Release of General Lance L. Smith as Supreme Allied Commander Transformation

NATO today concurred to the release of General Lance L. Smith as Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. In a letter from the President of the United States of America to the NATO Secretary General, who is Chairman of the Defence Planning Committee, the President asked DPC member states to agree to release General Smith, who has completed his term in this position.

The Committee agreed with great regret to release General Smith from his assignment as Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. They expressed to General Smith, in the name of the NATO governments, lasting gratitude for his distinguished service.

In this regard, the President of the United States of America was asked to nominate an officer of the United States for appointment as Supreme Allied Commander Transformation to succeed General Smith. In response to this request, the President of the United States informed the Committee that he will, at a later date, nominate an officer for consideration as successor to General Smith, with the same powers and functions, and of his intention to appoint the officer to the grade of General or Admiral, with the advice and consent of the United States Senate, while serving in that position.

General Smith will depart his command in November 2007.

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