The 6th contingent departs to the NATO operation in the Aegean Sea

: Published: Monday, 18 September 2017 17:39

In the Naval Force Command, was held the departing ceremony of the 6th contingent of Navy Force "Oriku" ship to the NATO operation "Sea Guardian", in the Aegean Sea.

Present at the ceremony were the Minister of Defense Mrs. Olta Xhaçka, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Brigadier General Bardhyl Kollçaku, Commander of the Naval Force, Major General Ylber Dogjani, Force Commanders, Local Government Representatives, and Relatives of Crew Members.

In his speech, Navy Commander Major General Ylber Dogjani praised the role and commitment of the first five contingents in monitoring and preventing the gross number of illegal immigrants into the Aegean Sea.

Minister of Defense, Mrs. Olta Xhaçka, specified the refugee crisis as one of the biggest challenges Europe is facing today, and cited the achievements of former contingents in the Aegean Sea. "There are over 540 people of different ages, genders, and citizenship that you have saved their lives. Syrian, Iraqi, but also Nigerian, Congolese, Somali, and Yemeni people live today thanks to the sacrifice of Albanian military personnel. Only in the last two months, the contingent you will replace has saved 151 human lives, of which 33 women and 56 children. You have made all us proud, you are the best example of sacrifice and self-denial."

Protection and security will also be considered as social projects, in order to engage as many new and young people as possible, in the function of their professional growth and shaping their national awareness. "Our program will continue with the military-operational engagement at maximum levels, both in collective defense operations, as well as in NATO peacekeeping missions. Our governing program will also have a new dimension.

Also, Minister Xhaçka informed the participants on the government's objectives regarding the defense and security. "The Government of Albanian Republic will continue to pay special attention to the national security and the contribution to global security.

The 6th Contingent of Naval Force in the Aegean Sea will be led by Commander Silvan Boni and for the first time, part of the crew will be two ladies. First Lieutenant Aurela Bala and Sergeant Esmeralda Murati, they will be the first two ladies of the Albanian Armed Forces to be part of an international naval operation.