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SZCZECIN, Poland – On August 17, Danish Army Major General Jette Albinus relieved Danish Army Major General Flemming Mathiasen as Commander Multinational Division North (MND N) during a change of command ceremony in Riga, Latvia. This was the first change of command since the Division's establishment in 2019.

Preceding over the ceremony, Lieutenant General Jürgen-Joachim von Sandrart, Commander Multinational Corps Northeast (MNC NE), highlighted the role of MND N as a strong pillar of the Corps and the NATO Force Structure. "This change of command, however, is all the more special because it happens for the first time in the history of Multinational Division North."

Together, we traverse into the next chapter of your mission, which will help NATO to better safeguard its northern Allies.

From the left: LTG von Sandrart, MG Mathiasen and MG Albinus enter the parade ground in Riga, Latvia, August 17 © Kristine Meistere

LTG Leonīds Kalniņš, Latvia's Chief of Defence, and MG Mathiasen shake hands during the MND N change of command, Riga, Latvia © Latvian Armed Forces

In his final address, Major General Flemming Mathiasen, who had led the Divsion since 2019, emphasized the importance of multinational team work at MND N which laid the basis for the command's achievements. Today, MND N is fully capable of conducting operations across the northern portion of the Baltic Sea region and ready to fulfill tasks given by higher NATO headquarters. "Through this joint effort and dedication of staff and soldiers, as well as the indispensable support from the Framework Nations and many other stakeholders, Multinational Division North has transformed into a fully integrated and capable part of NATO in Latvia," said Mathiasen,

I am fully confident that the Division can take responsibility for defending Latvia.

While delivering her remarks, Major General Jette Albinus expressed her pride in standing alongside the Latvian and NATO Allies. "It is an honour to join the team of Multinational Division North. I am looking forward to leading the Division which has been built on solid foundations."

I will continue the work of my predecessor to make for the security of the Baltic region.

Major General Jette Albinus, former Vice Chief Join Operations in the Danish Defence Command, began her service in 1988. Her military career includes commanding officer roles in the Danish Armed Forces and three deployments in the Balkan region and Afghanistan.

LTG von Sandrart passes the MND N colours to MG Albinus, Riga, Latvia, August 17 © Kristine Meistere

MG Albinus addresses the troops and distinguished guests during the MND N change of command ceremony, Riga, Latvia, August 17 © Latvian Armed Forces