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Photo 1 of 9
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
U.S. and Djiboutian military members view weapon system together during Partner Appreciation Day at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 20, 2024. The event celebrates the enduring partnership and cooperation between the U.S. military and the Djiboutian Armed Forces, highlighting their commitment to regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)
Photo 2 of 9
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
The official party poses for a photo during the opening ceremony of Partner Appreciation Day at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 20, 2024. From left: Capt. Eilis M. Cancel, commander of Camp Lemonnier; Command Chief Master Sgt. Ted R. Braxton, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA); Maj. Gen. Brian T. Cashman, commanding general of CJTF-HOA; Djiboutian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahamoud Ali Youssouf; and U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti Cynthia Kierscht. The event marked 22 years of partnership and cooperation in promoting regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by SGT. Lark Sine)
Photo 3 of 9
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
U.S. Air Force pararescuemen assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron descend near the tail of a Dassault Mirage 2000 during a demonstration jump for Partner Appreciation Day at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 20, 2024. The event highlighted the strength of U.S. and allied cooperation, recognizing longstanding partnerships with the host nation, allies, and regional partners. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. George Keck
Photo 4 of 9
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Paratroopers of the French Forces in Djibouti (FFDJ) leap from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J "Bronco" during a Partner Appreciation Day (PAD) demonstration at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 20, 2024. PAD is an event that recognizes the longstanding partnerships with our host nation, allies, and regional partners.
Photo by: Master Sgt. Chauncey Reed
Photo 5 of 9
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
U.S. and Djiboutian military members pose together during Partner Appreciation Day at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 20, 2024. The event celebrates the enduring partnership and cooperation between the U.S. military and the Djiboutian Armed Forces, highlighting their commitment to regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)
Photo 6 of 9
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A U.S. Air Force pararescueman from the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron prepares to jump from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J "Bronco" during Partner Appreciation Day (PAD) at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 20, 2024. He is accompanied by a U.S. Marine Corps loadmaster, demonstrating joint operations between U.S. military branches. PAD is an event that recognizes the longstanding partnerships with our host nation, allies, and regional partners.
Photo by: Master Sgt. Chauncey Reed
Photo 7 of 9
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
U.S. Air Force pararescuemen assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron jump from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J "Bronco" during a demonstration jump for Partner Appreciation Day at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 20, 2024. The event highlights the strength of U.S. and Allied cooperation and recognizes longstanding partnerships with the host nation, allies, and regional partners.
Photo by: Master Sgt. Chauncey Reed
Photo 8 of 9
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Paratroopers of the French Forces in Djibouti (FFDJ) leap from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J "Bronco" during a Partner Appreciation Day (PAD) demonstration at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 20, 2024. PAD is an event that recognizes the longstanding partnerships with our host nation, allies, and regional partners.
Photo by: Master Sgt. Chauncey Reed
Photo 9 of 9
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
U.S. and Djiboutian senior military leaders greet one another during Partner Appreciation Day at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 20, 2024. The event celebrates the enduring partnership and cooperation between the U.S. military and the Djiboutian Armed Forces, highlighting their commitment to regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)
CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI – U.S. military personnel at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ), including members of Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), CLDJ staff, tenant commands, Djiboutian Armed Forces, and Allied and partner military forces gathered Nov. 20, 2024, to celebrate Partner Appreciation Day.
The annual event, now in its third year under its current name, highlights 22 years of collaboration and reaffirms the United States' commitment to fostering partnerships, security, and stability in Djibouti and across East Africa.
“I have been deeply impressed by the strength of our partnership and the dedication of each participating nation to our shared mission,” said U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti Cynthia Kierscht. “Our nations share an enduring commitment to promoting growth and development across all sectors of society.”
The celebration featured a variety of military and cultural demonstrations, including a military working dog exhibition, a traditional Japanese martial arts performance, and military displays from U.S. and allied forces. A joint flyover by U.S. and French military aircraft drew particular attention, while static displays showcased vehicles, aircraft, and weapon systems. There was also a joint team of U.S. Air Force Pararescueman and French Paratroopers that performed a free-fall jump from a U.S. Marine Corps C-130J “Bronco”. Service members from Djibouti, France, Italy, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom participated, reflecting a broad coalition dedicated to regional security and cooperation.
“Djibouti extended a welcoming hand when we needed it the most after the events of September 11, 2001,” said Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, commanding general of CJTF-HOA. “Alongside the other values-based partners represented here today, we remain committed to our shared success through dignity, security, prosperity, and stability.”
Previously known as Allied Appreciation Day, the event was rebranded in 2022 to better reflect the inclusive focus on partnerships. CJTF-HOA's mission to expand partner capabilities, strengthen defense institutions, and promote regional security was central to the day’s activities. Military cooperation and capacity-building exercises remain vital in equipping African partners to address regional security challenges effectively.
CJTF-HOA operates to enhance interoperability, deter conflict, and safeguard mutual interests in the East Africa region. Headquartered at Camp Lemonnier, the command focuses on countering malign actors, bolstering collective security forces, and responding to crises to promote regional stability and prosperity.
Camp Lemonnier supports U.S. service members, transient assets, and 36 tenant commands, including CJTF-HOA, providing essential operational capabilities for missions in East Africa and beyond.
