Home  /   News  /  2025  /  FIRST VISIT OF DEPUTY COMMANDER AND CHIEF OF STAFF NCISG AT 3NSB AND PRESTIGIOUS AWARD CEREMONY

BYDGOSZCZ, Poland – Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff of the NATO Communications and Information Systems Group, Brigadier General Jarkko Karsikas visited 3^rd NATO Signal Battalion on 14 – 15 January 2025.  

The 3^rd NATO Signal Battalion (3NSB) welcomed the DCOM/COS NCISG Brigadier General Jarkko Karsikas during his first official visit. The visit began with a formal reception for DCOM/COS NCISG, who was greeted by 3NSB leadership, Commander Lieutenant Colonel Pavel Matuszek, officers, and enlisted personnel. Following the reception, the Deputy Commander toured the facilities to gain first hand insights into the operational capabilities and ongoing initiatives of 3NSB.

DCOM/COS NCISG first visit at 3NSB, 14 January 2025, Bydgoszcz, Poland.

The general highlighted the importance of technological integration, the need to increase the interoperability, observing the well prepared operators use of CIS equipment. The Deputy Commander praised 3NSB for its innovative solutions and adaptability in addressing critical mission requirements. 

The highlight of the visit was an address delivered by Deputy Commander NCISG to the assembled personnel. General Karsikas emphasized the crucial role of 3NSB in supporting the NCISG HQ and ensuring mission readiness. He lauded the battalion’s commitment to excellence and teamwork, which have consistently contributed to the NCISG’s operational success.

3NSB, from the left: DCOM/COS NCISG, Brigadier General Jarkko Karsikas, 14 January 2025, Bydgoszcz, Poland.

On behalf of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, SACEUR, Brigadier General Jarkko Karsikas and 3NSB Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Pavel Matuszek conducted the SACEUR Recognition Awards.

The SACEUR Recognition Award was granted to Captain Carlos Cubel Lopez and Sergeant Major Thomas Varanfrain. Both 3NSB staff members have demonstrated great qualities of professional competence, unwavering dedication and remarkable leadership.

Award ceremony at 3NSB, from the right: DCOM/COS NCISG, Brigadier General Jarkko Karsikas; Captain Carlos Cubel Lopez; 3NSB COM, Lieutenant Colonel Pavel Matuszek; 3NSB Command Sergeant Major, Michal Zelenak; 14 January 2025, Bydgoszcz, Poland.

The NCISG Individual Awards were presented to Master Sergeant Piotr Abram, Staff Sergeant Jaroslaw Walczyk and Piotr Pelikan for their high level of obligation, ingenuity and integrity with an aptitude to solve any issues under stressful conditions in supporting NCISG operations.

The NCISG Unit Awards were presented by General Karsikas to 3NSB DCM-A Support Platoon Unit Award and 3NSB M&S Coy Mobile Motor Maintenance Team Unit to recognize significant achievement and outstanding performance that resulted improvements in 3^rd NSB mission.

The 3NSB Individual Recognition Award was presented to Major Sergeant Marcin Gachewicz; 3NSB Commander’s Coin for Excellent Service to Staff Sergeant Krystian Zaborowski.

Finally, NSATU Certificate of Appreciation was presented to M&S Coy civilian staff member Slawomir Kucharski.

In his closing remarks during the ceremony, DCOM/COS NCISG shared gratitude for the battalion's tireless efforts. He encouraged everyone to continue striving for excellence, reminding them of their integral role in ensuring the NCISG’s mission success.

3NSB, 14 January 2025, Bydgoszcz, Poland.

The visit left a lasting impression of confidence in the battalion’s capability and the soldiers’ unwaving commitment to their mission. 

The visit concluded with a group photo session and an informal interaction where personnel had the opportunity to engage directly with DCOM/COS NCISG.