NATO Considering Appointment of Three-Star Air Force Officer as Senior Commander
In a significant move, Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, a highly experienced U.S. Air Force officer, has been nominated for promotion to serve as the four-star head of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR). This appointment, if confirmed by the Senate, would mark a departure from the tradition of Army generals holding this position and sees a three-star rank being promoted directly to a four-star post.
Lt. Gen. Grynkewich, an Airman with years of experience overseeing air operations in the Middle East, has had a distinguished career in the U.S. military. He served as commander of the Ninth Air Force and U.S. Air Forces Central from 2022 to 2024, a period that saw him oversee all U.S. air operations in the Middle East. During this tenure, he conducted strikes on Iranian proxy groups and intercepted Iranian attacks against Israel in 2024.
Prior to his command of the Ninth Air Force, Grynkewich held several key positions. From 2020 to 2022, he was the Director of Operations at U.S. Central Command, coordinating strategic operations in the critical region. Between 2019 and 2020, he was Deputy Commander for Operations of the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve and led the 9th Air Expeditionary Group, directly participating in the campaign against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
Following his Central Command tenure, he became Director for Operations of the Joint Staff in 2024, where he provided strategic guidance for global U.S. military operations and played a key role in supporting Ukraine during the Russo-Ukrainian War.
The nomination of Lt. Gen. Grynkewich comes at a time when NATO nations are increasing their defense spending and cooperating with new urgency due to Russia's looming threat. Gen. Carsten Breuer, Germany's defense chief, has predicted that Russia could attack NATO by 2029. Grynkewich's appointment would see him take over at NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe at a critical moment for the transatlantic alliance.
If confirmed, Grynkewich would replace Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, who has held the dual role since July 2022. This changeover is expected to take place this summer. The U.S. is also turning its focus to the Pacific as it prepares for Grynkewich's departure from the Middle East.
In addition to Grynkewich's nomination, Lt. Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson has been nominated to lead U.S. Africa Command. If confirmed, Anderson would become the first Airman in that role. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is urging member nations to invest further in defense, particularly on munitions, as the alliance prepares for potential challenges.
The U.S. plans to discuss the potential withdrawal of American troops from Europe with its allies on the continent later this year. This discussion comes amidst a shift in focus towards the Pacific, as the U.S. and its allies adapt to the evolving geopolitical landscape.
[1] https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Articles/News/Article/3102346/us-air-force-general-nominated-for-supreme-allied-commander-europe/ [2] https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Articles/News/Article/3102346/us-air-force-general-nominated-for-supreme-allied-commander-europe/ [3] https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Articles/News/Article/3102346/us-air-force-general-nominated-for-supreme-allied-commander-europe/ [4] https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Articles/News/Article/3102346/us-air-force-general-nominated-for-supreme-allied-commander-europe/
- The U.S. Air Force's Lt. Gen. Grynkewich, a seasoned military officer with extensive experience in air operations, has been nominated for promotion to serve as the four-star head of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), a move that could signal the creation of a Space Force role within the military command structure.
- With the escalating threats from Russia and ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Middle East, the Pentagon is considering utilizing drones for surveillance and tactical operations in conjunction with traditional air force operations, under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Grynkewich.
- As the nomination of Lt. Gen. Grynkewich for the SACEUR position moves forward, the U.S. Senate may face debates on the future of military politics and the balance between air force and space force roles in defense strategy, particularly in regards to potential space-based war-and-conflicts.
- The integration of space force technology within the U.S. military grows increasingly important, as the department of defense contends with advancements in military drones and defenses, aiming to maintain superiority in the realm of space.
- As speculation arises regarding the withdrawal of American troops from Europe and the shifting focus towards the Pacific, the defense budget is likely to increase investments in both air force and space force capabilities, with a particular emphasis on countermeasures against emerging military threats from Asia.
