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2-185th Airfield Operations Battalion transfers authority to 1-58th AOB during TOA ceremony
The outgoing unit 2-185th Airfield Operations Battalion command staff, U.S. Army Lt. Col. J. Andrew Birmingham and U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Brandon G. Creel, along with the incoming unit the 1-58th AOB command staff U.S. Army Lt. Col. Lindsay Ryan and U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Carlos Silva-Lind case and uncase their flags during a Transfer of Authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier Djibouti, Feb. 15, 2025. The regimental color is a physical symbol of a unit and an expression of a unit's
courage and pride. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Michaela Maldonado
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2-185th Airfield Operations Battalion transfers authority to 1-58th AOB during TOA ceremony
U.S. Army Lt. Col. J. Andrew Birmingham speaks during the Transfer of Authority
ceremony with the 2-185th Airfield Operations Battalion and 1-58th Airfield Operations Battalion at Camp Lemonnier Djibouti, Feb. 15, 2025. Many of the soldiers played critical roles in crisis response, volunteering in the community and operational efficiency advancements. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Michaela Maldonado
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2-185th Airfield Operations Battalion transfers authority to 1-58th AOB during TOA ceremony
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa
commanding general, U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ted Braxton, CJTF-HOA
command senior enlisted leader stand with the 2-185th Airfield Operations Battalion and 1-58th AOB command staff at the end of the Transfer of Authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 15, 2025. The ceremony symbolized the end of the mission and honored the 2-185th soldiers and welcomed 1-58th AOB soldiers. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Michaela Maldonado
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2-185th Airfield Operations Battalion transfers authority to 1-58th AOB during TOA ceremony
The 2-185th Airfield Operations Battalion pose for a photo at Camp Lemonnier,
Djibouti, Feb. 15, 2025. Many of the soldiers played critical roles in crisis response,
volunteering in the community and operational efficiency advancements. (U.S.
Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Michaela Maldonado
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2-185th Airfield Operations Battalion transfers authority to 1-58th AOB during TOA ceremony
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Lindsay Ryan, 1-58th Airfield Operations Battalion commander
speaks during the Transfer of Authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb.
15th, 2025. The 1-58th AOB assumed authority from the 2-185th AOB. (U.S. Army
photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Michaela Maldonado
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2-185th Airfield Operations Battalion transfers authority to 1-58th AOB during TOA ceremony
U.S. Army soldiers from the 2-185th Airfield Operations Battalion attend the Transfer of Authority ceremony with 1-58th Airfield Operations Battalion at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 15, 2025. The soldiers of the 2-185th AOB played critical roles in crisis response, volunteering in the community and operational efficiency advancements. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Michaela Maldonado
CAMP LEMONIIER, Djibouti – The 2-185th Airfield Operations Battalion, Mississippi National Guard, transferred authority to the 1-58th AOB, Fort Novosel, Alabama, on Feb. 15, 2025, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Their responsibilities to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa include providing air traffic control and airfield management functions to four airfields across East Africa.
They played a key role in maintaining and developing airspace CJTF-HOA's area of responsibility. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, CJTF-HOA commanding general, presided over the transfer of authority ceremony and addressed the 2-185th AOB.
“Tactical and strategic support to operations and across East Africa were significantly enhanced,” said Cashman. “Because of your commitment, diligence, and leadership.”
Cashman highlighted the key contributions of the 2-185th AOB to CJTF-HOA during their time in the Horn of Africa.
“Directly supporting 28,978 aircraft movements in Kenya and Somalia, and 269 ground- controlled approaches to Manda Bay, Kenya,” said Cashman. “In coordination with the Somali Civil Authority, your efforts developed a mutually beneficial Host Nation Agreement for airfield and ramp management at the Mogadishu, Baledogle, and Kismayo airfields.”
Since June 2024, the 2-185th AOB has provided critical support to the CJTF-HOA mission, which is to enhance regional stability and strengthen relationships with partner nations through various collaborations to improve and increase airfield operations across the HOA. Their efforts have extended beyond Djibouti to outstations across Africa.
Cashman also thanked the soldiers of the 2-185th AOB for their hard work and efforts as their time came to a close and welcomed the 1-58th AOB to assume authority.
Charged with continuing combat readiness and providing support, the 1-58th AOB is vital to advancing the goals of the CJTF-HOA mission. This deployment reflects the U.S. military’s enduring commitment to promoting stability, security and collaboration in the region, safeguarding local communities and strategic interests. Building on the groundwork laid by their predecessors, the 1-58th AOB will address regional challenges, foster partnerships with host nations, and enhance airfield operations.
