Michael E Langley sworn in as the first Black 4-star US Marine general

Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley, the first Black four-star general in the United States Marine Corps’ 246-year history, was sworn in Saturday morning during a commendation ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Langley will be the commander of the United States Africa Command, which will be stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, and will command all U.S. military forces in Africa.

On Monday, the Senate ratified Langley’s nomination to the rank of General.

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President Biden nominated him in June.

During the event, the Shreveport, Alabama, native spoke on equity and inclusion in the Marine Corps, as well as family and sacrifice.

He reminded participants that the anniversary was about others who came before him, among them the first commissioned Black Marine, Frederick C. Branch.

He stated that the symbolism of what would plant seeds of inspiration was crucial to his campaign.

Langley, a Marine Corps veteran of 37 years, graduated from the University of Texas in Arlington.

Also read: Who is Michael E Langley?

In 1985, he was commissioned as an artillery officer.

Langley commanded Marines at all levels while serving in Somalia, Japan, and Afghanistan.

“As a General Officer, Langley has held billets including Deputy Commanding General for II Marine Expeditionary Force, Commanding General for 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Commander for Marine Forces Europe and Africa, Deputy Commanding general for Fleet Marine Force Atlantic and Deputy Commander for Marine Forces Command and Marine Forces Northern Command,” a Marine Corps statement read.

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Langley is also well-known for his intelligence, powerlifting, and dominance in flag football contests.

Langley grew up in a military family. According to Langley, who testified during a confirmation hearing in June, his father, former United States Air Force Master Sergeant Willie C. Langley, served in the Air Force for 25 years. “As many nominees have said in testimony before me, military families form the bedrock upon which our Joint Force readiness stands. My family is no different,” he said.

His stepmother, Ola Langley, lovingly referred by Langley as “Momma,” was a US Post Office superintendent.