U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col Jeff Pullinger, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 commander, gives outgoing remarks during a Transfer of Authority for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 and 161 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Apr. 1, 2025. VMM-266 conducted six multinational training events alongside local partner nation forces, strengthening partnerships vital to regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti
VMM-266 to VMM 161 transfer of authority
Leadership from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 and 161 assigned to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa stand for the National Anthem during a Transfer of Authority at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Apr. 1, 2025. 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. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti
VMM-266 to VMM 161 transfer of authority
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commanding general, gives opening remarks during a Transfer of Authority ceremony for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 and 161 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Apr. 1, 2025. 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. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti
VMM-266 to VMM 161 transfer of authority
U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col Allen Whitlow, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 commander, gives remarks during a Transfer of Authority for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 and 161 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Apr. 1, 2025. 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. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti
VMM-266 to VMM 161 transfer of authority
U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ted R. Braxton Jr., Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command senior enlisted leader, stands with incoming and outgoing leadership from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 and 161 during a Transfer of Authority at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Apr. 1, 2025. 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. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek).
Photo by: Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti
VMM-266 to VMM 161 transfer of authority
U.S. Marine Corps Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 leadership pose with coins presented by Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa leadership during a Transfer of Authority for Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 and 161 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Apr. 1, 2025. VMM-266 conducted six multinational training events alongside local partner nation forces, strengthening partnerships vital to regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)
U.S. service members finish a hand-to-hand combat portion during the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 19, 2025. This training assisted service members in ensuring that they are always ready, lethal and prepared for any range of hand-to-hand combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
U.S. service members participate in the Norwegian Foot March at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 22, 2025. The ruck is a test of strength and endurance as they completed 18.6 miles in under four and a half hours with 25-pound rucksacks. (U.S Army Photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: CJTF-HOA Public Affairs, Camp Lemonnier, Djbouti
Norwegian Foot March at Camp Lemonnier
U.S. service members participate in the Norwegian Foot March at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 22, 2025. The ruck is a test of strength and endurance as they completed 18.6 miles in under four and a half hours with 25-pound rucksacks. (U.S Army Photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
U.S. service members participate in the Norwegian Foot March at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 22, 2025. First held in 1915, the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Forsvaret, meaning “the defense” in the Norwegian language, worked to expose new members to field conditions. Over the next century, the event evolved adding a foreign service badge earned for completing the foot march to the standard. (U.S Army Photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
A French soldier participates in the Norwegian Foot March at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 22, 2025. First held in 1915, the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Forsvaret, meaning “the defense” in the Norwegian language, worked to expose new members to field conditions. Over the next century, the event evolved adding a foreign service badge earned for completing the foot march to the standard. (U.S Army Photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
U.S. service members cross the finish line during the Norwegian Foot March at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 22, 2025. Participants who finish the ruck in under four and a half hours earn a bronze pin to encapsulate their accomplishment. (U.S Army Photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
A U.S. service member participates in the Norwegian Foot March at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 22, 2025. First held in 1915, the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Forsvaret, meaning “the defense” in the Norwegian language, worked to expose new members to field conditions. Over the next century, the event evolved adding a foreign service badge earned for completing the foot march to the standard. (U.S Army Photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
A U.S. service member participates in the Norwegian Foot March at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 22, 2025. Participants have undergone training for the past three months to ensure they were prepared for the ruck. (U.S Army Photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
A U.S. service member performs an arm dunk to during the Norwegian Foot March at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 22, 2025. The arm dunk ensures members stay at an optimal body temperature to minimize the risk of injury. (U.S Army Photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
A U.S. service member competes in the Norwegian Foot March at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 22, 2025. The ruck is a test of strength and endurance as they completed 18.6 miles in under four and a half hours with 25-pound rucksacks. (U.S Army Photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
A U.S. service member participates in the Norwegian Foot March at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 22, 2025. The ruck is a test of strength and endurance as they completed 18.6 miles in under four and a half hours with 25-pound rucksacks. (U.S Army Photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
French soldiers participate in the Norwegian Foot March at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 22, 2025. First held in 1915, the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Forsvaret, meaning “the defense” in the Norwegian language, worked to expose new members to field conditions. Over the next century, the event evolved adding a foreign service badge earned for completing the foot march to the standard. (U.S Army Photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
CJTF-HOA Participates in the French Desert Commando Course
French soldiers finish a water obstacle course during the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 16, 2025. Founded in Djibouti by the French army, the FDCC became a routine training requirement for French soldiers stationed in Djibouti. The French army’s 5th Overseas Combined Arms Regiment hosts the course and has invited U.S. personnel stationed in Djibouti to participate since 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
CJTF-HOA Participates in the French Desert Commando Course
U.S. service members finish a hand-to-hand combat portion during the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 19, 2025. This training assisted service members in ensuring that they are always ready, lethal and prepared for any range of hand-to-hand combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
CJTF-HOA Participates in the French Desert Commando Course
A French Desert Commando Course instructor demonstrates how to complete a rope swing during the mountain course portion of the FDCC at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 16, 2025. Founded in Djibouti by the French army, the FDCC became a routine training requirement for French soldiers stationed in Djibouti. The French army’s 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment hosts the course and has invited U.S. personnel stationed in Djibouti to participate since 2015. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
CJTF-HOA Participates in the French Desert Commando Course
U.S. service members spar during the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 19, 2025. This training assisted service members in ensuring that they are always ready, lethal and prepared for any range of hand-to-hand combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
CJTF-HOA Participates in the French Desert Commando Course
U.S. service members practice hand-to-hand combat during the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 19, 2025. This training assisted service members in ensuring that they are always ready, lethal and prepared for any range of hand-to-hand combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
CJTF-HOA Participates in the French Desert Commando Course
U.S. service members learn night survival training during the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 17, 2025. The night survival simulated a plane crash and tested how service members react and survive. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
CJTF-HOA Participates in the French Desert Commando Course
U.S. service members prepare to practice different grappling and jujitsu techniques during the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 19, 2025. This training assisted service members in ensuring that they are always ready, lethal and prepared for any range of hand-to-hand combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
CJTF-HOA Participates in the French Desert Commando Course
U.S. service members practice hand-to-hand combat during the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 19, 2025. This training assisted service members in ensuring that they are always ready, lethal and prepared for any range of hand-to-hand combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
CJTF-HOA Participates in the French Desert Commando Course
A U.S. service member learns different grappling and jujitsu techniques from a French Desert Commando Course instructor during the FDCC at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 19, 2025. This training assisted service members in ensuring that they are always ready, lethal and prepared for any range of hand-to-hand combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
CJTF-HOA Participates in the French Desert Commando Course
U.S. service members practice different grappling and jujitsu techniques during the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 19, 2025. This training assisted service members in ensuring that they are always ready, lethal and prepared for any range of hand-to-hand combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Staff Sgt. Apolonia Gaspar, Arta Beach, Djibouti
CJTF-HOA Participates in the French Desert Commando Course
U.S. service members lead a tabletop discussion during the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 19, 2025. The operation consisted of the platoon breaking down into four separate squads and demonstrating drills in a simulated battle environment. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
French Desert Commando Course
A U.S. service member performs one of three rope portions during the mountain course for the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 20, 2025. The multi-day course consisted of various land and water obstacles, combative training and extreme endurance exercises that challenged participants both physically and mentally. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado , Arta Beach, Djibouti
French Desert Commando Course
U.S. service members advance to the night survival portion of the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 17, 2025. The night survival simulated a plane crash and tested how service members react and survive. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
French Desert Commando Course
U.S. service members build a fire as they prepare the night survival portion of the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 17, 2025. The night survival simulated a plane crash and tested how service members react and survive. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
French Desert Commando Course
U.S. service members complete a tactical water crossing during the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 19, 2025. Before crossing, the team had to send a simulated casualty across without getting the casualty wet. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
French Desert Commando Course
U.S. service members advance to the night survival portion of the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 17, 2025. The night survival simulated a plane crash and tested how service members react and survive. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
French Desert Commando Course
U.S. service member build a fire for the night survival portion of the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 17, 2025. The night survival simulated a plane crash and tested how service members react and survive. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
French Desert Commando Course
A U.S. service member performs one of three rope portions during the mountain course for the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 20, 2025. The multi-day course consisted of various land and water obstacles, combative training and extreme endurance exercises that challenged participants both physically and mentally. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)
Photo by: Spc. Micheala Maldonado, Arta Beach, Djibouti
French Desert Commando Course
U.S. service members practice different grappling and jujitsu techniques during the French Desert Commando Course at the Combat Training Center, Arta Beach, Djibouti March 19, 2025. This training assisted service members in ensuring that they are always ready, lethal and prepared for any range of hand-to-hand combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)