US names African Command nominee
- By News Hound
- Published 07/10/2007
- Politics
- Unrated
News Hound
Your servent relentlessly hunting for interesting news stories around the world.
View all articles by News HoundUS names African Command nominee
US President George W. Bush has nominated an African-American officer in the US military as the first head of a new military command for Africa.
The Pentagon says President Bush has nominated General William Ward to be the first head of Africa Command. General Ward is now the deputy commander of European Command, which has responsibility for most of Africa, as well as all of Europe and part of the Middle East.
General Ward has been in the army for 36 years, and has served around the world, including an assignment during the US involvement in Somalia in 1993. Last year, he became the fifth African-American in history to attain the rank of full, four-star general in the US military.
In a brief statement issued by European Command, General Ward said he is "honored" by the nomination. The president's decision will have to be reviewed by the Senate, and in keeping with usual practice, the general is not making any further public comments until his confirmation hearings.
US officials have said Africa Command will take an inter-agency approach to helping African nations deal with the continent's problems. They say unlike other US regional military commands, Africa Command will not have its own complement of operational forces.
The officials say the command's goals will include helping to prevent terrorists from establishing bases in Africa, and helping Africans avoid local conflicts before they start.
MMN/RA
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=16086§ionid=3510203
The Pentagon says President Bush has nominated General William Ward to be the first head of Africa Command. General Ward is now the deputy commander of European Command, which has responsibility for most of Africa, as well as all of Europe and part of the Middle East.
General Ward has been in the army for 36 years, and has served around the world, including an assignment during the US involvement in Somalia in 1993. Last year, he became the fifth African-American in history to attain the rank of full, four-star general in the US military.
In a brief statement issued by European Command, General Ward said he is "honored" by the nomination. The president's decision will have to be reviewed by the Senate, and in keeping with usual practice, the general is not making any further public comments until his confirmation hearings.
US officials have said Africa Command will take an inter-agency approach to helping African nations deal with the continent's problems. They say unlike other US regional military commands, Africa Command will not have its own complement of operational forces.
The officials say the command's goals will include helping to prevent terrorists from establishing bases in Africa, and helping Africans avoid local conflicts before they start.
MMN/RA
http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=16086§ionid=3510203
