Credit: U.S. Navy / Adm. Robert P. Burke is the new commander of the Naples, Italy-based U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa.

By Gary Raynaldo   DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

Adm. Robert P. Burke has relieved Adm. James G. Foggo III as commander of both U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (CNE-CNA) and Allied Joint Forces Command (JFC) Naples,  US AFRICOM announced. The relief was conducted during an official change of command ceremony at JFC Headquarters in Naples, Italy, July 17, 2020.  During the event, Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Kenneth J. Braithwaite, praised Foggo’s visionary leadership and steady, guiding hand through 21st century challenges including Great Power Competition (GPC) and the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“An incredible leader, I’ve watched Adm. Foggo – over his 39 years – lead from the front, taking care of his Sailors. He is an incredible mentor. He set the example… for what it was to be a United States naval officer.”

-Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Kenneth J. Braithwaite

Credit: Africom/ Photo by German Air Force Master Sergeant Florian Fergen /  Adm. James G. Foggo III during change of command ceremony at JFC Headquarters in Naples, Italy, July 17, 2020.

“Our innovative Africa Partnership Station and the Express series exercises are helping our African partners to build their own capabilities,” said Foggo. “We are committed to supporting our partners in the maritime domain, protecting their blue economies from threats, such as illegal fishing, illicit trafficking, and piracy.”

The SECNAV also recognized the important role Foggo played in strengthening vital relationships throughout the region.

“In the history of the U.S. Navy, we as naval officers were first called to be diplomats… Jamie Foggo has traveled Europe, he has visited all the heads of state. I know, as former Ambassador to Norway, what his efforts meant to that nation.” Foggo strengthened the U.S. Navy-Africa partnership, increasing maritime security and combating the influence of common malign actors. He praised African nations for working together to improve their collaboration and maritime domain awareness.

Credit: Africom/ Photo by German Air Force Master Sergeant Florian Fergen / Adm. Robert P. Burke has relieved Adm. James G. Foggo III as commander of both U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (CNE-CNA) and Allied Joint Forces Command (JFC) Naples July 17, 2020.

Gen. Stephen Townsend, commandor, U.S. AFRICA COMMAND, attends the change of command for U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, July 17, 2020.

The ceremony’s official party also included U.K. Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach, chairman of the Military Committee of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and U.S. Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command. Townsend also praised Foggo for his leadership supporting Africa.

“The Sailors of U.S. Naval Forces Africa work hard every day to ensure America is secure and her interests in Africa are advanced-by doing this, they also improve security and stability for our African partners as well.  NAVAF demonstrates every day the strength and value of U.S. partnerships. Admiral Foggo built strong and resilient relationships in Africa. His determined leadership and efforts enhanced partnerships between coastal nation maritime security and law enforcement agencies. His leadership gave many African nations more awareness and self-sufficiency. He truly made a difference.”

-U.S. Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command

Under Foggo’s leadership, CNE-CNA integrated and expanded interoperability with NATO Allies and partners through some of the largest and most successful multinational exercises in modern times, including BALTOPS, Formidable Shield, and Trident Juncture, according to AFRICOM.

“Our theater is the most kinetic in the world. We face four of the five challenges listed in the U.S. National Defense Strategy – China, Russia, Iran, and Violent Extremist Organizations. We must be ready for an era of increasing geostrategic competition. It will be vital for us to reaffirm our commitment to Allies and partners. NATO is the bedrock of European and transatlantic security.”

-Adm. James G. Foggo III