MARCOM

Search our content

Home  /  Media Centre  /  News  /  2023  /  Change of Command at NATO Submarine Command

May 26 2023

Change of Command at NATO Submarine Command

NORTHWOOD, United Kingdom – Command of Submarines NATO (COMSUBNATO) was formally transferred from Rear Admiral Stephen Mack to Rear Admiral Thomas Wall, both of the US Navy, in a ceremony held at Allied Maritime Command Headquarters in North London on 26 May 23. 

Commander Submarines NATO is the operational commander for Allied submarines assigned to NATO. In addition to daily operational commitments, COMSUBNATO plans and conducts submarine-focused exercises including Dynamic Mongoose and Dynamic Manta to increase interoperability among Allied forces and hone joint warfighting skills to increase NATO's speed and ability to respond to Alliance needs.

I very much appreciate the support and friendship of the Submarine Force leadership across the Alliance. We could not be more aligned in purpose and commitment at this point in time. Submarines will always have an asymmetric value to Commanders and our NATO submarine forces are ready to deliver
_nato4

Departing Commander, Rear Admiral Mack assumed command in July 2021.

During the Change of Command ceremony, he was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal in recognition of his leadership and commitment to the success of his command and to the Sailors, Soldiers, Marines and Airmen under his charge.

“It’s been a privilege to serve with this team and command Submarines NATO during this dynamic time for the Alliance,” said Rear Admiral Mack. “I very much appreciate the support and friendship of the Submarine Force leadership across the Alliance. We could not be more aligned in purpose and commitment at this point in time. Submarines will always have an asymmetric value to Commanders and our NATO submarine forces are ready to deliver. We have employed Allied submarines in highly effective roles, exploiting their inherent characteristic of stealth to maximum effect. Similarly, Anti-Submarine Warfare requires a coherent effort across the Maritime Air, Surface, and Submarine warfare areas, and I am proud of the progress our team has made. The exercises we have conducted are highly regarded maritime training events, garnering strong support and participation from the Allied naval forces.”

Exercises Dynamic Mongoose and Dynamic Manta are among the most effective multi-platform maritime exercises conducted by NATO and they grew in stature and reputation under Rear Admiral Mack's leadership.

Incoming Commander Submarines, Rear Admiral Thomas Wall, arrives from his role as Deputy/Reserve Deputy Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic.

As the senior officer within the Submarine Force's Reserve component, Wall said he is proud to represent Reserve members across the globe.

COMSUBNATO operates within Allied Maritime Command based in Northwood, United Kingdom and serves alongside peer commands NATO Maritime Air and NATO Surface Forces to form the operational backbone of NATO Maritime activities.

Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM

Search our content:

Address

HQ Allied Maritime Command
MARCOM Records Centre
Information Management Branch
Northwood HQ, Atlantic Building
Sandy Lane, Northwood HA6 3HP
United Kingdom

Media Operations

Public Affairs Office
Atlantic Building, Northwood HQ
publicaffairs@mc.nato.int