Second from left, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) Commander U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David J. Furness, U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) leadership, U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Stephen Schwartz, center, and the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Somalia Ambassador Francisco Caetano Jose Madeira, second from right, begin discussion during a meeting held at Mogadishu International Airport, Somalia, April 29, 2017. USAFRICOM and subcomponent CJTF-HOA assist African states in strengthening their defense capabilities to mitigate their security threats more effectively. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

At center, U.S. Africa Command Commander (USAFRICOM) U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser and President of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, known by his nickname “Farmajo,” stand alongside their respective dignitaries and military coterie after their meeting held at Mogadishu International Airport, Somalia, April 29, 2017. With its partners, USAFRICOM works to neutralize transnational threats, protect U.S. personnel and facilities, prevent and mitigate conflict, and build defense capability to promote regional stability and prosperity. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, U.S. Africa Command commander, hands the guidon to Brig. Gen. David J. Furness, the incoming Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commander, during the change of command ceremony on Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, April 28, 2017. Furness previously served as the legislative assistant to the commandant of the Marine Corps at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Eboni Prince)

U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Geoffrey P. Steffee, the outgoing Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa command senior enlisted leader, holds the guidon during the change of command ceremony on Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, April 28, 2017. The senior enlisted leader is responsible for leading, mentoring, enforcing standards of good order and discipline, and advising and assisting the Commanding General on all matters pertaining to the health, morale, welfare and professional development for approximately 2,000 Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines joint service personnel. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Eboni Prince)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David J. Furness, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commander, speaks with regional partners from East Africa after the change of command ceremony on Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, April 28, 2017. Furness has participated in contingency operations in the Republic of Panama and in the following named operations: Operation Provide Comfort, Operation Unified Assistance, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Eboni Prince)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David J. Furness Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commander, addresses the audience during the change of command ceremony on Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, April 28, 2017. Furness is responsible for overseeing CJTF-HOA’s efforts in countering transnational threats in East Africa, fostering regional security cooperation, and ultimately promoting regional stability and prosperity. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Eboni Prince)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kurt L. Sonntag, the outgoing Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commander, hands the guidon to U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, U.S. Africa Command commander, during the change of command ceremony on Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, April 28, 2017. A prime component of the CJTF-HOA mission is to help build the defense capability and capacity among its East African partners. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Eboni Prince)

Brig Gen Furness Bio Photo

Command Senior Enlisted Leader (CSEL) for Headquarters United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez, stationed at Stuttgart-Moehringen, Germany, visited enlisted members of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) on Camp Lemonnier, here April 27.

U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, DoD civilians, and contractors representing more than 2,000 members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa assemble on the flight line at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, April 14, 2017. CJTF-HOA Commanding General Maj. Gen. Kurt Sonntag and Command Senior Enlisted Leader Command Master Chief Geoffrey Steffee, will conclude their tour after a change of command ceremony on April 28. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)

Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, commander of the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force, meets with Airmen assigned to the 726th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron during a visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti April 12, 2017. The visit allowed Clark and accompanying leadership to gain a better understanding of the Air Force mission in East Africa, and express their appreciation to the many U.S. Airmen deployed throughout the region. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)

Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, commander of the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force, addresses active, reserve and National Guard Airmen while visiting Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti April 12, 2017. The visit allowed Clark and accompanying leadership to gain a better understanding of the Air Force mission in East Africa, and express their appreciation to the many U.S. Airmen deployed throughout the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)

Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, commander of the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force, speaks with Master Sgt. Lamar Thomas, chief of supply for the 726th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron during a visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti April 12, 2017. The visit allowed Clark and accompanying leadership to gain a better understanding of the Air Force mission in East Africa, and express their appreciation to the many U.S. Airmen deployed throughout the region. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)

Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, commander of the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force, addresses active, reserve and National Guard Airmen while visiting Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti April 12, 2017. As 3rd Air Force commander, Clark oversees the planning, deployment, sustainment and redeployment of air forces that directly support U.S. combatant commanders during contingency and wartime operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)

Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, commander of the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force, meets Staff Sgt. Daniel Buford, electrical power production specialist for the 870th Air Expeditionary Squadron while visiting an airfield in southern Djibouti, April 12, 2017 to engage with Airman deployed to the installation and surrounding duty stations. The visit allowed Clark and accompanying leadership to gain a better understanding of the Air Force mission in East Africa, and express their appreciation to the many U.S. Airmen deployed throughout the region. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)

Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Easton, U.S. Air Forces Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa command chief, engages with active, reserve and National Guard Airmen over breakfast at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti April 12, 2017. Easton accompanied Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, commander of the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force on a visit with deployed Airmen, to gain a better understanding of the Air Force mission in East Africa, and express their appreciation to the many U.S. Airmen deployed throughout the region. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)

Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, commander of the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force, and Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Easton, U.S. Air Forces Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa command chief, visit an airfield in southern Djibouti, April 12, 2017 to engage with Airman deployed to the installation and surrounding duty stations. The visit allowed Clark and accompanying leadership to gain a better understanding of the Air Force mission in East Africa, and express their appreciation to the many U.S. Airmen deployed throughout the region. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jennifer Sherrill with the 870th Air Expeditionary Squadron, and Staff Sgt. Brian Mardy with the 81st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron join Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, commander of the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force for lunch at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti April 12, 2017. Clark was accompanied by Chief Master Sgt. Phillip Easton, U.S. Air Forces Europe and U.S. Air Forces Africa command chief, on a visit with deployed Airmen, to gain a better understanding of the Air Force mission in East Africa, and express their appreciation to the many U.S. Airmen deployed throughout the region. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Abuhena Saifulislam, deputy command chaplain for U.S. Africa Command, meets with Mohamed Houssein Doualeh, Djibouti’s deputy minister of Muslim affairs & charitable assets in downtown Djibouti City, April 11, 2017. Regular engagements with Muslim leaders in Djibouti and neighboring countries helps to foster positive relationships between the U.S. and Islamic communities in east Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Abuhena Saifulislam, deputy command chaplain for U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), discusses U.S. military relations with Mohamed Houssein Doualeh, Djibouti deputy minister of Muslim affairs & charitable assets in Djibouti, April 11, 2017. Saifulislam is one of two Muslim chaplains in the U.S. Navy, and the only military Imam assigned to USAFRICOM. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)

U.S. Marine AAV-P7/A1 amphibious assault vehicles and a M1A1 main battle tank from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) conduct ground assault training during Exercise Alligator Dagger at the Arta Range, Djibouti, April 9, 2017. Exercise Alligator Dagger 17 is one of several training opportunities undertaken by Marines and Sailors during their deployment in the region. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)

A U.S. Marine M1A main battle tank from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU) engages a simulated target during Exercise Alligator Dagger at Arta Range, Djibouti, April 9, 2017. The 24th MEU, part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)

A U.S. Marine, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24th MEU), activates a targeting laser to guide a U.S. Navy SH-60 Seahawk on an attack run during Exercise Alligator Dagger at Arta Plage, Djibouti, April 9, 2017. Alligator Dagger provides a unique opportunity to enhance capabilities in critical mission sets inherent to the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps team. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)

A U.S. Navy SH-60 Seahawk engages a simulated target during Exercise Alligator Dagger at Arta Range, Djibouti, April 9, 2017. Alligator Dagger provides a unique opportunity to enhance capabilities in critical mission sets inherent to the U.S. Navy-Marine Corps team. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)

U.S. Marine artillery bombards a simulated target during Exercise Alligator Dagger at Arta Range, Djibouti, April 9, 2017. Exercise Alligator Dagger provides opportunities for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to maintain their respective skills and proficiencies while intermittently participating in bilateral training with other services. Recurring training opportunities such as Alligator Dagger support the professional development of U.S. forces. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)

A U.S. Navy SH-60 Seahawk performs a touch-and-go landing during Exercise Alligator Dagger at Arta Range, Djibouti, April 9, 2017. Exercise Alligator Dagger enables the Marines and Sailors to enhance their capabilities and continually support maritime security operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth Wright and U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson receive a brief from Lt. Col. Joshua Pyers, commander 870th Air Expeditionary Squadron, right, during a visit to an airfield near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 11, 2017. Wilson visited CJTF-HOA and other tenant commands with Wright to gain a better understanding of Air Force integration and missions in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth Wright poses for a group photo with Air Force senior enlisted leaders of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA); closing out his visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 11, 2017. The U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson visited CJTF-HOA and other tenant commands with Wright to gain a better understanding of Air Force integration and missions in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

A U.S. Air Force Airman from the 303rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron prepares for takeoff in an HH-60 Pave Hawk to transport the U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth Wright and members of their staff to an airfield by Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 11, 2017. The General visited CJTF-HOA and other tenant commands with Wright to gain a better understanding of Air Force integration and missions in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson, greets Lt. Col. Timothy Bruner, commander 726th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron, right, during a visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 11, 2017. Wilson visited CJTF-HOA and other tenant commands with Wright to gain a better understanding of Air Force integration and missions in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth Wright speak with airmen from the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron during a visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 11, 2017. Wilson and Wright visited CJTF-HOA and other tenant commands with Wright to gain a better understanding of Air Force integration and missions in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth Wright greets Master Sgt. Luke Anderson and other airmen from the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron during a visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 11, 2017. Wilson and Wright visited CJTF-HOA and other tenant commands with Wright to gain a better understanding of Air Force integration and missions in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth Wright speak with airmen from the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron during a visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 11, 2017. Wilson and Wright visited CJTF-HOA and other tenant commands with Wright to gain a better understanding of Air Force integration and missions in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth Wright receive a brief from Maj. Jake Botello, base civil engineering, during a visit to an airfield by Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 11, 2017. Wilson and Wright visited CJTF-HOA and other tenant commands with Wright to gain a better understanding of Air Force integration and missions in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth Wright speaks with airmen from the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron during a visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 11, 2017. Wilson and Wright visited CJTF-HOA and other tenant commands with Wright to gain a better understanding of Air Force integration and missions in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson, left, speaks with Maj. Gen. Kurt Sonntag, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), right, during a visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 11, 2017. Wilson visited CJTF-HOA and other tenant commands with Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth Wright to gain a better understanding of Air Force integration and missions in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth Wright, U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Kurt Sonntag, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), and U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Geoffrey Steffee, senior enlisted leader for CJTF-HOA, pause for a photo during a visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 11, 2017. Wilson visited CJTF-HOA and other tenant commands with Wright to gain a better understanding of Air Force integration and missions in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

A U.S. Air Force member prepares for flight in an HH-60 during a visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 11, 2017. The General visited CJTF-HOA and its tenant commands with Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth Wright to gain a better understanding of Air Force integration and missions in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright, and members of their staff travel in an HH-60 Pave Hawks to an airfield near Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 11, 2017. The General visited CJTF-HOA and other tenant commands with Wright to gain a better understanding of Air Force integration and missions in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth Wright poses for a selfie photo with U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Maricel Cofield, senior enlisted leader for the 726th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron, during his visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 11, 2017. The U.S. Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Stephen Wilson visited Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and tenant commands with Wright to gain a better understanding of Air Force integration and missions in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)