AFRICOM’s First Commander Steps Down

The recently established US Africa Command out of Stuttgart, Germany will is losing it’s first commander.  The creation of the new command significantly increases the United States’ reach into a continent often forgoten.  The command oversees all forces from all branches that operate in the continent.

Army Gen. William E. “Kip” Ward is ending his military career as the commander of the post.  He was commissioned and infantry officer as a 22 year old following his father’s career in WWII.  Ward will be replaced by Gen Carter Ham.

AFRICOM oversees a joint exercise by troops from Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Sudan

Source: US Department of Defense