August 3, rotation ceremony of Denmark's military element in the Lithuanian-led Chaghcharan Provincial Reconstruction Team took place in the PRT base.
During a solemn formation held to mark the occasion the outgoing shift of Danish military were presented with NATO medals for multinational missions, and commendation certificates of the Commander of the PRT military element. Military personnel from Lithuania and other states who served together during the Danish element's tour of duty bid goodbye and thanked for cooperation. New rotation was welcomed during the same event.
Denmark has been contributing military personnel to the Lithuanian-led PRT ever since its establishment in 2005. The present Danish contingent includes four officers serving with the PRT staff.
The Lithuanian-led PRT in Ghor is a joint civilian and military mission, a part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which was deployed in summer of 2005. The key goal of the mission is to assist Afghan government to extend authority in the province, ensure security and create environment for provincial development. Lithuanian military and civilian personnel in Ghor cooperate not only with Denmark's representatives but also with personnel of Georgia, Japan, USA, Poland, Finland, and Ukraine. At the moment the 13th shift of the Provincial Reconstruction Team conducts duty in Afghanistan. The rotation is formed on the basis of the King Mindaugas Mechanised Infantry Battalion for a second time providing personnel for the half-year service in Afghanistan.
Article and pictures: PIO for PRT-13 1st Lt Paulius Babilas.
