IZMIR, Turkey<\/p>\n
Lt. Gen. Roger L. Cloutier on Tuesday took over the NATO Allied Land Command at a ceremony held in southwestern Turkey.<\/p>\n
The command with its headquarters in Izmir, Turkey is responsible for advising the alliance on its land warfare.<\/p>\n
Cloutier was preceded by Lt. Gen. John T. Thomson.<\/p>\n
Many Turkish and foreign soldiers attended the change of command ceremony, including Commander of U.S. European Command Tod D. Wolters and Aegean Army Commander Ali Sivri. <\/p>\n
In his speech, Wolters thanked Turkey for its hospitality and said that it is a great honor to work with the Turkish army. <\/p>\n
\"We are working with the Turkish army side by side. We are saying goodbye to Thomson, an American army legend, and welcoming another legend.<\/p>\n
\"Thomson served the American army for 34 years. [...] Cloutier also served in NATO successfully,\" Wolters said. <\/p>\n
\"Peace is a very difficult concept in 2020, considering all the security threats we face. There is also COVID-19, but we know that NATO soldiers will keep the peace as they have done for the last 70 years,\" he added. <\/p>\n
For his part, Cloutier said: \"The power of Land Forces Command comes from experienced leaders and soldiers working together under NATO flag. We are in a significant time in NATO Land Forces. The importance of the land forces is all the more visible now in the unstable security environment of today's world.\"<\/p>\n
He added that Turkey feels like home, and Turkish society and the army is very hospitable. <\/p>\n
\"Thank you for hosting me. Izmir is a spectacular city. I am honored to be here,\" Clouiter said. <\/p>\n
Thomson said he is honored to have served in Izmir, and they have performed outstanding teamwork during his service. <\/p>\n
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NATO change of command ceremony held in Turkey - Anadolu Agency<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" IZMIR, Turkey Lt. Gen. Roger L Continue reading