Admiral Leads Special Operations Command Europe

Admiral Leads Special Operations Command Europe
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jun2006/20060628_5525.html ~, by Jaime
L. Wood Special to American Forces Press Service

STUTTGART, Germany, June 28, 2006 - Special Operations Command Europe
welcomed its first Navy leader during a change of command ceremony
here June 26.

"Rear Admiral (William H.) McRaven brings a wealth of national and
special warfare experience to the table and is eminently qualified to
take SOCEUR to new heights in mission success," said Marine Gen. James
L. Jones, Jr., head of U.S. European Command. "It's a historic time
for (him) to join us in this changing world and theater."

The joint-force command is responsible for special operations
conducted within the EUCOM area of operation, including 92 countries
in Africa, Europe and Eurasia.

"We've deepened our military relationships over the past three years
during multiple operations that were critical to our mutual national
interests," Jones said. "In addition to working with our German host,
we've also enjoyed the mutual beneficial bilateral training
arrangements with several other nations, many of whom are building
their special operations forces capabilities made relevant by today's
global war on terrorism realities."

Jones noted that outgoing SOCEUR commander Army Maj. Gen. Thomas R.
Csrnko was a "key architect in forging Operation Enduring Freedom
Trans-Sahara," which is the military contribution to the Trans-Sahara
counterterrorism initiative.

"Under Operation Enduring Freedom Trans-Sahara, SOCEUR has initiated
training and advisory assisted missions in Trans-Sahara Africa,
enabled partner nations to meet terrorist threats with effective
capabilities, and you've been visionary in conducting land mark
exercises," Jones said to the outgoing commander.

Csrnko said his greatest challenge and success during his SOCEUR
tenure was finding the common ground where conventional and
unconventional military units could successfully complete shared
missions.

"The goal was to take special operations forces and (combine) them
with U.S. European Command support of counterterrorism efforts in the
global war on terrorism," Csrnko said. "We bring unique capabilities
in that our special operations forces can operate in some austere
environments and help the host nation forces not only protect
themselves, but work together across board, enhancing the ability to
cross certain regions."

"By working together, the mutual support among the components gives an
enormous amount of capability and flexibility to the EUCOM commander,"
he said.

Jones said a steadfast fury of exercises continue to refine the
current special operations force standard. He urged the new commander
to retain what works.

"These exercises are still relevant and very important. They give life
to the NATO response force, which is an essential element. And they
are a transformational cornerstone of NATO's military future," he
said. "They give us a new perspective on the emerging war on terrorism
mission set and they demonstrate how special operations forces bring
unique and essential skills to the asymmetric battle."

"I'm excited about the challenges that lay ahead - from expanding the
special operations command role in Africa to building upon our great
relationships with NATO's special operations forces and our many other
allies," McRaven said. The new commander also guaranteed "exciting
days ahead" for SOCEUR members and component commands.

"Special operations soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines will be on
the forefront of the war on terrorism and countless other difficult
endeavors," he said. "I can think of no better place to be and no
better people to be there. You have changed the face of special ops in
Europe and beyond. To get to where you are today required hard work,
dedication and sacrifice. The path to the future will require more of
the same. It will be my privilege to travel that road with you."

Previous to his SOCEUR assignment, McRaven was the deputy commanding
general for operations at Joint Special Operations Command, Ft. Bragg,
N.C.

Csrnko, who had led SOCEUR since August 2003 and will become
commanding general, U.S. Army Special Forces Command (Airborne), Fort
Bragg, N.C.

(Jaime L. Wood works for U.S. European Command Public Affairs.)

Biography:

Gen. James L. Jones, Jr., USMC [
http://www.defenselink.mil/bios/jones_bio.html

Related Sites:

U.S. European Command [
http://www.eucom.mil/

U.S. Special Operations Command [
http://www.socom.mil/

NOTE: View the original version of this web page on DefenseLINK, the
official website of the U.S. Department of Defense, at
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jun2006/20060628_5525.html
-- Otis Willie (Ret.)
Military News and Information Editor (http://www.13105320634.com)
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