Press Release (97)93 31 July 1997

Appointment of Admiral Harold W. Gehman Jr., US Navy, to Succeed General John J. Sheehan as Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic On Thursday, 31 July 1997 NATO's Defence Planning Committee (DPC) adopted a resolution accepting the nomination of Admiral Harold W. Gehman Jr., United States Navy as Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic. Admiral Gehman was nominated on the recommendation of the President of the United States in a letter to the Secretary General of NATO in his capacity as Chairman of the DPC. In addition to the NATO position, Admiral Gehman will be assigned as Commander in Chief, United States Atlantic Command, pending US Senate confirmation. The nomination of Admiral Gehman follows the agreement, with great regret, of the DPC to release General John J. Sheehan from his assignment as Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic. The DPC expressed to General Sheehan the lasting gratitude of their governments for his distinguished service. The appointment of Admiral Gehman and release of General Sheehan is scheduled to take effect in September 1997.