Stavridis is first Admiral to command the traditionally Army/Air Force COCOM (note: Marines were first to break that traditional) and second admiral to be chosen to lead back-to-back Combatant Commands
090630-F-1256H-001 STUTTGART, Germany (June 30, 2009) Navy Adm. James Stavridis, U.S. European Command commander, takes the USEUCOM guide-on from the Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, during a ceremony on Patch Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany. Stavridis, who replaced Army Gen. John Craddock, will also assume responsibilities as supreme allied commander, Europe. (U.S. Navy Photo/Released)

090630-F-1256H-001 STUTTGART, Germany (June 30, 2009) Navy Adm. James Stavridis, U.S. European Command commander, takes the USEUCOM guide-on from the Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, during a ceremony on Patch Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany. Stavridis, who replaced Army Gen. John Craddock, will also assume responsibilities as supreme allied commander, Europe. (U.S. Navy Photo/Released)