NAPLES,Italy – โขAdmiral George wikoff assumed command of โU.S. โNaval Forces Europe-Africa and Joint Force Command Naples on November 19, 2025, relieving Admiral Stuart Munsch after a three-year tenureโ marked by a focus on adaptingโ to the evolving landscape of modern warfare. The โขchange of command ceremony took place inโค Naples,โ Italy.
Wikoff’s appointment comes as โthe U.S. Navy โคcontinues toโ navigate increasing geopolitical complexities in both the european and African theaters.Munsch’s leadership was characterized byโฃ innovation and experimentation, particularly in integrating robotic and autonomous systems into โfleet operations, preparing theโ command for future challenges. This transition โขensures continuity of strategic focus while bringing a fresh perspectiveโ to the role.
Wikoff’s Navy career spans over three decades, includingโ service in fighter squadrons VF-102 and VF-154 aboard the USSโข America and USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carriers, respectively. He โคhas also held key positions โon theโข joint โstaff as deputyโค director for operations and vice director.During Wednesday’s โceremony, Admiral John anderson, who presidedโฃ over โฃthe event, praised Munsch for shaping a U.S. military strategy that proved effective during his command. “Asโ you brought โthese insights here, innovating, experimenting,โ you quickly reorganized the headquarters and met the changing โchallenges of war,” Anderson said.
Vice Admiral David Grynkewich describedโค Munsch as possessing “sensibility, intellect and a keen understanding of adversaries,” adding, “Seldomโค have I met a moreโข capable, humble officer.”
Munsch, who took command in June 2022 โขand has served in the Navy โfor 40 years, was awarded the NATO Meritorious Medal, theโ U.S. Legion ofโฃ Merit and the Italian Meritorious Medal. His next assignment remains undisclosed.