U.S. Army Lieutenant General John Thomson Assumes Command

IZMIR, Turkey – U.S. Army Lieutenant General John C. Thomson III assumed command of NATO’s Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) from Italian Army Lieutenant General Paolo Ruggiero during a ceremony on Friday, Aug. 3, 2018 at the Izmir Headquarters.

"I am humbled and excited to join this outstanding command and be a part of the strongest Alliance in the world,” said Thomson. "It is an honour to serve with you and I could not be prouder to join the team.”

During his speech, Thomson thanked Lieutenant General Ruggiero and his wife Holly for their leadership to LANDCOM and our Turkish hosts. He also praised the LANDCOM Soldiers and civilians for their excellent work, and he shared his vision of adding value to the NATO Force Structure, Joint Force Commands and the Armies of Allied Nations and Partners.

Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Curtis M. Scaparrotti, presided over the ceremony before family, friends, Soldiers and distinguished members of the local community.

Lieutenant General Thomson has arrived from III Armored Corps at Fort Hood, Texas, where he served as the Deputy Commander. Meantime, Lieutenant General Ruggiero returns to his duties as the Deputy Commander of LANDCOM.

Story by NATO Allied Land Command Public Affairs Office

General Curtis M. Scaparrotti,  Supreme Allied Commander Europe,  returns a salute during his inspection of the troops with Italian Army Lieutenant General Paolo Ruggiero,  Deputy Commander of NATO's Allied Land Command  and U.S. Army Lieutenant General John C. Thomson III,  incoming Commander of LANDCOM,  and British Army Colonel Simon Thomsett,  Commander of Troops,  during the Assumption of Command Ceremony held on Friday,  Aug. 3,  2018 at LANDCOM Headquarters in Izmir,  Turkey. (NATO photo taken by Spanish Army Sergeant First Class Jonathan Fernandez,  LANDCOM Public Affairs.)