Mission of NATO-headquarters in Sarajevo will continue being oriented towards progress, secure and stable future of BiH, new Commander of this headquarters stated yesterday, US Brigadier General Gary E. Huffman who is coming to that duty from assembly of Mainland Army of the US.

General Huffman took over the duty from the current Commander of NATO-headquarters in Sarajevo Brigadier General David B. Enyeart at ceremony in Butmir camp.

Formal handover of duties was done in presence of Chief of Operations Administration of NATO’s federal command of joint forces in Naples General Major William H. Wade and high civil and military officials from BiH and numerous international officials.

Addressing the participants of the ceremony General Huffman emphasized he is convinced that BiH has significant potential and generous people – people who strive for secure and stable future, and who deserve such future.

"In that sense, with support of NATO’s Headquarters Sarajevo and all people from BiH and international community we cooperate with, I will make sure we continue contributing to building of such future”, General Huffman said.

General Wade also pointed to NATO’s determination to contribute to more secure and prosperous future of BiH, who chaired the takeover ceremony.

"NATO stays committed to BiH on its path towards membership in NATO”, General Wade said, reminding that presence of NATO’s Headquarters in Sarajevo proves that.

At the same time, he commended contribution of the current Commander of NATO-Headquarters Sarajevo General Enyeart to progress of BiH towards full membership in NATO, and welcomed the new Commander of the headquarters General Huffman expecting he will continue acting the same in that area.

In his farewell speech General Enyeart welcomed progress BiH has made in reform of defense and security sector, and noted that our country can be proud of the contribution to international peace and security through participation in Mission in Afghanistan (ISAF) led by NATO.

He thanked everyone who contributed to the success of his mission – people from BiH and international community and commander and members of EUFOR.

Newly appointed Commander of NATO-headquarters Sarajevo Brigade General Gary Huffman comes from Army of the USA - National Guard of Mississippi.