CJTF-HOA participates in 40th Djiboutian Independence Day’s military parade

Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Adams III, Commander Kentucky National Guard Land Component Command, attends along with U.S. service members from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, participating in a military parade in Djibouti City celebrating the country's 40th annual Independence Day, June 27, 2017. The Kentucky National Guard is partnered with Djibouti in the State Partnership Program. Hosted by the president of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, the parade is held annually to mark Djibouti's declaration of independence from France. In addition to the Djiboutian Armed Forces, service members from Italy, France, Japan, China and the U.S. also marched in the parade. The event offered an opportunity for the militaries of various nations with a presence in Djibouti to show support for shared goals in the region, including security and stability. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)