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KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Romanian Armed Forces in Afghanistan marked a historic day as two detachments of the Romanian National Support Element held a transfer of authority ceremony April 20, 2014 at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.
In a ceremony that featured a large contingent of Romanian soldiers, as well as leadership from Regional Command (South) and Kandahar Airfield, the 12th Detachment of the Romanian NSE transferred authority and mission control to the incoming 13th Detachment of the NSE.
Romanian Col. Bixi Mocanu, commander, 12th Det., passed a purple detachment flag to Col. Valentin Becheru, commander, 13th Det., signifying the official transfer.
Both units provide logistical support for the entire element of Romanian soldiers stationed throughout Afghanistan.
Mocanu said he is proud of the work his detachment has done in Afghanistan.
“We have come a long way, in what is a very emotional moment for me,” Mocanu said, speaking about the end of the detachment’s tour. “We have proved beyond any doubt that we have accomplished our mission here in Afghanistan.”
He went on to thank the coalition forces in attendance for providing support since 12th Det. stepped on ground late last year, as well as his subordinates for their work while deployed to southern Afghanistan.
“(Our mission) wouldn’t have been possible had we not had help from our coalition partners,” Mocanu said. “To my subordinates, I am so very proud of you and the work you have done here. You have represented your country well.”
Speaking for the 13th Det., Becheru said he feels honored to serve his homeland here in Afghanistan.
“It is a great honor to be here,” he said. “I want to thank Col. Mocanu for his service here as well. We will continue to support RC-South and all of the Romanian soldiers in Afghanistan.”
Col. Marian Botea, the senior national representative for Romania in Afghanistan, also spoke at the ceremony.
“Congratulations to the outgoing detachment,” Botea said. “Your efforts here show the commitment Romania has here in Afghanistan. Thank you for what you did, and may God bless you.”
Botea also had a message for the incoming 13th Detachment.
“I express confidence in you and I know that you will succeed all expectations ISAF and RC-South has for you,” he said.
The ceremony ended with awards for the outgoing Romanian leadership and soldiers completing their first tour in Afghanistan, presented by Botea and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James Rainey, deputy commanding general of maneuver, Regional Command (South) and 4th Infantry Division.
“It is a great day for our soldiers, and for Romania,” Botea said.
Romania first came to Afghanistan in 2002 to support the International Security Assistance Force mission and has sent over 20,000 troops to the country since that time.
2014 also marks the 10-year anniversary of Romania joining NATO.
| Date Taken: | 04.20.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 04.20.2014 12:17 |
| Story ID: | 126742 |
| Location: | KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 647 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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