TINIAN — On May 20, 2025, the Tinian JROTC Battalion held its 32nd Change of Command Ceremony for the upcoming School Year of 2025-2026.
This ceremony showcased the promotion and handing over of responsibilities from the former leadership to the current, as well as a ceremonial swearing-in for a cadet who will soon join the U.S. Air Force.
All cadets were required to attend and participate in this event, demonstrating the Tinian JROTC Battalion’s commitment and dedication to the program.
A nice surprise to this ceremony was the participation of the middle school Leadership Corps.
Starting early in the day, the ceremony continued through rain and shine and concluded before noon.
The ceremony began with the promotion of the Stallion Battalion’s new staff officers, followed by a ceremonial swearing-in for Cadet Abiel Erickson, marking his enlistment into the U.S. Air Force.
This was followed by the promotion of the battalion’s new top leaders, including the change of responsibility ceremony for the incoming command sergeant major and her successor.
Next was a battalion inspection led by the reviewing officer, the battalion commander, C/LTC Ysabella Palacios, and the commander of troops, C/LTC Adriel Lenteja.
This was followed by the presentation of colors, during which the national anthem and the CNMI hymn were played.
Following the presentation of the colors, a change of command ceremony was held between outgoing the battalion commander, C/LTC Ysabella Palacios, and the incoming commander, C/LTC Geremy Santos.
Delivering their remarks were Senior Army Instructor Joseph A. Santos, outgoing Battalion Commander Palacios, and incoming Battalion Commander Santos.
A pass in review was then conducted, to assess the cadets’ readiness, discipline and order.
Last but not least, a company change of command was performed for the Alpha, Bravo and Charlie companies.
A few cadets and officers were asked what they felt during the change of command ceremony and their thoughts on what they experienced. These were their answers:
“During the change of command, I felt a bit of uncertainty and fear as we prepared to pass on our positions. Letting go of a role we’ve held with pride isn’t easy. I think of it like marking the end of a chapter filled with effort, challenges, and personal growth,” said Charlie Company Cadet 1st Sgt. Timika Reyes. “It was also an emotional and powerful reminder of how far we’ve come. Seeing new cadets step up to fill the roles we once held felt like a huge accomplishment, like we did our jobs well and carried on our legacy,” Reyes added.
“I felt proud, especially as one of the emcees, I was able to see how far people came in front of me. Seeing the leadership pass on their roles and the new cadets filling in, I realized how much I enjoyed JROTC and how much the program can empower people,” remarked C/PFC Mercy Christian.
“The change of command was a success for me because, despite the hot weather, the event went as planned, and I believe that if it wasn’t for the entire battalion, including the instructors, working together, the event wouldn’t have been as successful,” noted incoming S-3 C/2LT Seo Chae Yun.
This change of command ceremony was an emotional moment for many of our battalion’s senior cadets, as they will be graduating next month.
The Tinian JROTC program would prove to be an emotional and nostalgic memory for them as they move on with their lives after high school.
This ceremony showcased just how dedicated many cadets are to this program as shown by the time, care, and effort they put into JROTC.
We wish the best of luck to the new incoming staff members and leadership, and offer a warm farewell to our departing seniors and cadets.
Your hard work and dedication would never be forgotten, and the memories and stories you’ve made in JROTC would always be with you and us.
Hooah!
Abiel Erickson recites his pledge during the ceremonial swearing-in.
Photo by C/2LT Juris Cabarles
The outgoing command sergeant major relinquishes responsibilities to her successor.
Senior Army Instructor Joseph Santos speaks to the Tinian Stallion Battalion cadets.
