Marine Corps Gen. Thomas Waldhauser took command of US Africa Command during a Monday ceremony in Germany, pledging to lead US forces to help build a “secure, stable, and prosperous African continent. Waldhauser, who was confirmed in late June, took command from retiring Army Gen. David Rodriguez. Waldhauser, who previously served as director for joint force development for the Joint Staff, said one of the biggest challenges will be combating the rise of ISIS, though he said during his June 21 nomination hearing that additional troops will not be needed for the fight. “I certainly recognize the many complicated and diverse challenges this command faces every day across the vast African continent,” Waldhauser said at the change of command ceremony in Stuttgart, Germany. “It is up to us to bring forward creative and viable solutions to these challenges and view each one as an opportunity.”
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
