Fort Stewart soldiers return home after deployment to Europe
3rd ID soldiers return to Fort Stewart after nine-month deployment
FORT STEWART, Ga. —
Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade are returning to Fort Stewart and reuniting with their families after a nine-month deployment to Eastern Europe.
The homecoming ceremony Monday night marked the first wave of returning troops from units deployed as part of the 3rd Infantry Division’s mission in support of NATO allies and partners.
During the deployment, soldiers trained alongside allied forces across Eastern Europe to strengthen military cooperation and help deter aggression against NATO member nations.
The deployment was part of the Army’s ongoing rotational presence in Europe, which increased following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and focuses on maintaining readiness and supporting NATO’s eastern flank.
One soldier made it home in time for his 29th birthday. And Specialist Joel Johnson reunited with his 2-year-old daughter.
“A lot of emotions for sure. You know, just glad to be back in the States, be reunited with my family as well,” said Johnson. “And, you know, just see what this future has in store for all of us, you know.”
Army officials said the soldiers participated in multiple training exercises during the deployment, including live-fire drills with allied forces. The unit also tested and validated its mission command systems through coordination with higher headquarters and subordinate units.
Monday’s ceremony on Cottrell Field marked the beginning of what is expected to be a series of homecomings as additional soldiers complete their overseas rotations and return to southeast Georgia.