U.S. Military Change of Command

Ceremonial images showcasing change of command events, highlighting military traditions and the transfer of authority among officers.

U.S. Army Col. Rachelle A. Retoma, the Fort Riley Dental Health Activity commander, takes charge of her formation during a change of command ceremony on Aug. 26, 2022, at Fort Riley, Kansas.

Col. Terry R. Tillis, left, commander of the "Spartan Brigade," 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, passes the 703rd Brigade Support Battalion colors to Lt. Col. Joel A. Dickey, center, incoming commander of the "Maintain Battalion," 703rd BSB, 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, during the 703rd BSB's change of command ceremony on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 14, 2022. The passing of the colors signifies the transfer of command and with it the responsibility for the readiness and welfare of the unit's Soldiers and Families.

U.S. Army Col. Rachelle A. Retoma, the Fort Riley Dental Health Activity commander, takes charge of her formation during a change of command ceremony on Aug. 26, 2022, at Fort Riley, Kansas.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Casey E. Hargrove accepts the 1st Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment colors from, Lt. Col. Dylan W. Malcomb, 1st Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment commander, as Hargrove assumes responsibility during an assumption of responsibility ceremony conducted at Skymaster field June 15, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Jeremiah J. Sherman, headquarters commandant for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, retires at the Beirut Memorial, Jacksonville, North Carolina, April 14, 2022. Sherman retired from active duty after 23 years of honorable and faithful service.

U.S. Marines with I Marine Expeditionary Force color guard carry the organizational colors during the I MEF change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 16, 2024. Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering relinquished command of I MEF to Lt. Gen. Michael S. Cederholm. I MEF provides the Marine Corps a globally responsive, expeditionary, and fully scalable Marine Air-Ground Task Force, capable of generating, deploying, and employing ready forces and formations for crisis response, forward presence, major combat operations, and campaigns. Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Joel F. Schmidt, the outgoing commanding officer of The Basic School, passes the commands colors to Col. Reginald J. McClam, the incoming commander of The Basic School, at The Basic School Change of Command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Quantico, July 14, 2022. The Basic School mission is to train and educate newly commissioned or appointed officers in the high standards of professional knowledge, esprit-de-corps, and leadership to prepare them for duty as company grade officers in the operating forces, with particular emphasis on the duties, responsibilities, and warfighting skills required of a rifle platoon commander.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Jason Kendzierski (left), outgoing 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion-Enhanced Commander, U.S. Army Col. Michael Kaloostian (center) 2nd Theatre Signal Brigade Commander and Lt. Col. Jeffrey Keenan (right), incoming 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion-Enhanced commander, salute the colors during the change of command in Baumholder, Germany on 28 June 2022.

Command Sgt. Maj. Andre McKinley, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 347th Regiment (Training Support Battalion), 85th Support Command, prepares to relinqiush the colors to Lt. Col. Anthony Von Plinsky during a relinquish of responsibility ceremony at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart June 28, 2023.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Ryan Meltesen, 3rd Marine Logistics Group sergeant major, marches back to his position after returning the colors during a change of command ceremony on Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, June 24, 2022. During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Brian Wolford, outgoing commanding general, relinquished command of 3rd MLG to Brig. Gen. Adam L. Chalkley. 3rd MLG, based out of Okinawa, Japan, is a forward deployed combat unit that serves as III Marine Expeditionary Forces comprehensive logistics and combat service support backbone for operations throughout the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility.

Oklahoma National Guard Soldiers salute during the national anthem at a change of command ceremony for the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Camp Gruber Training Center, Oklahoma, Aug. 14, 2022. Col. Colby Wyatt served as the commander of the 45th IBCT for three years and relinquished command to Col. Andrew Ballenger. (Oklahoma Army National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command welcomes new Commanding General, Gen. Gary Brito.U.S. Army Photo by Jean Wines.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Maher, commander of the "BattleKings Battalion," 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, leads his battalion as it marches during the pass in review as part of the 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, change of command ceremony on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, June 16, 2022. The "Spartan Brigade," 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, will complete reception and qualification on all its modernized vehicle platforms in the fall of 2022, and the 3rd ID will be complete its modernization in 2023, fulfilling the Army's modernization priority.

U.S. Marines with 2d Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, salute during a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 25, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Douglas Bahrns, the outgoing commanding officer, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Jonathan Landers.

U.S. Army Maj. Dana Cook, commander of troops, Col. Werner J. Barden, 519th Hospital Center commander, Lt. Col. Julie A. Hundertmark, outgoing 512th Field Hospital commander and Lt. Col. William D. Spruill, incoming 512th Field Hospital commander, inspect the troops during a change of command ceremony, June 29, 2022 at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Kaiserslautern, Germany. Spruill assumed command of the unit from Hundertmark.

U.S. Army Reserve soldiers assign to Alpha Company, 392nd Expeditionary Signal Battalion, 359th Theater Tactical Signal Brigade, prepares to head overseas to their assigned missions in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. Maj. Gen. Tina Boyd presided over the ceremony and was joined by members of the community to include Army Reserve Ambassadors COL (Ret) Edna Cummings, CW5 (Ret) Phyllis Wilson, American Legion Post 22 Towson and the Coast Guard Chief Warrant and Warrant Officers Association (CWOA).

Paratroopers assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion attend an award and promotion ceremony for fellow Paratroopers on Fort Bragg, NC, Aug. 5, 2022. Paratroopers recieved awards for work done both in Poland and in Garrison.

Col. Terry R. Tillis, center, commander of the "Spartan Brigade," 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, passes the "Gila Battalion," 9th Brigade Engineer Battalion's colors to Lt. Col. Clinton Brown, left, incoming commander of the 9th BEB, 2nd ABCT, 3rd ID, during a change of command ceremony on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, Georgia, May 19, 2022. The passing of the colors signifies the transfer of command and with it the responsibility for the readiness and welfare of the 9th BEB's Soldiers and Families.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 7th Army Training Command, Joint Multinational Readiness Center conduct a change of command ceremony for the Commander of Operations Group in Hohenfels, Germany Aug. 11, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

The 1st Cavalry Division celebrated its 101st birthday with friendly competitions and ceremonies to build camaraderie amongst First Team Troopers, Sep. 12-16 at Fort Hood, Texas.To conclude the week-long celebration, thousands of Troopers and local community members attended a ceremony that was held to pay respects to the history and tradition of the cavalry.

The U.S. Army Support Activity Celebrated a Change of Command on 21 July 2022. The outgoing Commander COL Jon A. Brierton had passed the colors to incoming Commander COL Mitchell J. Wiesniewski. The Ceremony had taken place at Fort Dix on Sharp Field with family, friends, service members and civilians in attendance. During the Ceremony Remarks were made by Commanding General of the 99th Readiness Division Major General Rodney L. Faulk. Also in attendance and remarks were read by the Director of IMCOM-Readiness Ms. Brenda Lee McCullough, she has held the position as Director of IMCOM-Readiness since 27 November 2016. Farewell remarks were made by Outgoing Commander COL Jon. A. Brierton with his thankful words to the Fort Dix Military and Civilian workforce as he showed much appreciation during his time as Commander. The Incoming Commander COL Mitchell J. Wiesniewski followed by addressing the attendees during his remarks on a very hot morning stating he was ready for the position and i

Maj. Gen. Gregory Anderson receives the guidon from Lt. Gen. Paul T. Calvert, deputy commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, during the 10th Mountain Division (LI) change of command ceremony Sept. 9 on Sexton Field. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jared Richardson, Company D, 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment incoming commander, receives the guidon from Lt. Col. Jason Brubaker, 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment commander, during a ceremony June 28, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

Oklahoma Army National Guard Lt. Col. Tonia Toben relinquishes her command of the 345th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 90th Troop Command, to Lt. Col. Darrin Fox during a change of command ceremony held at Camp Gruber Training Center, near Braggs, Oklahoma, May 14, 2022. Toben served as the 345th CSSB commander for more than three years. (Oklahoma National Guard photo by Spc. Danielle Rayon)

Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Todd M. Lazaroski relinquishes duties as the commanding general of the 87th Training Division to Brig. Gen. Kelly A. Hagenbeck during a ceremony held at Hanson Reserve Center in Hoover, Alabama, June 4.The passing of colors from an outgoing commander to an incoming commander ensures that the unit and its Soldiers are never without official leadership, represents a continuation of trust, and signifies an allegiance of Soldiers to their unit's commander.

Command Sgt. Maj. Sherwood, incoming senior enlisted advisor for the Maintain Battalion,” 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, takes her position in front of the battalion at Cashe Garden on Fort Stewart, Georgia, Aug.,17, 2022. An assumption of responsibility ceremony is rich in symbolism and heritage within the military and reinforces the role of the noncommissioned officer in the Army, highlighting their role as a bridge between the commander and the formation's enlisted Soldiers.

Gen. Darryl Williams, commander of U.S. Army Europe & Africa passes the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa guidon to Maj. Gen. Todd Wasmund incoming U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa during the SETAF-AF Change of Command Ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, July 14, 2022.

290th Military Police Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve, held a change of command ceremony and a change of responsibility ceremony at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, on Friday, August 5, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. John Dunn relinquished command to the incoming commander, Col. Jonathan Bennett. Following the change of command, Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffery Culberson assumed responsibility from Command Sgt. Maj. Kyle Jenkins.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Todd Sunday relinquishes command of the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division to Lt. Col. Leif Thaxton at Fort Bragg, NC on June 21, 2022.

Two Change of Responsibility ceremonies were held consecutively at the Regional Training Institute Plaza, Fort Harrison, Mont. on July 19. Command Sgt. Maj. Jerry Brown relinquished responsibility of the 208th RTI to Command Sgt. Maj. William Frank. Command Sgt. Maj. Frederick Haerter then relinquished responsibility of 95th Troop Command to Brown. Haerter has been selected to become the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Pacific Command at Fort Shafter, Hawaii. We wish the Sergeants Major the best of luck in their new positions and thank them for their service to their state and nation.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Christopher M. Haar, outgoing commanding officer of CLR-3, right, passes the unit colors to Col. Jason B. Berg, the incoming commanding officer, left, during the change of command ceremony at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, June 28, 2023. Marines and Sailors with CLR-3 celebrated Col. Christopher M. Haars successful years commanding the unit and welcome the incoming commander, Col. Jason B. Berg.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Maher, incoming commander of the BattleKings Battalion," 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, prepares to address the battalion during the BattleKings' change of command ceremony on Cottrell Field at Fort Stewart, June 14, 2022. The change of command ceremony signifies the transfer of command and with it the responsibility for the readiness and welfare of the unit's Soldiers and Families.

Joint-Service US Military Instructors assigned to the Task Force Georgia Train and Equip Program (GTEP), stand in formation during the start of a Certification Ceremony, held at Rock City, Georgia. The ceremony marks the completion of the third tactical training phase, for Republic of Georgia Army Soldier from the 16th Mountain Battalion, participating in the program. GETEP is a phased training initiative that enhances operational capabilities of select Georgian units to increase security of Georgia's borders and promote stability within the region. Subject Operation/Series: GETEP Base: Rock City Country: Georgia (The Country) (GEO)

010810-A-4813S-002. Base: Fort Gordon State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Post Command Sgt. Maj. Philson Tavernier, middle right, salutes during the Army Training Center and Fort Jackson change of command ceremony where Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly assumed command of the installatin.

U.S. Army Soldiers in class 09-22 of the 7th Army Training Comand (7ATC) Non-Commissioned Officer Academy's (NCOA) Basic Leadership Course conduct their graduation ceremony in Grafenwoehr, Germany, Aug. 30, 2022. The 7ATC NCOA mission is to train and develop future leaders who are adaptive, disciplined, and ready to lead effectively at the squad and team levels.

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division return home to Fort Bragg, N.C., on July 12, 2022. Elements of the 82nd ABN DIV Immediate Response Force deployed to Poland as part of Task Force-82 to support the United State's decision to increase presence and activities in Europe as part of our Nation's strong commitment to our NATO Allies. (U.S. Army Video by Spc. Lilliana Fraser)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to 335th Signal Command (Theater), depart for an overseas deployment, May 15, 2022. These Soldiers are heading overseas on a scheduled 9 month deployment to the U.S. Central Command Area of Operations.(U.S. Army Reserve video by SGT. Tarako Braswell)

U.S. Marines with Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 march in formation during a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Dec. 1, 2022. In accordance with Force Design 2030, VMA-542 transitioned from the AV-8B Harrier II jet to the F-35B Lightning II fighter jet and redesignated as a Marine fighter-attack squadron. VMA-542 was a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, march in formation during a change of command ceremony at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, May 5, 2022. The change of command ceremony represents the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, to the incoming commanding officer.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Katherinne Torres, the administration chief of Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, renders a salute to Brig. Gen. Jason Woodworth, the commanding general of MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, during an appointment ceremony for Sgt. Maj. Fausto H. Cabrera, the incoming sergeant major for MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, at the Santa Margarita Ranch House on Camp Pendleton, California, Jan. 26, 2023. Sgt. Maj. Cabrera now stands as the most senior enlisted Marine of MCI-West, MCB Camp Pendleton, which is comprised of five Marine Corps bases and stations in the southwestern United States.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kofie Primus, 21st Theater Sustainment Command incoming senior enlisted advisor, receives the guidon in preparation to accept responsibility from U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Howard, 21st Theater Sustainment Command outgoing senior enlisted advisor, during a change of responsibility ceremony in Daenner Kaserne, Germany, June 3, 2022. The passing of the guidon during a change of responsibility ceremony is a symbol of the transfer of authority from one senior enlisted advisor to the next.

Tough Ombres from the 90th Sustainment Brigade conduct a change of command ceremony on Camp Pike in North Little Rock, Arkansas today. U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Kevin Meisler, Commander of the 4th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), is officiating the ceremony.Col. Stephen M. Pazak is relinquishing command to Col. Dixon T. Brockbank from Perry, Utah after serving as the brigade's commander since June 1, 2020.

Members of the 509th Bomb Wing ruck during the annual police week memorial ruck march on Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., May 16, 2022. Participants rucked four miles stopping at eight different stations to honor fallen defenders, doing various exercises at each station.

Lt. Col. Eric Megerdoomian relinquishes command of the 1-229th Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade to Lt. Col. Lori Perkins at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. on Jun. 15, 2022.

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, render a salute to the flag and National Anthems of France and the United States of America, June 4, 2022, during the D-Day 78 Commemoration of the 164th General Hospital, at Bolleville, La Haye, Normandie, France. This ceremony was dedicated to the 164th General Hospital.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Todd Hopkins, chief of staff of Task Force Gator, 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Florida Army National Guard stand in front of a color guard and formation of Soldiers from two task forces during the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine Transfer of Authority ceremony in Grafenwoehr, Germany, August 8, 2022. Soldiers from Task Force Orion, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New York Army National Guard assumed the JMTG-U mission from Task Force Gator, and will ensure the combat effectiveness of Ukrainian military personnel training on systems and equipment issued under the United States Presidential Drawdown Authority.

LTC Dan Raymond, outgoing commander, Col. Tom Wargo, commander of the 205th Regimental Training Institute and LTC Josh Daily, incoming commander marching during the change of command ceremony for 2nd Battalion, 205th Regimental Training Institute, August 6, 2022 on Camp Murray, Wash. 2nd Battalion is responsible for the training of future leaders of the National Guard, including managing the state's Officer Candidate School, Warrant Officer Candidate School and Non-Commissioned Officer School. Last month 2nd Battalion operated OCS Phase III at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash for 22 different state OCS Programs.

Col. Zara Walters prepares to transfer the guidon during the change of command ceremony for the 144th Digital Liaison Detachment on Aug. 7, 2022 at Geiger Field, Airway Heights, Wash. The 144th Digital Liaison Detachment provides liaison capability between Army forces, Joint/Coalition Forces Land Component Command, Joint Task Force, subordinate headquarters and multinational headquarters to ensure communication, mutual understanding, and unity of purpose and action.

U.S. Army Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 112th Field Artillery Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard, recite the charge of the noncommissioned officer during a ceremony at Sharp Field on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Nov. 6, 2022. The induction ceremony was held before the battalion change of responsibility and recognized all of the new NCOs of the battalion.

Lt. Col. Scott Gale, Commander of 2-2 Assault Helicopter Battalion, receives the battalion colors from the outgoing Command Sergeant Major of the battalion, Command Sgt. Maj. Rosendo Henriquez.Command Sgt. Maj Rosendo Henriquez relinquished responsibility of 2-2 Assault Helicopter Battalion to Command Sgt. Major Morgan Evans. He was in responsibility of the battalion for the past three years since 2019. Command Sgt. Maj. Henriquez was awarded the U.S. Army Meritorious Service Medal for his time and efforts at the battalion.

U.S. Marines from Marine Light Attack helicopter Squadron 367 conduct a deactivation ceremony, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, April 22, 2022. HMLA-367s deactivation is in accordance with Force Design 2030 as the Marine Corps modernizes and continues to be a lethal fighting force.

From left, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Brian C. Tripp, the outgoing Commander Public Health Activity - Italy, Col. Kenneth D. Spicer, the commander of Public Health Command Europe, and Lt. Col. Serena T. Mukai, the incoming Commander, render salute during the Change of Command ceremony at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy, August 3, 2022.

Lt. Col. Ryan McLaughlin, commander of 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, marches in front of his battalion during the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team casing of the colors ceremony October 13, 2022 at Watkins Field on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wa.

The U.S. Army Reserves 200th Military Police Command welcomed Brig. Gen. Cary Cowan Jr. as its new commanding general during a change-of-command ceremony Aug. 26 on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Cowan assumed command from Maj. Gen. John Hussey during the ceremony, which was presided over by Maj. Gen. Gregory Mosser, U.S. Army Reserve Command deputy commanding general.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jonathan Hutchison, former commanding officer of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, gives his remarks during a change of command ceremony at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, June 16, 2022. The ceremony is a Marine Corps tradition which honors the off- going commanding officers effort and dedication while also recognizing the oncoming commanding officers commitment to the unit.

U.S. Marines with Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, pose for a group photo at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Nov. 3, 2022.

U.S. Army Soldiers stand at the position of attention in formation during the 2022 New Jersey National Guard Military Review in Sea Girt, New Jersey, Oct. 16, 2022. New Jersey National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are reviewed annually by New Jerseys governor in this 130-year-old event.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Shon K. Antolin, right, outgoing command sergeant major of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Hawaii Army National guard hands the guidon to Col. David T. Hatcher, commander of the 29th IBCT, during the 29th IBCT change of responsibility ceremony, Kapolei, Hawaii, Jan. 7, 2024. The transfer of colors signifies the passing of responsibility for the accomplishment of the mission and the welfare of the troops.

NAPLES, Italy (Nov. 20, 2018) Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith, left, speaks to Sailors during an all-hands call at U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet headquarters at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, Nov. 20, 2018. Smith and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson visited Naples to show their appreciation and collect feedback from Sailors on various issues.

As part of military medicine's "Pivot to Readiness", the U.S. Army Medical Command is reorganizing and re-designating its Regional Health Commands to Medical Readiness Commands. During four ceremonies the Regional Health Commands will reflag and become Medical Readiness Commands.We are building the future of Army Medicine. Medical reform and restructuring will enhance the ability to recruit, organize, train, and equip medical Soldiers and leaders capable of supporting the current and future force.

The 149th Fighter Squadron, Virginia Air National Guard, welcomes Lt. Col. Lawrence Dietrich as the new commander during a change of command ceremony June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Dietrich took command of the unit from Lt. Col. William J. Shnowske who served as the commander since Aug. 8, 2020.

U.S. Marines with 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, salute the battalion colors during a relief and appointment ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Aug. 24, 2022. During the ceremony, Sgt. Maj. Joseph Sorgie relinquished his duties as battalion sergeant major of 2nd Maintenance Battalion to Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Carranza.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Luckey, 304th Expeditionary Signal Battalion-Enhanced Battalion Commander saluting his new team after taking charge as Battalion Commander at the Freedom Field in Camp Humphreys, South Korea on May 12, 2022.

Marine Forces Special Operations Command hosts a change of command ceremony, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 23, 2022. The change of command ceremony represents the transition of command and responsibility of MARSOC from Maj. Gen. James F. Glynn to Maj. Gen. Matthew G. Trollinger.

A group of U.S. Army Rangers, assigned to 5th Ranger Training Battalion, salutes the colors during a retirment ceremony for Command Sgt. Maj. Joey D. Blacksher on Stringer Drop Zone, Dahlonega, Ga., February 2, 2024. Command Sgt. Maj. Blacksher served 22 years of dedicated serve to the U.S. Army and the United States of America. Army Reserve

Ali Al Salem Base Honor Guard members post the colors during the 387th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron inactivation ceremony at Cargo City, Kuwait, June 3, 2022. Lt. Col. Bruce Lewis, outgoing commander of the 387th ESFS, led 105 active, reserve, guard and Department of Defense contractor personnel providing security and force protection to over 400 U.S. and coalition forces.

The newly uncased 2nd Brigade colors signify the activation of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division at Pershing Parade Field, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska on June 6, 2022. The activation returns the historic 11th Airborne Division to an active Army role, with a focus on operations in extreme cold weather and mountainous high-altitude environments. The ceremonies at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson reflagged the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, into the 1st and 2nd brigade combat teams, 11th Airborne Division, respectively.

U.S. Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force salute the colors during the III MEF change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 26, 2024. During the ceremony, Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman relinquished his duties as commanding general of III MEF to Lt. Gen. Roger B. Turner.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Wesley E. Shields, Paratroopers assigned to the 54th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, stands at attention during assumption of responsibility ceremony at Caserma Del Din, Oct. 4, 2022, Vicenza, Italy. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

U.S. Army soldiers participate in a Change of Command Ceremony for outgoing commander U.S. Army Lt. Col. Derek Drouin and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Levi Thompson, the new commander of 6-9 Cavalry Regiment at a ceremony in Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

Airman 1st Class Amanda Oster, 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, holds onto the base flag during a retreat ceremony June 13 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The ceremony was held to honor of Brig. Gen. Scott Cain, 96th TW commander, before his change of command June 30. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ilka Cole)

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Fernando Fuentes, the company first sergeant of Delta Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, gives a motivational speech to the new Marines after receiving their Eagle, Globe, and Anchor at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 21, 2024. The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor ceremony is the final event of the Crucible and represents the transformation of recruit to Marine. Marine Corps

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 205th Regimental Training Institute salute during the change of command ceremony for 2nd Battalion, 205th Regimental Training Institute, August 6, 2022 on Camp Murray, Wash. 2nd Battalion is responsible for the training of future leaders of the National Guard, including managing the state's Officer Candidate School, Warrant Officer Candidate School and Non-Commissioned Officer School. Last month 2nd Battalion operated OCS Phase III at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash for 22 different state OCS Programs.

U.S. Navy Capt. Eric Castillo, U.S. Africa Command J2 Molesworth outgoing commandant, center-right, salutes Brig. Gen. Melvin Carter, USAFRICOM director of intelligence, left, as part of a ceremony at RAF Molesworth, England, Aug. 2, 2022. The ceremony was for the deactivation of USAFRICOM J2 Molesworth, and the activation of the Joint Intelligence Command, USAFRICOM.

U.S. Army Col. Amy Downing, left, commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Sustainment Brigade and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Arthur Hynes, right, command sergeant major of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Sustainment Brigade, unravels their flag and streamers during the color uncasing ceremony marking their arrival into the European theater at Grafenwöhr, Germany, Oct. 6, 2022. The 101st Airborne Division and 1st Infantry Division unite in Europe 77 years later to work alongside other NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps.

The Color Guard assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) salutes during a Memorial Service on Sept. 11, 2022, at Veghel, Netherlands. 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) units honor World War II Veterans and the people of Holland by participating in Operation Market Garden 78 commemorations in and around Eindhoven, Netherlands. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs.)

U.S. Army Soldiers with Company C, 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment, perform the daily flag detail June 8, 2022 at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Flag handlers ensure correct folding of the flag and ensure the flag does not touch the ground.

UU.S. Marines with The Basic School participate in The Basic School Change of Command ceremony on Marine Corps Base Quantico, July 14, 2022. The Basic School mission is to train and educate newly commissioned or appointed officers in the high standards of professional knowledge, esprit-de-corps, and leadership to prepare them for duty as company grade officers in the operating forces, with particular emphasis on the duties, responsibilities, and warfighting skills required of a rifle platoon commander.

030131-F-9032T-003. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: CENTCOM

The 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band and the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Color Guard performs during the 2022 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show at MCAS Miramar, San Diego, California, Sept. 23, 2022. The theme for the 2022 MCAS Miramar Air Show, Marines Fight, Evolve and Win, reflects the Marine Corps ongoing modernization efforts to prepare for future conflicts.

LTC Dan Raymond, outgoing commander passes the battalion colors to Col. Tom Wargo, commander of the 205th Regimental Training Institute during the change of command ceremony for 2nd Battalion, 205th Regimental Training Institute, August 6, 2022 on Camp Murray, Wash. 2nd Battalion is responsible for the training of future leaders of the National Guard, including managing the state's Officer Candidate School, Warrant Officer Candidate School and Non-Commissioned Officer School. Last month 2nd Battalion operated OCS Phase III at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash for 22 different state OCS Programs.

A U.S. Marine Corps color guard with 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (LAR), 2d Marine Division, bows their heads for the invocation at a change of command ceremony on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Scott Cuomo, the outgoing battalion commander, relinquished command of 2d LAR to Lt. Col. Charles Miller.

U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Julian Flores, right, passes the Marine Corps colors to Lt. Col. Tyler Burnham, left, during a change of command ceremony for Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 16, 2022. The passing of colors is a time-honored tradition, symbolizing the passing of responsibilities and authority of command from one leader to another.

U.S. Marines with 3d Marine Division conduct a rehearsal for a battle colors rededication ceremony at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan Sept. 13, 2022. The ceremony commemorates the Divisions 80th Anniversary and its legacy of valor, honor, and fidelity. The 3d Marine Division was activated at Camp Elliot, San Diego, Sept. 16, 1942 and has taken part in combat operations from World War II and Vietnam through Iraq and Afghanistan. The current Marines of 3d Marine Division continue to build on this legacy today as a critical part of the stand-in force within the first island chain of the Indo-Pacific.

The 9th Army Band performs during the reflagging ceremony of the 11th Airborne Division, June 6, 2022, at Pershing Parade Field, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. The activation returns the historic 11th Airborne Division to an active Army role, with a focus on operations in extreme cold weather and mountainous high-altitude environments. The ceremonies at Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson reflagged the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, into the 1st and 2nd brigade combat teams, 11th Airborne Division, respectively.

U.S. Soldiers with Brigade Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 588th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division perform a company change of commander ceremony, at Zagan, Poland, Aug. 31, 2022. The 3/4th ABCT is among other units assigned to 1st Infantry Division, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward-deployed corps in Europe.

1AD CAB conducts a change of command ceremony for HHC Brigade, where CPT Stephen Balaze will relinquish command to CPT Darim Nessler.

U.S. Marines with the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego Color Guard march in formation during a graduation ceremony at MCRD San Diego, Sept. 16, 2022. Graduation took place at the completion of the 13-week transformation, which included training for drill, marksmanship, basic combat skills, and Marine Corps customs and traditions.

U.S. Army Col. Robert S. McChrystal, left, incoming Regimental Commander of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment, receives the unit colors from Brig. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, Commanding General of the 7th Army Training Command, during a change of command ceremony at Grafenwoehr, Germany, June 10, 2022. The Dragoons bid farewell to the 81st COL of the Regiment, COL Joseph M. Ewers, and his family, and welcomed Colonel Robert S. McChrystal as the 82nd Colonel of the Regiment.

U.S. Army Soldier assigned to the 10th Mountain Division (LI) show their might by performing a live demonstration in front of the pubic on Fort Drum, NY Sep. 1, 2021. The demonstration included UH-60M Black Hawk and AH-64D Apache helicopters.

220928-N-EH998-1028 GULF OF ADEN (Sept. 28, 2022) Sideboys salute Capt. Robert Francis, commander of Destroyer Squadron 50, during a change of command ceremony aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) in the Gulf of Aden, Sept. 28. USS Nitze is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

U.S. Army Col. Geoffrey A. Norman, left, deputy commanding officer - support of the 1st Infantry Division gives a speech about U.S. Army 1st Lt. Daizjah Morris, executive officer to the deputy commanding officer - support, assigned to the 1st Infantry Division during her promotion ceremony at Poznan, Poland, May 3, 2022. The 1st Infantry Division is among other units assigned to V Corps, Americas forward deployed corps in Europe that works alongside NATO allies.

Recruits with Oscar Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion execute drill movements during Final Drill practice at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Dec. 7, 2022. Final Drill tests drill instructors on their ability to give drill commands and tests recruits on their ability to execute the movements properly.

U.S. Marine with the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island Band, perform during Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115s change of command ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina, May 5, 2022. The change of command ceremony represents the official passing of authority from the outgoing commanding officer, to the incoming commanding officer.

U.S. Marines with the U.S. Marines Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC) band participate in the MARFORPAC change of command ceremony on Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 7, 2022. Lt. Gen. Steven R. Rudder relinquished command to Lt. Gen. William M. Jurney. With two-thirds of the Marine Corps operating forces assigned, MARFORPAC operates in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility, the largest Geographical Combatant Command in the U.S. Department of Defense.

Command Sgt. Maj. Jamie Lopez, the senior enlisted advisor of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, welcomes and discusses his expectations for incoming Soldiers during a patching ceremony held at Fort Stewart, Georgia, April 19, 2022. During the ceremony, Soldiers received the division patch, which represents the history of the Marne Division; the three white stripes are symbolic of the three major operations in which the division participated during World War I, the Battle of the Marne River, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and the St. Mihiel Offensive, and the blue symbolizes the loyalty of those who placed their lives on the altar of self-sacrifice in defense of the American ideals of liberty and democracy.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Richard Martin, commanding officer of III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, addresses Marines after a three-mile conditioning hike on Sept. 15, 2022 at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. This hike is the first in a series of hikes aimed to condition the Marines of III MIG. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

U.S. Marines with 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division conduct a change of command ceremony on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, June 3, 2022. The ceremony represented the transfer of responsibility, authority, and accountability from Col. Matthew Tracy to Col. Erick Clark

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Megan Kerr and Staff Sgt. Kenneth Van Winkle, security force members from the 438th Air Expeditionary Advisory Squadron, hoist a flag during 9/11 events, Kabul International Airport, Sept. 11, 2011. Kerr and Van Winkle were part of an all-volunteer team that raised, lowered and folded flags for more than 150 wing members.

Capt. Alec DeGroat, incoming commander of U.S. Army Air Ambulance Detachment Yakima, 2-158 Assault Helicopter Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade receives the guidon from the battalion commander Lt. Col. Simon Kim at the detachment's change of command ceremony at Yakima Training Center, Wash. on Jun. 9, 2022.

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