MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Army Gen. Joseph L. Votel turned
the helm of U.S. Special Operations Command over to Army Gen. Raymond “Tony”
Thomas, during a Mar. 30 change of command ceremony at USSOCOM
headquarters.
Secretary of Defense, Ashton Carter, presided over the
time-honored change-of-command ceremony, attended by Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr.
“For both Joe Votel and newly promoted Gen. Tony Thomas, their
families have been a vital foundation, providing them the flexibility to answer
their country’s call repeatedly and to lead missions of incredible difficulty,”
said Carter.
“While we are saying goodbye to a great commander, the special
operations bench is deep and we’ve got the good fortune to have another
exceptional leader taking command,” said Dunford. “Tony Thomas is a proven
combat leader with a wealth of experience and tactical expertise. He’s also a
strategic leader who has the intellect and vision to take the command to the
next level. I think the men and women of the special operations command couldn’t
be in better hands.”
USSOCOM synchronizes the planning of special operations and
provides Special Operations Forces to support persistent, networked and
distributed Global Combatant Commands’ operations in order to protect and
advance our Nation’s interests.
Votel, 58, has commanded USSOCOM since August 2014, and will
become the commander of U.S. Central Command.
“Michele and I have been so blessed throughout our almost 36
years of service,” said Votel. “We’ve had the distinct fortune of serving at
many locations and working with some of the best and brightest our nation has to
offer. We have cherished every assignment and are looking forward to the
challenges and opportunities that Central Command will bring.”
Thomas became the eleventh commander of USSOCOM and will be
responsible for ensuring the readiness of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps
Special Operations Forces and synchronizing Special Operations
planning.
Thomas has been in command of Joint Special Operations Command
since July of 2014. A 1980 West Point graduate, Thomas has also served with the
75th Ranger Regiment and was a troop commander, squadron operations officer,
unit executive officer and squadron commander within Joint Special Operations
Command.
“I am humbled to have been considered and selected to lead this
outstanding organization,” said Thomas. “Both Barb and I are excited with what
the future brings, and we will continue the standard of excellence set forth by
the Votels. I recognize the confidence and trust that you and the President
have shown in us.”