NAPLES, Italy– Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, III turned over command to Admiral Bruce W. Clingan, during a change of command ceremony of Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Naples, Feb. 24.
The ceremony, held in the Capodichino Military Hangar Bay, marked the completion of Locklear's tour as Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples and Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa.
Numerous dignitaries and visitors from civilian and military forces throughout the world attended the ceremony; dignitaries included Adm. Jonathan Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations; Army Gen. General Carter F. Ham, Commander, U.S. Africa Command; and, James G. Stavridis, Supreme Allied Commander, Europe.
"I am thankful for the unwavering support both NATO and the United States Navy receive from the Italian people, government and military,” said Locklear. "You make our mission possible, and you have enabled our success with your generosity and hospitality.”
"I am thankful for NATO,” said Locklear. "There exists a bond between NATO countries… a shared set of values centered on a unified respect for human rights, the rule of law and a democratic society.”
Admiral Clingan comes to Naples after serving as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, DC. Admiral Clingan is a native of Lafayette, Ind., but was raised in Bellevue, Wash. He graduated from the University of Washington and holds a Masters of Science degree from the University of Southern California. He received his commission through the NROTC program in June 1977.
The mission of Commander Allied Joint Force Command Naples (COM JFC Naples) is to prepare for, plan and conduct military operations in order to preserve the peace, security and territorial integrity of Alliance member states and freedom of the seas and economic lifelines throughout SACEUR's Area of Responsibility (AOR) and beyond.
The NAVEUR-NAVAF area of responsibility covers approximately half of the Atlantic Ocean, from the North Pole to Antarctica; as well as the Adriatic, Baltic, Barents, Black, Caspian, Mediterranean and North Seas, to include all of Russia, Europe and nearly the entire continent of Africa.