A former joint staff strategic planner and Naval Forces Africa operations director became the U.S. Africa Command deputy to the commander for military operations (DCMO) August 16, 2010.

As DCMO, Vice Admiral Charles J. "Joe" Leidig Jr. directs the command's military-to-military relationships and day-to-day operations. Leidig will also exercise command authority in the absence of General William "Kip" Ward, commander of U.S. AFRICOM.

"What I really see my role as is to make sure our commander, General Ward, is always prepared, has what he needs, and is fully supported as he leads our command," Leidig said.

A Baltimore native and U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Leidig came to U.S. Africa Command from the Joint Staff where he served as chief of staff for the director, Strategic Plans and Policy (J-5), developing policy, guidance, and plans. He also spent two years at Naval Forces Africa as the director of operations and intelligence, where he had frequent interaction with U.S. AFRICOM, travelled to the African continent and developed the operational plans for Africa Partnership Station, a major international maritime program with African coastal nations.

With 32 years of active duty service and a variety of operational and command tours and staff assignments, Leidig said his past assignments helped prepare him for his newest position.

"I think this is one of the most exciting combatant commands in the world," Leidig said. "I also see Africa, the continent and the 53 countries that are in our AOR [area of responsibility], as a great way to understand the world in terms of globalization. Africa is a continent that is continuing to grow economically, diplomatically and in some cases militarily, and our ability to be able to help those countries shape that growth I think is very exciting. As I've told everybody, I'm just very proud to be here and be part of such a great team."

As one of the command's newest members, Leidig said he's eager to get to know the command's staff.

A self-proclaimed physical training enthusiast, one way he hopes to meet people in the command is by joining a running or PT group. Leidig said he loves triathlons, running and surfing and can be found in the gym or running around the base daily.

Leidig said he's also excited to work with African leaders during his tour with the command.

"I very much look forward to going to the continent and meeting with [defense and military leaders] in person and establishing the friendships and relationships that I think are very important to the success of our command."