Photos by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs July 17, 2026
U.S. Airmen assigned to the 1st Combat Communications Squadron attend a change of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 8, 2026. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility from one officer to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo)
U.S. Air Force Col. Scott Weed, 435th Communications Operations Group commander, presents Lt. Col. Melanie Strodtman, 1st Combat Communications Squadron outgoing commander, with a Legion of Merit medal during a change of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 8, 2026. Change of command ceremonies are a U.S. military tradition that introduces new commanders to their units and is their first chance to address their team officially. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Melanie Strodtman, 1st Combat Communications Squadron outgoing commander, renders her final salute during a change of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 8, 2026. The final salute represents the outgoing commander’s last formal gesture to the Airmen they led, marking the conclusion of their command and service to the squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brett Lesser, 1st Combat Communications Squadron incoming commander, gives remarks during a change of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 8, 2026. The 1st CBCS mission is to provide rapidly deployable communications and air traffic control services throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo)
An Airman assigned to the 1st Combat Communication Squadron cuts a cake during the 1st Combat Communications Squadron change of command ceremony at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 8, 2026. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility from one officer to another. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Melanie Strodtman, 1st Combat Communications Squadron outgoing commander, passes the guidon to relinquish command to Col. Scott Weed, 435th Communications Operations Group commander, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, July 8, 2026. The guidon represents the squadron’s heritage, mission and Airmen, its transfer, a visible symbol of the trust and responsibility entrusted to each commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo)
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