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SOCAFRICA Welcomes New Commander

Photo By Libby Weiler | U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Claude Tudor, incoming commander of U.S. Special Operations...... read more read more

STUTTGART, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY

06.03.2025

Courtesy Story

Special Operations Command Africa

U.S. Special Operations Command Africa welcomed U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Claude Tudor as its new commander on June 3, 2025, in Stuttgart, Germany. Tudor brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the Director of Operations for U.S. Africa Command.

"Major General Tudor is the right person for the job,” said U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, AFRICOM commander. “He revolutionized the way AFRICOM leverages technology, creating a digital picture for the command to see ourselves and drive decision making.”

Tudor, who has firsthand knowledge of the complex security landscape in Africa, will lead more than 1,900 U.S. military, interagency and international military personnel operating in 19 countries throughout Africa and Europe. He will continue to guide SOCAFRICA’s efforts to prioritize partner independence, emphasizing African-led solutions and maintaining a right-sized, agile footprint.

“I am humbled to join this team that represents the best of our nation and operates with quiet professionalism, courage and precision in complex environments," Tudor said. "Working alongside our African partners as teammates, we will build their strength, resilience, and operational independence. We will stand by them while remaining a ready and lethal force - not to seek conflict, but to deter threats, defend our nation's interests and deliver on our promises."

SOCAFRICA's mission remains focused on countering malign influence and transnational threats to enhance regional stability and protect U.S. interests, improving partner capacity and providing crises response on order.