MONROVIA: The U.S.-AFRICOM Military General, Michael E. Langley has paid courtesy visit on Defense Minister, Brig Gen. Geraldine J. George (Rtd.) at her Barclay Training Center (BTC) office in Monrovia.
During the visit, Gen. Michael Langley and Brig Gen. Geraldine George (Rtd.) stressed the need for stronger collaboration and partnership between the two entities.
Liberia’s Defense Minister expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the continuous support through, training, logistics and mentorship provided by the United States Africa Command to the Armed Forces of Liberia and the Ministry of National Defense.
She informed General Langley that the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Liberia continued to face low-capacity building and logistics constraints.
She told the visiting delegation that security in the Mano River region basin is challenged due to the porous borders and emphasized the need for joint training exercises, intelligence sharing and capacity building initiatives for the AFL and other armed forces within the Mano River Union countries.
The Defense Boss assured the US-AFRICOM Commanding General and members of his team of her administration commitment to the ongoing defense governance and reform process aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency within the Armed Forces of Liberia and the Ministry of National Defense.
For his part, General Langley expressed AFRICOM’s commitment to supporting Liberia in strengthening its defense capabilities and enhancing its national security infrastructure. Such interactions according to the General Langley are crucial for fostering stronger ties between nations and promoting peace and stability in the region.
Though these engagements, he said, will address common threats effectively and build a safer environment for all citizens.
After his visit with the Defense Minister, the General also visited the Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Liberia, where a presentation was done high lightening the administration, strength, logistics and training opportunities of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
General Michael E. Langley, U.S. Marine Corps, became the sixth Commander of United States Africa Command in August 2022.
Headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, U.S. Africa Command is one of seven joint-service geographic combatant commands and is responsible for all US military operations and activities to protect and advance U.S. National interests in Africa.
A native of Shreveport, Louisiana, Langley graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington and commissioned in 1985.
He commanded at every level from the platoon to regiment- including Battery K, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, in support of Operation WILDFIRE in the Western U.S.; Battalion and regimental commands in 12th Marines forward deployed in Okinawa, Japan; and both the 201st Regional Corps Advisory Command-Central and Regional Support command-Southwest in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in Afghanistan.
As a general officer, his command assignments include Deputy Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force and Commanding General, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade; Commander, Marine Forces Europe and Africa; and Deputy Commanding General, culminating as Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic; and Deputy Commander, culminating as Commanding General, Marine Forces Command and Marine Forces Northern Command.
Langley’s staff and joint assignments include serving as a division officer for Marine Corps Institute, Marine Barracks 8th and I; Deputy G-1, 1st Marine Division deployed in support of Operation RESTORE HOPE in Somalia; Naval Surface Fire Support Requirements Officer in the Expeditionary Warfare Division (N75) and Joint Integration Officer in the Surface Warfare Division (N76), Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; Policy Action Officer in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate, Joint Staff J-5; Iraq Desk Officer in the Operations Directorate, Joint Staff J-3; Deputy Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff; Assessments Branch Head, Programs and Resources, Headquarters, Marine Corps; Assistant Division Commander of 3d Marine Division; Deputy Director for Operations, Joint Staff J-3; Assistant Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources, Headquarters, Marine Corps; and Director for Strategy, Plans, and Policy, J-5, U.S. Central Command.
Langley’s formal military education includes U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School and College of Naval Command and Staff. He holds multiple advanced degrees including Masters in National Security Strategic Studies from the U.S Naval War College and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.
The visit of General Langley to the Ministry of National Defense and the Armed Forces of Liberia symbolizes the importance of diplomatic exchanges in the realm of defense and security, highlighting the shared commitment of the United States Government to maintaining peace and security in Liberia and the Mano River region.
It also sets a positive tone for future collaborations and underscores the essential role of partnerships in addressing complex security challenges effectively in Africa.
