KABUL, Afghanistan –
KABUL, Afghanistan — Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell assumed responsibility as the deputy commander of Resolute Support during a change of responsibility ceremony here today.
Cripwell’s last assignment here was as director of security transition for International Security Assistance Force in 2012.
"I am honored to be appointed as the deputy commander and I join everyone here in thanking Lieutenant General Rosario Castellano for his extraordinary work during his time here,” Cripwell said.
Castellano, the outgoing deputy commander, handed over his responsibility, taking time to reflect on his time in Afghanistan.
"At the beginning of my tour, I dealt with a couple of issues such as education, refugees, the justice system and human rights,” Castellano said. "These issues expanded my awareness on the complexity of Afghan culture and increased my perception of what makes this country so unique: the desire to change, to improve and to live in peace.”
General John Nicholson, commander, Resolute Support, spoke during the ceremony, highlighting Castellano’s contribution to the mission.
"Italy contributes enormously to this campaign. They are committed globally in the fight against terror ... Italy clearly values a rules-based international order, free from terror … Italy has given a chance to the people of Afghanistan who want – and frankly deserve – peace,” Nicholson said.
He also restated the importance of winning the war in Afghanistan.
"This war on terrorist organizations is one that we fight on behalf of all humanity, against all terrorists,” Nicholson said. "With the mounting military, diplomatic, and social pressure that is building – that we all are collectively committed to sustaining over the coming years – the enemy will have no choice but to reconcile. I believe, as President Ghani says, 'we have turned the corner,’” he concluded.