NATO welcomes new Supreme Allied Commander Europe
United States Army General Christopher Cavoli assumed command as the 20th Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) during a ceremony held at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) on July 4, 2022.
General Cavoli succeeds General Tod Wolters of the US Air Force, who had been in post since 2019. Secretary General Stoltenberg thanked General Wolters for his selfless commitment to the NATO Alliance including his work responding to the COVID pandemic, transitioning the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, and responding with “speed and strength” to Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine. “You were the right leader, for the right post, at the right time. You leave NATO stronger, and our one billion people safer,” Stoltenberg said.
NATO Secretary General welcomed General Cavoli, noting that his 35-year military career has spanned the globe, from Bosnia to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Washington D.C.
“Most recently, as Commanding General of US Army Europe and Africa, you have overseen the largest reinforcement of US presence in Europe in decades, with over 100,000 troops,” he said. “You join us at a turning point for transatlantic security, marked by rising strategic competition and the return of brutal conflict to Europe,” said Stoltenberg. “I know you will continue to serve NATO with the same leadership and dedication you have always shown.”
Stoltenberg welcomed General Cavoli is joining NATO “at a turning point for transatlantic security, marked by rising strategic competition and the return of brutal conflict to Europe.”
General Cavoli expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead NATO’s oldest military headquarters. “Thank you all for coming here today. Your presence does us honor but more your presence illustrates the unity of this alliance, the greatest alliance in the history of mankind. It is a representation of the bond that holds us together,” General Cavoli said.
