U.S. leadership from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) observe a Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) training at the Djiboutian Police Range, Djibouti, Sept. 29, 2021. The live fire exercise provided CJTF-HOA leadership deeper insight into JSDF capabilities and training techniques. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)

U.S. service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) honor World War II veteran Arthur Lewis during a burial honors ceremony at the New European Cemetery in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Oct. 28, 2021. The cemetery is the final resting place for World War II veteran Arthur Lewis, who died in 1959 while at sea aboard the S.S. Steel Vendor in the Gulf of Tadjoura. Due to the nature and location of his death, the U.S. Merchant Marine was buried in Djibouti without rightfully earned military honors. CJTF-HOA, in coordination with Djiboutian leadership, cleaned up the cemetery, installed the new headstone to identify his grave and conducted a dedication ceremony complete with military honors.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Zana, commander, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), speaks with Soldiers during a transfer of authority ceremony for CJTF-HOA’s engineering company at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 20, 2021. The ceremony highlighted the transfer of the mission from the 377th Engineer Vertical Construction Company to the 712th Engineer Support Company. The engineering company works on a variety of construction projects with partner nations throughout CJTF-HOA’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Zana, commander, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), speaks with Soldiers during a transfer of authority ceremony for CJTF-HOA’s engineering company at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 20, 2021. The ceremony highlighted the transfer of the mission from the 377th Engineer Vertical Construction Company to the 712th Engineer Support Company. The engineering company works on a variety of construction projects with partner nations throughout CJTF-HOA’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)

U.S Army Capt. Fermin Cardenas and Sgt. 1st Class Neil Griffin, command team for the 712th Engineer Support Company, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), uncase their unit colors during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 20, 2021. The ceremony highlighted the transfer of the engineering mission from the 377th Engineer Vertical Construction Company to the 712th ESC. The engineering company works on a variety of construction projects with partner nations throughout CJTF-HOA’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)

Soldiers from the 377th Engineering Vertical Construction Company, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), salute the colors during the playing of the U.S. national anthem before a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 20, 2021. The ceremony highlighted the transfer of the engineering mission from the 377th EVCC to the 712th Engineer Support Company. The engineering company works on a variety of construction projects with partner nations throughout CJTF-HOA’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)

U.S Army Capt. Katerina Graf and 1st Sgt. Jeremy Young, command team for the 377th Engineer Vertical Construction Company, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), case their unit colors during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 20, 2021. The ceremony highlighted the transfer of the mission from the 377th EVCC to the 712th ESC. The engineering company works on a variety of construction projects with partner nations throughout CJTF-HOA’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Zana, commander, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), speaks with Soldiers during a transfer of authority ceremony for CJTF-HOA’s engineering company at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 20, 2021. The ceremony highlighted the transfer of the mission from the 377th Engineer Vertical Construction Company to the 712th Engineer Support Company. The engineering company works on a variety of construction projects with partner nations throughout CJTF-HOA’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 377th Engineering Vertical Construction Company (EVCC) and the 712th Engineer Support Company (ESC), stand in formation before a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 20, 2021. The ceremony highlighted the transfer of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) engineering mission from the 377th EVCC to the 712th ESC. The engineering company works on a variety of construction projects with partner nations throughout CJTF-HOA’s area of responsibility. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to C Company, 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Task Force Iron Gray, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and service members assigned to the Kenya Defence Forces inspect a target for bullet impact during urban rifle marksmanship training at Manda Bay, Kenya, Oct. 2, 2021. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Amanda Stock)

A Ranger assigned to the Kenya Defence Forces prepares to engage a target during urban rifle marksmanship training at Manda Bay, Kenya, Oct. 2, 2021. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Amanda Stock)

U.S. Army Spc. David Fox, assigned to C Company, 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Task Force Iron Gray, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), watches as service members assigned to the Kenya Defence Forces begin the next table of fire during urban rifle marksmanship training at Manda Bay, Kenya, Oct. 2, 2021. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Amanda Stock)

Service members assigned to the Kenya Defence Forces inspect a target for bullet impact during urban rifle marksmanship training at Manda Bay, Kenya, Oct. 2, 2021. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Amanda Stock)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to C Company, 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Task Force Iron Gray, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and service members with the Kenya Defence Forces come together for a group photo following dynamic urban rifle marksmanship training at Manda Bay, Kenya, Oct. 2, 2021. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Amanda Stock)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to C Company, 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Task Force Iron Gray, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), engage targets while moving during urban rifle marksmanship training with service members assigned to the Kenya Defence Forces at Manda Bay, Kenya, Oct. 2, 2021. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Amanda Stock)

U.S. Army Sgt. Alexander Poling, squad leader, 1st Platoon, C Company, 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Task Force Iron Gray, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), instructs service members from the Kenya Defence Forces on urban rifle marksmanship tables of fire at Manda Bay, Kenya, Oct. 2, 2021. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Amanda Stock)

A U.S. Army Soldier with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), assembles a RQ-11 Raven unmanned aerial vehicle during an operators course at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Oct. 13, 2021. The course instructed Soldiers on how to operate and maintain the small hand-launched remote-controlled aircraft system. The Raven is a UAV system employed by CJTF-HOA for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Pfc. Gauret Stearns)

The Secretary General for the Minister of Labor in charge of Formalization and Social Protection speaks at the celebration of the 3-month U.S.-led English Discussion Group at the National Institute of Public Administration training center in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Oct. 13, 2021. Twenty-five Djiboutians completed the course which aimed to increase the participants' confidence and competency in the English language to further business opportunities for all of Djibouti. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Kobialka)

Charmarke Idriss Ali, Director of the National Institute of Public Administration, and other Djiboutian officials speak with U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Zana, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commander, about the successes of the U.S.-led English Discussion Group at the National Institute of Public Administration training center in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Oct. 13, 2021. Twenty-five Djiboutians completed the course which aimed to increase the participants' confidence and competency in the English language to further business opportunities for all of Djibouti. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Kobialka)

A member of the Djiboutian Coast Guard wears a souvenir patch given to her for the inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021. As part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Women, Peace and Security initiative, the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) hosted the event to allow Djiboutian military and partner forces women to strengthen partnerships through open conversation and knowledge sharing. The symposium included more than 30 women serving with Armed Forces Djibouti, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Police and Djiboutian Coast Guard who joined U.S., Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Kenyan leaders to focus on the incorporation of a gender perspective into peace and security, and help promote the empowerment of women in achieving security. The Women, Peace and Security initiative seeks to highlight the value of diversity and promotes women's meaningful participation across the development, management and employment in armed forces. The initiative aims to work with partner nations to see women meaningfully participate in serving all ranks, and in all occupations in defense and security sectors. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring women and girls around the world are safe and secure, and that their human rights are protected, especially during conflict and crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Lisa Crawford)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Zana, commander, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), speaks to a room of woman leaders during the inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021. As part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Women, Peace and Security initiative, CJTF-HOA hosted the event to allow Djiboutian military and partner forces women to strengthen partnerships through open conversation and knowledge sharing. The symposium included more than 30 women serving with Armed Forces Djibouti, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Police and Djiboutian Coast Guard who joined U.S., Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Kenyan leaders to focus on the incorporation of a gender perspective into peace and security, and help promote the empowerment of women in achieving security. The Women, Peace and Security initiative seeks to highlight the value of diversity and promotes women's meaningful participation across the development, management and employment in armed forces. The initiative aims to work with partner nations to see women meaningfully participate in serving all ranks, and in all occupations in defense and security sectors. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring women and girls around the world are safe and secure, and that their human rights are protected, especially during conflict and crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Lisa Crawford)

A member of the Djiboutian Coast Guard speaks with a U.S. Army Soldier during the inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021. As part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Women, Peace and Security initiative, the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) hosted the event to allow Djiboutian military and partner forces women to strengthen partnerships through open conversation and knowledge sharing. The symposium included more than 30 women serving with Armed Forces Djibouti, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Police and Djiboutian Coast Guard who joined U.S., Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Kenyan leaders to focus on the incorporation of a gender perspective into peace and security, and help promote the empowerment of women in achieving security. The Women, Peace and Security initiative seeks to highlight the value of diversity and promotes women's meaningful participation across the development, management and employment in armed forces. The initiative aims to work with partner nations to see women meaningfully participate in serving all ranks, and in all occupations in defense and security sectors. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring women and girls around the world are safe and secure, and that their human rights are protected, especially during conflict and crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Lisa Crawford)

More than 30 women serving with Armed Forces Djibouti, Gendamerie, Republican Guard, National Police and Djiboutian Coast Guard joined U.S., Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Kenyan leaders for the inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021. As part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Women, Peace and Security initiative, the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) hosted the event to allow Djiboutian military and partner forces women to strengthen partnerships through open conversation and knowledge sharing. The symposium focused on the incorporation of a gender perspective into peace and security, and helped promote the empowerment of women in achieving security. The Women, Peace and Security initiative seeks to highlight the value of diversity and promotes women's meaningful participation across the development, management and employment in armed forces. The initiative aims to work with partner nations to see women meaningfully participate in serving all ranks, and in all occupations in defense and security sectors. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring women and girls around the world are safe and secure, and that their human rights are protected, especially during conflict and crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Lisa Crawford)

Kenyan Army Lt. Col. Irene Machangoh, foreign liaison officer to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), listens to a panel of leaders share their experiences during the inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021. As part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Women, Peace and Security initiative, CJTF-HOA hosted the event to allow Djiboutian military and partner forces women to strengthen partnerships through open conversation and knowledge sharing. The symposium included more than 30 women serving with Armed Forces Djibouti, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Police and Djiboutian Coast Guard who joined U.S., Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Kenyan leaders to focus on the incorporation of a gender perspective into peace and security, and help promote the empowerment of women in achieving security. The Women, Peace and Security initiative seeks to highlight the value of diversity and promotes women's meaningful participation across the development, management and employment in armed forces. The initiative aims to work with partner nations to see women meaningfully participate in serving all ranks, and in all occupations in defense and security sectors. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring women and girls around the world are safe and secure, and that their human rights are protected, especially during conflict and crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Lisa Crawford)

More than 30 women serving with Armed Forces Djibouti, Gendamerie, Republican Guard, National Police and Djiboutian Coast Guard joined U.S., Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Kenyan leaders for the inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021. As part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Women, Peace and Security initiative, the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) hosted the event to allow Djiboutian military and partner forces women to strengthen partnerships through open conversation and knowledge sharing. The symposium focused on the incorporation of a gender perspective into peace and security, and helped promote the empowerment of women in achieving security. The Women, Peace and Security initiative seeks to highlight the value of diversity and promotes women's meaningful participation across the development, management and employment in armed forces. The initiative aims to work with partner nations to see women meaningfully participate in serving all ranks, and in all occupations in defense and security sectors. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring women and girls around the world are safe and secure, and that their human rights are protected, especially during conflict and crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Lisa Crawford)

A member of the Djibouti Republican Guard takes notes the inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021. As part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Women, Peace and Security initiative, the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) hosted the event to allow Djiboutian military and partner forces women to strengthen partnerships through open conversation and knowledge sharing. The symposium included more than 30 women serving with Armed Forces Djibouti, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Police and Djiboutian Coast Guard who joined U.S., Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Kenyan leaders to focus on the incorporation of a gender perspective into peace and security, and help promote the empowerment of women in achieving security. The Women, Peace and Security initiative seeks to highlight the value of diversity and promotes women's meaningful participation across the development, management and employment in armed forces. The initiative aims to work with partner nations to see women meaningfully participate in serving all ranks, and in all occupations in defense and security sectors. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring women and girls around the world are safe and secure, and that their human rights are protected, especially during conflict and crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Lisa Crawford)

U.S. Army Capt. Cassandra Day, deputy surgeon, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), hands a souvenir patch and meal ticket to a Gendarmerie member during in-processing for the inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021. As part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Women, Peace and Security initiative, CJTF-HOA hosted the event to allow Djiboutian military and partner forces women to strengthen partnerships through open conversation and knowledge sharing. The symposium included more than 30 women serving with Armed Forces Djibouti, Gendarmerie, Republican Guard, National Police and Djiboutian Coast Guard who joined U.S., Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Kenyan leaders to focus on the incorporation of a gender perspective into peace and security, and help promote the empowerment of women in achieving security. The Women, Peace and Security initiative seeks to highlight the value of diversity and promotes women's meaningful participation across the development, management and employment in armed forces. The initiative aims to work with partner nations to see women meaningfully participate in serving all ranks, and in all occupations in defense and security sectors. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring women and girls around the world are safe and secure, and that their human rights are protected, especially during conflict and crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Lisa Crawford)

More than 30 women serving with Armed Forces Djibouti, Gendamerie, Republican Guard, National Police and Djiboutian Coast Guard joined U.S., Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Kenyan leaders for the inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021. As part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Women, Peace and Security initiative, the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) hosted the event to allow Djiboutian military and partner forces women to strengthen partnerships through open conversation and knowledge sharing. The symposium focused on the incorporation of a gender perspective into peace and security, and helped promote the empowerment of women in achieving security. The Women, Peace and Security initiative seeks to highlight the value of diversity and promotes women's meaningful participation across the development, management and employment in armed forces. The initiative aims to work with partner nations to see women meaningfully participate in serving all ranks, and in all occupations in defense and security sectors. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring women and girls around the world are safe and secure, and that their human rights are protected, especially during conflict and crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Lisa Crawford)

Women serving with Armed Forces Djibouti, Gendamerie, Republican Guard, National Police and Djiboutian Coast Guard join U.S., Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Kenyan leaders for the inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021. As part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Women, Peace and Security initiative, the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) hosted the event to allow Djiboutian military and partner forces women to strengthen partnerships through open conversation and knowledge sharing. The symposium focused on the incorporation of a gender perspective into peace and security, and helped promote the empowerment of women in achieving security. The Women, Peace and Security initiative seeks to highlight the value of diversity and promotes women's meaningful participation across the development, management and employment in armed forces. The initiative aims to work with partner nations to see women meaningfully participate in serving all ranks, and in all occupations in defense and security sectors. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring women and girls around the world are safe and secure, and that their human rights are protected, especially during conflict and crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Lisa Crawford)

A member of the Djibouti Republican Guard asks a question to a panel of leaders at the inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021. As part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Women, Peace and Security initiative, the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) hosted the event to allow Djiboutian military and partner forces women to strengthen partnerships through open conversation and knowledge sharing. The panel included Andrea Tomaszewicz, deputy chief of mission, U.S. Embassy, Djibouti; U.S. Army Col. Timothy MacDonald, operations director, CJTF-HOA; Lt. j.g. Hitomi Sato, medical doctor, Japan Self-Defense Force Base; and Lt. Col. Abdirohman Ali Habone, Djibouti Republican Guard. The symposium included more than 30 women serving with Armed Forces Djibouti, Gendamerie, Republican Guard, National Police and Djiboutian Coast Guard who joined U.S., Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Kenyan leaders to focus on the incorporation of a gender perspective into peace and security, and help promote the empowerment of women in achieving security. The Women, Peace and Security initiative seeks to highlight the value of diversity and promotes women's meaningful participation across the development, management and employment in armed forces. The initiative aims to work with partner nations to see women meaningfully participate in serving all ranks, and in all occupations in defense and security sectors. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring women and girls around the world are safe and secure, and that their human rights are protected, especially during conflict and crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Lisa Crawford)

More than 30 women serving with Armed Forces Djibouti, Gendamerie, Republican Guard, National Police and Djiboutian Coast Guard joined U.S., Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Kenyan leaders for the inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021. As part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Women, Peace and Security initiative, the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) hosted the event to allow Djiboutian military and partner forces women to strengthen partnerships through open conversation and knowledge sharing. The symposium focused on the incorporation of a gender perspective into peace and security, and helped promote the empowerment of women in achieving security. The Women, Peace and Security initiative seeks to highlight the value of diversity and promotes women's meaningful participation across the development, management and employment in armed forces. The initiative aims to work with partner nations to see women meaningfully participate in serving all ranks, and in all occupations in defense and security sectors. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring women and girls around the world are safe and secure, and that their human rights are protected, especially during conflict and crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Lisa Crawford)

Lt. Col. Abdirohman Ali Habone, Djibouti Republican Guard, shares her personal experiences serving in the military as a panelist for the inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021. As part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s Women, Peace and Security initiative, the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) hosted the event to allow Djiboutian military and partner forces women to strengthen partnerships through open conversation and knowledge sharing. The symposium included more than 30 women serving with Armed Forces Djibouti, Gendamerie, Republican Guard, National Police and Djiboutian Coast Guard who joined U.S., Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Kenyan leaders to focus on the incorporation of a gender perspective into peace and security, and help promote the empowerment of women in achieving security. The Women, Peace and Security initiative seeks to highlight the value of diversity and promotes women's meaningful participation across the development, management and employment in armed forces. The initiative aims to work with partner nations to see women meaningfully participate in serving all ranks, and in all occupations in defense and security sectors. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring women and girls around the world are safe and secure, and that their human rights are protected, especially during conflict and crisis. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Lisa Crawford)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John Perez, a medic with the 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron (EABS), practices loading a litter during joint training exercises with U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Airmen from the Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron Africa at Camp Simba, Kenya, Aug. 24, 2021. The 475th EABS medics received tactical vehicle training and practiced life-saving tactical combat casualty care techniques. Special Tactics Airmen and medics respond to medical emergencies worldwide, including deployed environments where immediate treatment and evacuation of patients is critical for survivability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dwane R. Young)

U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Airman from the Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron Africa instructs U.S. Army Spc. Hailey Tompkins, a medic with the 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron (EABS), during joint training exercises at Camp Simba, Kenya, Aug. 28, 2021. The 475th EABS medics received tactical vehicle training and practiced life-saving tactical combat casualty care techniques. Special Tactics Airmen and medics respond to medical emergencies worldwide, including deployed environments where immediate treatment and evacuation of patients is critical for survivability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dwane R. Young)

A U.S. Air Force Special Tactics Airman from the Expeditionary Special Tactics Squadron Africa instructs a U.S. Army medic with the 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron (EABS) during joint training exercises at Camp Simba, Kenya, Aug. 28, 2021. The 475th EABS medics received tactical vehicle training and practiced life-saving tactical combat casualty care techniques. Special Tactics Airmen and medics respond to medical emergencies worldwide, including deployed environments where immediate treatment and evacuation of patients is critical for survivability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dwane R. Young)

A U.S. loadmaster and aerial port operations specialist with the 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron, guides cargo onto a C-130 Hercules on the flight line at Camp Simba, Kenya, Aug. 22, 2021. Air transportation specialists with the 475th EABS coordinated shipment of food, medical supplies and equipment between Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and Camp Simba. Air transportation specialists manage military aircraft cargo and passengers, ensuring bases worldwide are equipped with necessary resources to continue mission operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dwane R. Young)

A C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft kicks up debris as it takes off from Camp Simba, Kenya, Aug. 22, 2021. Air transportation specialists with the 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron coordinated shipment of food, medical supplies and equipment between Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and Camp Simba. Air transportation specialists manage military aircraft cargo and passengers, ensuring bases worldwide are equipped with necessary resources to continue mission operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dwane R. Young)