General Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), presided over the handover in front of senior military and civilian representatives from NATO, the United States, Germany and local communities. Lieutenant General Hinds now leads NATO’s air component, responsible for coordinating Allied Air and Space operations across the Euro-Atlantic region and ensuring readiness, interoperability, and effectiveness across all NATO Air Forces.
In his remarks, Lieutenant General Hinds addressed the changing security environment and the role of Allied air power. “Threats are very real, and they’re becoming increasingly more complex. And threats are evolving at rates we have not experienced in recent history,” he said during the ceremony.
“We are and we must continue to rapidly adapt to this new threat environment, and work together as Allies and partners to be ready for the high-end fight,” he added. He concluded by emphasising the Alliance’s unity and readiness: “Our unity, purpose and collective deterrence is our strength. And should deterrence fail, we must be ready to fight tonight, fight tomorrow and fight together.”
