In a shift of command at NATO’s Submarine Command (COMSUBNATO), Rear Admiral Thomas Wall has taken over from Rear Admiral Stephen Mack.
The changeover, taking place at Allied Maritime Command Headquarters in North London, was formalised in a ceremony on 26th May.
The role of Commander Submarines NATO, now assumed by Rear Admiral Wall, encompasses operational command of all Allied submarines assigned to NATO. The position entails not just daily operational commitments but also the planning and conducting of submarine-focused exercises including Dynamic Mongoose and Dynamic Manta.
These exercises aim to enhance interoperability among Allied forces and sharpen joint warfighting capabilities, ultimately bolstering NATO’s readiness and responsiveness to the Alliance’s needs.
Rear Admiral Mack, who assumed command in July 2021, was awarded the Defence Superior Service Medal during the Change of Command ceremony. This award was given in recognition of his leadership and dedication to the success of his command and the personnel under his command, say NATO in their press release.
“It’s been a privilege to serve with this team and command Submarines NATO during this dynamic time for the Alliance,” Rear Admiral Mack stated during the ceremony. He further emphasised the valuable role of submarines and the progress made in coordinating Maritime Air, Surface, and Submarine warfare areas under his leadership. “The exercises we have conducted are highly regarded maritime training events, garnering strong support and participation from the Allied naval forces.”
Rear Admiral Thomas Wall, the incoming Commander of Submarines, previously served as Deputy/Reserve Deputy Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic. As a representative of the Submarine Force’s Reserve component, Wall has voiced pride in serving Reserve members worldwide.
COMSUBNATO, now under Wall’s command, operates within Allied Maritime Command based in Northwood, United Kingdom. It works alongside peer commands NATO Maritime Air and NATO Surface Forces, forming the operational bedrock of NATO Maritime activities.
RN? USN? RCN?!? Rotational post?
VR.
Clueless in CONUS
I thought the post for the eastern Atlantic was usually filled by a RN officer back in the times of SACLANT? The post of CMOPS – Commander Maritime Operations at Northwood, who was duel hatted as Rear Admiral Submarines, took the role?
Just looked these guys up and they’re both Americans.
Says a lot about the confidence the US Navy has in our RN senior officers. Shouldn’t surprise you.
The USA does have a lot more submarines so kind of makes sense.
Anyway the posting should be on ability not country of origin.
As the chieftain said about an exercise at fort hood with the 3rd division officers, it’s a great bunch of guys but when u only have one division they can afford to be picky or words to that effect.
Indeed they do. Unfortunately the US military do now regard us as very much their junior partner
Not so sure of that, David. The post I was thinking of from memory was COMSUBEASTLANT, so a deputy of COMSUBLANT.
Maybe that post has been abolished, I’m not sure, the terminology has chaned with COMSUBNATO, I’m used to the older terms!
Yes, it is referenced in good old Wiki, a sub command of SACLANT, who of course, like SACEUR, is always an American.
Deputy SACEUR’s and SACLANTs are usually British.
Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic – Wikipedia
Back in the day we had a much larger RN, you will remember the discussions in Thatcher’s time about whether we would keep “about 50” frigates & destroyers. Less ships means less experience for officers (and rates) and with the current handfull of Astute attack boats the same applies.
Incidentaly, I have written to my MP about the prospect of yet more cuts being announced in the forthcoming Defence Command paper, losing the C130 Hercs etc and asking when the Army will receive replacements for the armour and SPG donated to Ukraine. I have received an acknowedgement and await a full reply with interest.
I wrote to my MP once, concerning a transport issue, not a military matter.
A aide replied, not the MP. And they gave me the standard guff which did not address any of the points I raised.
So don’t hold your breath! They know very, very little about defence, and care even less.
There will be some honorable exceptions of course.
I did write to my old MP (David Amess RIP) post Brexit regarding any European (EU Force) and would France commit its nuclear weapons to such a force and would the UK be non commited to any such force. I did get 2 replys back from him but no final answer to my question.
I’m a bit confused tbh as to what answers you thought he could give you? How is an MP going to be able to comment on a foreign nations position on the use of their nuclear weapons? Or after Brexit how an MP could answer about any potential future EU policy or development? The only bit that he might have been able to ask would have been about the UK and even then I doubt he would get anywhere?
Boi, I agree clueless!😁