Change of command for Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force
News Release
August 24, 2016 — Ottawa — National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
During a ceremony marking the transition from Rotation 5 to Rotation 6 today, Major Lonnie Campbell assumed command of the Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force (LTF). The ceremony took place at the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area in Poland and was presided over by Colonel Pascal Demers, Canadian Defence Attaché to Poland.
Major Félix St-Jean was the interim commander over the last six weeks, replacing Major Éric Beauchamp, who returned to Canada early for a career-related posting. Major Beauchamp served with distinction as commander of the LTF from February to July 2016.
As part of Canada’s contributions to NATO Assurance Measures, the LTF demonstrates Canada’s commitment to security and stability in Central and Eastern Europe. LTF members participate in military exercises throughout the region to improve interoperability with allies and demonstrate NATO’s resolve to protect Alliance territories and populations.
Quotes
“After several months of intense training in Canada, the soldiers of Rotation 6 are ready for the mission ahead. We arrive in Europe committed to building on the achievements of our predecessors and will continue to work with our allies to further enhance NATO readiness.”
- Major Lonnie Campbell, Incoming Commander, Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force
“The members of Rotation 5 were strong ambassadors of the Canadian Armed Forces during the last six months in Europe. We enjoyed working alongside NATO allies, with whom we share a common goal, and we wish the soldiers of Rotation 6 well as they continue to contribute to regional security.”
- Major Félix St-Jean, Outgoing Commander, Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force
Quick Facts
- The incoming Land Task Force Rotation 6 contingent consists of approximately 220 members, predominantly from 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, Alberta. Several other units from 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group and from the Reserve Force are also contributing soldiers to the contingent.
- The outgoing Land Task Force Rotation 5 contingent consists of approximately 220 members, predominantly from 1st Battalion, Royal 22e Régiment, based at Canadian Forces Base Valcartier, Québec. During their six-month tour, soldiers participated in seven major exercises in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Romania, as well as other smaller-scale training activities in Poland.
- Land Task Force soldiers have participated in military exercises in nine different European countries since May 2014.
- Operation REASSURANCE refers to the military activities undertaken by the Canadian Armed Forces to support NATO assurance and deterrence measures through the provision of military capabilities for training, exercises, demonstrations, and assigned NATO tasks.
-30-
Associated Links
Operation REASSURANCE website
Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force images
3rd Canadian Division, Army in Western Canada
#OpREASSURANCE
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Toll-Free: 1-866-377-0811
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
Search for related information by keyword
Hon. Harjit Singh Sajjan National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Military