Photo By Master Sgt. James May | U.S. Navy Adm. Mark Ferguson, commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, U.S....... read more read more
CAMP BUTMIR, Sarajevo — U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Giselle Wilz became the first female commander of NATO Headquarters, Sarajevo June 9, 2015, at Camp Butmir in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Transfer of Authority ceremony was presided over by U.S. Navy Adm. Mark Ferguson, commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa.
The passing of the NATO colors by Ferguson symbolized a historic day by all who attended.
Wilz assumed duties as the 21st commander and senior military representative of NHQSa. The primary mission of the headquarters is defense reform, and to assist BiH with meeting requirements for membership in the NATO alliance. She will also command NATO forces operating in BiH.
“This is a great opportunity for General Wilz to be a leader, role model and inspiration not only for females, but for all who aspire to achieve great things, said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Theresia Hersch, NHQSa aide-de-camp.“Her selection for this position emphasis our military rewards those who work hard.”
Wilz comes to NHQSa from the North Dakota Army National Guard and is a native of Richardton. Prior to her arrival, she was the first female colonel, chief of staff and general in the North Dakota Army National Guard. She was responsible for supporting the mission readiness of 4,400 citizen-Soldiers and citizen-Airmen.
"I am thankful and honored for the opportunity to command NATO Headquarters, Sarajevo," Wilz said." I pledge to continue NATO’s ongoing commitment to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina as the NATO Commander and Senior Military Representative."
Wilz thanked U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Christopher J Petty, NHQSa former commander, for increasing the cooperation throughout the region. During his final speech, Petty thanked his team and pledged to come back to Bosnia.
"I have only been here for a short time, but the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina have already demonstrated their willingness to succeed,” Wilz said.
| Date Taken: | 06.09.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2015 11:50 |
| Story ID: | 165959 |
| Location: | RICHARDTON, NORTH DAKOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,444 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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