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KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - More than 120 Romanians hung up their hats and called it a deployment, handing over authority to their replacements May 30, at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.
After a six-month deployment to KAF, the 26th Infantry Battalion, Red Scorpions, based out of Craiova, Romania, passed their mission on to the Bastrita-based 812th Infantry Battalion, Carpathian Hawks, during a transfer of authority ceremony.
Dignitaries throughout Regional Command (South) were present and lauded the outgoing Romanians hard work, as well as welcomed the incoming team.
“To the men and women in your formation, thank you for your efforts and a job well done. I know that your mission did not come without sacrifice,” said Brig. Gen. John Thomson, deputy commanding general-support, RC(S) and 4th Inf. Div., to the Red Scorpions. “As we know, leadership is the most dynamic element of combat power, and the Romanian contingent is blessed with an abundance of magnificent leaders. To those of you who are getting here: Welcome, and we look forward to working with you.”
The Romanians have the mission of performing a myriad of base defense operations, keeping KAF safe from threats.
“Their dedication, professionalism, and team work have been absolutely tremendous,” Thomson said. “It includes the defense of KAF, both inside and outside the wire. It includes augmentation of RC-South staff, partnering with the Afghan National Security Forces, the neutralization of enemy networks, and freedom of movement on key terrain on Highway 1.”
The Red Scorpions have a proud history of serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and have played an integral part in providing security for various facilities and events.
“The Red Scorpions were here at Kandahar supporting the OEF mission for the first time 12 years ago back in 2002,” said Col. Uffe Holstener, British Deputy Commander KAF. “You were in Kabul in 2005 in support of the Afghan election process. You came back to Kandahar in 2007 providing Base Security, and in 2011 you had a major part in the security in Zabul Province. Now in 2014 you’re back in Kandahar providing security in our ground defense area… We all have the deepest respect for the work you’ve been doing outside the fence.”
Holstener also elaborated on the incoming Romanian’s equally noteworthy contributions in Afghanistan.
The Carpathian Hawk’s commander displayed an eagerness to start their deployment on the right foot.
“This marks the beginning of a new mission, a challenge to prove that we have a strong and new active team,” said Maj. Alin Marian, commander of the incoming 812 Inf. Bn. “It’s a great honor for us to have the opportunity to work along with all of the entities involved on Kandahar Airfield Security. I am confident, and I truly believe that we’ll have good cooperation and the same goals.”
The ceremony concluded with Thomson awarding , Col. Marian Botea, commander, 26th Inf. Bn., with the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service rendered at KAF.
| Date Taken: | 06.01.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 06.01.2014 10:28 |
| Story ID: | 131756 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF |
| Hometown: | CRAIOVA, RO |
| Hometown: | FORT CARSON, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 471 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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