NORFOLK — For many older Americans the Cold War and the nuclear threat posed by the former Soviet Union are burned into a collective memory.
NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a comforting reminder of the years that followed World War II and the uncertainty the world faced. Formed in 1949 to safeguard security and to ensure freedom and democracy for member nations, NATO is a political and a military alliance with headquarters in Brussels, Belgium and also right here in Norfolk.
While June 19 marked the 15th anniversary of Supreme Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, NATO’s presence here actually dates back to 1953 when Allied Command Atlantic was established at Naval Station Norfolk to defend and safeguard passage across the Atlantic Ocean.
Today there are 1,050 military and civilian personnel stationed at SACT headquarters, representing the 29 member countries and various partner nations.
While the mission has evolved, it has also remained the same, said Supreme Allied Commander Transformation Denis Mercier, a general with the French Air Force.
“As NATO approaches its 70th anniversary next year, SACT will continue to light the way ahead for our Alliance, and improve today, shape tomorrow, and bridge the two,” Mercier said.
And they’ll continue to do it right here in Norfolk, which he said will be a “long lasting location” for SACT.
“For many years we have been privileged to live in a vibrant local community that has given us the warmest hospitality. Our 15th Anniversary is the beginning of a new journey that will reinforce NATO’s presence in Norfolk,” Mercier said. “Many civilians, officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel will continue to have the opportunity, in the future, to enjoy this magnificent region and serve in Allied Command Transformation, to ensure our alliance has the posture and the tools it needs to fulfill all its tasks.”
While Allied Command Operations in Brussels is in charge of current NATO operations, SACT is tasked with warfare development and future warfare development, including identifying current and future risks and preparing the allied nations to meet the challenges of an unstable and complex security environment.
SACT has six focus areas: Logistics and sustainability; command and control; human capital; training and exercises; capabilities; and partnerships.
“This is our mission,” Mercier said. “In the service of our nations and our people.”
