The Commonwealth of Virginia marked a significant moment in its history with the inauguration of Abigail Spanbergeras the 75th Governor of Virginia on January 17, 2026, in Richmond. The ceremony reflected both the traditions of the Commonwealth and the continued integration of Virginia’s military forces into civic life. The event brought together senior state leaders, members of the public, and uniformed service members from across Virginia’s military establishment, highlighting the close relationship between civil authority and those charged with defending and supporting the Commonwealth.

Throughout the inauguration, the Virginia National Guard played a central role in ceremonial and operational support. Soldiers and Airmen executed a wide range of missions, including ceremonial music, an artillery salute, a flyover, and leadership of the inaugural parade. These activities underscored the Guard’s dual responsibility as both a federally deployable force and a state-controlled organization ready to answer the call of the governor in times of need. The presence of Guard personnel at every phase of the event reinforced their visibility as a standing element of Virginia’s public safety and emergency response framework.

A notable element of the inaugural parade was the inclusion of a joint color guard representing the Virginia Army National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard, and the Virginia Defense Force. The Virginia Defense Force’s participation highlighted its formal integration and presence as a key component of Virginia’s state ceremonial functions and domestic operations. Their presence alongside Guard units reflected their role as a force multiplier, prepared to augment the National Guard during domestic response missions while preserving Guard readiness for federal and overseas commitments.

Ceremonial support during the inauguration showcased the breadth of Virginia’s military capabilities. Soldiers from the 29th Infantry Division Band provided music for the ceremony, while artillery Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment conducted a blank-fire salute using M119A3 105mm howitzers. Virginia Air National Guard pilots from the 149th Fighter Squadron performed a two-ship F-22 Raptor flyover, launching from Joint Base Langley–Eustis. The parade itself was led by senior Guard leadership and included marching formations, a joint color guard, and a historical Revolutionary War era color guard recognizing the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence.

Following the ceremony, Major General James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia (Senior National Guard General), presented Governor Spanberger with an artillery shell casing from the salute. The gesture symbolized the enduring bond between Virginia’s elected leadership and its military forces. In her inaugural remarks, Governor Spanberger expressed appreciation for Virginia’s service members, acknowledging those serving overseas as well as those supporting missions at home across the Commonwealth.

As part of the transition to the new administration, Governor Spanberger also named retired Major General Timothy Williams as Virginia’s next Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs. A former Adjutant General with nearly four decades of service, Williams previously oversaw the Virginia Army National Guard, Virginia Air National Guard, and Virginia Defense Force, providing him with direct experience across all components of Virginia’s military structure. His appointment signals continuity in policy, readiness, and support for service members and veterans, as well as sustained emphasis on coordination between the National Guard and the Virginia Defense Force.

The inauguration of Virginia’s 75th governor served not only as a peaceful transfer of civilian authority, but also as a public demonstration of how the Virginia National Guard and Virginia Defense Force remain integrated into the life of the Commonwealth. Through ceremonial duties, operational readiness, and leadership transitions, the event illustrated how these forces continue to support Virginia’s government, communities, and citizens while maintaining preparedness for both domestic and global missions.

Here are some more photos from the event:

VNG supports 75th Virginia Gubernatorial Inauguration

By Mike Vrabel | Virginia National Guard Public Affairs

RICHMOND, Va.  –  Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen supported the inauguration of Abigail Spanberger as the 75th Governor of Virginia Jan. 17, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia. VNG personnel conducted a variety of missions including a blank-fire artillery salute, playing ceremonial music and conducting a flyover with F-22 fighter jets. A formation of Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen also led the inaugural parade.

After the ceremony, Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, presented Spanberger a shell casing from the artillery salute.

In her inaugural address, Spanberger expressed her appreciation for the VNG and the rest of Virginia’s military population. 

“I thank the members of the Virginia National Guard — those serving far from home or right here today,” she said. “As I begin my service as Governor, I want to thank the men and women of our Armed Forces — the Virginians serving overseas and those who serve at military installations across our Commonwealth. Thank you for your defense of our freedom.”

“It’s an honor for the Virginia National Guard to support the inauguration of Governor-elect Spanberger,” said Ring. “As we support the peaceful transfer of governance for the Commonwealth, we are mindful that the Virginia National Guard remains a globally employed force with mobilized personnel serving around the world.”

The VNG’s inauguration support not only provided a chance to showcase the organization’s myriad capabilities, but also provides an opportunity to train on joint operations with civil support partners.
“The Virginia National Guard welcomes the opportunity to conduct training and operations with our local and state partners,” Ring said. “Our mission is to be always ready, always there and we are glad to provide support to our civil partners.”

VNG personnel conducted the following missions during the inauguration ceremony:
Soldiers assigned to the Troutville-based 29th Infantry Division Band provided music for the inaugural ceremony.

Soldiers assigned to the Norfolk-based 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, 116th Mobile Brigade Combat Team Division Artillery blank fired a ceremonial artillery salute with four M119A3 105mm howitzers. 

Brig. Gen. Charles Martin Jr. and Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Hawley, the Virginia Army National Guard command team, led the inaugural parade with a marching formation of Soldiers and Airmen and a joint color guard representing the Virginia Army and Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force. VNG personnel also presented a historical color guard in Revolutionary War-style uniforms to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence. 

Pilots assigned to the Virginia Air National Guard’s 149th Fighter Squadron, 192nd Operations Group, 192nd Wing performed a two-ship F-22 Raptor flyover during the ceremony. They launched and recovered from Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia, home of the 192nd Wing. 

The VNG is a unique dual-status force with a federal mission to serve as the combat reserve of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force and a state mission to provide a response force that answers the call of the governor to protect the commonwealth. The Virginia Defense Force is authorized by the Code of the Virginia as the all-volunteer reserve of the VNG and serves as a force multiplier integrated into all domestic response operations.

“It’s an honor for the Virginia National Guard to support the inauguration of Governor-elect Spanberger,” said Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia. “As we support the peaceful transfer of governance for the Commonwealth, we are mindful that the Virginia National Guard remains a globally employed force with mobilized personnel serving around the world.”

Today, Virginia National Guard senior leaders, staff and support personnel completed a few final preparations at the Virginia State Capitol grounds ahead of the inauguration of Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger.

Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen support the inauguration of Abigail Spanberger as the 75th Governor of Virginia Jan. 17, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia. VNG personnel conducted a variety of missions including playing ceremonial music, firing an artillery salute with blank ammunition, conducting a flyover with F-22 fighter jets and leading the inaugural parade. Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, also presented an artillery shell casing to Spanberger following the ceremony.

ICYMI: Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen supported the inauguration of Abigail Spanberger as the 75th Governor of Virginia Jan. 17, 2026, in Richmond — providing ceremonial support and showcasing the Guard’s diverse capabilities.

VNG personnel executed multiple missions throughout the event, including ceremonial music from the 29th Infantry Division Band, a blank-fire artillery salute by Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment, and a two-ship F-22 Raptor flyover by Virginia Air National Guard pilots. The Virginia National Guard also led the inaugural parade with a marching formation of Soldiers and Airmen, a joint color guard representing the Virginia Army and Air National Guard and Virginia Defense Force, and a Revolutionary War-style historical color guard recognizing the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary of independence.

Following the ceremony, Maj. Gen. James W. Ring, the Adjutant General of Virginia, presented Spanberger a shell casing from the artillery salute.

Source: Virginia Mercury – Virginia National Guard – Virginia National Guard – Virginia National Guard