View Gallery

Gallery contains 8 images

×

Photo 1 of 8

U.S. Africa Command

Air Force Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson receives the flag from Navy Admiral Christopher W. Grady, Vice Chairman of Joint Chief of Staff, during the U.S. Africa Command Change of Command ceremony on Kelley Barracks on Stuttgart, Germany on August 15, 2025. The ceremony marked a formal transition of leadership for U.S. Africa Command, which oversees U.S. military operations and partnerships across the African continent. AFRICOM is one of seven U.S. geographic combatant commands, responsible for military engagement across 53 African countries. Working with partners and allies, the command counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, strengthens African security forces, and supports U.S. government efforts in Africa to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity. (U.S. AFRICOM photo by Staff Sgt. Emely Eckels)

Download image

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Emely Eckels 

Photo 2 of 8

ZRF_7988 (2)

Download image

Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

Photo 3 of 8

U.S. Africa Command

Air Force Gen. Dagvin R.M. Anderson salutes his formation during the U.S. Africa Command Change of Command ceremony on Kelley Barracks on Stuttgart, Germany on August 15, 2025. The ceremony marked a formal transition of leadership for U.S. Africa Command, which oversees U.S. military operations and partnerships across the African continent. AFRICOM is one of seven U.S. geographic combatant commands, responsible for military engagement across 53 African countries. Working with partners and allies, the command counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, strengthens African security forces, and supports U.S. government efforts in Africa to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity. (U.S. AFRICOM photo by Staff Sgt. Emely Eckels)

Download image

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Emely Eckels 

Photo 4 of 8

U.S. Africa Command

Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley salutes the formation during the U.S. Africa Command Change of Command ceremony on Kelley Barracks on Stuttgart, Germany on August 15, 2025. The ceremony marked a formal transition of leadership for U.S. Africa Command, which oversees U.S. military operations and partnerships across the African continent. AFRICOM is one of seven U.S. geographic combatant commands, responsible for military engagement across 53 African countries. Working with partners and allies, the command counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, strengthens African security forces, and supports U.S. government efforts in Africa to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.. (U.S. AFRICOM photo by Staff Sgt. Emely Eckels)

Download image

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Emely Eckels 

Photo 5 of 8

20250815-ZRF03269

Download image

Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

Photo 6 of 8

U.S. Africa Command

United States Army Garrison Stuttgart Military Police fire a salute battery during the U.S. Africa Command Change of Command ceremony on Kelley Barracks on Stuttgart, Germany on August 15, 2025. The ceremony marked a formal transition of leadership for U.S. Africa Command, which oversees U.S. military operations and partnerships across the African continent. AFRICOM is one of seven U.S. geographic combatant commands, responsible for military engagement across 53 African countries. Working with partners and allies, the command counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, strengthens African security forces, and supports U.S. government efforts in Africa to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity. (U.S. AFRICOM photo by Staff Sgt. Emely Eckels)

Download image

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Emely Eckels 

Photo 7 of 8

U.S. Africa Command

United States Army Garrison Stuttgart Military Police fire a salute battery during the U.S. Africa Command Change of Command ceremony on Kelley Barracks on Stuttgart, Germany on August 15, 2025. The ceremony marked a formal transition of leadership for U.S. Africa Command, which oversees U.S. military operations and partnerships across the African continent. AFRICOM is one of seven U.S. geographic combatant commands, responsible for military engagement across 53 African countries. Working with partners and allies, the command counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, strengthens African security forces, and supports U.S. government efforts in Africa to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity. (U.S. AFRICOM photo by Staff Sgt. Emely Eckels)

Download image

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Emely Eckels 

Photo 8 of 8

20250815-ZRF03231

Download image

Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) held a Change of Command ceremony August 15 at Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, as Marine Corps General Michael E. Langley formally transferred command to Air Force General Dagvin R.M. Anderson.

Navy Adm. Christopher Grady, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presided over the ceremony. In his remarks, Grady emphasized AFRICOM’s role in advancing U.S. national security and strengthening defense relationships across Africa. He highlighted the importance of sustained U.S. efforts in regions such as the Horn of Africa, West Africa, and the Sahel.

"The region covered by U.S. AFRICOM has a rapidly growing economy and a young population that offers a democratic dividend," said Grady. "Meanwhile, militarily, the theater is a nexus where global competitors test our resolve, where violent extremist organizations seek sanctuary. And where instability ripples far beyond the continent. By working side by side with our African partners, we learn from them and help them strengthen their own defenses.”

Anderson, a pilot with over 3,400 flight hours—including 738 in combat, assumed command during the ceremony. He brings experience in agile, intelligence-driven operations and joint force planning. His previous assignments include Director for Joint Force Development on the Joint Staff and leading Special Operations Command–Africa and Joint Task Force–Quartz. 

"I am not new to the challenges of Africa," said Anderson. "And I am incredibly familiar with the rising threats around the world that are vying for influence on the continent, seeking to destabilize and undo the world order that we enjoy [while undermining] the way of life that we all defend."

Langley took command in August 2022. During his tenure, AFRICOM focused on strengthening partner capacity, sharpening operational readiness, and enhancing interoperability with African and allied forces. These efforts reinforced regional stability and positioned U.S. forces to respond rapidly to emerging threats. Langley also guided the command through a period of heightened global competition and regional turbulence with a steady emphasis on African-led approaches to security.

"We come up with solutions, African led solutions. That's what AFRICOM is about," said Langley. “This is a bittersweet opportunity, giving up this great command, but I pass it on to a great man...Dag, this team will not disappoint. You will take them to the next level."

AFRICOM’s mission remains focused on working with African and international partners to counter transnational threats and malign actors, strengthen security forces, and respond to crises in order to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional stability and prosperity.

AFRICOM is one of seven U.S. geographic combatant commands, responsible for military engagement across 53 African countries. Working with partners and allies, the command counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, strengthens African security forces, and supports U.S. government efforts in Africa to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.