RAMSTEIN, Germany – Some 350 military and civilian members of Headquarters Allied Air Command gathered in the morning of June 9, 2017, to mark the accession of Montenegro to NATO during a flag-raising ceremony at the NATO compound at Ramstein Air Base.
Officiated by the Deputy Commander of Allied Air Command, Air Marshal Stu Evans, Royal Air Force, the national flag of Montenegro was raised among the 28 other NATO Allies’ banners for the first time. A representative from the Montenegro Mission to NATO, Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Toni Sic, witnessed this important symbolic moment.
"Today represents more than simply adding an additional flag to our impressive collection,” said Air Marshal Evans during the event. "It demonstrates the continuing strength and relevance of our Alliance and our ability to work together to contribute to wider peace and stability.”
Montenegro officially joined NATO on June 5, 2017 with depositing its accession document to the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C., marking the accomplishment of an eleven-year-long process in which the new member has successfully deepened its relationship with NATO.
Allied Air Command is Montenegro’s point of contact for all air power matters and will expand NATO Air Policing procedures to include the new Ally’s airspace.
Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office