REDZIKOWO, Poland –
Cmdr. Joseph M. Mancini relieved Cmdr. Andre D. Cleveland as commanding officer of U.S. Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System Poland during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Support Facility Redzikowo, Poland, July 2, 2026.
At the ceremony, Cleveland was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal, honoring his retirement after 27 years of naval service.
During his tour as commanding officer, Cleveland led USAAMDS through a demanding operational period, including the command's first assessment by the Board of Inspection and Survey, while ensuring continuous ballistic missile defense coverage for NATO allies and U.S. forces in Europe.
Under Cleveland’s leadership, USAAMDS operated against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, providing steady defensive presence on NATO’s eastern flank. Mancini assumes command as USAAMDS continues its around-the-clock mission of detecting, tracking and defending against ballistic missile threats in the region.
The ceremony was held days before the 250th anniversary of the United States and concurrently with NSF Redzikowo’s involvement in the local Independence Day celebration. Together, these events underscored 250 years of American service and the enduring commitment of U.S. forces and allies to collective defense in Europe.
USAAMDS is a key component of the European Phased Adaptive Approach, which protects NATO allies and U.S. deployed forces against ballistic missile threats originating outside the Euro-Atlantic area.
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, strengthening a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility. U.S. 6th Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.