Ambassador Nathanson presents Norwegian personnel for his crucial support in the evacuation of Kabul
Ambassador Nathanson presents Norwegian personnel for his crucial support in the evacuation of Kabul
Oslo, Norway
June 23, 2023
U.S. Ambassador to Norway Marc Nathanson presented the Ambassador’s Award to members of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ Joint Medical Service (FSAN) and Norwegian Special Forces (FSK) on June 23 for outstanding service during the evacuation from Afghanistan in August 2021.
Major General Joar Eidheim, Chief of the Norwegian Special Operations Command, and FSAN Commander Rune Rimstad accepted the award on behalf of Norwegian personnel.
During the extraordinarily challenging evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, FSAN personnel provided first-class medical care to Allies, Americans and Afghans who were in grave danger. At the same time, FSK personnel operated side-by-side with US forces, enabling the evacuation operation to proceed safely.
Ambassador Nathanson said: “We are particularly grateful for the critical, life-saving care provided by Norwegian FSAN personnel following the horrific Abbey Gate bombing on August 26.” Although the attack killed at least 182 people, including 13 Americans , the immediate and utterly professional response of the Norwegian medical forces saved countless others.”
“In the pictures taken during the evacuation, it is impossible to distinguish which soldiers are Americans and which soldiers are Norwegians. Our forces work seamlessly together to support our shared beliefs, goals, and hopes. Other images from Kabul Airport show the Norwegian and American flags waving together, surrounded by dozens of bare flagpoles. To me, that symbolizes the genuine and lasting bonds between our nations.”
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Embassy of the United States of America
Morgedalsveien 36, 0378 Oslo, Norway
