Bull Shark 25-1: Multinational Exercise Strengthens Regional Security and Collaboration
12/14/2024
Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, alongside Djiboutian, Spanish, Japanese and French forces, collaborated during the semiannual Bull Shark 25-1 exercise Nov. 25-26, 2024, to strengthen communication and collaboration among international partners and allies.
AFRICOM Commander Visits Djibouti for Thanksgiving
12/4/2024
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti — Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), attended the East Africa Security Forum (EASF), the Marine Corps Ball, and spent Thanksgiving with deployed service members at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, during the last week of November 2024.
CJTF-HOA Completes Largest Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise with Gabonese Defense and Security Forces in Libreville, Gabon
10/9/2024
U.S. Army soldiers from the East Africa Response Force participated in a significant Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise (EDRE) in Libreville, Gabon. Led by CJTF-HOA, the exercise involved over 150 personnel and various aircraft, enhancing crisis response readiness and military interoperability with Gabonese forces. The event validated U.S. crisis response capabilities, strengthened regional alliances, and fostered multinational collaboration, showcasing the U.S.'s commitment to regional stability, capacity building, and addressing global security challenges.
In a demonstration of U.S. commitment to regional stability and security, key leaders from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) visited Camp Lemonnier to engage with U.S. troops deployed in Africa.
CJTF-HOA Command Senior Enlisted Leader Change of Responsibility
10/9/2024
Service members deployed to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) welcomed their new Command Senior Enlisted Leader during a change of responsibility ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 8, 2024.
Multinational Exercise Bull Shark 24-2 reinforces U.S. bonds with allies and partners
5/15/2024
The objective of exercise Bull Shark 24-2 was to strategize, simulate, and carry out various personnel recovery scenarios involving land, sea, and air units, while ensuring effective communication among all participants. These included multiple branches of the U.S. military, Spanish Navy, French Force, Armed Forces of Djibouti, Bataillon d’intervention rapide, Djiboutian Navy, and the Djiboutian Coast Guard.
Change of Command at CJTF-HOA: A New Chapter Begins with General Cashman
5/3/2024
On Saturday, April 27, 2024, after nearly two years as commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, Maj. Gen. Jamelle Shawley transfers command to Brigadier General Brian T. Cashman. The ceremony, presided by US Marine Corps General Michael Langley, commander US Forces AFRICOM, was held at 11 Degrees North in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Bringing the Heat during Medical Cold Load Training
4/9/2024
DJIBOUTI- U.S. Army combat medics from Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard assembled on the tarmac to conduct joint medical evacuation cold-load training aboard a KC-130J aircraft at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 5, 2024. Medics participated in casualty evacuation operations by working with flight medical personnel and aircraft crew-members in the event that life saving measures and medical evacuation are requested.
The purpose of the training is to ensure interoperability with key U.S. military assets to expedite patient transfers to and from an aircraft in the event life saving measures and medical evacuation are requested.
CJTF-HOA & Camp Lemonnier Host K9 Veterans Day 5K & Military Dog Demonstrations
4/9/2024
Service members stationed at Camp Lemonnier engaged in a spirited 5K run, setting the stage for a showcase of precision and discipline by the highly trained K9 units. From detection training to patrol work and obedience drills, attendees witnessed the unwavering dedication and readiness of these canine teams.
AFRICOM, Djibouti leaders continue to strengthen ties
12/4/2023
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, U.S. Africa Command commander, met with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ali Youssouf, during a recent visit to Djibouti, Nov. 22, 2023.
U.S. AFRICOM commander visits CLDJ, patches 218th MEB
8/21/2023
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, U.S. Africa Command commander, visited Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti on Aug. 16, 2023, as part of his official visit to the East Africa region.
U.S. Service Members deployed to Horn of Africa complete grueling French Desert Commando Course
2/28/2023
Thirty-one U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers and one U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) earned the prestigious French Desert Commando Badge after completing the arduous French Desert Commando Course (FDCC) in Djibouti, Africa, Feb. 3.
Military deployments can be stressful. Military deployments to a remote base in East Africa can be even more stressful. Fortunately, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Timothy Harford, first sergeant for the 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron located at Manda Bay, Kenya is there to assist his Airmen and tenant units and provide them with the resources needed to accomplish their mission.
International workshop drives humanitarian assistance best practices
12/7/2022
The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), in coordination with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and their Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), hosted multinational military partners and civil authorities for a Humanitarian Operations Workshop (HOW) at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Nov. 29 - 30.
On Wednesday, May 25th, 1st squad, 1st platoon, B Company, 1-116th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) were conducting an area security patrol outside of Camp Simba, in Manda Bay, Kenya. They responded to an automobile accident during the course of their patrol where they freed victims from an overturned vehicle and provided medical aid to individuals involved in the accident.
Airfield Operations Battalion transfers authority in East Africa
6/17/2022
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 107th Aviation Regiment, Airfield Operations Battalion (AOB), transferred authority of the air operations here to the 1st Battalion, 58th AOB June 15, 2022.
The AOB provides air traffic control and airfield management functions at airfields throughout East Africa in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA). U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, commander of the CJTF-HOA, presided over the ceremony.
Japan-U.S. conduct first-ever combat care knowledge exchange in Djibouti
6/3/2022
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) soldiers conducted a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TC3) medical knowledge exchange with Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), for the first time at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 27, 2022.
U.S. service members complete French Desert Commando Course, earn foreign military badge
6/2/2022
French Armed Forces stationed in Djibouti (FFDJ) alongside U.S. service members with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) completed the four phases of the French Desert Commando Course (FDCC) in a variety of locations across Djibouti from April 5 - May 11, 2022.
Combined, joint task force in Africa welcomes first female commanding general
5/16/2022
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley assumed command of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa from U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Zana during a change of command ceremony May 14, 2022. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) presided.
Two members of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa attended the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) 100-level course April 12-14, 2022.
Sponsored by United States Africa Command, the course generated unit-level gender focal points who can ultimately assist with command-level gender and security decisions.
CJTF-HOA, Camp Lemonnier military engineers meet University of Djibouti faculty, students
3/1/2022
Seven U.S. military engineers from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, Camp Lemonnier’s Public Works Department, and the 712th Engineer Support Company toured the University of Djibouti’s Faculty of Engineering, Feb. 9, 2022.
The team met with engineering faculty, including Adoulkader Ibrahim Idriss, the dean of the engineering school. During the tour, they discussed their educational and working experiences while also learning about the school curriculum and facilities.
CJTF – Horn of Africa transfers responsibility from one National Guard MEB to another
2/28/2022
Soldiers from the Nebraska Army National Guard’s 67th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) transferred responsibility of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) mission over to the Illinois Army National Guard’s 404th MEB, Feb. 26, 2022.
As a dynamic operational headquarters, CJTF-HOA ensures a strategic partnership with Djibouti, responds to crises, supports operations, protects U.S. lives and enables the countering of violent extremist organizations throughout East Africa in order to enhance stability and prosperity. CJTF-HOA works with partner nations, coalition forces and interagency and intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort.
Coalition competition builds camaraderie in Djibouti
1/12/2022
The silence is broken with the distinct cry of a horn cutting through the morning air. As if commanded by the sound, Djiboutian, French, Japanese and American Soldiers all leap from the starting line, sprinting across the arid desert.
This dash across the Djiboutian desert was part of a rifle marksmanship competition held on Dec. 11, 2021, and hosted by Soldiers from B Company, 1-157th Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Task Force Iron Gray (TFIG), Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA).
A job well done: Djibouti, U.S. Army repair village’s water supply
1/6/2022
In December 2021, U.S. Army Soldiers and Chabelley villagers worked hand-in-hand moving large rocks, digging trenches and replacing a damaged coupling. Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) engineers, including Soldiers from the 712th Engineer Support Company (712th ESC), helped village residents fix a leak in their only source of drinking water.
U.S. Army Soldiers with Task Force Iron Gray, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), and the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), Civil Affairs East Africa, and U.S. Airmen with the 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron, visited the school Nov. 2, 2021, to donate the supplies, repair the school’s water system, and engage with students.
On Nov. 11, 2021, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) celebrated Allied Appreciation Day at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Onlookers peered to the sky as Japan's P-3 Orion joined nine other U.S., U.K. and France aircraft in a low approach mission over Djibouti’s Ambouli International Airport. The event showcased the combined military presence in Djibouti and served to honor the shared partnerships, history and devotion to peace celebrated during Veterans, Armistice and Remembrance days.
377th Engineers complete mission in Horn of Africa
11/4/2021
Soldiers from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 377th Engineer Vertical Construction Company (EVCC), from Pennsylvania, transferred the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) engineering mission over to the 712th Engineering Support Company (ESC), from South Carolina, during a ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 20, 2021.
U.S., Kenya forces enhance partnership through integrated training
11/3/2021
For several months, U.S. Army Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), have trained alongside Kenya Defence Forces to improve Soldier skills while building partner capacity necessary to counter violent extremists and address other security and stability threats in the region.
Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) completed a 10-day RQ-11 Raven unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators qualification course at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Oct.13, 2021, to increase the number of trained Raven operators within the command.
U.S., French forces conduct joint combined arms live-fire exercise in Djibouti
8/18/2021
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to various companies from Task Force Iron Gray, in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), and French Soldiers assigned to the 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment (5e RIAOM) participated in a joint combined arms live-fire exercise at the Djiboutian Range Complex, Djibouti, Aug. 11, 2021.
U.S. Army Civil Affairs works to empower women in Djibouti
7/6/2021
U.S. Army Soldiers with the Civil Affairs East Africa (CA-EA) functional specialty team as well as Soldiers assigned to the 404th CA-EA battalion, in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), completed their final lessons of first aid and English at Solidarte Feminine July 1, 2021, in Djibouti City, Djibouti.
Djiboutian Army commander appoints newly promoted U.S. Army Major as elder
6/11/2021
U.S. Army Capt. Steven Kornegay, a team leader with the 2nd Security Forces Assistance Brigade, was promoted to the rank of major by Djiboutian Army Lt. Col. Mohamed Assoweh, the commander of the Battalion Intervention Rapide.
Two U.S. Soldiers assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) provided updated communications equipment to the Burundi Army signal team in Bujumbura, Burundi, to reestablish the African Data Sharing Network.
CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI, May 15, 2021 – U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Lapthe C. Flora, the outgoing Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) commanding general, transferred responsibility to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William L. Zana during a change of command ceremony. U.S. Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of the U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), presided over the ceremony.
More than a badge; Challenging oneself, perseverance
5/13/2021
U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Issaka Guebre, a combat medic with Civil Affairs East Africa Southern European Task Force Africa (CA-EA SETAF-AF), in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, challenged himself by participating in this month’s iteration of the French Desert Commando Course.
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) deployed forces to Gao, Mali, from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 30-31. The movement was the third time American forces demonstrated the ability to expeditiously deploy self-sustained operations in an austere environment and better interact with partner forces.
Medical personnel with the Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF), Task Force Bayonet and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) surgeon cell from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, administer the vaccine to Camp Simba, Kenya, March 18-20.
AFRICOM forces conduct first engagements in Somalia since repositioning
2/3/2021
U.S. Africa Command forces completed the first engagement into Somalia since the successful repositioning of U.S. forces under Joint Task Force - Quartz Jan. 30.
Joint Task Force Quartz repositions U.S. forces in East Africa
2/3/2021
Joint Task Force-Quartz successfully repositioned U.S. forces and equipment within East Africa prior to the Jan. 15 target date while maintaining support to partners and continuing to strike al Shabaab.
475th EABS connects with ‘neighbors’ delivering supplies, candy
12/10/2020
The African proverb, “it takes a village” means that an entire community of people is needed to achieve some sort of goal. The 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron and Alpha Company, Task Force Bayonet at Camp Simba, Manda Bay, Kenya believes this to be true as a team of more than six Airmen and Soldiers visited Magogoni Village in Kenya, Nov. 6, 2020.
Manda Bay, BMA name facilities for fallen service member
5/29/2020
Two contingency locations within CJTF-HOA's combined joint operations area recently named facilities in honor of U.S. Army Spc. Henry J. “Mitch” Mayfield Jr.
