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Thursday, July 21, 2016

Number: 5396

The COMGEBAL ends its deployment in the ACR and the contingent shift in Turkey

The Balearic General Headquarters (COMGEBAL in Spanish) has ended its presence in the Central African Republic after more than a year contributing to the Protection Force. This force has been in charge to look after advisors of the European Union Military Advisory Mission.


On July 16th, the closing ceremony of this mission took place at the UCATEX base of Bangui (the country´s capital). General Cifuentes, Chief of the COMGEBAL, attended on behalf of the Defense Chief of Staff. Also, at this ceremony, it was given way to the new European Union Training Mission in the Central African Republic (CAR EUTM). The Eurocorps puts in the main part.


The General Headquarters Unit started its journey in African Territory in May 2015. Since then, 3 staff rotation have been sent to mainly provide safety, support, and escort detail to the military advisors. These advisors have supported the African country´s authorities relating to the reform of the security sector to make it more modern and efficient, and to end with the instability provoked by fights between rival militia. 


Destination Turkey


So while some finish their mission, others just started it. That is the case of the first personnel of the 4th contingent that Spain deploys in the “Active Fence” operation in Turkey. They took off from Manises airport (Valencia), on July 18th.


This personnel is part of the second rotation that the 81 Antiaircraft Artillery Regiment (RAAA in Spanish) provides to this mission. This unit contributes with most of the personnel. However, there are military personnel coming from the Antiaircraft Artillery Command of Madrid, Cartagena (Murcia) and Dos Hermanas (Seville).


For the next 6 months the unit´s work place will be the Incirlik Air Base, close the Turkish city of Adana. From there, they will contribute with the Patriot system, to protect the Turkish people against potential attacks with missiles coming from third countries. 

 

Bestowal of decorations at the ceremony

Bestowal of decorations at the ceremony (Photo:COMGEBAL)