27 August/août 2007

COMMUNIQUE PR/CP(2007)088

Release of General Lance L. Smith as Supreme Allied Commander Transformation


NATO today concurred to the release of General Lance L. Smith as Supreme Allied
Commander Transformation. In a letter from the President of the United States of
America to the NATO Secretary General, who is Chairman of the Defence Planning
Committee, the President asked DPC member states to agree to release General
Smith, who has completed his term in this position.

The Committee agreed with great regret to release General Smith from his
assignment as Supreme Allied Commander Transformation. They expressed to
General Smith, in the name of the NATO governments, lasting gratitude for his
distinguished service.

In this regard, the President of the United States of America was asked to nominate
an officer of the United States for appointment as Supreme Allied Commander
Transformation to succeed General Smith. In response to this request, the President
of the United States informed the Committee that he will, at a later date, nominate
an officer for consideration as successor to General Smith, with the same powers
and functions, and of his intention to appoint the officer to the grade of General or
Admiral, with the advice and consent of the United States Senate, while serving in
that position.

General Smith will depart his command in November 2007.