BOLESLAWIEC, Poland — The 1st Infantry Division officially assumed operational responsibility from the 3rd Infantry Division, solidifying the continuous rotation of armored combat power in Poland and along NATO’s eastern flank during a Transfer of Authority ceremony at Boleslawiec, Poland, June 25, 2026.
The transition, occurring within the V Corps and U.S. European Command (EUCOM) area of operations, marks the completion of a highly active nine-month deployment of 3rd ID’s Task Force Marne (TFM) and the arrival of 1st ID to spearhead regional deterrence.
Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps, commended the outgoing Soldiers for enhancing international capabilities.
“Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice over these past nine months," Costanza said. "You've not only built and maintained readiness, but you've made our Army better and our NATO partners more ready.”
Maj. Gen. John Lubas, commanding general of 3rd ID, thanked Polish hosts Mayor Piotr Roman and Col. Grzywinski, commander the 23rd Silesian Artillery Regiment, Polish Armed Forces before highlighting the deep European lineage of the "Rock of the Marne," dating back to 1917.
“It was an honor for this division to return to Europe for the second time since the invasion of Ukraine, and stand alongside our partners and allies for the last nine months,” Lubas said.
During the rotation, TFM units integrated with German, Lithuanian and Polish formations, participating in dozens of multinational exercises. These included Saber Strike in Finland, Project Fly Trap in the Baltics and Dynamic Front 26, which enabled fully digital fires across multiple nations.
“These training events and exercises truly improved our ability to operate and fight alongside one another,” Lubas added, praising the cross-component sacrifices of his Soldiers.
During the casing of 3rd ID's colors, Maj. Gen. Monté L. Rone, commanding general of 1st ID, stepped forward alongside Command Sgt. Maj. James Hubanks, senior enlisted leader of 1st ID, to uncase their colors and assume the mission.
“The Big Red One begins its next chapter," Rone stated. "For more than a century, the 1st Infantry Division has answered the nation's call and set the standard for war fighting excellence. The mission has evolved, but the standard remains the same. We return not to relive our history, but to write the next chapter.”
Costanza expressed absolute confidence in the incoming "Big Red One" leadership following their recent joint warfighter evaluations.
“There is no doubt... that you are exactly the right leaders, and this is exactly the right unit to carry forward this very important mission," Costanza said. "The challenges ahead are significant, but so is your reputation for toughness, adaptability, war fighting and teamwork.”
As 1st ID headquarters takes the lead, its clear purpose remains focused on assuring allies and deterring regional aggression.
“The fighting first is back in Europe, and yes, we are ready," Rone concluded. "No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great. Duty first, Victory.”
-30-