Ongoing operations
Contingent relief at 'Tigru' air detachment
In Schitu (Romania)
July 1, 2024
- The detachment is deployed as part of Operation Enhanced Air Policing to reinforce the Allied presence on NATO's Eastern Flank.
The handover ceremony was held between the fifth and sixth contingents of the Tigru Air Tactical Detachment (DAT) in NATO's eAP-RDR operation.
The event was presided over by Colonel Ignacio Lanzat Lacour, representing the Operations Command (MOPS). The Romanian Air Force was represented by Colonel Boraciu Relu, Commander of the 76th ISR Brigade.
At the ceremony, the outgoing Force Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Javier García Ortiz, handed over command of the DAT Tigru to Lieutenant Colonel Rafael Conde Granado, bringing the mission of the fifth contingent to an end. Thanks to the efforts made after four months of deployment, the operational capacity of the AN/TPS-43M radar continues to be high, reaching more than 13,000 hours of operation.
During the ceremony, Colonel Lanzat congratulated the outgoing Spanish contingent for its exceptional work in the Romanian mission. In his speech, he stressed the importance of the mission, which is key to ensuring the surveillance of the alliance's airspace, and offered his best wishes to the new contingent.
The event culminated with the presentation of Romanian Air Force decorations to five members of the outgoing contingent, in recognition of their commitment and exemplary service.
After 20 months of operation, the Spanish detachment, under the operational command of the Operations Command, has maintained its firm commitment to the objectives of air surveillance and deterrence. The contingent's continuous effort has been key to ensuring the operability of weapon systems and the integration of radar data into the NATO Air Defence System through the Control and Reporting Center (CRC) in Balotesti, Bucharest.
Since the beginning of the eAP-RDR operation, Spain has demonstrated an unwavering commitment, thanks to the efforts of the 39 airmen who make up the detachment, all of whom are fundamental pillars in ensuring the mission's fulfilment.
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