General William E. "Kip" Ward, the first commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), sent out his final "Ward Sends" message to the U.S. AFRICOM staff before passing command to General Carter F. Ham. Below is the full text of General Ward's message: Teammates, In a couple of hours I will pass the colors of USAFRICOM to Secretary Gates and relinquish command to my friend, GEN Carter Ham; marking the completion of nearly three and 1/2 years of a noble and shared venture with all of you--building the Nation's newest Combatant Command. Joyce and I have had an opportunity to personally convey our gratitude to most of you over the past few weeks but I'm hopeful that we also succeeded at saying "thank you" to you and your Families at every available opportunity since October of 2007. Many of you are plank owners who have been with the Team since the beginning and a select few of you even predate the command itself so I know you have all heard me speak of the need to strive to leave a set of footprints that you can be proud to call your own; the need to continuously improve the foxhole and your efforts in making teammates better; and to include a few push-ups in your daily routine -- thanks for keeping it up. Your US Africa Command is supporting and leveraging US government efforts across the continent, against a back-drop of waning instability, increased economic growth and an ever-expanding space for democracy and good governance - all in pursuit of a more stable continent of Africa and the global commons. Are we succeeding everywhere? Not yet. Are we perfectly resourced and aligned? Of course not! Are we making a difference? You bet we are! And for evidence of the success of sustained security engagement you need look no further than the events unfolding across the continent right now. Our work matters over the long term. The results and (to be sure)the importance, of our work is noticed. I can think of no other place I would rather have been, no finer teammates with whom to serve; and no better moment for Joyce and me to say farewell. As with Grant and Sherman, I'll know when you need me, and I won't be too far away to answer your call. Take care and God Bless, KW William E. "Kip" Ward General, USA Partnering for Stability