A French Mirage 2000-5 refuels from a U.S. Marine KC-130J during a joint training in Djibouti, May 24, 2021. The partner forces conducted a joint interoperability training to enhance their capabilities and demonstrate their shared commitment to stability in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Missy Sterling)

French Air Force Brig. Gen. Stéphane Dupont, center, the commander of French Forces in Djibouti (FFDJ), listens as U.S. Marine Cpl. Taylor Athey, a loadmaster with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 234 (VMGR-234), describes how to don a harness aboard a KC-130J Super Hercules in Djibouti, May 24, 2021. The partner forces completed air-to-air refueling and flew an escort mission with a simulated aggressor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Missy Sterling)

French Air Force Col. Olivier Saunier, the commander of the French Air Base in Djibouti, overlooks Djibouti aboard a U.S. Marine KC-130J Super Hercules, May 24, 2021. Saunier commands roughly 800 airmen and controls assets including the Mirage fighter aircraft, Puma helicopter and a tactical transport aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Missy Sterling)

French Air Force Brig. Gen. Stéphane Dupont, the commander of French Forces in Djibouti (FFDJ), and French Marine Col. Patrick Lamiral, the chief of staff of FFDJ, are photographed in the cockpit of a KC-130J Super Hercules at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 24, 2021. U.S. and French forces conducted a joint interoperability training to enhance their capabilities and demonstrate their shared commitment to stability in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Missy Sterling)

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and French forces in Djibouti leadership board a U.S. Marine KC-130J Super Hercules at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 24, 2021. The partner forces conducted a joint interoperability training to enhance their capabilities and demonstrate their shared commitment to stability in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Missy Sterling)

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, travelled to Djibouti May 14-18, 2021. During the visit, he presided over the Change of Command ceremony for Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, where U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Lapthe Flora relinquished command to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Zana. Townsend also joined U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti Jonathan G. Pratt for a meeting with Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf ; and met with Djiboutian Minister of Defense M. Hassan Omar Mohamed, and Chief of Defense Maj. Gen. Zakaria Chekh Imbrahim. During the visit, the leaders discussed security in Djibouti and the region and their dedication to working together on the mutual goals of regional stability, security, and prosperity. The partnership between Djibouti and the United States remains strong as we work together to address the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Africa Command has contributed $6.2 million to Djiboutian COVID-19 relief efforts since the start of the pandemic.

A M88 Recovery Vehicle assigned to 1214th Forward Support Company, 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery Regiment, 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Georgia Army National Guard moves to a loading dock May 10, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida. The M88 was one of over 200 Georgia Army National Guard vehicles that deployed to Morocco for participation in exercise African Lion 21. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Bryant Wine)

Vehicles assigned to the Georgia Army National Guard wait in line to be lifted onto a cargo ship May 10, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida. The Georgia Army National Guard deployed over 200 vehicles to Morocco for participation in exercise African Lion 21. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Bryant Wine)

A M109A6 Paladin howitzer assigned to the Hartwell-based Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery Regiment, 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Georgia Army National Guard moves to a loading dock May 10, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida. The self-propelled howitzer was one of over 200 Georgia Army National Guard vehicles that deployed to Morocco for participation in exercise African Lion 21. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Bryant Wine)

A M109A6 Paladin howitzer assigned to the Ellenwood-based Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 214th Field Artillery Regiment, 648th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Georgia Army National Guard is lifted onto a cargo ship May 10, 2021, in Jacksonville, Florida. The Georgia Army National Guard’s participation in exercise African Lion 21 allowed the organization to train on railhead and port operations. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Bryant Wine)

Petty Officer Second Class Jeff Barker, a maritime enforcement specialist, and Petty Officer Second Class Phillip Haik, a machinery technician, demonstrate a handling technique for the Royal Moroccan Navy as part of Exercise Phoenix Express 2021 in Bizerte, Tunisia on May 18, 2021. Exercise Phoenix Express 2021, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa, is multinational maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in the Mediterranean.

Petty Officer Second Class Phillip Haik, a machinery technician, learns a deterring technique from a member of the Royal Moroccan Navy as part of the Exercise Phoenix Express 2021 in Bizerte, Tunisia on May 18, 2021. Exercise Phoenix Express 2021, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa, is a multinational maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in the Mediterranean.

U.S. and Burundi soldiers dismantle a SIPR NIPR Access Point Terminal (SNAP) at the Burundi National Defense Force headquarters, May 19, 2021. Commercial internet replaced the SNAP, providing a more flexible method to connect users to the African Data Sharing Network. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Missy Sterling)

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 David Goodwin, the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa communications chief projects officer, talks with Burundi Army Capt. Bigirimana Gélase, a signal officer, about dismantling the SIPR NIPR Access Point Terminal (SNAP) at the Burundi National Defense Force headquarters, May 19 2021. The SNAP, now replaced by commercial internet, was used to connect users to the African Data Sharing Network. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Missy Sterling)

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Joel Nelson, the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa communications projects non-commissioned officer in charge, tests the new communications equipment at the Burundi National Defense Force headquarters, May 19, 2021. U.S. Africa Command facilitated the new equipment update. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Missy Sterling)

U.S. and Burundi soldiers discuss the updated capabilities of the African Data Sharing Network at the Burundi National Defense Force headquarters, May 19, 2021. The U.S. and coalition forces share information in Africa through ADSN, a network that allows partners a secure way to communicate. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Missy Sterling)

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 David Goodwin, the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa communications chief projects officer, installs new communications equipment at the Burundi National Defense Force headquarters, May 19, 2021. The equipment included an encryptor, two networking devices, two laptops, and two phones. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Missy Sterling)

Maj. Gen. Andrew M. Rohling, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa commander, left, and Col. Ed Williams, the SETAF-AF Security Cooperation Directorate director, discuss challenges and opportunities focused on this year’s African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) theme: “Maintaining Security in a Degraded Environment” with African land force commanders and senior enlisted leaders during a regional breakout session at the 2021 ALFS at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, May 19, 2021. This year, taking into consideration travel limitations and the safety of country delegations, ALFS was a virtual event. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Meleesa Gutierrez)

Maj. Gen. Andrew M. Rohling, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa commander, left, and SETAF-AF Command Sgt. Maj. Charles W. Gregory Jr., right, discuss challenges and opportunities focused on this year’s African Land Forces Summit theme: “Maintaining Security in a Degraded Environment” with African land force commanders and senior enlisted leaders during a regional breakout session at the 2021 ALFS at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, May 19, 2021. This year, taking into consideration travel limitations and the safety of country delegations, ALFS was a virtual event. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Meleesa Gutierrez)

Service members from the thirteen nations participating in exercise Phoenix Express 2021 pose for a photo during the opening ceremony. Exercise Phoenix Express 2021, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa, is an at-sea maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in the Mediterranean.

Capt. Harry Knight, Exercise Director, Phoenix Express, speaks at the opening ceremony for exercise Phoenix Express 2021. Exercise Phoenix Express 2021, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa, is an at-sea maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in the Mediterranean.

Guests at the opening ceremony for exercise Phoenix Express 2021 watch an address by Adm. Robert P. Burke, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa. Exercise Phoenix Express 2021, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa, is an at-sea maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in the Mediterranean.

Commodore Mohamed Salah Sagaama deputy chief of staff for naval operations, Tunisian Navy speaks during the opening ceremony for exercise Phoenix Express 20201. Exercise Phoenix Express 2021, conducted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa, is an at-sea maritime exercise designed to improve cooperation among participating nations in order to increase maritime safety and security in the Mediterranean.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William L. Zana (left), incoming commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Lapthe C. Flora (middle), outgoing commander of CJTF-HOA, and U.S. Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend (right), commander of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), salute during the playing of Ruffles and Flourishes during a change of command ceremony, May 15, 2021, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Zana previously served as the Joint Staff J5, Deputy Director of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sergeant Grady Epperly)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Lapthe C. Flora, outgoing commander of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), receives the Defense Superior Service Medal from U.S. Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), during his change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 15, 2021. The Defense Superior Service Medal is award to those who have rendered superior meritorious service while serving in a position of high responsibility and in a joint service environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sergeant Grady Epperly)

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), hands the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) task force flag to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William L. Zana, in-coming commander, during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 15, 2021. Prior to serving as the Joint Staff J5, Deputy Director of Africa, Zana was the Deputy Commanding General of CJTF-HOA. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sergeant Grady Epperly)

Distinguished guests and visitors rendered courtesies during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 15, 2021. Due to social distancing, the change of command ceremony was attended by a small number of invited guests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sergeant Grady Epperly)

Col. Mohammed Tourabi, Royal Moroccan Air Force, left, observes as Capt. Jack Robinson, 821st Contingency Response Support Squadron airfield assessment team chief and civil engineer, right, seals the pavement test point at the Inezgane Airport, Morocco, April 24, 2021. After drilling into the pavement and performing the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer structural test the airfield survey team seals the pavement with silicone to minimize the impact of the test on the lifecycle of the pavement. (courtesy photo)

Tech. Sgt. William Russell, 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron air advisor, left, Master Sgt. John Vaccaro, 621st Contingency Response Squadron fuels technician, middle, and Tech. Sgt. Christopher Anderson, 621st Contingency Response Support Squadron civil engineer, right, measure the depth of pavement by drilling holes in a taxiway at Ben Guerir Air Base, Morocco, April 18, 2021. The members, assigned to an airfield survey team, deployed at the request of Air Mobility Command to conduct five airfield surveys across the Kingdom of Morocco ahead of African Lion 21, U.S. Africa Command’s largest exercise, scheduled to take place in Morocco, June 7-18. (courtesy photo)

Airmen with the 621st Contingency Response Wing airfield survey team and members of the Royal Moroccan Air Force pose for a group photo in front of an aircraft hangar at Ben Guerir Air Base, Morocco, April 21, 2021. The Royal Moroccan Air Force motto “God, Country, King” can be seen written in Arabic on the hangar. Missions like this allow Devil Raiders to strengthen relationships with partner nations. (courtesy photo)

Capt. Jack Robinson, 821st Contingency Response Support Squadron airfield assessment team chief and civil engineer, right, and Capt. Andrew Senko, 821st Contingency Response Squadron airfield assessment civil engineer, left, discuss airfield structural capabilities with Col. Mohammed Tourabi, Royal Moroccan Air Force, center, at the Inezgane Airport, Morocco, April 24, 2021. The members, assigned to an airfield survey team, were tasked to survey five airfields across Morocco to determine their suitability to receive mobility aircraft. (courtesy photo)

150521-O-ZZ999-001 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (May 21, 2015) Ships of the American, Greek, Moroccan, Tunisian and Turkish navies steam in formation during Exercise Phoenix Express, May 22, 2015. Phoenix Express 2015, sponsored and facilitated by U.S. Africa Command , is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness , information-sharing practices, and tactical interdiction expertise to counter sea-based illicit activity in the region. (Photo courtesy of the Hellenic Navy)

U.S. Marine Security Guards conduct a simulated Close Quarters Battle (CQB) scenario during a joint forces readiness exercise with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 68, in West Africa, May 8, 2021. U.S. forces routinely conduct operational and logistics assessment exercises across regions to prepare for contingencies, exercise readiness, and identify areas of improvement.

U.S. Marines with Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Company, Europe (FASTEUR), U.S. Navy Sailors with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8 (EODMU 8), and Naval Construction Forces, the “Seabees”, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 68 personnel wait to board a U.S. Air Force C-130J with the 37th Airlift Squadron, May 8, 2021. U.S. forces routinely conduct operational and logistics assessment exercises across regions to prepare for contingencies, exercise readiness, and identify areas of improvement.

0422-G-HO001-372 TUNIS, TUNISIA (April 22, 2021) Lt. Cmdr. Samuel Blase (left), USCGC Robert Goldman (WPC 1142), and Lt. Cmdr. Steve Hulse (right), USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) with the Mayor of La Goulette, Tunisia, Ms. Amel Limam, upon arrival April 22, 2021. Charles Moulthrope and Robert Goldman are en route to their new homeport in Bahrain in support of the Navy’s U.S. Fifth Fleet and U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia. The U.S. Coast Guard patrol vessels are conducting operations in the U.S Naval Forces Sixth Fleet area of operations supporting U.S. national interests and security in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Sydney Niemi)

210421-G-HO001-751 TUNISIA (April 21, 2021) USCGC Robert Goldman (WPC 1142) and Tunisian Naval offshore patrol vessel Jugurtha (P610) escorted the two U.S. Coast Guard vessels inbound on April 21, 2021. USCGC Charles Moulthrope (WPC 1141) and Robert Goldman are en route to their new homeport in Bahrain in support of the Navy’s U.S. Fifth Fleet and U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia. The U.S. Coast Guard patrol vessels are conducting operations in the U.S Naval Forces Sixth Fleet area of operations supporting U.S. national interests and security in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Collin Strange)

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Heidi Berg tours the aviation unit and gets capability briefing on the French EC665 Tiger multi-role combat helicopter while at the French Platform Operational Desert in Gao, Mali, May 1. Berg conducted a multiday visit to Senegal and Mali to highlight U.S. Africa Command’s continued support to African and French partners and their efforts to enhance security in the Sahel.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Heidi Berg and Col. Jean Dieme, Senegalese Director of Military Intelligence, exchange gifts following a senior leader exchange in Dakar, Senegal, April 30. Berg conducted a multiday visit to Senegal and Mali to reinforce the importance of U.S. Africa Command’s bilateral partnership in Senegal and multinational support to countering violent extremism in the region.

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Heidi Berg is greeted by French Army Général de brigade Michel Delpit, commander of the Element Senegalese Francais, upon her arrival to the Element Senegalese Francias base in Dakar, Senegal, April 29. Berg’s visit highlighted U.S. support of cooperative security efforts in the Sahel.

The Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Carson City docks before departing Naval Station Rota, Spain, on July 2, 2019, in support of the ship’s 2019 Africa Partnership Station deployment. As part of the U.S. Naval Forces Africa APS mission, Carson City will visit five Gulf of Guinea nations to work alongside partners to provide host nation-identified, needs-based assistance such as medical services, small boat repair and maintenance, maritime law enforcement, and the completion of community building projects. APS is NAVAF’s flagship maritime security cooperation program focusing on maritime safety and security through increased maritime awareness, response capabilities, and infrastructure.