Press Release (2002) 096 18 July 2002

Appointment of General James L. Jones, US Marine Corps, to succeed General Joseph W. Ralston as Supreme Allied Commander, Europe NATO today appointed General James L. Jones, United States Marine Corps, to succeed General Joseph W. Ralston, as Supreme Allied Commander, Europe. In a letter from the President of the United States of America to the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, who is Chairman of the Defence Planning Committee, the President asked the member governments to agree to release General Ralston from his assignment as Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, at a date to be determined. The Committee agreed with great regret to do so and expressed to General Ralston, in the name of NATO governments, lasting gratitude for his distinguished service. Having been asked to nominate a successor, the President proposed General Jones. In response to his nomination, the Defence Planning Committee today agreed to the appointment of General Jones to succeed General Ralston as Supreme Allied Commander, Europe.

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