HQ NRDC-ESP

HQ NRDC ESP

HQ NRDC ESP

HQ NRDC ESP

Lieutenant General José Francisco Gan Pampols took command of the Headquarters NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Spain during a ceremony held at Jaime I Military Base in Bétera (Valencia) on Wednesday, May 24, 2017.

LTG Gan assumed command from Portuguese MG Rui Davide Guerra, who served as the acting Commander after LTG Varela relinquished command to assume duties as the Chief of Staff of the Spanish Army

The ceremony was presided over by LTG Juan Antonio Carrasco, Chief of the Spanish Joint Staff. U.S. Army Lieutenant General Darryl A. Williams Commander of the Allied Land Command was also part of the oficial party for the ceremony. Local civil authorities were also in attendance.

During his speech LTG Gan said it is "a great honor and a huge responsibility to succeed General Varela as Commander of this Headquarters". He emphasized our current mission in the role of an Army Corps headquarters and stated that "again NRDC Spain finds itself at the head of NATO´s development, since this function is getting more importance within the Alliance". He also stated that "today NATO has to deal with both: the threats and challenges to the East as well as to the South. This requires high efforts with regards to situational awareness and responsiveness for both strategic directions, while on the other hand potential missions and tasks are different". Further in his remarks General Gan said "I am completely optimistic that with this team we will continue to succeed in this ever dynamic environment, and, together with our friends and allies, we will always fulfill our missions for the sake of freedom, democracy, and peace".

The Honours Company, Sapper Squad and Military Band marching past put an end to the ceremony.