Naval Naval Command Ceremonies

Formal ceremonies showcasing naval officers saluting and changing command, highlighting traditions and leadership transitions in the Navy.

KINGS BAY, Ga. (May 19, 2022) Cmdr. Steven Dykstra (left), incoming commanding officer of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) (Blue), salutes Cmdr. Ben Pollock (right), outgoing commanding officer, relieving him of his duties during a change of command ceremony held at the chapel onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen (Released)

SAN DIEGO (May 9, 2022) Capt. Aaron Taylor, commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), center, salutes Capt. Karrey Sanders, commodore of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 1, right, during a change of command ceremony aboard Essex, May 9, 2022. Essex is homeported in San Diego.

PANAMA CITY, FL (June 10, 2022) 220610-N-OT328-0050 Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center Change of Command ceremony. Commander Erich Frandrup was relieved by Commander Troy Lawson during a change of command ceremony.

221202-N-OM737-1080NORFOLK, Va. (Dec. 2, 2022) Capt. Joseph Murphy is awarded the Legion of Merit by Rear Adm. Tom Williams, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) Two, during the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) change of command ceremony in the ships hangar bay, Dec. 2, 2022. During the ceremony, Capt. Paul Burkhart relieved Murphy as commanding officer of Bataan.

KINGS BAY, Ga. (Sep. 16, 2022) Capt. Eric Cole (left), incoming commodore of Submarine Squadron Twenty, salutes Capt. John Cage (right), outgoing commodore, relieving him of his duties during a change of command ceremony held at the chapel onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen (Released)

Rear Adm. Jeffrey Anderson, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, and Rear Adm. Kevin Lenox shake hands during a change of command ceremony held on Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton Sept. 1, 2022. Anderson served as commander of CSG-3 from July 2021 to September 2022, and will report to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command as the director of operations for his next assignment.

Rear Adm. Jeffrey Anderson, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, and Rear Adm. Kevin Lenox shake hands during a change of command ceremony held on Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton Sept. 1, 2022. Anderson served as commander of CSG-3 from July 2021 to September 2022, and will report to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command as the director of operations for his next assignment.

PANAMA CITY, FL (June 10, 2022) 220610-N-OT328-0058 Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center Change of Command ceremony. Commander Erich Frandrup was relieved by Commander Troy Lawson during a change of command ceremony.

KINGS BAY, Ga. (May 19, 2022) Cmdr. Steven Dykstra (left), incoming commanding officer of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) (Blue), salutes Cmdr. Ben Pollock (right), outgoing commanding officer, relieving him of his duties during a change of command ceremony held at the chapel onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen (Released)

Sharing a firm grip on Navy duty and family tradition, Capt. Sam Espiritu was promoted to his current rank at Naval Hospital Bremerton, August 19, 2022. Administering the oath of office was retired Navy Captain Jennifer Espiritu to her brother, with parents, retired Navy Captain Roger Espiritu and Dr. Elvie Espiritu amongst family including wife Aya, son Kai and daughter Mia, friends and colleagues. "The pathway to the promotion of captain is not easy; it is paved with years of dedication to one's profession, devotion to the Navy, and love of country. It is not a right or a privilege, rather it is a vote of confidence in an officer's future as a leader, and in your case Sam, someone who will help Navy Medicine define our future as part of the defense health agency," exclaimed Capt. Patrick Fitzpatrick, Naval Hospital Bremerton director and Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command commanding officer (Official Navy photo by Douglas H Stutz, NHB/NMRTC Bremerton public affairs officer).

210927-N-GR655-0078 NEW LONDON, Conn. (May 20, 2022) - Cmdr. Kevin Behm, right salutes Cmdr. Stephen Wiegel, left, at a change-of-command ceremony for the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768) at Fort Trumbull, New London, Conn., May 20. Capt. John Stafford, center, commodore of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) FOUR, presided over the ceremony where Behm relieved Wiegel as commanding officer. Hartford and crew operate under Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) FOUR and its primary mission is to provide fast-attack submarines that are ready, willing, and able to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe.

PANAMA CITY, FL (June 10, 2022) 220610-N-OT328-0101 Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center Change of Command ceremony. Commander Erich Frandrup was relieved by Commander Troy Lawson during a change of command ceremony.

220713-N-GF955-1142NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (July, 13, 2022) Capt. Walter Wrye, Maritime Operations Center Director for U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, speaks with a Uruguay navy sailor during a tour of the Uruguay navy tall ship, Capitán Miranda at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., July 13, 2022. Capitán Miranda is conducting its XXXII Training Trip and is visiting Naval Station Mayport, July 12-17. With 29 midshipmen onboard, this ship visit offers U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet a unique opportunity to build rapport with the future leaders of the Uruguay navy and strengthen friendship and cooperation between our navies. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Commands joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace,

220813-N-JF950-1017 (COLORADO SPRINGS, CO) Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Golde, (left), salutes Capt. Michael P. Joyner, commander, Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command, (right), as part of the change of command ceremony at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum. The ceremony was held so that Cmdr. Jon D. Harbaugh (middle), could assume command of Navy Reserve Center Colorado Springs.

041216-M-4441K-058. Base: Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220525-N-OM737-1374NEW YORK (May 25, 2022) - Capt. Joseph Murphy, Commanding Officer of amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), listens to a speech during the Fleet Week New York reception ceremony in the hangar bay, May 25, 2022. Bataan is participating in Fleet Week New York 2022. Bataan is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.

220923-N-NU634-037NORFOLK (Oct. 23, 2022) - Rear Adm. Huan Nguyen, deputy commander Cyber Engineering, NAVSEA, gives remarks during the decommissioning ceremony of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Hué City (CG 66) after 31 years of naval service. Following its decommissioning, the ship is slated to be towed to the Navys Inactive Ships facility in Philadelphia, Pa., where it will be in a Logistical Support Asset status.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Gareth Montgomery, center, outgoing director of Installation and Logistics (I&L), Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, returns a salute during his retirement ceremony aboard the installation, July 11, 2022. Montgomery directed I&L for two years and retired after 22 years of service.

220622-MY642-1073PORTSMOUTH, Va. (June 22, 2022) Rear Adm. Matthew Case salutes Rear Adm. Darin K. Via as he accepts his duties during a change of command ceremony for Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, held at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth on Jun. 22. Via was relieved by Case after serving two years as the director of both the Tidewater Market (Defense Health Agency) and Naval Medical Forces Atlantic.

220429-N-DK042-1147 NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CORONADO, Calif. (April 29, 2022) Ens. Mary McCray, attached to Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 (ACB 1), takes the oath of office during her commissioning ceremony at ACB 1, April 29, 2022. McCray is the first female Tongan commissioned officer in U.S. Navy history. ACB 1 conducts ship-to-shore transportation and construction support as a part of joint amphibious operations around the world.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (June 30, 2022) - Capt. Teresa Allen, Naval Hospital Jacksonville director, salutes the colors during the commands Family Medicine Residency Program graduation ceremony on June 30 aboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville. NH Jacksonvilles program is the Navys oldest and largest, and has earned numerous awards for scholarly activity, teaching, and clinical training.

220603-N-UJ449-1402 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (June 03, 2022) Command Master Chief Albert Wood (ret.) and family, walkthrough chiefs mess as they exit his retirement ceremony on NAS Sigonella, June 03, 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.

Master Chief Petty Officer Heath Jones relieves Master Chief Petty Officer Jason Vanderhaden as Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MPCOCG) during a change of watch ceremony at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., May 19, 2022. The MCPOCG serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the commandant of the Coast Guard for all matters involving the enlisted workforce.

221129-N-TT639-1021 SAN DIEGO (Nov. 29, 2022) - Sailors salute and render honors on the flight deck aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) Nov. 29, 2022. Tripoli returned to Naval Base San Diego following the ship's maiden deployment where they operated in the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleets in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Lt. Cmdr. Linden Dahlkemper relieves Cmdr. Ryan Adams, as the USCGC Sequoia (WLB 215) commanding officer during a change of command ceremony on July 15, 2022, aboard the cutter moored at Naval Base Guam. The U.S. Coast Guard District Fourteen Commander, Rear Adm. Michael Day, presided over the ceremony.

220902-G-TW079-261SINGAPORE (Sep. 2, 2022) Capt. Tom Ogden departs the change of command ceremony after being relieved by Capt. Tim LaBenz as commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) in Singapore, Sept. 2, 2022. Charleston, part of DESRON 7, is on a rotational deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with partners and serve as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. As the U.S. Navys destroyer squadron forward-deployed in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7s Sea Combat Commander, and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. William E. Souza III (center), the commanding general of 4th Marine Logistics Group, Marine Forces Reserve, and other participants stand at the position of attention during the 2022 Navy Week New Orleans Mayoral Welcome, at Gallier Hall, New Orleans, April 19, 2022. Fleet Weeks are a celebration of the sea services wherein service members from visiting U.S. Navy ships make the city a port of call. Fleet Week activities consist of ship visitation, social events, and community relations activities.

DN-ST-89-08323. Base: Shanghai Country: China (CHN)

190822-N-BB269-0139 WASHINGTON (Aug. 22, 2019) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson is relieved by Adm. Mike Gilday at a change of office ceremony held at the Washington Navy Yard. Richardson served as the 31st Chief of Naval Operations from September 2015 to August 2019.

Master Chief Petty Officer Heath Jones relieves Master Chief Petty Officer Jason Vanderhaden as Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard (MPCOCG) during a change of watch ceremony at U.S. Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J., May 19, 2022. The MCPOCG serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the commandant of the Coast Guard for all matters involving the enlisted workforce.

230406-N-GR655-0086 GROTON, Connecticut (April 6, 2023) - Capt. Jason Grizzle, left, relieves Capt. John Stafford as commodore of Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) FOUR on board the USS North Dakota (SSN 784) during a change-of-command ceremony in Groton, Connecticut, Aug. 12, 2022. Rear Adm. Leonard Dollaga, center, the Navys Chief of Legislative Affairs, oversaw and spoke during the ceremony. Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) FOURs primary mission is to provide fast-attack submarines that are ready, willing, and able to meet the unique challenges of undersea combat and deployed operations in unforgiving environments across the globe.

PANAMA CITY, FL (June 10, 2022) 220610-N-OT328-0179 Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center Change of Command ceremony. Commander Erich Frandrup was relieved by Commander Troy Lawson during a change of command ceremony.

Ready for his new role, Cmdr. Matthew Marcinkiewicz became the head of his command that was elevated in Navy Echelon status on May 13, when the Chief of Naval Operations released the Organizational Change Request, realigning some Navy logistics units and reorganizing others.

The Coast Guard First District holds a change-of-command ceremony Friday, May 13, 2022 at Faneuil Hall in Boston to bid farewell to Rear Adm. Thomas G. Allan Jr. and welcome Rear Adm. John W. Mauger as commander of the First District. Vice Adm. Steven D. Poulin, Coast Guard Atlantic Area Commander, presided over the ceremony. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition that represents the transfer of one commanding officer to another as well as the transfer of absolute authority and responsibility for a military unit.

220421-N-XM133-0014 EWA BEACH, Hawaii (April 21, 2022) Capt. Brett Thompson salutes the sideboys following the change of command ceremony, April 21, 2022. Capt. John S. Barsano relieved Capt Brett Thompson as commander, Navy Munitions Command Pacific East Asia Division during the official ceremony.

220630-N-AS200-3506 PORT HUENEME, Calif. (June 30, 2022) - Rear Adm. Christopher Asselta, deputy commander, Naval Construction Force, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, center, delivers remarks during a Change of Command for Naval Construction Group One (NCG-1) onboard Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC). NBVC is the home of the Pacific Seabees, West Coast E-2C Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and 80 tenants.

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 12, 2022) Capt. Aaron Taylor, commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), a native of Carlsbad, California, salutes the national ensign carried by Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class Dawaylon Farr, a native of Augustus, Georgia, during a burial at sea aboard Essex May 12, 2022. Essex is underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.

220923-N-DQ752-0068 JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO FT. SAM HOUSTON, Texas (Sept. 23, 2022) Capt. Paul Allen, commanding officer of Navy Medicine Training Support Center (NMTSC) (right) relieves Capt. Ann Annie Case, former commanding officer of NMTSC (left) of duty with Rear Adm. Cynthia Kuehner, commander of Naval Medical Forces Support Command (center) during a change of command ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Sam Houston. NMTSC is the Navy component command that provides administrative and operational control over Navy staff and students assigned to the Medical Education and Training Campus and other medical programs in the San Antonio area.

060628-N-9689V-042. Base: Naval Air Station, Coronado State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

GUAM (May 12, 2022) -- From left, Capt. Steven Wasson; Capt. John Bub; Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, commander Joint Region Marianas and Lt. Joseph Buck, chaplain, participate in the Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3 change-of-command ceremony aboard USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (T-AK 3008) while in port Guam, May 12. Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3 strategically places material and equipment throughout the Indo-Pacific Region for all U.S. Armed Services. This capability ensures critical supplies are delivered where and when needed and enables U.S. forces to rapidly respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

220604-N-LV695-1018 SAN DIEGO (June 4, 2022) Audience members observe thepresentation of colors during the commemoration ceremony of the 80 th anniversary of the Battleof Midway and the Centennial of U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers at the USS Midway Museum inSan Diego, June 4. The U.S. Navys determination, zeal, and valor at the Battle of Midway,fought June 4-7, 1942, halted the Imperial Japanese navys advance and turned the tide of thewar in the Pacific during World War II. Victory at Midway redefined Naval warfare, showcasingthe aircraft carrier as the Navys preeminent power projection platform.

DN-ST-86-00637. Base: Naval Air Station, North Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

110603-N-IS182-183NORFOLK (June 3, 2011) Fire Controlman first Class Eric Middleton salutes as he is presented an American flag during his retirement ceremony aboard the Battleship Wisconsin. Middleton was allowed to retire from the Navy after only 15 years of service after being diagnosed with cancer.

Rear Adm. Brendan C. McPherson (middle), Coast Guard District Seven Commander, Capt. Adam Chamie (left), the former commander of Sector Miami, and Capt. Jason Ingram (right), commander of Sector Miami, pose for a photograph during a change of command ceremony at Coast Guard Sector Key West, Florida, May 4, 2022. During the ceremony Ingram relieved Chamie as the commander of Coast Guard Sector Key West.

220622-MY642-1044PORTSMOUTH, Va. (June 22, 2022) The official party bows their heads for the invocation during a change of command ceremony for Naval Medical Forces Atlantic, held at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth on Jun. 22. Rear Adm. Darin K. Via was relieved by Rear Adm. Matthew Case after serving two years as the director of both the Tidewater Market (Defense Health Agency) and Naval Medical Forces Atlantic.

NORFOLK, Va. (June 30, 2022) - Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic held a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Station Norfolk, June 30. Rear Adm. Charles "Chip" Rock (left) was relieved by Rear Adm. Christopher Scotty Gray (right).

Norfolk, Va. (September 1, 2022) LCDR Carnell Aurelio, assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, is promoted to Commander during a ceremony aboard the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64). The ceremony occurred in front of the Battleships iconic turret No. 1 and was attended by members of his family and command. The ceremony was hosted and coordinated by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, one of ten U.S. Navy museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command. The museum offers military ceremonies for area commands without cost as part of their military outreach offerings.

061020-N-3165S-001. Base: USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

NAVAL BASE KITSAP-BREMERTON, Wash. (July 25, 2022) - U.S. Navy Master Chief Michael Mashburn, the former command master chief of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), speaks at his retirement ceremony aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68), July 25, 2022. Theodore Roosevelt is undergoing a docking planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility where the ship will receive scheduled maintenance and upgrades.

WASHINGTON, (Jan. 22, 2018) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson welcomes Adm. Um, Hyun-Seong, Chief of Naval Operations of the Republic of Korea (ROK) navy, with a full honors ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard. Richardson presented Adm. Um with the Legion of Merit for his distinguished service as ROK CNO.

Chief Master-at-Arms Anton Olsund, assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS), salutes sideboys while being piped aboard as a chief petty officer for the first time during a pinning ceremony at CFAS Oct. 21, 2022. The rank of chief petty officer was created April 1, 1893, and the chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a crucial position of leadership and responsibility.

U.S Marines and U.S. Navy sailors participate in a processional during the Pilgrimage to the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, April 4, 2022. The Pilgrimage to the Alamo is a memorial tribute honoring the heroes of the Battle of the Alamo on San Jacinto Day. The event is hosted by the Alamo Mission Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and consists of a processional of military, community groups, and individuals culminating with wreaths placed in front of the Alamo.

Naval Medical Forces Pacific Commander, Rear Adm. Guido Valdes presides over the retirement of Capt. Christopher Tepera at the Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Pearl Harbor (NMRTC-PH) Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony on June 23, 2022 at the Hickam Officer's Club, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Capt. (Ret.) Christopher Tepera retired after 26 years of U.S. Naval service and relinquished command to Capt. Victor Diaz.

SAN DIEGO (Jun. 10, 2022) - Outgoing Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve (CNAFR) Rear Adm. Scott Jones reads his orders during the CNAFR change of command ceremony in the Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 hangar at Naval Base Coronado, Jun. 10. CNAFR mans, trains and equips the Naval Air Force Reserve in order to provide enduring operational support and strategic depth to Navy forces that win in combat.

010410-N-3506G-010. Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Country: Gulf Of Thailand

Sailors assigned to NMOTC headquarters stand in formation during a dress whites uniform inspection, Apr. 07. Navy Medicine Operational Training Command (NMOTC)is comprised of six nationwide detachments that offer specialized medical training in the fields ofaviation, aviation survival, surface and undersea warfare, expeditionary and special operationsmedicine.

US Navy Lieutenant Commander James C. Wong (right) reports to USN Captain Jerry B. Singleton (left), CHIEF of STAFF, Commander Naval Air, US Pacific Fleet, for duty as Commanding Officer, of Fleet Imaging Command Pacific. He has been assigned as Executive Officer at Fleet Imaging Command Pacific for the past two years. Country: Unknown

DN-ST-87-08219. Base: Baltimore State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Distinguished guests salute the flag during the at the wreath-laying ceremony on Memorial Day at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery May 30, 2022.

220624-N-LN285-3152 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (June 24, 2022) -- Capt. Michael Majewski receives the Legion of Merit from Rear Adm. Jeff Jablon, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet during the change of command ceremony for Submarine Squadron 7 (CSS-7) at the historic submarine piers at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, June 24. During the ceremony, which was held on the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Charlotte (SSN 766), Capt. Dave Cox, from Carrollton, Texas, relieved Majewski, from Toledo, Ohio, as CSS-7 commodore.

220330-N-PU674-1001 PENSACOLA, Fla. (March 30, 2022) Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) recognizes the 2021 Military Instructors of the Year during a ceremony in the NETC headquarters courtyard.

Norfolk, Va. (September 1, 2022) LCDR Carnell Aurelio, assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, is promoted to Commander during a ceremony aboard the decommissioned Iowa-Class Battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64). The ceremony occurred in front of the Battleships iconic turret No. 1 and was attended by members of his family and command. The ceremony was hosted and coordinated by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, one of ten U.S. Navy museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command. The museum offers military ceremonies for area commands without cost as part of their military outreach offerings. (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released).

220912-F-LN908-0359Pointe-Noire, REPUBLIC OF CONGO (Sept. 12, 2022) Capt. Chad Graham, commanding officer of the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4), gives a tour of the ship to Republic of Congo senior military leaders, embassy staff and dignitaries, Sept. 12, 2022. Hershel "Woody" Williams is rotationally deployed to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet, to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday presents a Legion of Merit to Chief of the French Navy Adm. Pierre Vandier at the full-honors welcoming ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard, June 23. During his two-day visit, Vandier conducted meetings with senior U.S. Navy leaders to discuss maritime security, interoperability, and readiness. (U.S. Navy photo Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael B. Zingaro)

NEWPORT, RI (Sept. 30, 2022) Capt. Everett Alcorn, commanding officer, Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN), Rhode Island, gives a speech during the Officer Development School (ODS) class 22080 graduation ceremony, Sept. 30, 2022. ODS provides staff corps officers and several restricted line designators with training necessary to prepare them to function in their role as newly commissioned Naval officers.

U.S. Navy Chaplain (Lt.) Regina Johnson offers the invocation during a ceremony commemorating the 125th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Maine, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Feb. 15, 2023.On Feb. 15, 1898, the USS Maine exploded off the coast of Havana, Cuba, leading to the loss of 260 of her crew. Due to Spanish policy, burials had to be made within 24 hours, therefore the initial crew recovered in the aftermath of the disaster were buried at the Colon Cemetery in Havana. On March 30, 1898, Congress approved a bill authorizing for their remains to be disinterred and transferred to ANC. On Dec. 28, 1899, 165 sets of remains were interred in Section 24 with a full military honors service. The USS Maine was eventually raised, and the ships mast was transported by the Navy to ANC where it was placed next to Section 24 onto a granite base meant to represent the turret of the battleship. The names of those who died aboard the Maine were inscribed onto the base. Sixty-fiv

KITTERY, ME. May 27, 2022, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard: USS Texas (SSN 775) Change of Command Ceremony was held at the shipyard where Cmdr. Kenneth Cooke (right) was relieved by Cmdr. K. Chad Ingle (left) as Commanding Officer, Texas. Pictured (center) Capt. Henry Roenke, Deputy Commander, Submarine Squadron TWO, presided over the ceremony.

KINGS BAY, Ga. (July 1, 2022) Cmdr. Michael Graham, incoming commanding officer of the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS Maryland (SSBN 738) (Blue), salutes the side boys during a change of command ceremony held at the chapel onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. Graham relieves Cmdr. Darrell Brown. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen (Released)

Capt. Matthew Boland, left, salutes as he turns over command of Submarine Squadron 12 to Capt. Thomas ODonnell as presiding officer Vice Adm. William Houston, commander, Naval Submarine Forces, Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet and Allied Submarine Command looks on. The ceremony was held Friday, July 15, topside aboard the Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Delaware (SSN 791) at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut.

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Gareth Montgomery, right, outgoing director of Installation and Logistics (I&L), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by U.S. Marine Corps Col. Charles Dudik, commanding officer, MCAS Yuma, Arizona, during his retirement ceremony aboard the installation, July 11, 2022. Montgomery directed I&L for two years and retired after 22 years of service.

KINGS BAY, Ga. (Sep. 16, 2022) Capt. Eric Cole salutes Rear Adm. Thomas R. TR Buchanan, signifying he has properly relieved Capt. John Cage as the commodore of Submarine Squadron Twenty during a change of command ceremony held at the chapel onboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen (Released)

220603-N-XZ205-2149SAN DIEGO (June 3, 2022) Capt. Catherine Bayne, the San Diego Markets former deputy director (center), gets piped ashore during her retirement ceremony at Admiral Kidd Catering and Conference Center, Naval Base Point Loma, Harbor Drive Annex June 3. Bayne served in the Navy for 32 years. Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) San Diego's mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research. NMRTC San Diego employs more than 6,000 active duty military personnel, civilians and contractors in Southern California to provide patients with world-class care anytime, anywhere.

JAKARTA, Indonesia (July 22, 2022) - Rear Adm. Rick Seif, commander, Submarine Group 7/Task Force 74, speaks to U.S. Navy Sailors and members of the Indonesian National Military Naval Force aboard the Emory S. Land-class submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) during a remembrance ceremony for the Indonesian Cakra-class diesel-electric attack submarine KRI Nanggala (402), that sunk April 21, 2021, off the coast of Bali. Frank Cable is currently on patrol conducting expeditionary maintenance and logistics in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

060929-N-4238B-026. Base: Naval Air Station, Norfolk State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

220615-N-OX321-1367 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (June 15, 2022) Capt. Jean Fisak, commanding officer, U.S. Navy Medicine Readiness & Training Command Sigonella, is applauded during the USNMRTC Sigonella change of command ceremony on Naval Air Station Sigonella, June 15, 2022. During the change of command ceremony Capt. Jean Fisak relieved Capt. Denise Gechas as the commanding officer of USNMRTC Sigonella. NAS Sigonella’s 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.

U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Michael Raymond, Capt. Steven Ramassini and Capt. Matthew Chong pose for a portrait during a change of command ceremony on Coast Guard Training Center Petaluma, California on June 24, 2022. The ceremony culminates when both officers read their orders, face one another and salute. This signifies to the entire command that the transfer of responsibility has formally taken place.

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Fridrik Fridriksson, Commanding General of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, and Deputy Commander of Task Force 76/3, greets the guest of honor, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Derek Trinque, Commander, TF 76/3, at a ball ceremony celebrating the Marine Corps' 247th Birthday at the Smedley D. Butler Officer's Club aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan, Nov. 19, 2022. This is the first time that the integrated unit celebrated the Marine Corps' birthday along-side the Sailors of 7th Fleet to build camaraderie within TF 76/3.

Rear Admiral Sean Regan, center, Director of Joint Training, Exercises and Wargaming, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, presided over the ceremony where Captain Eric Bernstein, left, relinquished command of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Unit, USNORTHCOM, to Captain Natalie Murphy, right, in a ceremony at the Hub on Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, Oct. 28, 2022. (Department of Defense photos by Josh Armstrong)

LAGO PATRIA, Italy (July 22, 2014) Adm. Bruce Clingan congratulates Adm. Mark Ferguson as Gen. Philip Breedlove, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, Commander of U.S. European Command, looks on during the Commander, Allied Joint Force Command, Naples, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR) change of command ceremony where Clingan retired and was relieved by Ferguson as the NAVEUR commander.

DN-SC-86-03277. Base: Brunswick State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Chief of Naval Air Training Rear Adm. Richard Brophy arrives during the CNATRA change of command ceremony, held at USS Lexington Museum on the Bay in Corpus Christi, Texas, July 19. CNATRA safely trains the world's finest combat quality naval aviation professionals, delivering them to our naval forces at the right time in the right quantity with the right skills at the right cost.

U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Christopher Rebana, former command master chief of II Marine Expeditionary Force, left, receives the national ensign from U.S. Navy command master chief of II Marine Expeditionary Force, Master Chief Petty Officer John Beck during a retirement ceremony at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 16, 2024. Rebana enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1994 and since has served in various leadership billets including command master chief of 3d Medical Battalion, 2d Marine Logistics Group, 2d Marine Division, and II Marine Expeditionary Force. Marine Corps

221012-N-OX321-1180 NAVAL AIR STATION SIGONELLA, Italy (Oct. 12, 2022) - Master-at-Arms 1st Class Nicholas Heffel, from Racine, Wis., gives his final remarks during his retirement ceremony after having served 20 years in the Navy, held on NAS Sigonella, Oct. 11, 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.

060911-N-7293M-040. Base: Suitland State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

221202-N-OM737-1279NORFOLK, Va. (Dec. 2, 2022) Vice Adm. Jim Kilby, deputy commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, speaks to the audience during the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) change of command ceremony in the ships hangar bay, Dec. 2, 2022. During this ceremony Capt. Paul Burkhart relieved Capt. Joseph Murphy, taking command as the Bataans 19th commanding officer.

Rear Adm. Bradley Andros renders a salute to Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, after relieving Rear Adm. Joseph DiGuardo as commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), during a ceremony at Assault Craft Unit 4 onboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Sept. 30. The ceremony also marks DiGuardos retirement from the Navy after 31 years of dedicated service. NECC is the Navys single functional command for 20,000 Active Duty and Reserve expeditionary forces, and is the central management for the readiness, resources, manning, training and equipping of those entities. The command enables Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces the ability to execute combat, combat support and combat service support missions across the full spectrum of naval, joint, and combined operations, allowing access from the sea and freedom of action throughout the littorals and inland operating environments.

Belize coast guard Lt. Garcia salutes as he receives a plaque for participating in Tradewinds 2022 in Belize City, Belize, on May 20, 2022. Tradewinds 2022 focuses on foreign military interaction, maritime interdiction, ground security, and field training exercises supporting SOUTHCOM's Campaign Plan.

000918-N-3483C-001. Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Country: United States Of America (USA)

The U.S. Coast Guard District Fourteen Commander, Rear Adm. Michael Day, gives remarks at the USCGC Sequoia (WLB 215) change of command ceremony on July 15, 2022, aboard the cutter moored at Naval Base Guam. Lt. Cmdr. Linden Dahlkemper relieved Cmdr. Ryan Adams, as the USCGC Sequoia (WLB 215) commanding officer. Adams is headed to the Fourteenth District staff.

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.

Capt. Bob Carmickle, commanding officer of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic (NCTAMS LANT) arrives at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new NCTAMS LANT 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.

Cmdr. Clint Christofk delivers a speech during a change of command ceremony for the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Washington (SSN 787) at Naval Station Norfolk, July 8, 2022. During the ceremony, Christofk relieved Cmdr. Eric Astle as commanding officer of Washington.

The U.S. Coast Guard District Fourteen Commander, Rear Adm. Michael Day presents Cmdr. Ryan Adams, the outgoing USCGC Sequoia (WLB 215) commanding officer, with a Meritorious Service Medal during a change of command ceremony on July 15, 2022, aboard the cutter moored at Naval Base Guam. Day, presided over the ceremony.

Official imagery from the memorial services for Chief Warrant Officer 4 Hershel Woodrow Woody Williams, Medal of Honor recipient, held in Norfolk, Virginia, Friday, July 15, 2022. Born in Quiet Dell, West Virginia in 1923, Williams, 98, was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while he served as a demolition sergeant serving with the 21st Marines, third Marine Division while fighting Japanese forces on Iwo Jima on Feb. 23, 1945. At the time of his death on June 29, 2022, he was the last living World War II Medal of Honor recipient.

220926-N-LI114-1050 BUSAN, Republic of Korea (Sept. 26, 2022) Rear Adm. Buzz Donnelly, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, left, and Capt. Fred Goldhammer, center, commanding officer of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), bid farewell to Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy Rear Adm. Kyung Cheol Kim, Director, Maritime Operations Center, ROK Fleet Command (ROKFLT), during a departure ceremony in Busan, ROK, Sept. 26. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of CSG 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (July 8, 2022) - Capt. Rich Jarrett, outgoing Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY), arrives at a change of command ceremony onboard CFAY. Jarrett was relieved by Capt. Les Sobol as Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleets forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families.

PHILIPPINE SEA (May 20, 2022) Rear Adm. J.T. Anderson, right, from Fayetteville, N.C., commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, awards a Legion of Merit award to Commanding Officer Capt. Jeremy Gray, from Cincinnati, during a change of command ceremony aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53). Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Lt. Gen. David G. Bellon, Commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces South, left, speaks to Shana McCool, right, and Kate Oja, far right, ship sponsors and granddaughters of the late Capt. Richard M. McCool Jr., during a speech at the christening ceremony of the USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) at Pascagoula, Mississippi, June 11, 2022. Bellon spoke strongly about the legacy of their grandfather and how Marines and Sailors will always remember the time they were stationed on the McCool.

120828-N-WL435-148WASHINGTON (Aug. 28, 2012) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert introduces Adm. Katsutoshi Kawano, Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, to department heads on the CNO's staff at the conclusion of a full honors ceremony and troop inspection at the Navy Museum at the Washington Navy Yard.

Captain Mark McDonnell, District 13 Chief of Response, declaims remarks during a ceremony held to decommission Coast Guard Cutter Cuttyhunk (WPB 1322) Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Air Station Port Angeles. The Cuttyhunk would transit to Ketchikan, AK, prior to being replaced by Coast Guard Cutter Anacapa, another 110-foot Island-class patrol boat.

PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines (Aug. 3, 2022) - Capt. Hank Kim, Pacific Partnership 2022 (PP22) mission commander, center, waves during the PP22 Philippine Opening Ceremony at Mendoza Park. Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

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