14 DAY TRIAL // Army Maj. Gen. Ralph Baker has been terminated from his position as head of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.
U.S. Africa Command spokesman Benjamin Benson mentions that the General was fired on March 28. Stars and Stripes details that the decision was made by the AFRICOM commander.
A report by News Australia notes that Gen. Carter Ham fired Baker over allegations of misconduct, abusing his position and harassment, suggesting that alcohol-related charges have also been filed.
Since Baker is fighting the decision, reps for the Africa Command are not confirming the misconduct account.
"The allegations remain under adjudication, so it would be inappropriate to comment at this time," Benson states.
Baker has only been in the commander position for less than a year. The AFRICOM website lists him as head of Horn of Africa since May 26.
"As the commander of CJTF-HOA, I want to assure anyone or organization that works to address these many difficult regional challenges that I'll do everything I can to foster a transparent, collaborative and cooperative relationship to achieve our like-minded goals," he said at the time.
By assuming the command, he replaced U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Michael Franken. He previously served as Director for Joint Force Development and Joint Staff at the Pentagon.
During the ceremony held in Djibouti, he referenced Franken in his speech upon accepting the nomination, citing his contribution in the task force.
"Your accomplishments over the year has been significant, and through your leadership you have developed a foundation and set conditions that will allow me and the HOA task force to sustain and build upon in the future.
"To the service members, coalition partners, DOD civilians and contractors that serve in the task force, I salute you for the tremendous job you've done to date, and I look forward to serving with each and every one of you throughout the next year," he added.