Saturday’s ceremony marked the official transfer of authority from the 4th Infantry Division to the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Division. Since February this year, “Task Force Ivy” has provided command and control over subordinate units in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. This demonstrates the continued commitment of the US Army in the region, our NATO allies and security partners, while promoting peace and security in the region.
The ceremony was attended, among others, by the commander of the US Army’s V Corps, Gen. John Kolasheski, the commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Gen. Chris Norrie (assuming the mission), and the commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Gen. David Doyle (transferring the mission), as well as the command of the 11th Lubusz Armored Cavalry Division and the 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment, US Army soldiers and a delegation from the Bundeswehr. The ceremony began with the national anthems of the Republic of Poland and the United States. This was followed by speeches from US Army commanders and a ceremony featuring the unit colors. All this took place to the accompaniment of an American military band. Saturday’s ceremony was strictly military, with no participation by civilian authorities or politicians.
Watch a short video from the ceremony:
Before the ceremony began, a band made up of US Army soldiers entertained everyone waiting by playing film music. Among other pieces, attendees could hear the iconic tune from Star Wars:
The steadfast presence of infantry, armored, aviation and logistics units in Poland, the Baltic region and NATO’s eastern flank sends a powerful message of reassurance and commitment to US allies in the region. American forces in Europe deter adversaries.
Based at Fort Stewart in Georgia, the 3rd Infantry Division “Rock of the Marne” is the XVIII Airborne Corps’ “hammer,” capable of rapidly deploying, fighting and defeating peer competitors in large-scale combat operations. The “Marne Division” is the most modernized formation in the US Army; it is fully trained and ready for this important mission.
Approximately 4,500 soldiers from the headquarters of the 3rd Infantry Division, the 3rd Infantry Division Artillery Brigade, the 3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade and the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team are deploying to various locations across Europe to support NATO allies, deter further aggression against NATO member states and train with host-nation forces to build readiness and interoperability. The 3rd Infantry Division is joining approximately 2,000 soldiers from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, who were sent to Europe to provide air support at the beginning of this year.
Gen. Chris Norrie, commander of the US Army’s 3rd Infantry Division:
We are excited about this deployment and important mission. We have trained hard and are proud to once again stand watch alongside our partners and allies in Europe.
To prepare for this mission, the 3rd Infantry Division conducted numerous complex exercises, underwent modernization and completed culminating training at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.
Let us recall that in 2017, Gen. Chris Norrie, then still a colonel, commanded the first US Army rotation, an Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), that arrived in Poland. At that time, he also visited Bolesławiec for the ceremonial welcome of US Army soldiers.