Relief and Appointment Ceremony

Credit: Sgt. Hannah Adams | Date Taken: 08/04/2023
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Pritchard, sergeant major of Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command, is relieved by Sgt. Maj. Aaron G. McDonald, the incoming FMFLANT, MARFORCOM, MARFOR NORTHCOM Sergeant Major, during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Elmore, Virginia, August 4, 2023. A relief and appointment ceremony is a military tradition that signifies all responsibilities and authorities being transferred. The incoming sergeant major will proceed to execute the mission of FMFLANT, MARFORCOM, MARFOR NORTHCOM — provisioning joint capable Marine Corps forces, direct deployment planning and execution of Service-retained operating forces in support of the combatant commander. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Hannah Adams)