From Department of Defense:  Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced today that the President intends to nominate U.S. Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove for appointment to the rank of general and for assignment as supreme allied commander, Europe and commander, U.S. European Command.   The North Atlantic Council unanimously approved the appointment of Gen. Breedlove as supreme allied commander, Europe.  Gen. Breedlove is currently serving as commander, U.S. Air Forces Europe; commander, U.S. Air Forces Africa; commander, Headquarters, Allied Air Command, Ramstein; and director, Joint Air Power Competence Center.

From Jeff Schogol, Air Force Times:  Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has formally announced Gen. Philip Breedlove is the president’s nominee to become the next head of U.S. European Command.

“We need to get that position filled,” Hagel told reporters at a news conference. “Not only is he particularly well qualified, but the job that Adm. [James] Stavridis has done over there has been significant. He needs a little relief.”

Currently commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Breedlove is a command pilot with 3,500 flying hours, mostly in the F-16, according to his Air Force biography.

In a statement, Breedlove said he was “deeply honored” to be nominated to become the next commander of EUCOM.

“If confirmed, I’ll do everything in my power to live up to the example set by Adm. Jim Stavridis and the other great officers who have led the men and women of this command so well throughout its remarkable history,” he said. . . .

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey offered his “full support” for Breedlove’s nomination.

“He is an extraordinary leader with the moral character to match and he is worthy of the confidence he has already earned among our allies in Europe,” Dempsey said.  (photo: American Forces Network Europe)

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