U.S. Ambassador to Estonia visits Tapa Army Base

TAPA ARMY BASE, Estonia – Soldiers assigned to the 75th Field Artillery Brigade, supporting the 4th Infantry Division in Europe, welcomed George Kent, U.S. Ambassador to Estonia, Feb. 28, 2023 on Tapa Army Base, Estonia to showcase the M142 HIMARS, a light multiple rocket launcher. It is Kent’s first visit the U.S. Forces at the base.

During first stop on his visit, Kent ate lunch with Soldiers and asked them about their time at Camp Tapa.

“It was my first time having lunch with an ambassador, but it was pleasant,” said Staff Sgt. John Barnes, a HIMARS operator with the brigade. “We talked about how good the training we have been doing with the Estonian Army has been and the training we are planning for the future.”

After lunch, Kent addressed a group of Soldiers inside the HIMARS staging area. Kent spoke about the significance of the U.S. presence in Estonia.

“In every conversation I’ve had with leadership from this country, they thank the U.S. for sending units and HIMARS to Estonia,” Kent said. “Thank you for being away from your home base and being here.”

Accompanying Kent was the command team from the U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC).

“I would just like to echo what the ambassador said, thank you for being here away from your families,” said Brig. Gen. Jason B. Nicholson, commanding general of the United States Army Security Assistance Command. “We are providing our allies and partners around the world with defense materials like the HIMARS and you are demonstrating how to use the equipment.”

The 4th Infantry Division's mission in Europe is to engage in multinational training and exercises across the continent, working alongside NATO allies and regional security partners to provide combat-credible forces to V Corps, America’s forward deployed corps in Europe.