From left to right, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, outgoing commander of U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, incoming commander, render honors during the singing of the national anthem at the beginning of the change-of-command ceremony at Sindelfingen Stadthalle City Hall in Sindelfingen, Germany, March 9, 2011. Africom is based in nearby Stuttgart, Germany. DOD photo by Cherie CullenUS Military's Africa Command Gets New Chief -- Voice of America
The founding commander of the U.S. military's Africa Command has retired after a nearly 40-year military career, saying the role of militaries in the current North African unrest is evidence of the value of building the kind of relationships the command was established to promote.
It was an emotional ceremony for General William Ward as he completed more than three years at Africom. He told several-hundred people at the change-of-command ceremony that his operation has expanded military cooperation with many African countries, including new joint military exercises.
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More News On Africom Getting A New Commander
General Ward sends final farewell to AFRICOM team -- Africom.mil
Ham takes over command at AFRICOM -- Stars And Stripes
Ham assumes command of AFRICOM -- US Army Africa
Africom Bids Farewell to Ward, Welcomes Ham -- US Department of Defense