New NATO Headquarters Sarajevo Commander: We Remain Committed to Stability in BiH and Development of Armed Forces!

(Patria) - Brigadier General James C. Fowler has taken over the position of commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo from Brigadier General Matthew A. Valas, with the message that their commitment remains unchanged, which is strengthening the institutions of the defence and security sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina, deepening partnership and support for a safe and stable future for all citizens.

In his address to officials at the change of command ceremony held today at NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, the new commander Fowler said that he is taking command with deep gratitude and a clear purpose:

"In the coming months and years, we will work closely with our partners in BiH to strengthen your Armed Forces and to expand joint training, improve your capabilities and deepen the partnership between BiH and NATO".

He also emphasized that our country has already proven what is possible when people choose cooperation instead of divisions.

He pointed out the importance of the Armed Forces of BiH, which he said serve as the cornerstone of multi-ethnic integration, embodying the level of cooperation that is a benchmark for the entire region.

"This is more than a success, it is an inspiring testimony to daily progress towards building a safer and more prosperous future for all citizens of BiH", highlighted Brigadier General Fowler.

The outgoing commander, Brigadier General Matthew A. Valas, said that he had the privilege of spending the past two years with excellent partners in the ministries and Armed Forces of BiH, allies and the international community as well as EUFOR, working on a range of challenges in the defence and security sector:

"I am confident that NATO Headquarters Sarajevo will continue to work on difficult issues such as the defence budget, military property, readiness of the armed forces and other challenges for all citizens of BiH. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity I had to experience this wonderful country with an excellent team".

The Commander of the Joint Allied Forces Command Naples, Admiral George M. Wikoff, emphasized that the outgoing commander Brigadier General Valas and his team have done an outstanding job in BiH and expressed confidence that the new commander Fowler will also achieve excellent results.

He concluded that the long-standing partnership between NATO Headquarters, the European Union, the United Nations and Bosnia and Herzegovina has resulted in an impressive list of successes within diverse but focused goals.

New NATO Headquarters Sarajevo commander, Brigadier General James C. Fowler, comes from the U.S. Army's Western Hemisphere Command. He has led combat missions from company to brigade level and has significant experience in the humanitarian field.

He graduated from Francis Marion University, earned a master's degree in administration from Central Michigan University and obtained a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College. He also completed the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.