The U.S. Embassy Charge d'Affaires, Duane Butcher said on Saturday evening, in Constanta, that the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base will become a key transport hub for American equipment returning from Afghanistan.
During his speech at the reception held aboard Mount Whitney, which was attended by politicians, military officials and businessmen, that Romania is one of the best and most loyal U.S. allies.
“Over the last decade, as a NATO member since 2004 Romania, has become one of the best and most loyal allies of the United States, bringing an early contribution to NATO and the coalition efforts in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. Romania is a trusted participant in the international operations of maintaining stability , you have worked closely with the United States armed forces in operations around the world , you have maintained forces made up of more than two battalions deployed as components of the international security force in Afghanistan and you have contributed with hundreds of policemen for the Afghan police training. The U.S. supports Romania in the international deployments , providing training , exercises, finance, procurement assistance and other security cooperation programs to increase the number of Romanian troops fully equipped ready to work shoulder to shoulder with American forces , " the charge d'affaires of the U.S. Embassy said , according to Mediafax.
He noted that in addition to support for international missions, Romania fulfills other important activities on its territory.
"Romanian support is highlighted abroad, but Romania also plays multiple essential roles back home. The combat Centre Cincu trains soldiers and civilians from several countries to participate in peacekeeping operations. Romania hosts Black Sea Rotational Force which is a permanent military contingent of the United States Marine Corps working at the air base from MK to train hundreds of soldiers from some 10 other countries, " Duane Butcher said.
He stressed that MK will have an important role in supporting the withdrawal of military equipment from Afghanistan.
"Speaking of Mihail Kogălniceanu, Romania generously allowed us to use their extensive facilities to transport troops and equipment to and from Afghanistan. As the return to base of the ISAF troops in Afghanistan is approaching, Mihail Kogălniceanu will become a key transport hub for American equipment returning from Afghanistan, " the charge d'affaires of the U.S. Embassy said.
He noted that the links between Romania and the U.S. are becoming increasingly powerful.
"The United States count Romania among his best friends. We share so many ideals, opinions and positions that it is natural that our links become increasingly stronger. We fought shoulder to shoulder in Iraq and Afghanistan, we have made the same sacrifices and we assumed the same risks in support of NATO missions. Our partnership in security, both at bilateral level and at the NATO allies level provides better safety for our citizens and brings more security and freedom to citizens from Libya, Afghanistan and Iraq. We have found in Romania a partner with whom we can work together shoulder to shoulder in a full range of issues, " Duane Butcher said.
The reception organized by the U.S. Embassy aboard Mount Whitney was attended, among others, by the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Valeriu Zgonea, the Education Minister Remus Pricopie, the former Defense Ministers Corneliu Dobritoiu, Ion Mircea Pascu, PDL PMs, Cristian Boureanu, Gigi Chiru, Florin Gheorghe and PSD MPs Alexandru Mazăre and Cristina Dumitrache, Liberal MP Mihai Lupu Mircea Basescu, the Romanian president's brother, the president of the Seaside - Danube Delta Association, Corina Martin, military officials.
The flagship of the U.S Sixth Fleet, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), with home port in Gaeta, Italy, has been in Constanta between November 15 to 19 for a routine visit. During the period spent in Constanta harbor, the ship's personnel will conduct joint training and exchange of experience with their Romanian counterparts.
Mount Whitney is the command ship of the Sixth Fleet Commander and the Joint Force Commander of NATO with headquarters in Lisbon. Marine Captain Craig Clapperton is the ship commander and the crew consists of 12 officers, 150 other soldiers and 150 civilian sailors of the Naval Transport Command.
Mount Whitney Oddisey participated in the Operation Dawn off the coast of Libya in 2011 and has provided humanitarian aid to Georgia in 2008. The ship stationed in Romania before, back in November 2008.