5th HRVCON sent off to NATO EFP in Poland

The Barracks “Bilogora” in Bjelovar on 22 October 2019 hosted the send-off ceremony for the 5th HRVCON to EFP BG in Poland.

The send-off was attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević, by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Drago Matanović, by the Defence Attaché of the United States to Croatia Colonel Robert Matthers, representatives of the local government and representatives of the defenders’ associations from the Homeland War.

Minister Krstičević: “We strongly appreciate soldiers’ families for their support”

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Damir Krstičević addressed the families of the Contingent’s members: Our appreciation goes to you for your patience, support and understanding indispensable for their successful performance of the demanding and complex task.

Speaking to the members of the Croatian Armed Forces the Minister said: “Our engagement in Enhanced Forward Presence is a sign of our respect and solidarity towards the Polish people and a vital obligation as a NATO member. Represent the honourable and victorious Croatian Armed Forces and our homeland gracefully, cherishing the sacrifice of the Croatian defenders”.
 
Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Croatian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Drago Matanović said that the engagement in NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence the Croatian Armed Forces proved to belong among the professional and trained militaries and to provide reliable support to our citizens, allies and partners.

Commander of the 5th HRVCON Major Žukina: “I am convinced that the Croatian soldiers will successfully complete the tasks assigned”.

The Commander of the 5th HRVCON to EFPBG Major Marijan Žukina said all members of the Contingent successfully completed the demanding pre-deployment activities and were fully ready for the tasks and challenges ahead.
“The mission will be a useful experience, we shall fulfill the same tasks as in Croatia only in an international environment. It will present challenges necessitating hard work by all Contingent members and I believe we are going to end it successfully and return safely”.

Major Žukina also addressed the allies of the Battlegroup deployed to the EFP in Poland and the host nation in its language, pledging support from the Croatian Armed Forces.

The main component of the 5th HRVCON is composed of the members of the Guards Armoured Mechanised Brigade of the Croatian Army.

The 80-member Contingent will be stationed in NW Poland, with NATO Battlegroup composed of the United States, Romania, the United Kingdom and Croatia.

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