United States Africa Command
The United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM, U.S. AFRICOM, and AFRICOM) is one of the eleven unified combatant commands of the United States Department of Defense, headquartered at Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany. It is responsible for U.S. military operations, including fighting regional conflicts and maintaining military relations with 53 African nations. Its area of responsibility covers all of Africa except Egypt, which is within the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command. U.S. AFRICOM headquarters operating budget was $276 million in fiscal year 2012.
| United States Africa Command | |
|---|---|
Emblem of United States Africa Command | |
| Active | Established: 1 October 2007 (16 years, 4 months) Activated: 1 October 2008 (15 years, 4 months) |
| Country | United States |
| Type | Unified combatant command |
| Role | Geographic combatant command |
| Size | 2,000 (1,500 stationed at HQ in Germany) |
| Part of | Department of Defense |
| Headquarters | Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany |
| Nickname(s) | U.S. AFRICOM, USAFRICOM |
| Engagements | 2011 military intervention in Libya Operation Juniper Shield |
| Website | www.africom.mil |
| Commanders | |
| Commander | General Michael E. Langley, USMC |
| Deputy Commander | Lieutenant General Kirk W. Smith, USAF |
| Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement | Ambassador Andrew Young, DOS |
| Senior Enlisted Leader | Sergeant Major Michael P. Woods, USMC |
| Insignia | |
| NATO Map Symbol | |
| United States Armed Forces |
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| Executive departments |
| Staff |
| Military departments |
| Military services |
| Command structure |
The Commander of U.S. AFRICOM reports to the Secretary of Defense. The current Commander of the U.S. Africa Command stated that the purpose of the command is to work alongside African military personnel to support their military operations. In individual countries, U.S. ambassadors continue to be the primary diplomatic representative for relations with host nations. The incumbent commander is Michael E. Langley.