[4] Pentagon spokesman Johnny Michael remarked that "NATO is refocusing on the Atlantic in recognition of the great power competition prompted by a resurgent Russia.

Its counterpart 2nd Fleet was established because the United States Navy "needed a commander to direct sustained combat operations in the Atlantic".

[14] The command will be declared at Initial operating capability (IOC) on 17 September 2020 at 1430 Central European Time at its headquarters, Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads.

[needs update][16] A ceremony is set for 15 July 2021 aboard the USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) to declare JFC Norfolk's full operational capability.

[18] On 15 July 2021 Vice Admiral Lewis announced that NATO Joint Forces Command Norfolk (JFC-NF) is at Full Operational Capability (FOC).