Washington, February 3 (RHC)-- Thousands of U.S. Marines could be based in Africa in coming years as part of America’s so-called global realignment, according to a top U.S. Army general in the region.

U.S. Army Lieutenant General Steven Hummer, deputy to the commander for military operations in U.S. Africa Command, said the Marine units would likely be similar to those based at Morón Air Base in Spain, which stood up in 2013.  According to the U.S. military officer, the units would not only be a crisis response force but also be able to train local troops.

Hummer said: “A crisis response force, that could be their primary mission,” but they could also be doing theater security cooperation training with militaries on the continent.  They could participate in exercises, all the while — as we craft these — continuing to develop their skills and readiness toward crisis response.”

U.S. Africa Command was established five years ago.  At the time, African leaders expressed concern about the potential militarization of the continent, which critics believe is now happening.  The U.S. military is likely to expand its presence in the Horn of Africa and in the Middle East.  According to the U.S. Army officer, 132 U.S. regiments are currently present in the Horn of Africa.