US European Command welcomes new commander



By U.S. European Command Public Affairs United States European Command Stuttgart, Germany Jul 01, 2022
fallback
Gallery contains 5 images

Members of U.S. European Command welcomed a new commander during a formal change of command ceremony today.

Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, assumed command from Air Force Gen. Tod D. Wolters, who served as the USEUCOM Commander since May 2, 2019.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, presided over the event that took place at Patch Barracks, Germany, where he thanked Wolters for his service during such tenuous times. Wolters served during the command’s two largest crises since the Cold War – Operation Allies Refuge/Welcome with Afghanistan’s non-combatant evacuation and Russia’s unprovoked invasion in Ukraine.

“This team’s historic achievements, especially over the past few months, are a testament to the leadership of your commander, General Tod Wolters,” said Austin. “Together with our Allies and our Partners around the world, you’re meeting Russian aggression with unity, with spine, and with steel.”

During his time as the USEUCOM Commander, Wolters worked tirelessly to maintain interoperability of the 51-country area of responsibility. Leading a forces that swelled to number more than 100,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and Guardians with the responsibility of ensuring seamless shoulder-to-shoulder operations with U.S. Allies and Partners.

In his remarks, Wolters thanked Secretary Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Mark A. Milley for their mentorship over the years and thanked the men and women who served under his command for their exceptional service. He also expressed his confidence in Cavoli’s leadership as the new commander.

During the handover, Austin passed the flag from Wolters to Cavoli signifying the transfer of command. Remarking on the exceptional leadership and dedication from both senior leaders, Austin said he was honored to preside over the ceremony and stand among the proud men and women of USEUCOM. 

“General Cavoli is exceptionally well-prepared to further strengthen NATO’s posture on its Eastern Flank—and to help forge a truly 21st-century security architecture for Europe,” Austin said. “You are the right leader, with the right experience, at the right time and I have every confidence that you’ll do well.”

Cavoli takes command with vast experience in Eurasia serving as the Director for Russia on the Joint Staff and as a foreign area officer who speaks Italian, Russian and French. He served in variety of positions during his career, most recently serving as the Commander of U.S. Army Europe – Africa in Wiesbaden, Germany.

 About USEUCOM

U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) is responsible for U.S. military operations across Europe, portions of Asia and the Middle East, the Arctic and Atlantic Ocean. USEUCOM is comprised of more than 64,000 permanently assigned military personnel and works closely with NATO Allies and Partners. The command is one of two U.S. forward-deployed geographic combatant commands headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany.

More in Media Room
U.S. aircraft slated to deploy to Europe for latest bomber task force
During the deployment, U.S. bomber aircrews will train and operate alongside NATO Allies and partners for several weeks demonstrating the U.S. commitment to global security and stability.
Read more
Truman Strike Group destroyers conduct Barents Sea operations
In July 2024, the Department of Defense released the 2024 DoD Arctic Strategy, the fourth iteration for the Department, which outlines the United States’ commitment to preserving the Arctic as a secure and stable region with Allies and partners.
Read more
Fifth U.S. Navy DDG homeport shifts to Rota, Spain
The arrival of Oscar Austin expands U.S. Navy capabilities in the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) areas of responsibility. Oscar Austin is now assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 60 / Commander, Task Force (CTF) 65 and U.S. 6th Fleet.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. aircraft slated to deploy to Europe for latest bomber task force
During the deployment, U.S. bomber aircrews will train and operate alongside NATO Allies and partners for several weeks demonstrating the U.S. commitment to global security and stability.
Read more
Truman Strike Group destroyers conduct Barents Sea operations
In July 2024, the Department of Defense released the 2024 DoD Arctic Strategy, the fourth iteration for the Department, which outlines the United States’ commitment to preserving the Arctic as a secure and stable region with Allies and partners.
Read more
Fifth U.S. Navy DDG homeport shifts to Rota, Spain
The arrival of Oscar Austin expands U.S. Navy capabilities in the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) areas of responsibility. Oscar Austin is now assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 60 / Commander, Task Force (CTF) 65 and U.S. 6th Fleet.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. aircraft slated to deploy to Europe for latest bomber task force
During the deployment, U.S. bomber aircrews will train and operate alongside NATO Allies and partners for several weeks demonstrating the U.S. commitment to global security and stability.
Read more
Truman Strike Group destroyers conduct Barents Sea operations
In July 2024, the Department of Defense released the 2024 DoD Arctic Strategy, the fourth iteration for the Department, which outlines the United States’ commitment to preserving the Arctic as a secure and stable region with Allies and partners.
Read more
Fifth U.S. Navy DDG homeport shifts to Rota, Spain
The arrival of Oscar Austin expands U.S. Navy capabilities in the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) areas of responsibility. Oscar Austin is now assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 60 / Commander, Task Force (CTF) 65 and U.S. 6th Fleet.
Read more