{"id":228292,"date":"2024-07-18T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-18T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=228292"},"modified":"2024-07-18T20:11:11","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T20:11:11","slug":"gainey-assumes-command-of-us-army-southern-european-task-force-africa-setaf-af-from-wasmund-in-italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=228292","title":{"rendered":"Gainey assumes command of US Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) from Wasmund in Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, outgoing commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), passes the guidon to U.S. Army Gen. Darryl A. Williams, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, during SETAF-AF\u2019s change of command ceremony at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, July 18, 2024. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey replaces Wasmund as the new incoming commanding general of SETAF-AF. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit or command. SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ebony Neal)
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\n U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, speaks to the crowd during a change of command ceremony for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, July 18, 2024. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey replaces U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund as the new incoming commanding general of SETAF-AF. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit or command. SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christopher Sanchez)
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Back to\u00a0U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

VICENZA, Italy \u2013 On July 18, soldiers from U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)<\/a> gathered at Hoekstra Field on Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, to welcome their new commanding general. During the change of command ceremony, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund handed over leadership to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, previously the commanding general of the 56th Artillery Command<\/a>, U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cTodd, it would be impossible to recount all that you did leading SETAF-AF. But you and your team answered the call,\u201d remarked U.S. Marine Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).<\/a> \u201cFrom a flawless evacuation in Sudan, to the repositioning of assets in Niger, to standing ready to support the crisis in the Middle East\u2026you\u2019ve supported three different combatant commands over the last 400 days.\u201d<\/p>\n

Langley addressed an audience of approximately 500 soldiers, Department of Army civilians, family members, Italian Carabinieri<\/a>, community dignitaries and military leaders. Additionally, both the incoming and outgoing commanders were joined by their wives and other family members, some of whom flew from the U.S. to attend the ceremony.<\/p>\n

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\n Sophie Gainey, wife of U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey, incoming commanding general, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), receives a bouquet of flowers during the change of command ceremony at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, July 18, 2024. Gainey replaces U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund as commanding general of SETAF-AF. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit or command. SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christopher Sanchez)
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\n Tracy Wasmund, wife of U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, outgoing commanding general, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), receives a bouquet of flowers during the change of command ceremony at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, July 18, 2024. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey replaces Wasmund as the new incoming commanding general of SETAF-AF. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit or command. SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christopher Sanchez)
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Under Wasmund’s leadership, SETAF-AF made Africa its primary focus, symbolized by the addition of an Africa tab to its logo and uniform patch. His initiatives were aimed at four key areas: fostering a culture of empowerment and trust, establishing SETAF-AF as AFRICOM\u2019s preferred joint task force, being a trusted partner in Africa, and enhancing SETAF-AF\u2019s status as a premier organization.<\/p>\n

Aside from leading multiple task forces in response to crises, Langley also called attention to the impact of Wasmund\u2019s leadership in building relationships across Africa.<\/p>\n

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\n The Italian band \u201cFanfara della Brigata Alpini Julia\u201d stands firm as members of 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, fire a simulation round during a change of command ceremony for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, July 18, 2024. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey replaces U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund as the new incoming commanding general of SETAF-AF. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit or command. SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christopher Sanchez)
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\n A member of 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, presents the casing from a simulated round to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund during a change of command ceremony for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, July 18, 2024. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey replaces Wasmund as the new incoming commanding general of SETAF-AF. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit or command. SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christopher Sanchez)
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\n U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund salutes members of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), during his change of command ceremony at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, July 18, 2024. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey replaces Wasmund as the new incoming commanding general of SETAF-AF. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit or command. SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christopher Sanchez)
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\u201cAfrican leaders talk about the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2SFAB)<\/a>, they talk about the civil affairs exchanges<\/a> and the medical readiness exercises<\/a>,\u201d said Langley. \u201cThat says all I need to know about Todd\u2019s leadership. He made a difference with our African partners.\u201d<\/p>\n

Under Wasmund\u2019s command, 2SFAB presence grew from operations in 13 countries to 31 throughout the continent of Africa.<\/p>\n

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\n U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, awards U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, outgoing commanding general, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa, Africa (SETAF-AF) the Defense Superior Service medal at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, July 18, 2024. SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Alisha Grezlik)
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\u201cYou\u2019re a visionary and you set the bar high,\u201d said Langley. \u201cYou answered the call. Mission accomplished and I couldn\u2019t be more proud.\u201d<\/p>\n

After his assignment with SETAF-AF, Wasmund plans to retire from the military, but will have fond memories of his last command. He expressed gratitude for the Vicenza community, speaking Italian to local dignitaries in attendance, thanking them for their support and partnership.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur collaboration with Italy has been invaluable, and we cherish the connections we have made here in Vicenza,\u201d said Wasmund. \u201cThe support from the local community and Italian leaders has greatly contributed to our mission’s success.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), hosts their change of command ceremony at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, July 18, 2024. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey replaces U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund as the new incoming commanding general of SETAF-AF. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit or command. SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Alisha Grezlik)
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Introducing Gainey, both Langley and U.S. Army Gen. Darryl A. Williams, commanding general of USAREUR-AF, fully endorsed the leadership and skill set he brings to his new assignment.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaj. Gen. Gainey\u2019s experience working with our European partners will come in handy here at SETAF-AF,\u201d said Williams. \u201cYou are ready for the challenges we\u2019ll face.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\n U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew C. Gainey smiles from his seat, along with his family, during a change of command ceremony for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), at Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, July 18, 2024. Gainey replaces U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund as the incoming commanding general of SETAF-AF. The change of command ceremony is a military tradition that represents a transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit or command. SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis response options in Africa and Europe (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Christopher Sanchez)
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Gainey expressed many thanks to Langley, Williams and Wasmund for their mentorship and support during the transition of leadership. He ended by signaling his readiness to take the reins of SETAF-AF.<\/p>\n

\u201cWords cannot express how humbled and honored I am to lead SETAF-AF,\u201d said Gainey. \u201cThank you for the opportunity to strengthen our relationships and continue to build the security of our African partners.\u201d<\/p>\n

About SETAF-AF<\/strong><\/p>\n

SETAF-AF provides\u00a0<\/strong>U.S. Africa Command<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0U.S. Army Europe and Africa<\/a>\u00a0a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.<\/p>\n

Follow SETAF-AF on:<\/strong>\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0YouTube<\/a>,\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>\u00a0&\u00a0DVIDS<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1 \/ 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption \u2013 U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Todd R. Wasmund, outgoing commanding general of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), passes the guidon to U.S. Army Gen. Darryl A. Williams, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, during SETAF-AF\u2019s change of command ceremony at Caserma Ederle, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":228294,"comment_status":"close","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-228292","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/228292","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=228292"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/228292\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":228305,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/228292\/revisions\/228305"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/228294"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=228292"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=228292"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=228292"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}