Rear Admiral Brian L. Losey assumed command of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa during a change-of-command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 27, 2010.

Losey, a native of Tacoma, Washington, relieved Rear Admiral Anthony M. Kurta, who led the command since February 2009 and has been reassigned as director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy Division, N13, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

CJTF-HOA became part of U.S. Africa Command in October 2008 to assist building regional security capacity and relationships when Camp Lemonnier began transitioning from an expeditionary base to an enduring location for support to U.S. AFRICOM's long term commitment to African stability.

Commander of U.S. Africa Command, General William E. Ward, presided over the change of command ceremony and spoke of the successes of the past year.

"You will continue to make a difference. You have had an impact on security capacity building efforts and not just short term efforts -- an impact that will endure like this location," Ward said. "Your efforts to assist in the professionalization of regional militaries and develop leaders along with your delivery of humanitarian assistance programs stand as a shining example of security force assistance done the absolute correct way in so many ways."

Ward spoke briefly about his expectations for the new commander.

"[Losey] is exactly the commander to follow Tony Kurta. I can tell you that Rear Admiral Brian Losey is imminently qualified for command of this task force," Ward said. "I know that he and his exceptional staff will continue to build on the great work of the command as he brings with him experiences from all over the world."

Losey assumes command of CJTF-HOA, which is comprised of service members from each branch of the U.S Armed Forces, civilian employees, and representatives of coalition and partner countries. CJTF-HOA employs an indirect approach to counter extremism. Through a strategy of cooperative conflict prevention, the task force builds security capacity, promotes regional stability and protects coalition interests to prevail against extremism by providing assistance to local governments.

"It's the highest privilege to serve with deployed troops and patriots. Our mission, our method and General Ward's intent is very clear for us," said Losey to the crowd. "Ultimately when we look back on the footprints that this task force leaves, they should lay alongside the footprints of the sovereign nations of Eastern Africa as we move forward together on a path of greater stability and security. I look forward to serving with you all."

Losey was commissioned in 1983 following graduation from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo. He holds a Masters in National Security Strategy from the National War College. He is a graduate of the Defense Language Institute, the Armed Forces Staff College, and Air Command and Staff College.

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 affairs projects.

See related story at http://www.africom.mil/getArticle.asp?art=4213&lang=0.

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