IZMIR, Turkey – A Change of Command was held at NATO’s Allied Land Command on Friday, June 29, 2018 when U.S. Army Lieutenant General Darryl Williams handed command over to Deputy Commander, Italian Army Lieutenant General Paolo Ruggiero.

 

"It has been my great honour to serve as the LANDCOM Commander during these past two years,” said Lieutenant General Williams. "Together, we have made great improvements in support of the NATO land community, and I am sure that this great organisation will continue to push forward and improve upon the progress we’ve made.”

 

During his speech, Williams thanked all of the LANDCOM Soldiers and Civilians, the other service component commands, the Graduated Readiness Forces – Land Commands, and the host nation of Turkey. He will now go onto serve as the next Superintendent of The United States Military Academy at West Point.

 

"It is a great honour to be entrusted with command of Allied Land Command for the second time since my arrival in January 2016,”said Lieutenant General Ruggiero. "I am grateful to Lieutenant General Williams for his foresight and charismatic leadership and enormous contribution to the development of the NATO land community.” Adding, "From all of the LANDCOM personnel, we send our best wishes to him for his future endeavours.”

 

The ceremony was presided over by General Sir James Everard, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe.