U.S. Air Force Col. Kelli R. Moon, commander of the 11th Operations Group, bestows command of the U.S. Air and Space Force Honor Guards upon U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brandon Alford at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., June 3, 2025. Alford previously served as the commander of the 13th Expeditionary Combat Weather Squadron while deployed to Poznan, Poland. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Powell)

The U.S. Air Force Air and Space Force Honor Guards’ assumption of command ceremony concludes at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., June 3, 2025. The Air Force Honor Guard was formed in 1948 and the Space Force Honor Guard in 2023, each charged with delivering premier ceremonial honors on the world stage. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Powell)

U.S. Air Force Col. Kelli R. Moon, commander of the 11th Operations Group, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Brandon J. Alford, new commander of the U.S. Air and Space Force Honor Guard, as he assumed command at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., June 3, 2025. The 11th Operations Group has provided ceremonial excellence at high-visibility events around the world via the honor guard, U.S. Air Force Band and Arlington Chaplaincy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Powell)

The official party for the U.S. Air and Space Force Honor Guards’ assumption of command enters the ceremony at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., June 3, 2025. Lt. Col. Brandon J. Alford assumed command of the ceremonial unit as the third officer to command both the Air and Space Force Honor Guards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Powell)

U.S. Air and Space Force ceremonial guardsmen present the first salute to Lt. Col. Brandon J. Alford during the assumption of command ceremony for the U.S. Air and Space Force Honor Guards at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., June 3, 2025. Alford took command of 300 guardsmen whose mission is to deliver premier ceremonial honors, inspire the nation and represent all Airmen and Guardians to the world. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Powell)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brandon J. Alford, commander of the U.S. Air and Space Force Honor Guards, speaks during his assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., June 3, 2025. Alford assumed responsibility for ensuring ceremonial excellence within Honor Guard operations and the training of 300 ceremonial guardsmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Powell)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brandon J. Alford, commander of the U.S. Air and Space Force Honor Guards, center, conducts a ceremonial inspection of the unit during an assumption of command ceremony at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., June 3, 2025. The commander’s inspection honored a tradition traced to the Roman Empire and has ensured the readiness of U.S. troops since the American Revolution. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Powell)

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brandon J. Alford, commander of the U.S. Air and Space Force Honor Guards, exits his assumption of command ceremony alongside his wife, U.S. Air Force Maj. Megan R. Crouch, and daughter, Ember, at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., June 3, 2025. Alford assumed responsibility for ensuring ceremonial excellence within honor guard operations and the training of 300 ceremonial guardsmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jordan Powell)