U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Michael Franken assumed command Thursday of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), an organization comprised of service members from each branch of the U.S Armed Forces, civilian employees and representatives of coalition and partner nations.

Franken, who served as the vice director, Strategy Plans and Policy at U.S. Central Command since July 2008, replaced U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Brian Losey, who has led CJTF-HOA since March 2010.

CJTF-HOA became part of U.S. Africa Command in October, 2008, and focuses on building the security capacity of militaries in the region and conducting civil affairs projects.

"Our mission is very unique as it spans the spectrum of expertise and relies on the strength of international efforts," Franken said during the ceremony, which was presided over by U.S. Army General Carter F. Ham, U.S. Africa Command commander. "Our success as a combined joint task force is wholly dependent on diverse groups working together toward one fundamental goal: building enduring partnerships."

Ham said that Franken is the right officer to lead CJTF-HOA, and expects him to advance Losey's "3D" approach to leadership, a process designed to enhance diplomatic relations, defense capabilities, and development of African countries that have partnered with the task force.

"This approach represents the power of synergy and what can be achieved when nations work toward a common goal," said Ham. "Admiral Franken's character, competence and commitment will be evident as he leads this organization."

Franken visited Djibouti before assuming command of CJTF-HOA. In the weeks before Thursday's ceremony, Franken visited six remote CJTF-HOA encampments and their associated embassy teams to develop a better understanding of CJTF-HOA's outreach.

"It was uplifting to see the positive impact of our efforts to develop long-term relations," said Franken. "The results of our work, in concert with country teams and host nations, will be felt well into the future."

Some of the efforts Franken referred to have been implemented by CJTF-HOA since the organization's inception in 2002: exchanging military-to-military practices to increase international security, supporting regional development by building schools, clinics and hospitals and conducting a variety of medical and veterinary civil affairs projects.

"We learn a lot from our partners and the way they do things," said Losey. "Our differences can only make us stronger."

Both Franken and Losey have been nominated for promotion to U.S. Navy Rear Admiral (Upper Half), but the exact date of their individual promotions has yet to be announced. Losey has been reassigned as the commander of Special Operations Command Africa.