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Photo 1 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A U.S. Army Soldier with the East Africa Response Force, Task Force Associator, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, participates in the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
Photo 2 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A member of the Djibouti Armed Forces participates in the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
Photo 3 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Members of the Djibouti Armed Forces conduct security during the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)
Photo by: Sgt. Michael Knight
Photo 4 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A U.S. Army Soldier with the East Africa Response Force, Task Force Associator, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, conducts a training exercise encompassing tactical, medical, and emergency air evacuation during the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)
Photo by: Sgt. Michael Knight
Photo 5 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Members of the Djibouti Armed Forces set up communication equipment during Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
Photo 6 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A U.S. Army Soldier with the East Africa Response Force, Task Force Associator, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, participates in the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
Photo 7 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A Djiboutian Navy service member searches a U.S. Army service member during Exercise Bull Shark on Nov. 26, 2024, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)
Photo 8 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
An MH-60R Seahawk with the Spanish forces conducts a casualty extraction during the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
Photo 9 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A member of the Djibouti Armed Forces provides security to a fellow Djiboutian soldier during a medical procedure on a U.S. soldier at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. James Webster)
Photo by: Pfc. James Webster
Photo 10 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A U.S. Army Soldier with the East Africa Response Force, Task Force Associator, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, conduct a training exercise encompassing, tactical, medical and emergency air evacuation during Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)
Photo by: Sgt. Michael Knight
Photo 11 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A U.S. Army Soldier with the East Africa Response Force, Task Force Associator, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, conduct a training exercise encompassing, tactical, medical and emergency air evacuation during Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)
Photo by: Sgt. Michael Knight
Photo 12 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A U.S. Army Soldier with the East Africa Response Force, Task Force Associator, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, participates in the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
Photo 13 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Members of the Djiboutian Navy performed initial radio checks during the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. George Keck
Photo 14 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Members of the Djiboutian militaries secure the simulated pirate ship during the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. George Keck
Photo 15 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
An MH-60R Seahawk with the Spanish forces conducts a casualty extraction during the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
Photo 16 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Members of the Djiboutian Navy secure the simulated pirate ship during the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. George Keck
Photo 17 of 58
406th Air Expeditionary Wing
U.S. Air Force Airmen speak with U.S. Navy personnel about the next portion of the Bull Shark exercise in Djibouti on November 26, 2024. The exercise simulated multiple personnel recovery scenarios in water allowing for the coordination of land, sea and air components from multiple U.S. military branches, the Spanish Navy and the Djiboutian Coast Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jana Somero)
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Jana Somero
Photo 18 of 58
406th Air Expeditionary Wing
A U.S. Air Force pararescueman assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (ERQS) hoists a volunteer to safety during exercise Bull Shark in Djibouti on November 26, 2024. The exercise simulated multiple personnel recovery scenarios in water allowing for the coordination of land, sea, and air components from multiple U.S. military branches, the Spanish Navy, and the Djiboutian Coast Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jana Somero)
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Jana Somero
Photo 19 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Leadership from the Djibouti Armed Forces and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa observe military members participating in the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte
Photo 20 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A Djiboutian Navy service member practices security operations during Exercise Bull Shark on Nov. 26, 2024, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)
Photo 21 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A member of the Djibouti Armed Forces participates in the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
Photo 22 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Lt. Col. Mohamed Adawa Mohamed, deputy commander of the Djiboutian Coast Guard, and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, greet one another during the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte
Photo 23 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
U.S. Army Soldiers with the East Africa Response Force, Task Force Associator, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, conduct a training exercise encompassing, tactical, medical and emergency air evacuation during Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)
Photo by: Sgt. Michael Knight
Photo 24 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A member of the Djibouti Armed Forces poses for a portrait during Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
Photo 25 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
U.S. Army Capt. Kawczynski, exercise planner for CJ-7, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, listens to the radio from operating forces at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together forces from the United States, Djibouti, Spain, Japan, and France to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It included complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. James Webster)
Photo by: Pfc. James Webster
Photo 26 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Members of the Djiboutian Navy begin the search and rescue portion of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. George Keck
Photo 27 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Spanish forces conduct a casualty extraction from an MH-60R Seahawk during the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)
Photo by: Sgt. Michael Knight
Photo 28 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A member of the Djibouti Armed Forces participates in the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. James Webster)
Photo by: Pfc. James Webster
Photo 29 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Djiboutian Coast Guard members practice lifesaving care during Exercise Bull Shark on Nov. 26, 2024, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)
Photo 30 of 58
406th Air Expeditionary Wing
A MV-22 Osprey hovers overhead as it searches for a subject to be recovered in Djibouti on November 26, 2024. The Bull Shark exercise simulated multiple personnel recovery scenarios in water allowing for the coordination of land, sea, and air components from multiple U.S. military branches, the Spanish Navy, and the Djiboutian Coast Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jana Somero)
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Jana Somero
Photo 31 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Drew Bachtle, assigned with the East Africa Response Force, Task Force Associator, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, listens to radio from operating forces at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 25, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. James Webster)
Photo by: Pfc. James Webster
Photo 32 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Members of the Djiboutian Navy perform a search and rescue during the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. George Keck
Photo 33 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Members of the Djibouti Armed Forces discuss exercise operations during Bull Shark 25-1 at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte
Photo 34 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A member of the Djiboutian Navy searches for a stranded survivor during the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. George Keck
Photo 35 of 58
406th Air Expeditionary Wing
U.S. Navy and Djiboutian Coast Guard vessels work together during exercise Bull Shark in Djibouti on November 26, 2024. The exercise simulated multiple personnel recovery scenarios in water allowing for the coordination of land, sea, and air components from multiple U.S. military branches, the Spanish Navy, and the Djiboutian Coast Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jana Somero)
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Jana Somero
Photo 36 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
U.S. service members and members of the Spanish and Djibouti Armed Forces participate in the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
Photo 37 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A U.S. Army Soldier with the East Africa Response Force, Task Force Associator, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, walks on Arta beach with fellow soldiers, at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. James Webster)
Photo by: Pfc. James Webster
Photo 38 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft flies above the Gulf of Tadjoura during Exercise Bull Shark on Nov. 26, 2024, in Djibouti. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)
Photo 39 of 58
406th Air Expeditionary Wing
A U.S. Air Force pararescueman assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (ERQS) recovers personnel in the water during exercise Bull Shark in Djibouti on November 26, 2024. The exercise simulated multiple personnel recovery scenarios in water allowing for the coordination of land, sea, and air components from multiple U.S. military branches, the Spanish Navy, and the Djiboutian Coast Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jana Somero)
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Jana Somero
Photo 40 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Members of the Djibouti Armed Forces discuss exercise operations during Bull Shark 25-1 at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte
Photo 41 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Service members from the Djiboutian Coast Guard practice search and rescue during Exercise Bull Shark on Nov. 26, 2024, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)
Photo 42 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Djiboutian Navy service members practice security operations during Exercise Bull Shark on Nov. 26, 2024, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)
Photo 43 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Service members from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa collaborate with the Djiboutian Coast Guard, Navy, and partner nations during the sixth iteration of Exercise Bull Shark on Nov. 26, 2024, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)
Photo 44 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
U.S. Army Soldiers with the East Africa Response Force, Task Force Associator, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, pose for a group photo during Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
Photo 45 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Spanish Special Operations Maritime Task Unit (SOMTU) forces provide security from a high point during the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together forces from the United States, Djibouti, Spain, Japan, and France to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
Photo 46 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A U.S. Army Soldier with the East Africa Response Force, Task Force Associator, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, participates in the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
Photo 47 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
An MH-60R Seahawk with the Spanish forces conducts a casualty extraction during the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
Photo 48 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Members of the Djiboutian Navy secure the simulated pirate ship during the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. George Keck
Photo 49 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
An MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft extracts pararescuemen from the Gulf of Tadjoura during Exercise Bull Shark on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)
Photo 50 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
U.S. service members and members from the Djibouti Armed Forces and participate in the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)
Photo 51 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Members of the Djiboutian militaries secure the simulated pirate ship during the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. George Keck
Photo 52 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, right, shakes hands with a member of the Djibouti Armed Forces during the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte
Photo 53 of 58
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A U.S. Army Soldier with the East Africa Response Force, Task Force Associator, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, participates in the Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Members of the Djiboutian Navy rescue the dummy beacon during Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and
stability. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. George Keck
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, second from left, observes military members participating in Bull Shark 25-1 at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)
Photo by: Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Service members from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa collaborate with the Djiboutian Coast Guard and Navy, as well as partner nations, during Exercise Bull Shark on Nov. 26, 2024, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)
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406th Air Expeditionary Wing
A U.S. Air Force pararescueman assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron (ERQS) repels down from a MV-22 Osprey to recover personnel in the water during exercise Bull Shark in Djibouti on November 26, 2024. The exercise simulated multiple personnel recovery scenarios in water allowing for the coordination of land, sea, and air components from multiple U.S. military branches, the Spanish Navy, and the Djiboutian Coast Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jana Somero)
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Jana Somero
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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
A member of the Djibouti Armed Forces poses for a portrait during Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s Bull Shark 25-1 exercise at Arta, Djibouti, on Nov. 26, 2024. The semiannual exercise brought together U.S., Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces to enhance communication and interoperability among international partners. It simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains, testing coordination and operational readiness while strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)
Photo by: Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, alongside Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese, and French forces, collaborated during the semiannual Bull Shark 25-1 exercise Nov. 25-26, 2024, to strengthen communication and collaboration among international partners and allies. The exercise focused on improving multinational coordination, interoperability, and communication to enhance regional security and stability.
A key component of Bull Shark 25-1 was Bull Shark Academics, a series of task- and branch-specific training events aimed at enhancing interoperability and mission readiness among U.S. forces and Djiboutian counterparts. The U.S. Navy’s Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 1 (MSRON 1), stationed at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, worked closely with the Djiboutian Navy and Coast Guard on maritime security and search-and-rescue operations.
“Fostering a working relationship with our maritime partners not only enhances our force protection posture in the Gulf of Tadjoura but also offers us the opportunity to demonstrate how American forces can impact humanitarian and relief efforts globally, placing the safeguarding of life and promoting cooperation above all other mission sets,” said Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Demma, MSRON 1 operations officer.
These sessions also paired U.S. Army personnel with the Djiboutian Rapid Intervention Battalion to focus on ground force maneuvering and crisis response planning. By emphasizing targeted knowledge exchanges in areas such as medical care, communication methods, military maneuvering, security enhancement, and personnel recovery techniques, Bull Shark 25-1 highlighted the value of mutual learning in building a more integrated and effective coalition force."
The main event simulated complex personnel recovery scenarios across land, sea, and air domains. Participants included multiple branches of the U.S. military, the Djiboutian Armed Forces’ Rapid Intervention Battalion (Bataillon d’Intervention Rapide), the Djiboutian Navy and Coast Guard, the Japan Self-Defense Forces, the Spanish Navy, and French forces.
“Bull Shark is a multi-domain, multinational interoperability and communication exercise,” said Army Capt. Robert Kawczynski, CJTF-HOA multinational exercise planner. “We focus on personnel recovery operations, including land and maritime rescues, to ensure seamless coordination among partner nations.”
U.S. Air Force pararescue personnel from the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron executed a water extraction, coordinating with the Joint Personnel Recovery Center, Djiboutian Navy, Djiboutian Coast Guard, and the Spanish Navy frigate Santa María. The exercise tested communication methods and operational readiness in a multinational setting.
Additional participants tackled a simulated land rescue involving a beach and a mock aircraft crash site. CJTF-HOA’s Task Force Associator joined Djiboutian and Spanish forces to evaluate casualties and execute extractions. An MH-60R Seahawk helicopter provided critical support by hoisting and extracting a simulated casualty.
"Exercise Bull Shark has been a testament to the strength of our partnerships, the dedication of our teams, and our shared commitment to working together toward common goals," said Rear Adm. Justin Kubu, CJTF-HOA deputy commanding officer. "Bull Shark reminds us that we are not alone in facing today’s security challenges. With each of our partners here, your presence and contributions have been invaluable. Your perspectives, expertise, and professionalism have been critical to this exercise, strengthening bonds between all nations. Together we are stronger, more prepared, and more resilient for future crises."
Bull Shark continues to grow in complexity with each iteration, broadening opportunities for partner nations to share expertise and strengthen ties. The exercise plays a vital role in CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance partner nation capacity, promote regional stability, and deter conflict in East Africa.
CJTF-HOA conducts operations to enhance partner nation capacity, promote regional stability, dissuade conflict, and protect U.S. and coalition interests, primarily in the East Africa region. The command is critical to U.S. Africa Command's efforts to build partner capacity to counter violent extremists and address other regional security partnerships. Headquartered at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, the command works against malign actors to strengthen collective security forces and respond to crises to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.
