BRUNSSUM, The Netherlands – Joint Force Command Brunssum (JFCBS) held a formal ceremony to honour the departure of Deputy Commander (DCOM), Lieutenant General Luis Lanchares, Spanish Army, while simultaneously welcoming his successor, Lieutenant General John Mead of the British Army, on the 6th of December 2024.
Your reputation for strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and firm commitment to the Alliance's values precedes you
In keeping with tradition, the ceremony included the symbolic lowering of the Spanish national flag and the hoisting of the British national flag. This poignant moment signified the transition of leadership and was a tribute to the contributions of Lieutenant General Lanchares, while warmly welcoming Lieutenant General Mead.
JFC Brunssum Commander, General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta, presided over the event and thanked Lieutenant General Lanchares for his unwavering dedication and substantial achievements during his tour at JFCBS.
“From the moment I took Command of JFC Brunssum, I realised that your professionalism, dedication, and leadership made it clear that we were in the presence of an officer who embodies the very best of NATO’s values – integrity, unity, and a steadfast commitment to the mission,” said General Miglietta.
Lieutenant General Lanchares' distinguished career includes participation in numerous United Nations and NATO operations, showcasing his extensive experience in international military efforts, including in Angola, Lebanon, Kosovo and Afghanistan. He also held the position of Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Enablement at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Belgium.
During his farewell speech, Lt gen Lanchares paid special tribute to both General Jörg Vollmer and General Miglietta, the two JFCBS Commanders he served under during his time here, for their outstanding mission-oriented leadership, which was paramount to achieving the JFCBS mission. Expressing his gratitude for the support he had received during his tenure, he recognised the commitment, professionalism and flexibility of the JFCBS team to adapt to the operational environment. Finally, he offered his best wishes to everyone for the future and said he would look back with great fondness on his time as DCOM JFCBS.
The handover ceremony not only celebrated the accomplishments of Lieutenant General Lanchares, but also set the stage for new leadership under Lieutenant General Mead, ensuring the continuation of JFCBS's vital mission within the NATO framework.
General Miglietta welcomed Lieutenant General Mead, who has an impressive background including command of the 1st Artillery Brigade, serving as Chief of Staff of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and Deputy Chief of Staff Plans, Joint Forces Command Naples.
“Your reputation for strategic thinking, collaborative leadership, and firm commitment to the Alliance's values precedes you.” General Miglietta stressed in his welcoming remarks. “These qualities will be vital as we continue to adapt to evolving security challenges and strengthen NATO's defensive capabilities.”
Upon assuming the role of DCOM JFCBS, Lieutenant General John Mead stated how grateful he was to be appointed to such a prestigious position and for the Commander’s initial direction and guidance. Furthermore, he expressed his appreciation to his predecessor and his intent to continue his legacy as DCOM. Passionate about NATO and the values underpinning it, he emphasised how much he is looking forward to contributing to the strength of the Alliance in the coming years.