2/9/2012 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – (from left to right) Chief Master Sgt. Lorna De La Cruz, Senior Master Sgt. Kathleen M. McCool, Master Chief Petty Officer Steve Hargis, Master Chief Petty Officer David C. Kroll and Master Chief Petty Officer Jamey Spurgeon light the top candle, signifying they have obtained the highest enlisted rank in the armed forces, during the Joint Service E-9 Recognition Ceremony at the Minuteman Commons on Feb. 3. Hosted by the 66th Air Base Group and the Hanscom Chief's Group, the ceremony recognized two members of the Air Force and three members of the Coast Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rick Berry)

2/9/2012 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. - (from left to right) William Boyden, superintendant of investigations, and Staff Sgt. Richard Crotty, military working dog handler, “apprehend” Staff Sgt. Scott Roy, acting as a shooter, during an exercise at the base chapel Feb. 3. Base readiness exercises are conducted periodically to maintain readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Linda LaBonte Britt)

2/9/2012 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Chief Master Sgt. Alfred Wilkes (standing) cheers on the New York Giants during the “Big Game” party at the Minuteman Commons Feb. 5. Football fans gathered for games, snacks, giveaways and, of course, to root for their favorite team during the Super Bowl. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rick Berry)

2/9/2012 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Fans celebrate after a New England Patriots touchdown during the “Big Game” party at the Minuteman Commons Feb. 5. Football fans gathered for games, snacks, giveaways and, of course, to cheer on their favorite team during the Super Bowl. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rick Berry)

2/9/2012 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Col. David Hiltz, Aerial Ground Surveillance Division chief, administers an oath to newly promoted Lt. Col. Chris Lardner, Next Generation Systems Branch, via video teleconference Jan. 5 as family, friends and co-workers watch. Lardner is deployed to Afghanistan along with coalition partners. A German colonel pinned on his new rank. (U.S. Air Force photo by Rick Berry)