NATO welcomes new Supreme Allied Commander Europe

General Alexus G. Grynkewich of the United States Air Force officially assumed command of Allied Command Operations on July 4, in a change-of-command ceremony held at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium.

He succeeds General Chris Cavoli of the US Army, who served as Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) since 2022, Caliber.Az reports, citing the alliance.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte paid tribute to General Cavoli’s leadership, highlighting his role in strengthening NATO’s collective defence in response to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. “You have been an outstanding SACEUR, leading with honour and integrity,” said Rutte.

Secretary General Rutte also noted General Cavoli’s pivotal contributions to enhancing NATO’s presence in the Baltic Sea to deter threats against Allies’ critical undersea infrastructure and for initiating NATO’s new command in Germany to bolster military support for Ukraine.

Welcoming General Grynkewich, the Secretary General emphasised his extensive experience and operational expertise, particularly as a former fighter pilot and recent Director of Operations for the Joint Staff. “He has a deep understanding of the threats we face from the skies, and across other domains,” said Mr Rutte. “I know NATO can count on you to serve with the same steadfast resolve as your predecessors.”

General Grynkewich becomes the twenty-first SACEUR, a position first held by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who later became the 34th President of the United States. As head of Allied Command Operations, General Grynkewich will be responsible for the planning and execution of all NATO operations across the alliance.

By Vafa Guliyeva