Gen. James N. Mattis, USMC, will step down as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Transformation during a change-of-command ceremony on September 9. Taking over the reins is Gen. Stephane Abrial of the French air force. The ceremony will take place on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower , Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.

Gen. Abrial is the former chief of staff of the French air force. This is the first time in the organization’s 60-year history that a non-U.S. officer has been permanently assigned as one of NATO’s two Supreme Allied Commanders. Gen. Mattis will remain as the commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command.