During a ceremony June 10, 2010 at Caserma Ederle's Hoekstra Field, Major General David R. Hogg assumed command of U.S. Army Africa.
General William E. Ward, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) presided over the ceremony, which signaled the departure of outgoing commander, Major Gen. William B. Garrett III.

Hogg, who recently served as deputy commanding general of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan, said he is delighted to become part of the Vicenza military community.

"After 29 years of service and six overseas assignments to include Germany, Panama and Belgium, this is our first opportunity to be in Italy," Hogg said. "We are absolutely thrilled to be here."

Hogg said he is excited to be a part of U.S. Army Africa, the Army's newest service component command, challenged with developing relationships with land forces in Africa and supporting U.S. Army efforts on the African continent.
Ward reminded the crowd that U.S. Army Africa has accomplished some great things since December 2008, when it began its transformation to becoming the Army service component command for U.S. Africa Command.
"In that short time, the command has formed, grown, and matured into an active and effective outfit and has established strong strategic relationships with the ground forces in Africa," Ward said. "U.S. Army Africa not only succeeded, they excelled. In fact, they thrived on the opportunities they were given."
Garrett took command of the Southern European Task Force in 2008. He commanded SETAF throughout its transformation to U.S. Army Africa. Garrett now heads to Iraq, where he will serve as the chief of staff, U.S. Forces Iraq.

"We look forward to building upon the systems that Major General Garrett and Mrs. Garrett have developed," Hogg said. "We are truly thankful for the warm welcome that we have received from the community and, especially, the Garretts."