Brigadier Vassallo hands over to Colonel Martin Xuereb
The Armed Forces of Malta Colour was paraded on Friday 15th January, 2010, to bid farewell to its commander, Brigadier Carmel Vassallo, and welcome his successor, Colonel Martin Xuereb, who took on the new post on Monday 18th January and was promoted to the rank of Brigadier as well.
The eyes of the outgoing AFM Commander, Brigadier Vassallo, brimmed with tears as he handed over authority to his younger deputy in a symbolic ceremony during a Change-of-Command Ceremony held at Luqa Barracks. Colonel Martin G. Xuereb, 42, succeeds Brigadier Vassallo, 55, who reached the military's retirement age last year. He remained in office to allow his successor to complete specialised military training in the United Kingdom.
Inclement weather forced the ceremony to be held indoors at AFM Headquarters in Luqa Barracks, instead of on the parade ground as originally planned. Silence fell as the two senior officers walked to the end of the hall, as a Guard of honour commanded by Major Clinton O'Neill, accorded them a salute to tunes from the AFM band, and watched and supported by their respective families and guests.
During the parade, Brigadier Vassallo then inspected the Guard of Honour.
An Ensign handed the AFM Colour to Brigadier Vassallo who, with welling eyes, clutched it with both hands and handed it over to Colonel Xuereb, the youngest and eighth AFM commander.
This symbolises the handing over of authority and it was the first such ceremony to take place in local military history. Colonel Xuereb then returned the Colour to the Ensign and received a General Salute, going on to inspect the parade.
Brig. Vassallo then took the stand to address the gathering. In an emotional brief address, he thanked all soldiers for their loyalty, reflecting on his command: "When I look back to the time I was entrusted with commanding the army almost six years ago, I have many memories. Some of them bring happiness, others sadness," he said nostalgically.
"Today, my thoughts are directed at those who have supported me since then."
He said that when he took over, Malta was just starting to carry the burden of immigration, a burden which had since then been largely shouldered by the AFM with regard to search, rescue, detention and security. At the same time the AFM continued to carry out important activities which were largely out of the public view. The past six years, he said, had been characterised by change within the AFM as Malta joined the EU. The AFM had seen change in its administration, better training, re-equipment to fit its needs, and participation in operations abroad. Soldiers had also seen an improvement in their conditions and pay. In thanking everyone for the support and loyalty shown to him, Brigadier Vassallo said he hoped the same would be shown to his successor.
He then turned towards his successor and, his voice broken asked him to treasure the soldiers, before turning away from the microphone
Col. Xuereb thanked Brig. Vassallo for his service to the AFM and his support during the transition. He described the occasion as memorable, said he never thought he would be addressing the gathering."My parents had encouraged me to quit my previous job and enlist as a cadet with the army. Today, it looks like it was a wise decision," he said. There will be challenges ahead and I need the support of everyone else, which Im sure I will have. He promised to humbly serve the country as army commander and asked everyone to pull the same rope, which, he said, must not become entangled or break.
Speaking at the officer's mess after the ceremony, he said he would be making changes based on his experience both locally and abroad.He commended what had already been done and emphasised that any changes did not mean the system in place was inefficient but that the army had to continue improving.
Earlier in the day, Brig. Vassallo paid a farewell visit to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi who praised him for carrying out his duties with dedication, loyalty and professionalism. A deputy commander has still to be named.
Former AFM Commanders
Brigadier Alfred Sammut Tagliaferro (1973 to 1975)
Brigadier Arthur Gera (1975 to 1980)
Brigadier John Spiteri (1980 to 1991)
Brigadier Maurice Calleja (1991 to 1993)
Brigadier Claude Gaffiero (1993 to 1996)
Brigadier Rupert Montanaro (1996 to 2004)
Brigadier Carmel Vassallo (2004 to 2010)
Reporting by:
Chris Scicluna and Rosanne Zammit ( www.timesofmalta.com ),
Kurt Bugeja Coster (The Times), and
Major Ivan M. Consiglio (AFM Public Information Cell, HQ AFM)
Video: Michael Formosa/AFM Press Office
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120 Recruits join the AFMby MALTASWIFTS8,175 views
Too bad I will not be with the AFM in time... : / He will certainly be missed by many.
kylemontanaro 2 years ago
you will be missed
michaelcbonnici 2 years ago
Proset tal hidma tiek f AFM :)
Tabar2 2 years ago
Grazzi mill-qalb. Minghand SSGT Said Air Wing Rescuer
starskysar 2 years ago