U.K. Air Chief Marshal John Stringer will become NATO's deputy supreme allied commander Europe in March serving under U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich. (X/U.K. Defense Ministry)
NATO’s top two military leadership posts will soon be held by officers hailing from their countries’ respective air forces, with the U.K.’s Air Chief Marshal John Stringer tabbed to be the next deputy supreme allied commander Europe.
The appointment of two officers from air force backgrounds stands out, as NATO emphasizes airpower and missile defense in accordance with lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war.
Stringer will serve under American Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, who has the dual role of supreme allied commander Europe and the leader of U.S. European Command.
U.K. Air Marshal John Stringer, right, addresses the media during RAF Fairford, England, March 11, 2025. At left is U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, the Eighth Air Force commander at the time. Stringer will become NATO's next deputy supreme allied commander Europe. (Kristen Heller)
The appointment will make him the first Royal Air Force officer to hold the post of deputy supreme allied commander Europe since 1984, the British defense ministry said in a statement Thursday.
He will take over the post from British navy Adm. Keith Blount in March, the statement said.
Based on historical records, the appointment appears to mark the first time the commander and deputy positions will simultaneously be held by officers from air force backgrounds.
In the past, at least one of the roles was typically filled by an officer from an army, navy or Marine Corps background.
The deputy position has historically been held by either British or German officers, while an American has always served as NATO’s supreme allied commander Europe.
Since 2022, Stringer has served as deputy commander of NATO’s Allied Air Command, which is responsible for planning, coordinating and directing the alliance’s air operations.
“This is a critical time for the defense and security of Europe and the North Atlantic, deterring those who would do us harm and keeping the 1 billion citizens of NATO nations safe,” he said in the statement. “I look forward to playing my fullest possible part with our vital allies and partners.”
