Farewell Ceremony for 43rd Battalion in Vaziani
Thursday, March 26
Farewell ceremony of the 43rd Battalion of IV Mechanized Brigade to contribute in Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan was held at Vaziani military base.
The event opened with Georgian National Anthem performed by military orchestra. Chief of General Staff of the GAF, Major General addressed the military. He wished them successful performing of the Resolute Support mission and peace returning to homeland.
Deputy Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe, Brigadier General Norman L. Cooling arrived to Georgia specially to attend the farewell ceremony. While delivering speeches, U.S. General and Charge d’ Affairs of U.S. Embassy, Nicholas Berliner emphasized the professionalism of Georgian soldiers and congratulated them on successful completion of pre-deploying trainings.
First Deputy Defence Minister Gocha Ratiani, the leadership of General Staff and family members of the soldiers of 43rd Battalion attended the farewell ceremony.
Chief Chaplain of the Georgian Armed Forces, Father Gabriel blessed the 43rd Battalion. At the end of the event Major General Vakhtang Kapanadze together with the military of the 43rd Battalion planted trees on the area of the IV Mechanized Brigade.
The 43rd Battalion of IV Mechanized Brigade will replace the 51st Battalion of V Infantry Brigade on Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. At the first time the reinforced platoon of the National Guard will also participate in Resolute Support mission along with the 43th Battalion. Georgian military will carry out full spectrum of operations under U.S. contingent during 6 months. Their main task will be to provide security of the Bagram Air Basein Aghanistan.
