On August 4 Vice Minister of National Defence Vilius Semeška met with Commander of the most recent, the 12th rotation of the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania Lt Col Marco Maulbecker, and thanked his predecessor Lt Col Daniel Andrä for his service in Lithuania as the commander of the 11th eFP rotation. Vice Minister expressed his approval of what seasoned and strong leaders were being appointed to the duties.
“The 11th NATO eFP was the one in service in Lithuania when the Russian war in Ukraine broke out. Lt Col Daniel Andrä had to maintain the alert level, he has trained the multinational military personnel excellently, took part in training events with Lithuanian troops on a regular basis and was always an illustration of the commitment to defend the NATO territory, Lithuania and each of us,” said V. Semeška.
According to Vic Minister, Lt Col D. Andrä was able to establish and maintain excellent communication with the leadership of both, the Ministry and the Armed Forces. “We celebrated the 5th anniversary of the NATO eFP Battalion in Lithuania together, we have become friends. I sincerely wish Commander to come back soon. I have no doubts that a successful career awaits him in Germany. And we will have a true friend at the Bundeswehr.”
Lt Col M. Maulbecker has arrived in Lithuania this week, he will take over the command of the NATO eFP Battle Group on August 10 in a formal mission hand over-take over ceremony for personnel and commanders.
The NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania was established in 2017. The high-readiness multinational combat capability is a substantial and long-term contribution of the Allies to a stronger security in the region. Integrated in the Infantry Brigade Iron Wolf, its military personnel are constantly conducting intense training, attend all major exercises in Lithuania and enhance interoperability with the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Personnel and equipment were sent by Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Croatia, Luxembourg and Iceland to carry out the NATO eFP mission over the five years to Lithuania. The eFP is led by the framework nation and largest troop contributor, Germany.
Photo credit: MoD/A. Pliadis
