On 17 July 2024, Commodore António Neves Correia, Portuguese Navy, assumed command of the JALLC from Commodore Fernando Artilheiro, Portuguese Navy. Major General Constantin-Adrian Ciolponea, the official representative of Supreme Allied Commander Transformation in Europe, presided over the ceremony.

The ceremony, which was marked by the traditional exchange of flags between the outgoing commander and the incoming commander, was attended by representatives from various NATO Bodies in Portugal and National entities, including the Romanian Minister-Counsellor on behalf of the Romanian Ambassador to Portugal, Lieutenant General Eurico Craveiro, the Portuguese Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, Portuguese Flag Officers and various Military Attachés.

Commodore Artilheiro, who is standing down early due to his retirement, noted that it had been a privilege and an honour to command the JALLC.  Highlighting some of the JALLC’s achievements from the past two years, including the NATO Lessons Learned Conference 2024 and several notable JALLC Analysis Reports, he noted: “… it has always impressed me, as I hope it impresses you, how this relatively small HQ, with just 49 staff members, punches well above its weight.”

Commodore Neves Correia, who will be taking over command of the JALLC for the remaining year of the Portuguese three-year tenure before Romania takes command next year, is no stranger to NATO and the international security environment. With several international commands to his name, his legal background and vast experience will stand him in good stead as he takes over the command of this key HQ for NATO’s Analysis and Lessons Learned Capabilities.  Referring to the recent Washington Summit, he noted that: “In light of the recent Washington Summit, there is much work to do for the whole of NATO, and the same is true for the JALLC.  I intend to make sure that the JALLC has the conditions it needs to be able to; fulfil its mission, support NATO and the Nations with impactful products; and continue to evolve towards the NATO 2030 horizon and beyond.”

The JALLC thanks Commodore Fernando Artilheiro

 for the years of his leadership and support to the JALLC staff and wishes him a very happy retirement.  We are looking forward to working with our new Commander as he gets to know the JALLC, its staff, and what we do for NATO and the Nations.

 

 

 

Below are some pictures from the Change of Command ceremony.