Air Force Command Ceremonies

A collection of images capturing various Air Force command ceremonies, featuring service members in uniforms, flags, and formal settings, conveying a sense of honor and duty.

U.S. Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, passes a guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, during an AFSOC change of command ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Dec. 9, 2022. The passing of the guidon to Bauernfeind represented his assumption of command of AFSOC.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel David Carrick, 106th Rescue Wing Mission Support Group Deputy Commander and Colonel Glyn Weir, 106th Rescue Wing Mission Support Group Commander, stand at attention during Carricks retirement ceremony on F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, N.Y., February 3, 2024. Carrick is retiring after 39 years of service in the Air National Guard. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Col. Rusty Ballard, the commander of the 182nd Operations Group, Illinois Air National Guard, receives command of the 182nd Airlift Wing during a ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, June 7, 2022. Outgoing wing commander Col. Daniel McDonough then assumed command of the Illinois Air National Guard from Maj. Gen. Peter Nezamis.

Maj. Mark Howard, 433rd Security Forces Squadron commander, delivers remarks during the 433rd SFS assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 15, 2022. The 433rd SFS trains unit members to meet wartime mission requirements while providing support assistance to its active-duty counterparts.

U.S. Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff, passes a guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command, during an AFSOC change of command ceremony at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Dec. 9, 2022. The passing of the guidon to Bauernfeind represented his assumption of command of AFSOC.

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.

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.

U.S Air Force Col. Taylor Ferrell is presented as the new 12th Flying Training Wing commander after he received the unit guidon during the 12th FTW change of command ceremony August 1, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. The 12th FTW consists of three flying groups and a maintenance group that is responsible for Pilot Instructor Training, Combat Systems Officer Training, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Pilot Indoctrination, Basic Sensor Operator Qualification and all U.S. Air Force Academy flying programs.

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 Brig. Gen. Daniel McDonough, right, the incoming commander of the Illinois Air National Guard, takes the oath of office during change of command ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, June 7, 2022. McDonough then assumed command of the Illinois Air National Guard from Maj. Gen. Peter Nezamis.

U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Hampton, left, commander, 165th Mission Support Group, 165th Airlift Wing (AW), Georgia Air National Guard (ANG), pins a commander pin on Lt. Col. Ryan Lathan, right, incoming commander, 224th Joint Communications Squadron, Georgia ANG, during a change of command ceremony in Brunswick, Ga., Feb. 3, 2024. The 224th JCSS, a geographically separated unit of the 165th AW, is tasked with delivering tactical deployable communications worldwide at a moments notice. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Col. William H. Hunter, 81st Training Wing commander, takes the 81st Mission Support Group guidon from Col. Ryan A. Crowley, outgoing 81st MSG commander, during the 81st MSG change of command ceremony in the Bay Breeze Event Center on Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, July 12, 2022. The passing of the guidon is a ceremonial symbol of exchanging command from one commander to another.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Daniel McDonough, right, the incoming commander of the Illinois Air National Guard, takes the oath of office during change of command ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, June 7, 2022. McDonough then assumed command of the Illinois Air National Guard from Maj. Gen. Peter Nezamis.

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.

Gen. Thomas Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, is congratulated by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. during the AFGSC change of command ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Dec. 7, 2022. Activated in 2009, AFGSC is responsible for the nations intercontinental ballistic missiles, the whole of its bomber force, the Air Force Nuclear Command, Control and Communications systems, and operational maintenance support to organizations across the nuclear enterprise.

Col. Elizabeth Paget, 310th Operations Group commander, passes the 310th Operations Support Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Jesse D. Cash, as he assumes command of the squadron during a ceremony, Feb. 3, 2024, at Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. The 310th OSS commander directs the operations of a 67-member team, conducting mission qualification training, advanced weapons and tactics and intelligence supporting a variety of space operations missions. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Col. Jeffrey B. Edwards receives a round of applause after being awarded the Legion of Merit by Brig. Gen. Donna M. Prigmore, the commander of the Oregon Air National Guard, during a change of command ceremony for the 173rd Fighter Wing, May 15, 2022 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore. During the ceremony Edwards relinquished command to Col. Lee Bouma after his tenure, which began in 2019.

Lt. Col. Kenneth McCormick, the newly appointed commander of the 124th Maintenance Group, assumes command of the MXG during an assumption of command ceremony at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, Jan. 7, 2023. McCormick embarks on a maintenance command after spending his early career as a pilot and cyber operations.

Personnel from the 49th Medical Group furl and case the guidon during the 49th Medical Support Squadron inactivation ceremony April 29, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. The tradition signifies the end of a units mission and serves as a final symbol of closure for all those in the past and present who were a part of the organization.

Col. Elizabeth Paget, 310th Operations Group commander, passes the 6th Space Operations Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Americo Penaflor, as he assumes command of the squadron during a ceremony on Feb. 3, 2024, on Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado. The 6th SOPS provides a backup command and control center for the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program which provides strategic and tactical weather prediction to aid military operations planning at sea, on land, and in the air. Air Force

US Air Force Lieutenant General John W. Handy, Commander 21st Air Force, officiated at the 437th Airlift Wing Change of Command, as Brigadier General Steven A. Roser relinquishes command to Brigadier General (Select) Robert D. Bishop Jr. Base: Charleston Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010713-F-7906C-039. Base: Kelly Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: AFMC

Lt. Col. Alvin Bradford, 507th Medical Squadron commander, promotes to the rank of colonel during a promotion ceremony September 30, 2022, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Jason Kolacia, 133rd Test Squadron Commander, speaks at a promotion and retirement 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.

Chief Master Sergeant James P. Seballes, Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) Senior Enlisted Leader, left, shakes hands with Brig. Gen. Thierry Blanc, Deputy Commander of French Space Command, center, before a meeting at the STARCOM Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., July 19, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Joshua Carroll, right, 17th Civil Engineer Squadron incoming commander, assumes command from Col. Eugene Moore III, 17th Mission Support Group commander, during the 17th CES change of command ceremony at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 17, 2022. Change of commands are a military tradition representing the transfer of responsibilities from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Corey Martin, left, 18th Air Force commander, presents Senior Airman Deniece Lobban, loadmaster with MOOSE 98, with the Distinguished Flying Cross during a ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, Dec. 9, 2022. Martin recognized 24 Airmen for their heroic actions during Operation Allies Refuge. The Distinguished Flying Cross is awarded to any officer or enlisted person of the U.S. armed forces for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.

U.S. Air Force Col. Joshua Wood, 51st Fighter Wing commander, presents U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jordan Locke, 51st Security Forces Squadron flight sergeant, the Bronze Star with Valor during a presentation ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Oct. 12, 2022. Locke was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for defending U.S. assets and personnel against a terrorist attack while serving at Manda Bay, Republic of Kenya.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Danny Dacey, right, 17th Healthcare Operations Squadron outgoing commander, relinquishes command to Col. Derek Larbie, 17th Medical Group commander, during the 17th HCOS change of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center, Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 10, 2022. Passing the guidon physically represents the symbolism of passing the squadron responsibilities to the next commander.

Col. Lucas Teel, 4th Fighter Wing commander, speaks about the Air Force heritage during the annual Air Force ball at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, September 17, 2022. The ceremony fostered esprit de corps and pride among Airmen through a shared history of exceptional service.

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.

Major Gen. Tomer Bar, Israeli Air Force commander, shakes hands with ,U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., during the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, England, July 15, 2022. Brown attended RIAT to meet with air and space chiefs from other nations and demonstrate the Department of the Air Forces commitment to its allies and partners.

U.S. Air Force Col. Sergio Anaya, commander of the 62nd Operations Group, gives remarks during the 8th Airlift Squadron change of command ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, June 3, 2022. Lt. Col. Kyle Stewart, outgoing commander of the 8th AS, relinquished command to Lt. Col. Nicholas Disney. Aircrews of the 8th AS operate the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, directly supporting numerous U.S. government agencies and international forces in global operations ranging from troop airlift/airdrop to lifesaving medevac and humanitarian/disaster relief.

U.S. Air Force Col. Corey Simmons, left, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, and Col. Elizabeth Aptekar, incoming 60th Mission Support Group commander, salute during a change of command ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California June 29, 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.

With the 14th Air Force Change of Command Ceremony at a close, US Air Force General Richard B. Meyers, Air Force Space Command and US Space Command Commander congratulates Major General Gerald Perryman Jr. and MGEN Robert Hinson. MGEN Perryman Jr., leaves Vandenberg for Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, where he'll become the Aerospace Command and Control and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Center Commander. MGEN Hinson assumes the command of the 14th Air Force following an assignment at Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB, Colorado, where he was Director of Operations. The change of command ceremony took place on May 6th, 1999, in front of the headquarters Building at.... Complete Scene Caption: With the 14th Air Force Change of Command Ceremony at a close, US Air Force General Richard B. Meyers, Air Force Space Command and US Space Command Commander congratulates Major General Gerald Perryman Jr. and MGEN Robert Hinson. MGEN Perryman Jr., leaves Vandenberg for Langley

020903-F-3091M-047. Base: Randolph Air Force Base State: Texas (TX) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air National Guard Col. Nate Aysta assumes command of the 148th Fighter Wing from Col. Chris Blomquist at the 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth, Minn., Sept. 10, 2022. U.S. Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General presided over the Change of Command Ceremony.

Lt. Col. Darrick Duran, right, 374th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, receives a guidon from Col. Michael Brough, 374th Medical Group commander, during the 374th OMRS assumption of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 28, 2022. Receiving the guidon signifies Duran accepting command of the 374th OMRS.

U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. Douglas Schiess (2nd from right) receives his second star and transfers into the USSF at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, May 5, 2022. Assigned to Headquarters, Space Operations Command, Schiess serves as the Deputy Commanding General for Operations.

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.

U.S. Air Force Col. Janette Ketchum relinquishes command from the 87th Mission Support Group during a change of command ceremony on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., June 16, 2022. Ketchum relinquished command of the 87th MSG to U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Grimmett.

9/11 Remembrance ceremony, Sep. 12, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Kelly Air Field, Texas. On Sep. 11, 2011, a terrorist attack was carried out against the United States of America. This ceremony was held to remember the 2,977 lives lost, You will never be forgotten”.

Col. Kevin Martin, 374th Operations Group outgoing commander, passes the guidon to Col. Andrew Campbell, 374th Airlift Wing commander, during the 374th OG change of command ceremony at Yokota Air Base, Japan, June 22, 2022. The change of command ceremony formally transferred command of the 374th OG from Martin to Col. Jun Oh.

U.S. Air Force Col. David Moon Halasi-Kun, 104th Fighter Wing Commander transfers the guidon to Lt. Col Andrew Shaggy St. Jean, 104FW Mission Support Group commander during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

Members from the 544th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group participate in a ceremony at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum in Lowry, Colo., Sept. 26, 2022. The ceremony reactivated and realigned a group, three squadrons and a detachment that will support the intelligence mission of the U.S. Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kristoffer Smith, 20th Fighter Wing commander, gives a speech during the 75th Annual Air Force Ball at the Carolina Skies club at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Sep. 16, 2022. The ball commemorates the U.S. Air Force becoming a separate entity from the U.S. Army by order of the National Security Act of 1947.

U.S. Air Force Col. James Gherdovich (left), 319th Mission Support Group commander, passes the 319th Communication Squadron guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Douglas Oh, 319th CS incoming commander, during the 319th CS change of command ceremony May 26, 2022, at the Northern Lights Club on Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota. The guidon was symbolically passed to the incoming commander, symbolizing the acceptance of command.

Col Becky Beers, previous commander, Los Angeles Garrison, right, retires the Los Angeles Garrison guidon with Lt. Gen. Michael Guetlein, commander, Space Systems Command, left, on July 14 at Los Angeles Air Force Base. Chief Master Sgt. Michael Groder, acting Senior Enlisted Leader for SBD 3, assists with the guidon.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Patrick E. Slavin assumes command of the 129th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron during his Assumption of Command Ceremony at the 129th Rescue Wing, Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif., Sept. 10, 2022

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Patrick E. Slavin assumes command of the 129th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron during his Assumption of Command Ceremony at the 129th Rescue Wing, Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif., Sept. 10, 2022

More than 600 Airmen assigned to the 320th Training Squadron graduated from Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, July 7-8, 2022. Col. Catherine Barrington, 90th Missile Wing commander, reviewed the ceremony.

Michigan Air National Guard members attend a 110th Wing change of command ceremony at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, June 4, 2022. Col. Daniel J. Kramer II assumed command of the wing from Col. Shawn E. Holtz.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. presents the Legion of Merit medal to Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff Lt. Gen. Viorel Pană during a full honors arrival ceremony, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., June 27, 2023.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Duke Richardson, left, Commander, Air Force Material Command, USAF Maj. Gen. John Allen, middle, and USAF Maj. Gen. John Wilcox, right, prepare and execute the guidon exchange during the AF Installation & Material Support Center change of command ceremony, Aug. 12, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Maj. Gen. John Wilcox relinquishes command of the AFIMSC to Maj. Gen. John Allen.

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

040306-F-2835K-002. Base: Capital Airport State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An honor guard made up of Airman Leadership School Class 22-D students presents the colors at the start of their graduation ceremony May 5, 2022, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. ALS is required for staff sergeant selects and open to eligible civilians as Airmen learn more about leadership and Air Force culture.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Recognition Ceremony, Apr. 28, 2022, Magnolia Halle, San Antonio, Texas. This event was held to honor all promotees to the rank of Chief Master Sgt.

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

New Jersey State Command Chief Master Sgt. Michael Rakauckas stands for a portrait with his administrative assistant Staff Sgt. Michele Sangillo on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, June 12, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Asheleigh Gellner, the vice wing commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, takes the oath of office with wing commander Col. Rusty Ballard during 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.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jon Hannah, right, 422nd Air Base Group outgoing commander, relinquishes command to Col. Brian Filler, left, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, during 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.

Lt. Gen. Ricky Rupp, U.S. Forces Japan and 5th Air Force commander, left, and Col. Andrew Campbell, 374th Airlift Wing outgoing commander, right, applaud Col. Andrew Roddan, 374th AW incoming commander, after his assumption of command during the 374th AW change of command ceremony, June 23, 2022, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. The ancient ceremony traces its roots to medieval battlefields where the knights were obliged to obey the orders of the warrior carrying their unit guidon.

The 168th Wing hosted a Dining Out event in Fairbanks, Alaska, for Airmen to keep Air Force traditions alive and continue morale-building ceremonies. The Air Force Dining Out event started approximately in the 1930s with Army Air Corps General H. Hap Arnolds Wing Dings. The guest speaker at the 2022 168th WG Dining Out was Gregory D. Gadson, a motivational speaker, retired Colonel in the United States Army, and former commander of the U.S. Army Fort Belvoir Garrison. He is also a bilateral above-the-knee amputee.

Airman Madison Plangger, 354th Healthcare Operations Squadron medical technician, reads the Emergency Medical Technicians Prayer during the September 11th Remembrance Ceremony Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, September 11, 2022. The ceremony was dedicated to all the first responders, emergency medical services, firefighters and police, who gave their lives and worked to protect the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

020517-F-6833L-055. Base: Barksdale Air Force Base State: Louisiana (LA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

U.S. Air National Guard Col. Nate Aysta assumes command of the 148th Fighter Wing from Col. Chris Blomquist at the 148th Fighter Wing, Duluth, Minn., Sept. 10, 2022. U.S. Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke, Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General presided over the Change of Command Ceremony.

Brigadier General Renea Dorvall is congratulated by Major General Pete Hronek, Adjutant General for Montana, at a promotion ceremony held in the Helena Armed Forces Reserve Center auditorium on Jan. 6, 2023.Dorvall serves as the Assistant Adjutant General - Army and as commander of the Montana Army National Guard.

Michael Bradley was promoted to lieutenant colonel at a promotion ceremony held at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 6, 2022. Bradley was pinned by his wife, Dawn, and his daughter, Farris. Col. Rick Weaver, commander of Camp Shelby, was also in attendance.

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

Col. Sirena Morris, 88th Mission Support Group commander, and Audric Bills give honors as the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard presents the colors at the 88th Force Support Squadron assumption of leadership, May 23, 2022. Bills was appointed to the position of 88th FSS director at the 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.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, passes guidon to U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jason Rueschhoff, 56th Fighter Wing commander, after assuming command from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Gregory Kreuder, 56th FW outgoing commander, during the 56th FW change of command ceremony, July 29, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. Change of commands are historic ceremonies that honor the achievements of outgoing commanders and pass leadership to incoming commanders. The 56th FW commander oversees the operations of the base including training, safety and, wellbeing of Airmen.

040718-F-4563N-028. Complete Scene Caption: These distinguished guests (Left to Right): Ohio Air National Guard (OHANG) Brigadier General (BGEN) Richard Green, Assistant Adjutant General (AG) for Air and Commander, OHANG; US Air Force (USAF) BGEN Vergel Lattimore, Chaplain and Air National Guard (ANG) assistant to the Air Force CHIEF of Chaplains; OHANG Major General (MGEN) John Smith, AG Ohio National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters (JF HQ); Mr. Jan Maroscher (singing the US National Anthem); USAF Lieutenant General (LGEN) Daniel James, III, Director of the US ANG; USAF (ret.) Colonel (COL) Ronald Albers (partially hidden); and Mr. Warren Motts, Director, Motts Military Museum, stand at attention and salute as the OHANG 121 Air Refueling Wing (ARW) Honor Guard presents the Colors at the start of the Tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen at the Motts Military Museum in Groveport, Ohio (OH). Base: Groveport State: Ohio (OH) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Space Force Col. Ernest Lincoln Bonner, incoming Commander of Space Delta 12, receives the unit guidon from Maj. Gen. Shawn N. Bratton, Commander of Space Training and Readiness Command, during a Change of Command ceremony at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, July 6, 2022.

A cake is decorated with congratulations for Airman Leadership School Class 22-D for its graduation dinner May 5, 2022, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The class was the first in more than two years to be able to hold the traditional graduation dinner.

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.

The 177th Mission Support Group Commander, U.S. Air Force Col. Aaron Dunn, speaks during a Change of Command ceremony on Aug 20, 2022 at the 177th Fighter Wing, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Col. Dunn has served in the Air Force for more than 26 years and will continue to serve as the 177th FW vice wing commander.

U.S. Space Force Lt. Col. Kristen Clark, 364th Recruiting Squadron commander, delivers a speach during the grand reopening of the Fairfield Air Force Recruiting Office Jan. 23, 2024, in Fairfield, California. "This event is a testament to our ongoing commitment to provide excellent opportunities for individuals who are eager to serve and contribute to the defense of our nation," Clark said.

United States Air Force NCO Academy Class 22-5, B-flight at the Lankford Enlisted Professional Military Education Center, May 16, 2022, on McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in East Tennessee.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Daniel DeVoe, outgoing 618th Air Operations Center commander, relinquishes command of the 618th AOC after handing the guidon to Gen. Michael Minihan, commander of Air Mobility Command, on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, May 24, 2022. Following his command, DeVoe will serve as the Director, Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability, Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategy, Integration and Requirements, Headquarters United States Air Force, Washington D.C.

Col. Gregory Krane, former 601st Air Operations Center commander, passes the ceremonial flag to Lt. Gen. Kirk Pierce, Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region - 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern and Air Forces Space) commander, during the 601st AOC change of command ceremony at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida on June 1, 2022. The passing of the flag symbolizes Krane's passing of command to Col. Clayton Schaefer, the new commander of the 601st AOC. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Regina Young)

Col. Dan Guy (left), 110th Mission Support Group commander, retires Lt. Col. James Laske (right), 110th Operations Group superintendent of intelligence, at Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan, Dec. 3, 2022. Laske served over 30 years in the Michigan Air National Guard and active duty U.S. Air Force.

DF-SD-04-02657. Base: Chievres Air Base State: Hainaut Country: Belgium (BEL)

(From left to right) Lt. Col. Brad Rizel, Chief of the Office of Defense Cooperation, Col. Matt Denny, Senior Defense Official for the Defense Attache, Brig. Gen. Michael Križanec, Croatian Air Force Commander, and Brig. Gen. Daniel Gabrielli, Assistant Adjutant General for the Minnesota Air National Guard pose for a photo after a ceremony commemorating the U.S. donation of two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to the Republic of Croatia, held at the 91st Air Base near Pleso, Croatia on May 25, 2022. Croatia and Minnesota have collaborated for over 25 years as part of the National Guards State Partnership Program and continue to partner for increased interoperability between NATO allies. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette.)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Gottfried, a small group leader with the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence Noncommissioned Officer Academy - Fort Eustis, and two fellow Soldiers were inducted into the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club during a ceremony May 20, 2022, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

Outgoing U.S. Strategic Command Commander U.S. Navy Adm. Charles Chas A. Richard salutes Incoming USSTRATCOM Commander U.S. Air Force Gen. Anthony J. Cotton during the USSTRATCOM change of command ceremony, Omaha, Neb., Dec. 9, 2022. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Alexander Kubitza)

Chnage of Commander Ceremony. United States Air Force Lieutenant General William T. "Tom" Hobbins (center) assumes command of 12th Air Force, US Southern Command Air Forces and Air Force component commander, US Strategic Command from LTG Robert H. "Doc" Foglesong (left). Presiding officer was General John P. Jumper (right), Commander, Air Combat Command. Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, 7 August 2000. Base: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base State: Arizona (AZ) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Andrew Shaggy St. Jean, 104th Mission Support Group Commander addresses the audience during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility of a unit from one commanding officer to another.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Melissa D. Jumper, the incoming 28th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, receives the 28th Civil Engineer Squadrons guidon from U.S. Air Force Col. Patrice O. Holmes, 28th Mission Support Group commander during an assumption of command at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., July 29, 2022. Presenting the unit guidon is a symbolic gesture of handing the command of a unit to a gaining officer.

040806-F-9891G-009. Base: Omaha State: Nebraska (NE) Country: United States Of America (USA)

030811-F-7996H-004. Base: Shaw Air Force Base State: South Carolina (SC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

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.

U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Dunlap, center, incoming commander of the 116th Air Control Wing (ACW), Georgia Air National Guard, receives the guidon from Maj. Gen. Thomas Grabowski, left, assistant adjutant general-air, Georgia Air National Guard, during a change of command ceremony held at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, Oct. 14, 2022. Dunlap took command of the 116th ACW from Col. Amy Holbeck during the ceremony.

Col. David Lopez, Commander of Air Combat Command's Executive, promotes to Brigadier General at Langley Air Force Base, May 22, 2022. Lopez thanked his family for their lifelong support and for joining him to celebrate his achievement.

Lt. Col. William Skaggs, right, director of operations for the 157th Air Intelligence Squadron, stands with Col. William Wirth, 157th Air Intelligence Squadron Commander, during his retirement ceremony, Aug. 6, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Skaggs served for 37 years.

US Air Force Lt. Colonnel Joshua Cinq-Mars 120th Maintenance Group Commander receives promotion to Colonel, April 2nd, 2023, Montana Air National Guard Base, Great Falls, Montana. Cinq-Mars assumed command in an other ceremony on the same day.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col Caitlin Brown, senior public affairs officer for the Chief of the National Guard Bureau returns a salute to retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. William Buchanan 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.

Lt. Col. Austin Rust, 317th Operations Support Squadron commander, delivers remarks after assuming command of the squadron during the 317th OSS change of command ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, June 30, 2022. Rust arrived at Dyess in March of 2021 as the director of operations for the 40th Airlift Squadron before assuming command of the 317th OSS.

Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, speaks to attendees during a change of command ceremony on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Feb. 9, 2024. As the 37th COMPACAF, Schneider now oversees approximately 46,000 Airmen, serving principally in Japan, South Korea, Hawaii, Alaska and Guam. Air Force

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