Italy
Takes Over Herat Provincial Reconstruction Team
HERAT,
Afghanistan (CENTCOM) – Italian Col. Aldo Guaccio assumed
command of the Herat Provincial Reconstruction Team from
U.S. Navy
Cdr. Kimberly Evans.
The ceremony
was part of the International Security Assistance Force expansion
into western Afghanistan, marking the reduction of U.S. forces
in the west.
“Our
friends, the Italians, will continue to nurture the new growing
Afghanistan,” said Evans, after more than a month of transitioning
with the Italian civil affairs team in Herat.
The U.S. forces
will move to other regions of the country to create new PRTs
and continue reconstruction efforts elsewhere. Meanwhile, Italian
forces will continue reconstruction and humanitarian efforts
in Herat and outlying provinces.
The PRT’s
involvement in the region focuses on agriculture, civic support,
education, health, humanitarian assistance, irrigation, water
and sanitation, repair of civic and cultural facilities, rule
of law and governance, and telecommunication and transportation
enhancement projects.
“A lot
has to be done in order to reach our objective, and I hope to
continue on the same track as (the) American endeavors. It is
Italy’s promise to help this nation to continue towards
its goal of peace,” said Guaccio.