United States Africa Command

Members of Djibouti Air Force Honor Guard render Salute during Closing Ceremony

Kenya and Tanzania Air Force Members conduct Vehicle Inspection as Part of Installation Security Knowledge Exchange

Burundi Air Force Captain tightens Cargo Net as Part of Aircraft Cargo Knowledge Exchange

U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa Loadmaster discusses Cargo Pallet Inspection Procedures

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. talks with Djiboutian Air Force Members about Maintenance Procedures for Let L-410 Turbolet Aircraft

Djiboutian Air Force Member performs a Traditional Dance as Part of Cultural Exchange

Djibouti Navy and Coast Guard Boarding Vessel returns to Port after completing Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Exercise Scenario

Djibouti Navy and Coast Guard Boarding Vessel begins Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Exercise

Djibouti Navy and Coast Guard boarding Vessel approaches Target Vessel

Djibouti Coast Guard Member holds his Weapon at Ready, aboard Simulated Captured Vessel

Djiboutian coast guard Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Team Members locate Role Player hiding in Cabin of Simulated Captured Vessel

Djiboutian Navy Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Team boards Simulated Captured Vessel

Djibouti Coast Guard Member role-plays as Pirate during Exercise Cutlass Express 2015

Charting Maps for Gulf of Tadjoura showing Exercise Area of Operations

Exercise Leaders review Exercise Plans aboard Djiboutian Naval Target Vessel

U.S. Army Africa conducts MEDRETE 15-1 in Burundi

U.S. Army Africa conducts MEDRETE 15-1 in Burundi

nations stand together during African Partnership Flight-Djibouti

US, Germany provide Equipment, Training for Tanzania Rangers

General Rodriguez visits Mauritania

Mauritius President Tours USS Simpson

Mauritius President Tours USS Simpson

New Crisis Response Marines continue operations in Africa, Europe

Army EOD troops train with Congolese forces in Africa

Army EOD troops train with Congolese forces in Africa

Opening Ceremony Cutlass Express 2015 (3) of (3)

Opening Ceremony Cutlass Express 2015 (1) of (3)

Opening Ceremony Cutlass Express 2015 (2) of (3)

Japanese PAOs visit AFRICOM

Senegalese Armed Forces Soldiers participate in Live Fire Demonstration during African Land Forces Summit

Senegalese Armed Forces soldiers participate in a live fire demonstration during the African Land Forces Summit 15 near Thies, Senegal. Land forces chiefs of staff from 36 nations are attending ALFS 15 in Dakar, Senegal from Feb. 9-12. ALFS 15 brings together land force commanders from across Africa to solidify relationships, exchange information on current topics of mutual interest and concern, and seek cooperation in addressing common security concerns. (U.S. Army Africa photo by Pfc. Craig Philbrick)

Photo by: Pfc. Craig Philbrick

Members of Djibouti Air Force Honor Guard render Salute during Closing Ceremony

Members of the Djibouti air force honor guard render a salute during the closing ceremony for African Partnership Flight–Djibouti at Djibouti Air Base, Feb. 9, 2015. APF is the premiere program to bring together partner nations to increase cooperation and interoperability, which fosters stability and security throughout the continent. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Ian Dean)

Photo by: Tech Sgt. Ian Dean, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti

Kenya and Tanzania Air Force Members conduct Vehicle Inspection as Part of Installation Security Knowledge Exchange

Kenya and Tanzania air force members conduct a vehicle inspection as part of an installation security knowledge exchange during African Partnership Flight–Djibouti at Djibouti Air Base, Feb. 9, 2015. APF is the premiere program to bring together partner nations to increase cooperation and interoperability, which fosters stability and security throughout the continent. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Ian Dean)

Photo by: Tech Sgt. Ian Dean, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti

Burundi Air Force Captain tightens Cargo Net as Part of Aircraft Cargo Knowledge Exchange

A Burundi air force captain tightens a cargo net as part of an aircraft cargo knowledge exchange during African Partnership Flight–Djibouti at Djibouti Air Base, Feb. 10, 2015. APF is the premiere program to bring together partner nations to increase cooperation and interoperability, which fosters stability and security throughout the continent. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Ian Dean)

Photo by: Tech Sgt. Ian Dean, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti

U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa Loadmaster discusses Cargo Pallet Inspection Procedures

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Phillip Leonard, U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa loadmaster, discusses cargo pallet inspection procedures with East African air forces members during African Partnership Flight– Djibouti at Djibouti Air Base, Feb. 10, 2015. APF is the premiere program to bring together partner nations to increase cooperation and interoperability, which fosters stability and security throughout the continent. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Ian Dean)

Photo by: Tech Sgt. Ian Dean, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. talks with Djiboutian Air Force Members about Maintenance Procedures for Let L-410 Turbolet Aircraft

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Albert Kirkey, 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron aircraft maintenance advisor, talks with Djiboutian air force members about maintenance procedures for the Let L-410 Turbolet aircraft during African Partnership Flight–Djibouti at Djibouti Air Base, Feb. 9, 2015. APF is the premiere program to bring together partner nations to increase cooperation and interoperability, which fosters stability and security throughout the continent. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Ian Dean)

Photo by: Tech Sgt. Ian Dean, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti

Djiboutian Air Force Member performs a Traditional Dance as Part of Cultural Exchange

A Djiboutian air force member performs a traditional dance as part of a cultural exchange during African Partnership Flight–Djibouti at Djibouti Air Base, Feb. 9, 2015. APF is the premiere program to bring together partner nations to increase cooperation and interoperability, which fosters stability and security throughout the continent. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Ian Dean)

Photo by: Tech Sgt. Ian Dean, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti

Djibouti Navy and Coast Guard Boarding Vessel returns to Port after completing Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Exercise Scenario

The Djibouti navy and coast guard boarding vessel returns to port after completing the Visit, Board, Search and Seizure exercise scenario during Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 in Djibouti, Feb. 2, 2015. Sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Indian Ocean nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie/Released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie

Djibouti Navy and Coast Guard Boarding Vessel begins Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Exercise

The Djibouti navy and coast guard boarding vessel begins the Visit, Board, Search and Seizure exercise as part of the Proliferation Security Initiative Support cell portion of Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 in Djibouti, Feb. 2, 2015. Sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Indian Ocean nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie/Released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie

Djibouti Navy and Coast Guard boarding Vessel approaches Target Vessel

The Djibouti navy and coast guard boarding vessel approaches the target vessel during Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 in Djibouti, Feb. 2, 2015. Sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Indian Ocean nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie/Released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie

Djibouti Coast Guard Member holds his Weapon at Ready, aboard Simulated Captured Vessel

A Djibouti coast guard member holds his weapon at the ready, aboard a simulated captured vessel during Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 in Djibouti, Jan. 31, 2015. Sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Indian Ocean nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie

Djiboutian coast guard Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Team Members locate Role Player hiding in Cabin of Simulated Captured Vessel

Djiboutian coast guard Visit, Board, Search and Seizure team members locate a role player hiding in the cabin of a simulated captured vessel during Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 in Djibouti,, Jan. 31, 2015. Sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Indian Ocean nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie

Djiboutian Navy Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Team boards Simulated Captured Vessel

The Djiboutian navy Visit, Board, Search and Seizure team boards a simulated captured vessel, during Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 in Djibouti, Jan 31, 2015. Sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Indian Ocean nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie

Djibouti Coast Guard Member role-plays as Pirate during Exercise Cutlass Express 2015

A Djibouti coast guard member role-plays as a pirate during Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 in Djibouti, Jan. 31, 2015. Sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Indian Ocean nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie/Released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie

Charting Maps for Gulf of Tadjoura showing Exercise Area of Operations

The charting maps for the Gulf of Tadjoura showing the exercise area of operations are displayed during Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 in Djibouti, Jan. 31, 2015. Sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Indian Ocean nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie

Exercise Leaders review Exercise Plans aboard Djiboutian Naval Target Vessel

Exercise leaders review exercise plans aboard the Djiboutian Naval target vessel during Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 in Djibouti, Jan. 28, 2015. Sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, Exercise Cutlass Express 2015 is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Indian Ocean nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie/Released)

Photo by: Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie

United States Africa Command Image

AU journalists engage with AFRICOM during a media delegation visit, Feb. 9, 2015, at Kelley Barracks, U.S. Army Garrison, Stuttgart, Germany. Eight journalists, who are accredited with the African Union, are here as participants of a U.S. AFRICOM-sponsored media delegation visit to learn about the command's mission and programs. (Photo by Brenda Law/U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs/Released)

Photo by: Brenda Law, Stuttgart, Germany

United States Africa Command Image

A delegation of African Union journalists spent the week of 9-12 Feb., 2015 visiting U.S. Africa Command to learn about the command’s mission and programs. (U.S. AFRICOM photos by Brenda Law/Released)

Photo by: Brenda Law, Stuttgart, Germany

United States Africa Command Image

AU journalists, Jenine Coetzer (left), responds to a comment as Charles Obbo looks on during a media delegation visit, Feb. 9, 2015, at Kelley Barracks, U.S. Army Garrison, Stuttgart, Germany. Eight journalists, who are accredited with the African Union, are here as participants of a U.S. AFRICOM-sponsored media delegation visit to learn about the command's mission and programs. (Photo by Brenda Law/U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs/Released)

Photo by: Brenda Law, Stuttgart, Germany

United States Africa Command Image

COL Mark Cheadle, AFRICOM’s Chief of Public Affairs and Communication Synchronization, engages African journalists during a media delegation visit, Feb. 9, 2015, at Kelley Barracks, U.S. Army Garrison, Stuttgart, Germany. Eight journalists, who are accredited with the African Union, are here as participants of a U.S. AFRICOM-sponsored media delegation visit to learn about the command's mission and programs. (Photo by Brenda Law/U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs/Released)

Photo by: Brenda Law, Stuttgart, Germany

United States Africa Command Image

Photo by: Brenda Law, Stuttgart, Germany

United States Africa Command Image

Photo by: Brenda Law, Stuttgart, Germany

United States Africa Command Image

Photo by: Brenda Law, Stuttgart, Germany

United States Africa Command Image

Photo by: Brenda Law, Stuttgart, Germany

U.S. Army Africa conducts MEDRETE 15-1 in Burundi

(From left) Col. Patrick Cook, vascular surgeon, and Capt. Kathryn Muir, general surgery resident perform a biopsy on a swollen lymph node with an attending Burundi National Defense Force general surgeon at the Kamenge Military Hospital in Bujumbura, Burundi, during the U. S. Africa Command directed, U.S. Army Africa led joint Medical Readiness and Training Exercise 15-1 recently. Cook, a native of Walnut, Calif., and Muir, a native of Imlay City, Mich., are staff members at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Fort Bliss, Texas. (U.S. Army Africa photo by Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlosta)

Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlosta, Stuttgart, Germany

U.S. Army Africa conducts MEDRETE 15-1 in Burundi

From left) U.S. Army Maj. James Blair, orthopedic trauma surgeon, a Burundi National Defense Force orthopedic surgeon and U.S. Army 1st Lt. James Bills, perform surgery on a patient with a hip fracture at the Kamenge Military Hospital in Bujumbura, Burundi, during the U. S. Africa Command directed, U.S. Army Africa led joint Medical Readiness and Training Exercise 15-1 Jan. 28. Blair, a native of Brooklyn, Conn. and Bills, who calls San Antonio home, are both staff members at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Fort Bliss, Texas. (U.S. Army Africa photo by Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlosta)

Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Chlosta, Stuttgart, Germany

nations stand together during African Partnership Flight-Djibouti

DJIBOUTI AIR BASE, Djibouti -- Burundi Airmen stand in formation during the opening ceremony for African Partnership Flight on Djibouti Air Base, Djibouti, Feb. 7, 2015. African Partnership Flight is the premier program for delivering aviation security cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Wilson

Photo by: U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Wilson, DJIBOUTI AIR BASE, Djibouti

US, Germany provide Equipment, Training for Tanzania Rangers

Ambassador Egon Kochanke, German Ambassador to Tanzania, Lazaru Nyalandu, Tanzania Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, and Ambassador Mark Childress, U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania, look over new ranger field equipment at Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania on Jan. 21, 2015. In a broader effort to combat poaching and illegal trafficking, the U.S. and German governments donated new field equipment for use by the rangers patrolling the reserve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ian Dean)

Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Ian Dean, Stuttgart, Germany

General Rodriguez visits Mauritania

The commander of the United States Africa Command General David M. Rodriguez was welcomed by General Hanana Sidi, Mauritania’s Deputy Chief of the Army and Colonel Mohamed Lehretani, Chief of the Mauritanian Air Force during a visit to Mauritania.

Photo by: , Stuttgart, Germany

Mauritius President Tours USS Simpson

Mauritius President Kailash Purryag, left, and Rear Adm. Tom Reck, vice commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, talk at a reception held aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56) Feb. 3, 2015. Purryag visited Simpson while it is in Port Louis, Mauritius, after it completed the underway phase of Exercise Cutlass Express 2015. This exercise, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Indian Ocean nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David R. Krigbaum/Released)

Photo by: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David R. Krigbaum, PORT LOUIS, Mauritius

Mauritius President Tours USS Simpson

Cmdr. Ken Anderson, USS Simpson (FFG 56) commanding officer, gives a guided tour of his ship to Mauritius President Kailash Purryag. Purryag visited Simpson while it is in Port Louis, Mauritius, taking part in Exercise Cutlass Express 2015. This exercise, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Indian Ocean nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David R. Krigbaum/Released)

Photo by: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David R. Krigbaum, PORT LOUIS, Mauritius

New Crisis Response Marines continue operations in Africa, Europe

African role players rehearse combat drills aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 11, 2014. More than 80 Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 and 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment taught military tactics and built camaraderie with role players in preparation for an upcoming deployment with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Lucas Hopkins)

Photo by: Lance Cpl. Lucas Hopkins, MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C

Army EOD troops train with Congolese forces in Africa

Members of the National Gendarmerie, Congolese army and Congolese police department trained with U.S. Army explosive ordnance disposal technicians during a humanitarian mine action mission in the Republic of Congo.

Photo by: Walter Ham, BRAZZAVILE, Republic of Congo

Army EOD troops train with Congolese forces in Africa

(Third from right) Staff Sgt. Kewan Lemmon, from the 703rd EOD Company, trains members of the National Gendarmerie, Congolese army and Congolese police department during a humanitarian mine action mission in the Republic of Congo.

Photo by: Walter Ham, BRAZZAVILE, Republic of Congo

United States Africa Command Image

Staff Sgt. Kewan Lemmon (center), from the 703rd EOD Company trains members of the National Gendarmerie, Congolese army and Congolese police department during a humanitarian mine action mission in the Republic of Congo.

Photo by: Walter Ham, BRAZZAVILE, Republic of Congo

United States Africa Command Image

U.S. Army Africa's Col. Frances Hardison (left) and Capt. Christian Smith (right) meet with Tanzanian Peoples Defense Force Brig. Gen. Sara Rwambali (center) to discuss an upcoming gender integration seminar. Rwambali is the director of TPFD Social Affairs. TPDF personnel will co-host the seminar that will bring together leading experts in the area of integrating women in the armed forces throughout Africa. (U.S. Army Africa photo.)

Photo by: Mickie McNamara, VICENZA, Italy

Opening Ceremony Cutlass Express 2015 (3) of (3)

LE CHALAND, Mauritius (Jan. 28, 2015) Capt. Rich Dromerhauser, deputy commodore CTF-65, addresses attendees during the opening ceremony of Exercise Cutlass Express 2015, Jan. 28. Exercise Cutlass Express 2015, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Indian Ocean nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David R. Krigbaum/Released)

Photo by: Daniel Schumacher, LE CHALAND, Mauritius

Opening Ceremony Cutlass Express 2015 (1) of (3)

LE CHALAND, Mauritius (Jan. 28, 2015) Mauritian Deputy Commissioner of Police Mario Nobin addresses attendees during the opening ceremony of Exercise Cutlass Express 2015, Jan. 28. Exercise Cutlass Express 2015, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Indian Ocean nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David R. Krigbaum/Released)

Photo by: Daniel Schumacher, LE CHALAND, Mauritius

Opening Ceremony Cutlass Express 2015 (2) of (3)

LE CHALAND, Mauritius (Jan. 28, 2015) U.S. Navy Capt. Patrick Carey, exercise director of Exercise Cutlass Express 2015, interacts with other attendees after the opening ceremony of the annual exercise Jan. 28, 2015. Exercise Cutlass Express 2015, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, and information sharing practices to increase capabilities of East African and Indian Ocean nations to counter sea-based illicit activity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David R. Krigbaum/Released)

Photo by: Daniel Schumacher, LE CHALAND, Mauritius

Japanese PAOs visit AFRICOM

A team of Japanese Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) gets a tour of the command's public affairs office during a visit to U.S. Africa Command's headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany, Jan. 23, 2015.