OTTAWA — Today, a ceremony marked the transition from Rotation 6 to Rotation 7 as Major Jesse van Eijk assumed command of the Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force (LTF) from Major Lonnie Campbell. The ceremony, which took place at the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area in Poland, was presided over by Colonel Pascal Demers, Canadian Defence Attaché to Poland.

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“Rotation 7 brings together highly trained and motivated soldiers from across the Canadian Armed Forces who are ready to face the challenges and opportunities of this mission. We look forward to building on the achievements of previous rotations to both develop our own capabilities and to work with our Allies to enhance NATO readiness.”

— Major Jesse van Eijk, Incoming Commander, Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force

“It has been a privilege to command this outstanding group of dedicated soldiers over the last six months. Their hard work has increased our interoperability with other NATO nations and enhanced the esprit de corps amongst the soldiers that make up this Alliance.”

— Major Lonnie Campbell, Outgoing Commander, Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force

• The incoming Land Task Force (LTF) contingent consists of approximately 200 members predominantly from 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based at CFB Edmonton, Alberta. Several other units from the Canadian Armed Forces’ Regular and Reserve Force are also contributing soldiers to the contingent.

• The outgoing LTF contingent consists of approximately 220 members predominantly from the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, based at CFB Edmonton. During their six-month tour, soldiers participated in major exercises in Poland, Germany, Romania and Lithuania, as well as smaller-scale training activities in Poland.

• More than 1070 Canadian soldiers have deployed as part of Operation REASSURANCE since the first rotation in May 2014.

• LTF soldiers have participated in 32 military exercises in six different European countries since May 2014.
• Canada’s contribution to NATO assurance and deterrence measures demonstrates Canada’s ability and willingness to react rapidly to international crises and to work side by side with our NATO Allies.

Associated Links

• Operation REASSURANCE website
• Operation REASSURANCE Land Task Force images
• @CFOperations
• #OpREASSURANCE

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