STUTTGART, Germany -- The official party, Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter, Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, and Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, outgoing and incoming commanders of U.S. European Command, during “The Star-Spangled Banner” during the Change-of-Command ceremony in front of a joint formation of servicemembers from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. The ceremony between Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis and Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove signified the exchange of commanders for U.S. European Command and also the retirement of Stavridis after more than 35 years of military service in the Navy. The event was held on Patch Barracks with distinguished visitors including U.S. and allied-nation ambassadors, military general officers, and the military community of Stuttgart, Germany.