N.H., stand at attention during a change of command ceremony at Pease Air National Guard Base, New Hampshire April 2, 2022. French applauded Symington for his exemplary leadership and welcomed Zaveri into his new role.

Presentation of a distinction in the Order of Orange-Nassau at the GW-Fregat Hr.Ms Gw-Frigate. Tromp (F 801, 1975-1999) by the commander of the tromp Captain-Ter-Sea H.W. Van Vliet (1942) During the squadron trip 1/89 in English waters.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Krumm speaks during the 673d Air Base Wing and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, change of command ceremony at Heritage Park on JBER, June 28, 2022. U.S. Air Force Col. Kirsten G. Aguilar turned over command to Air Force Col. David J. Wilson as Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, commander Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region, Alaskan Command, and 11th Air Force, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

Gen. Yoshida Yoshihide (left), chief of staff, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, presents a gift to Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin (right), commanding general, Joint Task Force -National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington at the West Steps of the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., April 5, 2022. While visiting ANC, Yoshida participated in an Army Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

U.S. Air Force Col. Stephen Gwinn, left, commander of the 103rd Airlift Wing, Connecticut Air National Guard, and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Francis Evon, right, the Connecticut Adjutant General, wait to greet Vice President Kamala Harris at Bradley Air National Guard Base, East Granby, Connecticut, Oct. 5, 2022. Harris traveled to Connecticut to speak at an event held at Central Connecticut State University.

U.S. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander, United States Central Command, re-enlists electronics technician Petty Officer 2nd Class Joshua McMann aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey. Patraeus visited Monterey on Thanksgiving to meet the crew and thank them for their service. The Ticonderoga class cruiser and Carrier Strike Group 2 are on deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility and are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity.

Lt. Gen. Tony D. Bauernfeind, Commander of the Air Force Special Operations Command, and Col. Allison Black, 1st Special Opperations Wing Commander, await the arrival of President Mario Abdo Benítez, of the Republic of Paraguay, at Hurlburt Field, Fla., March 30, 2023. Paraguay and the United States have a long-standing relationship, having been allies under the Rio Treaty, an agreement signed by several countries in the Americas for defense solidarity, since 1947.

020311-F-4338B-002. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A color guard detail stands in front of a C-5M Super Galaxy in preparation for a retirement ceremony June 1, 2015, at Travis Air Force Base, Calif. Airmen from the Travis Honor Guard supported 1,807 ceremonies in 2014, providing an important service that ensures honor and dignity for the American flag, Air Force flag and flags of visiting dignitaries' native countries.

United States Air Force Lieutenant General Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong reliquishes command of 12th Air Force, US Southern Command Air Forces and Air Force component commander, US Strategic Command to General John P. Jumper, Commander, Air Combat Command. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, 7 August 2000. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

15th Wing Commander, Col. Sam Barrett; Hawaii National Guard Deputy Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Joseph Kim and Gov. Neil Abercrombie watch as two Base Honor Guardsmen prepare to raise the flag during ÒColorsÓ during a 9/11 Tribute Ceremony held at Atterbury Circle on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Sept. 9 in honor of those lost in the September 11 terrorist attacks that took place in 2001. There were three columns to honor the three cities that were stricken by the tragedy.

Senior Master Sgt. William L. Nearhood, 192nd Wing superintendent of the advanced programs office, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard during a ceremony presided by Col. Christopher G. Batterton, 192nd Wing commander, on May 15, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. In 1985, Nearhood began his military career when he enlisted into the Navy then transferred to the VaANG in 1997 where he finished his nearly 37 year military career.

Event, including wreath-laying ceremony, honoring Interior law enforcement personnel killed in the line of duty, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Law Enforcement and Security Larry Parkinson, and other officials on hand to speak, pose with law enforcement staff from respective bureaus

From left, U.S. Army Col. Stephen E. Capehart, commander of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Sgt. Maj. Timothy Parnell, forward operations sergeant major, V Corps, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher A. Prosser, V Corps command sergeant major Forward, observe a memorial roll call during Polish Land Forces Black Division Holiday celebration at Tankers Square, Żagań, Poland, Sept. 9, 2022. The 3/4th 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, Americas forward-deployed corps in Europe.

010914-F-3050V-016. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

US Air Force General Richard B. Meyers (Left), Air Force Space Command Commander, presents Major General Gerald Perryman Jr., 14th Air Force Commander, with the Distinguished Service Medal and Certificate, during the 14th Air Force Change of Command Ceremony held on May 6th, 1999, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. MGEN Perryman Jr., leaves to become the Aerospace Command Control and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center Commander at Langley AFB, Virginia. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020314-F-2703B-600. Base: Arlington National Cemetery State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Soldiers assigned to the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) provide ceremonial support for the National Memorial Day Observance at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, May 30, 2022. President Joseph R. Biden participated in the Presidential Armed Forces Full Honor wreath-laying ceremony hosted by Maj. Gen. Allan M. Pepin, commanding general, Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington.

COL Hockney assumes command of the 1606th Air Base Wing as he receives the colors from MGEN Robert F. Coverdale, during the change of command ceremony. Coverdale is the commanding general of the base. Base: Kirtland Air Force Base State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Catherine Logan, JBAB and 11th Wing commander, speaks during the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., Sept. 9, 2022. The annual event is held in honor of those who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, and in remembrance of those who responded.

U.S. Marines with the 2d Marine Division Band speak with a French General after performing at Les Invalides in Paris, France, May 24, 2022. The purpose of their visit to Les Invalides was to perform for the disabled veterans of the French Military who were wounded in war.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Steven Reynolds, the new 104th Maintenance Group commander, embraces Lt. Col. Peter Carr, the outgoing 104MXG commander, during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National 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.

McChord Field Honor Guard prepare to post the colors at the 2022-2024 Honorary Commander Assumption of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 29, 2022. Across the Air Force, the Honorary Commander provides a platform to inform and educate local community leaders about Department of Defense missions and develop supportive relationships with the community.

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard pallbearer team carry the casket of fifth Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Robert D. Gaylor during his interment, Feb. 10, 2024, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas. Gaylor championed Air Force professional military education in the late '60s and '70s before he was promoted to Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force in 1977. He continued to educate and inspire service members for more than 40 years after his retirement from military service. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Col. Richard Martin, 423d Air Base Group outgoing commander, speaks during a change of command ceremony at RAF Alconbury, England, July 25, 2022. During his command, Martin led a unit that provided a full range of operational, logistical, engineering, medical and communications support and community services to 6,500 military and civilian personnel and families at 4 instalations.

U.S. Air Forces SrA Aliyah Lugo, 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), renders a salute to the over 300 fallen silent warriors at a ceremony held Sept. 9, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

Col. Jeffrey Geraghty, left, commander, Arnold Engineering Development Complex, stands for a photo with the leaders of the newly-activated 804th Test Group (804 TG), the 716th Test Squadron (716 TS), 717th Test Squadron (717 TS), 718th Test Squadron (718 TS) and 804th Test Support Squadron (804 TSS) during a ceremony at Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn., May 20, 2022. From second from left, also pictured are Col. Lincoln Bonner, commander, 804 TG; Lt. Col. John McShane, commander, 716 TS; Lt. Col. Lane Haubelt, commander, 717 TS; Lt. Col. Dayvid Prahl, 718 TS; and Josh Meeks, director, 804 TSS.

Col. Brett Black relinquishes command of the 5th Mission Support Group to Col. Gregory Mayer on June 30, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The 5 MSG provides full-spectrum operational and expeditionary support to the 5th Bomb Wing's 27 B-52 strategic bombers, the 91st Missile Wing's 165 Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic missiles and Launch control centers and the 54th Helicopter Squadrons eight UH-1 helicopters delivering global assurance, precision strike and nuclear deterrence to six combatant commanders. (U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Michael A. Richmond)

A soldier in the Joint Honor Guard takes part in honor cordon ceremony as Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III welcomes Japan's Minister of Defense Yasukazu Hamada to the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 14, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

Spc. Bronson Pascual, a member of the 3rd Infantry Division Band plays Taps during the annual Vietnam Veterans of America Savannah Chapter 671 Memorial Day Ceremony in downtown Savannah, GA, May 29, 2022. The use of Taps is unique to the United States military, as the call is sounded at funerals, wreath-laying ceremonies and memorial services.

Col. David Shevchik, the outgoing commander of the Vermont Air National Guard's 158th Fighter Wing, salutes the Airmen of the wing for the final time before handing over command during a ceremony, Vermont Air National Guard Base, South Burlington, Vermont, Oct. 16, 2022. Col. Daniel Finnegan, the vice wing commander, took over command of the wing from Shevchik who commanded for three years.

USAF Brigadier General Barry W. Barksdale, Commander of the 37th Training Wing, Lackland AFB, Texas, pins the Prisoner of War (POW) Medal on ex-POW Technical Sergeant Joseph Lajzer (retired) at the Lackland AFB, parade grounds. Mr. Lajzer is being awarded the Purple Heart and the Prisoner of War Medal for military service performed between April 1942 and September 1945. Base: Lackland Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Jethro Sadorra, left, 422nd Civil Engineer Squadron commander, greets Col. Edward Spinelli, 422nd Air Base Group commander, and his spouse, Astrid Spinelli, after a change of command ceremony at RAF Croughton, England, July 20, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

040807-F-0462T-003. State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

Major General William R. Looney III, USAF, 14th Air Force Commander and presiding official, speaks during the 30th Space Wing (SW) Change of Command Ceremony held at Vandenberg AFB, California. Command of the 30th SW will pass from Colonel (COL) Stephen L. Lanning to COL Robert P. Worley II, who arrived from Headquarters, United States Air Force, Pentagon, Washington D.C., where he served as CHIEF of the Space Superiority Division. Base: Vandenberg Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFSPC

The pressure is on! A drill sergeant notices a mistake and eliminates a Cadet from the Army Nationals Armed Knockout Competition at the Army JROTC National Drill Championships in Daytona Beach, Fla. on April 14, 2022. During a knockout competition, commands are called out and drill sergeants watch to see which Cadets are the most disciplined. If a Cadet misses or messes up a command, or if they do not meet drill posture and poise requirements, they will be eliminated. The last Cadet standing is the winner. | Photo by Sarah Windmueller, U.S. Army Cadet Command Public Affairs

Second Lt. Felipe Villalon, center, poses for a photo with those who pinned his new rank on his uniform during a commissioning ceremony following the graduation of the Connecticut National Guard's Officer Candidate School, class 67, at Camp Nett, Niantic, Connecticut, Aug. 20, 2022.

From left: Col. Michael DeSantis, 512th Operations Group commander, Staff Sgt. Brianna Cooper, 326th Airlift Squadron, Lt. Col. Brian Moritz, incoming 326th AS commander and Lt. Col. Mark Chagaris, outgoing 326th AS commander, stand at attention during a change of command ceremony May 15, 2022, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. Moritz has flown over 6,000 military hours, with some in support of operations.

Members of Team Dover wait to present colors during the 21st Anniversary 9/11 Memorial Ceremony held at the Air Mobility Command Museum on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, Sept. 11, 2022. The base hosted the ceremony to remember and honor those who perished in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Col. Michelle Van Sickle, 433rd Medical Group commander, claps during the 433rd Medical Squadron assumption of command ceremony Oct. 16, 2022, where Col. Alvin Bradford assumed command, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes dignitaries from the Brazilian Ministry of Defense to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2022. During the visit, the dignitaries attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

Passing of the Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) flag from Air Force CHIEF of STAFF General Michael E. Ryan (left) to incoming Commander in CHIEF, Space Command (CINCSPACE) General Richard B. Myers during the AFSPC change of command ceremony at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. Base: Peterson Air Force Base State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The Honor Guard from the 146th Airlift Wing, Channel Islands Air National Guard Base, California, parade the colors at a Bronze Star Awards ceremony presented at Moffett Federal Airfield, California. Base: Moffett Federal Air Field State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, receive a certificate during a naturalization ceremony aboard the Battleship USS North Carolina, Dec. 2, 2022. 18 Marines from 15 countries and five continents swore the Oath of Allegiance and received their citizenship. Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is granted to a foreign citizen after he or she fulfills the requirements to become a citizen established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III renders honors as a soloist sings the national anthem, during the annual POW/MIA recognition ceremony at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 16, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

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