Mar
18
Noted in passing:
MACDILL AFB, Tampa, March 16, 2007 —CENTCOM- Admiral William J. Fallon assumed command of U.S. Central Command from Gen. John P. Abizaid in a change of command ceremony held earlier today at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida.General Abizaid will retire after serving with distinction and as the longest running commander to date since assuming the duties from Gen. Tommy Franks on July 7, 2003. He has played an instrumental role spearheading multiple operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa.The reviewing officer for the ceremony was Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert M. Gates. He thanked Abizaid for all his hard work and dedication to the mission.Admiral Fallon was the former commander of U.S. Pacific Command at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. He relinquished command on March 12. He will be the first U.S. Navy Admiral to serve in this position.U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) is responsible for all U.S. military forces supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), along with humanitarian assistance in the Horn of Africa. Established January 1, 1983, USCENTCOM area of responsibility includes all the central states in the Middle East and Horn of Africa. Since Sept. 2001, over 60 countries have become coalition partners and provided support on the global war on terrorism.
Tags: BitsBlog, Honor those who serve
