Lt. Col. Michael Gallagher takes over as chief of NATO FIU in Estonia

TALLINN – Estonian Navy Cpt. Peeter Ivask on Tuesday handed over command of the NATO Force Integration Unit (FIU) in Estonia to the so far deputy commander, Lt. Col. Michael Gallagher.

Gallagher has served in the Royal Air Force for 26 years in a variety of positions, including as a helicopter pilot and instructor, and has been at the helm of the UK helicopter force tactical Flying Training School.

Having initiated the conduct of a helicopter tactics instructor course at the European Defense Agency, in 2015 Gallagher was appointed the chief instructor of the European Defense Agency, responsible for the entire helicopter program. He has participated in missions in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and repeatedly in Iraq. Gallagher joined the NATO Battlegroup Headquarters in Estonia in 2018, transferring to the NATO FIU in the spring of last year.

The previous chief of the NATO FIU in Estonia, Navy Cpt. Peeter Ivask, will continue his service at the joint headquarters of the Estonian defense forces.

The main task of the NATO FIU is to support the reception of NATO rapid reaction forces, the preparation of transfer operations and the conduct of exercises in Estonia. It also exchanges information and situational awareness between NATO and Estonia and has a role in the preparation of defense plans.