Cluj-raised American officer becomes US defense attaché in Moldova
The United States Embassy in the Republic of Moldova has announced the appointment of a new Defense Attaché, Marcel Bolboacă-Negru, on their official Facebook page in Chisinau.
The new attaché describes his arrival in Chisinau as feeling like “a homecoming.” He grew up in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and finds the region's language, culture, and social interactions familiar.
Marcel Bolboacă-Negru brings over 25 years of experience from the US Army, having participated in missions in Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, as well as deployments to other regions worldwide. Before his appointment in Chisinau, he served as a military advisor at the State Department in Washington.
“I am delighted to return to this region and contribute to strengthening the friendship and partnership between the Republic of Moldova and the United States. I look forward to meeting many of you, learning from you, and working together for a safer and stronger future,” emphasized Marcel Bolboacă-Negru.
His appointment was officially confirmed on June 16, when he was introduced to the Minister of Defense, Anatolie Nosatîi. The Minister wished him success in his role and thanked his predecessor, Colonel James Creason, for his contributions to strengthening bilateral cooperation and implementing assistance projects for defense institutions.
This change in attaché is part of a series of personnel rotations at the American mission in Chisinau. Currently, the position of US ambassador to the Republic of Moldova is vacant, with Chargé d’Affaires Nick Pietrowicz leading the mission on an interim basis.
On June 1, the administration of President Donald Trump nominated Joseph Burkhalter as ambassador. However, the nomination must be confirmed by the US Senate before he can take office. Additionally, the mission announced the appointment of a new spokeswoman, Amy Ngai.
