American General Alexus Grinkevich has officially taken charge of NATO's Joint Armed Forces in Europe.
He replaced General Christopher Cavoli in this post, the Alliance's official website reported on July 4.
Grinkevich heads NATO's Joint Forces in Europe
The official handover ceremony took place today at NATO's Joint Force Headquarters in Monsey, Belgium.
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General Grinkevich, a representative of the United States Air Force, is now the new Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).
Christopher Cavoli has held the post since 2022. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte thanked him for “modernising NATO's collective defence and for his work in responding to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.”
He also congratulated the new commander and noted that General Grinkevich brings with him “rich experience” to this strategically important position.
On June 24, during a hearing in the US Senate, Grinkevich expressed confidence that Ukraine is capable of winning a war with Russia.
“I think Ukraine can win,” he said at the hearing.
Let us recall that on June 5, US President Donald Trump nominated Lieutenant General Grinkevich for the post of NATO Allied Commander Europe. Before his appointment, he served as the director of the J-3 Operations Directorate of the Joint Staff of the Pentagon in Washington.
Once confirmed in his new position, Grynkevich will lead the U.S. European Command, replacing General Cavoli, who plans to retire in July 2025.
According to Defense News, the new commander is considered one of the most promising officers in the American armed forces.
Grinkevich has experience flying combat aircraft on F-16 and F-22 fighters.
He served for four years at the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), where he coordinated U.S. military activities in the Middle East, including air missions.
