US Air Force General next NATO Supreme Commander

Lieutenant General Alexus G. Grynkewich of the United States Air Force has been officially nominated as the next Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), NATO announced on 5 June 2025.

The North Atlantic Council – NATO’s top political decision-making body – confirmed the appointment following consultation with Alliance members.

Grynkewich currently serves as Director for Operations on the U.S. Joint Staff. Upon completion of U.S. national confirmation procedures, he will succeed General Christopher G. Cavoli (U.S. Army) at a formal change of command ceremony at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium, expected later this summer.

Grynkewich’s nomination had been anticipated for weeks, with U.S. President Donald Trump formally putting forward the selection earlier in the day. A senior administration official told reporters the decision reflects a desire to maintain continuity in U.S. leadership of NATO’s military command structure and to reassure allies of America’s enduring commitment to the Alliance.

Lieutenant General Grynkewich is a career Air Force officer with extensive operational experience in the Middle East, including roles as commander of U.S. Air Forces Central Command and Director of Strategy at U.S. Central Command.

His nomination marks a continuation of SACEUR’s tradition of rotating among senior U.S. officers, though his Air Force background stands out in a role historically dominated by Army generals.

Why SACEUR Is Always an American

Since the post was first created in 1950, the position of Supreme Allied Commander Europe has always been filled by a United States officer. While the decision technically lies with the North Atlantic Council – NATO’s highest political authority – it has become a standing tradition for the U.S. President to nominate a candidate, which the Council then endorses.

There are several reasons for this enduring practice:

1. U.S. military strength – The United States remains NATO’s largest and most capable military power, with global reach and the resources to lead large-scale operations.
2. Symbolic reassurance – Appointing an American officer as SACEUR signals continued U.S. commitment to the defence of Europe, a message viewed as especially important amid renewed threats from Russia and strategic uncertainty.
3. Nuclear command and deterrence – As the vast majority of NATO’s nuclear arsenal is American, having a U.S. officer in the top military role reinforces control and coherence over nuclear deterrence strategy.

Other top NATO roles are filled by non-Americans to maintain a balance. The Secretary General of NATO is traditionally a European (currently former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has been nominated to replace Jens Stoltenberg), while the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee is always either a European or Canadian officer.

A second NATO Supreme Commander role, Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), has been held by non-Americans since 2009. The current SACT is a French officer, reflecting the broader multinational leadership model within NATO.

General Cavoli, whom Grynkewich is set to replace, served as both Commander of U.S. European Command and SACEUR since 2022. His tenure included overseeing NATO’s post-Ukraine war force posture adjustments and strengthening Eastern Flank defences.