Transfer of Authority
Domröse relieved as ISAF Chief of Staff, Bertolini welcomed
By ISAF/NATO
Jan 4, 2009 - 10:01:17 PM

Blackanthem Military News

German Major General Hans-Lothar Domröse, outgoing Chief of Staff for International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Headquarters, speaks during the Chief of Staff change of command ceremony held in the gymnasium of ISAF Headquarters on January 3, (ISAF Photo)

KABUL, Afghanistan - German Major General Hans-Lothar Domröse bid farewell on Saturday to troops deployed to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Headquarters as the Chief of Staff during a change of command ceremony held at ISAF Headquarters in Kabul.

"I want to thank the entire command for the support I had throughout my year at ISAF," Domröse said. "There are many countries here, but as I say, ‘One Mission, One Team.' And that's not just an empty phrase, but a daily experience here at ISAF."

Domröse, who will soon depart to Strasbourg, France where he will become the Commander General for Eurocorps, was relieved by Italian Major General Marco Bertolini.

ISAF Commander, General David McKiernan, officiated the change of command ceremony. McKiernan likened Domröse's tour to that of a band conductor leading 41 different bands.

"It's not easy to be the Chief of Staff of an organization represented by 41 nations, with different cultures and languages and keep them moving in one direction," General McKiernan said. "We want to recognize this magnificent leader and welcome Major General Bertolini who will be as strong a leader as Major General Domröse has been."