U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit convoy troops and supplies during Alligator Dagger – a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. Approximately 2,000 Sailors and Marines from the America-class amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), the command ship for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3; USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52); USS San Diego (LPD 22); USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3); Battalion Landing Team 1/5; Aviation Combat Element VMM-161 (reinforced) and the Logistics Combat Element CLB-15 are participating in the third iteration of this exercise. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood/Released)

A service member of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa sprints to the finish of the Joint Warrior Competition, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sep. 9, 2017. Beforehand, competitors endured a 7-km run, 600-meter swim, 7-km ruck march, pull-ups, sit-ups, air squats, hand-release push-ups, and high crawl. The event was an opportunity for participants to appreciate the joint military force, showcase teamwork and remember 9/11. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

Service members of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and Camp Lemonnier participate in the ammunition-can carry portion of the Joint Warrior Competition, Djibouti, Sep. 9, 2017. Beforehand, competitors endured a 7-km run, 600-meter swim, 7-km ruck march, and pull-ups. The event was an opportunity for participants to appreciate the joint military force, showcase teamwork and remember 9/11. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

Service members of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and Camp Lemonnier participate in the sit-up portion of the Joint Warrior Competition Sep. 9, 2017. Before the sit-ups, competitors endured a 7-km run, 600-meter swim and 7-km ruck march. The event was an opportunity for participants to appreciate the joint military force, showcase teamwork and remember 9/11. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

Service members of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and Camp Lemonnier participate in the run portion of the Joint Warrior Competition Sep. 9, 2017. For this event, the primary sponsoring organization – CJTF-HOA – challenged teams to be composed of varied military branches to express the significance of the joint environment here. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

Service members of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and Camp Lemonnier participate in the swim portion of the Joint Warrior Competition, Djibouti, Sep. 9, 2017. The swim occurred after the 7-km ruck march event and was followed by a run, pullups, pushups, squats, sit-ups, ammunition-can carry and high crawl before sprinting to the finish line. The event was an opportunity for participants to appreciate the joint military force, showcase teamwork and remember 9/11. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

Service members of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and Camp Lemonnier participate in the ruck march portion of the Joint Warrior Competition, Djibouti, Sep. 9, 2017. The grueling course traversed the camp and a nearby Djiboutian beach, looping down and back to accommodate a 7-km run, 600-meter swim and 7-km ruck march. The event was an opportunity for participants to appreciate the joint military force, showcase teamwork and remember 9/11. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, members volunteer to weigh ruck sacks of competitors in the Joint Warrior Competition, Djibouti, Sep. 9, 2017. In its third juncture, competitors joined in a grueling collaboration of feats to symbolize the joint military force, showcase teamwork and serve as a 9/11 remembrance. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in Alligator Dagger, a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. Through cooperation with U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and the Djiboutian government, these Sailors and Marines made use of ranges near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, as well as used the camp's facilities and resources, to exercise amphibious assault capabilities and coordinate their efforts for successful joint operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood/Released)

U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in Alligator Dagger, a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. Through cooperation with U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and the Djiboutian government, these Sailors and Marines made use of ranges near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, as well as used the camp's facilities and resources, to exercise amphibious assault capabilities and coordinate their efforts for successful joint operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood/Released)

U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in Alligator Dagger, a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. Through cooperation with U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and the Djiboutian government, these Sailors and Marines made use of ranges near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, as well as used the camp's facilities and resources, to exercise amphibious assault capabilities and coordinate their efforts for successful joint operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood/Released)

U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in Alligator Dagger, a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. Through cooperation with U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and the Djiboutian government, these Sailors and Marines made use of ranges near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, as well as used the camp's facilities and resources, to exercise amphibious assault capabilities and coordinate their efforts for successful joint operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood/Released)

U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in Alligator Dagger, a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. Through cooperation with U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and the Djiboutian government, these Sailors and Marines made use of ranges near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, as well as used the camp's facilities and resources, to exercise amphibious assault capabilities and coordinate their efforts for successful joint operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood/Released)

U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in Alligator Dagger, a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. Through cooperation with U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and the Djiboutian government, these Sailors and Marines made use of ranges near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, as well as used the camp's facilities and resources, to exercise amphibious assault capabilities and coordinate their efforts for successful joint operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood/Released)

U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in Alligator Dagger, a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. Through cooperation with U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and the Djiboutian government, these Sailors and Marines made use of ranges near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, as well as used the camp's facilities and resources, to exercise amphibious assault capabilities and coordinate their efforts for successful joint operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood/Released)

U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit participate in Alligator Dagger, a two-week exercise that prepares incoming Naval Amphibious Forces and Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Amphibious Readiness Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit teams to integrate and synchronize warfighting capabilities for missions in the U.S. Central Command's area of operations. Through cooperation with U.S. Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and the Djiboutian government, these Sailors and Marines made use of ranges near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, as well as used the camp's facilities and resources, to exercise amphibious assault capabilities and coordinate their efforts for successful joint operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood/Released)

A congressional delegation (CODEL) and military escorts board a C-130J Hercules on Aug. 27, 2017, as they visit various locations within the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa area of responsibility. During their three-day visit, the CODEL met U.S. service members and learned more about the U.S. military mission in East Africa. The CODEL included the following congressmen, all of whom are on the House Armed Service Committee; Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) representing the 8th District of Georgia; Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) representing the 20th District of California; and Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas) representing the 33rd District of Texas. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), speaks with U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Miguel Castellanos, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa deputy commanding general in Somalia and Mogadishu Coordination Cell director, during a congressional delegation (CODEL) visit of various locations within the CJTF-HOA area of responsibility. During their three-day visit, the CODEL met U.S. service members and learned more about the U.S. military mission in East Africa. The CODEL included the following congressmen, all of whom are on the House Armed Service Committee; Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) representing the 8th District of Georgia; Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) representing the 20th District of California; and Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas) representing the 33rd District of Texas. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

U.S. Army Col. Christopher Cassibry, director of operations for Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, speaks with members of a congressional delegation (CODEL) as they visited various locations within the CJTF-HOA area of responsibility on Aug. 27, 2017. The CODEL stayed three days at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and from there traveled to various forward operating locations to meet U.S. service members and learn more about the U.S. military mission in East Africa. The CODEL included the following congressmen, all of whom are on the House Armed Service Committee; Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) representing the 8th District of Georgia; Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) representing the 20th District of California; and Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas) representing the 33rd District of Texas. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

Members of a congressional delegation (CODEL) visit with a U.S. Airman at a defensive fighting position at a forward operating location within the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa area of responsibility on Aug. 27, 2017. During their three-day visit to the region, the CODEL met with U.S. service members and learned more about the U.S. military mission in East Africa. The CODEL included the following congressmen, all of whom are on the House Armed Service Committee; Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) representing the 8th District of Georgia; Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) representing the 20th District of California; and Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas) representing the 33rd District of Texas. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) eats lunch with U.S. military members while travelling as a congressional delegation (CODEL) on Aug. 27, 2017. The CODEL stayed three days at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and from there travelled to various forward operating locations to meet U.S. service members and learn more about the U.S. military mission in East Africa. The CODEL included the following congressmen, all of whom are on the House Armed Service Committee; Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) representing the 8th District of Georgia; Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) representing the 20th District of California; and Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas) representing the 33rd District of Texas. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

A congressional delegation (CODEL) visits U.S. Airmen at a defensive fighting position while traveling various locations within the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa area of responsibility on Aug. 27, 2017. During their three-day visit, the CODEL met U.S. service members and learned more about the U.S. military mission in East Africa. The CODEL included the following congressmen, all of whom are on the House Armed Service Committee; Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) representing the 8th District of Georgia; Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) representing the 20th District of California; and Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas) representing the 33rd District of Texas. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) are greeted by military members as members at a forward operating location in East Africa as part of a congressional delegation (CODEL) visit on Aug. 27, 2017. The group visited various locations in the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa area of responsibility, including Somalia, to meet U.S. service members and learn more about the U.S. military mission in East Africa. This is the first time in three years a CODEL has visited Somalia. The CODEL included the following congressmen, all of whom are on the House Armed Service Committee; Rep. Austin Scott representing the 8th District of Georgia, Jimmy Panetta representing the 20th District of California and Marc Veasey (D-Texas) representing the 33rd District of Texas. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David J. Furness, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commander, visits with members of a congressional delegation (CODEL) while traveling to various locations within the CJTF-HOA area of responsibility on Aug. 27, 2017. The CODEL stayed three days at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and from there traveled to various forward operating locations to meet U.S. service members and learn more about the U.S. military missions in East Africa. The CODEL included the following congressmen, all of whom are on the House Armed Service Committee; Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) representing the 8th District of Georgia; Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) representing the 20th District of California; and Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas) representing the 33rd District of Texas. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

A congressional delegation (CODEL) joins in a group photo with leadership from both the U.S. Embassy-Djibouti and Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa during a three day visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on Aug. 26, 2017. From there, the CODEL made day trips to various forward operating locations in the CJTF-HOA area of responsibility to meet U.S. service members and learn more about the U.S. military mission in East Africa. The CODEL included the following congressmen, all of whom are on the House Armed Service Committee; Rep. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) representing the 8th District of Georgia; Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) representing the 20th District of California; and Rep. Marc Veasey (D-Texas) representing the 33rd District of Texas. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

Members of the Uganda People’s Defence Force and the 346th Tactical Psychological Operations Company (Airborne) Soldiers from the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa work on a training scenario together at the Uganda Junior Command and Staff College, Jinja, Uganda, Aug. 14, 2017. Soldiers from CJTF-HOA were training UPDF members in the field of psychological operations as part of the U.S. mission of strengthening partner nation defense forces. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

Maj. Allan Kitanda, Uganda People’s Defence Force Psychological Operations staff officer, gives an interview to Senior Airman Ryan McDivitt, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa Public Affairs Office videobroadcast journalist at the Uganda Junior Command and Staff College, Jinja, Uganda, Aug. 15, 2017. Members of CJTF-HOA were working with UPDF members in training on psychological operations as part of the U.S. mission of strengthening partner nation defense forces. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

Far right, Alain Djeudi, a Caritas kitchen and food service volunteer, talks with U.S. Army Maj. Donald Dais, 443rd Civil Affairs Battalion Functional Specialty Team Environmental Health officer in charge, at Caritas Djibouti, a mission serving humanitarian aid and education to Djiboutian children living on the streets, in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Aug 23, 2017. Dais led a team to educate and inform volunteers at the mission regarding safe food handling and sanitation. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond/Released)

From Left: Col. Tingira Irumba, Ugandan Defense Attache to Somalia U.S. Army Lt. Col. Rick Sonnenfeld, CJTF-HOA Mogadishu, Somalia Brig. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga Sector 1 Commander UPDF Mugisha Nathan, Ugandan Deputy Ambassador to Somalia U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Miguel Castellanos, DCG CJTF-HOA Mogadishu, Somalia Maj. Gen. Peter Elwelu, Ugandan Peoples Defense Force, Chief of Land Forces U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. David Furness, Commanding General CJTF-HOA

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commander U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. David Furness and U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Miguel Castellanos, deputy commanding general for CJTF-HOA in Somalia and Mogadishu Coordination Cell director, hand over documentation of U.S. military force protection assets that are being provided to Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) July 25, at the Mogadishu Coordination Cell, Somalia.

Mr. Scott B. Ticknor has served as the Foreign Policy Advisor (POLAD) for the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa since September 8, 2016. In this position, he advises the commanding general and his staff on foreign policy matters related to the command’s mission and activities in East Africa. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of State)

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class David Rojas from the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One, a maneuver unit of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, uses a stethoscope to listen to a patient’s heartbeat during a bilateral exercise with French forces in the Arta region, July 19, 2017. This bilateral training was the first execution of medical evacuation procedures with French military personnel and increases the ability of all participants to plan, communicate and execute complex operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jesse Martinez from the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One, a maneuver unit of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, uses a radio to call the French Air Force Tactical Airlift Squadron 88 for assistance with medical evacuation during a bilateral exercise with French forces in the Arta region, July 19, 2017. CJTF-HOA partners with French counterparts to strengthen regional cooperation and interoperability, enhancing the mutual ability to conduct operations in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Melvin Taylor from the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One, a maneuver unit of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, receives care for his simulated injuries during a bilateral exercise with French forces in the Arta region, July 19, 2017. CJTF-HOA conducts exercises to maintain readiness and evaluate capability of U.S. and international forces, or to establish/maintain relationships and contribute to capacity building. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

Members of the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One, a maneuver unit of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, carry a patient on a litter during a bilateral exercise with French forces in the Arta region, July 19, 2017. This bilateral training was the first execution of medical evacuation procedures with French military personnel and increases the ability of all participants to plan, communicate and execute complex operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class David Rojas from the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One, a maneuver unit of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, along with emergency medical services personnel and members of the French Air Force Tactical Airlift Squadron 88, transport a patient from a SA 330 Puma helicopter across the flightline, during a bilateral exercise with French forces at Camp Lemonnier, July 20, 2017. CJTF-HOA partners with French counterparts to strengthen regional cooperation and interoperability, enhancing the mutual ability to conduct operations in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

A member of the French Air Force Tactical Airlift Squadron 88 stands on the flightline during a bilateral exercise with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One, a maneuver unit of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, at Camp Lemonnier, July 20, 2017. This bilateral training was the first execution of medical evacuation procedures with French military personnel and increases the ability of all participants to plan, communicate and execute complex operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

Emergency medical services personnel lift a patient on to an ambulance during a bilateral exercise with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One, a maneuver unit of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, and French forces at Camp Lemonnier, July 20, 2017. CJTF-HOA conducts exercises to maintain readiness and evaluate capability of U.S. and international forces, or to establish/maintain relationships and contribute to capacity building. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

Members of the French Air Force Tactical Airlift Squadron 88 walk toward an awaiting SA 330 Puma helicopter during a bilateral exercise with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One, a maneuver unit of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, at Camp Lemonnier, July 20, 2017. CJTF-HOA partners with French counterparts to strengthen regional cooperation and interoperability, enhancing the mutual ability to conduct operations in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Eboni Prince)

U.S. Army Capt. Charles Wright, gives a demonstration of the new gravity light system donated to their school by U.S. service members from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, who volunteer at Association De Developpment Et Protection De L’Enfant A Besoin (ADPEB), a charity organization in Djibouti City, July 16, 2017. The volunteers raised donations to purchase eight gravity lights in an effort to provide an alternative energy source for lighting their classrooms. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)