August 13, 2012 – The Handover and Takeover of the Force Commander UNDOF between MGen N.C. Ecarma III and MGen I S Singha took place during a ceremony held on the Camp Faouar parade square.

It was 09:00hrs on a warm and sunny Monday morning when the Change of Command Ceremony commenced. This was the culmination of an intensive handover program that had begun only a few short days earlier. There were many international dignified guests in attendance including the Ambassador of the Republic of India, H.E. Mr. Shri V.P. Haran as well as the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria, H.E. Dr. Maria Kunz.

After reporting to the Force Commander the parade honoured the UNDOF soldiers who have fallen over the past 38 years with a wreath laying ceremony at the main cenotaph. The UNDOF Chief of Staff, Colonel Andreas Rotheneder opened the ceremony with a speech to both the outgoing and incoming Commander. This was followed by the playing of the Philippine National Anthem and then the farewell speech of the outgoing Force Commander. In his farewell speech MGen Ecarma III emphasized the remarkable contribution and the excellent cooperation between the troop contributing nations at UNDOF during his leadership as the Head of Mission. He especially thanked the Chief of Staff UNDOF and the Chief Mission Support, Mr. Bernard Lee as well as the Contributing nations and all the Commanding Officers.

At the conclusion of the signing ceremony, the Ambassador of the Republic of India gave a speech. This was followed by a speech of the incoming Force Commander, MGen I S Singha who praised the work of his predecessor and addressed all contingents of the parade in their mother tongue. The ceremony concluded with the playing of the Indian National Anthem followed by the march past of Colours and the Troops.

The event also displayed a rainbow of intercultural music and ended with an international buffet which all guests could really enjoy. At early afternoon MGen Ecarma III was honored by a long espalier saying farewell to their former Commander as he departed Camp Faouar for the last time.