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Norfolk, Virginia – General Eirik Johan Kristoffersen, Norwegian Chief of Defence visited Joint Force Command Norfolk today. He was hosted by the Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Ignacio Cespedes along with other senior personnel and topics discussed included the recent exercise NORDIC RESPONSE 24, the continued development of Joint Force Command Norfolk and Norway’s vitally important role in providing security and defence to the Atlantic and Arctic. 

Rear Admiral Cespedes stated: “The visit of the Norwegian Chief of Defence to Joint Force Command Norfolk demonstrates the importance of this headquarters to the defence of Norway and we thank Norway for their ongoing, strong support to this headquarters. I look forward to strengthening the already deep co-ordination between Joint Force Command Norfolk and the Norwegian Armed Forces.”

“It has been a good visit to Joint Force Command Norfolk, to follow the development of the headquarters and to meet with leadership and Norwegian personnel. Building up this NATO command is a high priority for us and Norway will continue to contribute with several new positions in 2025.” stated General Eirik Johan Kristoffersen

The visit comes soon after Exercise NORDIC RESPONSE 24, which was the culmination of NATO Exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER Part 1. Over 20,000 personnel, over 50 ships and over 100 aircraft from 13 different NATO nations exercised together in the Arctic Circle, in harsh wintry, Arctic conditions demonstrating NATO’s ability to deliver on collective defence and its’ ability to defend its’ northern flank.