NATO

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On 6 February 2008 the Commander of the Supreme Allied Command Transformation, General James Mattis, United States Marine Corps, made his first official visit to the Joint Warfare Centre (JWC) in Stavanger. General Mattis, who assumed command of Allied Command Transformation (ACT) on 9 November 2007, met with the senior officers of the Joint Warfare Centre, led by the Director, Lieutenant General Wolfgang Korte, German Army.

General Mattis arrived at the JWC promptly at 08.20 AM and was greeted by Lieutenant General Korte, Brigadier General Ruhlman, JWC Chief of Staff, and JWC national representatives. General Mattis began his visit with an office call with the Director, followed by a strategic overview meeting. He then was briefed on the construction of JWC’s new exercise facility in Jatta.

During his visit, General Mattis was also briefed by JWC staff members on their respective duties and responsibilities and how they contribute to the ACT role in leading NATO’s transformation. General Mattis also paid a visit to the Norwegian National Joint Headquarters (NJHQ), where he was welcomed by Major General Roald Sundseth, Deputy Commander of the NJHQ. At midday, General Mattis paid a visit to the JWC’s interim training facility in Ulsnes.

General Mattis is a native of the Pacific Northwest of the United States and entered the United States Marine Corps in 1972. In the course of his distinguished career he has held at command at multiple levels, and as a general officer he has commanded the 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Task Force 58 during Operation Enduring Freedom in southern Afghanistan, the 1st Marine Division and the Marine Corps Combat Development Command.