Rear Admiral Anthony M. Kurta assumed leadership of the task force charged with building security capacity in the Horn of Africa during a February 5, 2009 ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.

Kurta, a 27-year Navy veteran, took command of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa from Rear Admiral Philip H. Greene during a time-honored military tradition which transfers total responsibility, authority and accountability of the unit from one individual to another.

General William E. Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command, presided over the change of command and passed the command flag from Greene to Kurta, marking the first change of command ceremony under the new U.S. regional command.

"I have been impressed since day one. The work you all have done has made a positive difference and you have made an impact," Ward said. "You have had an impact on capacity-building efforts - and not just short term - an impact with potential to sustain and endure."

Kurta was previously the director of Navy Europe Programs, Resources, and Support and Director, Transformation Activities, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe, Naples, Italy.

"The work of building security capacity in Africa is important to us all," Kurta said. "The entire team is ready, willing and eager to address the challenges ahead."

Greene served as commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa from February, 2008 to February, 2009. His next assignment is Deputy Chief of Naval of Operations of Integrations of Capabilities and Resources at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Greene expressed confidence that the command is in good hands.

"[Admiral Kurta] is no stranger to Africa, having spent the last year working maritime security issues throughout West and Central Africa," Greene said. "There's no doubt Kurta is the right leader at the right place and the right time. I wish you the very best success over the next year."

Kurta holds a Masters degree with honors in National Security Studies from Georgetown University, and is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Air Force Air Command and General Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama.

CJTF-HOA employs an indirect approach to counter extremism. Through a strategy of cooperative conflict prevention the task force builds security capacity, promote regional cooperation, and protect coalition interests to prevail against extremism.

Personnel with CJTF-HOA use military-to-military mentorship as the cornerstone to building partner country security capacity. CJTF-HOA supports development by building schools, clinics and hospitals and conducting medical civil action and veterinary civil action projects.