NATOs 18th Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Curtis M.

Scaparrotti, assumes
command of Allied Command Operations (ACO) from General Philip M. Breedlove at Supreme
Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) today.

NATO is facing a resurgent Russia striving to project itself as a world power, Scaparrotti said. Other
concerns for the alliance are terrorism, as well as a refugee crisis being driven by instability in North
Africa and the Middle East, he said.

To address these challenges, we must continue to maintain and enhance our levels of readiness and
our agility in the spirit of being able to fight tonight if deterrence fails, he said.

NATO was founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty and rule of law, Scaparrotti
noted. In todays environment, he said, transatlantic cooperation is needed more than ever.

Even with the end of the Cold War, our NATO alliance and its core collective strength remains vital
as we face a new set of challenges, he said.

Scaparrotti, who formerly led U.S. Forces Korea, said he will continue Breedloves priorities and
maintain the important relationships NATO has forged over the decades. I recognize relationships
are the cornerstone of the alliance, and lead to the mutual trust required for our continued success,
he said.

"Todays challenges have evolved and significantly differ from those of the past, he said. "Our
alliance will need to counter hybrid threats, which can act with little or no warning, and also manifest
themselves here at home.