PRISTINA - KFOR Deputy Commander Brigadier General Günter SCHÖPF, presided over the Change of Command ceremonies of the Joint Logistic Support Group (JLSG) and the Austrian National Contingent, held today at the KFOR HQs in Pristina.
The outgoing Commander Colonel, Georg PODLIPNY handed over the KFOR unit Command to his colleague Markus REISNER.
At the presence of distinguished guests, General SCHÖPF, during his speech, remarked the "proud and extraordinary professionalism, effort willingness and discipline, in accordance to the KFOR XXV motto "as one we progress"" , disclosed by the Joint Logistic Support Group in managing a variety of assets and capabilities, and in providing theatre-level logistic support.
The JLSG Unit is composed of personnel from 15 Nations working in KFOR HQs and in their subordinate units, and may be considered being the main link to NATO's and KFOR's "Over The Horizon Forces".
During the past six months, many activities have been conducted, such as: to plan, execute and synchronize movements transportation, airport operations, resource management, engineering support as construction works in Campo Novo Selo. Explosive Ordnance Disposal responses, supply and fuel delivery, and managing the execution of the Operation "Blue Velvet" (a large public area's clearance operation) were the most relevant and complex activities carried out by JLSG's assets.
KFOR is the NATO's longest-running operation. It is a success story for the Alliance and our partners. For the past twenty two years, KFOR has been helping transform Kosovo into a safer place.
The mandate is unchanged from what was established by UNSCR 1244. What is changed in these years has been the size. In 1999, KFOR's troops were 55.000 and now, after 22 years, we have around 3.600 soldiers belonging to 28 Nations, both NATO members (20) and partners (8).