Photo By Sgt. Charlie Helmholt | Clarke, incoming commander, receives the colors from Kelly during a ceremony.... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Navy Rear Adm. Peter J. Clarke took the reins of Joint Task Force Guantanamo from Air Force Brig. Gen. Jose Monteagudo during a change of command ceremony held at the Naval Station Chapel here, Nov. 4. Monteagudo, who was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal during the ceremony, served as the Task Force’s commander since July, after a previous assignment as deputy director of operations for U.S. Southern Command.
During the ceremony, Monteagudo addressed approximately 200 members of the Task Force as well as Marine Gen. John F. Kelly, commander, U.S. Southern Command, noting that while the Task Force’s mission was demanding, he was exceptionally proud of the men and women carrying it out.
“General Kelly, I want to thank you for the opportunity you provided me to lead the most professional group of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and DoD civilians in the world,” said Monteagudo. “In just four months, we survived two hurricanes, executed four DMOs (Detainee Movement Operations), had an IG (Inspector General) inspection, supported four military commissions, hosted an ICRC (International Committee for the Red Cross) visit, two congressional delegations, three foreign delegations, two special envoys, 66 DVs (Distinguished Visitors) and nine media visits. Your JTF is busy sir. I call that transparency while executing the mission flawlessly.”
Clarke, who brings extensive command and his experience from U.S. Southern Command to the assignment, most recently lead the Joint Interagency Task Force South since August 2014, succeeds Monteagudo.
During his career, Clarke served as a submarine officer aboard the USS Indianapolis, the USS Kentucky, the
USS Cheyenne, and commanded the USS Rhode Island from 2002 to 2005. He moved on to command Submarine Squadron 2, from 2009 to 2011, and served as the assistant intelligence and special projects officer on the staff of Commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Squadron Engineer for Submarine Squadron 20, as well as serving on the staff of Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers Europe.
After taking command, Clarke spoke to his assembled JTF troopers, thanking them for “the opportunity and the privilege to lead this incredible organization” and expressing his excitement to be part of the Task Force and the broader Guantanamo Bay community.
Clarke also stressed to the audience that the JTF’s mission would continue to exemplify professional excellence.
He also took the opportunity to discuss his command philosophy.
“Our mission is vital to the nation’s security and how we conduct that mission is critical to the nation’s reputation as a world beacon for fair and humane treatment of all,” said Clarke. “I have no doubt you will continue to make all who truly know what we do, proud of how you do it. We’ll continue to stay focused on the mission: Safe and humane custody and care of the detainees.”
| Date Taken: | 10.16.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 03.01.2016 10:57 |
| Story ID: | 190596 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 94 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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