TALLINN, Estonia - U.S. and Estonian military and diplomatic leaders will participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for European Reassurance Initiative infrastructure and construction projects at Tapa Military Base, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m.
The 27 completed projects will support U.S. and NATO heel-to-toe rotations beginning in February 2017. U.S. Army Europe's Engineer Division, in cooperation with the Estonian Ministry of Defense and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, planned and designed the infrastructure and construction projects totaling $11.2 million to enhance the U.S. Army's ability to conduct training operations with NATO allies. The projects, built by SKE International GmbH and Bauschmidt, will be used by the 3rd and 4th infantry divisions for Operation Atlantic Resolve training activities starting in early 2017.
Range improvement projects such as rifle qualification and sniper courses, machine gun ranges and a shoot house are among the highlights. Other completed projects include: a railhead and marshalling area; European Activity Set maintenance bays, vehicle storage facilities, wash racks and motor pool; security improvements; and a fuel point renovation.
The following dignitaries are scheduled to speak: Estonian Minister of Defense Permanent Secretary, Mr Jonatan Vseviov, U.S. Ambassador to Estonia James D. Melville Jr. and U.S. Army Europe Deputy Commanding General for National Guard Maj. Gen. John Gronski.
A press gaggle will be offered immediately following the ceremony. Pull aside one-on-one interviews will be facilitated as time permits but must be requested along with the registration requirements below.
Media interested in covering the event must register via email with Lt. Col. Steven Lamb, U.S. Army Europe Public Affairs, usarmyeurope.contact@mail.mil, no later than noon, Dec. 13, 2016. Full identification of each individual, the organization you represent and a copy of either their passport or press credentials are required for registration. No RSVPs will be accepted after noon, Dec. 13, and no media will be permitted in the venue without registering.
Registered media will meet public affairs representatives at the front gate of the Tapa Army Base, Loode 35; Tapa, Estonia at noon to take a shuttle bus to the ceremony and subsequent tour of ERI projects.
Public Affairs contacts on site are Brian Temple +49 (0)162-234-1926 and Jennifer Aldridge +49 (0)162-276-7601.
---
About us: U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned in its 51 country area of responsibility to advance American strategic interests in Europe and Eurasia. The relationships we build during more than 1,000 theater security cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly to support for multinational contingency operations around the world, strengthen regional partnerships and enhance global security.
Social Sharing