For the first time since assuming command as Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), French Air Force General Stephane Abrial went on an official trip to France May 25-27.

During his visit, Abrial met Hervé Morin, French Minister of Defence; French Navy Admiral Edouard Guillaud, Chief of Defence Staff; and some senior officials in the minister of foreign affairs.  He also had engagements with the National Assembly and Senate, gave keynote addresses at the French Joint Staff College and the Institut Francais de Relations Internationales (IFRI).

Abrial discussed his function and role as SACT and insisted on the benefits of France’s return to the NATO military structure. “The objective is not for France to enforce her views, but to hold the right end of the pen along with the other 27 Nations.”

He also stressed the symbolism of a strengthened transatlantic link represented by having a European commanding Allied Command Transformation (ACT), the only NATO headquarters outside of Europe, and an American in charge of Allied Command Operations (ACO) in Belgium. And he added “this position goes far beyond the symbol. I am involved in all major reforms of NATO."