US GENERAL STRIPPED OF POST AMID SEX CLAIMS

Washington, 26 Jumadil Awal 1434/7 April 2013 (MINA) – A US army general responsible for operations in east Africa has been stripped of his command amid reports of sexual misconduct, a Pentagon official confirmed on Friday (6/4).

Major General Ralph Baker, the commander of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, was relieved of his duties by the outgoing head of US Africa Command (AFRICOM) General Carter F. Ham, on March 28, Modern Ghana reported as monitored by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA).

Baker was replaced due to “misconduct that caused a loss of confidence in his ability to command,” Pentagon spokesman Major Rob Firman said.

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“As these allegations of misconduct remain under adjudication, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further,” Firman said.

Firman’s statement did not detail Baker’s alleged misconduct.

However a Pentagon official speaking on condition of anonymity said reports indicating Baker lost his post because of alcohol and sexual misconduct allegations were accurate.

Baker is currently consigned to an administrative position in Washington pending the outcome of a disciplinary investigation.

General Ham’s decision came shortly before General David Rodriguez took over as AFRICOM commander on Friday.

The United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM or AFRICOM) is one of nine Unified Combatant Commands of the United States Armed Forces, headquartered at Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany.

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It is responsible for U.S. military operations and military relations with 53 African nations – an area of responsibility (AOR) covering all of Africa except Egypt, which is within the area of responsibility of the United States Central Command.

Task Force 60 will normally be the commander of Naval Task Force Europe and Africa. Any naval unit within the USEUCOM or USAFRICOM AOR may be assigned to Task Force 60 as required upon signal from the Commander of the Sixth Fleet. There is a Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.

The Combatant Commander of U.S. Africa Command reports to the Secretary of Defense, who in turn reports to the President of the United States. In individual countries, U.S. Ambassadors continue to be the President’s personal representatives in diplomatic relations with host nations. (T/P09/P03)

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Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)