1 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
Incoming command sergeant major of NATO eFP Battle Group Poland, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sheldon Watson, command sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2 ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division (1 CD), operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID), stands at the front of the formation during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Feb. 2, 2023. The 2 ABCT, 1 CD is among other units assigned to the 4 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Lianne Hirano)
VIEW ORIGINAL
2 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
Polish army Maj. Gen. Dariusz Parylak, the chief of staff of the general command, delivers a speech during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 2023. The Polish army is proudly working alongside the 1st Infantry Division, NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, under America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Lianne Hirano)
VIEW ORIGINAL
3 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
The Polish army band performs during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 2023. The Polish army is proudly working alongside the 1st Infantry Division, NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, under America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Lianne Hirano)
VIEW ORIGINAL
4 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sean M. Castilla, outgoing commander of NATO eFP Battle Group Poland and commander of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3/1 ABCT), operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), receives a Polish Army Medal from Polish army Maj. Gen. Dariusz Parylak, the chief of staff of the general command during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 2023. The 3/1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Lianne Hirano)
VIEW ORIGINAL
5 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
U.S Army Lt. Col. James Ray, left, incoming commander of NATO eFP Battle Group Poland and commander of the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2 ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division (1 CD), operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID), acknowledges his assumption of command of the NATO eFP Battle Group Poland from Polish armed forces Col. Adam Koniuk, deputy commander of the 15th Mechanized Infantry Brigade during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Feb. 2, 2023. The 2 ABCT, 1 CD is among other units assigned to the 4 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Lianne Hirano)
VIEW ORIGINAL
6 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sean M. Castilla, left, commander of the NATO eFP Battle Group Poland and the commander of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3/1 ABCT), operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), passes the NATO eFP Battle Group Poland guidon to Polish armed forces Col. Adam Koniuk, deputy commander of the 15th Mechanized Infantry Brigade during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Feb. 2, 2023. The 3/1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Lianne Hirano)
VIEW ORIGINAL
7 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
Incoming command sergeant major of NATO eFP Battle Group Poland, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sheldon Watson, command sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2 ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division (1 CD), operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID), receives the NATO eFP Battle Group Poland guidon during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Feb. 2, 2023. The 2 ABCT, 1 CD is among other units assigned to the 4 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Lianne Hirano)
VIEW ORIGINAL
8 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
U.S Army Lt. Col. James Ray, left, incoming commander of NATO eFP Battle Group Poland and commander of the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2 ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division (1 CD), operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID), receives the NATO eFP Battle Group Poland guidon from Polish armed forces Col. Adam Koniuk, deputy commander of the 15th Mechanized Infantry Brigade during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Feb. 2, 2023. The 2 ABCT, 1 CD is among other units assigned to the 4 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Lianne Hirano)
VIEW ORIGINAL
9 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sean M. Castilla, outgoing commander of NATO eFP Battle Group Poland and commander of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3/1 ABCT), operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), delivers a speech during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 2023. The 3/1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Lianne Hirano)
VIEW ORIGINAL
10 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
Soldiers assigned to NATO eFP Battle Group Poland, including Soldiers of the U.S. Army 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3/1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division, Romanian Sky Guardians, U.K. The Royal Lancers, Prince of Wales Troop, alongside the 11th Croatian contingent, Panzer Battery, stand in formation during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 2023. The 3/1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Lianne Hirano)
VIEW ORIGINAL
11 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
Outgoing command sergeant major of NATO eFP Battle Group Poland, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Allison, command sergeant major of 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3/1 ABCT), operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), stands at the front of the formation during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Feb. 2, 2023. The 3/1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lianne M. Hirano)
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Lianne Hirano)
VIEW ORIGINAL
12 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
U.S. Soldiers assigned to NATO eFP Battle Group Poland, including Soldiers of the U.S. Army 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3/1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division, the Romanian Sky Guardians, U.K. The Royal Lancers, Prince of Wales Troop, and the 11th Croatian contingent, Panzer Battery, stand in formation during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 2023. The 3/1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Foster)
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Matthew Foster)
VIEW ORIGINAL
13 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
U.S. Soldiers assigned to NATO eFP Battle Group Poland, including Soldiers of the U.S. Army 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3/1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, the Romanian Sky Guardians, U.K. The Royal Lancers, Prince of Wales Troop, and the 11th Croatian contingent, Panzer Battery, stand in formation during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 2023. The 3/1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Foster)
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Matthew Foster)
VIEW ORIGINAL
14 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
Incoming command sergeant major of NATO eFP Battle Group Poland, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Sheldon Watson, command sergeant major of 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2 ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division (1 CD), operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID), stands at the front of the formation during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 2023. The 2 ABCT, 1 CD is among other units assigned to the 4 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Foster)
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Matthew Foster)
VIEW ORIGINAL
15 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sean M. Castilla, outgoing commander of NATO eFP Battle Group Poland and commander of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3/1 ABCT), operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), delivers a speech during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 2023. The 3/1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Foster)
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Matthew Foster)
VIEW ORIGINAL
16 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
U.S. Soldiers assigned to NATO eFP Battle Group Poland, including Soldiers of the U.S. Army 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division, the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2 ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division (1 CD), operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID), the Romanian Sky Guardians, U.K. The Royal Lancers, Prince of Wales Troop, and the 11th Croatian contingent, Panzer Battery, conduct a pass-and-review parade during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 2023. The 2 ABCT, 1 CD is among other units assigned to the 4 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Foster)
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Matthew Foster)
VIEW ORIGINAL
17 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Ray, incoming commander of NATO eFP Battle Group Poland and commander of the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2 ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division (1 CD), operationally controlled by the 4th Infantry Division (4 ID), delivers a speech during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 2023. The 2 ABCT, 1 CD is among other units assigned to the 4 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Foster)
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Matthew Foster)
VIEW ORIGINAL
18 / 18
Show Caption +
Hide Caption –
U.S. Soldiers assigned to NATO eFP Battle Group Poland, including Soldiers of the U.S. Army 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3/1 ABCT) operationally controlled by the 1st Infantry Division (1 ID), the 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, the Romanian Sky Guardians, U.K. The Royal Lancers, Prince of Wales Troop, and the 11th Croatian contingent, Panzer Battery, conduct a pass-and-review parade during the Hand Over, Take Over ceremony in Bemowo Piskie, Poland, Feb. 2, 2023. The 3/1 ABCT is among other units assigned to the 1 ID, proudly working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America's forward deployed corps in Europe. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Foster)
(Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Matthew Foster)
VIEW ORIGINAL
BEMOWO PISKIE, Poland – NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battle Group Poland, “The Tip of the Spear,” held a Hand Over Take Over ceremony between the outgoing 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment (3-8 CAV), 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (3/1 ABCT) “Warhorse Battalion” and the incoming 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment (1-9 CAV), 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team (2 ABCT), 1st Cavalry Division (1 CD) “Headhunter Battalion” on Feb. 2, 2023.
The Hand Over, Take Over ceremony acknowledges the achievements of the outgoing 3-8 CAV, 3/1 ABCT while welcoming the new leadership of the 1-9 CAV, 2 ABCT, 1 CD.
“To the soldiers representing the nations of the eFP Battle Group Poland, I am proud to have served with you here on NATO’s Eastern flank,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sean M. Castilla, outgoing commander of eFP Battle Group Poland and commander of the 3-8 CAV, 3/1 ABCT. “Each one of you represents your country's commitment and resolve the collective defense of this NATO alliance.”
Soldiers from nations of the NATO eFP Battle Group Poland train and serve as a unified military component, representing a strong expression of the NATO alliance in cooperation and solidarity.
“During the last few months, this Battle Group has been in a period not only of acute geopolitical complexity but also significant transition,” said Castilla. “We have aggressively trained hard together to build interoperability and strengthen the bonds of cohesion, lethality and true readiness to deter and defend against any aggressor to this alliance.”
The U.S. Army’s 1-9 CAV, 2 ABCT, 1 CD’s mission is to train with the other nations of the eFP Battle Group in Poland and to demonstrate the alliance’s determination and ability to act as one collective fighting force in response to any aggression against its members.
“This is a fantastic team of professional fighting forces coming together as one, and an opportunity for us to continue to strengthen interoperability,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Ray, incoming commander of eFP Battle Group Poland and commander of the 1-9 CAV, 2 ABCT, 1 CD. “Task Force Headhunter is thankful for the opportunity to become part of Battle Group Poland and participate in the alliance's collective defense, and deterrence against any adversary to the sovereignty of any nations within the NATO alliance.”
The U.S. is prepared, equipped and committed to the NATO alliance and their allies, ensuring the collective defense of Poland through strengthening combat readiness and enhancing interoperability between the differing nations through training and exercises.
“Living and training alongside our allies daily strengthens our operability, improves communication and enhances our ability to anticipate, react, move and communicate as a cohesive team,” said Ray.
The Battle Group consists of U.S. Army Soldiers from 1-9 CAV, 2 ABCT, 1 CD and soldiers from Croatia, Romania, and the U.K. that contribute to and strengthen NATO alliance’s deterrence and defense posture in northeast Poland.
“It was a real honor and privilege to work with our allies within the Battle Group, working together in close unison and learning so much from each other,” said Castilla. “I am proud to say that we have enhanced our allied interoperability through our training and exercise, this is a combat-credible force that stands ready to answer any call and meet any challenge.”
The ceremony was brought to a close with a pass-in review involving Soldiers from all contingents of Battle Group Poland, as they marched in front of dignitaries and key leaders from the U.S. Army and NATO chains of command under the NATO banner.
“Cohesive teams are built on trust and forging lasting bonds that make us stronger together,” said Ray. “This Battle Group will remain fit, disciplined, lethal and ready for any challenge that we may face, from any adversary.”
Ray concluded the ceremony by reinforcing the U.S. commitment to the NATO alliance and the eFP Battle Group Poland's determination to create stability of the European theater through interoperability and cooperation between the allied nations within the Battle Group.
“The entire Battle Group remains vigilant, we are ready and postured with credible forces through multinational trading opportunities and exercises that enhance cohesion and interoperability,” said Ray. “First team, we can-we will, stronger together.”
Social Sharing