NATO Forward Land Forces Battle Group-Poland welcomes new U.S. Army commander during Transfer of Authority Ceremony at BPTA
- Command
- CENTCOM
- Region
- Poland · Europe
- Category
- Military affairs
- Source
- U.S. Army V Corps
At a glance
- What
- Military Affairs
- Who
- U.S. Army V Corps
- When
- Nov 12, 2026 at 6:50 PM UTC
Official Statements
U.S. Army V Corps, November 12: “BEMOWO PISKIE TRAINING AREA, Poland — A historic moment took place at the Bemowo Piskie Training Area (BPTA) on Nov. 12, 2026, as one U.S. Army battalion transferred authority to another, with the incoming battalion commander assuming leadership of the NATO Forward Land Forces (FLF) Battle Group-Poland.”
U.S. Army V Corps, November 12: “Soldiers from the NATO FLF Battle Group-Poland and the Polish Armed Forces' 15th Giżycko Mechanized Brigade marched onto the parade field at BPTA, marking the beginning of the transfer of authority ceremony. The Military Orchestra of Giżycko played as it marched in front of the 15th Giżycko Mechanized Brigade's "Honorary Assistance." Polish Brig. Gen. Mirosław Spurek, commander of the 15th Giżycko Mechanized Brigade, conducted a ceremonial inspection of the troops, marching past the soldiers assembled in formation, a traditional part of Polish military ceremonies.”
U.S. Army V Corps, November 12: “The outgoing NATO FLF Battle Group-Poland commander, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Steven Saxion, battalion commander of 2nd Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, took the stage alongside incoming commander Lt. Col. Jeremy Herron, battalion commander of 1st Battalion, 63rd Armored Division. Senior leaders from the battle group, Multinational Division North East (MDN-NE), and the Polish Armed Forces also attended the ceremony. Poland, as the host nation, opened the ceremony with its national anthem, followed by the Croatian, Romanian, British, and U.S. national anthems.”
U.S. Army V Corps, November 12: “The NATO FLF Battle Group-Poland has been stationed at BPTA since 2017. The battle group was established to strengthen the NATO Alliance's deterrence and defensive posture in Poland.”
U.S. Army V Corps, November 12: “During the ceremony, Saxion passed the NATO colors to Spurek, who then passed them to Herron, symbolizing the transfer of command and Herron's assumption of leadership of the battle group. Following the passing of the colors, all three leaders signed official documents formalizing the transfer of authority and Herron's role as the battle group's commander. Saxion, the outgoing commander, said, “Every training event, maintenance operation, patrol engagement, and partnership has reflected the hard work of soldiers from across this formation and across multiple nations that make up the battle group.”
U.S. Army V Corps, November 12: “Spurek said, “I am very honored to have this opportunity to express my thanks to all soldiers from Croatia, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States for their service and contribution to our common effort to protect from any potential adversary.” During the ceremony, MDN-NE commander Brig. Gen. Rafał Kowalik wished Herron a “successful deployment here in one of the most critical parts of NATO's eastern flank.”
U.S. Army V Corps, November 12: “Herron, the incoming battle group commander, said, “We will continue to strengthen our collective lethality, enhance our interoperability, and demonstrate our collective resolve. We will build lasting relationships amongst each other, share burdens…and provide our unique perspectives - all while deepening the enduring relationships with the communities that support the multinational soldiers every rotation.”
Source: U.S. Army V Corps
