NATO Land Forces:U.S. Army Establishes New Garrison on the Eastern Flank

MIHAEL KOGALNICEANU AIR BASE,ROMANIA - On O8 AUG 2024,the new United States Army Garrison (USAG) Black Sea marked its official uncasing of colours and change of command ceremony.The Army formally redesignated the Army Support Activity-Black Sea to USAG Black Sea effective 15 JUN 2024.The development establishes USAG Black Sea as the ninth Army garrison in Europe and the 81st globally,further strengthening the Army's presence in the Black Sea Region,according to the U.S. Army.Located at Mihail Kolgiceanu Airbase (MKAB) in Romania and Novo Selo Training Area (NSTA) in Bulgaria,USAG Black Sea is tasked with managing a total of five sites across both countries.These include:Babedag Training Area in Romania as well as Ayto and Chubra Training Areas in Bulgaria.This mover comes after USAG Black Sea realigned to report to USAG Poland as its higher headquarters.This move comes after USAG Black Sea realigned to report to USAG Poland as its higher headquarters,with V Corps serving as the Senior Responsible Officer (SRO).The realignment ensures that the Army's operations on NATO's Eastern Flank are fully integrated and coordinated.Said LTCOL Christopher Kaszniaj,USAG Black Sea commander,highlighting the strategic importance of this move:USAG Black Sea will support V Corps and all Army forces in the region,enhancing our command and control capabilities and ensuring our forces are able to meet any challenges in the European theatre.What's most important for everyone to understand is that,fundamentally,we will continue to deliver these world-class services that we have been over the years.*LTCOL Kaszniaj emphasised the significance of the transition for the garrison at both the command level and for the organisation as it moves into full garrison designation.The redesignation underscores the Army's commitment to strengthening its infrastructure and operational capabilities in Eastern Europe.The garrison's mission is to deliver and integrate flexible base support to enable the resident of permanent,rotational,Allied and expeditionary forces in Romania and Bulgaria.USAG Black Sea aims to serve,support and secure the total force community,thereby enabling power projection for the European Theatre.*Mr.Scott Delay,deputy to the garrison commander,noted the transition will be seamless for Soldiers stationed at these installations:What it means in the long run is that we will be able to improve our infrastructure and deliver more robust services to the U.S. Army warfighter as we receive more resources and grow and mature as a garrison.*USAG Black Sea's vision is to build a trusted team of Army professionals dedicated to supporting mission Partners and communities.Modern,resilient and sustainable installations are the core of this vision,enhancing strategic readiness while providing quality facilities,services and support to Soldiers,their families,Army civilians and Soldiers for life.*Garrison Sgt. Major Gutierrez discussed the balance between mission objectives and building strong partnerships with Host Nation Partners is a critical aspect of mission success.By maintaining open lines of communication between the rotational forces,garrison personnel and host nation representatives,we can ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding mission objectives and community engagement efforts.*The establishment of USAG Black Sea aligns with Installation Management Command's lines of effort (LOE),which include people,infrastructure,protection services and operationalising the Black Sea.As USAG Black Sea begins its journey,it does so with a clear mission and vision supported by a robust framework of strategic goals.*The new garrison is poised to play a critical role in the U.S. Army's operations in Eastern Europe,ensuring that the forces stationed there are well-supported and ready to meet any challenges that may arise.*The U.S. Army's coninued investment in the Black Sea Region reflects its commitment to maintaining a strong,ready and resilient presence in NATO's Eastern Flank.With the establishment of USAG Black Sea,the Army is well-positioned to support its mission Partners and enhances the readiness of forces in the region,the U.S. Army concluded.*U.S. Army V Corps is America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe and the senior tactical headquarters in the contact layer.

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