Giselle Wilz new commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo

The change of command ceremony for the NATO Headquarters Sarajevo was held today at Camp Butmir in Sarajevo, reports the Patria News Agency.

During the ceremony, US Brigadier General Giselle Wilz took over command from Brigadier General Christopher J. Petty, as the Commander and Senior Military Representative of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo. 

In his address at the ceremony, Admiral Mark Ferguson, Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples, stated:

-This is an event that marks NATO's commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the efforts many are making to achieve positive and lasting change.

General Petty emphasized that "although defense reform is progressing slower than most of us would like, it is progressing; it is the same as when you build a good foundation brick by brick, that foundation is built with each passing month. The fact is that the Armed Forces are becoming more professional despite the significant resource limitations they face. And they prove it every day."

In her address as the new commander, Brigadier General Wilz stated:

-I look forward to the challenging but fulfilling work ahead of me, and I look forward to being part of the joint efforts in defense reform to ensure the security and prosperity of all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Brigadier General Petty returns to the US after a one-year tour of duty in this position. Brigadier General Wilz is also from the US, and her exceptional professional path to this appointment includes command duties at the battalion and brigade level, as well as service in Kosovo, according to NATO Headquarters Sarajevo.