United States Africa Command

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

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

201219-N-LR905-1556 INDIAN OCEAN (Dec. 19, 2020) – A U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (Reinforced) 164, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lands aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island, flagship of the Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 15th MEU conduct operations under Joint Task Force – Quartz in support of 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: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob D. Bergh, 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: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael J. Lieberknecht, Indian Ocean

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 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare to land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). 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

Humanitarian Aid

Check out our interactive map showing how AFRICOM is helping our partner nations

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NCO development focus of AFRICOM Senior Enlisted Leader's visit to African nations

Warrant Officer Class One Elijah Koranga, Kenya Defense Forces Sergeant Major, invited Thresher to observe the culminating event of the newly-developed Kenyan Command Course for NCOs – a course 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

NCO development focus of AFRICOM Senior Enlisted Leader's visit to African nations

Warrant Officer Class One Elijah Koranga, Kenya Defense Forces Sergeant Major, invited Thresher to observe the culminating event of the newly-developed Kenyan Command Course for NCOs – a course 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

Photo credit: Kenya Defence Forces

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, Nairobi, Kenya

AFRICOM Commander Visits Key Africa Nations to Strengthen Partnerships, Security

Photo Credit: Kenya Defence Force

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, Nairobi, Kenya

AFRICOM Commander Visits Key Africa Nations to Strengthen Partnerships, Security

Photo credit: State House Kenya

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, Nairobi, Kenya

U.S. Africa Command releases video from Dec. 10 airstrike to degrade al-Shabaab

This video shows a precision air strike on the location of a known al-Shabaab explosives network leader near Jilib around 1 p.m. local time, Dec. 10, 2020. Initial assessments show the operation killed 8 and wounded 2 terrorists.

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, Somalia

U.S. Africa Command releases video from Dec. 10 airstrike to degrade al-Shabaab

Muuqaalkaan/fiidiyoowgaan waxaa uu ku saabsanayahay duqeeyn lala beeganayo meel lagu ogyahay madaxa al-Shabaab uqaabilsan walxaha qarxa oo u dhow Jilib qiyaastii saacadu markay tahay 1 p.m. sagaalka subaxnimo Dec. 10, 2020.

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, Somalia

AFRICOM commander travels to East Africa

Acting Defense Secretary Christopher C. Miller greets U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command, upon his arrival at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti on Nov. 26. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, Djibouti, DJIBOUTI

AFRICOM commander meets with Djiboutian Foreign Minister

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command meets with Djiboutian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Nov. 26. During the visit, the leaders discussed security in Djibouti, the region, and their dedication to working together on the mutual goals of regional stability, security, and prosperity. The visit highlighted the strong partnership and ways Djibouti and the United States continue to work together to ensure security for the region.

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, Djibouti, DJIBOUTI

USS Hershel “Woody” Williams and Tunisian Navy Exercise Maritime Security Capabilities

201123-N-AO868-1211 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 23, 2020) The Tunisian Navy ship OPV Sophonisbe (P613) pulls alongside the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4), not pictured, during a replenishment-at-sea exercise in the Mediterranean Sea, Nov. 23, 2020. Hershel "Woody" Williams is on its inaugural deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of responsibility in support of maritime missions and special operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Conner Foy/ Released)

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, Tunisia

USS Hershel “Woody” Williams and Tunisian Navy Exercise Maritime Security Capabilities

201123-N-AO868-1209 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 23, 2020) The Tunisian Navy ship OPV Sophonisbe (P613) pulls alongside the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4) during a replenishment-at-sea exercise in the Mediterranean Sea, Nov. 23, 2020. Hershel "Woody" Williams is on its inaugural deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of responsibility in support of maritime missions and special operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Conner Foy/ Released)

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, Tunisia

New imageUSS Hershel “Woody” Williams and Tunisian Navy Exercise Maritime Security Capabilities

201123-N-AO868-1209 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 23, 2020) The Tunisian Navy ship OPV Sophonisbe (P613) pulls alongside the Expeditionary Sea Base USS Hershel "Woody" Williams (ESB 4), not pictured, during a replenishment-at-sea exercise in the Mediterranean Sea, Nov. 23, 2020. Hershel "Woody" Williams is on its inaugural deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of responsibility in support of maritime missions and special operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Conner Foy/ Released)

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, Tunisia

AFRICOM Holds Virtual Command Advice, Investigation, and Coordination Conference

U.S. Africa Command’s office of the legal counsel’s legal engagements division held the first in a series of 11 virtual conferences with legal advisors from African partner nations. The conference series are being held virtually in response to COVID-related travel restrictions, but will likely continue after the pandemic.

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, Stuttgart, Germany

AFRICOM Donates Field Hospital to Kenya Border Police

U.S. Africa Command donated a 40-bed, negative air pressure mobile field hospital to the Kenya Border Police, demonstrating its longstanding commitment to Kenya and continued support for partner nations in the fight against COVID-19.

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Photo by: U.S. Embassy Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya

AFRICOM commander visits Niger, Chad, Mali, & Senegal

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa command travelled to West Africa Nov. 15-19 to discuss security issues across the region. Townsend met leaders and chiefs of defense in Niger, Chad, Mali, and Senegal. U.S. Africa Command works with partner nations throughout Africa, supporting their efforts on common security issues. The command strives to create conditions that lead to enhanced security and stability while advancing U.S. interests

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs

AFRICOM commander visits Niger, Chad, Mali, and Senegal

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa command travelled to West Africa Nov. 15-19 to discuss security issues across the region. Townsend met leaders and chiefs of defense in Niger, Chad, Mali, and Senegal. U.S. Africa Command works with partner nations throughout Africa, supporting their efforts on common security issues. The command strives to create conditions that lead to enhanced security and stability while advancing U.S. interests.

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs

AFRICOM commander visits Niger, Chad, Mali, & Senegal

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa command travelled to West Africa Nov. 15-19 to discuss security issues across the region. Townsend met leaders and chiefs of defense in Niger, Chad, Mali, and Senegal. U.S. Africa Command works with partner nations throughout Africa, supporting their efforts on common security issues. The command strives to create conditions that lead to enhanced security and stability while advancing U.S. interests

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs

AFRICOM commander visits Niger, Chad, Mali, & Senegal

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa command travelled to West Africa Nov. 15-19 to discuss security issues across the region. Townsend met leaders and chiefs of defense in Niger, Chad, Mali, and Senegal. U.S. Africa Command works with partner nations throughout Africa, supporting their efforts on common security issues. The command strives to create conditions that lead to enhanced security and stability while advancing U.S. interests

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs

Donation of 40-bed field hospital supports South Africa's COVID-19 response

The field hospital was donated to the South African Ministry of Health through U.S. Africa Command Humanitarian Assistance funds and erected in Maheking, in South Africa's Northwest Province. (U.S. Embassy photo)

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Photo by: Lt. Col. Al Phillips, Maheking, South Africa

United States Africa Command

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