Navy Admiral James Stavridis taking over at US European Command, NATO

September 30th, 2009 MOSCOW - Russia's MiG aircraft maker said it has successfully tested four MiG-29 jets due to be delivered to India. "During the tests Sep 28-29, the MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB fighters conducted several take offs and landings on the deck of the (Admiral Kuznetsov) aircraft carrier in the Barents Sea," the company said Tuesday.

September 18th, 2009 MUMBAI - The Indian Navy Friday launched the country's second indigenously built stealth warship INS Kochi. The 6,800-tonne destroyer, built by the Mazagaon Docks Ltd (MDL), was ceremoniously launched by Madhulika Verma, wife of Naval chief Admiral Nirmal Verma.

August 31st, 2009 NEW DELHI - Admiral Nirmal Verma, who took over as the new chief of the Indian Navy Monday, said that the delays in various projects like refurbishment of Russian-built Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier and the production of French Scorpene submarines in Indian dockyards will be taken care of. Verma took over from Admiral Sureesh Mehta at a ceremony here.

August 20th, 2009 MUMBAI - The Western Naval Command bid farewell to Admiral Sureesh Mehta, chief of the naval staff and chairman of the chiefs of staff committee, at a function here Thursday morning. A ceremonial parade was held at the Indian Navy helicopter base INS Shikra here in honour of Admiral Mehta, who retires Aug 31.

August 12th, 2009 AP Interview: NATO commander sees Afghan victoryMONS, Belgium — NATO may face tough losses as Taliban guerrillas gain ground in the escalating war in Afghanistan, but ultimately the alliance will win, NATO's supreme commander said Wednesday in his first interview since taking charge. U.S. Navy Adm. James Stavridis, 54, said he did not know if reinforcements will be required from European allies.

August 4th, 2009 New NATO chief chairs meeting on AfghanistanBRUSSELS — NATO's new civilian and military leaders are briefing members of the alliance's decision-making North Atlantic Council on recent command changes in Afghanistan and other matters affecting the war. NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and supreme allied commander U.S.

August 4th, 2009 NATO OKs new operational command for AfghanistanBRUSSELS — NATO's governing body approved a plan on Tuesday to reorganize the alliance's command structure in Afghanistan by setting up a new headquarters to handle the day-to-day running of the war. NATO spokesman James Appathurai said the new Intermediate Joint Headquarters in Kabul will be commanded by U.S.

August 4th, 2009 New NATO chief chairs 1st meeting on AfghanistanBRUSSELS — NATO's new civilian and military leaders briefed top members Tuesday on command changes in Afghanistan and other matters affecting the escalating war, a spokesman said. Both NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and supreme allied commander U.S.

July 29th, 2009 French general takes over NATO command in VirginiaBRUSSELS — In an unprecedented move, a French general will take over a key NATO command in Norfolk, Virginia, charged with transforming the Europe-centered Cold War alliance to tackle today's global challenges, NATO said Wednesday. Gen. Stephane Abrial of the French Air Force will take over from U.S.

July 2nd, 2009 Stavridis takes helm at NATO commandMONS, Belgium — NATO's new commander said Thursday that the situation in Afghanistan remains "very challenging," but that the Taliban and other insurgents can be defeated. At his swearing-in ceremony at NATO's military headquarters in southern Belgium, U.S.

June 30th, 2009 Stavridis: Afghan security more than gunsSTUTTGART, Germany — The new commander of all U.S. forces in Europe on Tuesday said quelling the Afghan insurgency would take more than bullets, calling for efforts to rebuild roads, schools and farms to win local support against the Taliban.

June 11th, 2009 Senate confirms commanders for Afghanistan, NATOWASHINGTON — The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the nominations of Army Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal to be the next commander of U.S.

June 10th, 2009 Panel OKs new commanders for Afghanistan and NATOWASHINGTON — A Senate panel on Tuesday approved the nominations of Army Lt. Gen. Stanley McChrystal to be the next commander of U.S.

June 6th, 2009 NEW DELHI - Vice Admiral Nirmal Kumar Verma, the chief of the Eastern Naval Command, will be the next Indian Navy chief, it was announced here Saturday. He will take over from incumbent Admiral Sureesh Mehta, who retires August 31.

May 12th, 2009 US admiral appointed new NATO commanderBRUSSELS — A U.S. Navy officer who advocates a combination of military and diplomatic power to secure strategic goals has been formally appointed as NATO's top military commander, the alliance said Tuesday.