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Three-Star General Recommended for Senior Position in NATO Command Structure

U.S. Military Officer, Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, takes command of NATO troops following his successful role in Middle Eastern air operations.

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Following his role in conducting aerial campaigns in the Middle East region, Lieutenant General...
Following his role in conducting aerial campaigns in the Middle East region, Lieutenant General Alexus G. Grynkewich is slated to assume command over NATO military forces.

Meet Lt. Gen. 'Grynch':

Known by his call sign, Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich, is a seasoned Air Force veteran, soon set to command NATO forces as the leading U.S. military authority in Europe.

Announced on June 5, Grynkewich's nomination to become the four-star head of U.S. European Command has been approved by the North Atlantic Council. If confirmed by the Senate, he'll not only take on this role but also secure the title of NATO's top military officer - Supreme Allied Commander Europe. This move comes amidst the deadliest conflict on the continent since World War II.

Expected to assume the position this summer, Grynkewich will succeed Army Gen. Christopher G. Cavoli, who has been serving in this dual role since July 2022. The Air Force will have produced the fifth SACEUR since 1950, with Grynkewich being the fifth Airman holder of this post. US flag officers have held the position at the alliance's main military command center in Belgium ever since General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Grynkewich, as the director for operations of the Joint Staff, leads around 84,000 U.S. troops across more than 40 bases in Europe. He steps into the hot seat at a pivotal moment for NATO's transatlantic alliance.

Russia's immense threat has provoked NATO nations to increase defense spending and collaborate with greater urgency, as Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine—bordering four alliance members—enters its fourth year. Ukraine is not a NATO member.

According to Germany's defense chief, Gen. Carsten Breuer, there's a risk of Russia attacking NATO by 2029. The U.S. is planning to discuss the possible withdrawal of American troops from Europe with its European allies later this year.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is urging members to invest further in defense, particularly on munitions, as the U.S. shifts focus towards the Pacific.

From July 2022 to April 2024, Grynkewich commanded Air Forces Central, sitting at the heart of U.S. military operations in the Middle East. During this tenure, he orchestrated airstrikes against Iranian proxy groups, protected ground troops, and helped Israel defeat a massive Iranian drone and missile attack on April 13, 2024—just days before passing the baton to Lt. Gen. Derek C. France.

Describing his time at AFCENT, Grynkewich shared, "It has been the honor of a lifetime. I've learned and grown as a leader myself in this position, and wouldn't trade the experience for anything else."

Grynkewich, the third flag officer and the second Airman nominated this week to lead one of the Pentagon's 11 combatant commands globally, also received a nomination on June 4 to head U.S. Africa Command. If confirmed, he would be the first Airman to fill this role.

  1. As the future head of U.S. European Command, Lt. Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich will lead the Space Force and air force, along with defense forces, in Europe, serving as NATO's top military officer - Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
  2. The tense political climate, with Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the threat of a potential attack on NATO by 2029, has led to a focus on war-and-conflicts in the general news, with the U.S. shifting defense towards both Europe and the Pacific.
  3. The Pentagon, recognizing Grynkewich's leadership abilities, has nominated him for two roles - commanding NATO forces in Europe and U.S. Africa Command, making history as the first Airman to fill the latter position if confirmed by the Senate.
  4. In the midst of these critical roles, Grynkewich is set to manage drones and military forces across more than 40 bases in Europe, working to maintain peace and ensure defense readiness in the face of escalating tensions.
  5. With the Air Force set to produce the fifth SACEUR since 1950, it is clear that the military's focus on space, war-and-conflicts, and politics remains firmly at the Pentagon's center, shaping defense strategies for NATO and beyond.

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