Supreme Commander Michael Claesson has appointed Johan Norlén as the new Chief of the Navy. Norlén will assume the position on 14 November 2024, succeeding Ewa Skoog Haslum, who will now become the head of the Swedish Armed Forces' Operations Command. In conjunction with his new assignment, Norlén will be promoted to Rear Admiral.

– My warmest congratulations to Johan and equally warm wishes for success in your new important position!, writes Claesson in a message on X (formerly Twitter).

Norlen has had an extensive career in the navy since he became an officer in 1994. He has served in various roles on ships and in staffs, including as the commanding officer of a Visby-class corvette and as the commander of the 31st Corvette Division in Karlskrona. His most recent position was as a military advisor at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

– It is with great pride but also humility that I take on the job as Chief of the Navy. Being entrusted to lead the navy and its fantastic personnel will be very inspiring and enjoyable, says Johan Norlén in an article from the Swedish Armed Forces.

According to a press invitation, a formal ceremony will be held this Thursday at Berga, Haninge garrison, where the outgoing Chief of the Navy, Ewa Skoog Haslum, will hand over command. Skoog Haslum has been appointed by the government as the new head of the Swedish Armed Forces' Operations Command and will assume her new position the following day.

– In the serious international situation prevailing, the focus is on making the navy's combat units even sharper and better to continue keeping Sweden safe. The continued integration of the navy into NATO is also a task high on my agenda, says Norlén in the Swedish Armed Forces' article.