KFOR Regional Command-East transfers authority from 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team to 1st Infantry Division
CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo – Kosovo Force (KFOR) Regional Command-East transferred authority from the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Florida Army National Guard, to the 1st Infantry Division during a ceremony at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, Oct. 12, 2026.
The ceremony, presided over by Turkish Armed Forces Maj. Gen. Özkan Ulutaş, KFOR commander, marked the transition from KFOR 36 to KFOR 37A as Col. Sam Sargeant relinquished command to Col. Jabari Miller.
The transition marked a historic return for the 1st Infantry Division, known as the “Big Red One,” which helped establish NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosovo in 1999. More than two decades later, the division returns to continue its legacy of supporting peace and stability in Kosovo.
Ulutaş recognized the outgoing rotation’s contributions, highlighting Sargeant’s leadership of approximately 1,400 personnel from 12 NATO and partner nations. He praised the multinational force’s professionalism, impartiality and commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment.
“I have no doubt that this new team from Task Force Danger, commanded by Col. Jabari Miller, will continue the efforts laid before them,” Ulutaş said.
During its nine-month deployment, Task Force Gator conducted more than 4,500 multinational battle group patrols and 9,000 patrols in northern Kosovo, supported multinational operations and accumulated approximately 1,900 flight hours.
The casing of the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team colors during the ceremony marked the completion of Task Force Gator’s mission and its preparation to return home.
Reflecting on the deployment, Sargeant emphasized that cooperation and relationships were essential to the mission’s success.
“Above all, relationships matter,” Sargeant said. “Trust in our fellow multinational partners, in the Kosovo Police and security organizations is what makes this mission successful.”
Sargeant also welcomed Miller and the incoming Soldiers of Task Force Danger, expressing confidence in their ability to build on the outgoing rotation’s accomplishments and continue KFOR’s mission.
Miller thanked Task Force Gator for its professionalism throughout the transition and emphasized the importance of maintaining partnerships established by previous rotations.
“To the KFOR team and Kosovo partners, we look forward to serving with you side by side to maintain safety and security and freedom of movement in RC-East and developing bonds that will last lifetimes,” Miller said.
As KFOR 37A assumes responsibility, Regional Command-East will continue working alongside multinational partners and local institutions to contribute to a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo.
Regional Command-East is one of two regional commands operating under NATO’s KFOR mission, which has maintained a presence in Kosovo since 1999.
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