Admiral James Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR), Visits Warsaw

14 December 2009

Ambassador Feinstein with Admiral Stavridis

Admiral James G. Stavridis, the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, and Commander of the U.S. European Command, visits Poland this week for the first time since taking his post to discuss NATO subjects with General Franciszek Gagor, Chief of the Polish General Staff, and other Polish Government officials.  Before his meeting with General Gągor, Admiral Stavridis also met with U.S. Ambassador to Poland, Lee Feinstein, to discuss the Poland – U.S. bilateral relationship.  As the Supreme Allied Commander, Admiral Stavridis is NATO’s highest-ranking military officer and oversees all military planning for Alliance.  In his role as Commander, U.S. European Command, Admiral Stavridis oversees the extensive range of bilateral military-to-military relations between Poland and the United States, including training and exercises with the Polish military.

Admiral Stravridis heads the operations branch in the NATO military structure and directs all of NATO's Allied Command Operations.   Should aggression occur, or be considered imminent, the Supreme Commander is responsible for executing all military measures within his capability and authority, to demonstrate Alliance solidarity and preparedness to maintain the integrity of Alliance territory, safeguard freedom of the seas and economic lifelines, and to preserve or restore the security of his Area of Responsibility.   The Supreme Commander conducts military planning, including the identification and requesting of forces required for the full range of Alliance missions, which include the promotion of stability, contribution to crisis management and provision for effective defense. He makes recommendations to NATO's political and military authorities on any military matter which might affect his ability to carry out his responsibilities.  The Supreme Commander has direct access to national Chiefs of Staff and may communicate with appropriate national authorities, as necessary, to facilitate the accomplishment of his missions.