Allied Joint Force Command Naples conducted its 32nd Change of Command in a ceremony today at its Headquarters in Lago Patria, Italy.
US Navy Admiral Stuart B. Munsch assumed command of JFC Naples from Admiral Robert P. Burke. Admiral Munsch will fill one of the most important US military roles in Europe, as he will concurrently command US Naval Forces Europe and US Naval Forces Africa.
The Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Tod D. Wolters presided over the ceremony.
General Wolters welcomed Admiral Munsch to NATO while honoring the accomplishments of JFC Naples while Admiral Burke commanded.
The single most contentious and busy command is JFC Naples,
Wolters acknowledged.
LAGO PATRIA, Italy - The change of command ceremony of Allied Joint Forces Command Naples (JFC Naples) from Adm. Robert P. Burke to Adm. Stuart B. Munsch took place at JFC Naples, Italy, June 27, 2022. The Change of Command Ceremony at JFC Naples symbolises the continuity and unity that is NATO and comes during a time of a changed security environment in Europe.
Admiral Burke assumed command of JFCNP approximately two years ago, and has overseen the command throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, through the Afghan refugee crisis, and the early days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Admiral Burke's command focused on four key areas: NATO Response Force, NATO Mission Iraq, operationalizing Deterrence and Defense of the Euro-Atlantic Area, and increasing cooperation in the south.
The Headquarters also has a focus on the Western Balkans, having operational control of four security assistance missions in the region.
JFC Naples is also the Joint Task Force responsible for reinforcing NATO's Southeastern flank, particularly in Romania and Bulgaria.
During his time in command Admiral Burke and JFC Naples led exercise Steadfast Defender 2021, the largest NATO exercise of the year.
Admiral Burke said of his time at JFC Naples: "For the two years that I've been here, we've sustained an unprecedented level of activity throughout the Euro-Atlantic area, culminating in the largest Allied military build-up in Europe since the end of the Cold War and now the
largest war in Europe since the end of World War II," said Burke. "Our purpose through this crucible has been to deter aggression by Russia against NATO, and if necessary to defend NATO. Simple but by no means easy."
Admiral Munsch arrives from his role on the U.S. Joint Staff as the Director for Joint Force Development, which he began in 2020.
Accepting the command, Admiral Munsch said: "I look forward to working with you to deter and defend and advance our interoperability and strengthen our alliance."