In a demonstration of U.S. commitment to regional stability and security, key leaders from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) visited Camp Lemonnier to engage with U.S. troops deployed in Africa.
Capt. Trey Maevers, 294th Engineer Support Company commander, speaks at his unit’s transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 18th, 2023. The 294th ESC completed 67 construction projects totalling over $10 million across the region during their time at the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.
U.S. Army Capt. Trey Maevers, 294th Engineer Support Company commander, sheathes his unit’s guidon during their transfer of authority at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 18th, 2023. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a mission from one unit to another.
Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commanding general, speaks at the transfer of authority ceremony between the 294th Engineer Support Company and the 1782nd ESC at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 18th, 2023. The engineering company’s mission, in support of CJTF-HOA and U.S. Africa Command, aims to support regional stability and improve relationships with partner nations through a variety of construction projects coordinated throughout CJTF-HOA’s area of interest.
Members of the 294th Engineer Support Company, the outgoing engineers, pose for a group photo after their transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Oct. 18, 2023. Over the course of their deployment, the 294th provided force protection engineering, general construction, increased capacity for life support, and engineering support to other units within the Horn of Africa.
1st Sgt. Michael Sarkkinen, 1782nd Engineer Support Company first sergeant, unfurls his unit’s guidon during their transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 18, 2023. The 1782nd ESC arrived from South Carolina to take up the engineering mission at Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.
294th ESC transfers responsibility of engineering mission to 1782nd ESC
12:00 AM10/18/2023
The 294th Engineer Support Company (ESC) transferred authority of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) engineering mission to the 1782nd Engineer Support Company during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 18, 2023.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 reinforced is relieved by VMM-261 (REIN) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 1. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa deployed both VMM squadrons to support aerial and combat operations in the Horn of Africa. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 reinforced is relieved by VMM-261 (REIN) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 1. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa deployed both VMM squadrons to support aerial and combat operations in the Horn of Africa. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, shakes hands with U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. John Miller, commanding officer of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 reinforced during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 1. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa deployed both VMM squadrons to support aerial and combat operations in the Horn of Africa. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 reinforced is relieved by VMM-261 (REIN) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 1. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa deployed both VMM squadrons to support aerial and combat operations in the Horn of Africa. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 reinforced is relieved by VMM-261 (REIN) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 1. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa deployed both VMM squadrons to support aerial and combat operations in the Horn of Africa. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia.
VMM-364 (REIN) transfers mission to VMM-261 (REIN)
12:00 AM10/3/2023
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364 reinforced (VMM-364) handed off their mission as the Aviation Combat Element in the Horn of Africa to VMM-261 (REIN) following a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 1.
CJTF - HOA Hosts Women, Peace, and Security Summit
12:00 AM9/26/2023
Service members from the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa met at the Sheraton Hotel Djibouti for the Women, Peace, and Security level 100 course. Through the course they focused on what it means to be a gender focal point within the ranks of the armed forces.
U.S. Army Spc. Sean Carney, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa radio maintenance specialist, adjusts a satellite dish during a communications exercise at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 23, 2023. Communications specialists support everyone from security forces, the East Africa Response Force, and training exercises to the more mundane daily activities of sending emails and browsing the web.
U.S. Army Spc. Phantajia Smith, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa radio maintenance specialist, configures a radio antenna during a communications exercise at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 27, 2023. Communications specialists are functional experts in the realms of fixing and providing the technology for anyone leaving the confines of Camp Lemonnier.
U.S. Army Spc. Phantajia Smith, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa radio maintenance specialist, adjusts a radio system during a communications exercise at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 24, 2023. Communications troops host a monthly communications exercise, testing networks and communications across a range of means, to ensure no matter what happens, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa stays in constant contact with those conducting missions.
The Expeditionary Communications Directorate’s overall mission is to provide the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa with the best advice on equipment and capability while advancing cyber defense, and joint and coalition interoperability. This enables the joint force to develop, maintain, and strengthen strategic access, influence, operations, and regional security throughout East Africa.
CJTF-HOA, partners build school library in Djibouti
12:00 AM10/13/2022
The Balbala 7 Library is a combined project that provides education opportunities to local children and is designed to give back to the local community.
Adbi Dirir, Djibouti Ministry of Education secretary general, speaks during an opening ceremony for a Library at the Balbala 7 School in Balbala, Djibouti, Oct. 4, 2022. The Balbala 7 Library is a combined project that provides education opportunities to local children and gives thanks to the local community.
Brig. Gen. Steven Case, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa deputy commanding general, speaks at an opening ceremony for a Library at the Balbala 7 School in Balbala, Djibouti, Oct. 4, 2022. The Library is the first of many construction projects Civil Affairs, CJTF-HOA Army Engineers and U.S. partners and allies will work on across Djibouti and East Africa.
Japanese Self-Defense Force Col. Takahiro Yoshida, Japanese installation commander, shakes hands with a member of the Djiboutian Ministry of Education at an opening ceremony for a Library at the Balbala 7 School in Balbala, Djibouti, Oct. 4, 2022. The Library was built and furnished through collaborative support from U.S. partners and allies.
Andrea Tomaszewicz, U.S. Embassy Djibouti Deputy Chief of Mission, speaks during an opening ceremony for a Library at the Balbala 7 School in Balbala, Djibouti, Oct. 4, 2022. The project took four weeks to complete, with the 319th Engineer Support Company, assigned to CJTF-HOA, building the structure, Spanish military members providing books and reading materials, and the Japanese and Italian military members providing furniture for the interior.
Japanese Takio Drummers bow after a performance during the opening ceremony of a Library at the Balbala 7 School in Balabala, Djibouti, Oct. 4, 2022. The opening ceremony consisted of many multinational speeches and events.
The international team that contributed to building and furnishing the Library at the Balbala 7 School poses together for a photo after an opening ceremony at Balbala, Djibouti, Oct 4, 2022. The Balbala 7 Library will allow Djiboutian students to learn and grow, and give them a place to excel in reading skills and other educational pursuits.
Books line the shelves in a new Library at the Balbala 7 School built and furnished by coalition partners from the U.S. Military, U.S. State Department, Japanese, Italian, and Spanish militaries at Balabala, Djibouti, Oct. 4 2022. Spanish military members provided books and reading materials, and the Japanese and Italian military members provided furniture for the interior.
U.S. Africa Command Special Operations Forces train alongside partners in Kenya
8:53 AM7/28/2022
The JCET program’s primary purpose is to provide partner nation special operations units specific training to promote security and stability in Africa.
US military, Djiboutians champion Women, Peace and Security at co-hosted event
1:40 PM5/11/2022
U.S. leadership with the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) co-hosted a Women, Peace and Security (WPS) workshop with the Djiboutian Ministry of Women and Family at the Palace Kempinski, Djibouti, May 8, 2022.
The participating parties, including members of the Djiboutian Ministry of Women and Family, CJTF-HOA, and U.S. Embassy Djibouti, used the venue to initiate an update to Djibouti’s WPS National Action Plan (NAP). The NAP serves as a binding document for integration of WPS principles, including how they will be prioritized and governed within Djibouti.
U.S. Army Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, fly and monitor a RQ-11 Raven unmanned aerial vehicle during an operators course at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Oct. 13, 2021. The course instructed Soldiers on how to operate and maintain the small hand-launched remote-controlled aircraft system. The Raven is a UAV system employed by CJTF-HOA for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)
U.S. Army Sgt. Thomas Larsen, communications equipment distribution noncommissioned officer, 67th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade headquarters, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, monitors the computer system for the RQ-11 Raven Unmanned Aerial Vehicle during an operators course at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Oct. 13, 2021. The course instructed Soldiers on how to operate and maintain the small hand-launched remote-controlled aircraft system. The Raven is a UAV system employed by CJTF-HOA for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)
U.S. Army Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, assemble an RQ-11 Raven unmanned aerial vehicle kit during an operators course at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Oct. 13, 2021 The course instructed Soldiers on how to operate and maintain the small hand-launched remote-controlled aircraft system. The Raven is a UAV system employed by CJTF-HOA for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)
A U.S. Army Soldier with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, assembles a RQ-11 Raven unmanned aerial vehicle during an operators course at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Oct. 13, 2021. The course instructed Soldiers on how to operate and maintain the small hand-launched remote-controlled aircraft system. The Raven is a UAV system employed by CJTF-HOA for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)
U.S. Army Spc. William Ellison, security forces, B Company, 1-157th Infantry (Mountain), Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, launches a RQ-11 Raven unmanned aerial vehicle during an operators course at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Oct. 13, 2021. The course instructed Soldiers on how to operate and maintain the small hand-launched remote-controlled aircraft system. The Raven is a UAV system employed by CJTF-HOA for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)
U.S. Army Spc. William Ellison, security forces, B Company, 1-157th Infantry (Mountain), Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, assembles an antenna for the RQ-11 Raven unmanned aerial vehicle during an operators course at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Oct. 13, 2021. The course instructed Soldiers on how to operate and maintain the small hand-launched remote-controlled aircraft system. The Raven is a UAV system employed by CJTF-HOA for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)
The Raven is a UAV system employed by CJTF-HOA for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. The course instructed Soldiers on how to operate the small hand-launched remote-controlled aircraft system and maintain it by fixing broken parts or performing emergency procedures.
U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command, was joined by acting U.S. Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller on a multi-day trip Nov. 25-27 to Djibouti and Somalia.
AFRICOM’s new director of operations visits Africa to engage with partners
2:45 PM10/5/2020
Djiboutian National Army’s Rapid Intervention Battalion (RIB) conducts a live-fire exercise in Djibouti, Africa, Sept. 28. The RIB’s mission is to serve as a reactionary force to accomplish specific tasks directed by their higher command in the Djiboutian army.
AFRICOM’s new director of operations visits Africa to engage with partners
2:44 PM10/5/2020
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joel Tyler, director of operations, speaks with U.S. Army Capt. Michael Hoemke, Security Forces commander, at Chabelley Airfield, Sept. 28. Tyler visited East Africa to assess U.S. operations, force protection, and posture location support.
AFRICOM’s new director of operations visits Africa to engage with partners
2:35 PM10/5/2020
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joel Tyler, director of operations, speaks with soldiers from the Djiboutian National Army’s Rapid Intervention Battalion (RIB) after watching a live-fire exercise Sept. 28. The RIB’s mission is to serve as a reactionary force to accomplish specific tasks directed by their higher command in the Djiboutian army.
CJTF-HOA supports Djibouti’s fight against COVID-19
11:19 AM6/29/2020
Members of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), in coordination with the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), delivered approximately $9,400 worth of hospital beds to the Djibouti Ministry of Health during a ceremony at the Bouffard Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, June 25.
With mission sets that cover 12 different countries throughout East Africa, the ability to work with various units and nations is key to the success of an organization like the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA).
CJTF-HOA: Incoming commander uniquely suited to lead in Africa
11:12 AM6/9/2020
Maj. Gen. Michael Turello, outgoing commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), transfers command of the task force to Maj. Gen. Lapthe Flora, former deputy commander, U.S. Army Africa.