Embassy Press Release

Remarks By The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Jeri Guthrie-Corn On The Occasion Of Media Day In Campia Turzii

Campia Turzii, Cluj, Romania
April 30, 2009

- As prepared for delivery -

Last day of Strike Lance in which U.S. airmen from USAFE's 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, UK exercised with F-15Es and Romanians exercised with MiG-21s. From Left to Right: 71st Air Base Commander, Colonel Laurian Anastasof, U.S. Air Attaché Brian Mullin, Chargé d'Affaires Jeri Guthrie-Corn, Chief of the Romanian Air Force Staff Major General Ion-Aurel Stanciu and Director of Plans and Programs of the US Air Forces In Europe, Brigadier General Richard Johnston. Campia Turzii, April 30, 2009.

I’m so pleased to be here today at the close of this important joint training exercise of the Romanian and American Air Forces. Every time our personnel come together for training we learn more about each other and our capabilities, and we become better partners -- and better friends.

Just 12 months ago the 48th Fighter Wing was here in Campia Turzii in support of NATO Summit security. That mission was a great success, but there have been many more examples of successes when we work as a team.

NATO relies heavily upon Romanian troops in Afghanistan and Kosovo in its missions to bring peace, security and stability. Just last week NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer was in Bucharest and he congratulated Romania for its performance as a NATO member, as a strong ally with important participation in NATO operations.

Romanian troops have carried out their dangerous missions in a dedicated and courageous manner and have earned the respect of NATO allies. Romania has stepped up fully to the challenges and we acknowledge and pay our deepest respects for their fallen soldiers. Their sacrifice is one we honor every day and we pray for them, their families and friends, and thank them for helping make the world a safer and more secure place. Fighting side-by-side there is made possible by training side-by-side here.

We thank all the professional military men and women for their contributions in making this exercise so successful, and we look forward to future training and joint activities by our two NATO nations. Thank you.

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