I want to congratulate General Curtis Scaparrotti on his nomination by President Obama as Commander of United States European Command (EUCOM) and Supreme Allied Commander in Europe (SACEUR).
General Scaparrotti's proven leadership over the course of several difficult assignments will serve him well in this critical command. From 2011 to 2012, he commanded the ISAF Joint Command during "the surge," when there were more than 140,000 NATO troops in Afghanistan. During his tenure, NATO forces made great gains throughout Afghanistan, allowing time and space for the Afghan security forces to take over the fight. General Scaparrotti then returned to the Pentagon to serve as Director of the Joint Staff, leading and coordinating the efforts of our forces around the globe. General Scaparrotti's most recent assignment as Commander, US Forces Korea, further demonstrated his excellence as a soldier-statesman, skills he will need as he works closely with our most trusted Allies and partners in Europe. General Scaparrotti is one of the U.S. military's most accomplished officers and combat leaders, and it is my hope that the Senate will act quickly on his nomination.
I also want to express my deep thanks to General Philip Breedlove for his dedicated and distinguished service. Whether in the cockpit of an F-16 or commanding the military efforts of NATO, General Breedlove has proven his absolute dedication to the security of our people and nation. On behalf of the Department of Defense, I want to extend my sincere appreciation for his nearly four decades of selfless service to our country.