If you read this blog regularly, you know I am committed to engaging actively and personally around the region to further our shared security objectives. Last week was yet another busy week of travel in Europe. First up -- a visit to Lisbon, Portugal, where one of my three large "Joint Force Command” headquarters is located. I spent time with my superb French three-star commander, Lt. Gen. Philippe Stoltz. A paratrooper who runs eight miles to and from work every day, Philippe laid out a coherent vision for the future of Joint Command Lisbon that includes a focus on Africa, counter-piracy, and expeditionary activity.