The Chair of the NATO Military Committee attends the NATO Defense College’s Anniversary, Change of Command, and Graduation Ceremony

From 15 to 17 July 2026, the Chair of the NATO Military Committee (CMC), Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone visited the NATO Defense College (NDC) in Rome on the occasion of the College's 75th Anniversary, Change of Command, and Graduation Ceremony.

Founded in 1951, the NDC celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, alongside 60 years since its relocation from Paris to Rome in 1966. Marking the occasion, the CMC highlighted the College's mission and accomplishments over the decades: "Leadership. Judgement. Purpose. That is exactly what this College has been producing for seventy-five years." Reflecting on the institution's history and evolution, Admiral Cavo Dragone recalled that the NDC's enduring purpose of shaping leaders ready for the challenges of tomorrow is fully aligned with the outcomes of the recent Summit in Ankara: adaptation and delivery. "The NDC is not simply a place of learning; it is where NATO builds its intellectual readiness," said CMC.

The visit to the NDC also marked two additional key events, starting with the College's Change of Command. Admiral Cavo Dragone commended the achievements of the outgoing Commandant, Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen, and welcomed the incoming Commandant, Lieutenant General Jérôme Goisque. "The flag will pass, the mission will continue, and the NATO Defense College will remain essential to the future of this Alliance," concluded CMC.

While at the NDC, Admiral Cavo Dragone also attended the Graduation Ceremony of the Senior Course 148, praising the Course members' journey: "As students of this College, and as Allies and partners of NATO, you arrived here as national officers and officials. You leave as something more - strategic leaders with thirty-four nations in your address book and one Alliance in your instincts."

Across all three events, Admiral Cavo Dragone underscored the College's continued importance to the Alliance as a centre of education, forward-looking strategic thinking and Allied unity.