CJTF-HOA Welcomes First Coast Guard CSEL

Service members deployed to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) welcomed their new Command Senior Enlisted Leader during a change of responsibility ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 26, 2023.



By Staff Sgt. Douglas Lorance Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Nov 03, 2023
View Gallery
fallback
Gallery contains 5 images

Service members deployed to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) welcomed their new Command Senior Enlisted Leader during a change of responsibility ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 26, 2023.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Frank Kammer, outgoing CJTF-HOA CSEL, transferred responsibility to U.S. Coast Guard Command Master Chief Petty Officer Michael S. Koch. Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, CJTF-HOA commanding general, presided over the ceremony.

Shawley thanked Kammer for his unwavering service to CJTF-HOA and constant support as her CSEL. As CSEL, Kammer was responsible for ensuring and enhancing CJTF-HOA’s readiness by providing leadership and mentorship to the commanding general and providing her with an enlisted perspective.

“Sergeant Major Kammer has been my strongest ally, my greatest support, and my burden sharer, he has truly been my battle buddy,” said Shawley. “I personally deeply value and appreciate all that you have done this year in command.”

Kammer took a moment to reflect on his work with CJTF-HOA and its importance to the future of the East Africa region.

“We provided unwavering support in times of need for everyone who called upon us, including citizens impacted by Sudan earlier this year,” said Kammer. “We say yes, because it matters. Africa matters. Our mission matters.”

After assuming responsibility from Kammer, Koch closed out the ceremony with a few words to the Task Force. As the first ever Sentinel to take up the role of CJTF-HOA CSEL, Koch was eager to provide a fresh, Coast Guard perspective to the team.

“I've gotten to get out and meet some of the great warfighters and I look forward to the next year,” said Koch. “The U.S. Coast Guard has never been here [at CJTF-HOA] like this and I will give it 125% every day that I'm here.”

More in Media Room
Cyber, radio exchange deepens US, Djibouti military cooperation
U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, and the Kentucky Army National Guard teamed up with Djiboutian forces for a cybersecurity and radio communications fundamentals skills-sharing initiative that blended instruction, live demonstrations, and practical exercises.
Read more
US, partner nations exercise multinational crisis response to bolster readiness in African theater
The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Multinational Coordination Cell hosted a tabletop exercise with French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and South Korean partners June 23-26 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Read more
Humans of HOA:Vehicle management plays a vital role in CJTF-HOA operations
I joined the U.S. Army at 18 years old, straight out of high school. In fact, I enlisted while I was still a senior. My decision was driven by more than a sense of duty — it was deeply personal. Fast forward to today, I am proudly serving my country overseas with the Arizona Army National Guard. I am in an administrative role for the Transportation Motor Pool unit, which is in charge of managing a large fleet of vehicles, most of which are sourced from local Djiboutian contractors.
Read more
More in Media Room
Cyber, radio exchange deepens US, Djibouti military cooperation
U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, and the Kentucky Army National Guard teamed up with Djiboutian forces for a cybersecurity and radio communications fundamentals skills-sharing initiative that blended instruction, live demonstrations, and practical exercises.
Read more
US, partner nations exercise multinational crisis response to bolster readiness in African theater
The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Multinational Coordination Cell hosted a tabletop exercise with French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and South Korean partners June 23-26 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Read more
Humans of HOA:Vehicle management plays a vital role in CJTF-HOA operations
I joined the U.S. Army at 18 years old, straight out of high school. In fact, I enlisted while I was still a senior. My decision was driven by more than a sense of duty — it was deeply personal. Fast forward to today, I am proudly serving my country overseas with the Arizona Army National Guard. I am in an administrative role for the Transportation Motor Pool unit, which is in charge of managing a large fleet of vehicles, most of which are sourced from local Djiboutian contractors.
Read more
More in Media Room
Cyber, radio exchange deepens US, Djibouti military cooperation
U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, and the Kentucky Army National Guard teamed up with Djiboutian forces for a cybersecurity and radio communications fundamentals skills-sharing initiative that blended instruction, live demonstrations, and practical exercises.
Read more
US, partner nations exercise multinational crisis response to bolster readiness in African theater
The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Multinational Coordination Cell hosted a tabletop exercise with French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and South Korean partners June 23-26 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Read more
Humans of HOA:Vehicle management plays a vital role in CJTF-HOA operations
I joined the U.S. Army at 18 years old, straight out of high school. In fact, I enlisted while I was still a senior. My decision was driven by more than a sense of duty — it was deeply personal. Fast forward to today, I am proudly serving my country overseas with the Arizona Army National Guard. I am in an administrative role for the Transportation Motor Pool unit, which is in charge of managing a large fleet of vehicles, most of which are sourced from local Djiboutian contractors.
Read more