OSLO, Norway –
On Sept. 13, 2025, Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR/NAVAF) received the Norwegian Defence Service Medal with Laurel Branch from Norway’s Chief of Defence, Gen. Eirik Kristoffersen, during a reception aboard the world’s largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) in Oslo, Norway.
The Norwegian Defence Service Medal with Laurel Branch honors outstanding and noteworthy service to the Norwegian Armed Forces and was awarded to Munsch for his exceptional leadership in strengthening interoperability, fostering cohesion across the Alliance, and advancing operational effectiveness in the underwater domain.
“Receiving the Norwegian Defence Service Medal with Laurel Branch is a profound honor and a powerful reminder of the deep bond of trust between the United States Navy and the Royal Norwegian Defence Forces,” said Munsch. “I’m deeply grateful to Norway for this recognition on behalf of the people of NAVEUR/NAVAF and proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in defense of the High North.”
Since 2023, U.S. naval forces in the NAVEUR area of operations have increasingly enhanced cold-weather readiness and interoperability through sustained operations and joint exercises, including three carrier strike group deployments to the High North, each commencing with a port call in Oslo.
The Arctic is central to U.S. homeland defense and Allied security. The recent combined operations of the Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group and Norwegian partners in these waters represent an investment in the strengthening of our collective defense capabilities for our future.
“The High North is where our shared values of peace, security and stability are strengthened,” said Munsch. “Continuing to sail together creates conditions that minimize the likelihood of conflict and promote prosperity for our nations.”
The presence of Carrier Strike Group 12 across the High North – with Gerald R. Ford in Oslo, Norway, USS Mahan (DDG 72) in Bergen, Norway, USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) in Helsinki, Finland, and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) in Portsmouth, England – underscores enduring commitment to Arctic security, freedom of navigation, and Allied interoperability.
For over 80 years, NAVEUR/NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR/NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the EUCOM and AFRICOM areas of responsibility.