Air Force Gen. Phil Breedlove, Commander, U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, thanks Spain for its decision to proivde Patriot missile batteries and 130 soldiers to augment NATO's defensive deployment in southern Turkey.

Air Force Gen. Phil Breedlove remembers 9/11.

In advance of their budget testimony this morning before a Senate panel, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey outlined Defense Department activities pertaining to the crisis in Ukraine.

As a cornerstone of our nation's defense strategy, the preservation of U.S. forces in Europe is critical to maintaining the access and influence which has led to successful operations around the world.

Our most important weapon system is the Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine that gets the job done. Therefore, we should create an environment in the workplace where they can thrive.

NATO and partner nations will conduct Exercise Steadfast Jazz 2013 in Latvia and in Poland from 2 - 9 November 2013. The event will mark the culmination of a series of dynamic and demanding exercises designed to train and test troops and commanders from the NATO Response Force (NRF). The Steadfast series of exercises are part of NATO's efforts to maintain connected and interoperable forces at a high-level of readiness. To know more about Steadfast Jazz 2013: http://sj13.nato.int/steadfast-jazz.aspx

My latest blog speaks on my experience visiting NATO forces taking part in exercise Brilliant Mariner and the expanding role our maritime forces play in NATO and anti-piracy operations.

As I assume command of Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe and U.S. European Command, I am truly humbled to serve in the position held by such extraordinary leaders as Generals Eisenhower, Ridgway, Shalikashvili, Ralston and most recently Admiral Stavridis.

In his first blog post as commander of U.S. European Command and NATO’s supreme allied commander for Europe, Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove today paid tribute to the legacy of his predecessors and stressed the importance of partnership and family.

Gen Philip Breedlove discusses the importance of forward stationed forces in Europe.

Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove took command of U.S. European Command here today during a ceremony at the command’s headquarters with Deputy Defense Secretary Ash Carter presiding.

Gen Breedlove media availability following the US European Command Change of Command on 10 May 2013.

United States European Command Change of Command Ceremony between Admiral Stavridis and General Breedlove.

Stuttgart Community members should be aware that during the USEUCOM Change of Command rehearsal on May 9 and ceremony on May 10, artillery rounds will be fired between 10-10:15 a.m. Normal traffic and parking will be disrupted before and during the event.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove was confirmed by the U.S. Senate yesterday as the next United States European Command Commander and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

Air Force Gen Philip Breedlove highlighted the Afghanistan security transition, the Arab Spring and the US and Russian relationahship among his command priorties as well as schools, housing and access to medical care so he can keep the family "squared away" and service members can focus on their mission.

If confirmed by the Senate, General Breedlove will replace Admiral Jim Stavridis as the Supreme Allied Commander in late Spring.

In the week ahead, I'll focus on two topics that don't always get a huge amount of attention, but are very important: piracy and missile defense.