Courtesy Photo | Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III addressed the international news media at Iraq's Camp...... read more read more
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BAGHDAD - NTM-I is just one of the missions executed under Locklear's NATO command at Joint Forces Command Naples, but the accomplishments that have been made and the lives that have been changed through this mission can't compare. With training and assisting professional institutions of the Iraqi security forces, Locklear says that NATO continues to contribute to regional peace and stability.
"My job is to ensure that the mission here gets qualified personnel, equipment and funding needed to continue producing quality training and meeting the requests of the Government of Iraq,” said Locklear. "My staff is charged with a great task as the US withdraws troops with ensuring that the mission here is manned and has the resources it needs to succeed. I have to thank the nations that make that possible. Since NTM-I's inception, 23 NATO member countries and one partner country have contributed directly to the training effort by providing personnel, financial contributions, or equipment donations.”
While visiting with troops in Iraq's Ar Rustamiyah region, Locklear praised the Italian Carabinieri's contributions to the NATO training mission.
"As I look around, I am so impressed with these [Carabinieri] trainers,” he said during an award ceremony to recognize contributing troops' efforts. "They have a tough and vital mission. They have stepped forward...they are making sacrifices that keep them away from their families – which is difficult, especially during this holiday season. I just want to say to them and to their families back home, that what they are doing here will have a positive impact on the people of Iraq for years to come. Your brave loved ones are here doing good things that will in the big picture help provide a more stable world for all of us.”
Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, NATO Training Mission–Iraq commander, and his team were also praised by Locklear for having celebrated many successes since Barbero took command 14 month ago. Barbero advises and assists the Government of Iraq in increasing the level of security capabilities overall for the Iraqi people.
Locklear cited Barbero's efforts during a moment of public recognition for Barbero's service.
"Through [Barbero's] drive and vision, he has overseen the expansion of the mission to include the oil police training, identified and provisioned additional requirements in terms of doctrine and English language training as well as developing a robust Iraqi training solution for border police,” said Locklear. "His visionary leadership has been pivotal in developing a strategic role for the mission in the post 2011 era. You have served NATO and your nation well. Thank you.”
Locklear further commended the government of Iraq during meetings with Iraqi officials for taking control of the security and policing aspects of the country as a whole.
"I am pleased with what I have seen here” Locklear said during one meeting with Iraqi officials. "I can guarantee you that NATO is committed to the security and stability in the region, which is beneficial for the international community and that will continue after Gen. Barbero's departure in the coming weeks.”
| Date Taken: | 12.02.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 03.04.2011 04:25 |
| Story ID: | 66457 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 43 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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