Brigadier General James C. Fowler took over as Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo from Brigadier General Matthew A. Valas, with the message that their commitment remains unchanged, which is to strengthen the institutions of the defense and security sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina, deepen the partnership, and support a safe and stable future for all citizens.
Addressing the guests at the ceremony of handover of command, held today at NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, the new Commander Fowler said that he assumes command with deep gratitude and a clear purpose:
“In the coming months and years, we will work closely with our partners in BiH to strengthen your Armed Forces and to expand joint training, improve your capabilities, and deepen the BiH-NATO partnership.”
He also emphasized that our country has already proven what is possible when people choose cooperation over division.
He pointed to the importance of the Armed Forces of BiH, which he said serve as a cornerstone of multiethnic integration, embodying a level of cooperation that is a benchmark for the entire region.
“This is more than a success, it is an inspiring testimony of the daily progress towards building a safer and more prosperous future for all citizens of BiH,” said Brigadier General Fowler.
The outgoing Commander, Brigadier General Matthew A. Valas, said that he had the privilege of spending the past two years with great partners in the ministries and the Armed Forces of BiH, the Allies and the international community, and EUFOR, working on a range of challenges in the defense and security sector:
“I am confident that NATO Headquarters Sarajevo will continue to work on difficult issues such as the defense budget, military assets, the readiness of the armed forces, and other challenges for all citizens of BiH. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity I was given to experience this beautiful country with a great team.”
The Commander of Allied Joint Forces Command Naples, Admiral George M. Wikoff, emphasized that the outgoing Commander Brigadier General Wallace and his team had done an outstanding job in Bosnia and Herzegovina and expressed confidence that the new Commander Fowler would also achieve excellent results.
He concluded that the long-standing partnership between NATO Headquarters, the European Union, the United Nations, and Bosnia and Herzegovina had resulted in an impressive list of successes within a diverse but focused framework of objectives.
The new Commander of NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, Brigadier General James C. Fowler, comes from the US Army Western Hemisphere Command.
He has led combat missions from company to brigade levels and has significant experience in the humanitarian sphere.
He graduated from Francis Marion University, received his Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, and received his Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College.
He is also a graduate of the United States Army Command and Staff College.
