U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Rob Baker assumed command of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa here May 26.

Baker, who comes to CJTF-HOA after having served at the Pentagon as Director for Joint Force Development, Joint Staff, relieved U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Michael Franken. U.S. Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, U.S. Africa Command commander, presided over the ceremony.

Ham said that Baker is the right officer to lead the task force and is confident that he will sustain and enhance diplomatic relations, defense capabilities and development of African countries that have partnered with CJTF-HOA.

Baker addressed the crowd of U.S. and foreign government officials and several hundred CJTF-HOA members, providing a glimpse of his philosophy on the command.

"As the commander of CJTF-HOA, I want to assure anyone or organization that works to address these many difficult regional challenges that I'll do everything I can to foster a transparent, collaborative and cooperative relationship to achieve our like-minded goals," said Baker.

Baker thanked Franken for his leadership and said that he will further develop the former commander's vision for the task force.

"Your accomplishments over the year has been significant, and through your leadership you have developed a foundation and set conditions that will allow me and the HOA task force to sustain and build upon in the future," said Baker.

"To the service members, coalition partners, DOD civilians and contractors that serve in the task force, I salute you for the tremendous job you've done to date, and I look forward to serving with each and every one of you throughout the next year," said Baker.