By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Task Force Marne cedes mission to 1st Cav units
COA 1
Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie and Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Reffeor hold the cased guidon of the 3rd Infantry Division. The division's mission in Eastern Europe is being transferred to the 1st Cavalry Division

BOLESŁAWIEC, Poland – The U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division formally transferred authority for its mission in Eastern Europe to the 1st Cavalry Division during a May 11 ceremony.
Task Force Marne assumed responsibility for the mission in September 2023 and now, after casing its colors, cedes command and control to the newly formed Task Force Pegasus.
Task Force Marne leaves the theater after participating in numerous exercises across Europe ranging from large multinational training events such as Austere Challenge 24, Allied Spirit 24, Polish Dragon 24, and Dynamic Front 24 to command post exercises, professional military summits, community engagements, and independence and military celebrations with NATO allies and partners.
The task force’s units also worked to enhance interoperability and supported NATO battle groups in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
Based at Fort Cavazos, Texas the 1st Cavalry Division officially assumed control of the U.S. Army task force operating across Poland and the Baltic States from the 3rd Infantry Division-led Task Force Marne.
Maj. Gen. Chris Norrie, the commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, looked back on Task Force Marne’s accomplishments during the deployment, and saluted his soldiers’ efforts over the past several months.
“You did it all while protecting and serving NATO’s eastern flank, constantly ready to deter any adversary that would seek to do us harm,” Norrie said.
Norrie also took a moment to impress upon the 1st Cavalry Division team the importance of the mission.
“Remember that you have some of the finest individuals from 32 partner nations standing shoulder to shoulder with you as you continue to keep our democracy safe,” he said.
The 1st Cavalry Division, known also as Task Force Pegasus, assumed control of this critical mission serving to work alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe.
Maj. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, the commanding general of the 1st Cavalry Division, stated his commitment to the mission and expressed gratitude to the soldiers of Task Force Marne for their efforts while in control of the area of responsibility.
“To our gracious hosts and allies, here in Poland and across the European Continent,” Admiral said. “I look forward to strengthening our relationship as we continue to build capability and capacity within our various units in support of the Alliance.”
Admiral then addressed Maj. Gen. Norrie, the members of his staff and the soldiers of Task Force Marne.
“I’m confident that the foundation you’ve laid, has set the First Team up for success as we write a new chapter in the history of our division and at this moment in the Alliance’s history.”
Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, the commanding general of V Corps and former 3rd ID commanding general, presided over the transfer of authority ceremony in Bolesławiec. He praised Task Force Marne for its efforts during major exercises, the strong relationships it forged with allies and partners across Europe, and he urged Task Force Pegasus to continue to build upon that foundation.
"To the 1st Cavalry Division team, you have an enormous and very important task ahead of you and a lot of work to do in a very short period of time.” Costanza said. “Your task is first to be ready to fight. Along with that strengthening the relationships with our NATO partners that the 3rd Infantry Division has built and find new and innovative ways to train and build greatness here in Europe. Be an excellent partner to our NATO allies.”
Approximately 4,500 soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division Sustainment Brigade and the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team are deploying to various locations across Europe to support NATO allies, deter further aggression against NATO member states, and train with host-nation forces to build readiness and interoperability.

COA 2
Lt. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of V Corps and former commanding general of the 3rd ID, speaks at the change of authority of the Army's mission in Eastern Europe from Task Force Marne to the 1st Cavalry Division's Task Force Pegasus.
Sign up for our e-newsletters
UPDATE: 'Black ice' still a danger tonight, Friday night
Liberty County schools move to virtual learning for Friday; Long County schools closed until Monday
NWS snow totals

“Black ice” is a concern tonight and Friday night throughout the area.

The combination of above-freezing temperatures and sunlight will lead to some melting today. There will continue to be cold temperatures tonight and Friday night; black ice is likely and there also could be a  Cold Weather Advisory.

Cold weather is expected through this weekend.

Most of the region received 2-4 inches of snow/sleet Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Some freezing rain occurred Tuesday night.

Partial melting will occur this afternoon and again Friday afternoon. Nighttime temps will fall to around 20 degrees. Any meltwater on untreated surfaces will refreeze.

Due to the impact of the winter storm weather, Liberty County Schools will continue with virtual learning through Friday, January 24. All Friday after school activities are cancelled for the day. All teachers, students and staff will return to school in person on Monday, January 27.

Long County Schools will remain closed Friday and will resume normal operations Monday.

Fort Stewart anticipates a delayed open at 11 a.m. Friday for soldiers and civilian workforce. Key and essential personnel will report at 10 a.m.

Due to continued icy conditions in the northern part of the Coastal Health District, the health departments in Liberty and Long counties and the Savannah District Office will remain closed on Friday, January 24. All locations plan to be open on Monday, January 27 at regularly scheduled times.

Anyone with an appointment previously scheduled during the closure will be contacted to reschedule. As with any weather emergency, these plans may change if conditions worsen or linger. Updates to these closures will be reported promptly.

Due to the ongoing winter storm and potentially hazardous road conditions, City of Hinesville garbage collection services will resume on Friday, January 24.

Wednesday and Thursday pickups will be collected on Friday, Jan 24.

Friday pickups will be collected on Saturday, Jan 25.

Black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses, will be hard to spot and dangerously slippery. Drive with extreme caution tonight and tomorrow morning. Public safety officials encouraging residents to stay at home unless driving is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, reduce your speed and leave extra room between you and other vehicles, avoid sudden movement, watch for black ice and do not use cruise control.

Latest Obituaries