CASTEAU, Belgium — U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James L. Jones took over today as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, as the military alliance considers what role it might play in a new Iraq war.
Jones replaces U.S. Air Force Gen. Joseph W. Ralston, who held the post for more than two years.
"These are exciting times and difficult times for NATO," Jones said. He said the alliance must meet "the demands of a new, more complex, yet equally dangerous security environment."
On Wednesday, the United States formally requested limited help from NATO if war breaks out. It may be asked to protect alliance member Turkey, which borders Iraq and may be used as a launch pad for U.S.-led strikes against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Officials said NATO may also be asked to contribute surveillance planes, guard bases in Europe and send peacekeepers to Iraq if Saddam is ousted.
"We'll have see what the future holds," he told a news conference. "Whatever NATO and whatever U.S. forces are tasked to do, they will be able to do it successfully."
Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz attended the change of command ceremony and met with Sheik Mohammed bin Zayad, chief of defense of the United Arab Emirates, on the sidelines. Wolfowitz did not speak to reporters.
Jones was previously commandant of the Marine Corps. He also replaces Ralston as commander of American forces in Europe.
Jones grew up in France and speaks French fluently. He is a decorated Vietnam veteran, graduated from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and was former Defense Secretary William Cohen's senior military aide in the Clinton administration.
"In many ways, Gen. Jones is a living symbol of what NATO is about," NATO Secretary-General Lord Robertson said. "A bridge across the Atlantic."