Photo By Master Sgt. Bryan Franks | U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin R. M. Anderson, outgoing commander of Special...... read more read more
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STUTTGART, Germany – Members of Special Operations Command Africa welcomed their new commander and said farewell to the outgoing one in Stuttgart, Germany, July 01, 2021. U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Milton J. Sands III assumed command of SOCAFRICA from U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin R. M. Anderson at Kelley Barracks near in Stuttgart, Germany, July 1,front of a sizeable crowd in the Kelley Barracks Gymnasium.
The commander of U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, officiated the ceremony and led the symbolic change of leadership by the passing of the SOCAFRICA colors from the outgoing commander to the incoming.
Special Operations Command Africa is the operational command responsible for joint special operations conducted in support of U.S. Africa Command. Anderson took command of the unit in July of 2019. SOCAFRICA’s operations focus on countering violent extremist organizations, strengthening the defense capabilities of African partners and protecting U.S. interests in Africa.
“There’s no playbook for how to do this,” Anderson said. “There’s no manual on Africa. What Africa does is always new and you find yourself reacting in order to get ahead of it. That’s what this headquarters has done.”
Anderson’s comments were full of gratitude towards SOCAFRICA’s staff, partners, and family for their help, sacrifice and service during his tenure.
“I am passionate about this mission, and I don’t know how you can’t be passionate with people like this,” Anderson said. “So, thank you, thank you for making a difference, thank you for helping people to have a better life, thank you for helping them resist oppression. What we do matters, our small efforts have huge impact.”
Anderson’s next position will be deputy operations officer for the joint staff at the Pentagon. Sands now leads the joint force of approximately 1,700 service members. Like Anderson, Sands brings extensive SOF enterprise-level insight to the command.
“(Milton) Jamie Sands was in SOCEUR here in Stuttgart before there was a SOCAF,” said Gen. Richard Clark, SOCOM commander. “He knows AFRICOM. He’s worked in our Joint Special Operations Command specifically dealing with AFRICOM issues. He is exactly the right person.”
Sands kept his remarks brief and expressed pride in being given the opportunity to continue to SOCAFRICA legacy.
“As a command we will embody the core attributes of accountability, integrity, toughness and initiative,” Sands said. “We will accomplish our mission through good leadership, through teamwork, through partnerships, through clear intent, and strong support to you and your families. I’m honored and excited to be part of this SOCAF team.”
| Date Taken: | 07.01.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 07.02.2021 07:11 |
| Story ID: | 400272 |
| Location: | STUTTGART, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, DE |
| Web Views: | 1,147 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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