General James B. Hecker, the Commander of Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) welcomed Mr. Stoltenberg. They proceeded to the Office Call signing of the guest book.
Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity has resulted in a fundamental change in the global security situation. NATO responded to this quickly and effectively.
“The international team of air experts from AIRCOM, the Combined Air Operations Centres and the Deployable Air Command and Control Centre, augmented by staff from the nations, have quickly stood up the NATO Command Structure Joint Force Air Component here at Allied Air Command,” said General James B. Hecker.
Our credible deterrence is more important now than ever in this dangerous world
“The most urgent challenge and task facing NATO is supporting Ukraine during this crisis. We must not allow miscalculations of NATO’s readiness and willingness to defend and protect Allied territory. Our credible deterrence is more important now than ever in this dangerous world,” said Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General.
On September 8, 2022, Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General visited NATO Headquarters Allied Air Command in Ramstein, Germany. Photo by Adc Aranud Chamberlin.
Before the four-eyes meeting with General Hecker, the NATO Secretary General thanked the men and women of Allied Air Command, the NATO Space Centre, the Situation Centre, and the Ballistic Missile Defence Operations Centre in the auditorium for their service, professionalism and dedication. NATO has adopted a large-scale strengthening of the defence of its members.
Before the visit to AIRCOM, Stoltenberg took part in the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, a U.S.-led platform essential to mobilise and coordinate support for Ukraine and hosted by Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.