Commander, Marine Forces Command visits Republic of Georgia to see off the historic deployment of the 31st Light Infantry Battalion
US Marine Corps News
4/9/2010
By Public Affairs Office, Marine Forces Europe
Lt. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, commander of Marine Forces Command, Brig. Gen. Paul W. Brier, commander of Marine Forces Europe and Marine Forces Africa, and senior leadership from Marine Corps Training and Advisory Group recently traveled here to participate in a farewell ceremony for the Republic of Georgia’s 31st Light Infantry Battalion which is deploying to Afghanistan to support Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan and International Security Assistance Forces.
The 31st Battalion is the first of four Georgian battalions to complete the Georgia Deployment Program and will serve alongside U.S. Marines in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The historic deployment of the battalion marks the first time a foreign force has served as part of a U.S. Marine Regimental Combat Team.
During the visit the distinguished visitors met with senior members of the Republic of Georgia’s Ministry of Defense, toured and observed training of the 32nd Light Infantry Battalion, the battalion slated to replace the 31st upon completion of their deployment, and participated in the traditional Georgian deployment ceremony.
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