MONS, Belgium - Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) welcomed its new Chief of Staff (COS) on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, during a change of responsibility ceremony at the headquarters.
German Army General Markus Laubenthal, former Vice Chief of Defence for the Bundeswehr, assumed responsibility from Admiral Joachim Rühle.
While welcoming General Laubenthal to SHAPE, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR), Admiral Sir Keith Blount, and members of SHAPE bid a fond farewell to Admiral Rühle who served as the SHAPE Chief of Staff since 2020 and will now retire following 46 years of service in the German Navy.
Staff at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe bid a final farewell to outgoing SHAPE Chief of Staff, Admiral Joachim Rühle, during a change of responsibility ceremony at the headquarters on Tuesday, Sept 24, 2024. He retires following four years at the headquarters and 46 years in the Germany Navy. - NATO Photo by SHAPE Public Affairs Office
“To Admiral Rühle, we extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering dedication, leadership and service. Your contributions have left a lasting impact and you will be remembered for the difference you made within the headquarters. To General Laubenthal, we look forward to the fresh perspective and vision you bring, and know that SHAPE staff will continue to grow in strength and unity under your guidance. I have every confidence that you will successfully build upon the foundations laid before you and help us achieve new heights,” said Admiral Blount.
Upon assuming his new responsibilities, General Laubenthal said, “My priority is NATO’s readiness across all domains, 360 degree. I am commited to advance NATO’s warfighting capability for the sake of a credible deterrence and defence. Because cohesion is our centre of gravity, I will ensure that we all remain unified in support of SACEUR’s priorities.”
The Chief of Staff serves as the principal advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) on all matters related to NATO operations, missions, activities and tasks implementing SACEUR’s strategic vision. Their duties also include overseeing the management of personnel at SHAPE with more than 7,400 posts representing Allied and partner nation’s service members and civilians.