The objective of this working visit is to allow Vice Adm. Black to engage with STRIKFORNATO's staff, observe the battle-rhythm tempo, and prepare the upcoming year. He will also receive updates on the main ongoing projects, plans, exercises, and activities within the Headquarters.
Vice Adm. Eugene "Gene" Black assumed duties as STRIKFORNATO's Commander in June 2021. He is also U.S. Sixth Fleet Commander and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa's (NAVEUR-NAVAF) Deputy Commander. Having a "dual-hatted" Commander is critical to the integration of high-end U.S. (and other nations') naval forces into Alliance operations.
STRIKFORNATO is Supreme Allied Commander Europe's (SACEUR) premier, rapidly deployable and flexible, maritime power projection Headquarters, capable of planning and executing full spectrum joint maritime operations, primarily through the integration of U.S. naval and amphibious forces, in order to provide assurance, deterrence, and collective defence for the Alliance.
U.S. Sixth 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.