Image: from U.S. Ambassador to NATO X @USAmbNATO
Welcomed Gen. Alexus Grynkewich to NATO HQ as he assumes his post as Supreme Allied Commander Europe. A strong start to a vital mission: defending freedom and strengthening the Alliance.
By Benjamin Foster | Staff Writer with Agencies
RAMSTEIN, Germany — U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Jason T. Hinds officially assumed command of NATO’s Allied Air Command (AIRCOM), U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), and U.S. Air Forces Africa (AFAFRICA) during a ceremony at Ramstein Air Base on October 31, 2025.
The ceremony marked a significant leadership transition following the retirement of General James B. Hecker, who concluded 36 years of distinguished service earlier this year. Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer, AIRCOM’s Deputy Commander, had served as acting commander in the interim.
The assumption of command was presided over by General Alexus G. Grynkewich, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), who formally passed the command guidon to Hinds. The event was attended by senior military officials, NATO representatives, U.S. dignitaries, German officials, and members of the local community.
A Strategic Role in NATO’s Defense
As the new AIRCOM Commander, Lt. Gen. Hinds will direct and coordinate Allied Air and Space operations across the Euro-Atlantic area, ensuring readiness, interoperability, and operational effectiveness among NATO’s air forces. His command is central to maintaining NATO’s deterrence and defense posture, particularly amid evolving global threats.
AIRCOM oversees critical missions such as NATO’s Baltic and Romanian Air Policing detachments, which operate as part of the Enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA) Eastern Sentry — key demonstrations of Allied unity and collective defense in the face of increasing regional instability.
“Threats Are Real — And Evolving”
In his first remarks as commander, Lt. Gen. Hinds acknowledged the growing complexity of global security challenges.
“Threats are very real, and they’re becoming increasingly more complex,” Hinds said. “We must continue to rapidly adapt to this new threat environment and work together as Allies and partners to be ready for the high-end fight.”
He concluded his address with a strong call to unity and preparedness.
“Our unity, purpose, and collective deterrence is our strength. And should deterrence fail, we must be ready to fight tonight, fight tomorrow, and fight together.”
Lt. Gen. Hinds’s appointment comes at a critical time for NATO, as the Alliance continues to strengthen its integrated air and missile defense network, enhance coordination across member nations, and address emerging challenges in cyber and space domains.