JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Fifty-three Joint Base Charleston noncommissioned officers along with family and friends, joined in celebrating the installation's newest Senior NCOs at the Charleston Club, July 27, 2018. The Senior NCO Induction Ceremony is a long-standing tradition within the Air Force to recognize the achievement of reaching the rank of master sergeant. There are three main components to an induction ceremony: posting of the colors; the charge and oath; and the candle-lighting ceremony. Both NCOs and Senior NCOs were issued their charges and the oath, which is a rite of passage for military. For Senior NCOs, the induction ceremony is an important milestone in an Airman's career. Read during the induction ceremony, the Senior NCOs charge stated that master sergeants transition from being a technical expert to leaders and mentors. These Senior NCOs must promote the highest standards of conduct, appearance and performance. As part of this tradition, a candle-lighting ceremony was conducted. Each candle represented one of the nine enlisted ranks of the Air Force. Members of each rank were called upon to light their respective candles. (U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Andrea Salazar)