TAPA, Estonia -- Although a state of readiness is a never ending pursuit, completed projects finished ahead of time and within budget are definitely a cause for celebration.
So said U.S. Army Europe Deputy Commanding General for Army National Guard Maj. Gen. John Gronski at Tapa Training Area at an official ribbon cutting ceremony Dec 15, where completion of 27 new readiness enhancing projects managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe were commemorated.
"This is a continued effort to build readiness and continue to defend the liberty and freedom we hold so dear as allies and partners," Gronski said. "The work that we've done here is a symbol of the strength and the resolve of the alliance. These facilities are for our allies and NATO partners to use."
This is the first of many ERI projects being completed, according to Col. John Baker, chief engineer for U.S. Army Europe. Baker explained how these projects are part of over 400 construction projects that USAREUR oversea within ERI. "The construction program that we have … is spread across 6 different countries all the way across the Black Sea area Bulgaria and Romania," he said.
Gronski was joined by ceremony co-hosts U.S. Ambassador to Estonia James Melville, Jr., and Estonian Defence Forces Deputy Commander Brig. Gen. Indrek Sirel. The three ceremonially cut a ribbon to celebrate the completion of the projects and the continued friendship of the nations.
The projects consisted of a combination of sustainment, restoration and modernization, including maintenance and storage facilities, rail head loading and staging areas, range road improvements, various ranges from sniper to rifle, and much more.
"These 27 completed projects represent a very real symbol of the United States' commitment to the NATO alliance and to the safety of Europe as resolute," said Gronski.
"The result of these completed projects will allow the alliance enhanced freedom of movement, storage and maintenance of equipment, maneuver of equipment and will provide the ability to deter aggression, defend this region and our national interests," he said.
The facilities will also enable nine-month rotation forces in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Melville remarked on the strength of the alliance between the two countries as a major factor while marking the official completion of infrastructure improvement projects by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
"The commitment of the United States and NATO goes back 70 plus years. It takes different forms at different times, and the U.S. and Estonia are using our alliance to enhance our forward presence," he said. "We recognize the hard work of the many men and women, Estonians and Americans contributed to these 27 projects and our steadfast commitment to NATO and the alliance."
"Everything we do on each side of the Transatlantic Alliance, it costs effort and time and treasure, and it proves to all of us how important it is to fulfill the promises we made to each other," he said.
In addition to providing a better opportunity for forces to train, and enhancement of capabilities to security, Sirel added, in the end it is the tactical level troops that will enjoy the training areas and good working conditions that come from the facilities, not just for Estonian and U.S. Forces but for other allied nations.
"Next spring British and French troops will come to train here," Sirel said. "We will provide for our troops and allied troops when they arrive, as part of the military life while continuing to do military construction within the base."
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