The 53rd Movement Control Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Aaron Cornett and Command Sgt. Maj. LaVaughn Brown case their colors during a transfer of authority ceremony in Żagań, Poland, July 14, 2021. Members of the 53rd completed a nine-month rotation in support of Atlantic Resolve, helping provide ready and postured combat-credible forces through multinational training and security cooperation activities. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Reynolds)

The 49th Transportation Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Andrew Carpenter and Command Sgt. Maj. Tamara Williams uncase their colors during a transfer of authority ceremony in Żagań, Poland, July 14, 2021. Uncasing the colors signifies that the transfer of authority from the 53rd Movement Control Battalion is complete, and that the 49th stands strong and ready to perform its mission in support of Atlantic Resolve. Atlantic Resolve demonstrates continued U.S. commitment to collective European security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO allies and other European partners of America's dedication to enduring peace and stability throughout Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Reynolds)

The 53rd Movement Control Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. LaVaughn Brown stands before his Soldiers as they salute during the transfer of authority ceremony in Żagań, Poland, July 14, 2021. The 53rd finished up a nine-month rotation to Poland in support of Atlantic Resolve. Through bilateral, joint and multinational training, Atlantic Resolve builds readiness, increases interoperability and enhances the bond between ally and partner militaries. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Reynolds/released)

Żagań, Poland—The 49th Transportation Battalion assumed authority as a rotational transportation battalion during a transfer of authority ceremony in Żagań, Poland, July 14, 2021.

Commander of the 16th Sustainment Brigade Col. Angel Estrada, speaks briefly at the transfer of authority ceremony between the 53rd Movement Control Battalion and the 49th Transportation Battalion held in Żagań, Poland, July 14, 2021. “They have done a stellar job; the 53rd has completed over 353 cross-border missions,” Estrada said. The 53rd provided movement control operations in support of Atlantic Resolve, a continued set of U.S. rotational deployments that supports NATO. They have executed customs clearance, bus requests, rail, line haul, and port operations throughout their deployment. Atlantic Resolve is funded by the European Deterrence Initiative, which enables the U.S. to enhance deterrence, increase readiness and support NATO. Several other rotations are also funded with EDI, including air defense, logistics and sustainment units. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Michael Baumberger)

The 16th Sustainment Brigade Commander Col. Angel Estrada shakes the hand of Sgt. Austin McNeal, a wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 53rd Movement Control Battalion, 7th Transportation Battalion (Expeditionary), after he was awarded the Army Achievement Medal in Żagań, Poland, July 14, 2021. Soldiers of the 53rd were awarded medals for their performance in supporting Atlantic Resolve. There are four types of U.S. Army Atlantic Resolve rotations – armored, aviation, sustainment task force, and division forward headquarters. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Michael Baumberger/released)

The 49th Transportation Battalion is ready and eager to get started on their rotation in Żagań. They are assuming authority from the 53rd Movement Control Battalion, which is wrapping things up in Żagań, and is excited to return to the States.

“The 53rd MCB has spent the last nine months flawlessly executing the mission,” said Lt. Col. Aaron Cornett, commander of the 53rd MCB. “I couldn’t be more proud of them. Their expertise, hard work and dedication to the mission have been critical.”

The transfer of authority ceremony, officiated by Col. Angel Estrada, 16th Sustainment Brigade commander, was the last step of the transition between the two battalions.

“To the 49th Transportation Battalion, your colors have been here in Europe before,” Estrada said, “and it is a beautiful sight to see them here again.”

The 49th has honorable campaign participation in World War II-Northern France, Central Europe; Armed Forces Expedition-Somalia; Southwest Asia-Defense of Saudi Arabia, Liberation and Defense of Kuwait, Cease-Fire, as well as The Global War on Terrorism-Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

“During this deployment, the 49th will hold a crucial role in the European Theater,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Carpenter, commander of the 49th. “This mission's area of responsibility operates in 16 different countries, and spans more than 2,500 miles. These Soldiers will punch well above their weight class and represent the 16th Sustainment Brigade, the 21st Theater Sustainment Command, and the U.S. Army by providing professional, disciplined transporters who will work alongside our partner nations to develop long-lasting relationships.”

The 49th will provide transportation for U.S. Army equipment across the European Theater over the next nine months and build partnerships with allied countries.