MARFOREUR/AF Commander visits Georgian Defense Forces leadership

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Brytani Musick | Maj. Gen. Stephen M. Neary, commander of Marine Forces Europe and Africa, receives a tour of the facilities used by U.S. Marines with the Georgia Training Team deployed to the Republic of Georgia in support of the Georgia Deployment Program, during a visit to Krtsanisi Training Area, near Tbilisi, Georgia, Sept. 21, 2020. Neary met with the GTT to learn how they operate to support the Georgia Deployment Program which provides U.S. Marine Corps training teams to advise and prepare Georgian forces for their upcoming deployments to Afghanistan. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Brytani Musick)  

TBILISI, GEORGIA

09.21.2020

Courtesy Story

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

The U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa Commander, Maj. Gen. Stephen M. Neary, met with the leadership of the Georgian Defense Forces during a visit to Tbilisi, Georgia, on September 21, 2020.

During meetings with the Minister of Defense, Irakli Garibashvili, and the Chief of Georgian Defense Forces, Maj. Gen. Giorgi Matiashvili, Neary discussed the operational environment and future opportunities for the U.S. Marines and Georgian soldiers to work together.

“The U.S. is making a particularly significant contribution to the process of rebuilding Georgia’s Defense Forces and improving its defense capabilities,” said Maj. Gen. Giorgi Matiashvili, CHOD. “I especially want to emphasize our relations with the U.S. Marines. Our units jointly execute their mission in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to this day.”

Also during his visit, Neary toured the Krtsanisi Training Area to meet U.S. Marines with the Georgia Training Team in support of the Georgia Deployment Program, a program which provides U.S. Marine Corps training teams to advise and prepare Georgian forces for their upcoming deployments to Afghanistan. He also toured the Algeti and Vaziani training areas, meeting with members of the Peace Keeping Operations Training Center, the Joint Training Evaluation Center, and the Georgian 32nd Battalion Commander.

“As [the Georgians] move toward NATO interoperability, their commitment to building training areas contributes to the integration and interoperability that is required in today’s battlefield,” said Neary.

Currently, U.S. Marines are deployed to Georgia to provide guidance through infantry advisors to the Georgian 32nd Battalion before their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan as part of Resolute Support Mission.

“I’ve been very impressed with the Georgian Defense Forces,” added Neary. “By their commitment to being prepared and by the courage they have in combat as we work together to create a safe and free world. It’s good to have a lot of allies and partners on your side as we reassure each other and deter our adversaries.”

• Date Taken: 09.21.2020
• Date Posted: 10.01.2020 04:25
• Story ID: 379948
• Location: TBILISI, GE