Definition

Proper noun The Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT) was the commanding officer of the Allied Command Atlantic (ACLANT) within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). This position was held by a United States Navy admiral or a United States Army general, nominated by the President of the United States and approved by the North Atlantic Council.

Usage Notes

• This term is a historical military and diplomatic title. It refers to a specific, singular command position within the former NATO military structure.
• It is always capitalized as it is a proper noun and an official title.
• The SACLANT position and the Allied Command Atlantic (ACLANT) were disbanded in 2003 as part of a NATO restructuring, and their functions were merged into the Allied Command Operations (ACO).

Examples

• The SACLANT was responsible for the defense of the North Atlantic sea lanes.
• Admiral Smith served as SACLANT from 1998 to 2001.
• The headquarters of SACLANT was located in Norfolk, Virginia, USA.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe things related to the command or its commander.
  • Example: The SACLANT headquarters issued a new directive.

Variants and Related Words

• SACEUR: Supreme Allied Commander Europe. The counterpart command position for NATO's European theater.
• ACLANT: Allied Command Atlantic. The NATO command led by SACLANT.
• Supreme Allied Commander: The general title for the highest-ranking military officers in NATO's strategic commands.

Synonyms

• Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic
• (The) Commander of ACLANT

Notes on Different Meanings

This word has only one specific meaning as a historical NATO title. It is not a common English word and has no other definitions, idioms, or phrasal verbs.

Noun

1. commanding officer of ACLANT; a general of the United States Army nominated by the President of the United States and approved by the North Atlantic Council