In Albania, it is being held the Joint Albanian-British Exercise “Albanian Lion”. The exercise began on August 30 and will end on October 16, 2014.
This exercise is divided into two phases, the “Albanian Lion ‘14”, from 30 August - 16 September 2014, and the “Dragon Hammer ‘14”, 16 September - 17 October 2014.
At the opening ceremony of the exercise at the Air Force Command, in Rinas, attended the Land Force Commander, Major General Zyber Dushku, the UK Ambassador in Tirana, Mr. Nicholas Cannon, the Deputy Commander of the Royal Marines Commando, Colonel Kevin Oliver, and other senior officers, participants at this exercise.
On this occasion, the Land Force Commander, Major General Zyber Dushku, the UK Ambassador, Mr. Nicholas Cannon, and Deputy Commander of the Royal Marine Commando, Colonel Kevin Oliver held a press conference. Major General Zyber Dushku considered this exercise as very important for the exchange of common experience between the two parties. He assured that the Armed Forces will make available all the necessary infrastructure for the accomplishment of this exercise.
In his speech, The Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Nicholas Cannon said that “the Armed Forces of the United Kingdom and Albania will conduct the fourth exercise “Albanian Lion”. These exercises will enable the Air Force, Navy and Land Force units to practice different scenarios learning from each other’s experiences.” The British Ambassador expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces that made possible the use of their excellent facilities for training of the soldiers and sailors. Ambassador Cannon, speaking about the latest security developments in the world, took the opportunity to thank the Albanian Government for its contribution to the joint operation in support of the Iraqi government. For the British Ambassador, it is an excellent example of NATO solidarity.
“Albanian Lion ‘14” exercise will focus on the conduct of civilian evacuation operations, “Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEOs)” through naval, land and air operations. 600 troops will participate in this exercise and they will perform military demonstrations in Biza, Zall-Herr, Kepi i Palit, Kuçova, Pashaliman and Porto Palermo. The troops will be supported from the sea by four military ships. While the exercise “Dragon Hammer ‘14” will take place in Biza, in order to conduct tactical mountain scenarios. During this phase of the exercise, the base of Kepi i Pali will be used as logistic supply base, as well as for the withdrawal of troops and vehicles participating in the “Albanian Lion 2014” exercise.
