1 00:00:01,420 --> 00:00:04,760 I am Staff Sergeant john Montgomery and 2 00:00:04,760 --> 00:00:06,649 I'll be your narrator for today's 3 00:00:06,649 --> 00:00:08,816 ceremony . During this indoor ceremony 4 00:00:08,816 --> 00:00:10,871 there will be no salute . We ask our 5 00:00:10,871 --> 00:00:13,093 military guests to come to the position 6 00:00:13,093 --> 00:00:15,038 of attention during the playing of 7 00:00:15,038 --> 00:00:16,871 musical honors and both national 8 00:00:16,871 --> 00:00:19,093 anthems . Nonmilitary , us citizens are 9 00:00:19,093 --> 00:00:21,260 invited to place their right hand over 10 00:00:21,260 --> 00:00:23,593 their heart during the playing of the U . 11 00:00:23,593 --> 00:00:24,816 S . National anthem . 12 00:00:36,780 --> 00:00:38,780 Harry go . 13 00:00:45,670 --> 00:00:48,060 Good morning ladies and gentlemen today 14 00:00:48,700 --> 00:00:49,978 in the United States , 15 00:01:09,670 --> 00:01:11,614 the presiding official for today's 16 00:01:11,614 --> 00:01:13,837 ceremony is the United States Secretary 17 00:01:13,837 --> 00:01:15,892 of Defense , the honorable Lloyd J . 18 00:01:15,892 --> 00:01:18,820 Austin the third . Also joining us 19 00:01:18,820 --> 00:01:20,764 today is the Chairman of the Joint 20 00:01:20,764 --> 00:01:23,190 Chiefs of Staff . 21 00:01:25,000 --> 00:01:26,833 I would like to take a moment to 22 00:01:26,833 --> 00:01:29,000 recognize our distinguished guests . I 23 00:01:29,000 --> 00:01:31,000 ask that you hold your applause and 24 00:01:31,000 --> 00:01:33,700 tell everyone is introduced . This is 25 00:01:33,700 --> 00:01:37,420 melissa Townsend the of the United 26 00:01:37,420 --> 00:01:40,420 States Africa Ambassador group in the 27 00:01:40,730 --> 00:01:42,897 United States Ambassadors in Germany . 28 00:01:43,330 --> 00:01:44,330 General , 29 00:01:47,960 --> 00:01:51,010 Chief of Defense , Major General , 30 00:01:57,560 --> 00:01:59,930 Embassy of the Democratic Republic of 31 00:01:59,930 --> 00:02:03,320 the Congo . Lord Mayor , Mayor . 32 00:02:04,830 --> 00:02:08,590 Lord Mayor , Mayor , Lord 33 00:02:08,590 --> 00:02:09,920 Mayor , Mayor of 34 00:02:11,970 --> 00:02:14,000 Ambassador of the United States , 35 00:02:14,000 --> 00:02:16,780 Ambassador to Algeria . Ambassador 36 00:02:16,780 --> 00:02:19,010 Leonard , United States Ambassador to 37 00:02:19,010 --> 00:02:22,120 Nigeria and a special warm welcome to 38 00:02:22,120 --> 00:02:23,787 all our host nation guests in 39 00:02:23,787 --> 00:02:25,787 attendance today and to our special 40 00:02:25,787 --> 00:02:27,564 guests representing our african 41 00:02:27,564 --> 00:02:29,398 partners . We welcome you and we 42 00:02:29,398 --> 00:02:31,620 welcome all our partners and friends in 43 00:02:31,620 --> 00:02:35,160 attendance today . Lastly a special 44 00:02:35,160 --> 00:02:36,938 welcome to all general and flag 45 00:02:36,938 --> 00:02:39,240 officers , active and retired senior 46 00:02:39,240 --> 00:02:41,129 enlisted leaders . Members of the 47 00:02:41,129 --> 00:02:42,990 senior executive service . Civic 48 00:02:42,990 --> 00:02:45,920 leaders commanders , Directors , Chief 49 00:02:45,930 --> 00:02:47,763 and members of the United States 50 00:02:47,763 --> 00:02:49,930 African man . Thank you for being here 51 00:02:49,930 --> 00:02:51,763 to share this special occasion . 52 00:03:14,640 --> 00:03:17,330 Ladies and Gentlemen , a 19 gun salute 53 00:03:17,340 --> 00:03:19,284 will be conducted during the plain 54 00:03:19,284 --> 00:03:21,340 ruffles and flourishes and stars and 55 00:03:21,340 --> 00:03:23,396 strikes in honor of the Secretary of 56 00:03:23,396 --> 00:03:26,250 Defense . Please rise for the arrival 57 00:03:26,260 --> 00:03:28,482 of the official party and the rendering 58 00:03:28,482 --> 00:03:32,260 of remains in with the colors of 59 00:03:32,270 --> 00:03:32,520 the 60 00:03:32,520 --> 00:03:37,160 scene . 61 00:05:51,980 --> 00:05:53,220 Where are they 62 00:06:00,190 --> 00:06:01,710 nationally the rainforest 63 00:08:32,660 --> 00:08:33,290 or 64 00:08:39,650 --> 00:08:41,970 photo for 65 00:08:56,950 --> 00:08:59,870 ladies and gentlemen Miss Sarah 66 00:09:05,990 --> 00:09:07,290 go 67 00:09:49,330 --> 00:09:50,900 dry height . 68 00:11:06,650 --> 00:11:07,650 Yeah , 69 00:11:52,550 --> 00:11:53,550 more . 70 00:12:48,960 --> 00:12:50,960 Thank you United States African man 71 00:12:50,960 --> 00:12:53,016 color guard the United States Army , 72 00:12:53,016 --> 00:12:55,182 europe and Africa Ban and Miss Viola . 73 00:13:00,000 --> 00:13:00,420 Mhm 74 00:13:09,390 --> 00:13:11,880 chaplain , 75 00:13:12,730 --> 00:13:16,730 deputy chaplain . The invocation . 76 00:13:21,710 --> 00:13:25,590 Let us pray eternal father . Your 77 00:13:25,590 --> 00:13:27,920 word reminds us that freedom is not 78 00:13:27,930 --> 00:13:29,940 free and in our gratitude for our 79 00:13:29,940 --> 00:13:32,530 freedoms were grateful for leaders like 80 00:13:32,530 --> 00:13:34,530 General Townsend who has faithfully 81 00:13:34,530 --> 00:13:36,650 served and lead by example . We are 82 00:13:36,650 --> 00:13:38,700 grateful for women like melissa 83 00:13:38,700 --> 00:13:40,811 Townsend sons like Evan and Tyler for 84 00:13:40,811 --> 00:13:42,930 their faithfulness . Love support and 85 00:13:42,930 --> 00:13:46,680 sacrifice is seen and unseen as the 86 00:13:46,690 --> 00:13:48,760 Townsend's transition into the next 87 00:13:48,760 --> 00:13:50,871 chapter of life , remind them of that 88 00:13:50,871 --> 00:13:54,020 powerful prayer Lord , I give everyone 89 00:13:54,020 --> 00:13:56,680 and everything to you . Finally , we 90 00:13:56,680 --> 00:13:58,847 join them in prayers for protection of 91 00:13:58,847 --> 00:14:00,847 all of our people who are currently 92 00:14:00,847 --> 00:14:03,900 deployed and in harm's way as general 93 00:14:03,900 --> 00:14:05,789 Langley takes command . Grant him 94 00:14:05,789 --> 00:14:08,530 divine wisdom in the heart of the old 95 00:14:08,530 --> 00:14:10,752 testament , warrior Uriah , the Hittite 96 00:14:10,752 --> 00:14:12,800 who embodied the spirit of semper 97 00:14:12,800 --> 00:14:15,310 Fidelis on and off the battlefield . 98 00:14:15,320 --> 00:14:17,431 This I pray in the name of the father 99 00:14:17,431 --> 00:14:19,653 and of the son and of the Holy spirit . 100 00:14:19,653 --> 00:14:22,990 Amen . Thank you chaplain 101 00:14:22,990 --> 00:14:25,420 marang . Ladies and gentlemen , please 102 00:14:25,430 --> 00:14:26,300 be seated 103 00:14:36,430 --> 00:14:38,597 ladies and gentlemen at this time . It 104 00:14:38,597 --> 00:14:40,708 is my pleasure to reduce the Chairman 105 00:14:40,708 --> 00:14:42,874 of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , General 106 00:14:42,874 --> 00:14:44,080 Mark A Milley . 107 00:14:47,340 --> 00:14:48,340 Right , 108 00:14:51,720 --> 00:14:52,720 how's that ? 109 00:14:54,340 --> 00:14:58,110 So hey , thanks everybody for coming 110 00:14:58,110 --> 00:15:01,250 out . This is a great day for the 111 00:15:01,250 --> 00:15:03,650 Townsend's . It's a great day for Mike 112 00:15:03,650 --> 00:15:05,950 Langley . It's a great day for africom . 113 00:15:05,950 --> 00:15:08,172 It's a great day for our nation . And I 114 00:15:08,172 --> 00:15:10,283 want to thank everyone for taking the 115 00:15:10,283 --> 00:15:12,339 time to get out here and I know that 116 00:15:12,339 --> 00:15:14,450 there's thousands of others who could 117 00:15:14,450 --> 00:15:16,617 not make it out . I would particularly 118 00:15:16,617 --> 00:15:18,783 like to thank Secretary Austin who got 119 00:15:18,783 --> 00:15:20,672 over here and and he's got a long 120 00:15:20,672 --> 00:15:22,950 travel ahead of him . Uh , he's a very , 121 00:15:22,950 --> 00:15:25,061 very busy man and I'll talk about him 122 00:15:25,061 --> 00:15:27,172 at the tail end as I introduced him . 123 00:15:27,172 --> 00:15:26,890 But I want to thank you Secretary for 124 00:15:26,890 --> 00:15:28,890 making the trip . So thank you very 125 00:15:28,890 --> 00:15:31,610 much . And uh , Ambassador Goodman is 126 00:15:31,610 --> 00:15:33,860 down here . She was one of my 127 00:15:33,860 --> 00:15:36,270 professors when I was a student at 128 00:15:36,270 --> 00:15:38,770 Princeton who was Professor Amy , she 129 00:15:38,770 --> 00:15:40,548 gave me a B minus . I thought I 130 00:15:40,548 --> 00:15:42,659 deserved an A . And I'm gonna make my 131 00:15:42,659 --> 00:15:45,850 appeal right here in public . I 132 00:15:45,850 --> 00:15:48,072 probably deserve a lesson to be minus . 133 00:15:48,072 --> 00:15:49,850 But thank you . We have lots of 134 00:15:49,850 --> 00:15:51,850 ambassadors , lots of cha odds . We 135 00:15:51,850 --> 00:15:54,072 have a comment on the Marine Corps . We 136 00:15:54,072 --> 00:15:56,239 have terry . Thank you terry for being 137 00:15:56,239 --> 00:15:58,350 here . We have charts for many , many 138 00:15:58,350 --> 00:16:00,183 countries Sergeant majors , many 139 00:16:00,183 --> 00:16:02,294 distinguished guests . Uh , thank you 140 00:16:02,294 --> 00:16:04,517 all for being here . I do want to say a 141 00:16:04,517 --> 00:16:06,770 special thanks uh , to melissa and 142 00:16:06,770 --> 00:16:09,030 steve's german family . Thank you both 143 00:16:09,040 --> 00:16:11,262 for being here to represent the broader 144 00:16:11,262 --> 00:16:13,670 family . It means so much to him and I 145 00:16:13,670 --> 00:16:15,837 know it means so much to us . So thank 146 00:16:15,837 --> 00:16:17,003 you for being here . 147 00:16:24,210 --> 00:16:27,960 I want to uh say that today uh , 148 00:16:27,970 --> 00:16:30,690 is about Steve Townsend and Mike 149 00:16:30,690 --> 00:16:33,800 Langley , but it's really not . Um , it 150 00:16:33,800 --> 00:16:35,800 is really about this command . It's 151 00:16:35,800 --> 00:16:37,880 about Africa uh , and the incredible 152 00:16:37,880 --> 00:16:41,600 work that well over 10 or 11,000 troops 153 00:16:41,610 --> 00:16:44,880 are doing today throughout the world's 154 00:16:44,880 --> 00:16:46,936 largest continent , the continent of 155 00:16:46,936 --> 00:16:48,700 Africa as well as coordinating 156 00:16:48,700 --> 00:16:51,460 synchronizing and supervising execution 157 00:16:51,460 --> 00:16:54,250 of those activities and operations . 158 00:16:54,260 --> 00:16:56,600 From right here at Kelley Barracks , 159 00:16:56,600 --> 00:16:58,550 Headquarters of Africa . Uh , the 160 00:16:58,560 --> 00:17:00,730 soldiers , the sailors , the airmen , 161 00:17:00,740 --> 00:17:03,430 the marines , the space guardians , the 162 00:17:03,430 --> 00:17:05,660 coast guardsmen , all of them are 163 00:17:05,660 --> 00:17:07,910 defending U . S . Interests and they 164 00:17:07,910 --> 00:17:11,890 are reassuring our partners . 24 73 165 00:17:11,890 --> 00:17:15,470 65 in this incredibly important 166 00:17:15,480 --> 00:17:17,970 region of great interest to the United 167 00:17:17,970 --> 00:17:20,410 States . The troops are working 168 00:17:20,410 --> 00:17:23,720 alongside our partners uh , to increase 169 00:17:23,720 --> 00:17:26,080 stability and reduce the potential for 170 00:17:26,080 --> 00:17:29,650 conflict in a conflict ridden area . 171 00:17:30,200 --> 00:17:32,430 They are training with and providing 172 00:17:32,430 --> 00:17:34,820 assistance across the continent to 173 00:17:34,820 --> 00:17:36,710 counter transnational threats , 174 00:17:37,250 --> 00:17:39,600 increase the potential for stability 175 00:17:39,610 --> 00:17:41,721 and increased prosperity and economic 176 00:17:41,721 --> 00:17:44,850 wealth , stability and partnership 177 00:17:44,860 --> 00:17:48,840 translate directly into ensuring the 178 00:17:48,850 --> 00:17:50,906 preservation of what we have come to 179 00:17:50,906 --> 00:17:53,230 known as the rules based international 180 00:17:53,230 --> 00:17:55,119 order . And there are many , many 181 00:17:55,119 --> 00:17:58,440 stressors on that order . Today there 182 00:17:58,440 --> 00:18:00,607 are terrorists . There are other great 183 00:18:00,607 --> 00:18:02,551 powers . There are many people who 184 00:18:02,551 --> 00:18:04,773 don't like that , so called rules based 185 00:18:04,773 --> 00:18:06,940 order , but that rules based order has 186 00:18:06,940 --> 00:18:08,996 maintained a degree of stability and 187 00:18:08,996 --> 00:18:10,996 peace throughout the world and it's 188 00:18:10,996 --> 00:18:13,520 worth preserving us . Africom serves as 189 00:18:13,520 --> 00:18:15,298 the nexus for the United States 190 00:18:15,298 --> 00:18:18,640 strategy on this continent And it 191 00:18:18,640 --> 00:18:22,570 enables uh security cooperation with 53 192 00:18:22,570 --> 00:18:26,420 nations including 800 different ethnic 193 00:18:26,420 --> 00:18:30,190 groups and over 1000 languages 194 00:18:30,200 --> 00:18:34,010 are spoken across a terrain that's 3.5 195 00:18:34,010 --> 00:18:37,480 times the size of the United States . 196 00:18:38,240 --> 00:18:40,580 The continent of Africa is located 197 00:18:40,580 --> 00:18:43,360 among six strategic waterways and choke 198 00:18:43,360 --> 00:18:46,720 points where one third of all global 199 00:18:46,730 --> 00:18:50,670 trade transits , Africom works with our 200 00:18:50,670 --> 00:18:53,020 partners to counter the terrorist 201 00:18:53,020 --> 00:18:55,260 networks that challenge that freedom 202 00:18:55,260 --> 00:18:58,960 that stability . Africom is agile and 203 00:18:58,960 --> 00:19:02,170 flexible responsive and adapted to the 204 00:19:02,170 --> 00:19:04,260 changing landscape that constantly 205 00:19:04,260 --> 00:19:07,120 exists on the ground . But this command 206 00:19:07,120 --> 00:19:09,320 acts with the speed of relevance . 207 00:19:09,320 --> 00:19:12,540 Every single day Africom deployed 208 00:19:12,540 --> 00:19:14,980 american troops to support C . T . 209 00:19:14,980 --> 00:19:17,620 Operations with our many partners 210 00:19:17,630 --> 00:19:21,360 against al Shabaab in East Africa and 211 00:19:21,360 --> 00:19:24,530 Africa continues to thwart Al Qaeda in 212 00:19:24,530 --> 00:19:27,720 the Maghreb in ISIS in Northwest and 213 00:19:27,730 --> 00:19:31,260 Central Africa . In addition to 214 00:19:31,270 --> 00:19:33,437 counterterrorism operations throughout 215 00:19:33,437 --> 00:19:35,570 Africa , under Steve . Townsend's 216 00:19:35,570 --> 00:19:39,370 leadership . Africom has freed hostages . 217 00:19:39,380 --> 00:19:42,060 They've assisted in humanitarian 218 00:19:42,070 --> 00:19:44,340 activities when a cyclone hit and 219 00:19:44,350 --> 00:19:48,150 impacted over 700,000 people and 220 00:19:48,150 --> 00:19:50,317 helped recover victims from a civilian 221 00:19:50,317 --> 00:19:54,200 airline crash steve has led the way 222 00:19:54,200 --> 00:19:57,050 to build partner capacity , employing 223 00:19:57,050 --> 00:19:59,217 the security force assistance brigades 224 00:19:59,660 --> 00:20:02,440 in order to help our partners build 225 00:20:02,440 --> 00:20:05,370 their military capability . He is 226 00:20:05,370 --> 00:20:07,720 overseeing green Berets , executing Js . 227 00:20:07,720 --> 00:20:10,680 It's in our National Guard , working 228 00:20:10,680 --> 00:20:12,847 through a state partnership program to 229 00:20:12,847 --> 00:20:14,680 strengthen those relationships , 230 00:20:15,190 --> 00:20:19,070 working by with and through our allies 231 00:20:19,070 --> 00:20:22,800 and partners is a way of life in Africa . 232 00:20:23,930 --> 00:20:27,330 So steve is lead africom and fighting 233 00:20:27,330 --> 00:20:30,660 terror , freeing hostages , providing 234 00:20:30,660 --> 00:20:32,604 humanitarian assistance , building 235 00:20:32,604 --> 00:20:36,190 partner capacity all the while being a 236 00:20:36,190 --> 00:20:40,070 great team player and taking care 237 00:20:40,080 --> 00:20:44,020 of his troops . He is , in my view , 238 00:20:44,030 --> 00:20:46,270 the biggest team player of all the 239 00:20:46,270 --> 00:20:48,900 combatant commands in the joint force . 240 00:20:49,630 --> 00:20:52,310 He's also a first class american 241 00:20:52,310 --> 00:20:55,670 ambassador to millions of people in the 242 00:20:55,670 --> 00:20:58,580 world's largest continent . A strong 243 00:20:58,580 --> 00:21:02,290 and stable African continent is 244 00:21:02,290 --> 00:21:05,700 key for the United States , but more 245 00:21:05,700 --> 00:21:09,690 than that it's key for the world . It 246 00:21:09,690 --> 00:21:12,740 is important that we support a free and 247 00:21:12,740 --> 00:21:15,570 open , open global commons and that 248 00:21:15,570 --> 00:21:19,330 includes Africa steve . You 249 00:21:19,330 --> 00:21:22,100 personally have done more to help the 250 00:21:22,100 --> 00:21:24,410 people of Africa than perhaps any other 251 00:21:24,410 --> 00:21:26,880 single american alive and I want to 252 00:21:26,880 --> 00:21:29,050 thank you on behalf of the millions in 253 00:21:29,050 --> 00:21:31,272 this continent , on behalf of the joint 254 00:21:31,272 --> 00:21:33,600 force on behalf of the United States of 255 00:21:33,600 --> 00:21:35,600 America . Thank you for what you've 256 00:21:35,600 --> 00:21:38,770 done . Mhm 257 00:21:45,810 --> 00:21:47,921 and Melissa Townsend has done just as 258 00:21:47,921 --> 00:21:50,140 much if not more than steve in 259 00:21:50,140 --> 00:21:53,340 supporting him and africom and the 260 00:21:53,340 --> 00:21:56,150 troops and all their families melissa . 261 00:21:56,150 --> 00:21:58,980 We owe you a debt of gratitude . You've 262 00:21:58,980 --> 00:22:01,220 held the hands of the wounded , you've 263 00:22:01,220 --> 00:22:03,680 comforted the grieving . You're a 264 00:22:03,680 --> 00:22:05,736 tremendous example of our incredible 265 00:22:05,736 --> 00:22:08,020 military spouses who served day in and 266 00:22:08,020 --> 00:22:10,640 day out and never earn a dime for all 267 00:22:10,640 --> 00:22:13,940 they do the challenge of services 268 00:22:13,950 --> 00:22:16,200 born by our families far more than it 269 00:22:16,200 --> 00:22:18,870 is by us . We could not do what we do 270 00:22:18,870 --> 00:22:20,730 without the advice , love and 271 00:22:20,730 --> 00:22:23,920 unconditional support of our spouses 272 00:22:23,930 --> 00:22:27,720 and our Children and steve chose and 273 00:22:27,720 --> 00:22:30,020 volunteered to be in the army . But 274 00:22:30,020 --> 00:22:32,930 Melissa married into it and their sons , 275 00:22:32,940 --> 00:22:35,560 Tyler and Evan were born into it and 276 00:22:35,560 --> 00:22:38,200 Tyler currently is a engineer captain 277 00:22:38,210 --> 00:22:40,380 in the United States Army , serving as 278 00:22:40,380 --> 00:22:42,380 an O . C . At the National Training 279 00:22:42,380 --> 00:22:45,550 Center along with his spouse Alex and 280 00:22:45,560 --> 00:22:48,760 the grandchild Fay and 281 00:22:48,760 --> 00:22:52,050 Evan was a medic , a medic in the first 282 00:22:52,050 --> 00:22:54,430 ranger battalion with multiple tours in 283 00:22:54,430 --> 00:22:56,910 combat and he now serves as an 284 00:22:56,910 --> 00:22:59,670 emergency room nurse who with his wife , 285 00:22:59,670 --> 00:23:01,730 Katie and their two Children , Wyatt 286 00:23:01,730 --> 00:23:03,990 McKayla live in savannah Georgia where 287 00:23:03,990 --> 00:23:06,530 steve will soon retire temporarily 288 00:23:06,530 --> 00:23:09,450 before he's on to pennsylvania steve 289 00:23:09,450 --> 00:23:12,190 and Melissa , the entire joint force in 290 00:23:12,190 --> 00:23:14,301 this nation are proud of your service 291 00:23:14,350 --> 00:23:16,572 and we all thank you , you've served in 292 00:23:16,572 --> 00:23:19,170 peacetime and served in combat and 293 00:23:19,170 --> 00:23:21,059 through it all you have lead with 294 00:23:21,059 --> 00:23:23,840 humility , honor , team , player 295 00:23:23,840 --> 00:23:26,070 attitude , incredible competence and 296 00:23:26,070 --> 00:23:28,420 credibility . I'm proud to call you my 297 00:23:28,420 --> 00:23:30,590 friend and I know there are many here 298 00:23:30,590 --> 00:23:32,368 today who are thankful for your 299 00:23:32,368 --> 00:23:34,368 leadership , your guidance and your 300 00:23:34,368 --> 00:23:36,580 mentorship . And while we're on this 301 00:23:36,580 --> 00:23:39,420 stage , the mission of Africom does not 302 00:23:39,420 --> 00:23:41,910 stop . This command is more than just 303 00:23:41,910 --> 00:23:44,021 one person and the operation does not 304 00:23:44,021 --> 00:23:47,090 stop just because of the ceremony , the 305 00:23:47,090 --> 00:23:49,600 work continues and if we could build a 306 00:23:49,600 --> 00:23:52,030 machine and feed into that machine , 307 00:23:52,040 --> 00:23:54,190 the knowledge , the skills and the 308 00:23:54,190 --> 00:23:56,134 attributes to produce an effective 309 00:23:56,134 --> 00:23:58,790 africom combatant commander , then Mike 310 00:23:58,790 --> 00:24:01,670 Langley would be output . Mike is the 311 00:24:01,670 --> 00:24:03,900 right leader at the right time with the 312 00:24:03,900 --> 00:24:06,440 right skills to lead this command into 313 00:24:06,440 --> 00:24:09,100 the future . He has the unique blend 314 00:24:09,100 --> 00:24:11,920 like steve of character and competence 315 00:24:11,930 --> 00:24:14,460 and courage and he has the experiences 316 00:24:14,460 --> 00:24:17,390 and knowledge to lead africom in a very 317 00:24:17,390 --> 00:24:20,520 challenging time . Mike like steve 318 00:24:20,520 --> 00:24:23,010 comes from a family of service . His 319 00:24:23,010 --> 00:24:25,150 father Willie retired as an Air Force 320 00:24:25,160 --> 00:24:27,770 master sergeant who raised four 321 00:24:27,770 --> 00:24:30,840 Children while on active duty . His 322 00:24:30,840 --> 00:24:33,540 father and stepmother Rolla served over 323 00:24:33,540 --> 00:24:36,490 60 combined years in service of our 324 00:24:36,490 --> 00:24:38,830 government . The Langley family is 325 00:24:38,830 --> 00:24:41,160 dedicated to service in and out of 326 00:24:41,160 --> 00:24:43,680 uniform and Mike Langley is a family 327 00:24:43,680 --> 00:24:45,569 man with a deep connection to his 328 00:24:45,569 --> 00:24:47,910 parents and his siblings . Service and 329 00:24:47,910 --> 00:24:51,800 sacrifice is in his blood and 330 00:24:51,800 --> 00:24:54,630 mike hails from Louisiana and is a 331 00:24:54,640 --> 00:24:56,418 graduate of University of texas 332 00:24:56,418 --> 00:24:58,750 Arlington . He was extremely 333 00:24:58,760 --> 00:25:01,180 disciplined in his youth and let it for 334 00:25:01,180 --> 00:25:03,990 four years in track at ut Arlington . 335 00:25:04,750 --> 00:25:07,510 That discipline is still evident today 336 00:25:07,520 --> 00:25:11,270 and everything Mike does 37 years ago , 337 00:25:11,900 --> 00:25:14,122 He was a young platoon commander in the 338 00:25:14,122 --> 00:25:17,530 10th marines and now he's in charge of 339 00:25:17,530 --> 00:25:19,697 a combatant command here in just a few 340 00:25:19,697 --> 00:25:22,750 minutes . He's led in peacetime and 341 00:25:22,750 --> 00:25:25,640 war . He understands the demand of 342 00:25:25,650 --> 00:25:28,580 military high command and I first ran 343 00:25:28,580 --> 00:25:31,840 across Mike Langley as a colonel in 344 00:25:31,840 --> 00:25:34,940 Afghanistan and I can attest to his 345 00:25:34,940 --> 00:25:38,310 skill in combat . Like many of our 346 00:25:38,310 --> 00:25:41,170 generation , Mike has served many years 347 00:25:41,170 --> 00:25:43,680 in combat mostly in Central Command . 348 00:25:44,500 --> 00:25:46,333 Mike commanded the regional core 349 00:25:46,333 --> 00:25:48,333 Advisory Command and Regional Corps 350 00:25:48,333 --> 00:25:50,230 Support Command in southwest 351 00:25:50,230 --> 00:25:52,540 Afghanistan . He's been a commanding 352 00:25:52,540 --> 00:25:54,207 general for the second Marine 353 00:25:54,207 --> 00:25:56,470 Expeditionary brigade and the Commander 354 00:25:56,470 --> 00:26:00,400 of Marine Forces Command Africom and 355 00:26:00,400 --> 00:26:02,830 he served throughout the United States , 356 00:26:02,840 --> 00:26:06,480 ASIA , europe and Africa in joint 357 00:26:06,490 --> 00:26:10,090 and Joint Staffs . Mike is a 358 00:26:10,100 --> 00:26:13,370 selfless and humble man . He's a man 359 00:26:13,370 --> 00:26:16,060 dedicated to service . He accomplishes 360 00:26:16,060 --> 00:26:19,590 the mission without fanfare and he has 361 00:26:19,590 --> 00:26:22,220 no ego . He is technically and 362 00:26:22,220 --> 00:26:24,440 tactically competent . He's got the 363 00:26:24,440 --> 00:26:26,830 strategic thinking necessary to lead 364 00:26:26,830 --> 00:26:29,140 this command . He's an exceptional 365 00:26:29,140 --> 00:26:31,580 marine in every way possible and he's 366 00:26:31,580 --> 00:26:34,280 an exceptional Joint force officer . He 367 00:26:34,280 --> 00:26:37,510 is what we should all expect our senior 368 00:26:37,510 --> 00:26:41,190 leaders , decisive , able and a man of 369 00:26:41,190 --> 00:26:45,150 tremendous integrity right now . Mike's 370 00:26:45,150 --> 00:26:48,160 mission is to take over and lead Africa 371 00:26:49,450 --> 00:26:52,320 this command . It is so important to 372 00:26:52,320 --> 00:26:54,440 the United States Mike , you're gonna 373 00:26:54,440 --> 00:26:57,240 do a great job . The only thing I ask 374 00:26:57,250 --> 00:26:59,550 is that you be yourself and you lead 375 00:26:59,550 --> 00:27:01,106 with the integrity that you 376 00:27:01,106 --> 00:27:03,161 demonstrated in the last almost four 377 00:27:03,161 --> 00:27:06,330 decades to the men and women of us . 378 00:27:06,330 --> 00:27:08,880 Africom . Thank you for your steadfast 379 00:27:08,880 --> 00:27:10,991 service and for protecting the United 380 00:27:10,991 --> 00:27:13,213 States and our vital national interests 381 00:27:13,213 --> 00:27:16,070 all day . Every day . Each of you 382 00:27:16,070 --> 00:27:18,400 accomplished a mission and I thank you 383 00:27:18,400 --> 00:27:21,280 for what you do . And I know that all 384 00:27:21,280 --> 00:27:23,391 of you will welcome Mike Langley with 385 00:27:23,391 --> 00:27:25,613 open arms and may God bless you and God 386 00:27:25,613 --> 00:27:28,350 bless America . And let me take 1 2nd 387 00:27:28,350 --> 00:27:31,180 here to introduce our 28 Secretary of 388 00:27:31,180 --> 00:27:33,830 Defense . This is a man that I have 389 00:27:33,830 --> 00:27:35,886 known for . Well over a quarter of a 390 00:27:35,886 --> 00:27:37,980 century . I have served under him in 391 00:27:37,980 --> 00:27:40,550 peacetime and I've served with him in 392 00:27:40,550 --> 00:27:44,320 combat . I've seen how he leads with 393 00:27:44,330 --> 00:27:47,770 dignity with incredible competence and 394 00:27:47,770 --> 00:27:50,060 Lloyd Austin has the integrity that no 395 00:27:50,060 --> 00:27:52,450 one will ever penetrate whatsoever . 396 00:27:52,460 --> 00:27:54,460 He's a man that won't bend with the 397 00:27:54,460 --> 00:27:56,740 winds of the day . He's a man who has 398 00:27:56,740 --> 00:27:59,600 vision , character , competence and all 399 00:27:59,600 --> 00:28:01,767 of the leader attributes that we would 400 00:28:01,767 --> 00:28:03,822 ever expect . Ladies and Gentlemen , 401 00:28:03,822 --> 00:28:05,878 the 28th Secretary of Defense of the 402 00:28:05,878 --> 00:28:08,044 United States , America Lloyd Austin . 403 00:28:28,440 --> 00:28:31,080 Well , thank you . General Milley , I 404 00:28:31,080 --> 00:28:33,770 guess . And that was really gracious 405 00:28:33,780 --> 00:28:36,510 introduction . Introduction like that . 406 00:28:36,510 --> 00:28:38,510 I guess I just should say thanks to 407 00:28:38,510 --> 00:28:40,732 everybody and sit down so I don't screw 408 00:28:40,732 --> 00:28:43,880 that up . Right . Well , good morning 409 00:28:43,880 --> 00:28:46,270 everyone . It's great to be back here 410 00:28:46,270 --> 00:28:49,270 in studio Guard . Ambassador Guttman , 411 00:28:49,720 --> 00:28:52,053 General Milley , General and mrs Berger . 412 00:28:53,420 --> 00:28:55,860 General casually Ambassadors and Chiefs 413 00:28:55,860 --> 00:28:57,860 of Defense , distinguished guests . 414 00:28:58,960 --> 00:29:02,600 Thanks for being here to the men and 415 00:29:02,600 --> 00:29:04,711 women of Africom . Thank you for your 416 00:29:04,711 --> 00:29:08,450 hospitality and your dedication and let 417 00:29:08,450 --> 00:29:11,170 me extend a hearty congratulations to 418 00:29:11,180 --> 00:29:14,590 General steve Townsend and General Mike 419 00:29:14,590 --> 00:29:16,812 Langley , General Townsend , it's great 420 00:29:16,812 --> 00:29:20,240 to see you . Congratulations on a job 421 00:29:20,240 --> 00:29:23,510 incredibly well done and 422 00:29:23,510 --> 00:29:26,130 Melissa . It's always wonderful to see 423 00:29:26,130 --> 00:29:29,320 you General Langley . I'm proud to be 424 00:29:29,320 --> 00:29:32,360 here with you on on this historic day . 425 00:29:33,720 --> 00:29:35,887 You know , I've got a lot to say about 426 00:29:35,887 --> 00:29:37,980 these tremendous leaders . But first 427 00:29:37,980 --> 00:29:40,147 I'd like to take just a few minutes to 428 00:29:40,147 --> 00:29:42,310 talk about the critical work that 429 00:29:42,310 --> 00:29:45,990 Africom is doing now . 430 00:29:45,990 --> 00:29:49,640 Africom is a young command Only 15 431 00:29:49,640 --> 00:29:53,070 years old , But it's a critical one 432 00:29:54,460 --> 00:29:56,293 in an outstanding example of how 433 00:29:56,293 --> 00:29:58,404 working shoulder to shoulder with our 434 00:29:58,404 --> 00:30:01,580 partners makes us all safer and more 435 00:30:01,580 --> 00:30:05,330 prosperous . As President biden has 436 00:30:05,330 --> 00:30:08,820 said , quote , there's a fundamental 437 00:30:08,820 --> 00:30:11,600 truth of the 21st century 438 00:30:12,900 --> 00:30:16,230 that our own success is bound up with 439 00:30:16,240 --> 00:30:19,860 others succeeding as well . You know , 440 00:30:19,860 --> 00:30:23,190 that's especially true here in 441 00:30:23,190 --> 00:30:25,540 Africom and in the work they do in 442 00:30:25,540 --> 00:30:29,520 Africa , the 443 00:30:29,520 --> 00:30:31,742 continent is on the front lines of many 444 00:30:31,742 --> 00:30:33,964 of this century's most pressing threats 445 00:30:34,960 --> 00:30:37,880 from mass migration to food insecurity , 446 00:30:38,860 --> 00:30:41,660 from COVID-19 to the climate crisis , 447 00:30:42,460 --> 00:30:45,370 From the drumbeat of autocracy to the 448 00:30:45,370 --> 00:30:47,800 dangers of terrorism , 449 00:30:49,940 --> 00:30:53,280 These challenges threaten us all 450 00:30:53,290 --> 00:30:57,220 together . And so we must tackle 451 00:30:57,220 --> 00:30:59,820 them all together . 452 00:31:01,620 --> 00:31:05,300 And that's just what Africom does every 453 00:31:05,300 --> 00:31:08,440 day . Africom works alongside our 454 00:31:08,440 --> 00:31:11,750 friends as full partners to strengthen 455 00:31:11,750 --> 00:31:15,070 bonds to tackle common threats 456 00:31:15,940 --> 00:31:18,760 to advance a shared vision of in Africa 457 00:31:18,760 --> 00:31:22,360 whose people are safe and prosperous 458 00:31:22,370 --> 00:31:24,820 and free to choose their own future . 459 00:31:26,320 --> 00:31:28,840 Now we've seen the power of partnership 460 00:31:28,850 --> 00:31:32,180 in Somalia where Africom supports our 461 00:31:32,180 --> 00:31:34,540 partners as they lead the fight against 462 00:31:34,540 --> 00:31:38,480 al Shabaab . And that cooperation is 463 00:31:38,480 --> 00:31:41,310 especially crucial as Al Shabaab's 464 00:31:41,310 --> 00:31:44,170 attacks on civilians grow more 465 00:31:44,170 --> 00:31:47,960 lethal , brazen and cruel . 466 00:31:50,090 --> 00:31:52,034 You know . Earlier this year , the 467 00:31:52,034 --> 00:31:54,600 United States decided to re establish a 468 00:31:54,600 --> 00:31:57,020 small , persistent military presence in 469 00:31:57,020 --> 00:32:00,500 Somalia to help us more effectively 470 00:32:00,500 --> 00:32:03,390 advise assist and train African 471 00:32:03,390 --> 00:32:06,810 forces as they combat the threat of al 472 00:32:06,810 --> 00:32:07,640 Shabaab . 473 00:32:10,250 --> 00:32:13,110 Violent extremism and instability are 474 00:32:13,110 --> 00:32:16,720 also on the rise and it's a hell . Al 475 00:32:16,720 --> 00:32:19,280 Qaeda ISIS and other terrorist groups 476 00:32:19,280 --> 00:32:21,740 are exploiting weak governance and 477 00:32:21,740 --> 00:32:25,330 political turmoil . These groups have 478 00:32:25,330 --> 00:32:28,700 taken thousands of lives and the havoc 479 00:32:28,700 --> 00:32:31,280 that they cause threatens to spill 480 00:32:31,280 --> 00:32:33,660 across borders to undermine security in 481 00:32:33,660 --> 00:32:37,270 southern europe and beyond . So , 482 00:32:37,280 --> 00:32:39,880 Africom works closely with the State 483 00:32:39,880 --> 00:32:42,970 Department U . S . A . I . D . And our 484 00:32:42,970 --> 00:32:44,970 NATO allies to help our regional 485 00:32:44,970 --> 00:32:47,540 partners build more resilient 486 00:32:47,550 --> 00:32:50,350 institutions and to root out extremism . 487 00:32:53,450 --> 00:32:55,561 This command is also working shoulder 488 00:32:55,561 --> 00:32:57,783 to shoulder with our valued partners to 489 00:32:57,783 --> 00:33:01,430 combat COVID-19 africa common stood up 490 00:33:01,430 --> 00:33:03,830 field hospitals and delivered urgently 491 00:33:03,830 --> 00:33:07,220 needed medical supplies and I'm proud 492 00:33:07,220 --> 00:33:09,387 of the fact that the United States has 493 00:33:09,387 --> 00:33:12,020 delivered more than 100 and 70 million 494 00:33:12,030 --> 00:33:14,850 lifesaving Covid vaccine doses to 495 00:33:14,860 --> 00:33:16,230 African countries . 496 00:33:18,410 --> 00:33:21,500 Africom is also supporting countless 497 00:33:21,510 --> 00:33:25,260 other efforts to make Africa safer and 498 00:33:25,260 --> 00:33:28,520 to unlock the continent's opportunities 499 00:33:29,370 --> 00:33:32,010 and to deepen military interoperability 500 00:33:33,280 --> 00:33:35,113 and to build stronger democratic 501 00:33:35,113 --> 00:33:37,113 institutions that deliver for their 502 00:33:37,113 --> 00:33:41,080 people . Now , 503 00:33:41,110 --> 00:33:43,040 I know this work isn't easy 504 00:33:44,630 --> 00:33:46,740 across africa . Those who support 505 00:33:46,740 --> 00:33:49,730 democracy and freedom and the rule of 506 00:33:49,730 --> 00:33:51,740 law are battering the forces of 507 00:33:51,740 --> 00:33:54,160 autocracy and chaos and corruption . 508 00:33:56,360 --> 00:33:58,304 And we can feel these headwinds in 509 00:33:58,304 --> 00:34:01,840 Tunisia whose people inspired the 510 00:34:01,840 --> 00:34:05,290 world with their demands for 511 00:34:05,290 --> 00:34:08,760 democracy . And today , 512 00:34:08,770 --> 00:34:11,920 Tunisia's dream of self government is 513 00:34:11,920 --> 00:34:15,470 again in danger . But the United 514 00:34:15,470 --> 00:34:18,330 States stands committed to supporting 515 00:34:18,330 --> 00:34:21,740 our friends in Tunisia and anywhere in 516 00:34:21,740 --> 00:34:24,710 Africa who are trying to forge open 517 00:34:24,720 --> 00:34:27,490 accountable and inclusive democracies 518 00:34:30,830 --> 00:34:33,020 and elsewhere in Africa , we're seeing 519 00:34:33,030 --> 00:34:36,180 other threats to democracy and some 520 00:34:36,180 --> 00:34:38,124 leaders are cracking down on civil 521 00:34:38,124 --> 00:34:41,440 liberties and giving into corruption or 522 00:34:41,440 --> 00:34:43,490 stifling the will of the people . 523 00:34:46,440 --> 00:34:49,510 And some African militaries have pushed 524 00:34:49,510 --> 00:34:52,970 out civilian governments . So let's be 525 00:34:52,970 --> 00:34:56,940 clear , a military exists to 526 00:34:56,940 --> 00:35:00,090 serve its people and not the other way 527 00:35:00,090 --> 00:35:03,790 around and militaries must play their 528 00:35:03,790 --> 00:35:07,370 legitimate role . That means defending 529 00:35:07,370 --> 00:35:10,230 human rights and protecting the rule of 530 00:35:10,230 --> 00:35:13,740 law and not toppling civilian 531 00:35:13,740 --> 00:35:16,130 governments or wallowing in corruption . 532 00:35:17,840 --> 00:35:20,062 And that's especially important . Now , 533 00:35:20,062 --> 00:35:22,560 when autocracy is on the march around 534 00:35:22,560 --> 00:35:26,320 the world and that includes outsiders 535 00:35:26,320 --> 00:35:28,431 who are working to tighten their grip 536 00:35:28,431 --> 00:35:31,610 on the continent . The people's 537 00:35:31,610 --> 00:35:34,090 republic of china is expanding its 538 00:35:34,090 --> 00:35:36,240 military and economic footprint and 539 00:35:36,240 --> 00:35:39,500 seeking to build bases in Africa and to 540 00:35:39,500 --> 00:35:41,333 undermine U . S . Relations with 541 00:35:41,333 --> 00:35:43,370 African peoples and governments and 542 00:35:43,370 --> 00:35:47,110 militaries . Meanwhile , Russia is 543 00:35:47,110 --> 00:35:49,054 peddling cheap weapons and backing 544 00:35:49,054 --> 00:35:51,690 mercenary forces and that's yet another 545 00:35:51,690 --> 00:35:53,930 reminder of Moscow's willingness to sow 546 00:35:53,930 --> 00:35:56,400 chaos and threaten the rules based 547 00:35:56,400 --> 00:35:59,040 international order and it goes far 548 00:35:59,040 --> 00:36:01,300 beyond Putin's reckless invasion of 549 00:36:01,300 --> 00:36:04,680 Ukraine . We're 550 00:36:04,680 --> 00:36:07,510 committed to ensuring that Africa 551 00:36:07,510 --> 00:36:10,050 enjoys the protections of the 552 00:36:10,050 --> 00:36:12,070 international rules and norms that 553 00:36:12,070 --> 00:36:13,880 advance all of our safety and 554 00:36:13,880 --> 00:36:17,700 prosperity . And that gives the 555 00:36:17,700 --> 00:36:19,970 nations of Africa a clear eyed choice 556 00:36:19,970 --> 00:36:23,510 of partners . And that's why President 557 00:36:23,510 --> 00:36:26,960 Biden will convene African heads of 558 00:36:26,960 --> 00:36:29,840 State in december for the US Africa 559 00:36:29,840 --> 00:36:33,360 Leaders summit in Washington . That is 560 00:36:33,360 --> 00:36:35,193 why my friend Secretary of State 561 00:36:35,193 --> 00:36:38,320 Blinken is in South Africa right now 562 00:36:39,240 --> 00:36:41,184 to launch the new U . S . Strategy 563 00:36:41,184 --> 00:36:44,830 towards Sub Saharan Africa and it's 564 00:36:44,830 --> 00:36:48,060 why I am so grateful 565 00:36:49,010 --> 00:36:50,610 for Africom is work . 566 00:36:54,500 --> 00:36:56,389 Now when I look at this command's 567 00:36:56,389 --> 00:37:00,110 achievements , it's easy to see the 568 00:37:00,110 --> 00:37:02,650 mark of your outstanding leader . 569 00:37:05,310 --> 00:37:07,500 You know , I've long had the privilege 570 00:37:08,270 --> 00:37:10,530 to call steve Townsend a teammate 571 00:37:12,670 --> 00:37:15,670 in general . You have led africom for 572 00:37:15,670 --> 00:37:18,580 the past three years with vision and 573 00:37:18,580 --> 00:37:20,430 dedication and compassion . 574 00:37:22,870 --> 00:37:25,110 Throughout your extraordinary career , 575 00:37:25,110 --> 00:37:27,900 you've always counted on Melissa , your 576 00:37:27,900 --> 00:37:31,510 wife of nearly 40 years she has 577 00:37:31,510 --> 00:37:34,800 supported the family with fortitude and 578 00:37:34,800 --> 00:37:38,690 strength and when I say fortitude and 579 00:37:38,690 --> 00:37:41,840 strength . I mean that literally 580 00:37:43,340 --> 00:37:46,140 you see melissa is an ultra ultra 581 00:37:46,140 --> 00:37:49,850 marathoner And she routinely runs 30 582 00:37:49,850 --> 00:37:53,700 and 50 mile races and some of us get 583 00:37:53,700 --> 00:37:55,867 tired just thinking about driving that 584 00:37:55,867 --> 00:37:55,780 far 585 00:38:01,030 --> 00:38:04,260 so melissa , thank you for your 586 00:38:04,260 --> 00:38:08,090 sacrifice and your service and for 587 00:38:08,090 --> 00:38:09,868 your work on behalf of military 588 00:38:09,868 --> 00:38:12,320 families at every post that you've ever 589 00:38:12,320 --> 00:38:16,030 lived in and General 590 00:38:16,030 --> 00:38:17,974 Townsend . I know that your sons , 591 00:38:17,974 --> 00:38:20,197 Tyler and Evan are proudly following in 592 00:38:20,197 --> 00:38:22,210 your footsteps as army rangers and 593 00:38:22,210 --> 00:38:26,060 combat veterans . But I know what makes 594 00:38:26,060 --> 00:38:29,490 you prouder than anything and it is 595 00:38:29,490 --> 00:38:31,820 that they're such good fathers . 596 00:38:33,650 --> 00:38:35,910 Tyler and Evan , thank you both for 597 00:38:35,910 --> 00:38:37,466 your service to our country 598 00:38:39,620 --> 00:38:41,940 Today . As general Townsend closes his 599 00:38:41,940 --> 00:38:44,330 short 40 year career in the army , 600 00:38:45,840 --> 00:38:48,600 I can finally reveal a little secret . 601 00:38:51,670 --> 00:38:54,580 See when steve was young , he wanted to 602 00:38:54,580 --> 00:38:58,260 be a fighter pilot , but because he 603 00:38:58,260 --> 00:39:00,810 wore glasses , he got stuck with the 604 00:39:00,810 --> 00:39:04,750 army . I 605 00:39:04,750 --> 00:39:06,861 think the army is pretty thankful for 606 00:39:06,861 --> 00:39:10,490 that . Now steve , I had the privilege 607 00:39:10,490 --> 00:39:13,250 of serving with you at Fort Drum And 608 00:39:13,250 --> 00:39:15,361 you were my operations officer when I 609 00:39:15,361 --> 00:39:17,583 commanded 10th mountain division and we 610 00:39:17,583 --> 00:39:19,750 deployed together to Afghanistan and I 611 00:39:19,750 --> 00:39:21,861 learned that no challenge on earth is 612 00:39:21,861 --> 00:39:24,650 to dawning for steve . Townsend steve . 613 00:39:24,650 --> 00:39:26,530 Townsend is unflappable . 614 00:39:28,460 --> 00:39:31,700 So when you're down with seconds on the 615 00:39:31,700 --> 00:39:35,020 clock , he's the one that you want 616 00:39:35,020 --> 00:39:38,540 Holding the ball steve , you were the 617 00:39:38,540 --> 00:39:40,540 perfect choice to lead the combined 618 00:39:40,540 --> 00:39:42,651 joint task force to liberate Iraq and 619 00:39:42,651 --> 00:39:45,450 Syria from ISIS . A mission that called 620 00:39:45,450 --> 00:39:48,090 for military power and deft diplomacy 621 00:39:48,090 --> 00:39:51,050 with our coalition partners . And you 622 00:39:51,050 --> 00:39:53,220 describe that as the toughest fight of 623 00:39:53,220 --> 00:39:56,400 your career . But you waged it 624 00:39:56,400 --> 00:40:00,360 superbly and the world is safer because 625 00:40:00,360 --> 00:40:03,750 you did . You went on to lead . 626 00:40:03,760 --> 00:40:05,649 Training and doctrine . Command . 627 00:40:05,649 --> 00:40:07,704 Taking on the huge task of preparing 628 00:40:07,704 --> 00:40:10,390 american soldiers to fight the wars of 629 00:40:10,390 --> 00:40:13,870 tomorrow . And over and 630 00:40:13,880 --> 00:40:17,750 over . You have taken on the 631 00:40:17,750 --> 00:40:19,700 task that seem impossible . 632 00:40:21,850 --> 00:40:25,360 And over and over you have made them 633 00:40:25,360 --> 00:40:26,210 look easy . 634 00:40:29,080 --> 00:40:31,191 General Townsend . You've traveled up 635 00:40:31,191 --> 00:40:33,413 and down and across this vast continent 636 00:40:33,413 --> 00:40:35,730 investing in our shared security by 637 00:40:35,740 --> 00:40:39,280 building lasting partnerships . You've 638 00:40:39,280 --> 00:40:42,330 met key challenges with ingenuity and 639 00:40:42,330 --> 00:40:45,130 courage from a once in a generation 640 00:40:45,130 --> 00:40:48,280 pandemic to the abduction of an 641 00:40:48,280 --> 00:40:50,780 american citizen , was heroically 642 00:40:50,790 --> 00:40:53,190 heroically rescued , rescued by U . S . 643 00:40:53,190 --> 00:40:56,430 Special forces and you have marshaled 644 00:40:56,430 --> 00:40:58,708 the resources of our entire government , 645 00:40:59,550 --> 00:41:01,494 working effectively with the State 646 00:41:01,494 --> 00:41:03,550 Department , U . S . A . I . D . And 647 00:41:03,550 --> 00:41:07,300 others . You've always had that rare 648 00:41:07,300 --> 00:41:10,900 ability to break down silos and to get 649 00:41:10,910 --> 00:41:13,490 everyone working toward common goals . 650 00:41:14,750 --> 00:41:16,972 And when you took on this command , you 651 00:41:16,972 --> 00:41:19,139 told our allies and partners that they 652 00:41:19,139 --> 00:41:22,920 can count on africom quote to work side 653 00:41:22,920 --> 00:41:25,230 by side with you to advance our shared 654 00:41:25,240 --> 00:41:28,680 interests for security , stability and 655 00:41:28,680 --> 00:41:32,340 prosperity across africa . And that's 656 00:41:32,340 --> 00:41:34,560 exactly what you have done . 657 00:41:37,120 --> 00:41:40,580 So steve , Thank you for your steadfast 658 00:41:40,580 --> 00:41:43,560 leadership and I wish you and 659 00:41:43,560 --> 00:41:46,370 melissa the very best for a happy 660 00:41:46,370 --> 00:41:47,040 retirement 661 00:42:00,740 --> 00:42:02,796 steve today . You pass the colors to 662 00:42:02,796 --> 00:42:05,020 another outstanding leader . 663 00:42:06,780 --> 00:42:09,360 General Langley . You have exemplified 664 00:42:09,370 --> 00:42:12,830 the values of the marines every day 665 00:42:13,520 --> 00:42:15,860 Of your 37 years in uniform . 666 00:42:18,010 --> 00:42:20,010 I'd like to recognize your father , 667 00:42:20,430 --> 00:42:22,430 retired Air Force Master Sergeant , 668 00:42:22,430 --> 00:42:25,890 Willy Langley , your stepmother . Ola . 669 00:42:25,900 --> 00:42:29,830 Your sibling is cassandra Cheryl Sharon 670 00:42:29,840 --> 00:42:33,790 and William William is also 671 00:42:33,790 --> 00:42:35,957 a retired Air Force Master Sergeant as 672 00:42:35,957 --> 00:42:39,090 well . They're watching from home 673 00:42:39,090 --> 00:42:41,630 today and I want to thank them for all 674 00:42:41,630 --> 00:42:44,420 their love and support that they've 675 00:42:44,420 --> 00:42:48,240 given you over the years now , 676 00:42:48,250 --> 00:42:50,472 even though you're a marine through and 677 00:42:50,472 --> 00:42:53,370 through Mike Langley , you were raised 678 00:42:53,370 --> 00:42:57,330 in an Air force family , so you 679 00:42:57,330 --> 00:42:59,950 were taught to aim high and you always 680 00:42:59,950 --> 00:43:03,350 have from your early days lettering in 681 00:43:03,350 --> 00:43:05,406 college track and field to taking on 682 00:43:05,406 --> 00:43:07,517 command billets in the Marine Corps . 683 00:43:08,030 --> 00:43:10,710 You have made your family proud every 684 00:43:10,710 --> 00:43:11,330 day , 685 00:43:15,340 --> 00:43:18,980 but I don't believe that they have ever 686 00:43:18,980 --> 00:43:22,170 been prouder than they were a few days 687 00:43:22,170 --> 00:43:25,750 ago When you became the first 688 00:43:25,760 --> 00:43:28,000 African American four star general in 689 00:43:28,000 --> 00:43:30,222 the history of the United States Marine 690 00:43:30,222 --> 00:43:31,222 Corps 691 00:43:45,670 --> 00:43:47,892 and ladies and gentlemen this , this is 692 00:43:47,892 --> 00:43:50,320 history and General Langley as you 693 00:43:50,320 --> 00:43:52,760 stand here today , young marines around 694 00:43:52,760 --> 00:43:55,740 the world are watching and your 695 00:43:55,740 --> 00:43:58,270 extraordinary achievement reminds them 696 00:43:58,280 --> 00:44:02,170 that they belong and it reminds them 697 00:44:02,170 --> 00:44:04,114 that the United States military is 698 00:44:04,114 --> 00:44:07,340 deeply committed to making progress and 699 00:44:07,340 --> 00:44:09,880 to breaking down barriers and to 700 00:44:09,890 --> 00:44:12,780 opening its arms wide to all qualified 701 00:44:12,780 --> 00:44:15,360 americans who hear the call to serve 702 00:44:15,360 --> 00:44:19,310 their country . I cannot be 703 00:44:19,310 --> 00:44:21,310 prouder to stand beside you at this 704 00:44:21,310 --> 00:44:25,120 historic moment . You are supremely 705 00:44:25,120 --> 00:44:28,480 qualified to take on this challenge and 706 00:44:28,480 --> 00:44:30,647 you will bring to bear your tremendous 707 00:44:30,647 --> 00:44:32,869 experience from commands in Okinawa and 708 00:44:32,869 --> 00:44:35,590 Afghanistan to serving as a J five 709 00:44:35,600 --> 00:44:38,060 Director at centcom and many , many 710 00:44:38,060 --> 00:44:41,730 other vital assignments and I know that 711 00:44:41,740 --> 00:44:43,900 africom will benefit from your superb 712 00:44:43,900 --> 00:44:46,430 credentials and your outstanding 713 00:44:46,430 --> 00:44:49,840 leadership . You know general we first 714 00:44:49,840 --> 00:44:52,640 met at a mentoring mentoring event for 715 00:44:52,650 --> 00:44:55,310 underserved young people pursuing 716 00:44:55,320 --> 00:44:59,240 pursuing careers in stem . And 717 00:44:59,240 --> 00:45:02,090 I immediately saw your compassion for 718 00:45:02,090 --> 00:45:04,110 the people around you and your 719 00:45:04,110 --> 00:45:06,221 relentless commitment to excellence . 720 00:45:07,260 --> 00:45:09,290 You have served with integrity and 721 00:45:09,290 --> 00:45:12,140 professionalism and with a deep concern 722 00:45:12,140 --> 00:45:14,120 for your teammates and partners . 723 00:45:17,330 --> 00:45:19,190 You see each challenge as an 724 00:45:19,190 --> 00:45:22,400 opportunity to excel and you're no 725 00:45:22,400 --> 00:45:24,520 stranger to this region . Having 726 00:45:24,520 --> 00:45:26,890 commanded marine forces , europe and 727 00:45:26,890 --> 00:45:29,800 Africa , you understand the region and 728 00:45:29,800 --> 00:45:32,990 its profound challenges , but you also 729 00:45:32,990 --> 00:45:35,323 understand its tremendous opportunities . 730 00:45:38,360 --> 00:45:41,790 You are the leader for this moment 731 00:45:43,280 --> 00:45:46,700 and this mission . So thank you for 732 00:45:46,700 --> 00:45:48,940 stepping up and congratulations 733 00:45:51,680 --> 00:45:55,350 Ladies and gentlemen of Africom , you 734 00:45:55,350 --> 00:45:58,100 are building enduring ties , 735 00:45:59,940 --> 00:46:02,780 enduring ties rooted in mutual respect 736 00:46:02,790 --> 00:46:06,520 and shared values . You are 737 00:46:06,520 --> 00:46:08,520 building strong institutions , 738 00:46:10,660 --> 00:46:12,680 institutions that defend rights and 739 00:46:12,680 --> 00:46:16,660 human dignity and you are building 740 00:46:16,660 --> 00:46:19,730 security and opportunity and peace 741 00:46:20,920 --> 00:46:23,660 and the fastest growing continent on 742 00:46:23,660 --> 00:46:26,770 earth . Men and women of 743 00:46:26,770 --> 00:46:30,540 Africom May God bless you and 744 00:46:30,540 --> 00:46:33,750 keep you safe and may God continue to 745 00:46:33,750 --> 00:46:35,990 bless the United States of America . 746 00:46:36,000 --> 00:46:37,222 Thank you very much . 747 00:46:54,550 --> 00:46:56,272 Thank you . General Milley and 748 00:46:56,272 --> 00:46:58,606 Secretary Austin . Ladies and gentlemen , 749 00:46:58,606 --> 00:47:00,606 it is my privilege to introduce the 750 00:47:00,606 --> 00:47:02,550 Commander . United States Africa . 751 00:47:02,550 --> 00:47:04,717 Command General Stephen jay Townsend . 752 00:47:14,400 --> 00:47:17,560 Good morning . Ah Sergeant Major . Did 753 00:47:17,560 --> 00:47:19,782 you not prep the crowd ? Good morning . 754 00:47:19,782 --> 00:47:23,350 Good morning sir . Um Okay , I don't 755 00:47:23,350 --> 00:47:25,461 know what I have to do with that . Uh 756 00:47:25,461 --> 00:47:27,350 so it was on the fourth . We were 757 00:47:27,350 --> 00:47:30,510 having our fourth of july uh 758 00:47:30,520 --> 00:47:32,631 celebration here on kelley barracks . 759 00:47:32,631 --> 00:47:34,576 And thank you for the U . S . Army 760 00:47:34,576 --> 00:47:36,742 Garrison for making that happen for us 761 00:47:36,742 --> 00:47:40,350 here and uh Miss over there 762 00:47:40,360 --> 00:47:43,230 sang our national anthem . 763 00:47:44,650 --> 00:47:47,580 And uh I never saw her or heard her 764 00:47:47,580 --> 00:47:49,580 before but I walked up to her right 765 00:47:49,580 --> 00:47:51,636 afterwards and I said , Hey what are 766 00:47:51,636 --> 00:47:54,540 you doing on nine August you crushed 767 00:47:54,540 --> 00:47:56,800 that . Very well done , thank you for 768 00:47:56,800 --> 00:47:59,010 doing that . Uh did my heart good to 769 00:47:59,010 --> 00:48:01,121 hear . And the german national anthem 770 00:48:01,121 --> 00:48:03,232 as well . I'll have to take advice on 771 00:48:03,232 --> 00:48:05,520 the Germans if she did . Did she do a 772 00:48:05,520 --> 00:48:08,220 good job . Okay . They say yes you did 773 00:48:08,220 --> 00:48:11,950 a good job . Secretary Austin 774 00:48:11,950 --> 00:48:13,950 Chairman , thank you for both being 775 00:48:13,950 --> 00:48:16,620 here today . If your kind words and for 776 00:48:16,620 --> 00:48:18,787 your recognition of all the incredible 777 00:48:18,787 --> 00:48:20,898 things that the men and women of this 778 00:48:20,898 --> 00:48:24,630 command have accomplished . Three years 779 00:48:24,630 --> 00:48:26,780 ago . I assumed command on a Yukon 780 00:48:26,780 --> 00:48:29,890 parade field over patch barracks . I 781 00:48:29,890 --> 00:48:32,350 told my staff then that our next change 782 00:48:32,350 --> 00:48:34,400 of command would be held on africom 783 00:48:34,400 --> 00:48:37,420 ground at kelley barracks . And they 784 00:48:37,420 --> 00:48:39,860 made that happen uh today . So I want 785 00:48:39,860 --> 00:48:42,730 to start by thanking everyone who made 786 00:48:42,730 --> 00:48:45,620 today's event possible from the band , 787 00:48:45,630 --> 00:48:47,850 the salute battery . Our newly formed 788 00:48:47,860 --> 00:48:50,460 Joint Color Guard Sergeant Major . Well 789 00:48:50,460 --> 00:48:52,516 done . Thank you . They look great . 790 00:48:52,516 --> 00:48:54,790 Our narrator , our great team at 791 00:48:54,790 --> 00:48:56,846 executive services , security of the 792 00:48:56,846 --> 00:48:59,810 drivers of DV trans Miss Viola , the 793 00:48:59,820 --> 00:49:03,040 photographers and a V . Folks U . S . 794 00:49:03,050 --> 00:49:05,272 Army Garrison stoop garden commandant's 795 00:49:05,272 --> 00:49:07,328 office . The action officers and the 796 00:49:07,328 --> 00:49:09,494 Volunteers of Africom . Please join me 797 00:49:09,494 --> 00:49:11,550 in a round of applause for all those 798 00:49:11,550 --> 00:49:10,630 folks . 799 00:49:20,540 --> 00:49:22,770 Our narrator's already recognized our 800 00:49:22,770 --> 00:49:24,826 many distinguished guests here today 801 00:49:24,826 --> 00:49:26,881 but I want to call out a few of them 802 00:49:26,881 --> 00:49:29,103 some who have traveled a great distance 803 00:49:29,103 --> 00:49:31,710 to be here uh to our ambassadors and 804 00:49:31,710 --> 00:49:34,990 our charges who are here today . Thank 805 00:49:34,990 --> 00:49:37,730 you for traveling several of you from 806 00:49:37,730 --> 00:49:39,930 the continent of Africa . Thank you 807 00:49:39,930 --> 00:49:42,170 very much for that and thank you always 808 00:49:42,170 --> 00:49:45,730 for your excellent teamwork with Africa . 809 00:49:47,130 --> 00:49:49,352 Um to french chief of Events , you know 810 00:49:49,352 --> 00:49:52,940 Terry burkhart . Thank you good friend 811 00:49:52,940 --> 00:49:55,800 for being here your honor with your 812 00:49:55,810 --> 00:49:58,230 presence to comment on the Marine Corps . 813 00:49:58,230 --> 00:50:00,480 General Dave Berger . Uh Dave thanks to 814 00:50:00,480 --> 00:50:02,591 your kind note your teamwork and your 815 00:50:02,591 --> 00:50:05,380 partnership . You exemplify all that . 816 00:50:05,380 --> 00:50:08,280 All of our service chiefs are and I 817 00:50:08,280 --> 00:50:10,570 appreciate that and I'm looking forward 818 00:50:10,570 --> 00:50:12,514 to maybe seeing a few more marines 819 00:50:12,514 --> 00:50:13,626 deployed Africa now 820 00:50:17,520 --> 00:50:19,850 uh to my longtime friend and fellow 821 00:50:19,850 --> 00:50:22,160 combatant commander . Eucom commander . 822 00:50:22,170 --> 00:50:25,020 Chris casually uh thanks for coming . 823 00:50:25,030 --> 00:50:28,140 Um are partners from Africa general 824 00:50:28,140 --> 00:50:30,590 career from Djibouti . General Cielo 825 00:50:30,600 --> 00:50:33,050 from Botswana and there's some others 826 00:50:33,050 --> 00:50:35,161 here I see in the in the audience now 827 00:50:35,161 --> 00:50:37,700 uh thank you all for traveling such a 828 00:50:37,700 --> 00:50:40,520 long way to recognize Africom on this 829 00:50:40,520 --> 00:50:43,580 special day to our African component 830 00:50:43,580 --> 00:50:46,880 commanders . It's good to see this new 831 00:50:46,880 --> 00:50:50,140 gang together here at Kelley barracks 832 00:50:50,140 --> 00:50:53,530 for the first time C . D . Other 833 00:50:53,530 --> 00:50:55,474 general officers , Flag officers , 834 00:50:55,474 --> 00:50:57,586 senior enlisted leaders , Friends and 835 00:50:57,586 --> 00:50:59,808 families of africom . Welcome and thank 836 00:50:59,808 --> 00:51:01,863 you for coming to the senior leaders 837 00:51:01,863 --> 00:51:04,086 and representatives from our allies and 838 00:51:04,086 --> 00:51:06,030 our partners in attendance today . 839 00:51:06,030 --> 00:51:08,308 Thank you for your faithful leadership , 840 00:51:08,308 --> 00:51:10,830 your friendship , your trust and 841 00:51:10,830 --> 00:51:13,760 stalwart commitment to working together 842 00:51:13,770 --> 00:51:16,590 to advance security and prosperity in 843 00:51:16,590 --> 00:51:20,300 Africa uh to our german 844 00:51:20,300 --> 00:51:22,470 hosts and my german family 845 00:51:23,240 --> 00:51:26,690 and our host and our neighbors . 846 00:51:28,030 --> 00:51:30,050 It's great to see so many familiar 847 00:51:30,060 --> 00:51:32,060 familiar faces here in the audience 848 00:51:32,060 --> 00:51:35,790 today . You honor the service members 849 00:51:35,800 --> 00:51:38,610 and our families and our civilians of 850 00:51:38,610 --> 00:51:41,700 Africom . With your attendance , we'll 851 00:51:41,700 --> 00:51:44,980 adopt for everything you do for Africa , 852 00:51:45,810 --> 00:51:48,780 our community , especially for sharing 853 00:51:48,780 --> 00:51:51,640 your culture and your friendship with 854 00:51:51,640 --> 00:51:55,530 us melissa and I have greatly enjoyed 855 00:51:55,530 --> 00:51:58,640 our three years here and we both want 856 00:51:58,640 --> 00:52:01,830 to thank you for allowing us to call 857 00:52:02,510 --> 00:52:05,220 Germany our home over the past three 858 00:52:05,220 --> 00:52:09,060 years . Mr Secretary I'd like to 859 00:52:09,060 --> 00:52:11,171 thank you and the chairman for giving 860 00:52:11,171 --> 00:52:13,338 me this opportunity for your trust and 861 00:52:13,338 --> 00:52:16,210 confidence . No assignment of the past 862 00:52:16,210 --> 00:52:17,877 40 years has given me greater 863 00:52:17,877 --> 00:52:20,670 professional challenge and fulfillment 864 00:52:21,520 --> 00:52:24,770 for more personal growth than leading 865 00:52:24,770 --> 00:52:28,220 the men and women of us africa . For 866 00:52:28,220 --> 00:52:30,442 those of you who don't know them well . 867 00:52:30,450 --> 00:52:33,440 Secretary Austin and General Milley are 868 00:52:33,440 --> 00:52:35,384 the type of leaders that combatant 869 00:52:35,384 --> 00:52:38,280 commanders hope they have above them . 870 00:52:39,940 --> 00:52:42,220 I've served some long , hard days with 871 00:52:42,220 --> 00:52:46,140 both of them over many years to include 872 00:52:46,140 --> 00:52:50,020 in combat . I'm proud and 873 00:52:50,020 --> 00:52:52,242 grateful to have served with you both . 874 00:52:54,860 --> 00:52:56,916 You always gave me wide latitude and 875 00:52:56,916 --> 00:53:00,500 trust to command when I needed your 876 00:53:00,510 --> 00:53:04,450 ear . You lent it when I needed your 877 00:53:04,450 --> 00:53:06,200 advice and guidance , which is 878 00:53:06,200 --> 00:53:08,820 relatively frequently . You gave it . 879 00:53:10,250 --> 00:53:12,417 I always knew that you understood what 880 00:53:12,417 --> 00:53:15,570 africom was doing for our nation from 881 00:53:15,580 --> 00:53:17,636 all of us here at africom . Thanks . 882 00:53:21,270 --> 00:53:23,120 Africom takes great pride in 883 00:53:23,120 --> 00:53:26,110 accomplishing our mission as an economy 884 00:53:26,110 --> 00:53:28,740 of force , command , an area of 885 00:53:28,740 --> 00:53:31,030 responsibility 3.5 times the size of 886 00:53:31,030 --> 00:53:33,197 the Continental United States . As the 887 00:53:33,197 --> 00:53:36,500 chairman said to paraphrase Churchill 888 00:53:37,440 --> 00:53:39,496 ladies and gentlemen , we are out of 889 00:53:39,496 --> 00:53:41,910 resources now . We shall have to think 890 00:53:44,170 --> 00:53:46,226 at africom . There's a new challenge 891 00:53:46,226 --> 00:53:49,470 every day and we don't have resources 892 00:53:49,470 --> 00:53:52,080 to throw at those challenges . So we 893 00:53:52,090 --> 00:53:54,110 have to think . 894 00:53:56,300 --> 00:53:58,467 But without a doubt the most important 895 00:53:58,467 --> 00:54:01,640 and valuable resource we have . These 896 00:54:01,640 --> 00:54:04,530 are people here at Africom . I've been 897 00:54:04,530 --> 00:54:07,120 lucky enough to be surrounded by the 898 00:54:07,120 --> 00:54:09,650 best our nation has to offer . From 899 00:54:09,650 --> 00:54:12,630 across all of our armed services , our 900 00:54:12,630 --> 00:54:14,241 interagency partners and our 901 00:54:14,241 --> 00:54:18,180 international partners . First , my 902 00:54:18,180 --> 00:54:20,870 shipmate , my wingman , my battle buddy , 903 00:54:22,580 --> 00:54:25,690 Sergeant Major Richard thresher . He's 904 00:54:25,690 --> 00:54:27,634 a senior enlisted leader that from 905 00:54:27,634 --> 00:54:30,170 second Lieutenant to general . Every 906 00:54:30,170 --> 00:54:31,970 commander hopes to have 907 00:54:34,190 --> 00:54:36,412 he made it his business to dig into the 908 00:54:36,412 --> 00:54:38,360 parts of africom that I could not 909 00:54:39,450 --> 00:54:41,940 everywhere we went together , he would 910 00:54:41,940 --> 00:54:44,170 break off . He would go check on the 911 00:54:44,170 --> 00:54:46,840 troops . From the chow hall to the 912 00:54:46,840 --> 00:54:48,840 barracks to the range cards and the 913 00:54:48,840 --> 00:54:50,940 ammunition in the guard towers . He 914 00:54:50,940 --> 00:54:54,630 made sure they had what they needed and 915 00:54:54,630 --> 00:54:57,060 like a good Sergeant Major he 916 00:54:57,060 --> 00:54:59,320 constantly constantly reminded us 917 00:54:59,320 --> 00:55:02,870 officers and the senior staff was 918 00:55:02,870 --> 00:55:05,340 sometimes a touch of the profane 919 00:55:07,050 --> 00:55:10,900 and always a good dose of humor to 920 00:55:10,900 --> 00:55:14,440 take time out to take a knee to hydrate , 921 00:55:15,070 --> 00:55:17,700 to live on amber and above all to 922 00:55:17,710 --> 00:55:19,710 conduct yourself . So you keep your 923 00:55:19,710 --> 00:55:22,980 sofa status . Sergeant Major has been a 924 00:55:22,980 --> 00:55:25,950 hell of a ride . Thanks 925 00:55:26,670 --> 00:55:28,892 melissa and I hope you and Marissa stay 926 00:55:28,892 --> 00:55:32,060 in touch with us to our component 927 00:55:32,060 --> 00:55:35,060 commanders , some of whom are here 928 00:55:35,060 --> 00:55:37,740 today . Claudia roly . Rolling 929 00:55:37,740 --> 00:55:39,770 cavalieri , Wachsman of army , 930 00:55:39,920 --> 00:55:41,920 caribbean and hecker of Air force . 931 00:55:41,920 --> 00:55:44,760 Fogo burke and munch of navy , harmless 932 00:55:44,760 --> 00:55:47,130 man . Neary Langley and king of marines 933 00:55:48,070 --> 00:55:51,500 Anderson and sands of soft and Terrell . 934 00:55:51,500 --> 00:55:55,270 Oh ! Flora Zanna and Shali 935 00:55:55,280 --> 00:55:58,470 of C . J . T . F . Horn of Africa . You 936 00:55:58,480 --> 00:56:02,010 actually lead and lead all of our 937 00:56:02,010 --> 00:56:04,190 troops to achieve everything . This 938 00:56:04,190 --> 00:56:06,480 command has accomplished . Words can't 939 00:56:06,480 --> 00:56:08,730 convey how much I appreciate your 940 00:56:08,730 --> 00:56:11,010 leadership and your teamwork 941 00:56:13,140 --> 00:56:15,362 to my various deputy commanders , Vetri 942 00:56:15,362 --> 00:56:17,940 Sheba will smith and young . Your 943 00:56:17,940 --> 00:56:20,250 counsel and advice was always spot on 944 00:56:21,370 --> 00:56:23,570 and much appreciated . Thanks for 945 00:56:23,570 --> 00:56:25,910 helping me lead this organization and 946 00:56:25,910 --> 00:56:28,132 for always sharing your perspective and 947 00:56:28,132 --> 00:56:31,800 wisdom and ambassador Andrew thanks for 948 00:56:31,800 --> 00:56:35,390 always being willing to open up a can 949 00:56:35,390 --> 00:56:37,820 of that diplomatic stuff when we needed 950 00:56:37,820 --> 00:56:39,510 it usually every day 951 00:56:42,430 --> 00:56:44,430 to my chiefs mccaffrey , Gaylor and 952 00:56:44,430 --> 00:56:46,690 Tyler , thanks for seeing around 953 00:56:46,690 --> 00:56:49,970 corners for hurting the cats for making 954 00:56:49,970 --> 00:56:52,000 the trains run on time and for your 955 00:56:52,000 --> 00:56:54,167 always smart advice and for helping me 956 00:56:54,167 --> 00:56:58,130 so much to the directors , the division 957 00:56:58,130 --> 00:57:00,380 Chiefs , the action officers that 958 00:57:00,380 --> 00:57:04,240 liaison officers , N . C . O . S and 959 00:57:04,240 --> 00:57:06,351 the countless others who work so hard 960 00:57:06,351 --> 00:57:08,518 every day here at africom to drive our 961 00:57:08,518 --> 00:57:10,684 campaign to defend our nation . What a 962 00:57:10,684 --> 00:57:13,390 team . Thank you . Well done 963 00:57:15,400 --> 00:57:17,456 to my personal and special staff who 964 00:57:17,456 --> 00:57:19,289 always worked so hard to keep me 965 00:57:19,289 --> 00:57:21,456 straight the exo suits and secretaries 966 00:57:21,456 --> 00:57:24,220 and the AIDS to camp and the security 967 00:57:24,220 --> 00:57:26,442 and the combo guys in the right uniform 968 00:57:26,442 --> 00:57:29,270 on time in communications safe with the 969 00:57:29,270 --> 00:57:32,230 right preparation at the right time . I 970 00:57:32,230 --> 00:57:35,690 know that was a full time job and a lot 971 00:57:35,690 --> 00:57:39,290 of work and even if I didn't always 972 00:57:39,290 --> 00:57:41,970 tell you , I always noticed and 973 00:57:41,970 --> 00:57:44,560 appreciated it . Okay , 974 00:57:46,590 --> 00:57:48,812 so what have I learned here at Africa ? 975 00:57:50,360 --> 00:57:52,416 Couple of things in a nutshell . The 976 00:57:52,416 --> 00:57:54,749 last three years have been in education , 977 00:57:54,749 --> 00:57:58,540 Africa is endlessly fascinating . The 978 00:57:58,540 --> 00:58:00,707 continent is big . It's complex . It's 979 00:58:00,707 --> 00:58:04,560 diverse . America cannot afford to 980 00:58:04,560 --> 00:58:08,510 ignore Africa . I'm very 981 00:58:08,510 --> 00:58:10,343 pleased to hear the words of the 982 00:58:10,343 --> 00:58:12,566 secretary and the chairman here today . 983 00:58:12,566 --> 00:58:14,980 It's clear they are not ignoring Africa . 984 00:58:15,530 --> 00:58:17,586 The continent is full of potential , 985 00:58:17,586 --> 00:58:19,586 but it's also full of challenge and 986 00:58:19,586 --> 00:58:21,863 it's standing at a historic crossroads , 987 00:58:22,470 --> 00:58:24,414 some of which the chairman and the 988 00:58:24,414 --> 00:58:27,270 secretary both alluded to On one side 989 00:58:27,270 --> 00:58:30,490 is authoritarianism and foreign malign 990 00:58:30,490 --> 00:58:34,310 influence along with the terrorism 991 00:58:34,320 --> 00:58:36,480 and the food and the economic 992 00:58:36,490 --> 00:58:40,410 insecurity that goes with it . On 993 00:58:40,410 --> 00:58:43,450 the other side is peace , stability , 994 00:58:44,150 --> 00:58:47,360 democracy , development and the rule of 995 00:58:47,360 --> 00:58:50,950 law . Africa's 996 00:58:50,950 --> 00:58:53,970 future will have global impact . 997 00:58:55,890 --> 00:58:57,779 We must continue to work shoulder 998 00:58:57,779 --> 00:59:00,890 shoulder with our allies , with our 999 00:59:00,890 --> 00:59:04,540 partners across the continent to 1000 00:59:04,540 --> 00:59:07,590 secure enduring peace and prosperity 1001 00:59:07,610 --> 00:59:11,520 for Africa and for 1002 00:59:11,520 --> 00:59:15,430 America , America's future security and 1003 00:59:15,430 --> 00:59:17,541 I believe our prosperity depends on a 1004 00:59:17,541 --> 00:59:20,170 more secure and more prosperous Africa . 1005 00:59:23,050 --> 00:59:25,161 A few bucks and a few troops can go a 1006 00:59:25,161 --> 00:59:27,760 long way in Africa and I think America 1007 00:59:27,770 --> 00:59:31,650 can afford that . These 1008 00:59:31,650 --> 00:59:33,770 past three years have flown by I've 1009 00:59:33,770 --> 00:59:35,826 learned every day and I haven't been 1010 00:59:35,826 --> 00:59:37,990 bored for a second . come to think of 1011 00:59:37,990 --> 00:59:41,140 it . The last 40 years have flown by a 1012 00:59:41,140 --> 00:59:43,630 life and a career in the armed forces I 1013 00:59:43,630 --> 00:59:47,560 think will do that . 40 years of doing 1014 00:59:47,560 --> 00:59:50,360 anything . It's probably long enough 1015 00:59:50,370 --> 00:59:53,510 even if you love it and I do love it . 1016 00:59:55,360 --> 00:59:57,582 As I pass the colors to General Langley 1017 00:59:57,582 --> 00:59:59,638 here in a few minutes and I take off 1018 00:59:59,638 --> 01:00:01,860 the uniform and pass the torch to a new 1019 01:00:01,860 --> 01:00:03,638 generation . I know the mission 1020 01:00:03,638 --> 01:00:06,680 continues our armed forces and 1021 01:00:06,680 --> 01:00:10,210 Africom will continue to keep America 1022 01:00:10,220 --> 01:00:13,990 and all of our nations secure two more 1023 01:00:13,990 --> 01:00:16,101 thanks in closing to Mike . Langley . 1024 01:00:18,910 --> 01:00:20,743 Congratulations on your historic 1025 01:00:20,743 --> 01:00:24,140 promotion . We're all proud just to be 1026 01:00:24,140 --> 01:00:25,140 a part of it . 1027 01:00:27,890 --> 01:00:30,870 Welcome back to stoop garden and 1028 01:00:30,870 --> 01:00:33,390 welcome home to Africa , You're just 1029 01:00:33,390 --> 01:00:36,530 the right leader at the right time . I 1030 01:00:36,530 --> 01:00:38,880 know the troops families and mission of 1031 01:00:38,880 --> 01:00:41,440 africom are in great hands . 1032 01:00:44,690 --> 01:00:46,801 I leave confident with that knowledge 1033 01:00:50,040 --> 01:00:52,151 and to my real battle buddy melissa . 1034 01:00:54,230 --> 01:00:56,520 After 37 years we finally got our 1035 01:00:56,520 --> 01:01:00,030 assignment to Europe . Even with 1036 01:01:00,030 --> 01:01:02,800 Covid , the last three years have been 1037 01:01:02,810 --> 01:01:06,390 awesome As have the past 40 years . 1038 01:01:07,910 --> 01:01:09,688 I'm looking forward to our next 1039 01:01:09,688 --> 01:01:12,050 adventure together as we begin a new 1040 01:01:12,050 --> 01:01:15,320 march together . Thank you for always 1041 01:01:15,320 --> 01:01:17,100 being at my side . I love you . 1042 01:01:19,590 --> 01:01:23,000 There's no more important job than 1043 01:01:23,000 --> 01:01:26,330 defending our nation in our democracy 1044 01:01:28,080 --> 01:01:30,247 and I'm tremendously proud of the work 1045 01:01:30,247 --> 01:01:33,070 you all do here . It's been a real 1046 01:01:33,070 --> 01:01:36,210 honor to be a part of this team . I am 1047 01:01:36,210 --> 01:01:39,670 now and will always be an advocate for 1048 01:01:39,670 --> 01:01:41,770 Africa and for Africa 1049 01:01:43,570 --> 01:01:45,681 for one last time as a member of this 1050 01:01:45,681 --> 01:01:49,390 command , I am and always will be proud 1051 01:01:49,390 --> 01:01:52,430 to have stood in the phalanx alongside 1052 01:01:52,440 --> 01:01:54,170 all of you . Thank you . 1053 01:01:59,980 --> 01:02:00,370 Okay 1054 01:02:26,870 --> 01:02:29,290 at this time , second Lieutenant Jacob 1055 01:02:29,290 --> 01:02:31,457 Wakely , United States Army europe and 1056 01:02:31,457 --> 01:02:33,401 Africa salute battery will present 1057 01:02:33,401 --> 01:02:35,512 General Townsend with the final shell 1058 01:02:35,512 --> 01:02:37,512 casing fired by the unit during his 1059 01:02:37,512 --> 01:02:39,623 command . The casing serves to remind 1060 01:02:39,623 --> 01:02:41,790 General Townsend of his command . Tour 1061 01:02:41,790 --> 01:02:43,346 and service to our nation . 1062 01:02:55,970 --> 01:02:56,970 Thanks you guys 1063 01:03:00,610 --> 01:03:02,721 Vic you Lieutenant Wakely and General 1064 01:03:02,721 --> 01:03:03,721 Townsend . 1065 01:03:08,610 --> 01:03:10,832 The change of command is a time honored 1066 01:03:10,832 --> 01:03:12,943 tradition that runs deep in symbolism 1067 01:03:12,943 --> 01:03:15,570 and heritage in times past . The colors 1068 01:03:15,570 --> 01:03:17,459 were an actual rallying point for 1069 01:03:17,459 --> 01:03:19,560 troops in battle . In many ways , 1070 01:03:19,570 --> 01:03:21,737 unique colors provide the same purpose 1071 01:03:21,737 --> 01:03:23,514 today . To draw service members 1072 01:03:23,514 --> 01:03:26,010 together for a common action . A unit 1073 01:03:26,010 --> 01:03:28,810 relies upon the unity and loyalty of 1074 01:03:28,810 --> 01:03:30,810 its members for success . Either in 1075 01:03:30,810 --> 01:03:33,890 battle or garrison . The colors are the 1076 01:03:33,890 --> 01:03:35,930 visible symbol of that unity and 1077 01:03:35,930 --> 01:03:38,330 loyalty . The command . Senior enlisted 1078 01:03:38,330 --> 01:03:40,552 leader is the custodian of the colors . 1079 01:03:40,552 --> 01:03:42,663 When the colors are not displayed for 1080 01:03:42,663 --> 01:03:44,886 the commander , they are in the care of 1081 01:03:44,886 --> 01:03:47,052 the command . Senior enlisted leader . 1082 01:03:47,180 --> 01:03:49,402 The command . Senior enlisted leader is 1083 01:03:49,402 --> 01:03:51,402 Sergeant Major Richard D thresher . 1084 01:03:52,540 --> 01:03:55,270 Please remain seated during the passing 1085 01:03:55,270 --> 01:03:57,580 of the colors and reading of the order 1086 01:04:13,930 --> 01:04:17,870 up yours by order of 1087 01:04:17,870 --> 01:04:19,926 the President of the United States . 1088 01:04:19,926 --> 01:04:21,780 General Stephen J . Townsend 1089 01:04:21,790 --> 01:04:24,090 relinquishes the command of the United 1090 01:04:24,090 --> 01:04:25,440 States Africa , Man 1091 01:04:38,830 --> 01:04:41,260 And General Michael E . Langley Assumes 1092 01:04:41,260 --> 01:04:43,430 Command of the United States Africa 1093 01:04:43,430 --> 01:04:46,500 Command , effective nine August 2022 . 1094 01:05:21,990 --> 01:05:22,650 Exactly . 1095 01:05:32,350 --> 01:05:34,461 Ladies and gentlemen , it is my honor 1096 01:05:34,461 --> 01:05:36,683 to introduce to command , United States 1097 01:05:36,683 --> 01:05:38,739 Africa . Command General Michael E . 1098 01:05:38,739 --> 01:05:39,739 Langley , 1099 01:05:49,170 --> 01:05:52,710 Secretary Austin German Millie , 1100 01:05:54,420 --> 01:05:56,476 come out of the Marine Corps General 1101 01:05:56,476 --> 01:06:00,010 burger . Gentlemen , thank you for 1102 01:06:00,010 --> 01:06:02,720 traveling from Washington to be here 1103 01:06:02,720 --> 01:06:06,710 today moreover , thank you 1104 01:06:06,710 --> 01:06:08,821 for the trust and confidence you have 1105 01:06:08,821 --> 01:06:12,340 in my abilities to embark upon a great 1106 01:06:12,340 --> 01:06:15,470 responsibility as Commander U . S . 1107 01:06:15,470 --> 01:06:19,360 Africom . This is a great organization . 1108 01:06:22,150 --> 01:06:26,070 General ka boli United States european 1109 01:06:26,070 --> 01:06:29,020 command and uh ambassadors and flag and 1110 01:06:29,020 --> 01:06:32,310 general officers of africom staff and 1111 01:06:32,310 --> 01:06:35,540 component commanders and everybody here 1112 01:06:37,290 --> 01:06:41,120 that are here to celebrate the great 1113 01:06:41,120 --> 01:06:43,730 job that General Townsend has done the 1114 01:06:43,730 --> 01:06:47,680 last three years , all those 1115 01:06:47,680 --> 01:06:50,710 that are connected virtually . Thank 1116 01:06:50,710 --> 01:06:53,530 you for joining us here today to this 1117 01:06:53,530 --> 01:06:54,740 command ceremony 1118 01:06:59,450 --> 01:07:02,990 with my best words . In 1119 01:07:02,990 --> 01:07:06,110 probably most compelling words , I can 1120 01:07:06,110 --> 01:07:08,800 only say it is truly an honor to stand 1121 01:07:09,980 --> 01:07:12,240 before you as a new africom commander . 1122 01:07:14,080 --> 01:07:17,000 I want to thank General Townsend In his 1123 01:07:17,000 --> 01:07:20,980 40 years of service , dedicated service 1124 01:07:22,420 --> 01:07:24,780 and his tireless work over the last 1125 01:07:24,780 --> 01:07:28,300 three years to safeguard America in 1126 01:07:28,300 --> 01:07:31,010 America's interests in the face of 1127 01:07:31,010 --> 01:07:33,520 growing threats across the African 1128 01:07:33,520 --> 01:07:37,410 continent . Don't house in 1129 01:07:37,410 --> 01:07:40,140 your legacy . Well carry on . 1130 01:07:41,450 --> 01:07:45,340 Even after passing the command , it's 1131 01:07:45,350 --> 01:07:49,270 evidence across the continent as 1132 01:07:49,270 --> 01:07:51,381 we have partners here that can attest 1133 01:07:51,381 --> 01:07:55,200 to that . People say 1134 01:07:55,200 --> 01:07:58,450 whole government approach . And I was 1135 01:07:58,450 --> 01:08:01,860 taught as I was learning about the 1136 01:08:01,860 --> 01:08:03,860 approach our U . S . Government was 1137 01:08:03,860 --> 01:08:07,310 going to take from the national 1138 01:08:07,310 --> 01:08:09,850 security strategy to the national 1139 01:08:09,850 --> 01:08:12,210 defense strategy and national military 1140 01:08:12,210 --> 01:08:15,310 strategy . That was gonna take a whole 1141 01:08:15,310 --> 01:08:17,254 government approach a whole allies 1142 01:08:17,254 --> 01:08:20,680 approach . And we usually start 1143 01:08:20,680 --> 01:08:24,480 with diplomacy . But sir , 1144 01:08:25,560 --> 01:08:28,630 my time working for you , we knew that 1145 01:08:28,630 --> 01:08:30,870 it started with defense to get the ball 1146 01:08:30,870 --> 01:08:31,480 rolling 1147 01:08:34,740 --> 01:08:36,907 your many travels onto the continent , 1148 01:08:36,907 --> 01:08:40,610 building partnership capacity , all of 1149 01:08:40,610 --> 01:08:42,666 us , component commanders when I was 1150 01:08:42,666 --> 01:08:45,820 here two years ago that that's going to 1151 01:08:45,820 --> 01:08:48,420 be essential for security and stability 1152 01:08:48,420 --> 01:08:50,587 across the continent that was gonna be 1153 01:08:50,587 --> 01:08:54,050 essential for their continent of Africa 1154 01:08:54,060 --> 01:08:57,890 to reach his potential . I 1155 01:08:57,890 --> 01:09:00,200 know the NsC has come up with another a 1156 01:09:00,200 --> 01:09:03,650 number our plans and strategies 1157 01:09:04,400 --> 01:09:07,840 but the execute er Was in this D three 1158 01:09:07,840 --> 01:09:11,130 concept and it started the 1159 01:09:11,130 --> 01:09:14,740 coordination was africom and 1160 01:09:14,750 --> 01:09:18,250 Africom staff moreover , Dabir Khan 1161 01:09:18,250 --> 01:09:20,720 leadership . I watched it because I was 1162 01:09:20,720 --> 01:09:24,670 part of it and sir , I 1163 01:09:24,670 --> 01:09:26,837 just want everyone to give you another 1164 01:09:26,837 --> 01:09:28,950 round of applause for which you have 1165 01:09:28,960 --> 01:09:31,238 actually done the last couple of years . 1166 01:09:40,240 --> 01:09:42,230 So I look forward to taking on the 1167 01:09:42,230 --> 01:09:44,340 mantle of leading these talented 1168 01:09:44,340 --> 01:09:46,690 professionals here at Africom and 1169 01:09:46,690 --> 01:09:49,410 across the component as we work 1170 01:09:49,410 --> 01:09:52,070 shoulder to shoulder with our allies 1171 01:09:52,080 --> 01:09:55,610 and our partners into advance peace and 1172 01:09:55,610 --> 01:09:58,960 prosperity for both Africa and american 1173 01:09:58,960 --> 01:09:59,790 homeland . 1174 01:10:03,880 --> 01:10:05,870 Now let me take just a moment to 1175 01:10:05,870 --> 01:10:09,070 reflect on what are our 1176 01:10:09,070 --> 01:10:11,790 secretary he was talking about when he 1177 01:10:11,800 --> 01:10:13,310 talked about family , 1178 01:10:17,170 --> 01:10:20,800 family is the foundational piece 1179 01:10:20,810 --> 01:10:22,360 of unit readiness . 1180 01:10:24,430 --> 01:10:28,050 Family is the 1181 01:10:28,050 --> 01:10:30,140 foundational piece of organizational 1182 01:10:30,140 --> 01:10:33,820 readiness . So when that 1183 01:10:34,920 --> 01:10:38,450 Secretary Austin was talking about my 1184 01:10:38,450 --> 01:10:42,000 father , it really 1185 01:10:42,000 --> 01:10:42,750 came 1186 01:10:46,310 --> 01:10:49,570 truly evident to me in 1187 01:10:49,570 --> 01:10:51,620 clear vantage 1188 01:10:53,410 --> 01:10:57,330 of what family meant because I always 1189 01:10:57,330 --> 01:10:59,690 tell the story about my father who's in 1190 01:10:59,700 --> 01:11:03,180 fort Worth texas With my two Mama 1191 01:11:03,190 --> 01:11:07,050 watching today and the 1192 01:11:07,050 --> 01:11:10,230 connection and I mean learning at an 1193 01:11:10,230 --> 01:11:13,990 early age , the essential family being 1194 01:11:13,990 --> 01:11:15,500 from a military family 1195 01:11:17,980 --> 01:11:20,900 and after my mother's death , Master 1196 01:11:20,900 --> 01:11:24,510 Sword and Willie Langley said I'm gonna 1197 01:11:24,510 --> 01:11:28,170 raise you and your 1198 01:11:28,170 --> 01:11:30,700 siblings were gonna hang together . 1199 01:11:31,820 --> 01:11:34,410 This was before military one source , 1200 01:11:34,410 --> 01:11:37,860 this before all the family programs we 1201 01:11:37,860 --> 01:11:38,720 have today , 1202 01:11:42,200 --> 01:11:45,120 He served until the point that he 1203 01:11:45,120 --> 01:11:47,530 couldn't serve anymore when they asked 1204 01:11:47,530 --> 01:11:50,540 him to deploy again And he had four 1205 01:11:50,540 --> 01:11:52,630 Children under age of 12 . 1206 01:11:54,920 --> 01:11:57,620 So from platoon commander all the way 1207 01:11:59,150 --> 01:12:02,610 to command a more for marine forces 1208 01:12:02,610 --> 01:12:06,540 command . It was always 1209 01:12:06,560 --> 01:12:08,727 brought to my attention the importance 1210 01:12:08,727 --> 01:12:11,920 of family , which was a cornerstone of 1211 01:12:11,920 --> 01:12:15,780 union organizational readiness . Now it 1212 01:12:15,780 --> 01:12:18,380 wasn't just military one source . There 1213 01:12:18,380 --> 01:12:19,190 are other 1214 01:12:21,800 --> 01:12:24,610 key contributors in key leadership 1215 01:12:27,210 --> 01:12:29,377 and in every organization . There is a 1216 01:12:29,377 --> 01:12:32,000 representative that pushes family 1217 01:12:32,000 --> 01:12:32,690 readiness 1218 01:12:35,960 --> 01:12:38,127 melissa talents and you did it for the 1219 01:12:38,127 --> 01:12:40,220 last three years for africom 1220 01:12:42,480 --> 01:12:44,180 and from my own service 1221 01:12:46,940 --> 01:12:50,930 Miss Donna burger . She did it for 1222 01:12:50,930 --> 01:12:54,820 the Marine Corps and as I got 1223 01:12:54,820 --> 01:12:58,790 briefings here working up for 1224 01:12:58,790 --> 01:13:01,160 this job and as I've seen during the 1225 01:13:01,160 --> 01:13:03,220 times of Covid , when I had more for 1226 01:13:03,220 --> 01:13:03,820 raf 1227 01:13:07,340 --> 01:13:11,050 there were leaders that kept families 1228 01:13:11,050 --> 01:13:14,920 ready to get through the pandemic . 1229 01:13:15,660 --> 01:13:17,882 So at this time I want everyone to give 1230 01:13:17,882 --> 01:13:21,410 a round of applause for those that push 1231 01:13:21,420 --> 01:13:23,720 past military one source and made a 1232 01:13:23,720 --> 01:13:26,040 reality and kept families ready which 1233 01:13:26,040 --> 01:13:28,550 kept organizations ready . So please 1234 01:13:28,550 --> 01:13:30,494 join me in a round of applause for 1235 01:13:30,494 --> 01:13:32,383 those that were the most valuable 1236 01:13:32,383 --> 01:13:35,850 players and family readiness . 1237 01:13:48,430 --> 01:13:52,420 So I know I have a lot to 1238 01:13:52,430 --> 01:13:55,080 do . We have a lot to do 1239 01:13:57,020 --> 01:14:00,040 as we look at the African continent 1240 01:14:01,190 --> 01:14:04,560 in their quest for prosperity , 1241 01:14:04,720 --> 01:14:08,630 security and stability . While the 1242 01:14:08,630 --> 01:14:10,770 encroachment of our 1243 01:14:12,610 --> 01:14:15,880 competitors , our strategic competitors . 1244 01:14:17,970 --> 01:14:19,859 It is my job to build partnership 1245 01:14:19,859 --> 01:14:21,980 capacity . It is our job to build 1246 01:14:21,990 --> 01:14:25,150 partnership partnership capacity . It 1247 01:14:25,150 --> 01:14:27,372 will be the whole government approach . 1248 01:14:27,372 --> 01:14:29,483 I'm ready to embark on this mission . 1249 01:14:29,483 --> 01:14:32,890 Mr Secretary Chairman , as we go 1250 01:14:32,890 --> 01:14:33,570 forward . 1251 01:14:37,180 --> 01:14:38,230 But in closing , 1252 01:14:42,260 --> 01:14:46,030 just a sentimental piece with me . Yes , 1253 01:14:46,030 --> 01:14:49,690 my father did retire because he 1254 01:14:49,690 --> 01:14:52,980 couldn't go anymore because he 1255 01:14:52,990 --> 01:14:56,710 chose to raise me in a 1256 01:14:56,710 --> 01:15:00,210 time in society . We're 1257 01:15:00,210 --> 01:15:04,020 usually homes are 1258 01:15:04,030 --> 01:15:07,680 led by a single parent . There's 1259 01:15:07,680 --> 01:15:09,260 usually my good 1260 01:15:11,110 --> 01:15:13,170 prospects of success . 1261 01:15:15,510 --> 01:15:17,510 So there was a song that used to be 1262 01:15:17,510 --> 01:15:19,677 song . I don't even know what it was , 1263 01:15:19,677 --> 01:15:22,280 but I know some of the lyrics 1264 01:15:23,570 --> 01:15:26,410 and one of the key lyrics was 1265 01:15:27,580 --> 01:15:29,469 when I look at my career , I'm an 1266 01:15:29,469 --> 01:15:32,360 extension the master sword , willie C . 1267 01:15:32,360 --> 01:15:35,900 Langley of his career . 1268 01:15:36,900 --> 01:15:40,640 So just leave everyone as he's looking 1269 01:15:41,690 --> 01:15:44,420 from Fort Worth texas . This one's for 1270 01:15:44,420 --> 01:15:46,840 you , dad . Thank you . 1271 01:16:11,370 --> 01:16:14,800 Thank you . General language . Ladies 1272 01:16:14,800 --> 01:16:17,050 and gentlemen , please rise for the 1273 01:16:17,060 --> 01:16:18,949 play of the joint service medal . 1274 01:19:42,430 --> 01:19:45,820 Part of the official party . Yeah , 1275 01:20:58,570 --> 01:21:00,681 ladies and gentlemen , this concludes 1276 01:21:00,681 --> 01:21:01,737 today's ceremony . 1277 01:21:07,520 --> 01:21:11,500 That's not . I don't 1278 01:21:19,100 --> 01:21:21,790 A few moments . Don't pack anything up 1279 01:21:21,790 --> 01:21:23,890 yet . Just gonna hang out . 1280 01:21:28,640 --> 01:21:32,440 Yeah , Jack , that should 1281 01:21:32,440 --> 01:21:32,740 about