In his speech, the Permanent Secretary emphasized the strategic impact of the presence of U.S. Army units on the entire region.
"It matters to the people of Estonia, to whom your presence is a visible demonstration that Estonia is not alone in these turbulent times. It matters to NATO as a sign that allies stand together and have each other’s back in every corner of the alliance. And it ultimately matters to Russia when they look over the border and see that the United States flag is not absent from this corner of the Eastern flank," the Permanent Secretary Mäe noted.
Mäe expressed his appreciation to all the specialists serving on the ground who ensure the daily operations and combat readiness of the Allied units.
"Whether through maneuver, fires, military police duties, logistics, maintenance, communications, medical support, or the many other tasks that make military operations possible, each of you has played a part in making Estonia safer and NATO stronger," Mäe added.
U.S. Army units serve in Estonia as part of the U.S. rotational presence to strengthen NATO's defence and deterrence posture on the eastern flank. In November, the U.S. Army Apache Troop, 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment began a nine-month rotation at the Reedo camp.
Photos: Medalitseremoonia USA teenistujatele 06.11.2026 | Kaitseväe pildigalerii
