Emotional army commander hands over authority to deputy

The eyes of Armed Forces of Malta commander Carmel Vassallo brimmed with tears as he handed over authority to his younger deputy in a symbolic ceremony, yesterday morning.

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 tie up some loose ends in connection with his role as the army's representative in Brussels.

Col Xuereb assumes command on Monday when he will be promoted to Brigadier, the highest rank in the local military system.

Silence fell as the two commanders walked to the end of the hall at Luqa Barracks and stood in front of a guard of honour and the AFM band, watched and supported by their families.

With welling eyes, Brig. Vassallo clutched the army's colours with both hands and handed it over to Col Xuereb, the youngest and eighth commander of the army.

This symbolises the handing over of authority and it was the first such ceremony to take place in local military history. Brig. Vassallo then took the stand to address the gathering.

"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 then turned towards his successor and, his voice broken asked him to treasure the soldiers, before turning away from the microphone.

Col Xuereb, who 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.

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. Inclement weather forced the ceremony to be held indoors instead of on the parade grounds as originally planned. 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 army 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)

kbugeja@timesofmalta.com