Fort Liberty’s 18th Airborne Corps Welcomes New Commander

On Friday, Fort Liberty’s 18th Airborne Corps experienced a notable leadership change, with Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue transferring command to Lt. Gen. Gregory Anderson in a ceremony led by Gen. Andrew Poppas, the commander of U.S. Army Forces Command.

Donahue, confirmed by the Senate on Dec. 2 to receive his fourth star, will take on the leadership of U.S. Army Europe and Africa and NATO Allied Land Command in Germany. His time at the 18th Airborne Corps lasted more than two years, during which he concentrated on global operations, including backing NATO initiatives in Europe after Russia invaded Ukraine. Gen. Poppas acknowledged Donahue for bolstering NATO’s determination in the face of Russian aggression and improving operations in the European theater.

Lt. Gen. Gregory Anderson, the incoming commander, takes on the role of the 40th leader of the 18th Airborne Corps. Anderson most recently held the position of special assistant to the commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command. He previously commanded the 10th Mountain Division, a subordinate unit of the 18th Airborne Corps. In that capacity, he directed deployments to Romania and facilitated readiness initiatives throughout Europe in 2023.

The 18th Airborne Corps is an essential rapid-response unit prepared to deploy within 18 hours to address global crises. Anderson committed to furthering Donahue’s legacy while guaranteeing that the Corps stays a fundamental element of U.S. military preparedness and international collaborations.

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