Navy Change of Command: Planning an Epic In Flight Ceremony

Planning a Navy Change of Command In Flight Ceremony

A Navy change of command is a time-honored tradition—full of respect, legacy, and (let’s be honest) a whole lot of paperwork. But if you’re reading this, you’re probably not looking for a basic, in-the-hangar, shake-hands-and-go-home ceremony. You want something unforgettable. Something that makes people say, “Now that was a Navy change of command!”

And what’s more epic than an in-flight helicopter change of command? Imagine the scene: rotors slicing through the air, the salty ocean breeze whipping past, the incoming and outgoing commanders executing a flawless transition at altitude. It’s a next-level way to honor your service, crew, and mission.

Here’s how to pull it off with military precision (and minimal stress).

Change of Command: Safety First

Any Navy ceremony is a logistical beast, but the inflight ceremony takes it to another level. There’s a ton to plan and you don’t need tips from a civilian like myself. But do run everything by your spouse or another non-Navy friend to make sure your civilian guests won’t be confused about what’s going on.

Useful resources:

• 2022 SECNAV Social Protocol Handbook
• Sample Navy Change of Command Speech
• Other considerations from NavyLeader.org

Nail Symbolism – Navy Is Full of It

Every branch of the military is full of its own symbolism. Get creative with classic elements:

• Read orders in flight
• Final words over comms
• Flyover salute

Regardless of what you plan in flight, make sure the audio on the ground is audible. You’ll want people available to trouble shoot any issues so nothing goes awry.

Photograph the Moment

A Navy Change of Command is a legacy moment for both in the outbound and inbound commanders. Make sure you:

• Have a photographer & videographer – hire this out on the ground. Your family doesn’t need another job to do
• Consider helmet cam footage with a GoPro for well mounted camera phone
• Live Stream the ceremony if OPSEC allows.

Pro tip: Public Affairs team has amazing photographers for this official events. But beware if something better or more important is happening, you will get the boot and be left without a photographer.

Why Hire a Photographer for a Military Ceremony?

There is so much detail that goes into every ceremony whether is a simple pinning or a complicated in flight change of command. Add in family coming town, kids out of school, or small children and there’s a lot of moving parts.

Do not ask your spouse to do one more thing. He or she needs to be IN those photos. Not to mention she wants to relax during the *actual* ceremony – not worried about getting that ONE epic, never-going-to-happen-again shot.

Its too much.

Photographers are a dime a dozen in the military world, but don’t go cheap here. Get someone with experience in ceremonies, that knows what questions to ask, has seen these events before and most importantly, isn’t afraid to get the shot.

Party!

Once you’re wheels-down, take a moment to celebrate (safely, of course). Whether it’s a small post-flight gathering or a full-on reception, honor the legacy of leadership and the team that made the event happen.

And finally—don’t forget the paperwork. Because no matter how cool the ceremony is, the Navy will still want those forms turned in on time.

Navy Change of Command In Flight Ceremony Photos

See More Military Ceremony Photo Inspiration

At the end of a career, all that will be left are the photos and uniforms. I pray you have photos! If not for yourself, for your kids.