Jul 1 2020

STRIKFORNATO has a new Commander

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy — Vice Adm. Eugene H. Black III relieved Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti as commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO and commander, U.S. 6th Fleet (C6F), in a change of command ceremony held by U.S. 6th Fleet, onboard Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, July 1, 2020.

Vice Admiral Black’s previous assignments include the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations – director of the Surface Warfare Division (N96); commander of Carrier Strike Group 8; deputy commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet; commanding officer of USS Mason (DDG 87); and commanding officer of USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).

Vice Admiral Franchetti’s next assignment will be as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Development (N7) in Washington, D.C.

Commander, STRIKFORNATO Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti speaks during STRIKFORNATO and 6th Fleet change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, July 1, 2020.

Vice Adm. Eugene H. Black III delivers remarks as the new commander of STRIKFORNATO and U.S. 6th Fleet during a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, July 1, 2020.

STRIKFORNATO is a rapidly deployable maritime expeditionary headquarters with a unique role within the Alliance. Under permanent operational command to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, STRIKFORNATO is an experienced 3-star led joint battle staff, whose primary mission is to command and integrate U.S. maritime capabilities into NATO operations.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

Story by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO