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CJTF-HOA image

From left to right: U.S. Army Gen. David M. Rodriguez, U.S. Africa Command commanding general, Brig. Gen. Kurt Sonntag, new Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commanding general, and Maj. General Mark Stammer, departing CJTF-HOA commanding general, cut a cake during a change of command ceremony post-reception April 13, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Service members, diplomats and multi-national guests attended the ceremony and met the new commander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton/Released)

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Photo by: U.S. Air Force Kate Thorton 

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CJTF-HOA Command image

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark Stammer, departing Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commanding general, speaks at a change of command ceremony April 13, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Stammer arrived at CJTF-HOA a year ago and will now be the deputy commander of the I Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton/Released)

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Photo by: U.S. Air Force Kate Thorton 

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CJTF-HOA Command image

Service members, diplomats and multi-national guests applaud during a change of command ceremony April 13, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Sonntag is now in command of CJTF-HOA and responsible for its impact on the East African region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton/Released)

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Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Stg. Kate Thorton 

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CJTF-HOA Command image

U.S. Army Gen. David M. Rodriguez, U.S. Africa Command commanding general, passes the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa flag to Brig. Gen. Kurt Sonntag during a change of command ceremony April 13, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The passing of the flag signified the change of command from Maj. Gen. Mark Stammer to Sonntag, as the CJTF-HOA commanding general. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton/Released)

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Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton 

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa welcomed U.S. Army Brig. Gen Kurt L. Sonntag and said farewell to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark Stammer during a change of command ceremony April 13, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. U.S. Army Gen. David M. Rodriguez, commanding general for U.S. Africa Command, presided over the ceremony.

Sonntag, a California native, assumed command of CJTF-HOA after serving as commanding general for the Special Operations Command South at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla. He is now responsible for overseeing CJTF-HOA’s efforts in countering violent extremism in East Africa, fostering regional security cooperation, and building and maintaining U.S. strategic access in the region.

“Brig. Gen. Kurt Sonntag and Command Master Chief Geoffrey Steffee come to us from Special Operations Command South, another theater heavily focused on building partner capacity and working by, with and through their armed forces to achieve success,” Rodriquez said. “I look forward to seeing how you will bring this experience to bear in this new challenge. I know all of the U.S. partner teams and HOA welcome you to this dynamic command and wish you well.”

Before presenting his first salute as commander, Sonntag addressed the men and women of CJTF-HOA.

“CJTF-HOA, I am honored to enter your ranks and humbled to accept command of this great team and the wide range of vital missions it oversees,” Sonntag said

The change of command also featured a change of responsibility during which U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Geoffrey P. Steffee assumed the role of the CJTF-HOA command senior enlisted leader.

Steffee succeeded U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Butler J. Kendrick Jr., and is now responsible for leading, mentoring, enforcing standards of good order and discipline, and advising and assisting the CJTF-HOA commander on all matters pertaining to the health, morale, welfare and professional development for approximately 2,000 Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines joint service personnel.

Prior to being selected for this assignment, the Texas native served as the senior enlisted leader at Special Operations Command South, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla.

Before departing Stammer shared his final thoughts of having led the men and women of CJTF-HOA.

“I have greatly enjoyed my time at CJTF-HOA, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and greater Eastern Africa,” Stammer said. “America’s forces carry a nation’s task on their shoulders.  They interact with the people, practice diplomacy, dream of a better life; all the while they are prepared to apply just the right amount of force precisely, decisively, and absolutely. None do it better than the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen of CJTF-HOA side by side with our vast array of partners. I would like to express my most sincere appreciation to you all for your tireless efforts and the immeasurable sacrifices that you make in support of peace and security as we move forward, together.”