President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden observe the playing of the national anthem during the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff change of responsibility ceremony on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Sept. 30, 2011. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey became the 18th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the ceremony, succeeding Navy Adm. Mike Mullen who retired after 43 years of military service. President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden observe the playing of the national anthem during the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff change of responsibility ceremony on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Va., Sept. 30, 2011. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey became the 18th chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during the ceremony, succeeding Navy Adm. Mike Mullen who retired after 43 years of military service. SHARE: Download: Full Size (2.99 MB) Tags: Photo Essays Credit: VIRIN: 656962-Q-KRU83-555.jpg Photo Gallery