United States Africa Command

U.S. Africa Command senior leaders strengthen foundation of partnership with African countries

Ambassador Andrew Young, Rear Admiral Heidi Berg and a U.S. Africa Command delegation met with Democratic Republic of the Congo President Tshisekedi and his DRC delegation Jan. 28.

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Photo by: Mr. Christophe Beyeye, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Partnerships Key to Lasting Security and Stability

Ambassador Andrew Young, deputy to the commander for Civil-Military Engagement, meets with Maj. Gen. Yassin Ibrahim Yassin during a series of meetings with key military and government officials the week of Jan. 25, 2021. Young and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Heidi Berg, U.S. Africa Command director of intelligence, conducted the trip following Sudan’s historic peace agreement signed on Oct. 3, 2020, to pursue new opportunities for U.S.-Sudanese partnership.

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Photo by: Col. Christopher Karns, Sudan

Partnerships Key to Lasting Security and Stability

Ambassador Andrew Young, deputy to the commander for Civil-Military Engagement, is greeted upon arrival in Sudan for a series of meetings with key military and government officials the week of Jan. 25, 2021. Young and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Heidi Berg, U.S. Africa Command director of intelligence, conducted the trip following Sudan’s historic peace agreement signed on Oct. 3, 2020, to pursue new opportunities for U.S.-Sudanese partnership.

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Photo by: Col. Christopher Karns, Sudan

AFRICOM commander, senior enlisted leader conduct trip to East Africa

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, wrapped up a five-day visit to East Africa in mid-January 2021, which included stops in Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya as well as to the USS Makin Island, operating off the coast of Somalia. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit have operated off the coast of Somalia since Dec. 21 as part of the Joint Forces Maritime Component Command for Joint Task Force – Quartz.

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Photo by: Col. Jackie Breeden, Indian Ocean

AFRICOM leadership visits USS Makin Island

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, speaks to Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island during a tour of the ship. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit have operated off the coast of Somalia since Dec. 21 as part of the Joint Forces Maritime Component Command for Joint Task Force – Quartz.

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Photo by: MC2 Michael J. Lieberknecht, Indian Ocean

AFRICOM leadership visits USS Makin Island

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, inspects an F-35B Lightning II, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island during a tour of the ship. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit have operated off the coast of Somalia since Dec. 21 as part of the Joint Forces Maritime Component Command for Joint Task Force – Quartz.

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Photo by: MC2 Michael J. Lieberknecht, Indian Ocean

AFRICOM leadership visits USS Makin Island

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, speaks to Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island during an award ceremony on the ship's flight deck. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit have operated off the coast of Somalia since Dec. 21 as part of the Joint Forces Maritime Component Command for Joint Task Force – Quartz.

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Photo by: Sgt. Sarah Stegall, Indian Ocean

AFRICOM leadership visits USS Makin Island

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, speaks to Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island during an award ceremony on the ship's flight deck. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit have operated off the coast of Somalia since Dec. 21 as part of the Joint Forces Maritime Component Command for Joint Task Force – Quartz.

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Photo by: Sgt. Sarah Stegall, Indian Ocean

AFRICOM commander, senior enlisted leader conduct trip to East Africa

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, wrapped up a five-day visit to East Africa in mid-January 2021, which included stops in Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya as well as to the USS Makin Island, operating off the coast of Somalia. Townsend was accompanied by the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, whose participation on the trip emphasized the need for professional, well trained enlisted corps for partner forces, recognized U.S. forces and spoke with Somali military leadership about training possibilities.

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Photo by: Col. Jackie Breeden, Camp Simba, Kenya

Air Forces Africa commander reaffirms commitment to North Africa

Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett, and Donald Blome, U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, attend a ceremony at the North Africa American Cemetery, Tunisia, Jan. 6, 2021. Harrigian visited various locations in North Africa to reaffirm the U.S. military's commitment to the region.

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Photo by: U.S. Embassy Tunisia, Tunisia

Air Forces Africa commander reaffirms commitment to North Africa

Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett, and Donald Blome, U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia, attend a ceremony at the North Africa American Cemetery, Tunisia, Jan. 6, 2021. Harrigian visited various locations in North Africa to reaffirm the U.S. military's commitment to the region.

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Photo by: U.S. Embassy Tunisia, Tunisia

USS Porter Completes Exercise Atlas Handshake with the Royal Moroccan Navy

210115-N-BM428-0260 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 15, 2021) Lt. Mikaela Robbins determines the course of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) with Lt. j.g. Brian Callahan on the bridge of the ship during Exercise Atlas Handshake while in the Atlantic Ocean, Jan. 15, 2021. Porter, forward deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its ninth patrol in the U.S. 6th fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Damon Grosvenor

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Photo by: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Damon Grosvenor, Atlantic Ocean

Commander, command senior enlisted leader conclude visit to East Africa

Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, congratulates a service member during an award ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 15, 2021. Thresher was part of a five-day visit to East Africa with U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command. During the trip, Thresher recognized U.S. forces and spoke with partner military leadership about training possibilities.

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Photo by: Sgt. Brandon Julson

Commander, command senior enlisted leader conclude visit to East Africa

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, speaks to a group of service members during an award ceremony at an airfield in East Africa, Jan 15, 2021. Townsend traveled to East Africa to review future posturing of U.S. forces with key leaders in support of Operation Octave Quartz in preparation for the next phase of operations in East Africa.

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Photo by: Sgt. Brandon Julson

USS Porter Completes Exercise Atlas Handshake with the Royal Moroccan Navy

210115-N-BM428-0366 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 15, 2021) Rounds fired from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter’s (DDG 78) Mark 45 5-inch gun make impact on the Aourioura Ordnance Range near Tan Tan, off the coast of Morocco, during a live-fire exercise portion of Exercise Atlas Handshake, Jan 15, 2021. Porter, forward deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its ninth patrol in the U.S. 6th fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

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Photo by: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Damon Grosvenor, Atlantic Ocean

USS Porter Completes Exercise Atlas Handshake with the Royal Moroccan Navy

210115-N-BM428-0366 ATLANTIC OCEAN (Jan. 15, 2021) Rounds fired from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter’s (DDG 78) Mark 45 5-inch gun make impact on the Aourioura Ordnance Range near Tan Tan, off the coast of Morocco, during a live-fire exercise portion of Exercise Atlas Handshake, Jan 15, 2021. Porter, forward deployed to Rota, Spain, is on its ninth patrol in the U.S. 6th fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Damon Grosvenor

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Photo by: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Damon Grosvenor, Atlantic Ocean

AFRICOM in 2020: Engaging partners, strengthening cooperation in a COVID-19 environment

In 2020 U.S. Africa Command continued to strengthen its relationships with African partners, strategic allies, U.S. government agencies and departments, and multinational coalitions to prevent, address and mitigate conflict in Africa.

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AFRICOM in 2020: Engaging partners, strengthening cooperation in a COVID-19 environment

In 2020 U.S. Africa Command continued to strengthen its relationships with African partners, strategic allies, U.S. government agencies and departments, and multinational coalitions to prevent, address and mitigate conflict in Africa.

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe

Maj. Gen. Langley reviews documents about U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa before assuming command, Nov. 3, 2020. “MARFOREUR/AF is a varsity team and I’m excited to lead some of the most professional Marines in the Corps,” Maj. Gen. Langley said. “Together we will continue to assure our Allies and partners, deter our enemies, and maintain the high standards expected of us as Marines and Sailors in the finest fighting institution in the world.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Robin Lewis)

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Photo by: Cpl. Robin Lewis, Stuttgart, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Air Forces Africa commander reaffirms commitment to North Africa

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Lapthe Flora, commanding general, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, escorts U.S. Air Force Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander, Jan. 4, 2020, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Harrigian arrived at CLDJ as part of a battlefield circulation to East Africa.

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Photo by: Senior Airman Kristin Savage, Djibouti

Jan. 1, 2021 airstrike on al-Shabaab compound

Current assessments indicate the strikes killed three and wounded one al-Shabaab members and destroyed six and damaged one al-Shabaab compound buildings.

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Photo by: Joint Task Force-Quartz, Somalia

Jan. 1, 2021 airstrike on al-Shabaab compound

Current assessments indicate the strikes killed three and wounded one al-Shabaab members and destroyed six and damaged one al-Shabaab compound buildings.

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Photo by: Joint Task Force-Quartz, Somalia

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter ports in Cabo Verde

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spencer underway on patrol in the Eastern Pacific in January 2021. The vessel's crew arrived in Praia, Cabo Verde, for a scheduled port visit Jan. 2, 2023.

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Photo by: PO2 Amanda W., Eastern Pacific

African partners attend NSCITTS as part of IMET

Students from Chad, Ghana, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Sierra Leone and Togo attend the U.S. Navy's Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School on the Pearl River in Mississippi Dec. 2. The training took place as part of U.S. Africa Command's International Military and Education Training program, which provides funds for international personnel to attend U.S. military professional training programs.

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Photo by: courtesy photo, Mississippi

Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Supports Operation Octave Quartz

A C-2 Greyhound, from the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30, launches off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz Dec. 9, 2020. Nimitz, the flagship of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce.

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Photo by: MSC 2nd Class Greg Hall, Arabian Sea

Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Supports Operation Octave Quartz

A C-2 Greyhound, from the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30, launches off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz Dec. 9, 2020. Nimitz, the flagship of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce.

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Photo by: MSC 2nd Class Greg Hall, NORTH ARABIAN SEA

Nimitz Carrier Strike Group Supports Operation Octave Quartz

A Sailor directs an E/A-18G Growler, from the “Cougars” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 139, on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Dec. 2, 2020. Nimitz, the flagship of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce.

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Photo by: MCS 3rd Class Cheyenne Geletka, ARABIAN SEA

AFRICOM commander visits key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, distributes coins to recognize members of the Marine Security Guard detachment at the U.S. Embassy Nairobi, Kenya, while beginning a visit to key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships and security Dec. 15. Townsend and Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, conducted a four-day trip to Kenya and Djibouti to conduct strategic engagements with partner nation leadership, assess operations and security of U.S. force locations, and demonstrate continued commitment to working with African partners.

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Photo by: Col. Jacqueline Breeden, Kenya

AFRICOM leaders visit key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

Warrant Officer Class One Elijah Koranga, Kenya Defence Forces Sergeant Major, invites Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, to observe the culminating event of the newly-developed Kenyan Command Course for NCOs Dec. 15. The course was implemented by Koranga following an AEDS key leader engagement in the U.S. in March when he visited NCO academies from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

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Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Pate, Kenya

AFRICOM commander visits key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, speak with service members stationed at Manda Bay Airfield, Kenya, as part of a four-day trip to Kenya and Djibouti visit to key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships and security Dec. 14-17. The visit allowed for an updated commander’s assessment of the operations, security and infrastructure, with a special focus on assessing security and force protection improvements.

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Photo by: Col. Jacqueline Breeden, Kenya

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U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, stands with senior Kenyan Defence Forces leadership prior to conducting a pass and review of KDF Soldiers Dec. 15. Townsend and Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, conducted a four-day trip to Kenya and Djibouti to conduct strategic engagements with partner nation leadership, assess operations and security of U.S. force locations, and demonstrate continued commitment to working with African partners.

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Photo by: Col. Jacqueline Breeden

AFRICOM commander visits key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, stands with senior Kenyan Defence Forces leadership prior to conducting a pass and review of KDF Soldiers Dec. 15. Townsend and Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, conducted a four-day trip to Kenya and Djibouti to conduct strategic engagements with partner nation leadership, assess operations and security of U.S. force locations, and demonstrate continued commitment to working with African partners.

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Photo by: Col. Jacqueline Breeden, Kenya

AFRICOM commander visits key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, conducts a pass and review of KDF Soldiers Dec. 15. Townsend and Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, conducted a four-day trip to Kenya and Djibouti to conduct strategic engagements with partner nation leadership, assess operations and security of U.S. force locations, and demonstrate continued commitment to working with African partners.

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Photo by: Col. Jacqueline Breeden, Kenya

AFRICOM commander visits key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, conducts a pass and review of KDF Soldiers Dec. 15. Townsend and Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, conducted a four-day trip to Kenya and Djibouti to conduct strategic engagements with partner nation leadership, assess operations and security of U.S. force locations, and demonstrate continued commitment to working with African partners.

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Photo by: Col. Jacqueline Breeden, Kenya

AFRICOM commander visits key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, greets Gen. Robert Kibochi, Kenya's Chief of Defence, before conducting a pass and review of Kenya Defence Force Soldiers Dec. 15. Townsend and Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, conducted a four-day trip to Kenya and Djibouti to conduct strategic engagements with partner nation leadership, assess operations and security of U.S. force locations, and demonstrate continued commitment to working with African partners.

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Photo by: Col. Jacqueline Breeden, Kenya

AFRICOM leaders visit key Africa nations to strengthen partnerships, security

Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, meets with Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Elijah Koranga, Kenya Defence Forces Sergeant Major, at the Kenya Defence Forces headquarters Dec. 15. As part of the commander’s African Enlisted Development Strategy (AEDS), Thresher focused his trip on the top Kenyan non-commissioned officers (NCO) responsible for developing NCOs within the Kenya Defence Forces.

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Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Pate, Kenya

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.

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Photo by: Cpl. Patrick Crosley, Indian Ocean

USS Makin Island ARG/15th MEU arrives off Somali Coast

The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, consisting of USS Makin Island (LHD8), USS Somerset (LPD 25), USS San Diego (LPD 22), and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit; and USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) conduct maritime operations off the coast of Mogadishu, Somalia in support of Operation Octave Quartz (OOQ). The OOQ mission is to reposition U.S. Department of Defense personnel from Somalia to other locations in East Africa.

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Photo by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Lieberknecht, Indian Ocean

USS Makin Island ARG/15th MEU arrives off Somali Coast

The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, consisting of USS Makin Island (LHD8), USS Somerset (LPD 25), USS San Diego (LPD 22), and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit; and USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) conduct maritime operations off the coast of Mogadishu, Somalia in support of Operation Octave Quartz (OOQ). The OOQ mission is to reposition U.S. Department of Defense personnel from Somalia to other locations in East Africa.

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Photo by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Lieberknecht, Indian Ocean

United States Africa Command

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