The 12th rotation of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania begins: the changeover of contingent and command ceremony will be held at the Lithuanian Great Hetman Jonušas Radvila Training Regiment at Rukla August 10 at 2.00 pm.
The outgoing rotation will be farewelled and the incoming one welcomed by Vice Minister of National Defence Žilvinas Tomkus, Chief of Defence of Lithuania Lt Gen Valdemaras Rupšys, Ambassadors and military attachés of troop-contributing countries, representatives of Jonava City Council.
The most numerous contingent in the 12th rotation Battle Group is provided by framework nation Germany, other contributing nations are the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway, the Czech Republic and Luxembourg. Following suit of the previous rotation, the incoming one is enhanced as well as the present security situation requires: approx. 1.6 thousand allied troops will be serving in Lithuania at Rukla with such military equipment as Leopard tanks, CV90, Marder and Boxer infantry fighting vehicles.
The new rotation will serve under command of Lt Col Marco Maulbecker of the Bundeswehr. He takes over from Lt Col Daniel Andrä, German commander of the preceding rotation.
NATO Heads of State took the decision to deploy NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Groups in the Baltic states and Poland at the NATO Summit in Warsaw in 2016. The high-readiness multinational combat capabilities is a substantial and enduring contribution of the Allies to a better security of the region. Military personnel deployed with the NATO eFP BG to Lithuania are intensely training on a continuous basis, attending major exercise sin Lithuanian integrated into the Mechanized Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf thus improving interoperability with Lithuanian troops.
Since it was deployed, the NATO eFP BG has been manned by over 16 thousand troops from nine NATO member states (Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Croatia, Luxembourg and Iceland) in six-month consecutive rotations.
Media advisory
Media representatives are invited to cover the ceremony at the Training Regiment, an interview opportunity with Vice Minister of National Defence Ž. Tomkus and Chief of Defence Lt Gen V. Rupšys will be provided at 3.00 p.m. after the ceremony. Upon request, interview opportunities with NATO commanders will be available at 12.30 p.m. Please request upon registration.
Prior registration is obligatory, please register until Wednesday, August 10, 10 a.m. via [email protected].
Registered media should arrive at the Lithuanian Great Hetman Jonušas Radvila Training Regiment (Jonavos r., Rukla, Karaliaus Mindaugo g. 11) on August 10 until 1.30 p.m.
Information required for registration: full name, represented media outlet, contacts (mobile phone number, e-mail address). To enter the National Defence System area, have your personal ID and press pass.
Freelance reporters and foreign media representatives will need accreditation given by the MoD Strategic Communication and Public Relations Department, e-mail: [email protected] Information required: filled out questionnaire form, copies of a personal ID document and confirmation letter from the media outlet.