SHAPE, Belgium – Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Tod D. Wolters hosted Allied Command Operations’ (ACO) virtual Commander’s Conference on April 23, 2020.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic SHAPE hosted the quarterly meeting of ACO leaders via secure video teleconference as the headquarters continues to respect physical distancing measures across Allied nations.
Operations continue across all domains using implemented precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our people
“First, on behalf of the commanders across ACO we send our collective condolences for those suffering and appreciation to those working on the frontlines to combat the virus,” said General Wolters. “We have resilient and adaptable forces which is why it is critical to continue with our regularly scheduled meetings of ACO commanders; our mission for the security and defence of this great Alliance and our partners endures.”
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic SHAPE hosted the quarterly meeting of ACO leaders via secure video teleconference on April 23, 2020.
Although ACO commanders were unable to attend the conference face to face, they were still able to proceed with discussing current and future operations, training and readiness and continued adaptation of the Alliance.
“Operations continue across all domains using implemented precautionary measures to ensure the safety of our people,” said General Wolters. “Be it land, sea, air, space or cyber we remain ready and capable.”
Allied Joint Force Command Naples Commander, Admiral James Foggo, participates in the quarterly Commanders' Conference via teleconference on April 23, 2020. - NATO Photo by JFC Naples Public Affairs Office
At the April meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Foreign Ministers, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg appointed General Wolters to spearhead coordination efforts to combat COVID-19. As a result, he initiated the NATO COVID-19 Task Force which continues to support the coordination of military efforts to ensure NATO and Allied resources are used most effectively.
The Commander’s Conference allows ACO leaders to work together and provide a cohesive plan to best advise NATO’s political leadership on the way ahead.