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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 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.
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U.S. Air Force Col. Mary Teeter relinquished command of the 305th Maintenance Group to U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Pendley during a change of command ceremony. U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Wiederholt, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, presided over the ceremony. Teeter led CAN DO Airmen and 305th innovation through both the COVID-19 pandemic as well as Operations Allies Welcome/Refuge.020415-F-3050V-104. Base: Pentagon State: District Of Columbia (DC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: SAF040313-F-0675P-022. Base: Mcentire Ang Station State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)Master Sgt. Charles Bulgier, 433rd Maintenance Group, receives a certificate of recognition from Col. Terry McClain, 433rd Airlift Wing commander, during the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 4, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Cynthia Villa, 4th Air Force command chief, served as the ceremonys guest speaker during her visit to the wing.U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Morgan relinquished command of the 165th Medical Group, Georgia Air National Guard, to Lt. Col. Chad Asplund on June 12, 2022 in the Fuel Cell Hangar at the 165th Airlift Wing in Savannah, Georgia.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.Col. Matthew Calhoun, commander, 131st Bomb Wing, receives the groups guidon from outgoing 131st Medical Group Commander Col. Russell Kohl during a change of command ceremony June 25, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri.U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Barbara Bartch, commander of the 121st Maintenance Group, 121st Air Refueling Wing, assumes command from Col. Donald Braskett during a change of command ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 13, 2022. Prior to her current position, Bartch was the 121st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander.U.S. Air Force Maj. Nicholas Reeves (left) receives the Metropolitan Police Department Director Award for safety on behalf of the 374th Airlift Wing during an award presentation ceremony at the Fussa Police Station, Fussa, Japan, Dec. 7, 2022. Yokota Air Base has continuously demonstrated an interest in traffic safety and actively participated in the prevention of traffic mishaps in the local community. Promoting safe driving, emphasizing preparedness and enforcing traffic safety rules like following speed limits, wearing seatbelts, maintaining safe driving distances, and reminding people to make complete stops at all railroad crossings are all things the wing has focused on to ensure the Yokota and local community was safe and out of harms way.From left, U.S. Army Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, Gen. Robert W. Cone, and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, right, present the 2011 Male Athlete of the Year Award to 1st Lt. Charles Ware III at the Association of the U.S. Army Winter Symposium in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. Feb. 24, 2012. Dunwoody is the commanding general, U.S. Army Materiel Command; and Cone is the commanding general, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stands with Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder prior to a meeting at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Aug. 22, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)United States Air Force NCO Academy Class 22-4, C-flight at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center, April 04, 2022, on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.U.S. Air Force Col. Dorothy Hinkley, commander of the 129th Medical Group, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, recites the oath of office after promoting to colonel 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.The Utah Air National Guard celebrated its Airmen of the Year during a banquet held in their honor at the Zions Bancorporations Midvale Technology Campus on Jan. 6, 2023, in Midvale, Utah. The Airmen of the Year award program recognizes Airmen who display superior leadership, job performance, and personal achievement.040225-F-3476P-008. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: US Special Operation CommandU.S. Air Force Col. Asheleigh Gellner, the vice wing commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a photo with wing commander Col. Rusty Ballard after her promotion ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. Gellner has 22 years of military service and transferred to the wing after graduating the U.S. Naval War College.061020-N-1082Z-003. Base: Naval Air Station, Oceana State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joshua Sanchez, right, Airman Leadership School Class 22-G graduate, receives the Distinguished Graduate Award at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Oct. 27, 2022. The top 10 percent of graduates from a given class are awarded this due to their performance in academic evaluation and demonstration of leadership.U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Sherri Hrovatin, former 104FW Mission Support Group Commander, salutes Col. David Moon Halasi-Kun, 104th Fighter Wing Commander, during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. Halasi-Kun assumed command of the wing from Col. William T. Sling Bladen who has served as the commander since June 8, 2020.Maj. Nathan Johnson, center, 4th Fighter Wing A-Staff operations director, receives the Field Grade Officer 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 ForceSenior Airmen Kimberly Brown, 4th Logistics Readiness Squadron inspection supervisor, receives a distinguished graduate award from Master Sgt. Lisa Shurling, Maintenance Support Squadron section chief, during the Airman Leadership School Class 24-B graduation ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, Feb. 8, 2024. Students who received a distinguished graduate award displayed effective teamwork, academic excellence and leadership. Air ForceU.S. Army Maj. Gen. Tom James, left, Joint Task Force-Space Defense commander, poses for a photo with U.S. Army Capt. Matthew Connell, JTF-SD space battle manager at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, June 14, 2022. The JTF-SD celebrated the U.S. Armys 247th birthday with a traditional cake-cutting 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.The family of U.S. Air Force Col. Asheleigh Gellner, the vice wing commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, pins on her new rank at a promotion ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, Sept. 11, 2022. Gellner has 22 years of military service and transferred to the wing after graduating the U.S. Naval War College.Lt. Col. Wesley Colebar's wife stands with Col. William Layton, 157th Combat Operations Squadron Commander, during her husbands retirement ceremony, June 25, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. She was awarded with a certificate of appreciation for supporting her husband through his 30 years of service.U.S. Army Col. Michael Binetti (right), chief of staff, Arlington National Cemetery greets Morten Bødskov (left), minister of defence, Denmark in the Memorial Amphitheater Display Room at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 31, 2022. Bødskov had just participated in an Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Van Nortwick, 173rd Air Refueling Squadron chief boom operator, salutes Col. Katy Millwood, 155th Operations group commander, Aug. 6, 2022, during his retirement ceremony at the Lincoln Air Force Base, Neb. Nortwick had 5,582 flying hours with 1,350.3 Combat and Combat Support hours during his military career.030626-F-1545M-028. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAFU.S. Air Force Senior Master Kurt E. Briner, 122nd Fighter Wing Equipment Maintenance Flight Chief, is pinned during his promotion ceremony, May 15, 2022. Briner was promoted to Chief in front of his family and friends during a regularly scheduled drill.U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Linck (left), 97th Operations Group commander, passes a guidon to Lt. Col. Benjamin Davidson, 97th Training Squadron (TRS) commander at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, June 9, 2022. The 97th TRS is responsible for training aircrew members who fly the C-17 Globemaster III, KC-135 Stratotanker or KC-46 Pegasus.Master Sgt. Charles Wilding, the Kentucky Air National Guards 2023 senior non-commissioned officer of the year, is recognized during the Airmans Gala at the Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 10, 2024 The Gala, which drew more than 400 guests, celebrated the units top-performing Airmen for 2023. Air National GuardArmy Reserve Maj. Gen. Darrell J. Guthrie, former commander, 88th Readiness Division, proudly holds a flag presented to him by Staff Sgt. Averazse Parrish, a member of the Division's Honor Guard, during Guthrie's retirement ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, Fort McCoy, Wis., July 30. 2022. The flag was folded in its cocked hat appearance in a reminder to Soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain Paul Jones, by the Division's Honor Guard.1st Sgt. Charles L. Johnson Retirement Ceremony, 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Air Defense Artillery Commandant's Office, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. 1st Sgt. Charles L. Johnson retired today after 20 over years serving in the U.S. Army. His presence as a senior enlisted Soldier as part of the Air Defense community is one that will not soon be forgotten. Johnson spent over 8 years stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and contributed immensely to the Air Defense mission by serving as a 1st Sgt. for 30th Air Defense Artillery and by leading troops towards careers of excellence while serving in the Commandant's office as the Operations NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer).Johnson served two tours overseas, one to Kuwait and one to Bahrain. His time there was well noted by the various military awards he received and prestigious accolades. Since gearing towards retirement Charles began studies in the hopes of becoming a teacher, but says that he would "still like to work close with ASCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 2nd Space Operations Squadron 2 (SOPS) conducted its change of command ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado 6 July, 2022. During the ceremony, officiated by Space Delta 8 Commander, U.S. Space Force (USSF) Colonel Matthew Holston, outgoing USSF Lt Col Michael Schriever relinquished command of the squadron to USSF Lt Col Robert Wray. As the new commander, Wray now assumes the responsibility of overseeing the daily operations of a unit whose mission is to operate the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite constellation, which provides global navigation, time transfer, and nuclear detonation detection.040813-F-4169T-002. Base: Maxwell Air Force Base State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA)U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 1-178th Field Artillery Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, celebrate the Saint Barbaras Day Ball, Dec. 3, 2022, Columbia, South Carolina. The legend of St. Barbara as she is known to be the patron saint of artillerymen, a day that those celebrate and amongst the 1-178th FA BN which have a rich history and share the same pride and devotion to community service as a citizen-soldier that their forefathers displayed when they followed the Swamp Fox Francis Marion into the swamps of the low-country of South Carolina, helped The Gamecock Thomas Sumter at the High Hills of Santee, and stood with Andrew Pickens at the Battle of Cowpens.Col. Wade Mueller, 155th Inspector General director complaints resolution, poses with his sons Devin Mueller and CPT Mason Mueller April 1, 2023, during a promotion ceremony in Lincoln, Neb. Mueller has resolved 74 cases during his tenure as director of complaints, some which have been coordinated up to the Secretary of the Air Force Inspector General.The 121st Air Refueling Wing holds a promotion ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Caron at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2024. Family and friends joined Caron to celebrate his ascension to the 9th and highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. Air National Guard2nd Lt. Trevor McMinn is pinned his new rank by his wife and mother during the Officer Candidate School graduation, held at the Edward Cross Training Center, in Pembroke, NH, Sept 11. McMinn will serve as a Platoon Leader with the Delta Company, 86th Brigade Support Battalion, in Swanton, VT, upon completion of the Basic Officer Leadership Course.U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Filler, left, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, engages with attendees during the Cambridgeshire County Day at the Newmarket July Course, England, June 23, 2022. The County Day was an opportunity to celebrate Cambridgeshire and Her Majesty The Queens Platinum Jubilee.An inactivation ceremony was held for the 553rd Air Force Band, also known as the Air National Guard Band of the Northeast, at the 193rd Regional Support Group, Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., Jan. 6, 2024. The 553rd Air Force Band traces its lineage back to the 53rd Army Air Forces Band formed in Rapid City, S.D., on Aug. 2, 1942.FORT SAM HOUSTON, TX -- Col. Deydre S. Teyhen was promoted to Brigadier General July 8, 2022 at a ceremony on Joint Base San Antonio by Lt. Gen. R. Scott Dingle, U.S. Army Surgeon General and Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command.Lt. Col. Douglas Jeffrey IV's spouse receives flowers during the 507th Operations Group assumption of command ceremony on Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Nov. 5, 2022. It is customary for a commander to present their spouse with a gift during their assumption of command.U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Daniel DeVoe, outgoing 618th Air Operations Center commander, receives the Legion of Merit award from Gen. Michael Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, during a change of command ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 24, 2022. DeVoe received this award for his meritorious conduct and outstanding performance during his time in command at the 618th AOC.U.S. Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. David Ritsema, the Client Systems Noncommissioned Officer in Charge at the 133rd Test Squadron, right, is presented with a flag as he retires from the squadron at a ceremony at St. Edmonds Arena at Fort Dodge, Iowa, Sept. 10, 2022. The dual event honored both Airmen who retired in the past year and Airmen who were promoted.U.S. Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. David Ritsema, the Client Systems Noncommissioned Officer in Charge at the 133rd Test Squadron, right, is presented with a flag as he retires from the squadron at a ceremony at St. Edmonds Arena at Fort Dodge, Iowa, Sept. 10, 2022. The dual event honored both Airmen who retired in the past year and Airmen who were promoted.Chairman of the Memorialization Board, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) David Elicerio congratulates Command Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Paul E. Herr during the Court of Honor Induction Ceremony at the Gen. John W. Vessey Recreation Center near Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, in Little Falls, Minnesota. Herr served for 33 years, first enlisting in 1982 and later joining the Minnesota National Guard in 1991. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)030530-F-4169T-006. Base: Maxwell Air Force Base State: Alabama (AL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AETCAir National Guard Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs (SAF/IA), Maj. Gen. Troy Daniels (left) receives a gift from Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff Lt. Gen. Viorel Pană during a meeting at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., June 27, 2023.Master Sgt. Alicia Garvin, 433rd Force Support Squadron, receives a certificate of recognition from Col. Terry McClain, 433rd Airlift Wing commander, during the Senior Noncommissioned Officer Induction Ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, June 4, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Cynthia Villa, 4th Air Force command chief, served as the ceremonys guest speaker during her visit to the wing.U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jonathan Kolar receives the Academic Achievement and Distinguished Graduate Award during the graduation ceremony for Airman Leadership School class 22-5 and NCO Academy class 22-6, July 20, 2022, at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.Col. Eric Guttormsen, 108th Wing commander, left, receives the guidon from Col. Bernadette Maldonado, center, during the 108th Mission Support Group change of command ceremony at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 24, 2022. Col. Lola Washington assumed command of the 108th MSG from Maldonado who served as commander since May 2021.Brig. Gen. Dan McDonough, Assistant Adjutant General - Air, Illinois Air National Guard, speaks with Gold Star families during a Survivor appreciation dinner in Springfield, Illinois, November 19, 2022. The event, hosted by the Military Officers Association of America, Lincoln Land Chapter and Survivor Outreach Services of Central Illinois, brought surviving families of fallen service members together to reassure them that they remain valued members of our military family. (U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Trenton Fouche, Joint Force Headquarters - Illinois National Guard)Lt. Col. Shaun Cruze was promoted to colonel at the Nevada Air National Guard Base in Reno, Nev. on Feb. 3, 2024. Following the promotion ceremony, he took command of the 152nd Maintenance Group. Cruze has nearly 35 years of military service and has been the 152nd Airlift Wing Comptroller, the 152nd Logistics Readiness Squadron Commander, 152nd Security Forces Commander and served in many other roles in the Nevada Air National Guard.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)020911-A-6173R-004. Base: Fort Meade State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NortheastUnited States Air Force Airman Leadership School Class 22-4, B-flight at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center, May 16, 2022, on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.WASHINGTON (April 20, 2017) Logistics Specialist 1st Class Amber Wilson reacts to being selected as the 2016 CNO Shore Sailor of the Year after Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran makes the announcement during a ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Wilson will return later in the year to be meritoriously advanced to chief petty officer.Col. Teresa Schlosser, former commander of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, stands at attention next to her close colleague Col. (promotable) Antoinette R. Gant, commander and division engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers South Pacific Division, during her retirement ceremony at the Waterways Experiment Station, July 14.The Utah Air National Guard celebrated its Airmen of the Year during a banquet held in their honor at the Zions Bancorporations Midvale Technology Campus on Jan. 6, 2023, in Midvale, Utah. The Airmen of the Year award program recognizes Airmen who display superior leadership, job performance, and personal achievement.Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin poses with 2nd Lt. Allyson Burba during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 7, 2023. Burba was named the 2022 Cadet of the Year.Retirement CeremonyU.S. Army Gen. James Dickinson, U.S. Space Command commander (left), and Poland Air Force Lt. Gen. Tadeusz Mikutel, General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces (right), met to discuss the ongoing space partnership between the United States and Poland at Space Symposium 37, Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 6, 2022. Strengthening and expanding relationships contributes to a safe, secure, and sustainable space environment. Space Symposium is an opportunity for spacefaring nations and sectors of the space enterprise to promote dialogue and focus attention on critical space issues.CRYSTAL CITY, VA. (Sep. 14, 2022) - Lt. Gen. Michael Schmidt (center), F-35 Joint Program Executive Officer (PEO), meets with Major General Juha-Pekka Keränen, Finnish Air Chief, Colonel Aki Heikkinen, Finnish Foreign Liaison Officer, Major Toni Lyytinen, Finnish Air Chiefs Aid, and Colonel John Kent - Defense Attaché, U.S. Embassy Helsinki, during an annual visit in Crystal City, VA., Sep. 14, 2022. This was the first meeting between the Finnish Leadership and the PEO since they signed the Letter of Acceptance. The F-35 Joint Program Office is the Department of Defense's focal point for the 5th generation strike aircraft for the Navy, Air Force, Marines, and our allies. The F-35 is the premier multi-mission, 5th generation weapon system. Its ability to collect, analyze and share data is a force multiplier that enhances all assets in the battle-space: with stealth technology, advanced sensors, weapons capacity, and range. The F-35, which has been operational since July of 2015, is the 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.Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass speaks with Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Troy E. Black before testifying to the House Armed Services Committee Quality of Life Panel on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Jan. 31, 2024.The 26th Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz, (ret) center, presents Master Chief Rob Bushey, right, with an award, while the 31st Vice Commandant Adm. Charles Ray (ret) looks on, during his retirement ceremony in Washington, D.C., June 10, 2022. Bushey, who served as the Deputy Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, retired after more than 31 years of service. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer Jetta Disco.TOKYO (Oct. 5, 2022) U.S. Space Force Gen. John W. Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, left, poses for a photo with Japan Air Self-Defense Force Gen. Shunji Izutsu, JASDF Chief of Staff, right, during his visit to engage with senior officials from Japans Ministry of Defense, in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Raymond reinforced the United States ironclad commitment to the U.S.-Japan alliance following a North Korean ballistic missile launch that passed over northern Japan on Oct. 4th.Left to right: Staff Sgt. Ciara Loman, Specialist Brian Jordan, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Nicholas Pantus, Utah National Guard, prior to receiving the State of Utah Service Member of the Year Awards at the Capitol Rotunda, June 9, 2022.The purpose of the awards is to recognize the outstanding performers from each of the major military entities in the state representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force from active duty, guard and reserve organizations.Massachusetts Wing Cadet Colonels Leah Vigevani and Sarah Vigevani are the Civil Air Patrol's most recent Spaatz Award recipients, presented during a ceremony held on Aug. 1, 2022 at Joint Base Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The ceremony was unique in that these cadets are sisters, simultaneously winning the coveted Spaatz Award. The Spaatz Award is the Civil Air Patrol's highest cadet honor and presented to cadets who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, character, fitness, and aerospace education. The event was held during the CAP's Massachusetts Wing annual encampment which is being held during the first week of August.Ashley Gadd, center, 4th Wing Staff Agency administrative discharge clerk and victim witness assistance program coordinator, receives the Category 1 Civilian of the Year Award from Col. Lucas Teel, 4th Fighter Wing 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 ForceU.S. Army 1st Sgt. Justin Morlock, with the 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, and his family are honored during a division retirement ceremony July 14, 2022, Fort Riley, Kansas. Morlock, who served 20 years in the military, received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Department of the Army Certificate of Retirement, a Certificate of Appreciation, and a folded American flag.Senior Airman Austin Corvo, 436th Security Forces Squadron response force member, recites the Security Forces Prayer 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.Chief Master Sgt. Marvin Boyd, Washington State Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sergeant (left), presents the Washington National Guard Commanders Certificate of Appreciation to his daughter Natasha Boyd, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., on Oct. 15, 2022. Chief Boyd retired after 35 years of military service beginning in the U.S. Navy and the Washington Air National Guard. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. (ret.) John Hughel, Washington Air National Guard Public Affairs)Members from the 118th Wing celebrate at the cyber groups anniversary gala April 1, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. The 218th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group celebrated the tenth anniversary since the creation of their unit in 2013.Retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. William Buchanan stands during a retirement ceremony April 1, 2023, at St. Francis Barracks, St. Augustine, Florida. Buchanan retired from the Florida Air National Guard after 20 years of service.The Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nev. played host to the Outstanding Airmen of the Year Awards Banquet on Feb. 5, 2023, which honored the previous year's exceptional Airmen. The event was attended by Airmen, their families, and friends.Space Force Brig. Gen. Jacob Middleton, second from left, poses with Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. David Thompson, left, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, center, and staff during his promotion at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Washington, D.C., April 4, 2023. Middleton is the director of national security space policy for the National Space Council.U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Christopher Lutz, 146th Operations Group Commander, is promoted to the rank of Colonel during a ceremony at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, Port Hueneme, California, Feb. 3, 2024. Lutzs rank was pinned on by his wife Kaci, daughter Kadence, and son Kole. Air National Guard030714-F-9905C-001. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: Air Mobility CommandU.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Alexander Ross, 509th Bomb Wing fuels systems NCO, sings the National Anthem during the NASCAR Hollywood Casino 400 at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, Sept. 11, 2022. Whiteman Air Force Base Airmen supported pre-race festivities to represent the U.S. Air Force and tell the Air Force story.221208-N-YF131-1072 SAN DIEGO (Dec. 8, 2022) Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, left, commander, Naval Air Forces, poses for a photo with Capt. Brannon Bickel, former commander of Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing, Pacific during a change of command ceremony held in the hangar bay of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41. HSMWPs mission is to man, train, and equip squadrons, Naval Aviators and Naval Aircrewmen to fly and fight the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, the world's most advanced rotary wing maritime strike platform.1st Sgt. Charles L. Johnson Retirement Ceremony, 30th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Air Defense Artillery Commandant's Office, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. 1st Sgt. Charles L. Johnson retired today after 20 over years serving in the U.S. Army. His presence as a senior enlisted Soldier as part of the Air Defense community is one that will not soon be forgotten. Johnson spent over 8 years stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and contributed immensely to the Air Defense mission by serving as a 1st Sgt. for 30th Air Defense Artillery and by leading troops towards careers of excellence while serving in the Commandant's office as the Operations NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer).Johnson served two tours overseas, one to Kuwait and one to Bahrain. His time there was well noted by the various military awards he received and prestigious accolades. Since gearing towards retirement Charles began studies in the hopes of becoming a teacher, but says that he would "still like to work close with Air Defense, just10 past Minnesota National Guard service members were honored for their service during the annual Court of Honor induction program ceremony at Camp Ripley, October 2, 2022, near Little Falls, Minnesota. The Court of Honor commemorates the lasting contributions of soldiers who have dedicated their lives to the service of the State and Nation. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Derek Salmi, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, poses for a photo with his family during his promotion ceremony 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.Military Womens Memorial President Emeritus Air Force Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Wilma L. Vaught greets Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Maureen Hegerich at the Military Womens Memorial in Arlington, Va., Oct. 15, 2022.Maj. Gen. Jeannie Leavitt, Air Force chief of safety, congratulates Capt. Taylor Bye after a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., May 11, 2022. Bye was awarded the 2020 Koren Kolligian Jr. Trophy to recognize her outstanding airmanship when her A-10C attack aircraft suffered a catastrophic gun malfunction and she safely performed a belly landing with the loss of the aircraft landing gear and canopy.Mrs. Sandy Person, left, U.S. Air Force civic leader and Travis Golden Bear, congratulates Col. Melissa Dooley, Defense Health Agency Sacramento Market director and 60th Medical Group commander, after the DHA Sacramento Market change of directorship and the 60th MDG change of command ceremony at David Grant USAF Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, California, July 13, 2022. The change of command ceremony is rooted in military history, dating back to the 18th century, where the command flag is passed to the individual assuming command in the presence of the entire unit.Lt. Col Roseman Deas, the commander of the 106th Air Refueling Squadron, poses with his family at Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base, Alabama, Aug. 14, 2022. These photos were taken shortly after Deas assumed command of the 106th Air Refueling Squadron.U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Chris Bridson, Headquarters and Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, and his family are honored during a division retirement ceremony on September 16, 2022, at Fort Riley, Kansas. Bridson, who served 20 years in the military, received the Meritorious Service Medal, the Department of the Army Certificate of Retirement, a Certificate of Appreciation, and a folded American flag.Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve George M. Williamson presents a plaque to Chief Petty Officer Ryan Huffman, a machinery technician with USCG Staton Channel Islands, to honor him for being the 2021 Enlisted Person of the Year - Reserve Component, at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, New Jersey, May 18, 2022.U.S. Air Force Col. Edward Spinelli, 422nd Air Base Group commander, poses for a photo with 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.Army National Guard Command Sergeant Major John T. Raines delivers remarks during the 247th birtday celebration of the U.S. Army at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C.Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stands with Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder prior to a meeting at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Aug. 22, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jack Sanders)Inter-American Defense College Leadership hosts a hail and farewell ceremony on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 24, 2022. During the ceremony arriving team members were greeted and departing members received awards, parting gifts and shared a few words with fellow staff members, students and faculty.Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Ecuadorian Air Force Brigadier General, Celiano Cevallos Calderón, Military and Aerospace Education Command, Commander and Ecuadoran Air War College students to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 23, 2022. During the visit the students were briefed by leadership and received an orientation class by a college faculty member.Judge Virginia Carlton, retired U.S. Army JAG officer and presiding judge of the Court of Appeals, administers the oath of office to Col. Lawrence Austin, Sr., Mississippi Military Judge, at Grenada County Court House, Grenada, Mississippi, September 10, 2022. Austin is tasked with overseeing the Mississippi National Guards Military Justice program and presiding over Courts Martial and administrative proceedings.U.S. Air Force Col. Lee Bouma, the 173rd Fighter Wing commander, accepts Lt. David R. Kingsleys Purple Heart and Citation from Frankie Stoneham, Kingsleys great-great-niece, during the Sentry Eagle Open House June 25, 2022, at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore. During the presentation a WWII-era B-17 Flying Fortress performed passes for the spectators; Kingsley was a bombardier on such an aircraft during the war and sacrificed his life to save another crew members and was subsequently awarded the Medal of Honor.TOKYO (Oct. 5, 2022) U.S. Space Force Gen. John W. Raymond, Chief of Space Operations, left, poses for a picture with Chief of Staff of the Japan Joint Staff Gen. Koji Yamazaki, right, during his visit to engage with senior officials from Japans Ministry of Defense, in Tokyo, Japan, Oct. 5, 2022. Raymond reinforced the United States ironclad commitment to the US Japan alliance following a North Korean ballistic missile launch that passed over northern Japan on Oct. 4th.Participants of the 49th annual Norwegian Exchange, from the Norwegian Heimevernet, or Home Guard, and the Minnesota National Guard, community leaders, buddy weekend host families and distinguished guests joined together for a farewell banquet, April 3, 2022 at the Falls Ballroom in Little Falls, Minnesota. During the meal, Norwegian Soldiers modeled the traditional bunard and artist Charles Kapsner presented a gift. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Sgt. Mahsima Alkamooneh)