Brunssum, The Netherlands – Vice Admiral Daniel W. Dwyer USN, Commander Joint Force Command Norfolk (JFCNF), visited Brunssum 01 November 21 to meet with Commander Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS), General Jӧrg Vollmer.
Collective defence is Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum's main priority
Located in Norfolk, Virginia (USA), in the world's largest naval base, JFCNF was formally activated by NATO's North Atlantic Council on 26 July 2019 as the latest Joint Force Command in the NATO Command Structure, alongside Brunssum and Naples. Its focus is on the Atlantic; for this reason, VAdm Dwyer also commands the US Navy's Second Fleet, re-established around the same time with a similar geographical focus.
Although only established comparatively recently, JFCNF demonstrated its readiness to take on the role of a JFC earlier this year by leading Phase 1 of Exercise Steadfast Defender. Featuring over 20 maritime units, 60 aircraft and 9,000 service members from 20 NATO Allied and partner nations, this was the final milestone in a programme designed to bring JFCNF to Full Operating Capability; a status it declared on 15 July 21.
The aim of the talks was for VAdm Dwyer to understand JFCBS' mission and perspective, while developing a common understanding of the two headquarters' overlapping responsibilities.
Speaking during the visit, General Vollmer said, "Collective defence is Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum's main priority. You are only capable in deterrence if you are credible in defence."