U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) held a change-of-command ceremony in Stuttgart, Germany, as Gen. Michael Langley handed leadership to Gen. Dagvin Anderson.
Navy Adm. Christopher Grady presided over the ceremony, emphasizing AFRICOM’s role in advancing U.S. national security and strengthening African defense partnerships.
Grady said Africa’s growing population presents opportunities but also faces threats from extremists, malign actors, and instability challenging regional and global security.
Anderson, a veteran Air Force pilot with over 3,400 flight hours, previously led Special Operations Command–Africa and Joint Task Force–Quartz operations.
“I am familiar with Africa’s security challenges,” Anderson said, warning about actors seeking influence, destabilization, and undermining the international rules-based order worldwide.
Langley’s tenure since 2022 focused on strengthening African forces, improving readiness, and advancing African-led solutions to address security challenges and instability.
“This is bittersweet,” Langley said. “AFRICOM emphasizes African-led solutions. Dag, this team will not disappoint and will advance the command’s important mission forward.”
AFRICOM works with 53 African nations, including Somalia, to counter threats, deter adversaries, strengthen partner forces, and respond quickly to crises threatening stability.
The U.S. military maintains troops in Somalia, training Danab Brigade commandos and supporting Somali-led operations against al-Shabaab and Islamic State, disrupting militants and supporting Somali security.
