In a heartfelt tribute marking the 76th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Admiral Stuart B. Munsch, Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples (JFC Naples) and U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, hosted the first-ever Alumni Recognition Event at the JFC Naples headquarters on April 4th, 2025.
The dedication and expertise they provided in the past shaped JFC Naples into the warfighting headquarters it is today
The ceremony welcomed retired NATO civilian and military personnel whose decades of service have shaped the legacy and operational excellence of the command. “The dedication and expertise they provided in the past shaped JFC Naples into the warfighting headquarters it is today,” Admiral Munsch remarked. “Their legacy of service continues to inspire us as we face the challenges of the future.”
The 4th of April, a symbolic date commemorating NATO’s founding in 1949, provided a fitting backdrop to honor those who stood at the vanguard of Allied operations, from the formative years of Allied Forces Southern Europe (AFSOUTH) through the Cold War, and into the 21st century.
Some honorees served during historic milestones, including the Soviet invasions of Hungary and Czechoslovakia, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Fall of the Berlin Wall, and NATO’s first out-of-area operations in the Balkans. Their stories are etched into the evolution of NATO’s southern command.
Since transitioning to JFC Naples in 2004, the headquarters has assumed a pivotal role in NATO’s mission of collective defense, crisis response, and cooperative security. As a standing joint headquarters, JFC Naples prepares, plans, and conducts operations to defend every inch of NATO territory and promote stability across the Euro-Atlantic region.
Mr. Enzo Arzeni, Chairman of the Association of NATO ACE/ACO Retired Civilian Personnel, addressed the gathering, stating: “To the best of our recollection, no comparable recognition has ever taken place across NATO Headquarters.” Presenting a commemorative crest to Admiral Munsch, he added, “Your acknowledgment of us stands as a testament to the esteem in which you hold your personnel.”
The event’s theme, “Thank you for your service”, encapsulated the enduring bond between past and present personnel. It was the first such occasion in JFC Naples’ 74-year history to formally recognize its alumni, reinforcing NATO’s commitment to honoring those who built the foundation for today’s deterrence and defense posture.