U.S. Coast Guard Command Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Koch, former command senior enlisted leader of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, reflects on his time as CSEL at a change of responsibility ceremony Oct. 8, 2024 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Koch was the first U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel to serve in this capacity at Camp Lemonnier. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)

U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant Ted Braxton Jr., command senior enlisted leader of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, shares his aspirations as the new CSEL at a change of responsibility ceremony Oct. 8, 2024 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Braxton served as the 449th Air Expeditionary Group SEL at Camp Lemonnier in 2021. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, commander of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, watches MV-22 Osprey aircraft land during a multi-day training exercise at Cooperative Security Location, Kismayo, Somalia, July 21, 2024. The exercise included medical and logistics training to enhance allied partnerships and support regional security operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)

U.S. Soldiers conduct combat casualty care training during a multi-day exercise at Cooperative Security Location, Kismayo, Somalia, July 21, 2024. The exercise included medical and logistics training to enhance allied partnerships and support regional security operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)

U.S. service members pose for a photo during a graduation ceremony for the Marine Corporals Course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on July 19, 2024. The course teaches leadership skills and prepares students to assume greater responsibilities as noncommissioned officers. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)

General Laurent Boite, commander of French Forces stationed in Djibouti, and Major General Brian Cashman, Commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, exchange a handshake after the runway opening ceremony ribbon cutting at Chabelley Airfield on July 16, 2024. CJTF-HOA works with partner nations, coalition forces, and intergovernmental organizations in a unified effort to provide security and stability in the region. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)

Service members from the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and members from the Japanese military participate in assembling communication equipment on June 28, 2024, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. This collaborative effort, part of a knowledge exchange, underscores our commitment to strengthening alliances and promoting regional stability through shared expertise and cooperation.

MBK (Manda Bay, Kenya) Task Force Paxton (TFPA) Security Forces (SECFOR) Blacksheep Co., 3rd Platoon, US Army Civil Affairs (CA), USAF Civil Engineers (CE), Kenyan Marines, and Local Village Elders conduct key leader engagements and joint patrols, Manda Bay, Kenya, May 28th, 2024.

MBK (Manda Bay, Kenya) Task Force Paxton (TFPA) Security Forces (SECFOR) Blacksheep Co., 3rd Platoon, US Army Civil Affairs (CA), USAF Civil Engineers (CE), Kenyan Marines, and Local Village Elders conduct key leader engagements and joint patrols, Manda Bay, Kenya, May 28th, 2024.

MBK (Manda Bay, Kenya) Task Force Paxton (TFPA) Security Forces (SECFOR) Blacksheep Co., 3rd Platoon, US Army Civil Affairs (CA), USAF Civil Engineers (CE), Kenyan Marines, and Local Village Elders conduct key leader engagements and joint patrols, Manda Bay, Kenya, May 28th, 2024.

MBK (Manda Bay, Kenya) Task Force Paxton (TFPA) Security Forces (SECFOR) Blacksheep Co., 3rd Platoon, US Army Civil Affairs (CA), USAF Civil Engineers (CE), Kenyan Marines, and Local Village Elders conduct key leader engagements and joint patrols, Manda Bay, Kenya, May 28th, 2024.

MBK (Manda Bay, Kenya) Task Force Paxton (TFPA) Security Forces (SECFOR) Blacksheep Co., 3rd Platoon, US Army Civil Affairs (CA), USAF Civil Engineers (CE), Kenyan Marines, and Local Village Elders conduct key leader engagements and joint patrols, Manda Bay, Kenya, May 28th, 2024.

MBK (Manda Bay, Kenya) Task Force Paxton (TFPA) Security Forces (SECFOR) Blacksheep Co., 3rd Platoon, US Army Civil Affairs (CA), USAF Civil Engineers (CE), Kenyan Marines, and Local Village Elders conduct key leader engagements and joint patrols, Manda Bay, Kenya, May 28th, 2024.

MBK (Manda Bay, Kenya) Task Force Paxton (TFPA) Security Forces (SECFOR) Blacksheep Co., 3rd Platoon, US Army Civil Affairs (CA), USAF Civil Engineers (CE), Kenyan Marines, and Local Village Elders conduct key leader engagements and joint patrols, Manda Bay, Kenya, May 28th, 2024.

MBK (Manda Bay, Kenya) Task Force Paxton (TFPA) Security Forces (SECFOR) Blacksheep Co., 3rd Platoon, US Army Civil Affairs (CA), USAF Civil Engineers (CE), Kenyan Marines, and Local Village Elders conduct key leader engagements and joint patrols, Manda Bay, Kenya, May 28th, 2024.

MBK (Manda Bay, Kenya) Task Force Paxton (TFPA) Security Forces (SECFOR) Blacksheep Co., 3rd Platoon, US Army Civil Affairs (CA), USAF Civil Engineers (CE), Kenyan Marines, and Local Village Elders conduct key leader engagements and joint patrols, Manda Bay, Kenya, May 28th, 2024.

MBK (Manda Bay, Kenya) Task Force Paxton (TFPA) Security Forces (SECFOR) Blacksheep Co., 3rd Platoon, US Army Civil Affairs (CA), USAF Civil Engineers (CE), Kenyan Marines, and Local Village Elders conduct key leader engagements and joint patrols, Manda Bay, Kenya, May 28th, 2024. TFPA SECFOR provides security in conjunction with Kenyan Marines to facilitate the installation of a water collection point for the local village, strategically enhancing the relationship between all parties. SECFOR platoon from TFPA, Blacksheep Co, and Kenyan Marine squad provided 360 degree security around the objective to allow CE squad to continue work on an ongoing project. CE had previously installed support posts and built a platform for the water storage tank. On this patrol CE trimmed the support posts, framed in the roof with joists and rafters, installed the tin roof, and prepared the water collection tank for use. TFPA SECFOR provides security in conjunction with Kenyan Marines to facilitate the installation of a water collection point for the local village, strategically enhancing the relationship between all parties.

MBK (Manda Bay, Kenya) Task Force Paxton (TFPA) Security Forces (SECFOR) Blacksheep Co., 3rd Platoon, US Army Civil Affairs (CA), USAF Civil Engineers (CE), Kenyan Marines, and Local Village Elders conduct key leader engagements and joint patrols, Manda Bay, Kenya, May 28th, 2024.

MBK (Manda Bay, Kenya) Task Force Paxton (TFPA) Security Forces (SECFOR) Blacksheep Co., 3rd Platoon, US Army Civil Affairs (CA), USAF Civil Engineers (CE), Kenyan Marines, and Local Village Elders conduct key leader engagements and joint patrols, Manda Bay, Kenya, May 28th, 2024.

The 1782nd Engineer Support Company, from the South Carolina National Guard, transferred authority of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa engineering mission to the 1151st Engineer Support Company from the Alabama National Guard during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 11, 2024. 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. Army National Guard photos by SGT. Lark Sine)

The 1782nd Engineer Support Company, from the South Carolina National Guard, transferred authority of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa engineering mission to the 1151st Engineer Support Company from the Alabama National Guard during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 11, 2024. 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. Army National Guard photos by SGT. Lark Sine)

The 1782nd Engineer Support Company, from the South Carolina National Guard, transferred authority of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa engineering mission to the 1151st Engineer Support Company from the Alabama National Guard during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 11, 2024. 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. Army National Guard photos by SGT. Lark Sine)

The 1782nd Engineer Support Company, from the South Carolina National Guard, transferred authority of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa engineering mission to the 1151st Engineer Support Company from the Alabama National Guard during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 11, 2024. 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. Army National Guard photos by SGT. Lark Sine)

The 1782nd Engineer Support Company, from the South Carolina National Guard, transferred authority of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa engineering mission to the 1151st Engineer Support Company from the Alabama National Guard during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 11, 2024. 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. Army National Guard photos by SGT. Lark Sine)

An international coalition of partner nations along with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa leadership conducted a rehearsal of concept for a simulated embassy evacuation, on May 31, 2024 at Camp Lemonnier Djibouti. Through exercises like this, allied forces hone their capabilities, enhance their readiness, and demonstrate their steadfast solidarity in times of need and crisis. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

The 1782nd Engineer Support Company, from the South Carolina National Guard, transferred authority of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa engineering mission to the 1151st Engineer Support Company from the Alabama National Guard during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 11, 2024. 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. Army National Guard photos by SGT. Lark Sine)

An international coalition of partner nations along with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa leadership conducted a rehearsal of concept for a simulated embassy evacuation, on May 31, 2024 at Camp Lemonnier Djibouti. Through exercises like this, allied forces hone their capabilities, enhance their readiness, and demonstrate their steadfast solidarity in times of need and crisis. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

An international coalition of partner nations along with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa leadership conducted a rehearsal of concept for a simulated embassy evacuation, on May 31, 2024 at Camp Lemonnier Djibouti. Through exercises like this, allied forces hone their capabilities, enhance their readiness, and demonstrate their steadfast solidarity in times of need and crisis. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cambrin Bassett)

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (June 1, 2024) Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 reinforced is relieved by VMM-164 (REIN) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June. 1. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa deployed both VMM squadrons to support aerial and combat operations in the Horn of Africa. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (US Air Force SrA John Macera)

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (June 1, 2024) Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 reinforced is relieved by VMM-164 (REIN) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June. 1. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa deployed both VMM squadrons to support aerial and combat operations in the Horn of Africa. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (US Air Force SrA John Macera)

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (June 1, 2024) Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 reinforced is relieved by VMM-164 (REIN) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June. 1. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa deployed both VMM squadrons to support aerial and combat operations in the Horn of Africa. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (US Air Force SrA John Macera)

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (June 1, 2024) Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 reinforced is relieved by VMM-164 (REIN) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June. 1. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa deployed both VMM squadrons to support aerial and combat operations in the Horn of Africa. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (US Air Force SrA John Macera)

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (June 1, 2024) Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 reinforced is relieved by VMM-164 (REIN) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June. 1. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa deployed both VMM squadrons to support aerial and combat operations in the Horn of Africa. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (US Air Force SrA John Macera)

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (June 1, 2024) Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 reinforced is relieved by VMM-164 (REIN) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June. 1. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa deployed both VMM squadrons to support aerial and combat operations in the Horn of Africa. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (US Air Force SrA John Macera)

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (June 1, 2024) Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 reinforced is relieved by VMM-164 (REIN) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June. 1. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa deployed both VMM squadrons to support aerial and combat operations in the Horn of Africa. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (US Air Force SrA John Macera)

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (June 1, 2024) Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 reinforced is relieved by VMM-164 (REIN) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June. 1. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa deployed both VMM squadrons to support aerial and combat operations in the Horn of Africa. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (US Air Force SrA John Macera)

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (June 1, 2024) Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 reinforced is relieved by VMM-164 (REIN) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June. 1. U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe and Africa deployed both VMM squadrons to support aerial and combat operations in the Horn of Africa. CLDJ is an operational installation that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (US Air Force SrA John Macera)

U.S. Army SSG Lisa Marie Duffy, Retention NCO, Task Force Paxton, engages with soldiers from Task Force Paxton across the Horn of Africa. Her mission consists of assisting soldiers wanting to reenlist in the National Guard while deployed and educating all soldiers on the many benefits available to them as service members. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by SSgt Juan M Paz)

U.S. Army SSG Lisa Marie Duffy, Retention NCO, Task Force Paxton, engages with soldiers from Task Force Paxton across the Horn of Africa. Her mission consists of assisting soldiers wanting to reenlist in the National Guard while deployed and educating all soldiers on the many benefits available to them as service members. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by SSgt Juan M Paz)