Thanks, Common Milley. That was a extremely gracious introduction. With an introduction like that, I assume I simply ought to say because of all people and sit down so I don’t screw that up, proper?
[Laughter]
Nicely, good morning, everybody. It’s nice to be again right here in Stuttgart.
Ambassador Gutmann, Common Milley, Common and Mrs. Berger, Common Cavoli, ambassadors and chiefs of protection, distinguished visitors—thanks for being right here.
To the women and men of AFRICOM—thanks to your hospitality and your dedication.
And let me lengthen a hearty congratulations to Common Steve Townsend and Common Mike Langley.
Common Townsend, it’s nice to see you. Congratulations on a job extremely nicely completed. And Melissa, it’s at all times fantastic to see you.
Common Langley, I’m proud to be right here with you on this historic day.
, I’ve received loads to say about these large leaders. However first, I’d wish to take only a few minutes to speak in regards to the crucial work that AFRICOM is doing.
Now, AFRICOM is a younger command—solely 15 years previous. Nevertheless it’s a crucial one, and an excellent instance of how working shoulder-to-shoulder with our companions makes us all safer and extra affluent.
As President Biden has stated, “There’s a basic reality of the twenty first century… that our personal success is certain up with others succeeding as nicely.”
, that’s very true right here in AFRICOM and within the work they do in Africa.
The continent is on the entrance traces of a lot of this century’s most urgent threats—from mass migration to meals insecurity, from COVID-19 to the local weather disaster, from the drumbeat of autocracy to the hazards of terrorism.
These challenges threaten us all collectively. And so we should sort out all of them collectively.
And that’s simply what AFRICOM does.
Each day, AFRICOM works alongside our mates as full companions—to strengthen bonds, to sort out frequent threats, and to advance a shared imaginative and prescient of an Africa whose persons are protected, and affluent, and free to decide on their very own future.
Now, we’ve seen the facility of partnership in Somalia, the place AFRICOM helps our companions as they lead the struggle in opposition to al-Shabaab. And that cooperation is particularly essential as al-Shabaab’s assaults on civilians develop extra deadly, brazen, and merciless.
, earlier this 12 months, the US determined to reestablish a small, persistent army presence in Somalia to assist us extra successfully advise, help, and practice African forces as they fight the specter of al-Shabaab.
Violent extremism and instability are additionally on the rise within the Sahel. Al-Qaeda, ISIS, and different terrorist teams are exploiting weak governance and political turmoil. These teams have taken 1000’s of lives—and the havoc that they trigger threatens to spill throughout borders to undermine safety in Southern Europe and past. So AFRICOM works carefully with the State Division, USAID, and our NATO allies to assist our regional companions construct extra resilient establishments and to root out extremism.
This command can also be working shoulder-to-shoulder with our valued companions to fight COVID-19. AFRICOM has stood up area hospitals and delivered urgently wanted medical provides. And I’m proud that the US has delivered greater than 170 million lifesaving COVID vaccine doses to African nations.
AFRICOM can also be supporting numerous different efforts to make Africa safer, and to unlock the continent’s alternatives, and to deepen army interoperability, and to construct stronger democratic establishments that ship for his or her individuals.
Now, I do know this work isn’t straightforward.
Throughout Africa, those that assist democracy, and freedom, and the rule of legislation are battling the forces of autocracy, chaos, and corruption.
And we are able to really feel these headwinds in Tunisia, whose individuals impressed the world with their calls for for democracy. At this time, Tunisia’s dream of self-government is once more at risk. However the US stands dedicated to supporting our mates in Tunisia—and wherever in Africa—who’re attempting to forge open, accountable, and inclusive democracies.
And elsewhere in Africa, we’re seeing different threats to democracy. And a few leaders are cracking down on civil liberties, and giving in to corruption, or stifling the desire of the individuals.
And a few African militaries have pushed out civilian governments.
So let’s be clear: a army exists to serve its individuals—and never the opposite approach round.
And militaries should play their official position. Meaning defending human rights and defending the rule of legislation, not toppling civilian governments or wallowing in corruption.
And that’s particularly necessary now, when autocracy is on the march around the globe. And that features outsiders who’re working to tighten their grip on the continent.
The Individuals’s Republic of China is increasing its army and financial footprint—and in search of to construct bases in Africa and to undermine U.S. relations with African peoples, governments, and militaries.
In the meantime, Russia is peddling low-cost weapons and backing mercenary forces. And that’s yet one more reminder of Moscow’s willingness to sow chaos and threaten the rules-based worldwide order—and it goes far past Putin’s reckless invasion of Ukraine.
We’re dedicated to making sure that Africa enjoys the protections of the worldwide guidelines and norms that advance all of our security and prosperity. And that provides the nations of Africa a clear-eyed selection of companions.
That’s why President Biden will convene African heads of state in December for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington. It’s why my pal Secretary of State Blinken is in South Africa proper now to launch the brand new U.S. Technique Towards Sub-Saharan Africa. And it’s why I’m so grateful for AFRICOM’s work.
Now, after I have a look at this command’s achievements, it’s straightforward to see the mark of your excellent chief.
, I’ve lengthy had the privilege to name Steve Townsend a teammate. And Common, you could have led AFRICOM for the previous three years with imaginative and prescient, and dedication, and compassion.
And all through your extraordinary profession, you’ve at all times counted on Melissa, your spouse of almost 40 years. She has supported the household with fortitude and energy.
And after I say fortitude and energy, I imply that actually. You see, Melissa is an ultra-marathoner. And he or she routinely runs 30- and 50-mile races. And a few of us get drained simply desirous about driving that far.
[Laughter]
So Melissa, thanks to your sacrifice and your service—and to your work on behalf of army households at each publish that you simply’ve ever lived at.
Common Townsend, I do know that your sons Tyler and Evan are proudly following in your footsteps as Army Rangers and fight veterans. However I do know what makes you prouder than something—and it’s that they’re such good fathers.
Tyler and Evan, thanks each to your service to our nation.
At this time, as Common Townsend closes his brief, 40-year profession within the Army, I can lastly reveal just a little secret: See, when Steve was younger, he needed to be a fighter pilot. However as a result of he wore glasses, he received caught with the Army.
[Laughter]
I believe the Army is fairly grateful for that.
Now, Steve, I had the privilege of serving with you at Fort Drum. You had been my operations officer after I commanded the tenth Mountain Division.
And we deployed collectively to Afghanistan, and I realized that no problem on Earth is simply too daunting for Steve Townsend.
Steve Townsend is unflappable. So if you’re down with seconds on the clock, he’s the one that you really want holding the ball.
Steve, you had been the right selection to guide the Mixed Joint Process Pressure to liberate Iraq and Syria from ISIS—a mission that referred to as for army energy and deft diplomacy with our coalition companions.
And also you described that because the hardest struggle of your profession. However you waged it fantastically, and the world is safer since you did.
You went on to guide Coaching and Doctrine Command, taking over the large job of getting ready American troopers to struggle the wars of tomorrow.
Time and again, you could have taken on the duties that appear inconceivable.
And again and again, you could have made them look straightforward.
Common Townsend, you’ve traveled up, and down, and throughout this huge continent, investing in our shared safety by constructing lasting partnerships.
You’ve met key challenges with ingenuity and braveness—from a once-in-a-generation pandemic to the kidnapping of an American citizen, who was heroically rescued by U.S. particular forces.
And you’ve got marshaled the assets of our complete authorities, working successfully with the State Division, USAID, and others. You’ve at all times had that uncommon potential to interrupt down silos and to get everybody working towards frequent objectives.
And if you took on this command, you advised our allies and companions that they will rely on AFRICOM “to work side-by-side with you to advance our shared pursuits for safety, stability, and prosperity throughout Africa.”
And that’s precisely what you could have completed.
So Steve, thanks to your steadfast management. And I want you and Melissa the perfect for a cheerful retirement.
[Applause]
Steve, right now, you cross the colours to a different excellent chief.
Common Langley, you could have exemplified the values of the Marines day by day of your 37 years in uniform.
I’d like to acknowledge your father, retired Air Pressure Grasp Sergeant Willie Langley; your stepmother, Ola; and your siblings, Cassandra, Cheryl, Sharon, and William—and William can also be a retired Air Pressure grasp sergeant as nicely. They’re watching from residence right now, and I wish to thank them for all their love and assist that they’ve given you over time.
Now, despite the fact that you’re a Marine by way of and thru, Mike Langley, you had been raised in an Air Pressure household. So that you had been taught to “purpose excessive”—and also you at all times have. Out of your early days lettering in faculty observe and area, to taking over command billets within the Marine Corps, you could have made your loved ones proud day by day.
However I don’t consider they’ve ever been prouder than they had been a number of days in the past—if you turned the primary African-American four-star common within the historical past of the US Marine Corps.
[Applause]
Women and gents, that is historical past.
And Common Langley, as you stand right here right now, younger Marines around the globe are watching. And your extraordinary achievement reminds them that they belong. And it reminds them that the US army is deeply dedicated to creating progress, and to breaking down boundaries, and to opening its arms broad to all certified People who hear the decision to serve their nation.
I couldn’t be prouder to face beside you at this historic second.
You’re supremely certified to tackle this problem. And you’ll deliver to bear your large expertise—from instructions in Okinawa and Afghanistan to serving as J5 director at CENTCOM and lots of, many different important assignments. And I do know that AFRICOM will profit out of your excellent credentials and your excellent management.
, Common, we first met at a mentoring occasion for under-served younger individuals pursuing careers in STEM. And I instantly noticed your compassion for the individuals round you and your relentless dedication to excellence.
You may have served with integrity and professionalism, and with a deep concern to your teammates and companions. You see every problem as a chance to excel.
And also you’re no stranger to this area. Having commanded Marine Forces Europe and Africa, you perceive the area and its profound challenges. However you additionally perceive its large alternatives.
You’re the chief for this second and this mission.
So thanks for stepping up. And congratulations.
Women and gents of AFRICOM, you’re constructing enduring ties—enduring ties rooted in mutual respect and shared values.
You’re constructing robust establishments—establishments that defend human rights and human dignity.
And you’re constructing safety, and alternative, and peace within the fastest-growing continent on Earth.
Women and men of AFRICOM, could God bless you and hold you protected.
And will God proceed to bless the US of America.
Thanks very a lot.
[Applause]
