PORTSMOUTH, United Kingdom – Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Christopher G. Cavoli hosted a Commanders Conference in Portsmouth, United Kingdom Nov. 16 to 17, 2022.
This tri-annual conference is an opportunity for the SACEUR to meet with Allied Command Operations (ACO) Commanders, Command Senior Enlisted Leaders and key staff members to discuss NATO priorities and the importance of adapting to meet today is evolving security challenges.
Our Alliance continues to strengthen its readiness, advanced capabilities, and interoperability
“This gathering was a great opportunity to address the changes we are making in the Alliance for stability and security going forward,” said General Cavoli. “Our ability to work together remains key to ensuring we stand ready to deter and defend against all adversaries."

Capt. Paul Lanzilotta, right, the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) commanding officer, greets Gen. Sir Timothy Radford, the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe, during a visit to the ship, Nov. 16, 2022, while at anchor in Portsmouth, U.K. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacob Mattingly)

Group photo of SACEUR, MARCOM, AIRCOM, LANDCOM, NATO JFC’s during the Commanders Conference at NCHQ HMS Excellent. ©UK Ministry of Defence CROWN COPYRIGHT, 2022

Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 briefs members of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe Commanders’ Conference aboard the first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Nov. 16, while at anchor in Portsmouth, U.K. The SACEUR Commanders’ Conference attendees and guests received a carrier strike group capabilities brief and tour aboard Ford. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan Seelbach)
The conference focused on Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area (DDA) Concept, Family of Plans development and the impact of collective training activities and exercises for 2023.
“We are building NATO's collective defence plans on top of existing national defence plans, sewing all of them together into a coherent, single strategic plan to defend a geographical region. The plans are specifically intended to defend against the threats identified our DDA concept,” said General Cavoli.
As a part of the conference, the attendees had the privilege to tour the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group during its first historic deployment.
“Our Alliance continues to strengthen its readiness, advanced capabilities, and interoperability. This deployment is a concrete demonstration of the iron-clad commitment to collective defence and the transatlantic bond that unites NATO,” said General Cavoli.