NATO begins security assistance for 2004 Olympics

  • 02 Aug. 2004 -
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  • Last updated: 03 Nov. 2008 23:25

NATO deployed elements of its Multinational Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear battalion to Greece, the first part of operational activities to assist the Greek authorities in ensuring security for the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

NATO’s operational activities nicknamed Distinguished Games started with the deployment of initial elements of the Multinational Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Task Force (MN CBRN TF).

At Greece’s request, NATO launched “Distinguished Games” to assist the Hellenic Government to ensure the safe conduct of the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Hellenic Government retains full responsibility for the overall Olympic security operation, which will be supplemented by NATO’s assistance.

In that context, the MN CBRN TF, which is an enhanced force package derived from NATO’s MN CBRN Defense Battalion, is deploying to Greece to supplement the Hellenic CBRN capabilities. Currently, the Czech Republic is the lead nation of the MN CBRN Defence Battalion.

MN CBRN BN is a high readiness, multi-national, multi-functional Battalion, able to deploy quickly to participate in the full spectrum of NATO missions wherever NATO requires.

The MN CBRN TF, supplementing the Hellenic CBRN capabilities, is ready to conduct surveillance, detection, identification, survey, decontamination, and CBR laboratory operations within means available.

Personnel, vehicles and equipment from Belgium, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Poland, and Spain have started their deployment from their home bases. The MN CBRN TF will be stationed in Halkida, Greece. It is anticipated that the CBRN TF will conclude its deployment by 01 Aug 04 to be ready to assume its mission.