Camp Apache in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, was the place where on Tuesday, December 7, the authority transfer took place between the 811th 'Dragonii Transilvani' Infantry Battalion of Dej, under the command of Colonel Marian Cristurean and the 20th 'Scorpionii Negri' Infantry Battalion of Craiova, under the command of Lieutenant-colonel Claudiu Sava.

The ceremony was attended by Brigadier Gheorghe Motoc, the General Staff, Colonel James Blakburn, commander Combined Team Zabul (CTZ), Colonel Dorin Blaiu, Colonel Viorel Albastroiu, Mohamad Ashraf Nasseri, the Governor of Zabul Province as well as the deputy Chief of Police of Zabul Province, Colonel Jallani Gholam.

Colonel Blakburn thanked the Transylvanian dragons for the determination and professionalism they showed during their six-month mission in a dangerous area. He said that they were remarkable soldiers who came in an unstable region, had difficult tasks before them, many challenges which they met in a professional and courageous manner which earned them respect. He thanked the soldiers for what they did for the allies, for Combined Team Zabul. He also thanked them for their accomplishments which benefitted the Afghan people. He said he was proud to have served along them and that their country should be proud of them as well.

The American officer welcomed the 'Scorpionii Negri' wishing them to be up to the expectations raised high by their comrades.

MoND Press Office