Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance, U.S. Agency for International Development, Michael Hess visited U.S. Africa Command February 8 to address areas of common interest and to gain a broader understanding of the command's mission and programs.



Following a welcome by Brigadier General Anthony Jackson, director of U.S. Africa Command operations and logistics, Hess received briefings from the command's humanitarian assistance and engagement divisions, as well as met with representatives from the command's resources and manning division.



Hess was appointed to this position by President Bush in June 2005, and has more than 30 years of active and reserve service in the United States military. During this service, he served in humanitarian operations in Turkey, Iraq, Bosnia and Kosovo; in April 2003, he was recalled to active duty to serve as humanitarian coordinator in the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He later served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Coalitional Provisional Authority.



USAID currently has 23 bilateral missions in Africa. In addition, three regional missions support activities in countries with a limited USAID presence. These regional missions manage programs that aim to strengthen selected African regional institutions and organizations, to improve their capacity to contribute to Africa's development in an environment of stability and security.



The U.S. military provides unique capabilities in the areas of humanitarian assistance and disaster response. When requested, U.S. Africa Command will play a supporting role to the other USG and international organizations who work to relieve suffering and improve humanitarian conditions in Africa. U.S. Africa Command will look for ways to enhance the U.S. military contribution to humanitarian assistance and help build capabilities among African militaries to improve their ability to respond in times of need.