Posted on 10/27/2012 4:39:50 PM PDT by bobsunshine
The latest rumor making the rounds is that Barack Obama replaced General Carter Ham at Africom after the general made a move to help the US security officials at the Benghazi consulate and annex. Ham was replaced by Gen. David Rodriquez on October 18. Tiger Droppings reported:
The information I heard today was that General [Carter] Ham as head of Africom received the same e-mails the White House received requesting help/support as the attack was taking place. General Ham immediately had a rapid response unit ready and communicated to the Pentagon that he had a unit ready.
General Ham then received the order to stand down. His response was to screw it, he was going to help anyhow. Within 30 seconds to a minute after making the move to respond, his second in command apprehended General Ham and told him that he was now relieved of his command.
The story continues that now General Rodiguez would take General Ham’s place as the head of Africom.
Sure enough Obama nominated Gen. David Rodriguez to replace Gen. Carter Ham as commander of U.S. Africa Command. The Stars and Stripes reported:
President Barack Obama will nominate Army Gen. David Rodriguez to succeed Gen. Carter Ham as commander of U.S. Africa Command and Marine Lt. Gen. John Paxton to succeed Gen. Joseph Dunford as assistant commandant of the Marine Corps, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced Thursday.
Both appointments must be confirmed by the Senate.
Rodriguez is the commander of U.S. Army Forces Command and has served in a “variety of key leadership roles on the battlefield,” Panetta said.
He’s “a proven leader” who oversaw coalition and Afghan forces during the surge in Afghanistan, and “was the key architect of the successful campaign plan that we are now implementing,” Panetta said.
In announcing Ham’s successor, Panetta also praised the work Ham has done with Africa Command.
“Gen. Ham has really brought AFRICOM into a very pivotal role in that challenging region,” Panetta said. “I and the nation are deeply grateful for his outstanding service.”
Hat Tip Tom
More… The Obama Administration also relieved the admiral in command of an aircraft carrier strike group in the Middle East, Rear Adm. Charles M. Gaouette. It is highly unusual for the Navy to replace a carrier strike group commander during its deployment. The Stars and Stripes reported:
The Navy said Saturday it is replacing the admiral in command of an aircraft carrier strike group in the Middle East, pending the outcome of an internal investigation into undisclosed allegations of inappropriate judgment.
Rear Adm. Charles M. Gaouette is being sent back to the USS John C. Stennis’ home port at Bremerton, Wash., in what the Navy called a temporary reassignment. The Navy said he is not formally relieved of his command of the Stennis strike group but will be replaced by Rear Adm. Troy M. Shoemaker, who will assume command until the investigation is completed.
It is highly unusual for the Navy to replace a carrier strike group commander during its deployment.
Ace of Spades says the move to replace Rear Adm. Charles Baouette is likely not related to Benghazi.
Ping
What's missing is the answer to a very simple question :
Who has the authority to replace the Head of Africom?
And who isn't?
My thought precisely. Obama’s new appointees will be sycophants.
Check back on this story about 24-36 hours later. Then the dust should be settled and we’ll see if an internal purge is beginning or not.
The timing is extremely suspicious.
I’m waiting for the two assets on the ground in Benghazi to come out and tell what they saw and heard (assuming that they exist).
Ty Wood’s father is carrying the spear for America right now and needs all the support we can give him.
It is time to end the High Crimes and Misdemeanor treason and incompetence.
I don’t trust the press at all. But individuals (like the SF LTC that called Rush) have been coming forward.
In order for this "relieved-on-the-spot" scenario to play out, the WH, DOD, & State would have had to had the full and immediate cooperation of Ham's deputy commander and subordinates as well as the Joint Chiefs of Staff, all the while a major terrorist attack was under way.
Just don't see it happening.
Afterward, when the search for a scapegoat was underway, sure, but not during the attacks themselves.
They would never send a soldier to Leavenworth, would they? </sarcasm>
Justice with Judge Jeanine 10/27/12 - CIA talks about latest news about Benghazi coverup
Judge Jeanine speaking with Charles Woods, father of Benghazi slain SEAL Ty Woods
The Admiral is in the 5th Fleet AO, not anywhere near Libya. I’ll repeat something I read which is this might be related to his behavior on liberty in Thailand or Malaysia. I’m not sure what kind of trouble you can get into in Thailand as a sailor.
General Ham has been in his position about 18 months. I don’t think it would be unusual to announce the name of the person nominated to replace him. When I was in the Navy you could negotiate your orders 6 months out. I would imagine these career guys spend a good bit of time mulling over what posts they want to bid on.
The use of the words relief and relieve have some tricky connotations. I checked the AFRICOM website also and Ham was still at the top of that. There is some PAO Captain whose major job is to make sure that website is accurate.
I also think that it would be impossible to keep news of a relief for cause under wraps from the 18th until today. There are just too many people who would know down to the General’s driver and they all have access to email and Facebook at this point.
bump
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