CAMP KOSCIUSZKO, Poland – A significant transition in leadership occurred on July 15, 2025, at U.S. Army Garrison Poland, as Col. Jeremy McHugh officially took command from Col. Jesse Chace. McHugh’s appointment marks a pivotal milestone as he will be the first commander to serve a two-year tenure.
The change of command ceremony, held at Camp Kosciuszko’s parade field, was attended by notable figures including Polish generals and local mayors, underlining the garrison’s importance in fostering multinational partnerships and its growth.
In his inaugural address, McHugh expressed enthusiasm about returning to the IMCOM-Europe family, emphasizing, “If I’m being honest, it never truly felt like I left. I’m looking forward to serving USAG Poland and V Corps over the next few years.”
McHugh comes to this role with extensive experience, having previously commanded Area Support Activity–Black Sea from 2020 to 2022, which was a predecessor to what has now become U.S. Army Garrison Black Sea—another key garrison related to USAG Poland located in Romania and Bulgaria. Most recently, he completed his studies at the U.S. Naval War College, further enhancing his strategic capabilities.
In a gesture of acknowledgment, McHugh praised Chace’s accomplishments during his year-long tenure, stating, “Jesse, you have done a truly amazing job here in Poland over the last year. That’ll make it much easier for me to be successful. It’ll also make it much more difficult to blame my predecessor for anything that goes wrong.”
Col. Chace, who commanded the garrison starting in 2024, played a crucial role in its ongoing expansion and maturity during a vital development phase. He highlighted the significance of multinational partnerships that he helped nurture and their potential for future collaboration.
Reflecting on his achievements, Chace said, “We’ve grown by one full installation, opened the door for adult age dependents to join Soldiers in Poland, and taken Freedom Fest and the Army’s 250th birthday into the community. Anchoring this garrison into Poland has been my proudest accomplishment.”
Chace’s leadership saw many initiatives come to fruition, including the establishment of a Poland Provided Logistic Support (PPLS) fusion cell, which serves as a crucial component for service delivery across the garrison. He also initiated the “Destination of Choice” working group for Poznań, aimed at creating favorable conditions for school-aged dependents joining military families.
The garrison received significant recognition under his leadership, including the 2024 Army Community Partnership Award shared with the Republic of Poland—marking the first time such honor was awarded to a foreign nation alongside a U.S. garrison.
As he wrapped up his remarks, Chace expressed confidence in McHugh’s ability to lead, stating, “I look forward to tracking the great heights my friend Jeremy will take you to. There’s no better man for this job. This team and its constituents deserve someone who knew they wanted to be here over any other command.”
Founded in 2023, USAG Poland supports over 7,500 Soldiers across twelve sites in three military communities, including Powidz, Świętoszów, and Drawsko Pomorskie. The garrison plays a crucial role in enabling V Corps’ forward presence and integrates with Polish Garrison Support Units and tactical commanders throughout the country.
Headquartered in Poznań, U.S. Army Garrison Poland stands as the Army’s inaugural permanent garrison in Poland, essential for NATO’s operational readiness along the Eastern Flank.
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