Naval Command Ceremonies

Images of naval officers delivering speeches during change of command ceremonies and retirements, highlighting leadership transitions in naval operations.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (May 20, 2022) Cmdr. John Carter, Naval Station Great Lakes chaplain, has a retirement ceremony in honor of more than 20 years of service. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

220917-N-NT795-850 SEAL BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 17, 2022) Capt. Bradley Story, deliver his remarks during a change of command in which he was relieved by Capt. Andrew Anderson as commanding officer of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 11 held onboard Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach. Maritime Expeditionary Security Force is a core Navy capability that provides port and harbor security, high value asset security, and maritime security in the coastal and inland waterways.

GREAT LAKES, Il. (May 20, 2022) Cmdr. John Carter, Naval Station Great Lakes chaplain, has a retirement ceremony in honor of more than 20 years of service. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

Graduates from recruit company Bravo-202 complete basic training at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., May 20, 2022. While the missions of the Coast Guard have evolved over the last two centuries, our commitment to being Always Ready has remained steadfast.

U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Douglas Scofield, Coast Guard District Seven commander, speaks to the audience during the Coast Guard Designation Ceremony for Greater Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, Jan. 26, 2023. During the Ceremony, Greater Charleston was officially recognized as the 33rd Coast Guard community through a program that honors communities that provide outstanding support to Coast Guard members and their families.

PHILIPPINE SEA (Sept. 11, 2022) - Cmdr. Grant Bryan, commanding officer of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52), from Anchorage, Alaska, speaks to the crew during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony on the ships flight deck while operating in the Philippine Sea, Sept. 11. Barry is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleets principal surface force.

Adm. Steven Poulin, 33rd Vice Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, speaks at the Change of Watch ceremony for U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area's incoming Command Master Chief Jeremy DeMello, in Portsmouth, Virginia, June 6, 2022. The tradition is rich in military history to allow subordinated to witness the formality of command change from one leader to another.

Cmdr. Nicholas Meyers, the first commanding officer of the crew of the future USS Idaho (SSN 799), delivers his remarks during a change of command ceremony that was held Friday, Dec. 2 at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut. Cmdr. Meyers was relieved by Cmdr. Randall Leslie at the ceremony.

U.S. Space Force Maj. Gen. Timothy Sejba, Space Training and Readiness Command commander, speaks during the 533rd Training Squadron graduation on Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., Feb. 23, 2024. Space Training and Readiness Command is responsible for preparing the Space Force and more than 8,600 Guardians to prevail in competition and conflict through innovative education, training, doctrine, and test activities. Space Force

RADM Charles B. Hunter reads orders relieving him as commander, Medium Attack Tactical Warfare Wing, Pacific during the change of command ceremony. Base: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Cmdr. Emil DInnocenzo, incoming commanding officer of the blue crew of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Kentucky (SSBN 737), gives a speech during a change of command ceremony held at the U.S. Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport, Washington, August 22, 2022. USS Kentucky is one of eight Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines stationed at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.

U.S. Air Force Col. Corey Simmons, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander, delivers remarks during the 60th Air Mobility Wing change of command ceremony at Travis Air Force Base, California, July 27, 2022. A change of command ceremony is a military tradition of formal transfer of command, responsibilities and authority from one commander to another.

Vice Adm. Kelly Aeschbach, commander of Naval Information Forces gives opening remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic (NCTAMS LANT) new facility. The new building delivers a secure and modernized three-story communications facility to replace the current facility built in the 1950s, and represents one of the Navys largest and most complex communications facilities, housing more than 60 systems 800 personnel around the clock. NCTAMS LANTs mission is to operate and defend responsive, resilient, and secure computer and telecommunications systems, providing information superiority for global maritime and joint forces.

U.S. Navy Lt. Marquis R. Jones, chaplain with the Pearl Harbor Memorial Chapel, assigned to Navy Region Hawaii, gives the invocation during the National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony hosted by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Sept. 16, 2022. The event is held every year on the third Friday of September, honoring prisoners of war and missing-in-action service members. DPAAs mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and our nation.

GEN John W. Vessey Jr., chairman of the Joint Chiefs of STAFF, speaks during the dedication ceremony for the U.S. Central Command's new building. Base: Macdill Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221202-N-WF272-1593 PHILADELPHIA (Dec. 2, 2022) Cmdr. Todd Winn, a native of Aurora, Colo., commanding officer of Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, gives his remarks during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Support activity Philadelphia, Dec. 2, 2022. During the ceremony, Cmdr. Christopher Pony” Robison relieved Winn as commanding officer. NTAG Philadelphia encompasses regions of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and West Virginia, providing recruiting services from more than 30 talent acquisition sites with the overall goal of attracting the highest quality candidates to ensure the ongoing success of America’s Navy.

Joint Base San Antonio hosted a synchronized flag formation at all three installations (JBSA-Lackland, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston and JBSA-Randolph) at 7:46 a.m. Sept. 12, 2022 at JBSA Fort Sam Houston. The ceremonies included a flag formation, a moment of silence, an invocation and a speaker. Lt. Gen. John R. Evans, U.S. Army North (Fifth Army) commander, led the remembrance ceremony at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston. The particular time of 7:46 a.m. Central time was chosen as that was when Flight 11 crashed into the north face of the North Tower (1 WTC) of the World Trade Center in New York City, between floors 93 and 99, at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time on Sept. 11, 2001.

NAVAL BASE KITSAP BREMERTON, Wash. (Oct. 28, 2022) - U.S. Navy Capt. Brian Schrum, incoming commanding officer of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony in the ships hangar bay October 28, 2022. Theodore Roosevelt is in a docking planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility where the ship is receiving scheduled maintenance and upgrades.

220520-N-XZ205-1065SAN DIEGO (May 20, 2022) Rear Adm. Guido Valdes incoming commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP) gives remarks during a change of command ceremony Admiral Kidd Catering and Conference Center, Naval Base Point Loma, Harbor Drive Annex May 20. Valdes also assumed the reins of director of the Defense Health Agencys San Diego Market from Rear Adm. Timothy Weber outgoing commander, NMFP in a change of directorship ceremony following the change of command.

020406-F-4132J-044. Base: Waving Girl Park State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

Capt. William Woityra, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (WGAB 10), speaks to the crew during Polar Stars change of command ceremony held at dry dock in Vallejo, Calif., July 11, 2022. Capt. Keith Ropella relived Woityra as Polar Stars commanding officer during the change of command ceremony. U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Ensign Katharina Commins.

Lt. Col. John Baker, incoming Joint Nuclear Operations Center commander, addresses the crowd at a change of command ceremony at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., June 1, 2022. A change of command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another.

100531-F-7859S-003Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, James A. Roy addresses a crowd during a Memorial Day wreath laying ceremony at the U.S. Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Va. Monday. Chief Roy is flanked by Dan Derrow of the Air Force Sergeant's Association and Jim Lauducci of the Air Force Association.(Air Force

GREAT LAKES, Il. (May 20, 2022) Cmdr. John Carter, Naval Station Great Lakes chaplain, has a retirement ceremony in honor of more than 20 years of service. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navys largest training installation and the home of the Navys only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (Aug. 16, 2022) - Royal Navy Capt. Charles Maynard, deputy mission commander of Pacific Partnership 2022 (PP22), speaks during the PP22 Philippines closing ceremony aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19). Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

The guest speaker for Norfolk Naval Shipyard's annual Memorial Day Fall-In for Colors May 25 was Commander Frank Gasperetti, Code 900 Production Resource Officer for the shipyard. He shared a story of his fallen friend, Lt. Col. Geoff Hollopeter of the U.S. Marine Corps. Geoffs death left an unfillable hole in the hearts of his family, his community and all those he touched. His friendships, his bravery and his commitment to duty will never be lost," he said. "I must continue to share stories of Geoff as we as a Nation must continue to share the stories of our fallen to remember what they sacrificed for the rest of us. Not many people decide for themselves to put their lives on the line to protect our freedom, defend our Constitution, and to volunteer to serve, knowing that death may be the outcome and for over a million military members, they made that ultimate sacrifice since the Revolutionary War. What we can do today, every day, is to ensure that those who make this choice and make

221208-N-YF131-1116 SAN DIEGO (Dec. 8, 2022) Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, Naval Air Forces, congratulates Capt. Chris Richard, commander, 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.

General Paul X. Kelley, commandant of the Marine Corps, addresses guest attending the commissioning ceremony for the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47) at the Bath Iron Works shipyard. Base: Bath State: Maine (ME) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, outgoing 19th Air Force commander, gives final remarks during the 19th Air Force change of command ceremony Aug. 19, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Members of 19th Air Force lead innovation in training through Pilot Training Transformation while monitoring production and overseeing top-level instruction and flying operations, manning, contracts, logistics and maintenance trends.

221014-N-PX557-0243MECHANICSBURG, Pa.(October 14, 2022)Capt. David D. Carnal relieves Capt. Gene Cash (right), as commanding officer, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Business Systems Center (BSC), during a ceremony onboard Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, October 14. Rear Adm. Peter Stamatopoulos (center), commander, NAVSUP/Chief of Supply Corps, presided over the ceremony and provided guest speaker remarks. Cash served as commanding officer, NAVSUP BSC, from April 2020 to October 2022 and will retire following more than 28 years of service as a Navy Supply Corps Officer.U.S. Navy photo by James E. Foehl (Released)

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, speaks during the 17th Training Group change of command at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, June 30, 2022. Reilman thanked outgoing 17th TRG commander, Col. Angelina Maguinness, for her hard work and dedication over the past two years.

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.

U.S. Air Force Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Craig Forsythe, 501st Combat Support Wing chaplain, reads an invocation 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.

U.S. Air Force Col. David Fazenbaker, commander of the 62d Airlift Wing, gives opening remarks during the 2022-2024 Honorary Commander Assumption of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Sept. 29, 2022. Across the Air Force, the Honorary Commander Program provides a platform to inform and educate local community leaders about Department of Defense missions and develop supportive relationships with the community.

221117-N-EJ843-1153 NORFOLK, Virginia (Nov. 17, 2022) Capt. Christopher Farricker, commanding officer of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), talks during a change of command ceremony Nov 17, 2022. Capt. Chris Farricker relieved Capt. Tom Foster as the 21st commanding officer of Kearsarge.

220715-N-VP266-1270 WASHINGTON (July 15, 2022) -- Rear Adm. Mike Steffen, delivers remarks during a change of command ceremony at Washington Navy Yards Leutze Park, July 15, 2022. During the ceremony, Cmdr. Alex McMahon relieved Cmdr. Dave Tickle, becoming the commanding officer of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Mississippi (Oct. 7, 2022) - Rear Adm. John Okon, Director, Warfare Integration Directorate, N2N6I, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, presided over the retirement of Lt. Cmdr. Kabran KJ Johnson at NASA Stennis Space Center, Mississippi Oct. 7, 2022. Johnson enlisted in the Navy in 1992, and graduated the from Aerographers Mate (AG) A-School in 1993 before being selected for Chief and eventually earning a commission. His efforts in support of various Fleet and Naval Special Warfare commands worldwide over the course of his 30-year career were highlighted by colleagues and family at the ceremony. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions faster than the adversary.

Commander (CDR) Victor E. Dobbs speaks during the ceremony in which he is relieving CDR James C. Kennedy as Commanding Officer of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 131 (VAQ-131). The ceremony is being held in Hangar 8. Base: Naval Air Station Whidbey Island State: Washington (WA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Captain Robert I. Itkin, Commanding Officer of the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS SALT LAKE CITY (SSN 716), addresses guests attending the ship's commissioning ceremony. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brad Webb, commander of Air and Education Training Command, conducts roll-call during the Doolittle Raider Goblet Ceremony at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College, Niceville, Florida, April 18, 2022. The ceremony marked the 80th Anniversary of the Doolittle Raid, also known as the Tokyo Raid, which was the first air operation to directly strike the mainland of Japan during World War II.

KINGS BAY, Ga. (Apr. 29, 2022) Cmdr. Matt Luff, outgoing commanding officer of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (Gold), speaks to distinguished guests, family and crew during a change of command ceremony held at the chapel onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. Luff is relieved by Cmdr. Ken Packard. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen (Released)

Capt. Bob Carmickle, commanding officer of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic (NCTAMS LANT) gives remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony for NCTAMS LANT new facility. The new building delivers a secure and modernized three-story communications facility to replace the current facility built in the 1950s, and represents one of the Navys largest and most complex communications facilities, housing more than 60 systems 800 personnel around the clock. NCTAMS LANTs mission is to operate and defend responsive, resilient, and secure computer and telecommunications systems, providing information superiority for global maritime and joint forces.

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and Carrier Strike Group 12 Chaplain Cmdr. Genevieve Clark, from McMinnville, Oregon, gives remarks during a burial at sea ceremony on the ships aircraft elevator, July 12, 2022. The remains of 30 service and family members were committed to the sea. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting an independent steaming operation.

DN-ST-86-06740. Base: Groton State: Connecticut (CT) Country: United States Of America (USA)

WASHINGTON (Sept. 2, 2022) - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday delivers remarks during the change of office ceremony for the Vice Chief of Naval Operations held at the Pentagon, Sept. 2. Adm. Lisa Franchetti was sworn in as the 42nd Vice Chief of Naval Operations when she assumed duties from Adm. William Lescher during the ceremony.

Brig. Gen. David Pritchett speaks at his change of command ceremony where he accepted command of the Alabama National Guard in Montgomery, Ala. on Jan. 5, 2024. (Alabama National Guard

Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Uyboco, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61), delivers the invocation during a Chief Petty Officers pinning ceremony as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, Oct. 21, 2022. The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is on its inaugural deployment conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict free Atlantic region.

Commanding Officer Capt. Jay Young addresses the command for the first time as the commanding officer of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) during the Change of Command ceremony August 12, 2022 at the Vista Point Conference Center in Norfolk, Virginia.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (Dec. 1, 2022) Capt. Walter Mainor, Commander, Task Force 71, addresses guests and crew during a change of command ceremony aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83), forward-deployed to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Dec. 1. Howard is assigned to Commander, Task Force 71/DESRON 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleets principal surface force.

KINGS BAY, Ga. (Sep. 16, 2022) Capt. Eric Cole, incoming commodore of Submarine Squadron Twenty, speaks to distinguished guests, family and staff during a change of command ceremony held at the chapel onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. Cole relieves Capt. John Cage. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen (Released)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Peter Nezamis, the commander of the Illinois Air National Guard, speaks during a change of command ceremony in Peoria, Illinois, June 7, 2022. Brig. Daniel McDonough assumed command of the Illinois Air National Guard from Nezamis.

NORFOLK, Va. (July 2, 2022) - Vice Adm. James Kilby, Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, speaks during the 31st Commissioning Anniversary and Celebration Dinner, July 2, 2022. July 4, 2022 marks 31 years since the U.S. Navy commissioned the first Aegis-equipped guided-missile destroyer, USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51).

U.S Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, speaks as he presides over the 12th Flying Training Wing change of command ceremony August 1, 2022, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Wills is responsible for monitoring production and oversees top level instruction and flying operation, manning, contracts, logistics and maintenance trends.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership welcomed General Pablo Enrique García Valencia, Colombian Military Attache for a visit to the IADC Campus on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Feb. 3, 2023. During the visit, the distinguished visitor conducted an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

U.S. Space Force Col. Robert Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, gives opening remarks during the honorary commander induction ceremony at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., May 11, 2022. Long emphasized how important the personal relationships are between community leaders and the military for the success of the overall mission.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Jason Woodworth, the commanding general of Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, delivers remarks during the unveiling of Maj. Gen. Joseph H. Pendletons monument on Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 1, 2022. Camp Pendleton unveiled a historical monument dedicated to Pendleton for his efforts to establish a permanent Marine Corps presence in Southern California.... the good weather and proximity of the harbor to the new Panama Canal makes San Diego a natural choice as a base for the Marine Corps Advanced Base Force to be stationed on the West Coast, said Col. Joseph H. Pendleton.

230324-N-LN782-1928 (Mar. 24, 2023) U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command's Pass in Review in Great Lakes, Illinois, Mar. 24, 2023. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy's only boot camp

240104-N-ED185-2026KEYPORT, Wash. (Jan. 5, 2023) Command Master Chief Lateef Compton speaks during a change of command ceremony for the blue crew of the Ohio-class guided missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) at Keyport, Washington, Jan. 5, 2024. During the ceremony, Capt. Eric A. Hunter relieved Capt. Micah D. Maxwell as commanding officer of the blue crew of Ohio.

220429-N-UJ449-1436 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (April 29, 2022) Capt. Aaron Shoemaker, Naval Air Station Sigonella commanding officer, gets piped ashore during his change of command ceremony on NAS Sigonella, April 29, 2022. NAS Sigonellas strategic location enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required, ensuring security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command.

220929-N-GV721-1258 SAN DIEGO (September 29, 2022) Capt. Domitilo M. Pastorin Commander, Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command San Diego (REDCOM SD), gives remarks onboard USS Midway Museum during the REDCOM SD change of command ceremony. Capt. Domitilo M. Pastorin relieved Capt. Michael P. Joyner as REDCOM SD commander. REDCOM SD provides support to 19 Navy Reserve Centers spread across Calif., Ariz., Colo., N.M., Nev., Utah, Hawaii, and the U.S. Territory of Guam.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 2, 2022) Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Sean Buck at the first parade reception at Buchanan House. As the undergraduate college of our countrys naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Jonathan Leeman, 324th Intelligence Squadron senior enlisted leader, gives a speech during the Community College of the Air Force graduation ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, May 20, 2022. The ceremony recognized attending graduates from the class of Fall 2021 & Spring 2022, stationed at JBPHH.

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

DN-ST-85-02393. Base: Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Nonproliferation and Export Control

Chief Master Sgt. Alan Tuschen (left), Wing installation manager with the 114th Civil Engineer Squadron gives a speech during a chief master sergeant induction ceremony at Joe Foss Field, South Dakota, Jan. 7, 2023. These honorees have been inducted into the highest enlisted rank and will assume strategic leadership positions with significant influence throughout the base.

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

230331-N-XP477-1342 SAN DIEGO (March 31, 2023) - Master Chief Operations Specialist Kermit L. Pollard gives remarks during his retirement ceremony at the Murphy Canyon, March 31, 2023. Pollard is retiring after 27 years of dedicated service to the U.S. Navy.

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)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Andrew M. Niebel, Marine Corps Installations East (MCIEAST)-Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Lejeune commanding general, gives his remarks during the 247th Marine Corps Ball at Marston Pavilion on MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 19, 2022. A celebration for the Marine Corps birthday is held every year to reflect on the traditions, history and legacy of the Marine Corps.

220419-N-LX838-1071 NEW ORLEANS (April 19, 2022) Rear Adm. John Menoni, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2, delivers remarks during a welcoming ceremony held at Gallier Hall as part of Navy Week New Orleans festivities. Navy Weeks are desinged to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

U.S. Army Col. Thomas Austin, director of engineering, Arlington National Cemetery, speaks during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the reopening of Ord and Weitzel Gate at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Nov. 8, 2022. Arlington National Cemetery (ANC), in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maverick Regan Construction, Lorton Stone, WSP and Speweik Preservation Consultants undertook an extensive multi-year effort to restore the gate and its signature columns, topped with elaborately sculpted urns. In 1879, Maj. Gen. Montgomery Meigs (who directed the establishment of ANC as Quartermaster General of the U.S. Army during the Civil War) oversaw and designed the Ord and Weitzel Gate. Meigs requested to reuse two columns from the War Department Building in Washington, D.C., completed in 1820 and demolished in 1879. The original gate featured elaborate ironwork and connected to the north boundary wall of the cemetery. In 1902, the names of prominent Civil War U.S. Ar

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

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Erik Thompson, command chief of Air Education and Training Command, delivers remarks during the Order of the Sword Ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, Oct. 15, 2022. This was the first dual major command Order of the Sword ceremony held to honor retired Lt. Gen. Marshall "Brad" Webb, the former commander of both AETC and Air Force Special Operations Command. This is the highest honor and tribute the AirForce enlisted corps can bestow upon an individual.

041015-F-0591K-091. Base: Moffett Faf State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marine Master Sgt. Pamela Torres address her family and friends at her retirement ceremony at the Semper Fidelis Memorial Chapel, Virginia, May 27, 2022. Torres enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2002 and served 20 years. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Sean Potter)

Col. Craig Martin, Fort Hamilton Garrison Commander, provides opening remarks during a street renaming ceremony at Fort Hamilton, N.Y., May 20, 2022. The ceremony officially removed Confederate Civil War General Robert E. Lees name from the main avenue and renamed it John Warren Avenue in honor of U.S. Army 1st Lt. John E. Warren, Jr., who was a Brooklyn native, Vietnam War veteran, and Medal of Honor recipient. Our military assets are designed to commemorate and reflect the courage, valor and rich diversity of our military heroes. Those examples are clearly evident in the personal stories and backgrounds associated with the selected name.

Outgoing Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Jason Vanderhaden delivers remarks during his Change of Watch ceremony in Cape May, New Jersey, May 19, 2022. During the ceremony, Vanderhaden was relieved by Master Chief Petty Officer Heath Jones, who became the 14th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.

110923-N-ZB612-754 ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 23, 2011) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert participates in the CNO change of command where he relieved Adm. Gary Roughead during a ceremony at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annaopolis, Md.

230323-N-OU398-1134 NORFOLK, Va. (March 23, 2023) Capt. Paul G. Campagna, former commanding officer, salutes the colors during the Change of Command Ceremony aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) March 23, 2023. Capt. Christopher Hill relieved Capt. Paul Campagna as the 20th commanding officer of IKE.

U.S. Air Force Col. Humberto Pabon Jr., the outgoing 156th Wing commander, delivers his speech during the 156th Wing change of command ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Dec.10, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility from one officer to another and this ceremony was held during the December regularly scheduled drill.

U.S Air Force Col. Taylor Ferrell, 12th Flying Training Wing commander, speaks to the audience after receiving 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.

120602-N-ZQ631-141 SAN DIEGO (June 2, 2012) Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark Ferguson speaks during the 70th Anniversary of The Battle of Midway Commemoration ceremony on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. The Commemoration, attended by veterans of the battle, took place to pay tribute to the Sailors and Marines who fought at The Battle of Midway.

Command Chief Master Sgt. Brett Cownie, South Dakota National Guard retiring state command chief, speaks during a state command chief change of responsibility ceremony at Joe Foss Field, South Dakota, Sept. 10, 2022. A change of responsibility is a formal transfer of command chief responsibilities and duties from one command chief to another.

Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Christopher W. Grady provides remarks during a September 11 Pentagon Staff Memorial Observance in the courtyard of the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., Sept. 9, 2022.

220727-N-MH203-1006 (ANNAPOLIS, MD) - Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday speaks to the National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) during their 50th Anniversary Symposium Awards Luncheon held at the Westin Hotel in Annapolis, Md., July 27. Founded to support recruiting, professional development, and retention efforts to achieve a diverse officer corps, NNOA is composed of active duty, reserve and retired officers, midshipmen and cadets, and interested civilians.

120614-N-ZZ999-002PALMDALE, Calif. (June 14, 2012) Adm. Mark Ferguson, Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO), delivers remarks at the unveiling of the U.S. Navy MQ-4C Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) unmanned aircraft system during a ceremony at the Northrop Grumman Palmdale Calif. manufacturing facility. Officially called the Triton, the MQ-4C is a surveillance aircraft and will be an adjunct to the P-8A Poseidon as part of the Navy's maritime patrol and reconnaissance force.

NEWPORT, R.I. (June 30, 2022) Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, Naval Education and Training Command, speaks with Limited Duty Officer/Chief Warrant Officer (LDO/CWO) Academy class 22100 students at Officer Training Command Newport before their graduation ceremony, June 30, 2022. The academy prepares prior senior enlisted Sailors for their new roles in the wardroom. The LDO/CWO community supports the warfighting capability and readiness of naval forces through leadership, technical proficiency, and experience.

Lt. Col. Stephen Frodsham, 192nd Wing inspector general, retires from the Virginia Air National Guard after a career of more than 22 years, on April 1, 2023, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia.

011105-F-2155T-018. Base: Scott Air Force Base State: Illinois (IL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Rusty Ballard, the commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, speaks to the wing during a change of command 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.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Jeffrey L. Wilkinson, the Kentucky National Guards assistant adjutant general for Air, speaks to the audience at a memorial service held in Frankfort, Ky., May 30, 2022, honoring members of the Kentucky Guard who have died in the line of duty. The names of 13 Soldiers were added to the Kentucky National Guard Memorial at Boone National Guard Center this year, bringing the total number of fallen Airmen and Soldiers to 286. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of a C-130 Hercules plane crash in Evansville, Ind., that claimed the lives of five aircrew members from the Kentucky Air National Guards 123rd Airlift Wing.

U.S. Air Force Col. Kris E. Barcomb, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, gives a speech during a Memorial Day event at the Santa Maria Cemetery and Memorial in Santa Maria, Calif., May 30, 2022. Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, commemorates the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to the United States.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Case A. Cunningham, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, speaks during the 75th Annual Air Force Ball in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sept. 10, 2022. This years Air Force Ball theme was Leaders in Innovation and celebrated great leaders within the Air Force.

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Gastelum addresses Marines and Sailors with Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego during a cake-cutting ceremony honoring the Navys 247th birthday at MCRD San Diego, Oct. 13, 2022. The central theme of this year's celebration was "On Watch - 24/7 for 247 Years, which highlights our Navys enduring ability to remain fully ready to respond to and effectively deter emanating threats. The celebration of the Navy's birthday recognizes the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve with the Navy.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - ASSUMPTION OF COMMAND CEREMONY AND RECEPTION

US Navy Vice Admiral Gordon S. Holder, Commander Military Sealift Command (MSC), speaks during the christening ceremony for the strategic heavy lift ship USNS POMEROY (T-AKR 316) at the NASSCO shipyard. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Col. Christopher Meeker, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, makes closing remarks at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base senior NCO induction ceremony Aug. 26, 2022. The ceremony honored the new senior NCOs of the 88th Air Base Wing and 13 tenant commands.

NAVAL BASE GUAM (May 26, 2022) - USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) Commanding Officer, Capt. Tim Quast, speaks to reporters during a press conference following the arrival of the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), May 26. Mercy is en route for Pacific Partnership 2022, which is now in its 17th year and is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific region. The Pacific Partnership 2022 team will work with host nation counterpart and regional partners to provide tailored medical, dental, and veterinary care, and conduct bilateral engineering civic actions, and exchange information related to disaster response procedures. The port stop at NBG will provide the crew time for rest and relaxation, conduct mission preparations, perform routine maintenance, and load additional supplies onto the ship.

U.S. Park Police promotion ceremony, with Secretary Dirk Kempthorne among the dignitaries on hand

Major General (MGEN) Paul Weaver, Commander of the Air National Guard, addresses members of the 116th Bomb Wing at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. MGEN Weaver and Georgia Congressman Saxby Chambliss were briefing the Guardsmen on the recent decision by the Department of Defense to slash funding for the B-1 Lancer bomber and eliminate the aircraft from the National Guard inventory altogether. Both Weaver and Chambliss said they were taken by suprise by the decision and would fight to keep the 1,200 or so guardsmen employed. Base: Warner Robins Air Force Base State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

of 2