KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta visited Romanian soldiers at Kandahar Airfield, June 29, to mark the Romanian end-of-operations in Afghanistan.
During his visit, a ceremony was held for the 20th Infantry Battalion, Task Force 20, also known as the Black Scorpions, to demonstrate a transition from combat operations to support operations in Afghanistan.
Ponta, who came to Afghanistan with Vice Prime Minister Gabriel Oprea and Minister of Defense Mircea Dusa, expressed his appreciation for the Black Scorpions and all Romanians who have served in Afghanistan. He congratulated them on seeing the war through to the end, protecting the Afghans, and helping to build their infrastructure.
The Black Scorpions' mission was to make important routes safe in Regional Command (South) by clearing them of improvised explosives planted by insurgents. This important responsibility was given to the Afghan National Security Forces.
Maj. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, commanding general of Regional Command (South) and 4th Inf. Division, on behalf of Maj. Gen. Abdul Hamid, commander of the Afghan National Army 205th Corps, thanked the 20th Inf. for their service in Afghanistan.
"The fine soldiers of Task Force 20 have been operating in Zabul Province for the last six months, working closely with our Afghan security partners, and also other International Security Assistance Forces to improve the conditions for the Afghan people at this critical junction in the fight," said LaCamera. "Securing Highway One is an important mission at which the Black Scorpions excel. They may be leaving, but the Romanian commitment, and their impact on the Afghan people, will surely continue."
While the Prime Minister was eating lunch with the soldiers following the ceremony, Kandahar Airfield received a rocket attack, halting the event so everyone could take shelter. Once the base was cleared, the visit continued as scheduled.
When asked about the rocket attack Ponta said, "I am sorry we didn't get to sit down longer with our troops. It was a minor incident which gave some color to the event."
After laying a wreath at a monument established to honor fallen Romanians, Ponta emphasized that Romanian soldiers risked their lives daily on patrol.
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