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Photo 1 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
Kenyan Defense Forces perform a litter carry for a mass casualty component during an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise in Manda Bay, Kenya, March 28, 2025. Exercises like these are crucial for enhancing partner nation capacities, promoting regional stability and protecting U.S. and coalition interest in East Africa. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Mitch Munn)
Photo by: Spc. Mitchell Munn
Photo 2 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
Kenyan Defense Forces perform a litter carry for a mass casualty component during an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise in Manda Bay, Kenya, March 28, 2025. Exercises like these are crucial for enhancing partner nation capacities, promoting regional stability and protecting U.S. and coalition interest in East Africa. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Mitch Munn)
Photo by: Spc. Mitchell Munn
Photo 3 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
U.S. service members with the East Africa Response Force assigned to Task Force Associator participate in an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya, March 26, 2025. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leads OSCREs to practice rapid deployment, provide security reinforcement support and facilitate combat casualty care training in order to improve lethality and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 4 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
U.S. service members with the East Africa Response Force assigned to Task Force ASsociator participate in an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya, March 26, 2025. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leads OSCREs to practice rapid deployment, provide security reinforcement support and facilitate combat casualty care training in order to improve lethality and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 5 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
U.S. service members with the East Africa Response Force assigned to Task Force Associator participate in an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya, March 27, 2025. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leads OSCREs to practice rapid deployment, provide security reinforcement support and facilitate combat casualty care training in order to improve lethality and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 6 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
A U.S. service member with the East Africa Response Force assigned to Task Force Associator participates in an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya, March 26, 2025. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leads OSCREs to practice rapid deployment, provide security reinforcement support and facilitate combat casualty care training in order to improve lethality and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 7 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
U.S. service members with the East Africa Response Force assigned to Task Force Associator participate in an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya, March 26, 2025. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leads OSCREs to practice rapid deployment, provide security reinforcement support and facilitate combat casualty care training in order to improve lethality and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 8 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
U.S. service members with the East Africa Response Force participate in an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya, March 26, 2025. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leads OSCREs to practice rapid deployment, provide security reinforcement support and facilitate combat casualty care training in order to improve lethality and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 9 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
A U.S. service member with the East Africa Response Force assigned to Task Force Associator participates in an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya, March 28th, 2025. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leads OSCREs to practice rapid deployment, provide security reinforcement support and facilitate combat casualty care training in order to improve lethality and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 10 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
U.S. service members with the East Africa Response Force assigned to Task Force Associator and Kenyan Marines provide security in an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya, March 27th, 2025. Exercises like these are crucial for enhancing partner nation capacities, promoting regional stability and protecting U.S. and coalition interest in East Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 11 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
U.S. Army Sgt. Adam Whetstone, a squad leader assigned to Task Force Associator, patrols for a Casualty Clearance drill during an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise in Manda Bay, Kenya, March 27, 2025. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leads OSCREs to practice rapid deployment, provide security reinforcement support and facilitate combat casualty care training in order to improve lethality and readiness. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Mitch Munn)
Photo by: Spc. Mitchell Munn
Photo 12 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
U.S. Army Soldiers in the East Africa Response Force assigned to Task Force Associator secure a position for a Casualty Clearance drill during an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise in Manda Bay, Kenya, March 27, 2025. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leads OSCREs to practice rapid deployment, provide security reinforcement support and facilitate combat casualty care training in order to improve lethality and readiness. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Mitch Munn)
Photo by: Spc. Mitchell Munn
Photo 13 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
U.S. service members with the East Africa Response Force assigned to Task Force Associator participate in an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya, March 26, 2025. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leads OSCREs to practice rapid deployment, provide security reinforcement support and facilitate combat casualty care training in order to improve lethality and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 14 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
U.S. Army Soldiers in the East Africa Response Force assigned to Task Force Associator, patrol for a Casualty Clearance drill during an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise in Manda Bay, Kenya, March 27, 2025. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leads OSCREs to practice rapid deployment, provide security reinforcement support and facilitate combat casualty care training in order to improve lethality and readiness. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Mitch Munn)
Photo by: Spc. Mitchell Munn
Photo 15 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
An MV-22 Osprey assigned to the 266th Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron participates in an Outstation Crisis Response at Manda Bay, Kenya, March 26, 2025. The exercise showcased the East African Response Force’s ability to remain postured and ready for immediate deployment at a moment’s notice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 16 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
U.S. service members with the East Africa Response Force assigned to Task Force Associator perform tactical combat casualty care during an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya, March 26, 2025. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leads OSCREs to practice rapid deployment, provide security reinforcement support and facilitate combat casualty care training in order to improve lethality and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
Photo 17 of 17
EARF, KDF perform Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya
U.S. service members with the East Africa Response Force participate in an Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya, March 26, 2025. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leads OSCREs to practice rapid deployment, provide security reinforcement support and facilitate combat casualty care training in order to improve lethality and readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek
MANDA BAY, Kenya– The East Africa Response Forces assigned to Task Force Associator partnered with the Kenyan Defense Force in a Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa-led three-day Outstation Crisis Response Exercise at Manda Bay, Kenya, March 26-28.
The OSCRE reinforced service member’s warrior ethos, lethality and readiness and CJTF-HOA's mission of enhancing partner nation capacity, promoting regional stability, dissuading conflict, and protecting U.S. and partner interests.
The EARF integrated into the existing security posture at Manda Bay for the exercise, which stressed various security procedures. The exercise scenarios included responding to a mass casualty incident, reacting to indirect fire, employing counter-unmanned aircraft systems measures and conducting knowledge exchanges with the KDF on various tactics, techniques and procedures.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian T. Cashman, CJTF-HOA commanding general, said the EARF's participation was crucial for validating crisis response procedures and enhancing readiness with the KDF.
"I cannot express enough gratitude for our Kenyan partners," Cashman said. "They continue to demonstrate incredible cooperation, partnership, and a mutual focus on protecting this region. The common interests, objectives, and values we share with the KDF are critical to our collective success."
Cashman also emphasized the exercise's focus, “Protecting our forces is our top priority, and this exercise is designed to stress our security forces, identify areas for improvement, and enhance our overall security posture. It’s not about a perfect score; it’s about learning and improving.”
The OSCRE focused on enhancing force protection readiness, testing crisis response capabilities across East Africa and increasing interoperability with the KDF.
U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Fittipoldi, Task Force Associator commander, said, “CJTF-HOA deployed the TFAS EARF to enhance the security posture in Manda Bay, which increases our force protection readiness, tests our ability to respond to crises across eastern Africa, and provides a tremendous opportunity to work with our Kenyan allies, increasing our interoperability.”
EARF members emphasized the importance of the training, noting the exercise improves lethality and readiness for real-world events by building muscle memory for strengthening effective reaction time, communication, and collaboration in order to build capacity for partner nation independence.
They highlighted the seamless partnership with the KDF, praising their communication and assistance with the overall security posture and emphasized the camaraderie built with the KDF through the exercises like these.
“This has been a phenomenal experience,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Damain McDowell, EARF team member. “We've been learning from and teaching each other, sharing knowledge and skills to increase readiness.”
The successful exercise demonstrated the EARF's ability to rapidly deploy and respond to threats, reinforcing the U.S.-Kenya security partnership.
