10:03 GMT, November 18, 2009 NAPLES, Italy | The commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) signed his 2010 Commander's Guidance and Maritime Supporting Plans Nov. 17 on Naval Support Activity, Capodichino.

In his guidance and maritime supporting plans, set to be released in more detail over the coming weeks, Adm. Mark Fitzgerald established his guiding principles and goals for NAVEUR-NAVAF personnel as they support operations in the upcoming year.

"Improving on efforts from years past by U.S. Naval forces in Europe-Africa will be the focus throughout 2010 in everything from day-to-day practices to preparations for future challenges," said Fitzgerald.

In the guidance, Fitzgerald outlined the continuing mission of NAVEUR-NAVAF to conduct the full range of maritime operations and theater security cooperation in concert with coalition, joint, inter-agency and other partners in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.

The guidance also provides three strategic imperatives for the coming year; to support U.S. European Command's Strategy for Active Security, U.S. Africa Command's Theater Strategy; the nation's Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Sea Power, and CNO's Guidance. As well as enhance maritime security through support of NATO and theater maritime partnerships and advance U.S. interests while enhancing transatlantic security.

In addition to the guidance, Fitzgerald also signed his Maritime Supporting Plans for Europe and Africa. The plans are intended to improve maritime crisis response operations and enhance maritime safety and security throughout the Europe and Africa areas of responsibility, through combined operations, training and capacity building initiatives with America's allies and partners.

The official NAVEUR-NAVAF maritime supporting plans have been condensed into five lines of operations, including:

• Joint and single component maritime operations
• Contingency Planning and Crisis Response Preparations
• International Military Partnering
• U.S. Navy and Joint Operational Excellence
• Organizational Excellence

"Our vision is to achieve excellence in everything we do," said Fitzgerald. "It is paramount that we continue building partnerships and advancing partner nations' self-sufficiency, communicating effectively, and managing operational risk while maintaining the highest of standards. The only way we can do that is to add to the already creative, diverse, professional and motivated team of professionals we have here."