General William Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command, will be joined by diplomatic and military representatives in a ceremony October 17 commemorating the establishment of U.S. Africa Command. The new command coordinates U.S. military relationships with 53 nations of Africa. Ceremony events include remarks from General Ward and representatives from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the African Union; a media briefing on the operations and activities of U.S. Africa Command; a media availability with General Ward; and interview opportunities with members of the U.S. Africa Command staff. Journalists desiring to report on this event must submit the following by 1 p.m. (Central European Time) on October 16: Date and place of birth of individuals attending Passport number / origin of individuals attending 3.5 cm by 4.5 cm passport-type jpeg photograph of individuals attending jpeg copy of press card from accredited news organization For freelancers, jpeg of a signed letter from the editor of an accredited news organization Professional contact info (email and phone numbers) of individuals attending All information must be submitted electronically to Africom-PAO@africom.mil by 1 p.m. October 16. On October 17, registered media must arrive at the main gate of Kelley Barracks, Plieninger Strasse, Stuttgart-Moehringen, at 8 a.m. Those arriving after 8:15 a.m. will not be admitted. Parking is not possible on Kelley Barracks. Public paid parking is locally available within walking distance of the post. Kelley Barracks is on Plieninger Strasse approximately 300 meters east of the intersections with the B-27 highway. Ceremony events are scheduled to conclude approximately 1 p.m. For additional questions, please contact U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs at +49 711 729 4710 or at the email above.