Members of the McChord Field Honor Guard were recognized by McChord leadership for their service during a change of responsibility ceremony Dec. 13 at the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. 

The ceremony was held to recognize the airmen who have completed their service in the McChord Field Honor Guard and their replacements as they were initiated.    

Unlike previous graduation ceremonies, this ceremony was the first that allowed McChord leadership to honor both incoming and outgoing airmen.

"We were trying to do something for the airmen," said Tech. Sgt. Justin Nolan, McChord Field Honor Guard NCOIC. "This reinforces to new trainees the importance of this mission."

The change of responsibility ceremony allowed the new honor guard graduates to showcase their newly acquired skills to leadership. During the ceremony, the incoming flight performed facing movements with outgoing flight members and received rifles from them that symbolized the transfer of responsibility.

"This change of responsibility is very symbolic and significant, said Col. Leonard Kosinski, 62nd Airlift Wing commander. "To the outgoing flight: Thank you for your service and a job very well done."

McChord Field Honor Guard members are trained for weeks in movements and procedures before becoming ceremonial guardsmen.   

"To the incoming flight: I want to thank you for what you are about to do," said Kosinski. "I know you are trained well and ready for the challenge."

The McChord Field Honor Guard serves at ceremonies such as performing military honors as well as presenting the colors across the Pacific Northwest for active-duty, retirees and veterans.

"This was nice to get recognized by leadership," said Senior Airman McArther Posey, McChord Field Honor Guard ceremonial guardsman. "It's nice to know they care enough to do this for us."