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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Visits U.S. Africa Command

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addresses U.S. Africa Command personnel during a town hall meeting Feb. 11, 2025, at Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany. Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. geographic combatant commands, responsible for military engagement across 53 African nations. Working with partners and allies, the command counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, strengthens African security forces, and supports U.S. government efforts in Africa to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) at Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany, on Feb. 11, 2025, as part of his first overseas trip in office. The visit included meetings with Gen. Michael E. Langley, AFRICOM commander, and other senior leaders, as well as a town hall where the secretary engaged directly with military and civilian personnel, discussing key priorities, regional security challenges, and the department's vision moving forward.

The visit to AFRICOM was part of a broader engagement that also included a stop at U.S. European Command (EUCOM). During both visits, the secretary met with senior leaders to discuss strategic priorities, regional threats, and cooperation with allies and partners. He emphasized the Department of Defense's commitment to enhancing lethality, improving force readiness, and strengthening partnerships to counter emerging threats and maintain stability.

Following his meetings at both commands, Secretary of Defense Hegseth said "Two Combatant Commands that are right in front lines of advancing American interests. Proud to be here today, it's an impressive display of what Americans are doing in far-flung places for the American people."

Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, AFRICOM is one of seven U.S. geographic combatant commands, responsible for military engagement across 53 African nations. Working with partners and allies, the command counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, strengthens African security forces, and supports U.S. government efforts in Africa to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.

For more information about U.S. Africa Command, visit https://www.africom.mil/