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SIGONELLA, Italy - On 16 June 2025, the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) held a formal Change of Command Ceremony on Italian Air Force Base Sigonella, marking the official appointment of Brigadier General John B. Creel (USA) as the new Commander of NATO’s premier airborne intelligence formation.

The event also marked the conclusion of a significant leadership chapter: Brigadier General Andrew M. Clark (USA) had commanded NISRF since July 2022, overseeing a critical period of transformation and operational maturation for the unit.

The ceremony was presided over by Air Marshal Sir Johnny Stringer (UK), Deputy Commander of NATO Allied Air Command, who highlighted the strategic importance of the ISR Force within NATO’s air and joint operations architecture.

“NISRF is not only a capability, it is a critical pillar of how NATO sees, understands, and responds to today’s complex security environment,” said Air Marshal Stringer.

We turned a concept into a force - and a force into a cornerstone of NATO’s deterrence and awareness.

“Brigadier General Clark has led with vision and resolve. Under his command, this unit evolved from an ambitious concept into a key NATO ISR organization. His legacy is embedded in the way this force now operates - seamless, reliable, and indispensable.”

“To Brigadier General Creel, I say: you inherit a world-class team. NATO relies on this force every day. We wish you every success as you lead it forward.”

The ceremony took place in a year of particular significance for the unit: 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of NISRF’s founding - ten years of operational growth and institutional transformation that saw the Alliance Ground Surveillance concept evolve into NATO’s unique multinational ISR organization.

General Clark played a pivotal role in that transformation. Under his leadership, the Force matured into a initial operational capability, integrating its fleet of five RQ-4D “Phoenix” unmanned aircraft into NATO’s command structure and delivering strategic intelligence across the Alliance’s area of responsibility.

“When I arrived, we were still defining who we were. Today, we are defined by performance, purpose, and the trust of the Alliance,” General Clark stated in his remarks. “What this team has achieved is nothing short of historic. We turned a concept into a force - and a force into a cornerstone of NATO’s deterrence and awareness.”

General Creel, a seasoned ISR leader with extensive operational experience in NATO and U.S. Air Force commands, expressed gratitude and determination as he assumed responsibility: “It is a profound honor to take command of this extraordinary force,” said General Creel.

“NATO ISR is about more than technology - it’s about people, partnerships, and purpose. I will build upon the foundation Brigadier General Clark laid and continue to advance our mission with resolve.

The ceremony was attended by senior military officials, NATO representatives, and international guests - highlighting the multinational character of the Force and reaffirming its essential role in delivering timely, trusted intelligence to enable NATO’s strategic awareness and operational readiness.

Related links:

Interview with the outgoing Commander

Read Bio of the new Commander

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