JAPANESE AMERICAN VETERANS ASSOCIATION

                     1749 Old Meadow Road, Suite 500, McLean, VA 22102 (Bob Nakamoto, President)

CONTACT:  Terry Shima 301-987-6746; ttshima@comcast.net

PHOTO:   Photos accompany this press release

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RADM LOSEY ASSUMES COMMAND OF JOINT ANTI PIRACY OPERATION.  TWO JAVA MEMBERS, BOTH ADMIRALS, MEET AT HORN OF AFRICA.

 

This press release is based on an article written by Technical Sergeant

Shad Eidson. Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti, March 29, 2010 — Rear Admiral Brian L. Losey assumed command of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) during a change-of-command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 27, 2010.  Admiral Losey, a Japanese American native of Tacoma, Washington, relieved Rear Admiral Anthony M. Kurta, who led the command since February 2009 and has been reassigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr (right). poses with Rear
Adm. Brian L. Losey (left)at a change of command ceremony where Losey assumed
command of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.  Both admirals are
members of the Japanese American Veteran's Association.

The CJTF-HOA became part of U.S. Africa Command in October 2008 to assist building regional security capacity and relationships when Camp Lemonnier began transitioning from an expeditionary base to an enduring location for support to U.S. AFRICOM's long term commitment to African stability. The task force is comprised of service members from each branch of the U.S Armed Forces, civilian employees, and representatives of coalition and partner countries.

The Commander of U.S. Africa Command, General William E. Ward, presided over the change of command ceremony.  He said, “Rear Admiral Losey is eminently qualified for command of this task force.  I know that he and his exceptional staff will continue to build on the great work of the command as he brings with him experiences from all over the world." 

In his acceptance remarks, Admiral Losey said, "It's the highest privilege to serve with deployed troops and patriots. Our mission, our method and General Ward's intent is very clear for us. Ultimately when we look back on the footprints that this task force leaves, they should lay alongside the footprints of the sovereign nations of Eastern Africa as we move forward together on a path of greater stability and security. I look forward to serving with you all."

U.S. Army General William E. Ward (center), command of U.S. Africa Command, presents U.S. Navy Rear Admiral
Brian L. Losey (left), Commander fo the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africal (HOA), during the change of
command ceremony in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 27, 2010.  U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Brian L. Losey succeeded
U.S. Rear Admiral Anthony M. Kurta.  (Photo by Staff Sergeant Robert Barnett, CJTF-HOA)

Admiral Losey was commissioned in 1983 following graduation from the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo. He holds a Masters in National Security Strategy from the National War College. He is a graduate of the Defense Language Institute, the Armed Forces Staff College, and Air Command and Staff College.  Admiral Losey is also a member of the Japanese American Veterans Association. [Editor’s note: Rear Admiral Losey’s mother is Japanese.  His immediate past position was in the National Security Council in Washington, DC .]