Maj. Gen. Andrew Rohling (right) U.S. Army Southern European Task Force-Africa outgoing commander, passes the guidon to Gen. Darryl Williams U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander during a during a change of command ceremony held at Hoekstra Field on Caserma Ederle, near Vicenza, Italy, on July 14. (Credit: africom.mil)

By  Gary  Raynaldo   –  DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

Soldiers of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force – Africa welcomed a new commanding general during a change of command ceremony held at Hoekstra Field on Caserma Ederle, near Vicenza, Italy. During the ceremony Maj. Gen. Todd Wasmund, former deputy commanding general of operations for France’s Third Armored Division in Marseilles, France, replaced Maj. Gen. Andrew Rohling, who commanded SETAF-AF for two years.  Maj. Gen. Andrew Rohling U.S. Army Southern European Task Force-Africa outgoing commander, passed the guidon to Gen. Darryl Williams.  Before arriving to Vicenza in July 2022, Maj. Gen. Wasmund served as the deputy commanding general of operations for France’s Third Armored Division in Marseilles, France.

Maj. Gen. Todd Wasmund, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force-Africa incoming commander, at change of command ceremony held at Hoekstra Field on Caserma Ederle, near Vicenza, Italy, on July 14. (Credit: africom.mil)

“Andy, your efforts to streamline command-and-control and ensure rapid deployment readiness have been a game changer for AFRICOM’s ability to respond to crisis and support our core interagency missions,” said Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, during remarks to about 500 soldiers, Department of Army civilians, family members, Italian Carabinieri, and military and community leaders gathered at the ceremony.

Wasmund arrives to SETAF-AF with experience and expertise gained from France’s 3rd Division where he was the deputy commanding general for operations, said U.S. Army Europe and Africa Commander Gen. Darryl Williams, who officiated the ceremony.