Officers of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service completed a five-week Joint Combined Exchange Training alongside a team of U.S. Army Special Forces on July 8 in Lagos, Nigeria. The JCET is part of a close and continuous military partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria spanning decades to strengthen defense ties and promote regional security.

Officers of the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service completed a five-week Joint Combined Exchange Training alongside a team of U.S. Army Special Forces on July 8 in Lagos, Nigeria. The JCET is part of a close and continuous military partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria spanning decades to strengthen defense ties and promote regional security.

U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Europe and U.S. Sixth Fleet Chief of Staff, Rear Adm. Nancy Lacore, virtually attends the two-day International Maritime Defence and Exhibition Conference 2021 hosted by the Ghanaian Navy from July 7-8, 2021.

Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, senior enlisted leader, present the AFRICOM interagency partner of the quarter award during the AFRICOM all-hands presentation May 27, 2021. Kanishka was later recognized as the 2021 Robert D. Murphy Foreign Policy Advisor of the Year Award by the U.S. Department of State for his efforts to enable full integration of foreign policy considerations into all AFRICOM’s public messaging

The six vehicles were turned-over to SNA-Danab forces July 6 in a ceremony attended by leaders in the Somali Defense Forces, U.S. Department of State & U.S. Africa Command. Included in the package were basic issue items to ensure proper maintenance of the vehicles.

The six vehicles were turned-over to SNA-Danab forces July 6 in a ceremony attended by leaders in the Somali Defense Forces, U.S. Department of State & U.S. Africa Command.

The six vehicles were turned-over to SNA-Danab forces July 6 in a ceremony attended by leaders in the Somali Defense Forces, U.S. Department of State & U.S. Africa Command.

U.S. Army civil affairs Soldiers in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa completed their final lessons of first aid and English at Solidarte Feminine July 1, 2021, in Djibouti City, Djibouti. The team has made Women, Peace and Security a part of their mission to empower the women at Solidarte Feminine, a local organization in Djibouti that provides resources to women in need in Djibouti as well as those directly or indirectly affected by HIV.

U.S. Army civil affairs Soldiers in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa completed their final lessons of first aid and English at Solidarte Feminine July 1, 2021, in Djibouti City, Djibouti. The team has made Women, Peace and Security a part of their mission to empower the women at Solidarte Feminine, a local organization in Djibouti that provides resources to women in need in Djibouti as well as those directly or indirectly affected by HIV.

U.S. Army civil affairs Soldiers in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa completed their final lessons of first aid and English at Solidarte Feminine July 1, 2021, in Djibouti City, Djibouti. The team has made Women, Peace and Security a part of their mission to empower the women at Solidarte Feminine, a local organization in Djibouti that provides resources to women in need in Djibouti as well as those directly or indirectly affected by HIV.

U.S. Army civil affairs Soldiers in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa completed their final lessons of first aid and English at Solidarte Feminine July 1, 2021, in Djibouti City, Djibouti. The team has made Women, Peace and Security a part of their mission to empower the women at Solidarte Feminine, a local organization in Djibouti that provides resources to women in need in Djibouti as well as those directly or indirectly affected by HIV.

Attendees take part in a two-day virtual training event, hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Africa Force Medical June 29, 2021, in support of Africa Malaria Task Force in Naples, Italy. AMTF is a program developed in 2011, designed to strengthen and expand effective malaria programs and provide support for military personnel and their families and countries.

A resupply reaches personnel with Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa courtesy of the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. The cargo keeps CJTF-HOA mission capable as they work to enhance partner nation capacity, promote regional stability, dissuade conflict and protect U.S. and coalition interests in Africa.

As part of African Lion's culminating training event, distinguished visitors observed a demonstration of a combined operation between U.S. and Moroccan Forces capturing a high value target June 17.

The Commander of U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, visited Morocco to attend the closing ceremony of Exercise African Lion 21 and to meet with several African defense leaders June 17-19. Townsend met with senior Moroccan military leaders for outstanding efforts by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces in planning and executing African Lion 2021; Senegal’s Chief of Defense Staff to thank the nation’s efforts as a security leader in West Africa and for hosting and participating in multiple U.S. Africa Command exercises; and Libyan leaders to stress foreign forces need to withdraw from Libya and discuss opportunities for greater military cooperation with the United States.

The Commander of U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, visited Morocco to attend the closing ceremony of Exercise African Lion 21 and to meet with several African defense leaders June 17-19. Townsend met with senior Moroccan military leaders for outstanding efforts by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces in planning and executing African Lion 2021; Senegal’s Chief of Defense Staff to thank the nation’s efforts as a security leader in West Africa and for hosting and participating in multiple U.S. Africa Command exercises; and Libyan leaders to stress foreign forces need to withdraw from Libya and discuss opportunities for greater military cooperation with the United States.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 510th Fighter Squadron, lands at Ben Guerir Air Base, Morocco, 15 June 2021, during Exercise African Lion 2021.

A Royal Moroccan Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft approaches to conduct air refueling with a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft over Morocco during Exercise African Lion 2021, June 15, 2021.

A Royal Moroccan Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft taxis down the runway during Exercise African Lion 21 at the 3rd Royal Moroccan Air Force Base in Kenitra, Morocco, June 14, 2021.

Spc. Visel with Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa works with Nigerien Soldiers during a dry-fire exercise at Tondibiah, Niger, May 25, 2021.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (JUNE 13, 2021) Mineman 2nd Class Lynyrd Abella fires a .50 caliber machine gun at an inflatable target known as a “killer Tomato” aboard the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) during exercise African Lion 2021 in the Atlantic Ocean, June 13, 2021. African Lion 2021 is U.S. Africa Command’ largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal, 7-18 June. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL21 is a multi-domain, multi-component, and multi-national exercise, which employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Coffer/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (JUNE 13, 2021) The Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport vessel USNS Trenton (T-EPF-5), left, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rose (DDG 71), center, and the Moroccan navy Sigma class frigate Allal Ben Abdellah (615), sail in formation to kick off exercise African Lion 2021 with the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) in the Atlantic Ocean, June 13, 2021. African Lion 2021 is U.S. Africa Command’ largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal, 7-18 June. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL21 is a multi-domain, multi-component, and multi-national exercise, which employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Coffer/Released)

ATLANTIC OCEAN (JUNE 13, 2021) The Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport vessel USNS Trenton (T-EPF-5), front, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rose (DDG 71), center, and the Moroccan navy Sigma class frigate Allal Ben Abdellah (615), sail in formation to kick off exercise African Lion 2021 with the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) in the Atlantic Ocean, June 13, 2021. African Lion 2021 is U.S. Africa Command’ largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal, 7-18 June. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL21 is a multi-domain, multi-component, and multi-national exercise, which employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Coffer/Released)

AGADIR, Morocco (JUNE 11, 2021) U.S. Army Major General Andrew Rohling, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa commander and the U.S. Army Europe and Africa deputy commanding general, participates in a tour of the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) in Agadir, Morocco, June 11, 2021 during African Lion 2021. African Lion 2021 is U.S. Africa Command’ largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal, 7-18 June. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL21 is a multi-domain, multi-component, and multi-national exercise, which employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Coffer/Released)

AGADIR, Morocco (JUNE 11, 2021) as part of African Lion 2021, Capt. Michael Concannon, commanding officer, Gold crew, center, leads a tour of the ship to U.S. Army and Moroccan armed forces personnel aboard the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) in Agadir, Morocco, June 11, 2021. African Lion 2021 is U.S. Africa Command’ largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal, 7-18 June. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL21 is a multi-domain, multi-component, and multi-national exercise, which employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Coffer/Released)

AGADIR, Morocco (JUNE 10, 2021) U.S. Army Colonel Sean Dillon, the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa public affairs officer, center, receives a tour from Capt. Michael Concannon, commanding officer, left, and Cmdr. Omari Buckley, executive officer of the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) in Agadir, Morocco, June 10, 2021. Hershel “Woody” Williams is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national interests and security in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Coffer/Released)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Kate Ovington, a physician assistant with the 113th Medical Group, performs an examination at the military field hospital on June 7, 2021 in Tafraoute, Morocco during African Lion 2021. African Lion 2021 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal, 7-18 June. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL21 is multi-domain, null-component, and multinational exercise, which employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Annie Edwards).

U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Kimberly Hegeman, a nurse with the 151st Medical Group, gives a sticker to a child visiting the pediatric section of the military field hospital on June 7, 2021 in Tafraoute, Morocco during African Lion 2021. African Lion 2021 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal, 7-18 June. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL21 is multi-domain, null-component, and multinational exercise, which employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Annie Edwards).

U.S. Air Force Maj. Soliman Yaqub, a physician with the 151st Medical DET-1, examines a patient in the cardiology section of the military field hospital on June 7, 2021 in Tafraoute, Morocco during African Lion 2021. African Lion 2021 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal, 7-18 June. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. AL21 is multi-domain, null-component, and multinational exercise, which employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Annie Edwards).

The trip occurred during a critical time for Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as both countries navigate paths toward democracy and civilian-led governments. Engagements renewed partnerships between the U.S. and these African nations and provided opportunities to discuss commonalities, shared values, pursue mutual interests, and strengthen the regional capacity of these nations to address security challenges.

U.S. Army Special Forces Soldiers with the Texas Army National Guard and Royal Moroccan Army Soldiers conduct a combined small arms range during African Lion 2021 in Tifnit, Morocco, June 8, 2021. African Lion 2021 is U.S. Africa Command's largest, premier, joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal, 7-18 June.

U.S. and Moroccan service members provide medical care to Moroccan citizens at the Military Medical Surgical Field Hospital in Tafraoute, Morocco, during the humanitarian civic assistance portion of African Lion 21.

U.S. Army Georgia Army National Guardsmen train with Royal Moroccan Armed Forces members at the Tan Tan Training Area, Morocco, June 11, 2021. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. strengthen interoperability among participants.

A B-52H Stratofortress, assigned to the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, takes off out of Morón Air Base, Spain to fly over the continent of Africa in support of Bomber Task Force Europe June 9, 2021. U.S. Strategic Command forces are on watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week to deter and defeat strategic attack against the U.S. and our allies with conventional and nuclear capabilities.

U.S. Army Sgt. Wilnelia Moralez, a medic with Civil Affairs East Africa (CA-EA), a forward deployed element of Southern European Task Force - Africa (SETAF-AF) and Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), speaks to a student about her experience learning English as a second language during an English discussion group at Sunny Hill Hospitality School, Arta, May 20, 2021. The discussion groups aren’t purely about education; it is also a chance for military members and Djiboutian locals to learn about each other on a personal level by sharing similarities and differences. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Morgan L. Brown)

U.S. Soldiers with Civil Affairs East Africa (CA-EA), a forward deployed element of Southern European Task Force - Africa (SETAF-AF) and Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and students from the American Corner stand together for a picture after completing the English Discussion Group at Djibouti City, Djibouti, May 25, 2021. The Civil Affairs soldiers concluded the final EDG courses with the American Corner students and presented them with certificates for completing the discussion groups. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Morgan L. Brown)

U.S. Soldiers with Civil Affairs East Africa (CA-EA), a forward deployed element of Southern European Task Force - Africa (SETAF-AF) and Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), and students from the Sunny Hill Hospitality School stand together for a picture after completing the English Discussion Group at Arta, May 20, 2021. CA-EA soldiers helped create an environment that encouraged continued learning and potential economic growth in local communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Morgan L. Brown)

U.S. Soldiers with Civil Affairs East Africa (CA-EA), a forward deployed element of Southern European Task Force - Africa (SETAF-AF) and Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), present English discussion group certificates to students at the Sunny Hill Hospitality School, Arta, May 20, 2021. More than 60 members from the community participated in the group discussions, improving their English speaking and comprehension skills by interacting with native speakers. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Morgan L. Brown)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Andrew M. Rohling, Commander U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa, and Moroccan Army Général d'armée Belkhir El Farouk, Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Southern Zone Commander, enter the Rehearsal of Concept Drill for African Lion, Agadir Morocco, June 7, 2021. African Lion is U.S. Africa Command’s largest, premier, Joint, annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Tunisia and Senegal, 7-18 June. More than 7,000 participants from nine nations and NATO train together with a focus on enhancing readiness for U.S. and partner nation forces. Al21 is a multi-domain, multi-component, and multi-national exercise, which employs a full array of mission capabilities with the goal to strengthen interoperability among participants. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jared Kindlespire)

U.S. Air Force combat aviation advisors assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command and Kenyan Air Force aircrews and Rapid Response Units conduct personnel recovery training on Moi Air Base, Kenya, May 12, 2021. The U.S. Air Force provided training in C-145 Skytruck flight and maintenance operations, as well as combat and survival training.