Vice Adm. Doug Perry relieved Vice Adm. Daniel
Dwyer as commander of JFC Norfolk and U.S. 2nd Fleet, and as director of the
Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence (CJOS COE).
Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy served as the
ceremony’s keynote speaker emphasizing the significance of the command's
mission highlighting Alliance cohesion. Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command,
Adm. Daryl Caudle, presided over the U.S. 2nd Fleet change of command ceremony
where Perry was formally directed to assume leadership of the U.S. East Coast
fleet. NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Gen. Christopher Cavoli,
presided as Perry took the helm of JFC Norfolk. Perry received the command’s
flag, symbolizing the beginning of his service as a NATO commander.
“Today’s alignment of JFC-Norfolk with 2nd Fleet
demonstrates American resolve, for it joins my 2nd Fleet Naval headquarters
with NATO strength and values,” said Perry. “This year, NATO celebrates its
75th Anniversary. Given the ongoing global security situation, the relevance of
NATO has never been more important. NATO started with 12 member states, and now
there are 31, soon to be 32. This is a testament to the longevity and strength
of the Alliance.”
Pictured are Vice Admiral Doug G. Perry and Vice Admiral Daniel Dwyer during the change of command ceremony for Joint Force Command Norfolk and U.S. Second Fleet
After taking command, Perry
emphasized the critical responsibilities of his combined commands’ during this
pivotal time. Both operational commands contribute to a peaceful, stable, and
conflict-free Atlantic region, and enable joint operations and training with
naval forces to bolster the capabilities of the NATO Alliance. CJOS-COE is a
NATO-accredited think tank focused on innovative maritime strategies.
Perry pointed out that successful global mission's
hinge on a collaborative approach with allies, underscored by a shared
dedication to freedom and bolstered by cooperation, respect, and determination.
He highlighted the importance of fostering trust within the command and with
international partners.
“Trust empowers our international military
partnerships and underpins our collective warfighting readiness. Our ability to
trust teams far forward, under mission command, distinguishes us from our
strategic competitors,” said Perry.
The U.S. and NATO continue to face distinct
threats from all strategic directions. JFC Norfolk, founded in 2018, is a
critical part of NATO’s adaption to changing geopolitical realties. The command
remains keenly focused on multi-domain protection of the transatlantic link and
the Arctic.
When discussing the growth and evolution of JFC
Norfolk since 2021, Cavoli said Dwyer was the right leader at the right time to
guide the command as it assumed new crucial roles in the territorial defense of
the Alliance.
“JFC Norfolk’s core mission is to secure the
transatlantic link to ensure the resupply and reinforcement of Europe is
assured, while defending every inch of NATO territory in our assigned area of
responsibility,” said Dwyer. “The work done by each member of this incredible
team has done just that, and by doing so, provided for the collective defense
of one billion NATO citizens. I am incredibly proud to have served alongside
each and every one of you and wish you nothing but success going forward.”
U.S. 2nd Fleet disbanded in 2011 after 65 years of
service and was re-established in 2018. Dwyer served as 2nd Fleet’s second
commander since reestablishment. Dwyer’s next assignment will be deputy chief
of naval operations for Warfighting Development, Office of the Chief of Naval
Operations, in Washington, D.C.
"The men and women of 2nd Fleet, no matter
the mission, answered ‘all bells’ and achieved mission success every
time," said Dwyer as he reflected on his tenure. "In this new
security environment during this time of strategic competition, 2nd Fleet
demonstrated it is ready to defend the United States through the maritime
approaches from the Atlantic and the Arctic, and for that, I will be forever
grateful and proud to have served alongside each of you."
The U.S. 2nd Fleet, reactivated in response to the
evolving global security landscape, focuses on maritime operations in the
Atlantic and Arctic. The CJOS Centre of Excellence, a maritime-focused
NATO-accredited military think tank established in May 2006, includes 13 member
nations. It is the only such center in North America and one of 25 NATO centers
globally, contributing to Alliance readiness.
For more information about these units,
visit their official social media pages and websites.
Joint
Force Command Norfolk
www.jfcnorfolk.nato.int
U.S.
Second Fleet
www.c2f.usff.navy.mil