SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER ATLANTIC NAMED

[DOD]

NEWS RELEASE

No. 412-97
(703)697-5131(media)
_IMMEDIATE RELEASE_ July 31, 1997 (703)697-5737(public/industry)

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SUPREME ALLIED COMMANDER ATLANTIC NAMED

NATO's Defense Planning Committee (DPC) adopted a resolution today
accepting the nomination of Adm. Harold W. Gehman Jr., U.S. Navy, as
Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic. Gehman was nominated on the
recommendation of the President of the United States. In addition to
the NATO position, Gehman will be assigned as Commander in Chief,
United States Atlantic Command, pending U.S. Senate confirmation.

The nomination of Gehman follows the agreement, with great regret, of
the DPC to release Gen. John J. Sheehan from his assignment as Supreme
Allied Commander, Atlantic. The decision came in response to a letter
from the President of the United States to the Secretary General of
NATO. The DPC expressed to Sheehan the lasting gratitude of their
governments for his distinguished service.

The appointment of Adm. Gehman and release of Gen. Sheehan is
scheduled to take effect in September 1997.

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