Vice Adm. Doug Perry transferred command of two major military organizations Thursday aboard USS Nimitz at Naval Station Norfolk, closing a Navy career that spanned 37 years. The ceremony marked new leadership for Joint Force Command Norfolk and U.S. 2nd Fleet.

Perry handed Joint Force Command Norfolk to British army Gen. Nick Perry, who became the organization’s first British commander. He also relinquished U.S. 2nd Fleet, which oversees naval forces operating across the Atlantic and Arctic.

Rear Adm. Martin J. Muckian, the fleet’s director of maritime operations, will serve as acting commander of U.S. 2nd Fleet until a new commander is confirmed. Doug Perry had led both commands since January 2024.

Nick Perry previously served as the United Kingdom’s Chief of Joint Operations, a position he held beginning in November 2024. He pledged to build upon the work completed under the departing admiral’s leadership.

“I am honored to assume command of this remarkable team. Together, we will build on the foundations laid by Admiral Doug,” Nick Perry said.

Family members, friends, sailors and allied personnel filled the aircraft carrier’s hangar bay for the ceremony. Doug Perry used the occasion to thank those who supported him throughout nearly four decades in uniform.

“I look around and one word comes to mind. And it’s gratitude,” Perry said.

Perry credited others with placing their confidence in him and giving him opportunities during his service. “You trusted me, you challenged me, gave me opportunities and believed in me often before I believed in myself.”

His service in the two Norfolk commands was recognized with the NATO Meritorious Service Medal for distinguished performance in his NATO duties. He also received the Distinguished Service Medal for meritorious contributions.

Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, NATO supreme allied commander and head of U.S. European Command, praised Perry’s record of service to the Navy, the United States and the alliance. His remarks focused on the admiral’s honor, commitment and leadership.

Image Credit: DoW

“Doug, thank you for your service to our Navy, to our nation, and to the alliance. You stood the watch with honor, courage, and commitment,” Grynkewich said.

“We wish you fair winds and following seas,” Grynkewich added.

The ceremony also honored Perry’s family for its support throughout his career. His wife received the Superior Public Service Award, while she and the couple’s three daughters received certificates of appreciation.

One of Perry’s daughters, a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps, relieved her father of the watch at the conclusion of the ceremony. The moment formally signaled his departure from active service and brought a personal close to the event.

Senior naval leaders praised Perry’s dedication to the Navy, his commitment to the alliance and his influence on sailors and military families. Adm. Karl Thomas, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, described a leader who remained personally connected to those serving under him.

“Sailors lit up when they saw him. And Doug knew them,” Thomas said.

Thomas said Perry knew the names, hometowns, families and stories of his sailors. “Doug never allowed rank to create distance between himself and his sailors.”

Joint Force Command Norfolk is NATO’s only operational command based in the United States. It is responsible for protecting strategic sea lines of communication across the Atlantic.

The leadership transfer followed a February decision to place European officers in command of all three NATO four star commands that lead at the operational level during crises and conflicts. Nick Perry now assumes responsibility for the Norfolk based command under that leadership arrangement.

Nick Perry said his objective is to “maintain the higher standards of operational excellence, and ensure Joint Forces Command Norfolk remains focused on its fundamental purpose: defending the Alliance and preserving peace through strength.”

During Doug Perry’s tenure, U.S. 2nd Fleet participated in Navy commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States this year. Those activities included Fleet Exercise 250, Sail250 and the International Naval Review.

Doug Perry graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1989 and served aboard ships and submarines during his career. According to his Navy biography, his deployments covered the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Arctic, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean.

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