U.S. Air Force general Alexus G. Grynkewich assumes role as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe

During his remarks, the Secretary General noted that General Cavoli was a proud American with a proud European heritage, and thanked the outgoing SACEUR for his service to the Alliance.
During General Cavoli’s tenure at SHAPE, he influenced key moments in NATO history including the Alliance’s renewed focus on collective defence following the 2022 Madrid Summit, where NATO adopted its new Strategic Concept in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

He played a central role in the development and eventual adoption of NATO’s regional defence plans, approved at the 2023 Vilnius Summit, which constitutes the most significant overhaul of NATO’s military posture since the Cold War.

Cavoli led efforts to integrate Finland and Sweden into NATO’s military structures, expanding the Alliance’s strategic reach and reshaping defence planning in the Nordic-Baltic region.

In 2024, Cavoli oversaw Steadfast Defender, NATO’s largest military exercise since the Cold War, involving approximately 90,000 troops practicing large-scale reinforcement across the eastern flank.

Through this and other major training efforts, he tested and validated the new force model designed to place significantly more troops at high readiness. While highlighting Cavoli’s many accomplishments, the Secretary General noted that “when critical underwater infrastructure was targeted, you quickly strengthened NATO’s presence in the Baltic Sea to deter and defend.”

He also recognised that Cavoli conceived and established the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, which continues to support the country as a just and lasting peace there is sought.

During his remarks, General Cavoli reflected on his time as SACEUR with humility, and shared his appreciation with Allied Command Operations’ warfighters and with everyone who has and continues to navigate through a more volatile and more dangerous world.

“I am a product of you,” he said. “You are the people who make up this Alliance, you are the people who have bonded together.”

Cavoli ended his remarks by noting that there is nothing in the world like this Alliance, adding it was the privilege of his lifetime to serve and command in it.

He urged those assembled to: “Keep it. Preserve it. Perpetuate it. It [the Alliance] is the greatest gift we can give to our children.”

Noting that he brings a wealth of experience as the next SACEUR, the Secretary General welcomed General Grynkewich during his remarks,“I know you are a champion of innovation, creating a task force to develop new capabilities,” said Rutte.“And this is extremely important as NATO embraces and adopts cutting edge technology to indeed deter and defend.

The Secretary General encouraged Grynkewich to execute his duty and the burden of SACEUR – to protect the Alliance’s one billion inhabitants – with confidence and courage because in NATO, no one stands alone.

“You have 32 nations behind you and NATO’s awesome military power to deliver peace through strength,” said Rutte. Grynkewich previously served as the Director of Operations, J-3, Joint Staff. In that role, he assisted the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in carrying out responsibilities as the principle military advisor to the U.S. President and U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Grynkewich has served as an instructor pilot, weapons officer and operational test pilot in the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-22 Raptor. He has commanded at the squadron, wing and air expeditionary task force levels.

During his remarks, General Grynkewich expressed his gratitude to the U.S. President, the North Atlantic Council, and the NATO Secretary General for the opportunity to lead NATO’s oldest military headquarters.

Noting that these are consequential times, with more complex challenges and intertwined threats, Grynkewich confirmed that they are no match for the unity, resolve, and shared purpose of NATO. “Together, we stand ready in defence of our nations,” said Grynkewich. “And we are only going to get better.”

Grynkewich closed his remarks with a pledge to work tirelessly to provide the leadership NATO deserves, and that these times require.

General Cavoli, described as “a soldier, statesman, and leader of great consequence” was officially retired from the U.S. Army during the change of command ceremony. His extraordinary career spans more than 38 years of military service.

Source: NATO.