On 24 September 2026, General Dimitrios Choupis, Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, received Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Allied Joint Force Command Naples and US Naval Forces Europe/Africa, during the admiral’s first official visit to Greece since taking up his duties.

Before travelling to the Papagou military headquarters for the meeting, Admiral Wikoff laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square, Athens.

The two commanders discussed matters of strategic importance, focusing on current regional and international defence and security challenges and cooperation within NATO. Admiral Wikoff then attended a briefing on Greek defence policy and the activities of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff.

During the visit, Admiral Wikoff and General Choupis also met Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias.

The meetings brought together the leadership of Greece’s armed forces and a NATO commander whose responsibilities place him at the centre of Allied planning and operations affecting the Alliance’s southern flank. They also provided an opportunity to review cooperation as NATO members respond to a changing security environment.

Allied Joint Force Command Naples is one of NATO’s operational joint commands. It plays a role in the Alliance’s deterrence and defence posture, with particular attention to its southern flank. The command also plans and coordinates joint exercises and other activities intended to improve interoperability and operational readiness among Allied forces.

Interoperability is especially important for multinational operations, in which forces from different countries must be able to plan, communicate and operate together. Joint exercises give Allied personnel opportunities to practise those arrangements and identify areas that require further coordination.

Admiral Wikoff’s visit included both the military discussions at the Papagou headquarters and a meeting with Greece’s defence minister. The programme reflected the political and operational dimensions of cooperation between Greece and NATO’s Naples command.

The Hellenic National Defence General Staff did not announce any new agreement or specific operational decision following the meetings. Its account of the visit focused on the discussions, the briefing provided to Admiral Wikoff and the continuing importance of cooperation within the Alliance.