Due to the increased security and stability in Iraq, the Republic of Estonia has transitioned its forces from Coalition operations to the NATO training mission in Iraq. Multi-National Corps – Iraq held an end of mission ceremony for the forces of Estonia in the Coalition at the Joint Visitor Bureau on Camp Victory Feb. 7.

“The nation of Estonia began its mission in Iraq in June 2003,” said Marine Maj. Gen. Paul Lefebvre, deputy commanding general, MNC-I. “Since that time, they have rotated forces ten times in direct support of Coalition operations.”

Estonia performed many security operations to help provide the people of Iraq a safe and secure environment.

“Since 2003, they have been involved in 350 operations and 2,300 patrols,” Lefebvre said. “This diligence resulted in the discovery of several hundred caches and the confiscation of over 1,000 small arms and rocket propelled grenades, more than three tons of pure explosives and thousands of rounds of ammunition.”

The efforts made by the Estonian contingents helped bring peace and democracy to the region of Iraq under their supervision.

“We recognize and honor what you gave Iraq,” said Abdul Qader Mohammad Jassim, Minister of Defense, Republic of Iraq. “What you gave is security. Last elections there were 300 attacks with 150 of those being effective. This election, there were only 11 and of those only two were effective. We will always remember the sacrifices the Estonians made for us.”

Estonia voiced its continued commitment to the Coalition with a visit from the Estonian Minister of Defense, Jaak Aaviksoo.

“International support is of fundamental importance,” Aaviksoo said. “What is equally important is that we continue to cooperate despite that our mission with Multi-National Force is over.”

Estonia will continue maintaining officers in the NATO training mission in Iraq.
Estonia also has forces in southern Afghanistan.

MNF-I

I was terribly in love with a Ukrainian girl in college. This has served to make the Ukraine my favorite country outside of, well, several other. Busty, blonde and friendly, Luba was a great person.

The Ukrainian Army hosted an end of mission ceremony at Camp Echo Dec. 9.

More than 5,000 Ukrainian service members served in Iraq during Ukraine’s five years of service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Enduring peace, stability and prosperity are common values to fight for in the modern world. Your mission in Iraq has been successfully completed,” said Viktor Nedopas, Charge d’Affairs of the Ukrainian Embassy in Iraq.

The Ukrainians served as the third largest Coalition forces contingent in Iraq, with approximately 1,700 soldiers from 2003 to 2005.

“Ukraine started accomplishing its mission in Operation Iraqi Freedom through assistance to the Iraqi government to establish constitutional order and a secure environment from the very beginning in 2003,” said Col. Henadii Lachkov, senior commander for the Ukrainian forces in Diwaniya.

In 2006, they shifted their operational focus and down-sized to a peacekeeping force of approximately 40 soldiers. They also moved their operations from al Kut to Diwaniya under Polish command for specialized Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police training.

“We know that violence is at its lowest level in five years, and the Iraqi Security Forces, partnering with Coalition forces, will take the lead in defending their country,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Ferriter, deputy commanding general for operations, Multi-National Corps – Iraq.

“And soon, the Iraqi people will vote in the future of their country in the Provincial elections. These changes were not brought about naturally, but were instead brought about by the dedication and the hard work of the men and women from the nations such as yours. You helped create the Iraqi Security Force and instilled in them a solid foundation of skills essential to the future security and prosperity of Iraq,” he said.

“To Iraq’s benefit and through Ukraine’s efforts, you have helped ensure a higher quality of life for the people of Iraq. Ukraine forces made contributions that enabled all Coalition partners to be successful here, but it has not been without cost. A precious 18 Ukrainian soldiers have died here,” Ferriter said.

Lachkov led a moment of silence during the ceremony to honor those who gave their lives and the family members they left behind.

“You have allowed peace to grow in the region, and now, you can return home knowing that you made that difference. Thank you for being a part of this Coalition,” Ferriter said.

Words, gestures and gifts shared during the ceremony solidified friendships among the different nationalities which have fought and worked together for a better Iraq.

“We are leaving this place, but Ukrainian color will (still) be represented in the Republic of Iraq,” Lachkov said. “Our soldiers will continue serving in the NATO training mission, making their contribution into the matter of developing democracy, stabilizing the internal situation in Iraq and providing support to the Iraqi Security Forces.”

MNF-I