On 13 July 2023, Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee visited the NATO Defense College (NDC) in Rome, Italy. Invited as a guest of honour, and welcomed with a Military Honour Guard, Admiral Bauer delivered keynote addresses for the dual celebrations of the Change of Command and the Senior Course 142 Graduation. The change of command saw Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, French Armed Forces, transfer command of the NATO Defense College over to Lieutenant General Max A.L.T Nielsen, Danish Armed Forces. The event was attended by several Allied Ambassadors, the Danish Chief of Defence General Lentfer and the Commander of Joint Force Command Norfolk, Vice Admiral Dwyer.
On 13 July 2023, Admiral Rob Bauer, Chair of the NATO Military Committee visited the NATO Defense College (NDC) in Rome, Italy. Invited as a guest of honour, and welcomed with a Military Honour Guard, Admiral Bauer delivered keynote addresses for the dual celebrations of the Change of Command and the Senior Course 142 Graduation. The change of command saw Lieutenant General Olivier Rittimann, French Armed Forces, transfer command of the NATO Defense College over to Lieutenant General Max A.L.T Nielsen, Danish Armed Forces. The event was attended by several Allied Ambassadors, the Danish Chief of Defence General Lentfer and the Commander of Joint Force Command Norfolk, Vice Admiral Dwyer.
Following Lieutenant General Rittimann's welcome remarks, Admiral Bauer delivered his address to the seventy-five members from both Allied and partner nations who made up the graduating Senior Course 142. He addressed the outcomes of the NATO Summit in Vilnius and stressed the importance of the College in bringing military and civilian leaders together from all over the world. The Chair said, "During the course, you challenged each other and debated different views of the current security climate. You created bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. Throughout your career, you will profit from what you have learned here in Rome."
Upon completion of the graduation ceremony, Lieutenant General Rittimann handed over command to Lieutenant General Nielsen with the passing over of the Defense College flag. During his address, Admiral Bauer noted the important role the Commandant plays in ensuring that the NATO Defense College fulfils its mission to contribute to the effectiveness and cohesion of the Alliance by developing its role as a major centre of education, study and research on transatlantic issues. The Chair praised Lieutenant General Rittimann for his leadership, dedication and service to the Alliance. Admiral Bauer stated, "Thank you for all you have done for the NATO Defense College. Our Alliance owes you a great debt. NATO is all the better for having you on its side, sharing your experience and expertise."
During Lieutenant General Rittimann's three-year tenure, he ensured the NATO Defense College excelled in its mission, even during the pandemic, and expanded its cooperation with Partner institutions. Under the Lieutenant General's leadership, cooperation with the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) Regional Centre in Kuwait was established, and a Generals, Flag Officers, and Ambassadors' Course with the G5 Sahel Defence College in Nouakchott, Mauritania was created.
Admiral Bauer concluded his remarks by welcoming the incoming Commandant, Lieutenant General Max A.L.T Nielsen, former Danish Military Representative to NATO and the European Union. He said, "I look forward to continuing to work with you in this new capacity. I have every faith that you will make sure the jewel in the crown of NATO's educational facilities will shine bright for many more years to come."
