About this Unit
Allied Forces Southern Europe (AFSOUTH) was established in 1951 as a major NATO headquarters based in Naples, Italy. Its primary mission was to oversee and coordinate the defense of Southern Europe, including Italy, Greece, and Turkey, during the Cold War. AFSOUTH played a crucial role in planning joint exercises, fostering multinational cooperation, and deterring potential aggression in the Mediterranean region. The command was reorganized and renamed Allied Joint Force Command Naples in 2004, continuing its legacy of promoting security and stability in Southern Europe and beyond.
Historical Facts
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Establishment: Allied Forces Southern Europe (AFSOUTH) was activated on 19 June 1951 in Naples, Italy, as a principal NATO headquarters tasked with defending Southern Europe during the Cold War.
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First Commander: The first Supreme Allied Commander Southern Europe was U.S. Navy Admiral Robert B. Carney, setting a tradition of American leadership at AFSOUTH.
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Geographic Scope: AFSOUTH was responsible for NATO operations covering Italy, Greece, Turkey, and the Mediterranean Sea, making it one of the largest operational areas in NATO.
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Cold War Frontline: During the Cold War, AFSOUTH played a key defense role against potential Warsaw Pact incursions through the Balkans and Mediterranean, coordinating multinational land, air, and naval forces.
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Multinational Staff: AFSOUTH featured a truly multinational staff, including personnel from the United States, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and other NATO nations, fostering close cooperation and interoperability.
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Operation Allied Force: AFSOUTH directed NATO’s 1999 air campaign—Operation Allied Force—against Yugoslavia, marking the first major combat operation directed by NATO.
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Historic Headquarters: The AFSOUTH headquarters was located in the Bagnoli district of Naples, in a facility that previously served as a German military hospital during World War II.
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Reorganization: In 2004, AFSOUTH was reorganized and renamed Allied Joint Force Command Naples, reflecting NATO's shift to a more flexible, deployable structure.
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Peacekeeping Missions: AFSOUTH was instrumental in managing NATO’s peacekeeping operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, and the Mediterranean following the end of the Cold War.
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Community Ties: Over decades, AFSOUTH personnel and their families became an integral part of Naples' international community, contributing to local charities, schools, and cultural exchanges.
