Photo By Jason Johnston | Incoming ISAF Regional Command North German Maj. Gen. Markus Kneip returns the command...... read more read more
MAZAR-E SHARIF, Afghanistan – Outgoing International Security Assistance Force Regional Command North Commander German Army Maj. Gen. Hans-Werner Fritz was relieved by incoming ISAF RC-North Commander German Army Maj. Gen. Markus Kneip during a change of command ceremony on Camp Marmal, Feb. 24.
Fritz returns to Germany after serving nine months as the regional commander. During his command, he said he is most proud of the partnership forged between the Afghan National Security Forces and ISAF.
“Side by side, shoulder to shoulder soldiers fought; soldiers from different armies, different origins and different cultures,” said Fritz. “The success the soldiers gained with courage, determination and the power of their conviction was a victory for Afghanistan, for all of us. Different cultural backgrounds, differences in military training and education did not prevent us allied and Afghan soldiers from growing together to form one combined team; a team which is capable of cooperating successfully and standing in combat jointly.”
Commander, ISAF Joint Command U.S. Army Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez witnessed the ceremony as Fritz passed the RC-North command pendant to Kneip before 300 soldiers.
“You have truly formed a combined team,” said Rodriguez. “You have improved trust of the [Afghan] people and government. I look forward to celebrating your achievements. Thank you for your service.”
The ceremony also included the change of command of the German contingent in Afghanistan, which was witnessed by Commander, German Bundeswehr Operations Command, Lt. Gen. Rainer Glatz.
“I already mentioned the high operational tempo at which you, Fritz, and your soldiers achieved important successes together with our Afghan and international comrades over the past few months,” said Glatz. “This development did not occur by chance; it is the result of hard work, proficiency, courage and staying power. Even though the final objective has not yet been achieve, you have already achieve quite a lot.”
In his closing remarks, Fritz thanked everyone for their support, commitment and loyalty.
“From the bottom of my heart I thank all of you for your personal commission and your unflagging energy, for your willingness to make sacrifices and your loyalty. You can be really proud of your performance.
Prior to assuming command, Kneip was the commander of the 1st Armored Division, Hanover, Germany. He previously served in Afghanistan in 2006 as the RC-N commander, which at the time was a 1-star command.
| Date Taken: | 02.24.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.24.2011 10:42 |
| Story ID: | 65998 |
| Location: | MAZAR-E-SHARIF, AF |
| Web Views: | 653 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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