21 January 2003
New NATO Commander Stresses Transformation of Alliance
(Marine General James L. Jones assumes command of allied forces) (810) U.S. Marine General James L. Jones assumed command of NATO forces January 17 at a ceremony at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium. He succeeds U.S. Air Force General Joseph Ralston. Jones said NATO is transforming to ensure that it will be as successful in solving the security challenges of the future as it was in the past. "The Transatlantic Community is undergoing fundamental change, reforming, re-posturing, and reorganizing to meet the demands of a new, more complex, yet equally dangerous security environment," he said. "NATO's Allied Command Europe will play a critical role in the Alliance's transformation. Our military alliance provides stability -- a central set of relationships that truly have made, and will continue to make, a difference." Jones, 59, was born in Missouri and grew up in France. Following is the text of Jones's speech, from the NATO Web site (www.nato.int): (begin transcript) NATO 17 January 2003 REMARKS BY INCOMING SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER, EUROPE (SACEUR), GENERAL JAMES L. JONES Change of Command Ceremony Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) Mons, Belgium Secretary General Lord Robertson, Ministers, Excellencies, General Kujat, General and Mrs. Ralston, Chiefs of Defence, Regional Commanders, Mr. Mayor, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Men and Women in uniform, and Friends and Families. This is, indeed, a wonderful homecoming for me -- back to the Europe where I was raised -- thank you all for helping to make this a truly special occasion. Diane and I are deeply humbled and I appreciate this opportunity to serve such an important organization at such an exciting time in its history. SHAPE and Allied Command Europe have a long, rich, and distinguished history as the military foundation of the most successful alliance of the 20th century. For over 50 years, this Headquarters and this command have represented the unwavering collective political will of NATO member states to defend and protect our freedom and liberty. Allied Command Europe is transforming to ensure that this great alliance will be as successful in solving the security challenges of the future as it has been in the 20th century. Thank you Secretary General Lord Robertson for your kind words. But, more importantly, thank you for your leadership, your energy, and the effort you are making to strengthen the transatlantic security community. I consider it a great privilege to be working for you and with you as you continue to lead this alliance into the future. General Ralston, your leadership has fostered great progress over the past two and one-half years. For almost eight years you have worn the rank of a four-star general. Serving as the vice chairman of the U.S. joint Chiefs of Staff, and then here as SACEUR, you have greatly and positively influenced the quality and effectiveness of the military forces of democracy and freedom. At a time when the alliance needed your qualities of leadership, keen insight, strategic vision, and professionalism -- you met the challenge and accomplished the mission. It is an honor to follow you in your extraordinary achievement. Dede and Joe -- you are an outstanding team. Dede, your work in the community, your efforts with the SHAPE families, and your kindness have made you a friend to all, improving this international community, and making it a better place for families to live and grow -- thank you for all you have done for this alliance and your country. Diane and I wish you the very best as you move north to Alaska. The Transatlantic Community is undergoing fundamental change -- reforming, re-posturing, and reorganizing to meet the demands of a new, more complex, yet equally dangerous security environment. NATO's Allied Command Europe will play a critical role in the Alliance's transformation. Our military alliance provides stability -- a central set of relationships that truly have made, and will continue to make, a difference. We will continue our longstanding commitment to nurturing NATO's unity of spirit and the continued strength and readiness of this alliance to meet our security challenges. The Prague Summit points the initial direction for continued progress. We will embrace the expansion of NATO, continue our efforts to develop the right rapid reaction force, and ready ourselves to meet future challenges, as we maintain our successful and ongoing operations. Men and Women of Allied Command Europe, I am extremely proud to serve you as your next commander. There is more and demanding work to be done -- but I am confident we are up to the challenge. I look forward to working with each of you -- to continue improving our security and fostering the many blessings of freedom that we enjoy today and that we want for the children of tomorrow. Thank you for making this day such a memorable one for both Diane and me. (end transcript) (Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
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