A French C-160 Transall transport aircraft takes off in front of a crowd of onlookers during the French live fire demonstration near Grand Bara, Djibouti, Jan. 14, 2017. The C-160 Transall is a tactical transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 93 troops with the ability to take off on an airstrip as short as 700 meters. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)
A French SA 330 Puma transport helicopter escorted by an SA 342 Gazelle utility helicopter approach a designed landing site to make a low aerial pass during the French live fire demonstration near Grand Bara, Djibouti, Jan. 14, 2017. The SA 330 Puma is a medium lift all-weather helicopter capable of transporting up to 16 people in and out of a battlefield. The SA 342 Gazelle is a light, five-seat helicopter often used by various militaries for reconnaissance and light attack duties. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)
A French military member keeps onlookers at a safe distance from the landing area as a French C-160 Transall transport aircraft touches down on the rough terrain during the French live fire demonstration near Grand Bara, Djibouti, Jan. 14, 2017. The C-160 Transall is a tactical transport aircraft capable of carrying up to 93 troops with the ability to land on an airstrip as short as 400 meters. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)
French military members repel out of two SA 330 Puma transport helicopters to secure a landing site during the French live fire demonstration near Grand Bara, Djibouti, Jan. 14, 2017. The SA 330 Puma is a medium lift, all-weather helicopter capable of transporting up to 16 people in and out of a battlefield. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)
A French AMX-10RCR wheeled armored reconnaissance vehicle keeps its barrel locked in on a simulated target while traversing the terrain during the French live fire demonstration near Arta Plage, Djibouti, Jan. 14, 2017. The AMX-10RCR was developed for light reconnaissance and troop fire support and is capable of engaging other armored vehicles. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)
A French SA 342 Gazelle utility helicopter fires a live missile at simulated targets during the French live fire demonstration near Arta Plage, Djibouti, Jan. 14, 2017. The SA 342 Gazelle is a light, five-seat helicopter often used by various militaries for reconnaissance and light attack duties. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)
A French Mirage fighter aircraft drops flares as it performs a high-speed pass during the French live fire demonstration near Arta Plage, Djibouti, Jan. 14, 2017. The Mirage and other fighter aircraft use flares as a countermeasure against incoming heat-seeking missiles. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)
A French military member parachutes onto the simulated battlefield during the French live fire demonstration near Arta Plage, Djibouti, Jan. 14, 2017. Militaries use parachutes to allow soldiers to enter battlefields from the air that are inaccessible by other means. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)
While children look on, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA)Religious Affairs personnel assist U.S. Navy Seabees with flattening the ground prior to construction efforts at the Anidan Children’s House in Lamu, Kenya Dec. 23, 2016. U.S. Navy Seabees and CJTF-HOA Religious Affairs personnel are assigned to Kenya to help with repairs to the Anidan Children’s Home. (Courtesy Photo)
U.S. Army Chaplain (CPT) Donald A. Mooney, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) Religious Affairs, and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Pendantonga, Chaplain’s Assistant, CJTF-HOA Religious Affairs, pump up a soccer ball to distribute at the Anidan Children’s House in Lamu, Kenya Dec. 23, 2016. U.S. Navy Seabees and CJTF-HOA Religious Affairs personnel are assigned to Kenya to assist with repairs and construction efforts at the Anidan Children’s Home. (Courtesy Photo)
U.S. Army Major Gen. Kurt Sonntag, commander, Combined JointTask Force-Horn of Africa, presents Lt. Gen. Goro Yuasa, vice chief of the Joint Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces with a token of appreciation at the conclusion of the Japanese visit to Camp Lemonnier, Jan. 14, 2017. Lt. Gen. Yuasa met with U.S. officials at Camp Lemonnier to discuss issues of mutual interest such as security and stability in the region. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)
Lt. Gen. Goro Yuasa, vice chief of the Joint Staff of the Japan GroundSelf-Defense Forces meets with U.S. Army Major Gen. Kurt Sonntag,commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, on his visit toCamp Lemonnier Jan. 14, 2017. Lt. Gen. Yuasa met with U.S. officials at Camp Lemonnier to further relations between Japan and its partner nations in the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Christian Jadot)
SOS Village D’ Enfants – Tadjoura administrators, staff members, and caretakers record footage and listen to a discussion on airway blockage given by Sgt. Brian Duckworth, a civil affairs team medic with C/Co 411th Civil Affairs Battalion, here on January 3, 2017. The SOS Village provides cares for 90 Djiboutian children at its compound and partnered with a local civil affairs team to hold discussions in shared best practices related to administering first aid. (US Army Photo By: Staff Sgt. Gregory Williams C Co/411th Civil Affairs Battalion)
Soldiers with C/Co 411th Civil Affairs Battalion and staff members with SOS Village D’ Enfants – Tadjoura participated in a first aid discussion group here on January 3, 2017. The first aid discussion group covered topics touching on treating open wounds, burns, sprains, and identifying common illnesses among children. (US Army Photo By: Staff Sgt. Gregory Williams C Co/411th Civil Affairs Battalion)
Sgt. Sarah DeArcy, a civil affairs team medic with C/Co 411th Civil Affairs Battalion, shows SOS Village D’ Enfants - Tadjoura caretakers how to properly sling an injured arm during a first aid discussion group here on January 3, 2017. Civil affairs team continue to identify human capacity building projects in order to strengthen relationships with host nation partners and local non-governmental organizations.
(US Army Photo By: Staff Sgt. Gregory Williams C Co/411th Civil Affairs Battalion)
Sgt. Brian Duckworth, a civil affairs team medic with C/Co 411th Civil Affairs Battalion, demonstrates the abdominal thrust technique to SOS Village D’ Enfants – Tadjoura staff members here on January 3, 2017. Duckworth, a U.S. Army Reservist, used both his military and Emergency Medical Service civilian experience to share the most up to date practices with Djiboutians during a three day first aid discussion group. (US Army Photo By: Staff Sgt. Gregory Williams C Co/411th Civil Affairs Battalion)
Sgt. Sarah DeArcy, a civil affairs team medic with C/Co 411th Civil Affairs Battalion, coaches SOS Village D’ Enfants - Tadjoura caretakers on how to perform the abdominal thrust technique during a first aid discussion group here on January 3, 2017. The discussion group covered various medical topics and gave Djiboutians the opportunity to receive hands on training.
(US Army Photo By: Staff Sgt. Gregory Williams C Co/411th Civil Affairs Battalion)
U.S. and Djibouti militaries strengthen relationship through a focus on fitness
Teams comprised of U.S. military members stationed at Camp Lemonnier, and members of the Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD) Republican Guard exchange gifts prior to the first in a series of friendly soccer matches at the Balbala Sports Complex in Djibouti City, Jan. 1, 2017. Through the organization of regular sporting events, the U.S. service members strive to strengthen the relationship with their FAD counterparts as well as with partner nation militaries operating in the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)
U.S. and Djibouti militaries strengthen relationship through a focus on fitness
Teams comprised of U.S. military members stationed at Camp Lemonnier, and members of the Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD) Republican Guard face off for the first in a series of friendly soccer matches at the Balbala Sports Complex in Djibouti City, Jan. 1, 2017. Through the organization of regular sporting events, the U.S. service members strive to strengthen the relationship with their FAD counterparts as well as with partner nation militaries operating in the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)
U.S. and Djibouti militaries strengthen relationship through a focus on fitness
Teams comprised of U.S. military members stationed at Camp Lemonnier, and members of the Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD) Republican Guard gather for a group photo prior to the first in a series of friendly soccer matches at the Balbala Sports Complex in downtown Djibouti Jan. 1, 2017. Through the organization of regular sporting events, the U.S. service members strive to strengthen the relationship with their FAD counterparts as well as with partner nation militaries operating in the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)
U.S. and Djibouti militaries strengthen relationship through a focus on fitness
Teams comprised of U.S. military members stationed at Camp Lemonnier, and members of the Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD) Republican Guard exchange gifts prior to the first in a series of friendly soccer matches at the Balbala Sports Complex in Djibouti City, Jan. 1, 2017. Through the organization of regular sporting events, the U.S. service members strive to strengthen the relationship with their FAD counterparts as well as with partner nation militaries operating in the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)
U.S. and Djibouti militaries strengthen relationship through a focus on fitness
Teams comprised of U.S. military members stationed at Camp Lemonnier, and members of the Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD) Republican Guard exchange gifts prior to the first in a series of friendly soccer matches at the Balbala Sports Complex in Djibouti City, Jan. 1, 2017. Through the organization of regular sporting events, the U.S. service members strive to strengthen the relationship with their FAD counterparts as well as with partner nation militaries operating in the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)
U.S. and Djibouti militaries strengthen relationship through a focus on fitness
Teams comprised of U.S. military members stationed at Camp Lemonnier, and members of the Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD) Republican Guard face off for the first in a series of friendly soccer matches at the Balbala Sports Complex in Djibouti City, Jan. 1, 2017. Through the organization of regular sporting events, the U.S. service members strive to strengthen the relationship with their FAD counterparts as well as with partner nation militaries operating in the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)
U.S. and Djibouti militaries strengthen relationship through a focus on fitness
Teams comprised of U.S. military members stationed at Camp Lemonnier, and members of the Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD) Republican Guard engage in a series of friendly soccer matches at the Balbala Sports Complex in Djibouti City, Jan. 1, 2017. Through the organization of regular sporting events, the U.S. service members strive to strengthen the relationship with their FAD counterparts as well as with partner nation militaries operating in the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)
U.S. and Djibouti militaries strengthen relationship through a focus on fitness
U.S. military members stationed at Camp Lemonnier, prepare for the first in a series of friendly soccer matches with members of the Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD) Republican Guard at the Balbala Sports Complex in Djibouti City, Jan. 1, 2017. Through the organization of regular sporting events, the U.S. service members strive to strengthen the relationship with their FAD counterparts as well as with partner nation militaries operating in the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Paul Gorman)
Commandant of the Marine Corps Visits Marines on Camp Lemonnier and USS Makin Island
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks to Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), on the flight deck the Makin Island, in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 23, 2016. The Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps conducted a holiday tour to visit Marines and Sailors stationed overseas and forward deployed. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
Commandant of the Marine Corps Visits Marines on Camp Lemonnier and USS Makin Island
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa Marines and Sailors about the importance of their mission to preserve the assets of U.S. and partner-nations at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Dec. 23, 2016. The SP-MAGTF is a ready force capable of providing support to U.S. embassies, conducting non-combatant evacuation, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and crisis response. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
Commandant of the Marine Corps Visits Marines on Camp Lemonnier and USS Makin Island
Sgt. Maj. Ronald Green, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, speaks to Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), during lunch aboard the Makin Island, in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 23, 2016. A MEU is a forward-deployed, flexible sea-based Marine air-ground task force ready to respond to crisis and conduct limited contingency operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
Commandant of the Marine Corps Visits Marines on Camp Lemonnier and USS Makin Island
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, hands a microphone to a Marine during the question and answer portion of his visit on the flight deck of the Makin Island, in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 23, 2016. Neller spoke to Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). The Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps conducted a holiday tour to visit Marines and Sailors stationed overseas and forward deployed. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
Commandant of the Marine Corps Visits Marines on Camp Lemonnier and USS Makin Island
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks to Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 23, 2016. A MEU is a forward-deployed, flexible sea-based Marine air-ground task force ready to respond to crisis and conduct limited contingency operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
Commandant of the Marine Corps Visits Marines on Camp Lemonnier and USS Makin Island
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa Marines and Sailors about the importance of their mission to preserve the assets of U.S. and partner-nations at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Dec. 23, 2016. The SP-MAGTF is a ready force capable of providing support to U.S. embassies, conducting non-combatant evacuation, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and crisis response. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
Commandant of the Marine Corps Visits Marines on Camp Lemonnier and USS Makin Island
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks to Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), on the flight deck of the Makin Island, in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 23, 2016. The Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps conducted a holiday tour to visit Marines and Sailors stationed overseas and forward deployed. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
Commandant of the Marine Corps Visits Marines on Camp Lemonnier and USS Makin Island
A U.S. Navy Sailor, assigned to the USS Makin Island (LHD 8), prepares to launch an MV-22 Osprey transporting the Commandant of the Marine Corps from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship Makin Island to Camp Lemonnier, in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 23, 2016. Sailors involved in flight deck operations wear color-coded apparel that identifies their specialization. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
Commandant of the Marine Corps Visits Marines on Camp Lemonnier and USS Makin Island
Sgt. Maj. Ronald Green, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, speaks with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa Marines and Sailors about the importance of their mission to preserve the assets of U.S. and partner-nations at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Dec. 23, 2016. The SP-MAGTF is a ready force capable of providing support to U.S. embassies, conducting non-combatant evacuation, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and crisis response. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
Commandant of the Marine Corps Visits Marines on Camp Lemonnier and USS Makin Island
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, speaks to Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), on the flight deck of the Makin Island, in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 23, 2016. The Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps conducted a holiday tour to visit Marines and Sailors stationed overseas and forward deployed. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
Commandant of the Marine Corps Visits Marines on Camp Lemonnier and USS Makin Island
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey sits on the flight line after transporting the Commandant of the Marine Corps from the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Dec. 23, 2016. The Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps conducted a holiday tour to visit Marines and Sailors stationed overseas and forward deployed. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
Commandant of the Marine Corps Visits Marines on Camp Lemonnier and USS Makin Island
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, prepares to depart from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 23, 2016. Sailors involved in flight deck operations wear color-coded apparel that identifies their specialization. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
Commandant of the Marine Corps Visits Marines on Camp Lemonnier and USS Makin Island
Sgt. Maj. Ronald Green, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, prepares for a flight in an MV-22 Osprey departing Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Dec. 23, 2016. The Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps traveled from camp to the USS Makin Island (LHD 8) to speak with Marines and Sailors stationed overseas and forward deployed. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)
Sniper platoons from the 11th MEU and French Marines conduct bilateral training during Exercise Alligator Dagger
U.S. Marine Corps members with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct and monitor range operations during Exercise Alligator Dagger, Dec. 18, 2016, at Arta Plage, Djibouti. Coordination with participating assets ensures safety and provides situational updates of events on the range. Marines from the 11th MEU are temporarily training in the area. (U.S. Air National Guard photo illustration by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy) (Image edited for operational security)
Sniper platoons from the 11th MEU and French Marines conduct bilateral training during Exercise Alligator Dagger
U.S. Marine Corps light armored vehicles, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), traverse the range during events of exercise Alligator Dagger, Dec. 18, 2016, at Arta Plage, Djibouti. The exercise allows the MEU to get off ship and conduct combat sustainment training to maintain their respective skills and proficiencies. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)