WASHINGTON
Gen. William E. “Kip” Ward, the active Army’s only
black four-star general, was tapped Tuesday to lead the Pentagon’s new Africa
Command.
Ward, 58, currently deputy commander of U.S. European
Command, will take over a sprawling new command, which will work with African
countries to strengthen governments and their militaries and make the nations
less vulnerable to terrorist activities.
Initially the command will be run through the existing
European Command in Stuttgart, Germany,
but is expected to become an independent unit by the end of September 2008.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced in a press release
that President Bush had nominated Ward for the new post.
“I am honored by President Bush’s and Secretary Gates’
confidence and look forward to the confirmation process,” Ward said in a
written statement. “In the meantime I remain focused on the important work
of U.S. European Command.”
According to the Pentagon, Africa Command will help
“promote peace and security and respond to crises on the continent.”
It will also coordinate military support for other diplomatic and development
programs.
