The U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division has a new commander today, following a change of command ceremony at Fort Stewart.
While Coastal Georgia and Army officials gathered at the installation's Cottrell Field Friday morning to farewell outgoing division commander Maj. Gen. Robert Abrams, they also welcomed the unit's new commander, Maj. Gen. Mike Murray.
Murray takes over the 3rd ID reins as some 5,000 of the division's about 22,000 Dog-face Soldiers remain deployed to Afghanistan, from where Abrams returned about a month ago.
Abrams will report to the Pentagon soon where he will become the top military advisor to the Secretary of Defense and be promoted to lieutenant general.
The 3rd ID, Abrams said, is in great hands with his longtime friend, Murray.
"There is no officer in the United States Army I'd rather have passed the 3rd Infantry Division's colors to today," Abrams said. "Gen. Murray is a great soldier, a great leader and a great person, and he will do wonderful things as the commanding general here at Fort Stewart.
For Murray, his first assignment with the 3rd ID and at Fort Stewart is a welcome one, he said Friday morning after the ceremony.
"I've known (Maj. Gen.) Abrams since 1982, so I knew this division would be in great shape, that this installation would be in great shape, and I've actually worked with the 3rd Infantry Division during a couple tours in Iraq and other places," he said. "This division has one of the finest reputations in the United States Army … This is absolutely phenomenal."
For the full story about Friday morning's 3rd ID change of command see Saturday's Savannah Morning News or come back to Savannahnow.com.