U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. David R. Gibbs assumed the role of the Special Operations Command Africa senior enlisted leader during a change of responsibility ceremony at Kelley Barracks June 21.
Gibbs accepted his new role as the senior enlisted leader for SOCAFRICA by saluting U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Brian L. Losey, SOCAFRICA commander, who presided over the ceremony. Gibbs has served in multiple non-commissioned officer leadership roles during numerous operational deployments.
“I am humbled and honored to join this command at such a critical time in our combined effort with our friends and partner nations on the African continent,” Gibbs said. “Our efforts will continue to complement and enhance the strategic objectives of the nations of Africa, the United States government and Africa Command.”
Like his predecessor, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Jeffrey Wright, Gibbs will serve as the senior enlisted leader to the command, which includes subordinate units and elements in Europe and in Africa, working to fulfill the promise to mentor and lead the enlisted personnel of all the services; no matter which uniform each member wears.
“Our people are our strength. The first SOF [Special Operations Forces] truth is humans are more important than hardware. This truth has left such an indelible mark on me that it is engraved on the edge of the SOCAFRICA senior enlisted leader coin for excellence,” said the departing Wright. “The relationships we build with our African partners will stand the test of time.”
SOCAFRICA advises U.S. Africa Command on the capabilities of Special Operations Forces, provides SOF for employment, and integrates SOF fully into theater plans as part of an integrated theater strategy to combat terrorism and advance U.S. AFRICOM’s strategic objectives.
