Jul 20 2022

STRIKFORNATO Recognises Distinguished Staff

Oeiras, Portugal- Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) held an award ceremony at the headquarters to celebrate outstanding staff members who are ending their tours in the next couple of weeks.

Commander, Vice Admiral Gene Black, supported by Deputy Commander Rear Admiral James Morley, Chief of Staff Brigadier General Marcus Annibale and Perspective Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Michael Wosje, personally awarded nine staff members for their accomplishments.

Colonel Alex Gkremos (GRC-A), Commander Rocco Bucceroni (ITA-N), Commander Javier Garcia (ESP-N), Lieutenant Colonel Segundo Martinez (ESP-M), Lieutenant Colonel Pierpaolo Uniti (ITA-F), Commander Piergiorgio Ferronni (ITA-N), Major Matthew Snook (GBR-M) and Senior Chief Petty Officer Jacinto Garcia (ESP-N) were presented the Commanders Commendation for their superior performance of duty at STRIKFORNATO. The Commander’s Commendation recognises outstanding performance and exceptional service in the interests of STRIKFORNATO, going above and beyond the demand of normal duty.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Cesar Velazquez (USA-N) was awarded the Defence Meritorious Service Medal, for his exceptional superior performance as the U.S. Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) and J1 Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff Admin and Personnel/Manpower Planning Officer for STRIKFORNATO.

STRIKFORNATO graciously thanks each staff member for their exceptional service and contribution towards STRIKFORNATO’s mission and the NATO Alliance.

STRIKFORNATO, headquartered in Oeiras, Portugal, is Supreme Allied Commander Europe's (SACEUR) rapidly deployable and scalable 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.