Start of Exercise “Szentes Axe” 2019

Exercise Szentes Axe is not a new test of strength for the participants assigned, since it is held every year. However from 2012 onwards they are carried out every two year with international co-operation and environment. This current event is unique in two respects: it is the first occasion that the US Army 18th Military Police Brigade takes part in the task, and also this is the first time that the exercise takes place in Szentes and in its area.

The main objective of the exercise is to strengthen the stability of the Central Eastern European and the Black Sea region, and to demonstrate the military capabilities of the participating nations.

The exercise started with raising the flag of the United States of America, and then the national flag of Hungary and finally the NATO flag was raised in the morning hours on the parade ground, and was followed by the opening ceremony on the main square of Szentes.

During the event a festive speech was delivered by Colonel Glenn Schmick, the Commander of the 18th Military Police Brigade, who highlighted the already existing good co-operation with the Hungarian party, as one of the keys to the successful exercise.

The participants were welcomed on behalf of the town by the Mayor Imre Szibrik.

After the opening ceremony the interested audience was entertained with promenade music played by the Garrison Band of the HDF 5th Bocskai István Infantry Brigade, and there was an opportunity to view the static display of the technical equipment,too.