Rear Admiral Anthony M. Kurta assumed command of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa during a change-of-command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, February 5, 2009.

Kurta, a 27-year Navy veteran, assumed command from Rear Admiral Philip H. Greene, who led the command since February 2008.

CJTF-HOA became part of U.S. Africa Command in October, 2008, with a focus on building regional security capacity and relationships, and beginning the transition of Camp Lemonnier from an expeditionary base to an enduring location that can support U.S. AFRICOM's long term commitment to African stability.

"CJTF-HOA is effective and capable because of our coalition and joint composition. The capabilities we provide are enriched by the strength of our international staff and the talents of your Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and civilians," Greene said. "We are inspired by the opportunity to help Africans help themselves and to serve our country to advance U.S. national interests."

Following a 12-month tour, Greene has been reassigned as deputy chief of naval operations for integration of capabilities and resources at the Pentagon.

During the ceremony, General William "Kip" Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command, spoke of the successes of Greene and his staff.

Ward said, "I have been impressed since day one and I can tell you this; the work you all have done has made a positive difference. You've had an impact."

"You've had an impact on capacity-building efforts, an impact with potential to sustain and endure. You have advanced key military-to-military relationships and enhanced regional security cooperation.

"Your efforts stand as a shining example of security cooperation done right in so many ways. Admiral Greene's driving philosophy 'to provide a more stable, secure environment for partner nations' is spot-on and you've all done just that," Ward said.
"[Admiral Greene] has provided this command with clarity of vision, a knowledge of what defines success and perhaps most importantly, a roadmap of how to get there. The impact of these efforts has long-term and very positive meaning for regional stability and security."

Ward thanked many key players for the success of CJTF-HOA this past year.
"This success does not occur without the support and commitment of a broad group with a great deal of talent. For Admiral Greene's deputy commander, Brigadier General Rose Barfield, his Chief of Staff Mongo Monger, the command senior enlisted leader, Chief Master Sergeant Marty Klukas, and the entire CJTF-HOA staff, you have done a superb job here and you all have a great deal about which you should be proud."

During the ceremony, Ward passed the command flag from Greene to Kurta, symbolizing the definitive transition of command.

Kurta assumes command of an organization that employs an indirect approach to countering extremism through a strategy of cooperative conflict prevention. It builds security capacity, promotes regional cooperation, and protects coalition interests to prevail against extremism by providing direct assistance to local governments.

Greene expressed confidence that the command is in good hands.

"[Admiral Kurta] is no stranger to Africa, having spent the last year working maritime security issues throughout West and Central Africa," Greene said. "There's no doubt Kurta is the right leader at the right place and the right time. I wish you the very best success over the next year."

In addition to Greene's comments, Ward spoke briefly about the new commander.

"I have known Admiral Tony Kurta since our days serving together in the Joint Staff Operations Directorate in the Pentagon," Ward said. "I can tell you that there is no finer officer to assume the mantle of leadership of this great command than Admiral Tony Kurta. I know that he and the exceptional staff he brings with him will continue to build on the many success of [Adm.] Greene and the outgoing staff contingent."

Kurta, CJTF-HOA commander said to General Ward, "I look forward to working for you again."

"We, the newest members of the team, are excited to be here,"

Kurta said to the crowd. "The work of building security capacity in Africa is important to us all. General Ward, your entire team is ready, willing, able and eager to address the challenges ahead."

Admiral Kurta holds a Masters degree with honors in National Security Studies from Georgetown University, and is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Air Command and General Staff College in Montgomery, Ala.

Since 2002, CJTF-HOA personnel have used military-to-military mentorship as the cornerstone to building regional security. CJTF-HOA has supported development by building schools, clinics and hospitals. It has also conducted dozens of medical and veterinary civil actions projects.