GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany – There was a dual change of command ceremony held at the NATO Air Base in Geilenkirchen on Friday, July 20, 2018 when Major General Jörg Lebert and Brigadier General Brian McDaniel assumed command of the NATO Airborne Early Warning & Control Force and the NAEW&CF E-3A Component respectively.

 

In taking command of the Force from Major General Dunlop, Major General Lebert praised the spirit, the mental agility and the endurance of the former leadership of the Force and its members, and stressed the importance of safeguarding the dignity of Geilenkirchen personnel, while defending the rights of freedom and the rule of law under the NATO flag.

 

"I know that military life is more often than not, fast-paced, unpredictable and sometimes risky. I promise to always work hard to protect the dignity of all men and women under my command. I can’t promise you that there will be no extra miles in the future, but I promise to walk every upcoming extra mile with you,” said Lebert.

 

Brigadier General McDaniel also addressed the leadership present, the outgoing commanders and all men and women of the NAEW&CF E-3A Component that will serve under his command. "To the leaders and the generals who trusted me with this assignment, I say thank you, commanding again is a privilege and I am humbled to have been selected. To the men and women serving in the Component, I’m ready and looking forward to serve with you and for you,” said McDaniel.

 

Over 400 guests and personnel attended the ceremony, which was presided over by Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, to give their farewell to the outgoing Force Commander, Major General Dawn M. Dunlop and the Component Commander, Brigadier General Karsten Stoye, who leave the Air Base after guiding the Force and the Component for the last three years.

 

Story by NAEW&C Force Public Affairs Office