U.S. Air Force Command Ceremonies

Images of formal command changes and promotions within the U.S. Air Force. Subjects in military uniforms honoring leadership transitions, with flags in the background.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jacquita Melton assumed the role of Command Chief of the Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Wing in Springfield, Ohio during a change of authority ceremony held Dec. 3, 2022. Melton is the ninth command chief master sergeant of the Ohio National Guard's 178th Wing.

U.S. Air Force Col. Mary Teeter relinquished command of the 305th Maintenance Group to U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Pendley during a change of command ceremony. U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Wiederholt, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, presided over the ceremony. Teeter led CAN DO Airmen and 305th innovation through both the COVID-19 pandemic as well as Operations Allies Welcome/Refuge.

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 Chief Master Sgt. Samuel Morris, right, the 195th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group (ISRG) chief enlisted manager, California Air National Guard, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from Col. Raymond De Jesus, 195th ISRG commander, at Beale Air Force Base, California, Aug 6, 2022. Chief Morris received the medal at his retirement ceremony for his excellent service in his 195th Wing.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Patrick Shelton, Missouri Air National Guard, relinquishes command of the 139th Communications Flight to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Aaron Larimore at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 10, 2022.

Col. David Leaumont accepts the 595th Command and Control Group guidon from Maj. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara, Eighth Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center commander, signifying him as the new commander of the unit during a ceremony at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, Aug. 16, 2022. The new commander arrives to the 595th C2G and the National Airborne Operations Center from the Pentagon, where he served as the assistant deputy director for nuclear and homeland defense operations.

Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin, center left, 2nd Lts. Hannah Fletcher and Allyson Burba listen to remarks from Tim Williams, a representative of the British Royal Air Squadron, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 7, 2023. Fletcher and Burba were named the 2021 and 2022 Cadet of the Year.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David Krumm, the commander of the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region, North American Aerospace Defense Command; commander of Alaskan Command, U.S. Northern Command; and commander of the 11th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, passes the guidon to Col. David Wilson, the commander of the 673d Air Base Wing and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, during the 673d ABW change of command ceremony at JBER, Alaska, June 28, 2022. As commander, Wilson oversees the operations of the wing's four groups, and maintains the joint base for air sovereignty, combat training, force staging and operations in support of worldwide contingencies.

A U.S. Air Force Airman receives the Community College of the Air Force certificate during the graduation ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, Oct. 19, 2022. The CCAF is the largest community college in the world, affiliated with schools in over 36 states and eight foreign locations and over 260,000 Air Force members registered.

From right: U.S. Air Force Maj. Angelina M. Urbina, 375th Force Support Squadron incoming commander, assumes command of the 375th FSS after receiving the guideon from U.S. Air Force Col. Jason J. Glynn, 375th Mission Support Group commander, during a change of command ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, July 6, 2022. As a force support officer, Urbina has served in a variety of positions at the squadron, wing and Air Staff levels.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jacquita Melton assumed the role of Command Chief of the Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Wing in Springfield, Ohio during a change of authority ceremony held Dec. 3, 2022. Melton is the ninth command chief master sergeant of the Ohio National Guard's 178th Wing.

Maj. Gen. Michael Lutton, 20th Air Force commander, awards The Legion of Merit to Col. Christopher Menuey, former 91st Missile Wing commander, June 6, 2022, at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota. The Legion of Merit is awarded to those who have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services.

The Minnesota National Guard welcomes Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Erikson as the new Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) during a Change of Responsibility ceremony in St. Paul, Minn, on Nov. 10, 2022. She assumes the duties from the outgoing CSEL, Army Command Sgt. Maj. Brian Soper, and will serve as the first Air Force member and second female to hold this position since the inception of the Minnesota National Guard 166 years ago. The CSEL is an advisor to the Guards adjutant general and communicates the commanders directives to the enlisted service members while also serving as the senior representative for enlisted views and concerns. (Minnesota National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Sydney Mariette)

SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Space Delta 6 held its change of command ceremony at Schriever SFB, Colorado, Friday, September 9, 2022. During the ceremony, hosted by Lt Gen. Stephen Whiting, Commander, Space Operations Command, U.S. Space Force Colonel Roy Rockwell, transferred command of the Delta to incoming USSF Col Christopher Kennedy.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Scott Crane, Missouri Air National Guard, is promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel during his promotion ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, St. Joseph, Missouri, Sept. 10, 2022. Crane had many family and friends in attendance.

The 41st Signal Battalion celebrated its 80th birthday on Friday, January 27 on Camp Humphreys. It was a lovely evening of entertainment and camaraderie among teammates and members of the larger Signal community on the peninsula.

U.S. Air Force Col. Callistus Elbourne, 628th Mission Support Group commander, passes the guidon to Major Charles Morton III, 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron commander, during the 628th LRS Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, June 30, 2022. Morton will be responsible for leading, supervising and mentoring 340 military and civilian personnel within the 628th LRS.

Col. Silas Darden, 960th Cyberspace Wing vice commander, claps after Col. Richard Wallace, 960th COG commander, accepts command during the 960th COG change of command ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, Oct. 15, 2022. As commander of the 960th COG, Wallace is responsible for the operations and staff activities of seven direct-reporting units and over 700 military and civilian personnel across four different states.

(left to right) Texas Air National Guard Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Matthew Barker passes the 136th Airlift Wing guidon to Col. Matthew Groves as he assumes command, October 22, 2022 at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas.

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.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin returns a salute from Gen. Kevin Schneider during a change of command ceremony on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Feb. 9, 2024. During the ceremony, Schneider took command of Pacific Air Forces from Gen. Ken Wilsbach. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Col. Craig Prather, former 47th Flying Training Wing commander, turns over the 47th Flying Training Wing guidon to Maj. Gen. Craig Wills, 19th Air Force commander, during the 47th change of command ceremony at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, July 22, 2022. As commander, Davidson will oversee nearly 2,800 military and civilian personnel engaged in executing more than 61,000 aircraft sorties yearly in support of Laughlin's Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training mission.

Col. Stephanie Ku, 15th Medical Group commander, and Lt. Col. Joseph Sanchez, 15th Healthcare Operations Squadron incoming commander, furl the 15th Medical Support Squadron guidon during a deactivation ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, July 21, 2022. The 15th HCOS is one of the three squadrons that are a part of the 15th MDG.

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 National Guard Airmen of the 185th Air Refueling Wing Base Honor Guard present the colors during a Change of Command ceremony at the 185th Air Refueling Wing at Sioux City, Iowa, August 6, 2022. U.S. Air National Guard Col. Sonya L. Morrison is replacing Col. Mark A. Muckey as wing commander.

Senior Master Sgt. Edward Lewis, an Air Transportation Superintendent with the 67th Aerial Port Squadron, salutes Col. Matthew Fritz, 419th Fighter Wing commander, after receiving a Bronze Star Medal during a ceremony July 10, 2022 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The Bronze State Medal is awarded to members for heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Peter Carr, 104th Fighter Wing Vice Commander, receives the guidon from 104FW Col. David Moon Halasi-Kun, 104th Fighter Wing Commander, during a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022, at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts. 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. Hans Winkler, 423d Civil Engineer Squadron commander, speaks during a change of command ceremony at RAF Alconbury, England, June 22, 2022. During his command, Winkler led a multinational workforce of 196 military and civilian personnel in the sustainment, maintenance, repair, fire protection and emergency services for 697 facilities across a two-installation and 916 acre complex.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jeremy T. Sloane is awarded a Distinguished Service Medal from U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. David A. Krumm, commander, 11th Air Force, during the 36th Wing change of command ceremony, June 10, 2022, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The 36th Wing is comprised of five groups and 18 squadrons, executing Indo-Pacific Command's Bomber Task Force, Theater Security Packages, Contingency Response Operations and peacetime and combat operations in the Indo-Pacific Region. The Wing is also tasked to ensure the successful deployment, employment and integration of air and space forces from the most forward sovereign U.S. Air Force Base in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Col. Shannon Smith, Chief of Staff, Idaho Air National Guard, Joint Force Headquarters, salutes Maj. Gen. Michael J. Garshak, Adjutant General and Commander, Idaho National Guard, after receiving the Legion of Merit during a promotion ceremony June 4, 2022, held at the Idaho Military Division headquarters on Gowen Field. After almost 30 years in the Air Force, serving on active duty and in the Idaho Air National Guard, Smith was promoted from colonel to brigadier general and has been selected to be the new commander for the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, located at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

Col. Jason Holcomb, right, assumes command of the 436th Mission Support Group after receiving the guidon from Col. Matt Husemann, left, 436th Airlift Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony held at the base fire station on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 27, 2022. Holcomb began his military career at Dover AFB and has returned after more than 20 years.

U.S. Air Force Col. Vincent Krepps, right, Senior Materiel Leader, Upper Echelon, Cryptologic & Cyber Systems Division, USAF Col. Timothy Helfrich, middle, outgoing, Senior Materiel Leader, Cyber Systems and USAF Col. Michael Dooley, right, Senior Materiel Leader, execute the guidon exchange during the Cyber Systems Group change of leadership ceremony, July 27, 2022, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

Senior Master Sgt. Carmen Daniels, 192nd Force Support Squadron senior enlisted leader, promotes to the rank of chief master sergeant June 4, 2022, at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Lt. Col. Fallon Martin, 192nd Support Squadron commander, presided over the ceremony attended by Daniels' family, friends and fellow members of the Virginia Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard by Staff Sgt. Kellyann Elish)

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Harold Rivera relinquishes responsibility of the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to Col. Brian Kadet at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, May 26, 2022. DISA provides warfighters in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility with the tools to make knowledge-based decisions.

U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Barbara Bartch, commander of the 121st Maintenance Group, 121st Air Refueling Wing, assumes command from Col. Donald Braskett during a change of command ceremony at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 13, 2022. Prior to her current position, Bartch was the 121st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander.

A U.S. Air Force honor guard from the 908th Security Forces Squadron present the colors at the beginning of the 908th AW 2023 annual awards banquet at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Feb. 3, 2023. The event was the first in-person banquet the wing has held in four years. Air Force

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes dignitaries from the Brazilian Ministry of Defense to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2022. During the visit, the dignitaries attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

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.

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.

Lt. Col. Domenic Magazu III, assumes command of the 352d Cyberspace Operational Squadron by accepting the guidon from Col. John Picklesimer, 67th Cyberspace Operations Group commander during a Change of Command Ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, June 1 2022. The 352d COS acts as the Air Forces Cyber execution arm for conducting global cyberspace operations, providing organic operations training, cyber capability development, operations testing, and range capabilities to drive readiness across the Cyber Mission Force.

Col. Andy Nuce, commander, U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA), awards the Legion of Merit to Col. Norman C. Waters as part of Waters retirement ceremony, Fort Detrick, Maryland, Aug. 12, 2022. Waters ended his career a Soldier-Scientist as director, Force Health Protection, USAMMDA - during his career, Waters served across the globe helping fight infectious diseases and spearheading research to help better equip and protect U.S. service members. USAMMDA is a subordinate command of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, under the Army Futures Command. As the premier developer of world-class military medical capabilities, USAMMDA is responsible for developing and delivering critical products designed to protect and preserve the lives of Warfighters across the globe. These products include drugs, vaccines, biologics, devices and medical support equipment intended to maximize survival of casualties on the battlefield.

Lt. Col. Daniel Ortwerth, right, strategy plans officer for the 157th Combat Operations Squadron, stands with Col. William Miller, 131st Mission Support Group Commander, during his retirement ceremony, May 15, 2022, at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri. Ortwerth served for 28 years.

U.S. Air Force Col. Dorothy Hinkley, commander of the 129th Medical Group, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, recites the oath of office after promoting to colonel during a ceremony, Sept. 10, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California. Hinkley earned her commission through the Navy ROTC program and served on active duty with the Navy before transitioning to the U.S. Navy Reserve and later transferring to the Air National Guard.

US Air Force Major General Michael Kostelnik (left) and US Air Force MASTER Sergeant Mark Norris stand in front of the American and Air Force flags during a formal ceremony at the All Veterans Memorial on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Base: Eglin Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An older veteran thanks the Utah National Guard Honor Guard before the ceremony's commencement. The Utah Army National Guard welcomes its new command chief warrant officer during a change-of-responsibility ceremony, Dec. 5, 2022, in the Draper headquarters auditorium. During the ceremony, Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 Brian Searcy relinquishes the role of command chief of the Utah Army National Guard to Command Chief Warrant Officer 5 William Erickson.

Command Chief Master Sgt. Marvin King, retired Washington Air National State Command Chief (left), pins the retired Air Force Pin to Chief Master Sgt. Marvin Boyds uniform (right) during his retirement ceremony held at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., on Oct. 15, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Boyd retired after 35 years of military service beginning in the U.S. Navy and over thirty years in the Washington Air National Guard. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. (ret.) John Hughel, Washington Air National Guard Public Affairs)

Command Chief Master Sgt. Marvin King, retired Washington Air National State Command Chief (left), pins the retired Air Force Pin to Chief Master Sgt. Marvin Boyds uniform (right) during his retirement ceremony held at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., on Oct. 15, 2022. Chief Master Sgt. Boyd retired after 35 years of military service beginning in the U.S. Navy and over thirty years in the Washington Air National Guard. (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. (ret.) John Hughel, Washington Air National Guard Public Affairs)

The 142nd Force Support Squadron held a change of command ceremony at Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, June 10, 2022. Lt. Col. Kelly Barton relinquished command and Maj. Berlinda White, previously serving as the personnel director for the Oregon Air National Guard, assumed command from the presiding officer for the event, 142nd Mission Support Group Commander, Col David Shattls.

Lt. Col. Michael Roy, 6th Special Operations Squadron commander, receives the squadron guidon from Col. Michael Shreves, 27th Special Operations Group commander, during the 6 SOS activation at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., Oct. 6, 2022. Previously the 27 SOG Detachment 1, the 6 SOS is an MC-130J Commando II aircraft flying unit that fulfills the 27th Special Operations Wings commitment to the Air Force Special Operations Commands new deployment model.

Maj. Gen. Shanna Woyak, Director of the Small Market and Stand Alone Medical Treatment Facility Organization (SSO) for the Defense Health Agency, and former 152nd Medical Group commander, reaffirms the Oath of Affirmation to Col. Eric Stringer, the 152nd Medical Group commander, during his promotion ceremony, Aug. 14, 2022 at the Nevada Air National Guard base in Reno. Woyak oversees all executive management, clinical operations, business operations, and strategy for 17 Small Markets and over 100 MTFs and DTFs across the United States, accounting for greater than one quarter of the health care encounters within the Military Health Systems direct-care system.

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.

Lt. Col. Jeremy Higbee, 96th Cyberspace Test Group, Detachment 1 commander, accepts the guidon from Col. Michael Dooley, 96th Cyberspace Test Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at the USS Constitution in Charlestown, Mass., June 14. The detachment provides expert lifecycle Test and Evaluation, Cybersecurity consultation, planning, and execution for Command and Control, Communications, Computers Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) and Cyberspace acquisitions.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jacquita Melton assumed the role of Command Chief of the Ohio Air National Guard's 178th Wing in Springfield, Ohio during a change of authority ceremony held Dec. 3, 2022. Melton is the ninth command chief master sergeant of the Ohio National Guard's 178th Wing.

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 Lt. Col. Patrick Shelton, 139th Communications Flight, Missouri Air National Guard, is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Aaron Larimore during his retirement ceremony at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base, Dec. 3, 2022. Throughout his 32 years of service, Shelton has served many leadership roles including commander of the 241st Air Traffic Control Squadron, and the commander of the 139th Communications Flight.

041206-F-0806S-027. Base: Warfield Air National Guard Base State: Maryland (MD) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Austin, commander of the 144th Fighter Wing, California Air National Guard, left, administers the oath of office for newly promoted Col. Dorothy Hinkley, commander of the 129th Medical Group, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, during a ceremony, Sept. 10, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base near Mountain View, California. Hinkley earned her commission through the Navy ROTC program and served on active duty with the Navy before transitioning to the U.S. Navy Reserve and later transferring to the Air National Guard.

U.S. Air Force Col. Roy Louque, 17th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron outgoing commander, (right) relinquishes command to Col. Derek Larbie, 17th Medical Group commander, during the 17th OMRS change of command ceremony at the Powell Event Center, June 2, 2022. Passing the guidon physically represents the symbolism of passing the squadron responsibilities to the next commander.

Right, Col. Jeffrey G. Holland, incoming 75th Air Base Wing commander, receives the guidon from Lt. Gen. Tom D. Miller, Air Force Sustainment Center commander, during a change of command ceremony June 22, 2022, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The 75th ABW provides installation support for the Ogden Air Logistics Complex, two fighter wings, and 50 other associate units, totaling 27,000 members consisting of active duty, civilian and contractor personnel.

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.

Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider, left, United States Air Force Director of Staff and presiding officer, receives the guidon from Maj. Gen. James R. Sears Jr., right, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC) outgoing commander, during the AFOTEC change of command ceremony at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., July 19, 2022. Sears relinquished command to the incoming commander, Brig. Gen Michael T. Rawls.

Jacqueline Melcher, director of the 88th Civil Engineer Groups Installation Management Division, performs a smudging ceremony for Maj. Dustin Honious, 445th Security Forces Squadron commander, as her husband, Tech. Sgt. Robert Melcher, looks on during a ceremony March 28, 2023, in which she was presented the Command Civilian Award for Valor at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Jacqueline Melcher, an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, was honored for her actions in October when the Melchers and Honious came upon a fiery, head-on vehicle collision in nearby Chester Township.

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.

Promotion of Army Lt. Gen. Frank Grass to General and change of responsibility ceremony swearing in Gen. Grass as the 27th Chief of the National Guard Bureau in the Pentagon Auditorium on Sept. 7, 2012.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass pose with Col. Carl Miller, recipient of the 2019 Lance P. Sijan USAF Leadership Award, senior officer category, during a ceremony at the Pentagon, Arlington, Va., April 3, 2023. The award is named for Medal of Honor recipient Capt. Lance Sijan, who died while being held as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lyndsey Ballinger, left, commander of the 129th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard, presents a retirement order to her predecessor, Col. Sigurd Lokensgard, Aug. 6, 2022, at Moffett Air National Guard Base, California. Lokensgard is a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate who retires with more than 30 years of service.

Col. Kristen Thompson, 55th Wing commander, passes the guidon to Col. Matthew Hensley, incoming 55th Communications Group commander, during the change of command ceremony June 23, 2022, at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. Hensley assumes command from U.S. Col. Larry Fletcher who departs to the Skillbridge Fellowship Program, a military transition program at Albers Aerospace in McKinney, Texas.

U.S. Air Force Col. Valarie Long, right, 423d Air Base Group incoming commander, receives the guidon from Col. Brian Filler, 501st Combat Support Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony at RAF Alconbury, England, July 25, 2022. Prior to assuming command, Long served as the Director of Information Warfare at the 603d Air Operations Center, Ramstein AB, Germany.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Shanna Woyak, left, outgoing director, Small Market and Stand Alone Military Medical Treatment Facility Organization (SSO), and U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald Place, center, Defense Health Agency director and the ceremonys presiding official, exchange guidon as she relinquishes command of the SSO, during a change of directorship ceremony, Sept. 29, 2022, Port San Antonio, Texas.

Lt. Col. Kristen Nichols, 436th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron, right, relinquishes command of the 436th OMRS after handing the guidon to Col. Tracy Allen, left, 436th Medical Group commander, during a change of command ceremony held at The Landings on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, June 9, 2022. The 436th OMRS Change of Command was the third of four ceremonies conducted within the 436th MDG. Guidon bearer for the ceremony was Master Sgt. Andrew Burgos, center, 436th OMRS superintendent.

Col. Lucas Teel, 4th Fighter Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Peter Martinez, 4th FW command chief, presents a plaque to Chief Master Sgt. Jasper Martin, 4th Maintenance Group maintenance operations senior enlisted leader, during a Chief Master Sergeant Recognition Ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, March 24, 2023. The ceremony honored Seymour Johnsons newest chief master sergeants and selects for achieving the top enlisted grade in the Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Col. Evaristo M. Orengo, III., the incoming 156th Wing commander, assumes command of the 156th Wing from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Loiselle, the assistant adjutant general-air, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, 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 Gen. Duke Richardson, left, Commander, Air Force Material Command, USAF Maj. Gen. John Wilcox, middle, and USAF Maj. Gen. John Allen, 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.

Lt. Gen. Shaun Q. Morris, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center commander, receives the AFLCMCs Detachment 12 guidon from Col. Brian Beachkofski, Det. 12 commander, as Chief Master Sgt. Kevin D. Boles, Det. 12s senior enlisted leader, stands at attention during a transition ceremony at the units headquarters in Boston, June 27. Det. 12 transitioned from a detachment to a division of AFLCMCs Digital Directorate.

Maj. Aleksi Vega, right, incoming 4th Comptroller Squadron commander, receives the guidon from Col. Lucas Teel, 4th Fighter Wing commander, during the 4th CPTS change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, June 24, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

Lt. Col. John D. Duray accepts command of the 9th Attack Squadron from Col. Steven M. Beattie, 49th Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony, June 30, 2022, on Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Duray previously served as the 65th Special Operations Squadron operations officer at Hurlburt Field, Florida, before assuming his new role at Holloman.

The 121st Air Refueling Wing holds a promotion ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Caron at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, Feb. 4, 2024. Family and friends joined Caron to celebrate his ascension to the 9th and highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force. Air National Guard

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. M. Craig Booth, 509th Communications Squadron outgoing commander, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from U.S. Space Force Col. Christopher Schlak, 509th Mission Support Group commander, during the 509th CS change of command ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, July 8, 2022. Booth was recognized for his service to Team Whiteman throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and keeping the communications systems across the base up and running for total force operations.

U.S. Coast Guard Fireman Thomas Borden, left, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Kaleb Hersey, interview with local media after a ceremony in the boathouse at Station Cleveland Harbor, Ohio Aug. 29. Borden and Hersey were recognized for their heroic actions standing out distinctly above normal expectations.

Lt. Col. Samsul Alam, chief of internal review for the 75th Innovation Command, is hugged by his wife, Lisa, as he is prepared to be presented his retirement award, temporarily held by Staff Sgt. Nydia Santini. Col. Michael Shanley and Command Sgt. Maj. Kristal Florquist presented Alam and his wife with their award and certificates of appreciation.

The Ohio National Guards 180th Fighter Wing Color Guard team presents the colors during a Change of Command ceremony at the 180FW in Swanton, Ohio, Oct. 15, 2022. During the ceremony, outgoing 180FW commander, U.S. Air Force Col. Michael DiDio, relinquished command to Col. Chad Holesko.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John B. Canfield, maintenance group superintendent with the 122nd Fighter Wing (FW), looks on while Brig. Gen. Michael D. Stohler, Indiana assistant adjutant general - Air, ING, swears in a member of the 122nd FW student flight during Canfields retirement ceremony at the 122nd FW, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sept. 10, 2022. Canfield retired after 38 years of military service.

Master Sgt. Kelly Graham, Chief Master Sgt. Grace A. Peterson Airman Leadership School commandant, speaks during ALS Class 22-Ds graduation ceremony May 5, 2022, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The graduating class was the last for Graham as she prepares to retire from the Air Force.

U.S. Army Col. Patrick Nelson, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) commander pins award onto U.S. Army Lt. Col. Ian Peoples during a retirement ceremony hosted by 3rd Battalion, 7th SFG(A) on Camp Bull Simons, Florida. Feb. 23, 2024. Army

Lt. Col. Ryan Miller (right), 459th Airlift Squadron commander, relinquishes the squadron guide-on to Col. Kevin Martin (left), 374th Operations Group commander, during a change of command ceremony for the 459th AS at Yokota Air Base, Japan, May 10, 2022. Per military doctrine, the primary purpose of a change of command ceremony is to allow subordinates to witness the formal leadership changeover of one officer to another.

Gen. Kevin Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, renders the first salute to PACAF Airmen after taking command from Gen. Ken Wilsbach 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

Master Sgt. Jacqueline Payne, installation personnel readiness noncommissioned officer in charge, 131st Force Support Squadron, is presented with the Meritorious Service Medal by retired Capt. Kenneth Pederson, former maintenance officer, during her retirement ceremony at Jefferson Barracks Air National Guard Base, St. Louis, Missouri, Oct. 16, 2022. The Meritorious Service Medal is presented to military members who have distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement.

Army Brig. Gen. Janeen Birckhead, Commander of the Maryland Army National Guard, Army Brig. Gen. Rodney Boyd, Assistant Adjutant General and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, and Air Force Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, The Adjutant General of Illinois and the Illinois National Guard Commander made a visit to Chicago State University Nov. 21. While visiting the campus, they had an opportunity to speak with students regarding the educational benefits of serving in the National Guard.

Coast Guard Air Station - Clearwater, Florida - Distinguished Flying Cross - 26-HK-128-32. Hurricane Katrina

Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, The Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard presents a retirement certificate to Col. Craig Holan during the dual retirement ceremony for Col. 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.

FORT MEADE, Md. - Sfc. Joshua M. King, an infantryman assigned to United States Army Garrison Fort George G. Meade, is pinned with a meritorious service medal commemorating his career during his retirement ceremony here, June 18, 2022. King has been serving in the Army since Sept. 6, 2002, where he progressed to the rank of Sergeant First Class before retiring after 20 years of service.

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Ronald Place, Defense Health Agency director and the ceremonys presiding official, presents the unit guidon to U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Darrin Cox, incoming Small Market and Stand Alone Military Medical Treatment Facility Organization (SSO) director, during the SSO change of directorship ceremony, Sept. 29, 2022, Port San Antonio, Texas.

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

Col. Christophe Piubeni, French Air Force exchange officer, and U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., hold a signed charter for the Trilateral Strategic Initiative following a trilateral meeting with Gen. Stéphane Mille, French Air and Space Force Chief of Staff, and U.K. Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, Royal Air Force Chief of the Air Staff, at RAF Fairford, England, July, 15, 2022. The meeting took place during the Royal International Air Tattoo where the U.S. Air Force demonstrated its commitment to its allies and partners and celebrated the Department of the Air Forces upcoming 75th birthday.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Barrass, 175th Cyberspace Operations Group deputy commander, passes the guidon to U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric R. Burdon, incoming 275th Operations Support Squadron commander, during an assumption of command ceremony at Martin State Air National Guard Base, Middle River, Maryland, April 1, 2023. The symbolic tradition of passing the guidon has survived through military history and remains the key event of change of command ceremonies.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes dignitaries from the Brazilian Ministry of Defense to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Sept. 21, 2022. During the visit, the dignitaries attended an office call with IADC Leadership, received an IADC brief, and concluded the visit with a tour of the campus.

District of Columbia National Guard holds promotion ceremony for Maj. Michelle A. Watkis, in D.C. Armory, February 3, 2024. During the ceremony, Watkis was given the Oath of Office by Col. R. Brian Deaton, 74th Troop Command Commander, DCARNG. Army

Col. Soo Sohn, right, accepts command of the 341st Medical Group from Col. Anita Feugate Opperman, 341st Missile Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony June 10, 2022, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Guidon bearer Chief Master Sgt. Kristi Binard, 341st MDG senior enlisted leader, looks on.

Inter-American Defense College Leadership Welcomes Ecuadorian Air Force Brigadier General, Celiano Cevallos Calderón, Military and Aerospace Education Command, Commander and Ecuadoran Air War College students to the IADC on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., Aug. 23, 2022. During the visit the students were briefed by leadership and received an orientation class by a college faculty member.

Washington Air National Guard Chief Master Sergeant Edward Pohl, 141st Air Refueling Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant, presents the American Flag to Chief Master Sgt. Marvin Boyd during his retirement ceremony held at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., on Oct. 15, 2022. Chief Boyd retired after 35 years of military service beginning in the U.S. Navy and the Washington Air National Guard. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. (ret.) John Hughel, Washington Air National Guard Public Affairs)

030116-F-5611J-010. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Savannah International Airport State: Georgia (GA) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: ANG

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