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Chief of National Guard Bureau visits CJTF-HOA, reinforcing Guard’s commitment to East Africa, partnerships
U.S. Air Force Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, tours facilities of Task Force Associator at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 30, 2025. The tour showcased the operational abilities of TFAS, reviewing various weapon systems and gear. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard
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Chief of National Guard Bureau visits CJTF-HOA, reinforcing Guard’s commitment to East Africa, partnerships
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ted Braxton, Command Senior Enlisted Leader left, greets U.S. Air Force Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, upon his arrival to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 30, 2025. His arrival marked a reaffirmation of the National Guard’s enduring support for East African stability and multinational cooperation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard
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Chief of National Guard Bureau visits CJTF-HOA, reinforcing Guard’s commitment to East Africa, partnerships
U.S. Air Force Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, addresses service members after receiving a coin at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 30, 2025. Nordhaus expressed gratitude for the troops’ dedication and emphasized the importance of their mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard
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Chief of National Guard Bureau visits CJTF-HOA, reinforcing Guard’s commitment to East Africa, partnerships
U.S. Army members assigned to Task Force Associator meet with U.S. Air Force Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, during his visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 30, 2025. In addition to operational briefings and tours across the installation, Nordhaus prioritized face-to-face conversations with service members, offering words of encouragement and listening to their experiences. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard
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Chief of National Guard Bureau visits CJTF-HOA, reinforcing Guard’s commitment to East Africa, partnerships
U.S. Air Force Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau is greeted by Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leadership upon his arrival to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 30, 2025. The presence of National Guard units at CJTF-HOA reflects a broader strategy of total force integration, which is an approach that leverages the strengths of active duty, Guard and Reserve components for the missions they are called upon. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti — U.S. Air Force Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, visited Camp Lemonnier and met with leadership and service members of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa May 30-31, reinforcing the National Guard’s commitment to regional security and strengthening multinational partnerships across East Africa.
The presence of National Guard units at CJTF-HOA reflects a broader strategy of total force integration, which is an approach that leverages the strengths of active duty, Guard and Reserve components for the missions they are called upon.
“The National Guard is especially effective in East Africa because our Guardsmen bring warfighting capabilities, civilian expertise, and long-term partnerships - making them ideally suited to help regional allies detect, resist, and recover from malign influence,” said Nordhaus. “The network of deep and long-lasting partnerships in East Africa sends a message to global U.S. adversaries that we are committed, we are resolute, and we are a trusted partner in East Africa and beyond.”
Nordhaus witnessed firsthand the diverse skillsets Guardsmen bring to the mission as he toured various operational facilities. From logistics to tactical operations, he noted how their blend of civilian expertise and military readiness makes them uniquely equipped to support U.S. and partner objectives across East Africa.
Nordhaus noted that the level of total force integration within CJTF-HOA was very impressive, and said that “when we work together across components and service branches, there’s no limit to what we can do.”
He also continued to say that “it’s important to maintain the ties of total force integration today to demonstrate to all adversaries we are Stronger Together, Stronger Tomorrow.”
In addition to operational briefings and tours, Nordhaus prioritized face-to-face conversations with service members, offering words of encouragement and listening to their experiences. He spent time thanking them for the work they’re doing, and said their “efforts are making a difference every day. From my wife, Shannon, and I, huge thanks to you and your families for standing up to serve our nation.”
U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Duncan Williams, East Africa Response Force first sergeant, was one of the members Nordhaus met with during his visit.
“The visit of a four-star general, especially the chief of the National Guard Bureau, is an invaluable experience, especially for our younger troops,” Williams said. “It not only showcases our capabilities as a unified force, but also reinforces the importance of every role within our ranks.
Williams said he knows it meant a lot to the Soldiers, especially when Nordhaus coined and recognized them for their hard work.
“The connection he created by visiting us out here is important because he reminded every service member that regardless of their rank or their role, they are a vital part in a collective success,” Williams said.
During his trip and engagements with troops, Nordhaus also emphasized the importance of partnerships with Djibouti and other partner forces, noting the appreciation and importance of those relationships.
“Our Guardsmen regularly work with foreign counterparts globally, and at home, to advance U.S. national security by helping to build partner capacity,” said Nordhaus. “We work closely with U.S. Africa Command and the other geographic combatant commands to ensure we are providing the right capabilities at the right time.”
CJTF-HOA remains dedicated to strengthening partnerships, promoting regional stability and supporting the joint force through total integration. The command's collaboration with National Guard units demonstrates the value of combining military expertise with civilian skills, allowing for agile and adaptable operations across East Africa.
