160324-N-AD372-159 NORFOLK, Va. - German Armed Forces Manfred Nielson signs a certificate during a change of responsibility ceremony at Headquarters Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, March 24. During the signing ceremony led by Supreme Allied Commander Transformation General Denis Mercier, Admiral Nielson was introduced as the incoming Deputy Supreme Allied Commander. Admiral Nielson comes to Allied Command Transformation after serving as Commander Joint Support Service Command of the Armed Forces of Germany. Admiral Nielson follows General Zuliani who will return to Italy and retire after completing a 42-year career. Allied Command Transformation is committed to preserving the peace, security and territorial integrity of Alliance member states by leading the transformation of military structures, forces, capabilities, and doctrines to improve the military effectiveness of NATO. (NATO Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Abraham Essenmacher/Released)