KFOR Change of Command Ceremony
In the morning hours of 8 September 2009, many military and civilian vehicles made their way to Camp Film City Prishtine/Pristina to attend the official Kosovo Force Change of Command ceremony. Kosovo Force Commander (COMKFOR), Lieutenant General Giuseppe E. Gay (Italian Army) passed command to Lieutenant General Markus Bentler (German Army). Numerous international political and military officials as well as representatives of the Institutions in Kosovo attended this commemorative event.
The ceremony started at 1100hrs with formations of all Multinational Task Forces and KFOR Headquarters, Multinational Specialized Unit and KFOR Tactical Reserve Manoeuvre Battalion, representing all troop contributing nations. KFOR Deputy Commander, Major General Antonio Satta, reported to Admiral Mark Fitzgerald, Commander of Allied Joint Force Command in Naples (JFC-N). The key military leaders left the stage and inspected the troops, rendering allegiance to the soldiers.
Presenting his farewell speech to the audience, Lieutenant General Gay described the most important events within the last year of his leadership. A highlight was the KSF validation exercise to demonstrate the readiness for the Initial Operational Capability. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to Admiral Mark Fitzgerald for his support and leadership and wished all the best to incoming COMKFOR, Lieutenant General Markus Bentler. “I’m leaving Kosovo with a bittersweet feeling. The joy about the great results, the sadness for leaving Kosovo and my Kosovar friends together with all international community representatives and KFOR soldiers. I would like to thank you all and wish you the best for a brighter future. May God bless you and your families”.
Admiral Mark Fitzgerald and the President of Kosovo, Mr. Fatmir Sejdiu underlined in their speeches the role of KFOR in all achievements in Kosovo during the past year. For great contributions to peace and a safe and secure environment in Kosovo, Kosovo President, Mr. Sejdiu, decorated Lieutenant General Giuseppe E. Gay with the Golden Medal for Military Service in Kosovo.
The most decisive point of the event occurred, when the incoming Commander, Lieutenant General Markus Bentler accepted the KFOR flag from Admiral Mark Fitzgerald. The national anthems of Italy and Germany marked the end of the official ceremony.
