NATO Supreme Allied Commander Visits Kosovo, Jarinje Gate

Photo By Staff Sgt. Evan Lane | Adm. James G. Stavridis, the supreme allied commander of NATO and current commander of U.S. European Command, takes time to address Multinational Battle Group East soldiers at Jarinje Gate in Kosovo, Aug. 29. The Soldiers have been manning vehicle checkpoint operations at the gate since July 26 in order to allow for freedom of movement of legal traffic into and out of Kosovo.  

CAMP BONDSTEEL, KOSOVO

08.29.2011

Story by Spc. Evan Lane 

200th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo -- Adm. James G. Stavridis, the supreme allied commander of NATO and current commander of U.S. European Command, visited Jarinje Gate in Kosovo, Aug. 10, in order to survey the Kosovo forces soldiers’ response to unrest in the region. Stavridis, accompanied by Italian Adm. Giampaolo Di Paola, chairman of the European Union Military Committee, and other officials from NATO and the EU, received briefings from Maj. Gen. Erhard Bühler, commander of Kosovo Forces, and Col. Michael D. Schwartz, commander of Multinational Battle Group East.

Stavridis, who has held the SACEUR position since 2009, took a hands-on approach to his visit, assessing all aspects of the mission at Jarinje Gate first-hand to include living conditions, security, efficiency of inspections and overall soldier morale.

Following his inspection, Stavridis took a moment to speak to Soldiers of Company C, 1-200th Infantry Battalion, who have been manning the gate since, July 26.

“What you’re doing here is essential,” said Stavridis. He was very positive, noting the high level of professionalism of the soldiers at Jarinje Gate. Stavridis went on to state that he was very proud of the enthusiasm and devotion to their job that was apparent everywhere.

Stavridis spoke to the New Mexico based 1-200th in both English and Spanish.

Stavridis’ Spanish address translates to, “Thank you for all of your hard work. It’s very important, and we all appreciate what you do.”

Following his visit, Stavridis departed Kosovo from Pristina air field. Stavridis was last in Kosovo in February, when he met with Bühler and Xavier Bout de Marnhac, Head of the European Rule of Law mission in Kosovo.

• Date Taken: 08.29.2011
• Date Posted: 08.30.2011 10:12
• Story ID: 76170
• Location: CAMP BONDSTEEL, ZZ