The Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday held a confirmation hearing for Langley, who’s nominated to be the Commander of US Africa Command, which oversees the nation’s military presence in Africa. If the Senate confirms him, he will be the Marines’ first Black four-star general. In the Marines’ 246-year history, 73 White men have reached the four-star ranking.
“It is a great honor to be the President’s nominee to lead US AFRICOM,” Langley said at Thursday’s confirmation hearing. “I’m grateful to the trust and confidence extended by him.”
Langley has multiple advanced degrees, including a Masters in National Security Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College as well as a Masters in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College.
In his opening statements, Langley spoke to the challenging international security environment and the systemic effects of current global tensions in Africa as well as challenges specifically facing the continent. He said he hopes the command continues to address issues of strategic competition and extremism in Africa while integrating diplomatic efforts.
“I am enthusiastic to engage across the whole government to faithfully execute the policies and orders of the President and the Secretary of Defense,” Langley said in the conclusion of his opening statements during the hearing.
