DEVESELU, Romania — Today marked a significant milestone as Capt. Bruce Golden assumed command of Naval Support Facility (NSF) Deveselu succeeding Capt. Elizabeth Clifton as commanding officer. The transition, manifested in tradition and conducted alongside esteemed Romanian military counterparts, symbolized the enduring alliance between the United States and Romania in safeguarding the collective security of Europe. Rear Adm. Brad Collins, commander Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central, presided over the ceremony, emphasizing the significance of the mission and its leadership.
“The importance of the mission here at NSF Deveselu cannot be overstated. This base serves as the second pillar of our European Phased Adaptive Approach, demonstrating the United States’ contribution towards NATO's commitment to protect Europe from ballistic missile threats,” said Rear Adm. Collins. “This is the power of the greatest alliance in history, a history that has stood the test of time for 75 years. NATO’s unwavering belief that each nation contributes to the protection of the whole, has allowed our partnership with Romania to grow, thus increasing our readiness and resilience to counter, defend, and win against any threat we face.”
Since assuming her role as the most senior U.S. official in Deveselu in April 2022, Capt. Clifton spearheaded bilateral military efforts, overseeing joint-force security exercises that ensured seamless operations. Under her leadership, more than 250 military personnel, U.S. civilians, and host nation contractors worked tirelessly to maintain consistent base services, ensuring operational continuity and providing unwavering support to the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System.
The Aegis Ashore site in Deveselu, Romania, in conjunction NSF Redzikowo, Poland and the U.S. Navy destroyers forward deployed in Naval Station, Rota, Spain, expands a defensive capability that protects NATO European territories, populations and forces against ballistic missiles launched from outside the Euro-Atlantic region.
"Freedom and democracy are being challenged across the globe. We stand ready. Should the call come to protect the Alliance, we are ready,” said Clifton. “We are here today with so many who do the same – whether through diplomatic channels, military policy, or strategic warfighting. Although personnel turnover, the mission is enduring. We have the watch!”
Capt. Golden shared his vision with the base and Aegis teams, and partners from the Romanian 99th, ending on a motivational note: “In any endeavor, the primary driver is relationships – we need to build, maintain and strengthen them. This team will continue to be successful with this mindset.”
Navy Region EURAFCENT provides mission-critical logistics and support to the warfighter, their families, and the fleet across seven countries, enabling U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed to maintain security, stability, and freedom of navigation in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.