U.S. and Djiboutian military members view weapon system together during Partner Appreciation Day at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 20, 2024. The event celebrates the enduring partnership and cooperation between the U.S. military and the Djiboutian Armed Forces, highlighting their commitment to regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)

U.S. and Djiboutian military members pose together during Partner Appreciation Day at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 20, 2024. The event celebrates the enduring partnership and cooperation between the U.S. military and the Djiboutian Armed Forces, highlighting their commitment to regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)

U.S. and Djiboutian senior military leaders greet one another during Partner Appreciation Day at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 20, 2024. The event celebrates the enduring partnership and cooperation between the U.S. military and the Djiboutian Armed Forces, highlighting their commitment to regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)

The official party poses for a photo during the opening ceremony of Partner Appreciation Day at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 20, 2024. From left: Capt. Eilis M. Cancel, commander of Camp Lemonnier; Command Chief Master Sgt. Ted R. Braxton, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA); Maj. Gen. Brian T. Cashman, commanding general of CJTF-HOA; Djiboutian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahamoud Ali Youssouf; and U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti Cynthia Kierscht. The event marked 22 years of partnership and cooperation in promoting regional security and stability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by SGT. Lark Sine)

Delegates, ambassadors, and key leaders gathered together for the East Africa Security Forum (EASF) Nov. 22, 2024. The EASF is an opportunity to discuss a range of topics from overarching long-term strategies to specific security threats in the region. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)

Gen. Michael Langley (left), commander of U.S. Africa Command, is greeted by Rear Adm. Justin Kubu, deputy commander of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on Nov. 21, 2024. Langley attended the East Africa Security Forum, the Marine Corps Ball, and spent Thanksgiving with deployed service members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jon Alderman)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, serves up food for the service members and foreign partners at Camp Lemonnier on Nov. 28, 2024. Key leaders from camp traded places with galley workers to serve the troops for Thanksgiving. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, and others attend the Marine Corps Ball Nov. 22, 2024 in Djibouti City, Djibouti. Gen. Langley visited Camp Lemonnier to observe operations and connect with service members. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, addresses service members at a coining ceremony Nov. 22, 2024 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Gen. Langley visited Camp Lemonnier to observe operations and humanitarian objectives. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)

A U.S. Air Force pararescueman from the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron prepares to jump from a U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J "Bronco" during Partner Appreciation Day (PAD) at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. He is accompanied by a U.S. Marine Corps loadmaster, demonstrating joint operations between U.S. military branches. PAD is an event that recognizes the longstanding partnerships with our host nation, allies, and regional partners.

Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs and international Cooperation, addresses delegates and ambassadors for the East Africa Security Forum (EASF) at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti on November 22, 2024. The EASF is an opportunity to discuss a range of topics from overarching long-term strategies to specific security threats in the region. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)

Delegates, ambassadors, and key leaders gathered together for the East Africa Security Forum (EASF) Nov. 22, 2024. The EASF is an opportunity to discuss a range of topics from overarching long-term strategies to specific security threats in the region. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)

The Honorable Cynthia Kierscht, U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti, addresses delegates and ambassadors for the East Africa Security Forum (EASF) at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti on November 22, 2024. The EASF is an opportunity to discuss a range of topics from overarching long-term strategies to specific security threats in the region. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)

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)