The Change of Command ceremony was set under the backdrop of tradition and honor. 2NSB prepared to bid farewell to its current Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin A. Schneller, who led 2NSB with distinction passed the baton after two years of exemplary service. Under his leadership, 2NSB saw significant advancements in security protocols and community engagement.
The ceremony was opened by the NCISG Commander, Major General Brötz:
Today, we not only celebrate the achievements of the outgoing commander, but also embrace the future with 2NSB’s new leadership.
The Change of Command ceremony, Naples, Italy, June 12, 2024, Major General Jürgen Brötz, NATO CIS Group (NCISG) Commander.
The Commander continued:
Ben, your tenure has been marked by exceptional dedication, operational foresight and unwavering commitment to our mission. Under your outstanding leadership, 2NSB continuously certified 13 NATO Deployable CIS assets to provide assured command and control capabilities in support of NATO operations and exercises.
The Change of Command ceremony, Naples, Italy, June 12, 2024, from left: Major General Jürgen Brötz, NATO CIS Group (NCISG) Commander; Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin A. Schneller, outgoing 2NSB Commander.
The Commander underlined:
Ben, you can be proud of what you have accomplished. Your constant focus on the operational, training and logistical aspects, as well as the procedures put in place during the last two years, supported higher headquarters’ intent and tasks at all times.
Commander Schneller goes on to serve as a U.S. Army War College Fellow at Syracuse University Institute for Security, Policy and Law in New York.
Lieutenant Colonel Schneller addressed in his speech 2NSB:
2NSB is a great unit. It is a great because it has good people employing good systems to accomplish the mission. We did 9 rotations to NATO Mission Iraq and we supported multiple enhanced vigilance air missions as well as the Earthquake relief assessments in Turkiye. Moreover, we supported more than eight NATO headquarters during 15 NATO exercises across Europe and conducted a further 15 internal deployment readiness exercises. That kind of support is not possible without highly motivated service members. Thank you for your patience, perseverance and commitment.
As Commander Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin A. Schneller handed over the reins, he reflected on his tenure with pride and expressed confidence in Commander Lieutenant Colonel Sarah M. Whitten’s ability to lead the base to new heights.
The Change of Command ceremony, Naples, Italy, June 12, 2024, from left: Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin A. Schneller, outgoing 2NSB Commander; Major General Jürgen Brötz, NATO CIS Group (NCISG) Commander; Lieutenant Colonel Sarah M. Whitten, incoming 2NSB Commander.
After the outgoing 2NSB Commanders’ speech, Major General Brötz turned his attention to the incoming Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Sarah M. Whitten. He underlined the fact that Lieutenant Colonel Whitten brings a wealth of experience from her previous assignments across various leadership positions including Signal Platoon Leader with the 385th Signal Company and Company Commander for the 4th Special Troop Battalion, 4/82 Airborne Brigade Combat Team Signal Company. Lieutenant Colonel Whitten is known for her strategic acumen and commitment to fostering teamwork and resilience among her personnel.
The Change of Command ceremony, Naples, Italy, June 12, 2024, Lieutenant Colonel Sarah M. Whitten, incoming 2NSB Commander.
Major General Brötz closed introduction with:
We welcome Lieutenant Colonel Whitten, the new incoming commander of the 2NSB. Sarah, let me extend my warmest greetings from the NATO CIS Group. I am confident you will perform the highest standards as your predecessor.
The Change of Command ceremony was a blend of solemnity and celebration, highlighting the continuity and tradition of leadership through passing the colors, which signifies the transfer of command and responsibility from one commander to another.
The Change of Command ceremony, Naples, Italy, June 12, 2024, from left: Major General Jürgen Brötz, NATO CIS Group (NCISG) Commander; Lieutenant Colonel Sarah M. Whitten, incoming 2NSB Commander; Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin A. Schneller, outgoing 2NSB Commander.
The 2NSB community welcomed Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Whitten with open arms, eager to embark on this new journey under her leadership.
The Change of Command ceremony, Naples, Italy, June 12, 2024, participants.
At the end of the ceremony, Major General Brötz said:
Today’s ceremony is more than a formal transition of command. It is a reaffirmation of our shared purpose and our unwavering resolve to protect our nations and uphold the values we cherish.
He also referred to NATO’s 75th Anniversary:
Today, NATO provides peace and security for one billion people on both sides of the Atlantic. 32 Allies are united and resolutely defend our values such as integrity, loyalty and professionalism in terms of core tasks such as deterrence and defense, crisis prevention and management as well as cooperative security. Together we are stronger. Together we are NATO.
The ceremony concluded with renewed energy and commitment symbolizing the steadfast dedication of the 2NSB to its mission.
The Change of Command ceremony, Naples, Italy, June 12, 2024, from left: Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin A. Schneller, outgoing 2NSB Commander; Major General Jürgen Brötz, NATO CIS Group (NCISG) Commander; Lieutenant Colonel Sarah M. Whitten, incoming 2NSB Commander.