Photo By OR-7 David Vivar | IZMIR, Turkey – U.S. Air Force Gen. Tod D. Wolters, Supreme Allied Commander Europe,...... read more read more
IZMIR, Turkey (August 4, 2020) – U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Roger L. Cloutier Jr. assumed command of Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) from U.S. Army Lt. Gen. J.T. Thomson on Tuesday in a socially distanced ceremony held in front of military leaders from across the NATO Alliance, soldiers, diplomats, and distinguished members of the local community. U.S. Air Force Gen. Tod D. Wolters, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), presided over the ceremony.
LANDCOM’s new top officer most recently commanded U.S. Army Africa in Vincenza, Italy. He said his experiences there helped prepare him for taking on his new role in NATO.
“In my previous assignment I focused on building relationships, readiness, and interoperability with our soldiers, western Allies, and partners through complex and dynamic training. I look forward to carrying the lessons I learned during my two years there to continue the great work this command has been doing under J.T.’s leadership.”
In his farewell address, Lt. Gen. Thomson, who is retiring after more than 34 years of military service, offered words of gratitude for LANDCOM’s host nation, the Republic of Turkey, and the people of Izmir.
“LANDCOM is very fortunate to be based at this strategic location on the Aegean coast. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, civilians, and families from 25 nations are warmly embraced, and we are extremely appreciative for the incredible and unwavering support,” he said. “Izmir is truly home away from home, and I will never forget your genuine kindness and hospitality.”
LANDCOM was established in Izmir, Turkey, December 1, 2012, at the former NATO Air Command-Izmir, which deactivated the following year on June 1, 2013. It is one of three single service commands in Allied Command Operations (ACO).
Its mission is to serve as the Theatre Land Component (TLC) and land advocate responsible for coordinating and synchronizing NATO and partner land forces by enabling land domain readiness, interoperability, standardization, and competency. It also has the mission to deploy headquarters elements to provide planning, coordination, and command and control capabilities to Allied forces when needed.
Gen. Wolters officiated the ceremony between the two senior officers, both whom he considered as “legends” of their craft. Among his heartfelt farewell for Lt. Gen Thomson and his hearty welcome to Lt. Gen. Cloutier was a final note for the men and women of LANDCOM.
“Peace, in 2020, is really difficult. We’ve got a lot of security challenges in the security environment. We’ve got COVID-19,” said General Wolters. “But as long as we have soldiers like the ones in LANDCOM that continue to put one foot in front of the other and focus, with vigilance, on the mission, we’ll have the peace that we’ve enjoyed for seven decades, and it will continue in perpetuity.”
In his closing remarks, Lt. Gen. Thomson emphasized the importance of LANDCOM to NATO land forces.
“History teaches us that strength deters aggression,” he said. “Given today’s threats in an era of great power competition, it is incumbent on land forces to be ready and strong.”
Lt. Gen. Cloutier, the fifth commander to take the leadership reigns at LANDCOM, also recognized the LANDCOM team charged with accomplishing their challenging mission.
“The strength of this command lies in its bench of diverse leaders and service members from all over the world, working shoulder-to-shoulder under the NATO flag in a united effort for collective defense and for the preservation of peace and security,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 08.04.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 08.04.2020 16:55 |
| Story ID: | 375155 |
| Location: | IZMIR, IZMIR, TR |
| Hometown: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | TYLER, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 2,458 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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