US to transfer two NATO command posts to Europe – Reuters

The United States will transfer two major NATO command posts to European officers – in Naples (Italy) and Norfolk (Virginia). This was reported by Reuters with reference to an unnamed military source.

As part of the command reshuffle, European officers will take over the leadership of NATO's Allied Command Naples and Joint Force Command Norfolk, both of which are currently headed by American admirals, a source told.

However, the U.S. will run three commands that are slightly lower in the hierarchy but have significant responsibility for operations. These are Allied Air Command, Allied Maritime Command and Allied Ground Command, according to a military source and another person familiar with the matter.

When asked about the planned changes, the NATO spokesperson said: "Allies have agreed on a new distribution of senior officer responsibilities in NATO's command structure, in which European Allies, including NATO's newest members, will play a more prominent role in the Alliance's military leadership.".

The official said the decision was about "planning for future rotations" and more details would be provided later.

According to the news agency, this step is in line with US President Donald Trump's demands that European countries take more responsibility for their own security.

• In January, WP and Reuters reported that the United States plans to cut about 200 positions in NATO structures responsible for planning military and intelligence operations.