12:00 AM11/21/2022

The month-long training gave both the U.S. and Tanzania service members the opportunity to develop and maintain critical military-to-military connections and improve joint and allied readiness and interoperability.

12:00 AM11/3/2022

Maintaining relations through JCETs and other engagements illustrates the strong security cooperation between the partner nations to combat violent extremism and other external threats.

12:00 AM9/29/2022

Special Operations Command Africa JCETs enhance U.S. relationships with partner nations by developing and maintaining critical military-to-military connections and improving joint and allied readiness and interoperability.

12:00 AM9/7/2022

U.S. Army Rangers assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group teach the Cabo Verdean National Guard tactical movements during a Joint Combined Exchange Training in Praia, Cabo Verde, On Sept. 7, 2022. The teams focused on honing basic skills such as close quarters battles, small unit tactics and mission planning.

12:00 AM8/11/2022

Monkey Bay, Malawi -- Special Operations Command Africa forces partnered with members of the Malawian Maritime Force in a Joint Combined Exchange Training in Monkey Bay, Malawi that concluded June 24, 2022.

12:00 AM6/12/2022

The medical care provided by the U.S. Army Civil Affairs members ranged from performing vitals, diagnosing conditions, and distributing medications.

12:00 AM6/10/2022

Mutual military exchanges present an opportunity for partner forces to collaborate on tactical skills to further enhance security and stability in the West Africa region.

12:00 AM6/2/2022

Bundase, Ghana -- Special Operations Command Africa forces concluded a Joint Combined Exercise Training in Bundase, Ghana in March. The team partnered with members of the Ghanaian 64th Infantry Regiment to hone special operations skills.

12:00 AM3/16/2022

Special Operations Command Africa forces concluded a Joint Combined Exchange Training in Oussa, Benin, on March 16, 2022. The team partnered with members of the Benin 1st Commando Parachute Battalion to hone special operations skills.

12:00 AM3/8/2022

A Ghanaian soldier assigned to the 64th Infantry Regiment holds the shoulder of a fellow soldier while training on air assault techniques during a Joint Combined Exchange Training in Asutsuare, Ghana, March 8, 2022. JCETs enhance U.S. relationships with partner nations by developing and maintaining critical military-to-military connections and improving joint and allied readiness and interoperability.

12:00 AM3/3/2022

A Ghanaian soldier assigned to the 64th Infantry Regiment fires an AK-47 during a Joint Combined Exchange Training in Bundase, Ghana March 3, 2022. JCETs enhance U.S. relationships with partner nations by developing and maintaining critical military-to-military connections and improving joint and allied readiness and interoperability.

12:00 AM3/3/2022

A Ghanaian soldier assigned to the 64th Infantry Regiment fires an AK-47 during a Joint Combined Exchange Training in Bundase, Ghana March 3, 2022. JCETs enhance U.S. relationships with partner nations by developing and maintaining critical military-to-military connections and improving joint and allied readiness and interoperability.

12:00 AM3/2/2022

A U.S. Army soldier assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group conducts a weapons familiarization training with Ghanaian soldiers assigned to the 64th Infantry Regiment during a Joint Combined Exchange Training in Bundase, Ghana, March 2, 2022. JCETs enhance U.S. relationships with partner nations by developing and maintaining critical military-to-military connections and improving joint and allied readiness and interoperability.

12:00 AM11/19/2021

This training event was the third JCET this year in Senegal bolstering U.S. and Senegalese skills, cooperation, and interoperability.

1:55 PM11/16/2021

A Mauritanian sailor performs a litter carry with a simulated casualty in a final training exercise with U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) during a Joint Combined Exchange Training in Nouakchott, Mauritania, Nov. 8, 2021. The teams focused on honing basic skills such as close quarters battles, small unit tactics and mission planning. (This photo has been altered by blurring faces due to security concerns.)

1:48 PM11/16/2021

A Mauritanian sailor applies a tourniquet to a simulated casualty during a final training exercise with U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) while participating in a Joint Combined Exchange Training in Nouakchott, Mauritania, Nov. 8, 2021. The teams focused on honing basic skills such as close quarters battles, small unit tactics and mission planning.

1:48 PM11/16/2021

A Mauritanian sailor performs a litter carry with a simulated casualty in a final training exercise with U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) during a Joint Combined Exchange Training in Nouakchott, Mauritania, Nov. 8, 2021. The teams focused on honing basic skills such as close quarters battles, small unit tactics and mission planning. (This photo has been altered by blurring faces due to security concerns.)

1:47 PM11/16/2021

U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) oversee a final training exercise with Mauritanian sailors during a Joint Combined Exchange Training in Nouakchott, Mauritania, Nov. 8, 2021. The teams focused on honing basic skills such as close quarters battles, small unit tactics and mission planning.

1:47 PM11/16/2021

A U.S. Army Green Beret assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) goes over range safety procedures prior to a final training exercise with Mauritanian sailors during a Joint Combined Exchange Training in Nouakchott, Mauritania, Nov. 8, 2021. The teams focused on honing basic skills such as close quarters battles, small unit tactics and mission planning.

12:00 AM11/10/2021

JCETs enhance the readiness of U.S. and partner forces while also improving interoperability between nations. The exercises help set the foundation for sustainable and productive military relationships.

3:08 PM7/30/2021

U.S. Army General Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, conducted a two-day visit to Tanzania, July 27-28, where he met with senior defense officials and opened the first joint special forces training exercise between the two nations since 2017.

3:08 PM7/30/2021

U.S. Army General Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, conducted a two-day visit to Tanzania, July 27-28, where he met with senior defense officials and opened the first joint special forces training exercise between the two nations since 2017.

12:00 AM7/30/2021

U.S. Africa Command leaders including U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, visited Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia and Djibouti from July 25-30, 2022.

11:06 AM7/23/2021

U.S. and Côte d'Ivoirian special operations forces conduct joint combined exchange training in Côte d'Ivoire July 5, 2021. The teams focused on honing basic skills such as close quarters combat, first aid, mission planning and jungle warfare.

11:02 AM7/23/2021

U.S. and Moroccan special operations forces completed a Joint Combined Exchange Training event July 19, 2021, in Tangier, Morocco - the third JCET program executed in Morocco this year. Designed to enhance the readiness of U.S. and partner forces, while also improving interoperability between nations, JCETs help set the foundation for sustainable and productive military relationships.

11:02 AM7/23/2021

U.S. and Moroccan special operations forces completed a Joint Combined Exchange Training event July 19, 2021, in Tangier, Morocco - the third JCET program executed in Morocco this year. Designed to enhance the readiness of U.S. and partner forces, while also improving interoperability between nations, JCETs help set the foundation for sustainable and productive military relationships.

11:02 AM7/23/2021

U.S. and Moroccan special operations forces completed a Joint Combined Exchange Training event July 19, 2021, in Tangier, Morocco - the third JCET program executed in Morocco this year. Designed to enhance the readiness of U.S. and partner forces, while also improving interoperability between nations, JCETs help set the foundation for sustainable and productive military relationships.

11:02 AM7/23/2021

U.S. and Moroccan special operations forces completed a Joint Combined Exchange Training event July 19, 2021, in Tangier, Morocco - the third JCET program executed in Morocco this year. Designed to enhance the readiness of U.S. and partner forces, while also improving interoperability between nations, JCETs help set the foundation for sustainable and productive military relationships.

11:02 AM7/23/2021

U.S. and Moroccan special operations forces completed a Joint Combined Exchange Training event July 19, 2021, in Tangier, Morocco - the third JCET program executed in Morocco this year. Designed to enhance the readiness of U.S. and partner forces, while also improving interoperability between nations, JCETs help set the foundation for sustainable and productive military relationships.

11:02 AM7/23/2021

U.S. and Moroccan special operations forces completed a Joint Combined Exchange Training event July 19, 2021, in Tangier, Morocco - the third JCET program executed in Morocco this year. Designed to enhance the readiness of U.S. and partner forces, while also improving interoperability between nations, JCETs help set the foundation for sustainable and productive military relationships.

11:01 AM7/23/2021

This Joint Combined Exchange Training, one of many exercises in Morocco designed to increase the U.S. and Moroccan security cooperation and interoperability, comes shortly after the 17th iteration of African Lion.

8:41 AM7/22/2021

U.S. and Côte d'Ivoirian special operations forces conduct a joint training culmination ceremony in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, July 8, 2021. The teams focused on honing basic skills such as close quarters combat, first aid, mission planning and jungle warfare.

8:41 AM7/22/2021

U.S. and Côte d'Ivoirian special operations forces conduct joint combined exchange training in Côte d'Ivoire July 5, 2021. The teams focused on honing basic skills such as close quarters combat, first aid, mission planning and jungle warfare.

8:41 AM7/22/2021

U.S. and Côte d'Ivoirian special operations forces conduct joint combined exchange training in Côte d'Ivoire July 5, 2021. The teams focused on honing basic skills such as close quarters combat, first aid, mission planning and jungle warfare.

8:41 AM7/22/2021

U.S. and Côte d'Ivoirian special operations forces conduct joint combined exchange training in Côte d'Ivoire July 5, 2021. The teams focused on honing basic skills such as close quarters combat, first aid, mission planning and jungle warfare.

8:41 AM7/22/2021

U.S. and Côte d'Ivoirian special operations forces conduct joint combined exchange training in Côte d'Ivoire July 5, 2021. The teams focused on honing basic skills such as close quarters combat, first aid, mission planning and jungle warfare.

8:41 AM7/22/2021

Special Operations Command Africa forces concluded Joint Combined Exercise Training in Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire July 9, 2021. The team partnered with Côte d'Ivoire Forces Speciales Ivoirennes to hone special operations skills.

3:40 PM7/13/2021

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, outgoing commander, U.S. Special Operation Command Africa, speaks to SOCAF members during the change of command ceremony July 1, 2021, at Kelly Barracks near Stuttgart, Germany.

3:40 PM7/13/2021

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Milton J. Sands III, incoming commander, U.S. Special Operation Command Africa, speaks to SOCAF members during the change of command ceremony July 1, 2021, at Kelly Barracks near Stuttgart, Germany.

3:40 PM7/13/2021

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Milton Sands III, incoming commander, U.S. Special Operations Command Africa, hands the SOCAF flag to SOCAF Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Albaugh, SOCAF command sergeant major, as U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, outgoing commander, SOCAF, look on during the SOCAF change of command ceremony July 1, 2021, at Kelly Barracks near Stuttgart, Germany.

3:40 PM7/13/2021

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, outgoing commander, U.S. Special Operation Command Africa, congratulates U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Milton Sands III, incoming commander, SOCAF, on his assumption of command July 1, 2021, at Kelly Barracks near Stuttgart, Germany.

3:39 PM7/13/2021

“Thank you, thank you for making a difference, thank you for helping people to have a better life, thank you for helping them resist oppression. What we do matters, our small efforts have huge impact,” said Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, outgoing commander, SOCAF.

11:38 AM7/13/2021

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.

11:37 AM7/13/2021

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.

10:27 AM7/13/2021

The Joint Combined Exchange Training 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.

10:57 AM6/7/2021

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.

10:55 AM6/7/2021

U.S. Air Force combat aviation advisors assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command showcase Kenya’s newly acquired C-145 Skytruck to President Uhuru Kenyatta and Kenyan officials in Nairobi, 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.

9:51 AM6/7/2021

The engagement enabled a fully-trained flying crew - to include pilots, loadmasters, riggers and mechanics - proficient in operating and maintaining the C-145.

9:26 AM6/7/2021

The engagement enabled a fully-trained flying crew - to include pilots, loadmasters, riggers and mechanics - proficient in operating and maintaining the C-145.

12:00 AM5/10/2021

During these engagements, U.S. forces provided combat-oriented training and operational planning.

11:24 PM3/19/2021

U.S. Africa Command forces stationed in Djibouti conducted their second operational assessment in Mali March 19. The initial assessment was March 3 in Gao, Mali.

11:10 PM3/19/2021

U.S. forces comprised of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, Task Force Bayonet, and Southern European Task Force Africa civil affairs service members participate in a site assessment alongside French forces in Timbuktu, Mali, March 20, 2021. U.S. forces routinely conduct operational assessments across regions to prepare for contingencies, exercise readiness, and identify areas of improvement.

10:01 AM3/17/2021

On March 15, the U.S. Government and the Government of Mozambique launched a two-month Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) training program. U.S. Special Operations Forces will train Mozambican marines for two months to support Mozambique’s efforts to prevent the spread of terrorism and violent extremism.

9:49 AM3/17/2021

U.S. Special Operations Forces will train Mozambican marines for two months to support Mozambique’s efforts to prevent the spread of terrorism and violent extremism.

8:27 AM2/2/2021

U.S. service members speak with Danab soldiers on in Somalia Jan. 28, 2021. AFRICOM forces continue to train, advise and support Somali and other East African partners in their fight against violent extremism.

4:35 PM1/19/2021

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command forces conducted two airstrikes in the vicinities of Jamaame and Deb Scinnele, Somalia, on Jan. 19, 2021.

11:59 AM1/19/2021

Commander, senior enlisted leader, wrap up a five-day visit to East Africa including stops in Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya as well as to the USS Makin Island (LHD 8), operating off the coast of Somalia.

5:33 PM1/18/2021

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.

5:30 PM1/18/2021

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.

1:59 PM12/22/2020

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.

1:54 PM12/22/2020

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.

1:45 PM12/22/2020

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.

1:26 PM12/22/2020

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.

1:21 PM12/22/2020

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.

11:55 AM12/22/2020

The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived off the coast of Somalia as part of the Joint Forces Maritime Component Command for Joint Task Force - Quartz, Dec. 21.

11:55 AM12/22/2020

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.

1:17 PM10/20/2020

SOCAFRICA chaplains use VTC and social media to stay connected to their units, assist Burkina Faso chaplains in doing the same

3:07 PM10/7/2020

Hershel “Woody” Williams is on a regularly-scheduled deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Africa area of operations and is a key element in integration between U.S. Navy and Marine Corps operations, especially Marine aviation and support to amphibious operations.

3:07 PM9/15/2020

11:12 AM9/1/2020

Of those 35 years, 27 of those were served as a Green Beret. Marsh saw the majority of modern U.S. conflict in-person, but that’s not what he wanted to talk about during his 40-minute speech to a sizeable, socially-distanced crowd.

2:23 PM8/31/2020

The ship will be a long-term presence assigned to the AFRICOM mission set and support security cooperation missions and operations in and around the African continent.