NATO's Allied Command Operations senior non-commissioned officer carry out a time honored tradition during their Change of Responsibility Ceremony. As a part of the Change of Responsibility Ceremony a sword is passed from the hands of the out going leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Bartelle, to Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Adm. Jim Stavridis, on to the incoming leader Command Sgt. Maj. Michael M. Balch. Balch becomes the third SNCO of the ACO in the history of NATO.