NATO Headquarters Sarajevo welcomes new commander

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Victor J. Caputo | U.S. Army Brig. Gen. William J. Edwards, NATO Headquarters Sarajevo commander, provides remarks during a transfer of authority ceremony at the Army Hall, Dec. 12, 2019, in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Edwards, a career infantry officer and member of the Oregon National Guard, is the new senior military representative for NATO in Bosnia-Herzegovina. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Victor J. Caputo)  

SARAJEVO, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

12.13.2019

Story by Staff Sgt. Victor J. Caputo  

NATO Headquarters Sarajevo

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina – NATO Headquarters Sarajevo welcomed its new commander during a transfer of authority ceremony at the Armed Forces of Bosnia-Herzegovina Army Hall Dec. 12, 2019, in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Marti Bissell marked the end of almost 18 months in command of NHQSa as she relinquished authority to U.S. Army Brig. Gen. William J. Edwards during the ceremony hosted by U.S. Navy Adm. James Foggo, NATO Allied Joint Force Command Naples commander.

“An accomplished Soldier, and a Ph.D., Brig. Gen. William Edwards brings with him tremendous experience and operational perspectives,” said Foggo. “I know [he] will build upon the great work that Marti [Bissell] has accomplished and will ensure NHQSa continues its important work here.”

Edwards most recently served as the mobilization assistant to the director of operations for J-3, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, at Camp Smith, Hawaii. He is a career infantry officer and member of the Oregon National Guard.

“My goal is to continue with your partnership to help provide for a prosperous, more stable and secure country here in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Edwards. “You have my commitment that I will maintain the same level of dedication that General Bissell has shown . . . here in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

NHQSa was established in 2004 to facilitate reform in the Bosnia-Herzegovina defense and security sector and coordinate NATO programs and activities. NHQSa is the embodiment of NATO’s long-term commitment Bosnia-Herzegovina’s stability, reform and supporting Euro-Atlantic integration.

“The mission of NHQSa is an important one; I know you will all continue to proudly represent NATO and continue to support consolidating the capacities of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s defense institution,” said Foggo.

• Date Taken: 12.13.2019
• Date Posted: 12.13.2019 04:27
• Story ID: 355537
• Location: SARAJEVO, BA