First day at NATO for commander Allied Air Command Ramstein

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  • Headquarters Allied Air Command Ramstein Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  U.S. four-star Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, commander of NATO Air Forces here, had his first day in his NATO office Nov. 16.

General Welsh arrived at building 313 early in the morning, where he was greeted by his deputy, German air force Lt. Gen. Ploeger and a multinational honor guard.

General Welsh got to his new office at NATO where his staff briefed him on his new post. Later in the day, the Allied Air Command Ramstein personnel gathered for a commander's call where they had an opportunity to welcome their new boss.

In his remarks, General Welsh said: "I am a huge fan of this Alliance and have been for many years. NATO has held our people together and it has connected my country to Europe. I am looking forward to working together and to learning from you all."

Since entering the Air Force in June 1976 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, General Welsh has held numerous operational, command and staff positions. Prior to his current assignment, he was the senior military officer at the Central Intelligence Agency at Langley Air Force Base, Va.

On Dec. 13, General Welsh assumed command from his predecessor, Gen. Roger A. Brady. In addition to his NATO "hat" he also serves as commander U.S. Air Forces in Europe at Ramstein Air Base and director of the multinational Joint Air Power Competence Centre at Kalkar, Germany.