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Weeks 26 - 28: Moving along
After three months in charge, General Diesen claims the Defence is moving in the right direction.
By Ole Kåre Eide, Norwegian Defence Media Centre
| | ON THE RIGHT TRACK: As the summer break hits large parts of the Norwegian Defence, Chief of Defence claims "we are heading in the right direction". Photo: Mariann Dybdahl. |
- The last financial plan shows that we are moving along according to plan and that our consumption is under control, says Diesen.
Three months have passed since he replaced General Sigurd Frisvold as Chief of Defence.
- The implementations we have made have been tough, but at the same time necessary in order to reduce the activity level so that it actually corresponds with the budget. In addition, we have had to cover large parts of last year's over-consumption, he says.
The General is proud to see the introduction of a new operative medal. This decoration was recently handed out for the first time, in order to credit the engineer force in Telemark batallion for their efforts in Iraq.
- Our soldiers are putting their lives on the line, experiencing both tough and primitive conditions. Thus, we find it important to honour them, says the Chief of Defence.
| | ON TRANSPORT MISSION: For the first time, the 333-squadron will take part in an international mission, even though they frequently conduct international tasks in the northern regions. Photo: Sissel Amundsen. |
Norwegian plane to the Mediterranean
From the first of September this year a Norwegian Orion-plane will take part in Active Endeavour, surfacing the air space above the Mediterranean. A total of 40 Norwegians will be based at Sicilia until the end of October.
- This is both a NATO-operation and an anti-terror mission, explains Lieutenant Colonel Bernt Martinussen, in charge of the Norwegian contingent in Sicilia.
- Our task is to keep an eye on the shipping traffic in parts of the Mediterranean, he says.
The Orion-planes are normally located in Northern Norway, and thus, the warm climate of the Mediterranean is expected to be a key challenge for both the plane and the crew.
- Our strength is our ability to fly low, down to 200 feet. The planes are adaptable and can be apprehended to search for submarines while at the same time register activities in nearby harbours.
- Will do everything in our power
General Diesen understands that recent media attention regarding the radar installments in the Defence has led to concern.
- We obviously do not want our personnel to feel at risk at their working place. We will do everything in our power to uncover potential health hazards, he says.
He points out that recent measurements place the Defence's radar installments within the security demands set by the government. In the future months, a technical mapping of the radiation danger at former and current installments in the Defence will be conducted.
| | TOP GUN: In August Kristin Pedersen is crossing the Atlantic to begin her training as a military test pilot. Photo: FMS archive. |
In addition, a complete health register will be introduced, identifying where the personnel works, what type of materiel they work with, what diseases and troubles they face and how they experience their own health situation. The register has been described as a potential "unique tool to prevent health hazards in the future."
First female test pilot
Major Kristin Pedersen is set to become Norway's first female test pilot. In ten months time, she will return home from the US Navy test pilot school in Washington.
- Large parts of the education focus on academic subjects, explains Pedersen.
- But we will, of course, get plenty of time to fly too. We are in fact set to try between 15 and 20 different air planes.
In her future profession as a test pilot in the Norwegian Defence, she will primarily test new equipment for the already existing plane types. She is not affected by the fact that she will be the first female test pilot. On the contrary, she describes it as a natural development in the Defence.
- As the number of females in the Defence increase, it is only natural that they also occupy professions that previously were dominated by males, she points out.
| | MEDAL CEREMONY IN IRAQ: International forces were present as the Norwegian contingent, amongst others, were honoured for their contribution in Iraq. Photo: NTM-I/Archive. |
Well-deserved medal
Both Norwegians and officers from other Nato-countries running training activities for the Iraqi Defence, were recently honoured for their achievements.
- Medals do not come by themselves. These officers are in Iraq, in hostile territory, performing an important and good job for the country. Therefore, they fully deserve to be creditted, says British General Sir John Reith,
second in command in NATO's European military force.
- This medal is a visible symbol of our service in Iraq, says Norwegian Colonel Tom Guttormsen.
| | RUNNING THE AIR CONTROL UNIT: Norwegian presence at the air control unit in Lithuania ends as Germany takes over the operative command. Photo: Torbjørn Kjosvold. |
Air control crew returns home
The Norwegian staff which assisted at the air control center in Lithuania, have terminated their mission and returned home.
On a long-term scale, the Baltic nations are expected to take control of the center on their own.
- Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia must cooperate, but it will take time. At the moment, they do not have enough qualified controllers, explains Lieutenant Freddy Sæther.
Meanwhile, German troops will have the operative responsibility. They will also conduct eight weeks training courses for officers from the Baltic nations.
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