Command Senior Enlisted Leader

Command Master Chief Karl W. Parsons

Master Chief Karl W. Parsons, a native of Portsmouth, Virginia enlisted in the United States Navy in January 1990. After completing basic training at Recruit Training Command, Orlando, Florida, he attended CTO "A" school at Naval Technical Training Center Pensacola Florida and reported to Guam to begin his career in Naval Communications.

Master Chief Parsons' sea duty assignments include Direct Support, Naval Security Group Activity, Rota Spain, Commander Naval Special Warfare Development Group, USS ENTERPRISE (CVN- 65), and the Multi-National Security Transition Command – Iraq, Striker Fighter Squadron EIGHT ONE (VFA-81), and most recently Carrier Air Wing EIGHT.

Ashore, Master Chief Parsons' assignments include Naval Security Group Detachment Guam, Naval Security Group Activity Norfolk and Center for Information Dominance Norfolk. He is a graduate of the Joint Special Operations Senior Enlisted Advisor course (Class 17), the National Defense University Keystone (Class 16-1) and has earned a Master's Degree in International Relations from Norwich University.

Master Chief Parsons' personal decorations include one Bronze Star, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, three Joint Service Commendation Medals, five Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, four Joint Service Achievement Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Presidential Unit Citations, the Combat Action ribbon and various unit and campaign awards.

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Friendship, Soccer and Chebelley’s Passion for the Game

U.S. Army Capt. Deandre Garlington, civil affairs officer, 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, answers questions during an interview outside Chebelley Village, Djibouti, Aug. 3, 2018. Over 30 Soldiers and Airmen volunteered for the outreach event organized by the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Sarah Mattison)

August 8, 2018

Civil Affairs Soldiers enhance Tanzanian Counter Illicit Trafficking Operations

Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) patrol game wardens stand in formation for drill and ceremony training during a Counter Illicit Trafficking course, in Ngwala, Tanzania, July 24, 2018. The course provided by U.S. Army Soldiers with the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa is a month-long course to enhance TAWA's anti-poaching capabilities in Tanzania. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy M. Ahearn)

July 31, 2018

Studies have been conducted and have included evidence that illegally trafficked goods from Tanzania have been distributed throughout the world to include parts of Asia, South America, and North America. According to a U.S. Department of State Report from May 2017, “illicit trafficking remains the lifeblood of the numerous bad actors and networks, creating vulnerabilities for nations.”

Task Force Alamo arrives in Djibouti

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sean Ibarguen, commander, 1st Battalion 141st Infantry Regiment, known as “Task Force Alamo,” salutes for the playing of the national anthem, during the transfer of authority ceremony on Camp Lemonnier, July 5, 2018. Task Force Alamo is taking over authority and command from Task Force Bayonet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Scott Jackson)

July 7, 2018

The responsibility as the Security Force Battalion for Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa was transferred from one Texas Army National Guard battalion to another at a ceremony on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on July 5, 2018.

CJTF-HOA Reinforces Commitment to Djibouti’s Rapid Intervention Battalion

Members of the Djiboutian Army’s Rapid Intervention Battalion (RIB) perform a traditional Afar dance during a celebration for new RIB graduates at a training site outside Djibouti City, June 28, 2018. The RIB is a U.S. Army trained unit that was formed to respond to crises and promote regional security and stability in East Africa. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy M. Ahearn)

July 3, 2018

CJTF-HOA’s continued commitment to training and equipping the RIB enables Djibouti’s effectiveness in developing security and stability within its’ borders and East Africa.

CJTF-HOA Welcomes New Commander

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James Craig, commander, Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, gives his welcome address following a change of command ceremony on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 14, 2018. Craig becomes the sixteenth commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Sarah Mattison)

June 16, 2018

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti-- Service members deployed to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) welcomed their new commander during a change of command ceremony, June 14. U.S. Army Brig. Gen. William Zana, outgoing commander of CJTF-HOA transferred responsibility to Brig. Gen. James Craig. U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, commander of United States Africa Command, presided over the ceremony.