NFIU SVK marks the Change of Command ceremony, Colonel Štefan Acsai assumes the appointment of Commander NFIU SVK

Colonel Štefan Acsai today officially took up the appointment of Commander NATO Force Integration Unit Slovakia (NFIU SVK). During the Change of Command (COC) ceremony, he has replaced the historically first NFIU Commander, Colonel Jozef Zekucia, who was at the formation of the unit and the unit under his command achieved Initial Capability (IC) and Full Capability (FC). The COC ceremony held at Vajnory Barracks was attended by SVK Minister of Defence Peter Gadjoš along with other SVK MOD and Armed Forces officials.

Minister of Defence Peter Gajdoš said: “First of all, I would like to thank the outgoing commander, Colonel Jozef Zekucia, who, apart from having served in the SVK Armed Forces for 29 years, was the historically first NFIU Commander in Slovakia. Also thanks to his responsible work, today our NFIU is fully capable of supporting NATO and international exercises, as well as delivering its primary mission to ensure reception and rapid deployment of Allied forces across the Slovak Republic, if required.” At the same time, he wished the new commander, Colonel Acsai, a lot of strength and energy in his new role. “I am convinced he will build on the successes of his predecessor,” he said.

Chief of Defence General Milan Maxim said: “Just as I put my trust in Colonel Zekucia at the formation of the NFIU SVK, we believe the new commander will not disappoint our trust. Colonel Acsai has proved himself to be a capable organiser and commander at different levels of command. Therefore, I wish him to start off on the right foot as much as I wish him every success in his new appointment.”

Commander NATO Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE) Szczecin, Lieutenant General Manfred Hofmann emphasised that NATO is aware it is inevitable to adjust to the current security situation. “The Slovak NFIU team has achieved Full Capability, it is capable of performing up to NATO’s highest standards, and it has become a stable factor in the Central European region. I am very pleased that I can cooperate with this team,” he said.
 
In his remarks, the outgoing NFIU Commander, Col Jozef Zekucia, thanked the Minister of Defence, the SVK Armed Forces and the NATO Alliance for their support, trust and cooperation. “I wish the new commander every personal and professional success,” he said.  In his remarks, the new commander, Col Štefan Acsai said: “To be the new Commander of the NFIU is both an honour and a challenge for me. I believe the NFIU Slovakia will continue to grow and will proudly represent the Slovak Republic.”