JFC Naples Commander cites 'progress in BiH defence reform'
Camp Butmir, Sarajevo - The NATO Headquarters Sarajevo transfer of authority ceremony was held on 29 June in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
During this ceremony, US Brig. Gen. Walter Lord replaced Brig. Gen. Gary Huffman as the commander and senior military representative of NATO HQ Sarajevo.
During this ceremony, US Brig. Gen. Walter Lord replaced Brig. Gen. Gary Huffman as the commander and senior military representative of NATO HQ Sarajevo.
In his address during the ceremony, Adm. Bruce W. Clingan, Commander Allied Joint Force Command Naples, stated that "key progress in BiH defence reform has been achieved last year, which confirms the existence of a joint vision of BiH both in regional and international arena.”
Clingan also added that "NATO remains fully committed to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path towards NATO membership.”
In his final address, Huffman stated that "we must all be forward looking and concentrate on the future. The long road to Euro Atlantic integration has challenges in many areas: defence and security sector reform, political, economic, and social reform. BiH national and political leaders must continue to develop political will for change in an environment of dialogue, compromise, consensus, and transparency.”
In his address as the new commander,Lord said that NATO HQ Sarajevo would continue dedicating energy to assisting Bosnian partners in achieving their goals for the betterment of all BiH citizens.
Huffman returned to the United States after one year of service in this position. Lord comes from the United States, too, and has previously served in BiH in 2002 as Assistant Chief of Staff for civil-military cooperation with the 28th Infantry Division Tuzla.