French gen. to replace Mattis at NATO command - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Quick Links

Print Email
Bookmark and Share
http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/07/marine_mattis_073009w/

French gen. to replace Mattis at NATO command


Staff and wire reports
Posted : Thursday Jul 30, 2009 9:48:52 EDT

NATO says Gen. Stephane Abrial of the French air force will replace Gen. James Mattis as NATO’s commander in charge of military modernization.

Abrial will take over a key alliance command in Norfolk, Va., in charge of transforming the Europe-centered Cold War alliance to handle the global challenges it faces today.

Mattis will continue to serve as the commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command, a position he has held since 2007. He was nominated for reappointment to the position by President Obama on July 28, according to a Defense Department news release.

Abrial is the second French general to assume a top NATO command since Paris formally rejoined the alliance in April. Earlier this month, Gen. Philippe Stoltz took charge of NATO’s rapid reaction force headquarters in Lisbon, Portugal.

French President Charles de Gaulle pulled his country out of the NATO command in 1966. France remained a NATO member but stayed outside the alliance’s decision-making core.

Videos You May Be Interested In

Leave a Comment





Contests and Promotions


promo Enter our 2012 Red Carpet Contest!
Predict who will get the statues on Hollywood's big night and win a $200 Fandango Gift Card!

Click Here To Enter.
promo Win Tactical Night Vision Goggles!
Enter to Win the Military Times Sweepstakes!

Click Here To Enter.

Free Stickers


promo Click here and we'll send you a FREE AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, VIETNAM, or DESERT STORM sticker.

Marketplace

Mil-Mall


2011 Insider's Guide To Military Benefits
This handbook for military life includes essential information on pay and benefits, housing, education, health care and more.

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.