Remarks

by General John Craddock, the new SACEUR
at the Change of Command ceremony — SHAPE

News 4 Dec 06 - SHAPE General JOHN CRADDOCK will be the new Commander Multimedia 7 Dec 06 - SHAPE NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer on change of Command 7 Dec 06 - SHAPE General James L. Jones on change of Command 7 Dec 06 - SHAPE General John Craddock on change of Command Biographies General John Craddock

Secretary general and Mrs de Hoop Scheffer, Your Excellencies, Chiefs of Defense, General and Mrs. Jones, distinguished guests, fellow general and flag officers, ladies and gentlemen:

Thank you for being here on what is, for Linda and me, a momentous and significant occasion.    Throughout my military career, and I guess the fact is, throughout most of my adult life, one organization stood out as a symbol of elegant cooperation and mutual efforts essential to defence and security – that was the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.    Today --- to assume command of NATO’s military forces – is an honour without equal.

Today NATO is more vibrant and relevant than ever.    Last week’s summit meeting in Riga reaffirmed our conviction that this Alliance is stronger and more essential to our collective well-being and security than it has ever been.    The citizens of the 26 NATO and 20 Partnership for Peace nations can be proud of the stature NATO possesses and the respect it commands throughout the world.

Thanks to the extraordinary work done each day by the military members and civilians here, NATO’s reputation is being enhanced around the world.  And rightfully so.  This Alliance has thrived for more than half a century as a vanguard of peace, democracy and security for civilized nations.  Now -- more than ever, it must continue to uphold these principles.

This is our mission and we are prepared for it.

And while the Alliance reshapes itself to meet 21st Century challenges, we will execute the tasks and accomplish the missions set forth for us.   We shall continue to do that by demonstrating exemplary teamwork and professionalism and stoking the spirit of excellence that informs and guides our daily work.

All of you remarkable service members, civilians and family members -- who make up the SHAPE/Allied Command Operations family and who give so much of yourselves on a daily basis – must continue on the path both history and previous SACEURs have carved out for us – to nurture the seeds of democracy wherever they are sown, to encourage cooperative relations that engender peace and prosperity, and to wage the struggle against terrorism steadfastly as it unfolds.

Finally, I would like to join the Secretary General in saluting the accomplishments of a great leader and strategist, General Jim Jones, who has ably led NATO through a remarkable renaissance.     Gen Jones has served his country with rare skill for nearly 40 years.   I am honoured to have been chosen to succeed him in this critical position.    Jim and Diane, Linda and I thank you for your warm hospitality and for a seamless transition.    We are thrilled to be here and we anticipate many challenges and adventures on the journey ahead.    We wish you all the best as you embark together on your new direction.

I am humbled to assume command of such a magnificent organization.    I look forward to working with all of you in your important duties here at SHAPE and at NATO Headquarters.    The Alliance has placed great trust in us and we will administer the task set before us with dedication, perseverance and the utmost skill.