A new commander recently took over the command of NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). The handover-takeover ceremony took place in Mons, Belgium, with the participation of, among others, General Dr. Gábor Böröndi, Chief of HDF Defence Staff. During the ceremony, General Christopher G. Cavoli, who had assumed command of SHAPE in July 2022, handed over the flag of the organization and the second highest military position within NATO to General Alexus G. Grynkewich.
The position of Supreme Allied Commander Europe has been filled by a general of the United States since 1951. On each occasion, the commander is appointed by the US President, confirmed by the US Senate, and approved by the North Atlantic Council of NATO. The SACEUR is responsible for conducting and planning all NATO military operations, and is dual-hatted as commander of the US European Command.
At the event held in Mons, outgoing General Cavoli relinquished command to General Grynkewich, who has so far served as the Director of Operations, J-3, Joint Staff in the Pentagon, and had earlier filled several key operational and air force command positions.
During the official ceremony, Hungarian Chief of Defence General Dr. Gábor Böröndi said the following:
“SHAPE is the center of NATO’s military operational planning and control, so it has strategic importance to every allied nation including Hungary. The active presence of the Hungarian Defence Forces at this level carries not only a military but also a security policy weight, reinforcing Hungary’s role in the Alliance. Through SHAPE, our country not only becomes part of NATO’s collective decisions, but also shapes the processes affecting regional security. This is why it is of key importance to have professionally prepared and internationally recognized Hungarian soldiers representing our interests in this command structure.”
The Hungarian Defence Forces National Military Representation (NMR) continues to fill a key role within SHAPE. It is responsible for ensuring continuous liaising between SACEUR and the Chief of the HDF Defence Staff, and for supporting the flow of information and the professional cooperation between Allied Command Operations and the Hungarian defence leadership. Besides, the NMR participates in the coordination with military delegations of NATO member, membership candidate and partner countries.
As a committed member of NATO, together with its 31 allies, Hungary actively contributes to the strengthening of peace, stability and collective defence through military presence and professional knowledge in the allied structures.
