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, Djibouti
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, Djibouti
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, Djibouti
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, Djibouti
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, Djibouti
US, Japan service members train together in casualty combat care
Members of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa and the Japanese Self-Defense Force pose for a group photo following joint Tactical Combat Casualty Care skills training at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 29, 2025. The intent of the training was to exchange knowledge about life-saving care in order to reduce combat casualties, increase interoperability between partner forces and strengthen crisis response capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti
US, Japan service members train together in casualty combat care
A Japanese Self-Defense Force member simulates performing Tactical Combat Casualty Care skills on a U.S. service member with moulage makeup at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 29, 2025. The training provided a platform for Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa to collaborate with allies and partners throughout the continent, building mutually beneficial relationships, which help to advance mutual interests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti
US, Japan service members train together in casualty combat care
Japanese Self-Defense Force members simulate performing Tactical Combat Casualty Care skills on a U.S. service member with moulage makeup at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 29, 2025. The intent of the training was to exchange knowledge about life-saving care in order to reduce combat casualties, increase interoperability between partner forces and strengthen crisis response capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti
US, Japan service members train together in casualty combat care
Members of the Japanese Self-Defense Force listen to a presentation during a joint Tactical Casualty Combat Care training session with U.S. Army service members assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Surgeon Cell at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 29, 2025. The training provided a platform for CJTF-HOA to collaborate with allies and partners throughout the continent, building mutually beneficial relationships, which help to advance mutual interests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti
US, Japan service members train together in casualty combat care
Members of the Japanese Self-Defense Force train Tactical Casualty Combat Care tactics with U.S. Army service members assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Surgeon Cell at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 29, 2025. CJTF-HOA seeks to collaborate with allies and partners throughout the continent, building mutually beneficial relationships, which help to advance mutual interests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti
US, Japan service members train together in casualty combat care
U.S. Army Maj. Ryan Kelly, 10th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight Operating Location Horn of Africa officer in charge, demonstrates Tactical Combat Casualty Care tactics during a joint training session with the Japanese Self-Defense Force at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 29, 2025. TCCC training is a Department of Defense training requirement which teaches life-saving first-aid skills to keep a casualty alive until they can be transported to a higher level of care. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti
US, Japan service members train together in casualty combat care
A member of the Japanese Self-Defense Force practices Tactical Casualty Combat Care tactics while at the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Surgeon Cell at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 29, 2025. CJTF-HOA seeks to collaborate with allies and partners throughout the continent, building mutually beneficial relationships, which help to advance mutual interests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti
US, Japan service members train together in casualty combat care
A member of the Japanese Self-Defense Force practices Tactical Casualty Combat Care tactics with a U.S. Army service member assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Surgeon Cell at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 29, 2025. CJTF-HOA seeks to collaborate with allies and partners throughout the continent, building mutually beneficial relationships, which help to advance mutual interests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti
US, Japan service members train together in casualty combat care
A Japanese Self-Defense Force member simulates assisting a U.S. Soldier during Tactical Combat Casualty Care skills training at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 29, 2025. The intent of the training was to exchange knowledge about life-saving care in order to reduce combat casualties, increase interoperability between partner forces and strengthen crisis response capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti
US, Japan service members train together in casualty combat care
Members of the Japanese Self-Defense Force practice Tactical Casualty Combat Care tactics with U.S. Army members assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Surgeon Cell at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 29, 2025. CJTF-HOA seeks to collaborate with allies and partners throughout the continent, building mutually beneficial relationships, which help to advance mutual interests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti
US, Japan service members train together in casualty combat care
U.S. Army Sgt. Brandon Hawk, CJTF-HOA Surgeon Cell medical operations noncommissioned officer in charge, practices Tactical Casualty Combat Care skills with a member of the Japanese Self-Defense Force at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 29, 2025. TCCC training is a Department of Defense training requirement which teaches life-saving first-aid skills to keep a casualty alive until they can be transported to a higher level of care. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)
U.S. Army Soldiers, members of the East Africa Response Force, patrol the range during exercise Bull Shark 25-2 at Arta Range, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. Exercise Bull Shark enhanced multinational interoperability through simulated crisis response and coordinated field operations, thus strengthening partnerships and enhancing Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa’s operational effectiveness in a joint environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek, Djibouti
406th Air Expeditionary Wing
Spanish forces conduct a hoist operation out of a Spanish MH-60R Seahawk during exercise Bull Shark 25-2 in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. Exercise Bull Shark prepared U.S. and partner nation units to respond rapidly in a joint environment to humanitarian emergencies and regional security threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin Ray J. Salvador)
Djiboutian Navy members conduct a search
and seizure of a simulated pirate vessel during exercise Bull Shark 25-2 in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. Exercise Bull Shark focused on bringing together U.S. and partner nation forces to enhance
communication and interoperability while
performing simulated personnel recovery
operations across land, sea and air domains. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Spanish Special Operation Maritime Team Unit members board a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey for exercise Bull Shark 25-2 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. The purpose of Exercise Bull Shark was to enable joint training between like-minded partners throughout East Africa and increase crisis response and personnel recovery skills through continued practice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Allison Payne)
An MV-22B Osprey Crew Chief, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, prepares to raise rear panel for flight during Exercise Bull Shark 25-2 in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. Maritime air and ground forces from U.S. and partner nations rehearsed key mission tasks to build trust, improve response coordination and sharpen tactical execution while working toward strengthening regional security and stability. (U.S. Army photo by SGT Nicholas Session)
Spanish Special Operation Maritime Team Unit
members conduct security at a simulated crash
site during exercise Bull Shark 25-2 at Arta Beach,
Djibouti, May 6, 2025. Service members from
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa and
partner nations demonstrated agility and
interoperability through joint maneuver,
communication, and casualty evacuation drills.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin Ray J.
Salvador)
A U.S. Marine Corps’ MV-22B Osprey, assigned to
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, off-loads
military personnel at a simulated crash site
during exercise Bull Shark 25-2 in the Gulf of
Tadjoura, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. Exercise Bull
Shark prepared U.S. and partner nation units to
respond rapidly in a joint environment to
humanitarian emergencies and regional security
threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin
Ray J. Salvador)
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Micah Close, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 crew chief, flies over Arta Beach, Djibouti, in a MV-22B Osprey during exercise Bull Shark 25-2, May 6, 2025. Exercise Bull Shark prepared U.S. and partner nation units to respond rapidly in a joint environment to humanitarian emergencies and regional security threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek, Djibouti
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
U.S. service members work alongside the
Djiboutian Navy and Coast Guard conduct a
piracy interdiction drill during exercise Bull
Shark 25-2 in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti,
May 6, 2025. Participants from the U.S.,
Djiboutian armed forces, Japan Self-Defense Forces, European Union's Naval Forces(Armada – Spanish Navy), French Forces in Djibouti, and partner nations trained side by side to strengthen communication, readiness and partner capacity across East Africa. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Military personnel conduct hoist operations in an MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine
Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 during Exercise Bull Shark 25-2 in the Gulf of Tadjoura,
Djibouti, May 6, 2025. Participants from the U.S., Djiboutian armed forces, Japan Self-
Defense Forces, French Forces in Djibouti, and European Naval Forces nations trained side-
by-side to strengthen communication, readiness and partner capacity across East Africa.
(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Lorelai Warman)
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Micah Close, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 crew chief, prepares for takeoff while inside a MV-22B Osprey during exercise Bull Shark 25-2 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. Exercise Bull Shark prepared U.S. and partner nation units to respond rapidly in a joint environment to humanitarian emergencies and regional security threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek, Djibouti
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
U.S. service members assigned to the
Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa
communications directorate oversee
communication operations between air, land and maritime partners during exercise Bull Shark 25-2 at Arta Beach, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. Participants from the U.S., Djiboutian armed forces, Japan Self-Defense Forces, European Union's Naval Forces (Armada – Spanish Navy), French Forces in Djibouti, and partner nations trained side-by-side to strengthen communication, readiness and
partner capacity across East Africa. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. James Simmons,
Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa
exercise planner, performs a communications check in preparation for a simulated piracy interdiction drill during exercise Bull Shark 25-2 at Arta Beach, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. Participants from the U.S., Djiboutian armed forces, Japan Self-Defense Forces, European Union's Naval Forces (Armada – Spanish Navy), French Forces in Djibouti, and partner nations trained side-by-side to strengthen communication, readiness and partner capacity across East Africa. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey, assigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, flies during exercise Bull Shark 25-2 in Djibouti, May 6, 2025. Exercise Bull Shark prepared U.S. and partner nation units to respond rapidly in a joint environment to humanitarian emergencies and regional security threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek, Djibouti
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
Spanish Special Operation Maritime Team Unit members conduct security for exercise Bull Shark 25-2 at Arta Beach, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. The purpose of exercise Bull Shark was to enable joint training between like minded partners throughout East Africa and increase crisis response and personnel recovery skills through continued practice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Allison Payne)
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Allison payne, Arta Beach, Djibouti
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn
An MV-22B Osprey, assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161, flies over water for a
search and rescue operation during Exercise Bull Shark 25-2 in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti,
May 6, 2025. Maritime air and ground forces from U.S. and partner nations rehearsed key
mission tasks to build trust, improve response coordination and sharpen tactical execution
while working toward strengthening regional security and stability.
(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Lorelai Warman)
Bull Shark 25-2: US strengthens alliances, collectively boosts regional security capabilities in East Africa
Spanish Special Operation Maritime Team Unit members conduct security for exercise Bull Shark 25-2 at Arta Beach, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. The purpose of exercise Bull Shark was to enable joint training between like minded partners throughout East Africa and increase crisis response and personnel recovery skills through continued practice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Allison Payne)
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Allison Payne, Arta Beach, Djibouti
Bull Shark 25-2: US strengthens alliances, collectively boosts regional security capabilities in East Africa
A U.S. pararescueman assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, right, inspects a member of the Joint Personnel Recovery Center during a simulated medical emergency for exercise Bull Shark, 25-2, in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. The purpose of Exercise Bull Shark was to enable joint training between like-minded partners throughout East Africa and increase crisis response and personnel recovery skills through continued practice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Allison Payne)
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Allison Payne, Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti
Bull Shark 25-2: US strengthens alliances, collectively boosts regional security capabilities in East Africa
A U.S. Air Force pararescueman, left, assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Louis Donatucci, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 crew chief, assist a hoist operation from an MV-22B Osprey during exercise Bull Shark 25-2 at Arta Beach, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. Exercise Bull Shark focused on bringing together U.S. and partner nation forces to enhance communication and interoperability while performing simulated personnel recovery operations across land, sea and air domains. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Allison Payne)
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Allison Payne, Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti
Bull Shark 25-2: US strengthens alliances, collectively boosts regional security capabilities in East Africa
A U.S. Air Force pararescueman, assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, rappels out of a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey during exercise Bull Shark 25-2 in the Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. Participants from the U.S., Djiboutian armed forces, Japan Self-Defense Forces, French Forces in Djibouti, and European Union's Naval Forces (Armada – Spanish Navy) trained side-by-side to strengthen communication, readiness and partner capacity across East Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Allison Payne)
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Allison Payne, Gulf of Tadjoura, Djibouti
Bull Shark 25-2: US strengthens alliances, collectively boosts regional security capabilities in East Africa
Spanish Special Operation Maritime Team Unit members depart a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey to conduct security for exercise Bull Shark 25-2 at Arta Beach, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. Participants from the U.S., Djiboutian armed forces, Japan Self Defense Forces, French Forces in Djibouti, and European Union's Naval Forces (Armada – Spanish Navy) trained side-by-side to strengthen communication, readiness and partner capacity across East Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Allison Payne)
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Allison Payne, Arta Beach, Djibouti
Bull Shark 25-2: US strengthens alliances, collectively boosts regional security capabilities in East Africa
Spanish Special Operation Maritime Team Unit members prepare for takeoff in a U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey for exercise Bull Shark 25-2 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. Service members from Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa and partner nations demonstrated agility and interoperability through joint maneuver, communication, and casualty evacuation drills.