BOLESLAWIEC, Poland — The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) and the 1st Infantry Division (1ID) conducted a transfer of authority ceremony at Boleslawiec, Poland, marking the continuation of V Corps’ commitment to NATO's eastern flank on June 26, 2026.
The transfer of authority ceremony, which included casing the 3ID’s colors and uncasing the 1ID’s colors, marked the official transition of responsibility between the incoming and outgoing units. It also symbolized the continued readiness and unity of effort in Europe and NATO’s eastern flank.
"Today is not just a change of leadership, but a reaffirmation of the United States' unwavering commitment to our NATO Allies," said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps.
Throughout its nine-month deployment, the 3rd Infantry Division conducted multinational training and exercises with allied forces across Europe, strengthening interoperability and readiness among NATO partners. The division participated in major exercises with the Polish 18th Mechanized Division, the Polish 16th Mechanized Division and the German 1st PanzerDivision, while supporting operations across multiple countries along NATO's eastern flank.
"The Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division strengthened our collective defense through rigorous training, partnership and innovation," Costanza said. "They helped make both our Army and NATO stronger."
The transition represents V Corps' continued role as the U.S. Army's only forward-deployed corps in Europe, which synchronizes combat-ready forces alongside NATO Allies and partners across the region to enhance security, interoperability, and deterrence.
"It has been an honor to serve alongside our partners and allies for the last nine months," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John Lubas, commanding general of 3rd Infantry Division. "These training events and exercises truly improved our ability to operate and fight alongside one another."
As 3ID passes the torch, 1ID now assumes responsibility for the mission, and they will continue building upon the relationships and capabilities that 3ID established while in Europe.
"Our purpose is clear: to assure our allies, deter aggression, and if required fight and win," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Monté Rone, commanding general of the 1st Infantry Division.
Maintaining the rotational presence across Europe, the 1st Infantry Division's assumption of authority begins the next chapter in Operation Atlantic Resolve – one small piece of the U.S. commitment to NATO Allies and partners, particularly along the eastern flank.