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VMM-266 to VMM 161 transfer of authority
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col Allen Whitlow, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 commander, gives remarks during a Transfer of Authority for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 and 161 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Apr. 1, 2025. The ceremony is a military tradition representing a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a mission from one unit to the next. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 2 of 9
VMM-266 to VMM 161 transfer of authority
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col Jeff Pullinger, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 commander, gives outgoing remarks during a Transfer of Authority for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 and 161 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Apr. 1, 2025. VMM-266 conducted six multinational training events alongside local partner nation forces, strengthening partnerships vital to regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 3 of 9
VMM-266 to VMM 161 transfer of authority
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col Jeff Pullinger, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 commander, gives outgoing remarks during a Transfer of Authority for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 and 161 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Apr. 1, 2025. VMM-266 conducted six multinational training events alongside local partner nation forces, strengthening partnerships vital to regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 4 of 9
VMM-266 to VMM 161 transfer of authority
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ted R. Braxton Jr., Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command senior enlisted leader, stands with incoming and outgoing leadership from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 and 161 during a Transfer of Authority at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Apr. 1, 2025. The ceremony is a military tradition representing a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a mission from one unit to the next. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek).
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 5 of 9
VMM-266 to VMM 161 transfer of authority
Leadership from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 and 161 assigned to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa stand for the National Anthem during a Transfer of Authority at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Apr. 1, 2025. The ceremony is a military tradition representing a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a mission from one unit to the next. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 6 of 9
VMM-266 to VMM 161 transfer of authority
U.S. Marine Corps Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 leadership pose with coins presented by Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leadership during a Transfer of Authority for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 and 161 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Apr. 1, 2025. VMM-266 conducted six multinational training events alongside local partner nation forces, strengthening partnerships vital to regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 7 of 9
VMM-266 to VMM 161 transfer of authority
U.S. Marines sing the Marines Hymn during a Transfer of Authority for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 and 161 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Apr. 1, 2025. The ceremony is a military tradition representing a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a mission from one unit to the next. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 8 of 9
VMM-266 to VMM 161 transfer of authority
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commanding general, gives opening remarks during a Transfer of Authority ceremony for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 and 161 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Apr. 1, 2025. The ceremony is a military tradition representing a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a mission from one unit to the next. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 9 of 9
VMM-266 to VMM 161 transfer of authority
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col Allen Whitlow, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 commander, gives remarks during a Transfer of Authority for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 and 161 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Apr. 1, 2025. The ceremony is a military tradition representing a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a mission from one unit to the next. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti– Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (VMM-161) officially assumed its role as the Aviation Combat Element in the Horn of Africa from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (VMM-266) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, April 1, 2025.
This transition marks another chapter in the ongoing mission to provide critical 24/7 crisis response and support to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.
The ceremony honored the achievements of VMM-266 Marines and welcomed the incoming Marines of VMM-161.
The Marine Tiltrotor Squadron supports exercises and operations that include crisis response, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief operations, all of which are vital to the stability and security of the East Africa region and enables CJTF-HOA’s to build interoperability and capacity for partner nation independence.
"Today we recognize the exceptional contributions of the Fighting Griffins [VMM-266], who have set a remarkable standard during their deployment here in Djibouti, East Africa," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian T. Cashman, commanding general of CJTF-HOA. "Over the past six months, VMM-266 has demonstrated unmatched dedication, skill, and adaptability."
During their deployment, VMM-266 logged an impressive 1,900 flight hours, transported over 1.3 million pounds of cargo, and moved thousands of passengers across East Africa. According to Cashman, their efforts have set a high standard for VMM-161 to follow.
“They absolutely crushed it…all the prep we did coming out here, the work ups, the train ups to get the aircraft here,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jeff Pullinger, VMM-266 commander. “I just want to say I am very, very proud of the Griffins and what they pulled off."
VMM-266 conducted six multinational training events alongside local partner nation forces, strengthening partnerships vital to regional security. Additionally, they supported over 20 U.S. Special Operations Command Africa operations that directly contributed to mission success across critical areas of engagement.
The incoming squadron is poised to continue the critical support for CJTF-HOA’s operations, transporting and inserting ground forces as needed throughout the region for crisis response.
An interesting piece of history for the VMM-161, is that this is not their first rodeo in East Africa and were assigned to CJTF-HOA in 2021.
“To VMM-266, your success and professionalism is going to be what carries the day for our mission to be possible,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Allen Whitlow, incoming VMM-161 commander. “We’re thrilled to be back. Our Marines are hungry for the mission, but more importantly, we are ready for the mission.”
The transition of authority to VMM-161 reinforces the continued dedication to maintaining lethality, readiness and execution of the mission with precision and effectiveness.
“From all of us at CJTF-HOA, to the men and women of VMM-161, welcome to the team, One Team,” said Cashman.
