USS Makin Island ARG/15th MEU arrives off Somali Coast
201218-M-UY835-1052 INDIAN OCEAN (Dec. 18, 2020) – U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare to land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island. The F-35Bs provide close air support to Operation OCTAVE QUARTZ. The mission of OOQ is to reposition U.S. DOD forces in Somalia to other East Africa operating locations while maintaining pressure on violent extremists and supporting partner forces.
By Cpl. Patrick Crosley, Joint Task Force-QuartzIndian OceanDec 22, 2020
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In support of a military operation led by the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes against al Shabaab on Aug. 1, 2025.
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In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an operation against the ISIS-Somalia terrorist network in Somalia on July 25.