18 July 2002

Appointment of new SACEUR General James L. Jones, United States Marine Corps, is to succeed General Joseph W. Ralston as Supreme Allied Commander, Europe (SACEUR) at a date yet to be determined. Following a letter sent by the President of the United States, George W. Bush, to NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson, the member countries of the Alliance have agreed to release General Ralston from his assignment. General Ralston has been at the head of the Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) since May 2000. Appointments at the head of either of the Alliance's two strategic commands are of approximately three years. SHAPE is responsible for safeguarding an extensive area stretching from Northern Norway to Southern Europe, including the British Isles, the English Channel and the Mediterranean, and from the Atlantic coast to Eastern Turkey, including the Canary Islands. Additional information: Biography of James L. Jones Biography of Joseph Ralston