Rear Adm. Ronald Foy, a Navy SEAL, has taken over as the head of Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAF), succeeding Rear Adm. Milton Sands. Foy’s top priority will be supporting African partners to counter terrorism, especially in Somalia, while also maintaining U.S. access on the continent for crisis response missions.
  

Key Points: 

1. Foy’s assumption of command is seen as critical in the U.S.’s ongoing efforts to counter terrorism threats, particularly in Somalia where the U.S. has been actively involved in building local forces.
2. As the leader of SOCAF, Foy aims to equip African nations with the necessary tools to eliminate terrorism, emphasizing the U.S.’s role as a first responder in safeguarding U.S. interests on the continent.
3. Other challenges faced by SOCAF include China’s growing military presence and Russia’s attempts to increase its influence in Africa. In particular, Washington is concerned about the activities of Russian private military contractor Wagner, which is expanding its footprint in various African regions.
4. U.S. Africa Command’s Gen. Michael Langley believes that the U.S. can be a “partner of choice” in Africa, drawing a clear distinction between the U.S.’s approach and that of entities like Wagner.
5. Sands, Foy’s predecessor, was lauded for his advocacy within AFRICOM during difficult decision-making processes, which Langley believes improved the organization.

Source: https://www.stripes.com/branches/navy/2023-07-21/africom-special-operations-10808870.html