Africa Command Welcomes Army Component
Southern European Task Force cased its old colors, ending the airborne chapter of its history, and uncased its new colors signifying acceptance of its new mission as the Army component in support of US Africa Command in a ceremony here today. The ceremony followed an official announcement by the US and Italian governments Dec. 3 in Rome that SETAF would become US Army Africa.
"We are honored and privileged to be the first members of US Army Africa," Army Major General William B. Garrett III, SETAF commanding general, said. "This is a huge responsibility, as our decisions and actions will establish the foundation that others will build upon in the years ahead."
Army General William E. "Kip" Ward, commander of US Africa Command, and Army General Carter Ham, commander of US Army Europe and 7th Army, attended the ceremony, which highlighted SETAF's long, proud history.
"I welcome all of you to the US Africa Command team," Ward said. "I am confident that this great command is up to the challenge."
Garrett, who was promoted from brigadier general to major general earlier today, said that while SETAF's mission has changed, its relationship with the command's Italian partners will not.
"The enduring relationship between the United States and Italy will only get stronger; new opportunities will spring from common objectives and a shared vision for a prosperous Africa," he said.
SETAF, stationed in Italy since 1955, has a long history of operating on the African continent and working with African nations. During the past 15 years, SETAF has provided crisis response, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance on the continent.
During the next year, SETAF soldiers will learn and grow to lay the foundation for future success as US Army Africa, Garrett said. This foundation includes building and strengthening relationships with African army organizations, along with national and international partners, to promote peace, security and stability in Africa, he said.