U.S. Air Force Change of Command

Images of U.S. Air Force officers participating in change of command ceremonies, with flags and formal military settings.

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael J. Borders, 355th Mission Support Group commander, passes the group guidon to Col. Scott C. Mills, 355th Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 7, 2022. Borders relinquished command to Col. Casey J. Bartholomew.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nicholas Disney, right, commander of the 8th Airlift Squadron, assumes command from Col. Sergio Anaya, commander of the 62nd Operations Group, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, June 3, 2022. 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.

040227-F-0278T-001. Base: Ellsworth Air Force Base State: South Dakota (SD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein, 19th Air Force vice commander, left, retrieves the wing guidon from Col. Joseph Miller, former 314th Airlift Wing commander, right, as he relinquishes command of the wing during a change of command ceremony at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, June 3, 2022. The 314th AW trains C-130 aircrew members from the Department of Defense, Coast Guard and 47 partner nations. Their mission, to produce professional, combat-minded C-130 crewmembers as the DODs largest C-130 formal training unit.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Jeff Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe - Air Forces Africa commander passes on the Third Air Force flag to Maj. Gen. Derek France, 3 AF commander, symbolizing the passing of command at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, June 22, 2022. With this assumption of command, France became the 56th commander of 3rd AF. He is now charged with leading all the wings in USAFE-AFAFRICA, and the commands 32,000 Airmen.

Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein, 19th Air Force vice commander, left, passes the wing guidon to Col. Jonathan Tucker, 314th Airlift Wing commander, right, as he assumes command of the wing during a change of command ceremony at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, June 3, 2022. The 314th AW trains C-130 aircrew members from the Department of Defense, Coast Guard and 47 partner nations. Their mission, to produce professional, combat-minded C-130 crewmembers as the DODs largest C-130 formal training unit.

U.S. Air Force Col. Casey J. Bartholomew, 355th Mission Support Group Commander receives a guidon representing the 355th MSG from Col. Scott C. Mills, 355th Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 7, 2022. Bartholomew took command from Col. Michael J. Borders.

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael J. Borders, 355th Mission Support Group commander, passes the group guidon to Col. Scott C. Mills, 355th Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, July 7, 2022. Borders relinquished command to Col. Casey J. Bartholomew.

The 944th Fighter Wing holds a senior noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., April 10, 2022. The recently promoted Airmen were charged with increased responsibilities and authority as they accepted the leadership role of their new rank.

U.S. Air Force Col. John Sheets officiates the change of command ceremony for the Heritage of America Band at Langely, AFB, July 6, 2022. Captain David Regner relinquished command as he moves on to his next duty location.

The 121st Air Refueling Wing Operations Group holds an Assumption of Authority ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Aug. 13, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Hasty formally assumed authority of the 121st Operations Group from Chief Master Sgt. Samuel Given.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin Davidson, accepts the 47th Flying Training Wing guidon from Maj. Gen. Craig Wills during the 47th Flying Training Wing change of command ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, July 22, 2022. The passing of the guidon to Davidson signifies the acceptance of command of the 47th Flying Training Wing.

040701-F-4169T-004. Base: Maxwell Air Force Base State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Anthony M. Nance, 86th Maintenance Group outgoing commander, right, relinquishes command of the 86 MXG to Brig. Gen. Josh Olson, 86th Airlift Wing commander, during the 86 MXG change of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 13, 2022. The 86 MXG is composed of three squadrons and nearly 1,000 Airmen, civilians and contractors.

LTG Ross Coffman, Deputy Commanding General, Army Futures Command, is promoted and presented his third star by Gen James C. McConville, Chief of Staff, US Army, on Tuesday, October 4th, 2022 in Austin, TX (US Army Photo by Patrick Hunter)

Col. John Cluck, 139th Airlift Wing Commander, coins Lt. Col. Erik Smith, assigned to the 139th Operations Group, Missouri Air National Guard, during Smiths retirement ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, April 2, 2023. Smith retired after nearly 24 years of service.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tom Whiteman, 121st Air Refueling Wing Chaplain, is promoted during a ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Aug. 13, 2022. Whiteman was joined by fellow Airmen and family members for his promotion ceremony.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Sheryll Klinkel, 2nd Audiovisual Squadron outgoing commander, passes the guidon to Col. Greg Hignite, Air Force Public Affairs Agency commander, during the 2d AVS change of command ceremony at Hill Air Force Base, UT June 21, 2022. The Air Force change of command ceremony is rooted in a heritage that dates back to the time of Roman legions, and is designed to allow subordinates to witness the formality of command change from one officer to another.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Bibb, left, Deputy Inspector General of the Department of the Air Force, administers the reaffirming of oath of office of Brig. Gen. Derek Salmi, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, at Travis Air Force Base, California, Jan. 4, 2024. Salmi commissioned from the U. S. Air Force Academy in 1998 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. He is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flight hours and has deployed in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM and NEW DAWN.

The 944th Fighter Wing holds a senior noncommissioned officer induction ceremony at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., April 10, 2022. The recently promoted Airmen were charged with increased responsibilities and authority as they accepted the leadership role of their new rank.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kevin M. Jamieson takes command of the 3rd Wing during a change of command ceremony at Hangar 2 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 15, 2022. U.S. Air Force Col. Travolis A. Simmons turned over command to Col. Kevin M. Jamieson as 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.

Lt. Col. John Batka, right, 436th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, assumes command of the 436th OMRS after receiving the guidon from Col. Tracy Allen, left, 436th Medical Group commander, during a change of command ceremony held at The Landings on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 9, 2022. The 436th OMRS Change of Command was the third of four ceremonies conducted within the 436th MDG. Guidon bearer for the ceremony was Master Sgt. Andrew Burgos, center, 436th OMRS superintendent.

Col. Adam Colombo relinquishes his authority as the 111th Medical Group Commander with 19 years of service and over a dozen assignments as a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard at Biddle Air Guard Base, Pennsylvania, February 3, 2024. Colombo was awarded the Legion of Merit medal. The ceremony was presided over by Col. Lynn Lee, 111th Attack Wing Commander. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Aaron Larimore, Missouri Air National Guard, assumes command of the 139th Communications Flight from U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Patrick Shelton at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 10, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan, Air Mobility Command commander, presents Maj. Gen. Kenneth Bibb Jr., outgoing 18th Air Force commander, the Distinguished Service Medal during a change of command ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, Aug. 19. 2022. Bibb earned the medal for his many accomplishments while in command of AMC.

U.S. Air Force Col. Wes Adams, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and 87th Air Base Wing commander, passes the guidon to Col. Bridget Gill, who assumes command of the 87th Medical Group during a change of command ceremony on Joint Base MDL, N.J., June 15, 2022. Gill assumed command of the 87th MDG from U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Hughes.

U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Wiederholt, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, gives a guidon to Maj. Gen. Kenneth Bibb Jr., 18th Air Force commander, during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., July 14, 2022. Wiederholt relinquished command to Col. Elizabeth Hanson, who previously acted as the commander of the 521st Air Mobility Operations Wing at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Col. Lynn Lee, 111th Attack Wing Commander, passes the unit colors to 111th Medical Group Commander Col. Matthew Sands, during a change of command ceremony at Biddle Air National Guard Base, February 3, 2024. Lee presided over the ceremony recognizing Col. Matthew Sands, who officially assumed command of the medical group. Air National Guard

Maj. Gen. David M. Hodne, commanding general of 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, administers the Oath of Office to Brig. Gen. James K. Dooghan, deputy commanding officer for maneuver, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, during a Promotion Ceremony, July 11, 2022, at Fort Carson, Colorado. An oath of office is an oath or affirmation a person takes before assuming the duties of an office.

US Air Force General John P. Jumper, Commander US Air Forces in Europe, passes the Command Colors to USAF Lieutenant General (LGEN) Richard C. Bethurem as Lieutenant General Michael C. Short stands by during the 16th Air Force Change of Command Ceremony. LGEN Bethurem will relinquish his command to LGEN Short who is the former MAJCOM Deputy of Operations. Base: Torrejon Air Base Country: Spain (ESP)

U.S. Air Force Col. Vincent Krepps, left, Senior Materiel Leader, SML, Upper Echelon, Cryptologic & Cyber Systems Division, presents 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.

Brig. Gen. Charles Lee Knowles retired after 35 years of service in the Alaska Army National Guard during a ceremony on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, April 10, 2022. A born and raised Alaskan, Knowles joined in 1987 and received his commission as an infantry officer in 1995. He served many years in the 297th Infantry Battalion, and went on to serve as the chief of staff for the AKARNG, commander of the Alaska Army National Guards Recruiting and Retention Battalion and commander of the 297th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade.

Lt. Col. Thomas Shine assumed command of the 193rd Special Operations Support Squadron during a change of command ceremony in Middletown, Pennsylvania, Jan. 7, 2024. The presiding officer for the ceremony was Col. Gordon Frankenfield, 193rd Special Operations Group commander.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Troy Taylor was appointed the twelfth Ohio state command chief for the Ohio Air National Guard during a change of authority ceremony on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Maj. Gen. James Camp, the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Ohio National Guard, performed the ceremony as Taylor accepted authority from the previous state command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker.

031019-F-1987C-001. Base: Willow Grove Air Reserve Station State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Mark Camerer, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center commander, presents a certificate for the Legion of Merit to Col. Marc E. Greene, outgoing 628th Air Base Wing commander, during the 628th ABW Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, July 15, 2022. Since the beginning of his command in May 2020, Greene has led Team Charleston through a global pandemic, their first Air Show in four years and the largest humanitarian airlift of all time: Operation Allies Refuge.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Katherine Friedrich, right, a material management specialist with the 182nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard, receives the Outstanding NCO of the Year award at the 182nd Airlift Wing, Peoria, Illinois, June 7, 2022. Friedrich was recognized for superior leadership, job performance, community involvement, and personal achievements.

Col. Lucas Teel, 4th Fighter Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Peter Martinez, 4th FW command chief, present a plaque to Senior Master Sgt. Ruth Salender, 4th Comptroller Squadron senior enlisted leader, during a Chief Master Sergeant Recognition Ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, March 24, 2023. At the rank of chief master sergeant, Airmen assume the responsibility of developing purposeful strategies to lead Airmen with character and mission focus.

Lt. Col. Brian Moritz (right) takes command of the 326th Airlift Squadron from Col. Michael DeSantis, 512th Operations Group commander May 15, 2022, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. Change of command ceremonies are held to demonstrate the transfer of authority from one commander to another.

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.

Lt. Col. Taylor Gifford, center, 336th Fighter Squadron commander, represents the 336th Fighter Squadron Department of Mobility in winning the 4th Fighter Wing Team of the Year Award from Col. Lucas Teel, 4 FW commander and Chief Master Sgt. Peter Martinez, 4 FW command chief, during the 4 FW Annual Awards ceremony and banquet at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Feb. 9, 2024. Annual Awards are awarded to Airmen and civilians in 13 different categories, including Volunteer of the Year, Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year, Key Spouse of the Year, Airman of the Year and more. Air Force

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Richard Wallace, GEOINT Imagery Technician assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, is presented the Legion of Merit by Maj. James Papagni, the Deputy G2 of the 1st Infantry Division, August 11, 2022, on Fort Riley, Kansas. Wallace served 23 years as an active duty Soldier leading up to his retirement ceremony.

030116-F-5611J-007. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Savannah International Airport State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

Col. Valerie Castle, 49th Medical Group commander, presents the Meritorious Service Medal to Lt. Col. Jack Vilardi, former 49th Medical Support Squadron commander, during the 49th MDSS inactivation ceremony in Club Holloman, April 29, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Vilardi received the medal for his outstanding performance as the commander of the 49th MDSS.

U.S. Air Force Col. Elizabeth Hanson, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Skylar W. Rollins, 911th Air Refueling Squadron incoming commander, during the squadrons assumption of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Sept. 9, 2022. The squadron is the Air Force's very first active-duty squadron that is under the command of a reserve wing.

Chief Master Sgt. Cameron Davis, 314th Airlift Wing command chief, stands at parade rest with the wing guidon during a change of command ceremony at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, June 3, 2022. The 314th AW trains C-130 aircrew members from the Department of Defense, Coast Guard and 47 partner nations. Their mission, to produce professional, combat-minded C-130 crewmembers as the DODs largest C-130 formal training unit.

First Space Force Chief of Space Operations, Gen. John Raymond thanks Gen. Chance Saltzman, incoming Space Force Chief of Space Operations at the conclusion of the Space Force Change of Responsibility ceremony at Joint Base Andrews, Nov. 1, 2022.

Col. Betsy Ross, center, 52nd Mission Support Group outgoing commander, relinquishes command to Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, during the 52nd MSG change of command ceremony, July 26, 2022, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Ross served as the MSG commander from July of 2020 until July of 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. David Wilson, right, receives the 673d Air Base Wing colors from Lt. Gen. David Krumm 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 Col. David J. Wilson as 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.

Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, The Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard presents a retirement certificate to Col. Craig Holan during the dual retirement ceremony for Col. Craig Holan, who commanded the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and retired after nearly 40 years of service and Col. Nick Johnson, who commanded the 65th Troop Command Brigade and served for 32 years. The dual retirement ceremony was held on May 14 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Derek France, Third Air Force commander, center, and Col. Jason Camilletti, outgoing 48th Fighter Wing commander; participate in a change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England, June 29, 2022. During the ceremony, Camilletti relinquished command of the 48th FW to France, who then charged Campo with leading the wing.

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Ashley Jackson was presented with the Senior Enlisted Lewis L. Seaman Enlisted Award during the 2024 AMSUS Annual Meeting in National Harbor, Maryland, on Feb. 12. Presenting the award is U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen Robert Miller, U.S. Air Force Surgeon General and AMSUS Executive Director and CEO John Cho.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kevin Carrick, the deputy commander of the 106th Mission Support Group of the 106th Rescue Wing, Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, Westhampton Beach, New York Air National Guard, presents a certificate of retirement to Chief Master Sgt. James S. Nizza, during his retirement ceremony on base, Feb. 3, 2024. Nizza served at the 106th Rescue Wing for 32 years and received the Presidential Certificate of Appreciation for his dedicated service and contributions in keeping America safe. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Corey Thobe takes command of the 121st Air Refueling Wing Civil Engineering Squadron from Lt. Col. Daryl Brezina at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, June 4, 2022. Thobe and Brezina were joined by their families for a Change of Command ceremony to commemorate the event.

Master Sgt. Renee Mclain affixes Chief Master Sgt. James Mclains retirement pin to his collar during his retirement ceremony at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, June 4, 2022. Mclain held numerous positions of responsibility at the 301st Fighter Wing since 2007 and ended his career as the 301st Maintenance Squadron superintendent.

The Joint Base Langley-Eustis honor guard performs the ceremonious flag folding a retirement ceremony for Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron, on July 9, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Ending her military career with the Virginia Air National Guard, Martin's 20 years of service was celebrated by family and friends along with numerous retired and currently serving military personnel who impacted her career.

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.

Family, friends and colleagues gathered at the Illinois Military Academy's auditorium Sept. 17, to celebrate the career of Col. Daniel Reichen and wish him well in future endeavors. Reichen retired as the Commander of the 129th Regimental Training Institute and most recently served as the Illinois National Guard's Director of Human Resources.

Family, friends and colleagues gathered at the Illinois Military Academy's auditorium Sept. 17, to celebrate the career of Col. Daniel Reichen and wish him well in future endeavors. Reichen retired as the Commander of the 129th Regimental Training Institute and most recently served as the Illinois National Guard's Director of Human Resources.

Chief Master Sgt. David C. Dike retires from the Idaho Air National Guard at a retirement ceremony, July 1, 2022, Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. Dikes most recent position was as the contracting chief enlisted manager of region 4.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kirk Rogers, a services journeyman with the 184th Force Support Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base, shakes hands with Col. Roxanne Toy, I. G. Brown Training and Education Center commander, Sept 2, 2022, at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee. Rogers was lauded by Toy and coined by a representative from the Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education, for volunteering over 150 hours while attending Airman leadership school.

Col. William J. McCrink, 174th Attack Wing Commander, stands next to Col. Kevin St.John during an assumption of command ceremony of the 152nd Air Operations Group at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Saturday, April 30. St. John replaced Col. James J. Muscatello, who had commanded the 152nd AOG since 2020.

Col. Tassika Davis smiles for a photo as she takes command of the 96th Mission Support Group during the units change of command ceremony July 27 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Davis took the groups reins from Col. Kenneth Black during the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

U.S. Air Force Col. Chris McDonald, left, 436th Airlift Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Carolyn Russell, right, 436th AW command chief, present U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christian Moore, center, 436th Mission Generation Group annual award winner, with a trophy during the 2023 436th AW Annual Awards Ceremony held at the Hartly Volunteer Fire Company in Hartly, Delaware, Feb. 23, 2024. Moore was recognized as the wings Noncommissioned Officer of the Year. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Richard Cheng, 628th Security Forces Squadron commander, applauds family members during the 628th SFS Change of Command ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 17, 2022. The 628th SFS provides force protection, law enforcement, physical security and administrative support for Joint Base Charleston and Naval Weapons Station personnel.

U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Cote, director of communications and intelligence with Air Force Special Operations Command, addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, May 20, 2022. During the ceremony, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jonathan Zannis, incoming commander, assumed command of AFSOC Special Operations Advanced Capabilities Squadron from U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Phillip Miller, outgoing commander. The SOACS provides development, engineering, and sustainment of cyberspace and missions systems, in order to meet mission-critical warfighting needs aboard aircraft, in-garrison and at theater-special operations nodes for multi-domain special operations forces operations.

Lt. Col. Daniel Ortwerth, strategy plans officer for the 157th Combat Operations Squadron, receives a standing ovation during his retirement ceremony, May 15, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Ortwerth served for 28 years.

Chief Master Sgt. Daniel Harron, senior enlisted leader for the 157th Air Communications Flight, speaks to the audience during his retirement ceremony, April 1, 2023, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Harron served for 23 years.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Samuel Morris, left, the 195th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group (ISRG) chief enlisted manager, California Air National Guard, receives an American Flag from the Beale Air Force Base Honor Guard during his retirement ceremony at Beale Air Force Base, California, Aug 6, 2022. The folding and presentation of the flag is a time honored tradition performed at retirement ceremonies.

At the 193rd's Dining Out, Technical Sergeant James Filbert, USAF, of the 193rd Special Operations Wing (SOW), Logistics Group accepts the award of the Outstanding Ready Guard NCO from Brigadier General Steven Speer, USAF, Commander of the 193rd SOW. Base: Middletown State: Pennsylvania (PA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Davis S. Nahom, center, receives the North American Aerospace Defense Command colors from Gen. Glen D. VanHerck during the 11th Air Force change of command ceremony at Hanger 20 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, August 11, 2022. U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm turned over command to Lt. Gen. Davis S. Nahom as Gen. Glen D. VanHerck, Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, and Gen. Ken S. Wilsbach, Commander, Pacific Air Forces, officiated before gathered family members, distinguished guests and military personnel.

FORT MEADE, Md. - Sfc. Joshua M. King, an infantryman assigned to United states Army Garrison Fort George G. Meade, right, listens to a speech at the end of his retirement ceremony here, June 18, 2022. King has been serving in the Army since Sept. 6, 2002, where he progressed to the rank of Sergeant First Class before retiring after 20 years of service.

Lieutenant General Robert Raggio (left), Commander of Aeronautical Sysems Center, Air Force Material Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, accepts the 311th Human Systems Wing (HSW) flag from outgoing 311th HSW Commander, Brigadier General (BGEN) John Jernigan (right), relieving BGEN Jernigan of command of the wing during the formal portion of the 311th Human Systems Wing Change of Command at Brooks Air Force Base, Texas. Base: Brooks Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander, speaks with African delegates during the Africa Aersopace and Defence Exhibition 2022 opening ceremonies, Sept. 21, 2022, at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion, South Africa. Fostering regional relationships among African partners allows for the opening of dialogue and helps build regional solutions that we can help our African partners implement to address regional concerns.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John Lamontagne, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa deputy commander, speaks with African delegates during the Africa Aersopace and Defence Exhibition 2022 opening ceremonies, Sept. 21, 2022, at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Centurion, South Africa. Fostering regional relationships among African partners allows for the opening of dialogue and helps build regional solutions that we can help our African partners implement to address regional concerns.

Gen James E. Rainey accepts the position of Commanding General for Army Futures Command on October 4th, 2022 in Austin, TX (US Army Photo by Patrick Hunter)

Clara Saxe, pins a third star on her husband, Lt. Gen.

U.S. Air Force Col. Pete Bilodeau, left, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Brian Gates, right, 52nd FW command chief, introduce U.S. Air Force Airman Basic Trevor Hume Wolanske, center, a 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operator, as the installations youngest Airman during the Air Force Ball in Club Eifel at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Sept. 13, 2014. The most senior-ranking Airman and the most junior-ranking Airman cut the Air Force birthday cake, according to Air Force Ball tradition.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass congratulate Col. Carl Miller, recipient of the 2019 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award, senior officer category, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 3, 2023. The award is named for Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Lance Sijan, who died while being held as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

U.S. Air Force Col. William H. Hunter, 81st Training Wing commander, Col. Ryan A. Crowley, outgoing 81st Mission Support Group commander, and Col. Chad Gemeinhardt, incoming 81st MSG commander, stand at attention during the 81st MSG Change of Command ceremony at the Bay Breeze Event Center on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, July 12, 2022. The ceremony is a symbol of command being exchanged from one commander to the next.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Shanna Woyak, left, outgoing director, Small Market and Stand Alone Military Medical Treatment Facility Organization (SSO), and U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald Place, center, Defense Health Agency director and the ceremonys presiding official, exchange guidon as she relinquishes command of the SSO, during a change of directorship ceremony, Sept. 29, 2022, Port San Antonio, Texas.

Col. Michael Parks and Lt. Col. Joseph Ronzio, the 507th Air Refueling Wing and 507th Medical Squadron commanders, respectively, congratulate Col. Alvin Bradford, the former 507th MDS commander, for receiving the Meritorious Service Medal on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Oct. 15, 2022. During his time with the 507th MDS, Bradford completed 1,300 appointments, 700 dental exams, and 2,000 immunizations.

Col. Steven Lamb, center, assumes command of the 52nd Mission Support Group from Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd Fighter Wing commander, July 26, 2022, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Lamb was previously a student at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.

A retirement ceremony is held for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, the eleventh Ohio state command chief, on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Her retirement followed a change of authority ceremony.

A retirement ceremony is held for U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Heidi Bunker, the eleventh Ohio state command chief, on September 10, 2022, at Robert S. Beightler Armory in Columbus, Ohio. Her retirement followed a change of authority ceremony.

Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt. Troy Martin, 270th Engineering Installation Squadron superintendent, shakes hands with Lt. Col. Carolyn Bartley, 270th Engineering Installation Squadron Commander, during a ceremony at Biddle Air National Guard Base in Horsham, Pennsylvania, to promote Martin to his current rank, February 3, 2024. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Col. Travolis A. Simmons, 2nd left, passes the 3rd Wing colors to Lt. Gen. David Krumm during the 3rd Wing change of command ceremony at Hangar 2 on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 15, 2022. U.S. Air Force Col. Travolis A. Simmons turned over command to Col. Kevin M. Jamieson as 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.

Members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing recieve awards at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Aug 13, 2022. This was the first annual Enlisted Awards Banquet

Maj. Gen. Douglas A. Farnham, Maine's Adjutant General, left, receives the organizational guidon from Brig. Gen. Steven D. Michaud, outgoing commander of the Maine Air National Guard, while Chief Master Sgt. Ryan J. Cote, Maine State Command Chief, middle, and Brig. Gen. Frank D. Roy, incoming commander, stand at attention during a change of command ceremony at the 101st Air Refueling Wing on April 3, 2022. (Maine Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Travis Hill)

The 41st Signal Battalion celebrated its 80th birthday on Friday, January 27 on Camp Humphreys. It was a lovely evening of entertainment and camaraderie among teammates and members of the larger Signal community on the peninsula.

U.S. Space Force 1st Lt. Robert Freeman, right, assumes responsibility from Lt. Col. Charles Cooper, 533rd Training Squadron commander, during the activation and assumption of responsibility for 533rd TRS, Detachment 1, at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 21, 2022. Freeman was designated the detachment chief for 533rd TRS.

Col. David Chauvin, Chief of Staff, Nevada Air National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, presents Lt. Col. Todd Hudson, Nevada Air National Guard Chief of Safety, his retirement certificate at Hudson's retirement ceremony at the Nevada Air National Guard Base in Reno, Nev., on Sept. 11, 2022.

Col. Ronald Hopkins, 544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group commander, alongside Maj. Bryant Cheung, Detachment 1 member, unfurl the flag at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum Lowry, Colo., Sep. 26, 2022. Detachment 1 was established 25 years ago, in 1997, but was realigned under the 544th ISRG.

Nearly 20 Soldiers from Blanchfield Army Community Hospital and the 531st Hospital Center were formally welcomed into the U.S. Armys Noncommissioned Officer Corps at an NCO Induction Ceremony at Fort Campbells Wilson Theater, June 27.

A U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Guardsman reviews the folding of the American flag during a retirement ceremony, May 26, 2022 at Hurlburt Field, Fla. The Honor Guard is responsible for supporting special events such as memorials, change of commands, military retirements, awards banquets, and various civic events.

A U.S. Air Force Airman receives the Community College of the Air Force certificate during the graduation ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 19, 2022. The CCAF is the largest community college in the world, affiliated with schools in over 36 states and eight foreign locations and over 260,000 Air Force members registered.

Lt. Col. Wesley Colebar, right, strategy analyst for the 157th Combat Operations Squadron, stands with Col. William Layton, 157th Combat Operations Squadron Commander, during his retirement ceremony, June 25, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Colebar served for 30 years.

Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. James McConville hosts an army full honors arrival ceremony for the Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Army Gen. Park Jeong Hwan at Conmy Hall on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Jan. 25, 2023. During the ceremony, Gen. McConville bestowed Gen. Park with the Legion of Merit, Degree of Commander.

U.S. Army Warrant Officer Cena Duran, commander of the 1st Infantry Division Band, shakes hands with a Latvian National Guard band member who plays one of the instruments that was gifted by the Big Red One band in 1993 to the Latvian National Guard Band at Vilnius, Lithuania, Aug. 28, 2022. The Big Red One Band is among other units assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, proudly performing alongside NATO allies during a historical, inaugural military tattoo hosted by Lithuanian Armed Forces.

U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Austin, commander of the 144th Fighter Wing, California Air National Guard, congratulates newly promoted Col. Dorothy Hinkley, commander of the 129th Medical Group, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, during a ceremony, Sept. 10, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California. Hinkley earned her commission through the Navy ROTC program and served on active duty with the Navy before transitioning to the U.S. Navy Reserve and later transferring to the Air National Guard.

040112-F-0194C-021. Base: Andrews Air Force Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AMC

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