Handover ceremony for personnel deployed to the NATO mission in Latvia

• The eFP XV contingent, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Juan Antonio González Vergara, has taken over from the personnel deployed in Adazi during the last 6 months

Transfer of Authority Ceremony at Camp Adazi presided over by Operations Command Colonel Juan Antonio Planet Guerrero. Contingent eFP XIV (enhanced Forward Presence XIV) personnel hand over the command to eFP XV personnel.

During the ceremony, the Colonel Chief of the Latvian Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Oskars Kudlis and the Colonel of Task Force Latvia, Vincent Kirstein decorated the departing personnel of the eFP XIV contingent. Both highlighted the excellent preparation of the Spanish forces deployed in Latvia.

The head of the eFP XIV contingent, Lieutenant Colonel Camilo Martínez Gaude, in his speech during the ceremony, thanked the contingent's personnel for their work, highlighting their commitment, dedication and effort during six intense months. The military ceremony ended with a tribute to all of the fallen soldiers who have died in the line for Spain.

During its deployment, the Spanish contingent eFP XIV has participated in the different exercises that have taken place in the Adazi manoeuvre field, demonstrating a high level of instruction, commitment and dedication. Of particular note was its participation in the 'Spring Storm' exercise, organised by Estonia and part of 'Steadfast Defender 24', NATO's largest exercise in three

Operation eFP, now into its seventh year in Latvia since the deployment of a multinational Battle Group in 2017. Throughout this time, Spain has demonstrated its commitment to the Atlantic Alliance and its allies in the face of Eastern European threats.

Spain not only reaffirms its commitment to collective defence, but also contributes effectively to national defence beyond its borders.