Chief of Royal Swedish Navy makes visit to ISAF and Swedish forces in Afghanistan

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

07.01.2013

Courtesy Story

International Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan - Rear Adm. Jan Thornqvist, chief of the Royal Swedish navy, visited Swedish forces in Mazar-e-Sharif in northern Afghanistan and International Security Assistance Force headquarters in Kabul last week.

"Sweden supported coalition efforts and the ISAF mission almost from the beginning. Sweden's support and leadership in Mazar-e-Sharif area has been steadfast and seen great success as the Afghans have taken over security responsibility. We honor the lives of the four Swedish military personnel who gave their lives for the ISAF mission on behalf of the Afghan people," said General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., Commander of ISAF.

Rear Admiral Thornqvist said, "It has been a great honor for Sweden to join with other NATO and coalition forces to help the Afghans restore their country, take control of their own security, and keep Afghanistan from becoming a terrorist base again. Sweden remains committed to the NATO mission for the 'decade of transformation'."

Sweden has contributed to ISAF's effort in Afghanistan since 2002. Initially, Sweden contributed personnel to the British provincial reconstruction team (PRT) in Mazar-e-Sharif. In March, 2006, Sweden took over the leadership of the PRT based in Mazar-e-Sharif with responsibility for four provinces in northern Afghanistan. Since then, responsibility for security has been gradually transferred to the Afghan authorities.

In 2012, the Swedish forces in northern Afghanistan came under civilian leadership. Under the new transition support team model with a civilian and military unit, Swedish involvement was transferred to Ambassador Henrik Landerholm who directed civilian operations. Task Force Northern Lights battle group has remained under NATO's ISAF Force. In 2013, the Swedish contribution is transitioning to a Nordic-Baltic cooperation along with Norway, Finland, and Latvia on or about July 1.

• Date Taken: 07.01.2013
• Date Posted: 07.01.2013 05:44
• Story ID: 109563
• Location: KABUL, AF