U.S. Army Lt. Col. Eric Ponzek, commander of Task Force Tomahawk, speaks to a distinguished guests and service members from Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Oct. 21, 2024. Ponzek highlighted some of the major accomplishments of his task force and thanked his soldiers for their efforts in the security posts across the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by SGT. Lark Sine)

The Pennsylvania National Guard’s Task Force Associator assumed control over the security mission in East Africa from Task Force Paxton, another Pennsylvania National Guard Unit, during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Oct. 21, 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 photo by SGT. Lark Sine)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commanding general, wishes a heartfelt goodbye to the outgoing security forces Task Force, Task Force Paxton, and welcomes the incoming Task Force Associator Soldiers during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Oct. 21, 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 photo by SGT. Lark Sine)

U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Fittipoldi, Task Force Associator commander, welcomes his Soldiers to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Oct. 21, 2024. Soldiers from Task Force Paxton relinquished command security forces to Task Force Associator, another Pennsylvania National Guard Unit. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by SGT. Lark Sine)

The Pennsylvania National Guard’s Task Force Associator assumed control over the security mission in East Africa from Task Force Paxton, another Pennsylvania National Guard Unit, during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Oct. 21, 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 photo by SGT. Lark Sine)

The Pennsylvania National Guard’s Task Force Associator assumed control over the security mission in East Africa from Task Force Paxton, another Pennsylvania National Guard Unit, during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Oct. 21, 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 photo by SGT. Lark Sine)

U.S. Army Major General Brian Cashman, commander of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), presents the command guidon to U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant, command senior enlisted leader of CJTF-HOA, at a change of responsibility ceremony Oct. 8, 2024 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Change of responsibility ceremonies symbolize heritage and reinforce the noncommissioned officer's authority and highlights their support to the chain of command. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)

U.S. Armed Forces members from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), perform a medical knowledge exchange with Gabonese forces in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 18, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cambrin Bassett)

U.S. Army soldiers from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), prepare to deploy to the U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon, as part of a multi-day exercise on Sept. 14, 2024, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. Embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army Photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, commander of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), meets with a member of the Gabonese forces during an exercise in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 16, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. Embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (Courtesy photo)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman (center), commander of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), and U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief Michael Koch (back row, center), Senior Enlisted Leader of CJTF-HOA, pose with a group of U.S. Armed Forces during an exercise in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 15, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. Embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

U.S. Armed Forces members from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), perform a medical knowledge exchange with Gabonese forces in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 18, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cambrin Bassett)

U.S. Army soldiers from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participates in a readiness exercise alongside Gabonese Forces in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 17, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. Embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

U.S. Army soldiers from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), board a C-130 Hercules aircraft to deploy to the U.S. Embassy in Libreville, Gabon, as part of a multi-day exercise on Sept. 14, 2024, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by SSG Aleksander Fomin)

U.S. Armed Forces members from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), pose for a group photo in front of a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft during a readiness exercise alongside Gabonese forces in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 18, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

U.S. Army soldiers from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participates in a readiness exercise alongside Gabonese Forces in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 18, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. Embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

U.S. Armed Forces members from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participate in a readiness exercise alongside Gabonese forces in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 18, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

A U.S. Marine, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), looks out the back of a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft during a readiness exercise in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 19, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cambrin Bassett)

U.S. Army soldiers from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participates in a readiness exercise alongside Gabonese Forces in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 17, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. Embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), refuels from a KC-707 over Africa during a readiness exercise over on Sept. 23, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (Courtesy Photo)

U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and U.S. Marine MV-22 Osprey aircraft, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), along with soldiers from the East Africa Response Force, arrive in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 16, 2024, alongside Gabonese forces. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

Members of the Gabonese forces and U.S. Armed Forces board a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft during a Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) readiness exercise in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 18, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

U.S. Army soldiers from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participates in a readiness exercise alongside Gabonese Forces in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 17, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. Embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

Members of the Gabonese forces pose for a group photo in front of a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft during a Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) readiness exercise in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 18, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

U.S. Army soldiers from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participates in a readiness exercise alongside Gabonese Forces in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 16, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. Embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cambrin Bassett)

U.S. Armed forces members from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), perform push-up handshakes with Gabonese forces in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 18, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cambrin Bassett)

U.S. Army soldiers from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participates in a readiness exercise alongside Gabonese Forces in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 18, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. Embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

A U.S. Army soldier from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participates in a readiness exercise in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 16, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. Embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

U.S. Armed Forces members from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participate in a readiness exercise alongside Gabonese forces in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 18, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

U.S. Army soldiers from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participates in a readiness exercise alongside Gabonese Forces in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 18, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. Embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

U.S. Armed Forces members from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), perform a medical knowledge exchange with Gabonese forces in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 18, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cambrin Bassett)

U.S. Army soldiers from the East Africa Response Force, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participates in a readiness exercise alongside Gabonese Forces in Libreville, Gabon, on Sept. 18, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. Embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (U.S. Army photo by Cpl. Mark Davis)

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), refuels from a KC-707 over Africa during a readiness exercise over on Sept. 23, 2024. This exercise was a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission to enhance crisis response capabilities and foster military cooperation with regional partners and U.S. embassies. More than 150 personnel participated, conducting joint training across 67,000 miles, including air refueling, logistical operations, and ground and medical exercises. These efforts showcased U.S. readiness to address security challenges while strengthening the strategic partnership between U.S. and Gabonese forces. (Courtesy Photo)

U.S. Marines assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, talk to Maureen E. Farrell, deputy assistant secretary of defense for African affairs, third from left, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 9, 2024. Farrell visited Camp Lemonnier and Chabelley Airfield to observe defensive and security protocols. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, met with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian T. Cashman, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, during a visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 9, 2024. Gen. Langley’s visit focused on engaging with deployed troops and observing operations aimed at theater security cooperation and humanitarian objectives throughout East Africa.

Maureen Farrell, deputy assistant secretary of defense for African affairs, and Rear Adm. Justin A. Kubu, deputy commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, pose for a photo in the CJTF-HOA lobby at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 9, 2024. Farrell's visit focused on engaging with deployed troops and observing operations aimed at theater security cooperation and humanitarian objectives throughout East Africa.

U.S. Army Capt. Trudy Bonner, battery commander assigned to Chabelley Airfield, second from left, talks to Maureen E. Farrell, deputy assistant secretary of defense for African affairs, fourth from left, at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Sept. 9, 2024. Farrell visited Camp Lemonnier and Chabelley Airfield to observe defensive and security protocols. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, presents coins to service members at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 9, 2024. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, presents coins to service members at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 9, 2024. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, presents coins to service members at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 9, 2024. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Kathleen LaCorte)