USA To Transfer Control of NATO’s Main Command Posts to European Officers

NATO allies have agreed on a new division of responsibilities within the command structure, with European countries taking on a greater leadership role.

This was reported by La Lettre.

As part of the command reshuffle, European officers will take over the leadership of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples, the Joint Forces in Brunssum, and the Joint Force Command in Norfolk, which are currently headed by American admirals.

As part of a large-scale transfer of admirals and generals, Italy will head the Joint Forces Command in Naples (JFC Naples), which is responsible for the southern flank of the Alliance. This position is currently held by US Admiral George M. Vikoff, who combines this role with command of the US Navy fleet in Africa and Europe.

The United Kingdom will take over command of the Joint Forces Command Norfolk (JFC Norfolk) in the United States, which is responsible for the North Atlantic and is currently under the command of US Admiral Douglas H. Perry.

Germany, led by General Ingo Gerhartz, who heads the Joint Forces Command Brunssum (JFC Brunssum) in the Netherlands, responsible for the eastern flank, will in future be rotated with Poland, another growing land power in Europe.

Washington will remain responsible for three main capabilities: land, air, and sea. In particular, the US will take over NATO’s Maritime Command (MARCOM) and retain supreme command of allied forces in Europe (SACEUR).