Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Celebrates Enduring Partnership at Partner Appreciation Day
12/4/2024
CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI – U.S. military personnel at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ), including members of Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), CLDJ staff, tenant commands, Djiboutian Armed Forces, and Allied and partner military forces gathered Nov. 20, 2024, to celebrate Partner Appreciation Day.
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.
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - The East Africa Security Forum (EASF) was recently held at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, Nov. 21-23, 2024. The forum, hosted by Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), aimed to enhance U.S. collaboration with regional partners and address complex security issues. It brought together senior leaders and distinguished guests from U.S. government agencies, military and diplomatic missions, as well as representatives from partner nations.
Task Force Associator Replaces Task Force Paxton as East Africa’s Newest Security Forces Unit
10/25/2024
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – The Pennsylvania National Guard’s Task Force Associator was officially given responsibility for the security mission in East Africa from Task Force Paxton, another Pennsylvania National Guard Unit, during a transfer of authority ceremony Oct. 21, 2024.
Combined Joint Task Force Conducts Crisis Response – Rehearsal of Concept with Military Partners and Allies
6/16/2024
Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa (June 3, 2024) – Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, regional Allies and partners including France, United Kingdom, Japan, and several U.S. Embassies located across the African continent conducted a planned Crisis Response – Rehearsal of Concept event at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, Africa, on May 31, 2024.
CJTF-HOA works with U.S. Embassy in Burundi in exercise to maintain regional readiness
5/7/2024
The East Africa Response Force (EARF), comprised of members from Task Force Paxton under the direction of CJTF-HOA, conducted an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise (EDRE) on April 3, 2024, assessing their capacity to effectively deploy, reinforce, and subsequently support any potential needs of the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura, Burundi.
Impact Company Enhances Healthcare with Medical Supply Delivery
5/1/2024
Soldiers from Impact Company, 328th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment belonging to Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard deliver medical equipment to Djibouti Adventist Health Center, April 7, 2024, Djibouti City, Djibouti.
The final approach: 3-58th Airfield Operations Battalion embark on last deployment before deactivation
4/28/2024
After 37 years of providing airfield management and air traffic support at deployed locations throughout the world, the 3-58th Airfield Operations Battalion embarks on their final deployment with the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa. The unit will be dissolved upon completion of their tour as part of a U.S. Army reorganization plan.
VMM-261 (REIN) KC-130J Detachment “Bronco”: Partners in the Skies of Djibouti
4/9/2024
U.S. Marines with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (REIN) KC-130J Detachment "Bronco" conducted a joint refueling mission over Djibouti, Africa on March 25th.
218th MEB Transfers authority of CJTF-HOA mission to 204th MEB
4/8/2024
The 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, transferred authority of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa headquarters staff mission to the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Utah Army National Guard, on April 1, 2024, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa members traveled out to villages in the country of Djibouti as a part of their ‘Herd Health Vaccination Engagement’ project which aims to assist local veterinarian personnel with the mass vaccination against the deadly goat plague and promote proper healthcare amongst herds across the nation.
Sigonella Blood Depot Trainer visits CJTF-HOA to Promote Mission Readiness
1/23/2024
A member of the blood depot section at Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sicily, Italy, visited the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa medical logistics center to provide training on the blood deglycerolization process to personnel from CJTF-HOA, Camp Lemonnier EMF, and the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti.
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.
CJTF-HOA works with U.S. Embassy in Tanzania to maintain regional readiness
11/9/2023
On Oct. 10, 2023, CJTF-HOA performed an EDRE that tested their ability to successfully reach, augment and ultimately evacuate the U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in a simulated natural disaster situation.
CJTF-HOA Leads Desk Rejuvenation Project throughout Djibouti
11/2/2023
Civil Affairs and Engineering service members stationed in Djibouti have worked on strengthening relations with the local community through their Desk Rejuvenation Project. The project has led to delivery of hundreds of desks to students in the Horn of Africa.
2-130th AOB transfers responsibility of the airfield operations mission to the 3-58th
11/1/2023
The 2-130th Airfield Operations Battalion (AOB) of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa ended their mission as the task force's airfield operations battalion transferring authority to the 3-58th AOB. The 3-58th AOB aims to continue the mission and continue to build upon the foundations left by the 2-130th.
The Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa is, in every sense of the word, diverse. Service members and civilian employees of all different ages, hailing from every corner of the world with different outlooks and experiences are here serving a single mission. Among them is Hassan Ali, a resident of Virginia, a U.S. citizen since 2012, a member of CJTF-HOA, and a native of Djibouti.
CLDJ Chief Petty Officers invite Joint service members into CPO Initiation
10/5/2023
The latest CPO Initiation at Camp Lemonnier Djibouti, included not only Sailors, but two Soldiers, an Airman, and a Marine. The top noncommissioned officers from each U.S. military branches were afforded the opportunity to participate in the traditional Navy training and be inducted into the CPO Mess upon completion. The candidates will be recognized as Chief Petty Officers not just at Camp Lemonnier, but across the entire Navy.
CJTF - HOA Hosts Women, Peace, and Security Summit
9/29/2023
Service members from the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa met at the Sheraton Hotel Djibouti for the Women, Peace, and Security level 100 course. Through the course they focused on what it means to be a gender focal point within the ranks of the armed forces.
The Secretary of Defense visited members of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa and service members stationed at Camp Lemonnier to highlight the importance of the U.S. Department of Defense's focus on advancing partnerships and security on the African continent.
CJTF-HOA Remembers 9/11, Service Members Share their Stories
9/12/2023
September 11, 2001 is a date that has lived in infamy in the minds of the American people for over 20 years now. Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa service members took the day to commemorate the lives lost during the terrorist attacks, reflect on where they were when the World Trade Center fell, and how their memory of the tragedy drives their service.
French Armed Forces join CJTF-HOA for casualty care
8/30/2023
Three U.S. Army combat medics led a team of five French Armed Forces members through the most current DOD TCCC training at Camp Lemonnier. Instructors coached the French troops through a wide range of medical competencies including recognizing shock, medicating the wounded, and treating minor and major wounds.
Sports Inspire Unity Amongst Foreign Partners for CJTF-HOA
8/25/2023
A primary function for the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa foreign liaison office is to build relationships and rapport with foreign partners. U.S. Army CPT Walker and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Norris have used their love of sports to foster ties with Japanese Self-Defense Force members here in Djibouti.
SETAF-AF Civil Affairs Teams Up With CJTF-HOA To Promote Foreign Relations
8/21/2023
When formal training exercises are too far in between Civil Affairs personnel work on strengthening partner relations through casual hangouts and CJTF-HOA joint-force activities.
The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa team consists of a diverse fusion of different teams all coming together to accomplish the same mission and each individual team member also brings their own diverse experiences and outlooks to the team.
Military working dog handlers from U.S. Navy Camp Lemonnier security and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa partnered with the U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians for an MWD training event at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, July 25, 2023.
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Katie Theusch, the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) Public Affairs productions noncommissioned officer in charge, and her brother, Master Sgt. Daniel Eggers, CJTF-HOA strategy and plans senior enlisted leader, are both deployed to Camp Lemonnier in support of the CJTF-HOA mission to promote defense, diplomacy, and development within the Horn of Africa.
CJTF - HOA, Spanish forces, Djiboutian coast guard work together for exercise Bull Shark 23-2
6/14/2023
The Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) worked together with Djiboutian and Spanish forces for the biannual Bull Shark exercise at Camp Doraleh and near Arta Range to enhance multinational interoperability May 28 - June 4, 2023.
Virtual Tropical Medicine Course Unifies Allied, U.S. medical professionals
5/11/2023
The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF - HOA) surgeon cell hosted its first virtual Military Tropical Medicine Course (MTMC) for allied and U.S. military medical professionals at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 2 - 4, 2023.
VMM-364 assumes authority of Marine tiltrotor mission from VMM-266
4/5/2023
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 226 reinforced (VMM-226) transferred authority of the Marine tiltrotor mission to VMM-364 (REIN) during a ceremony on April 1 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
1-58th AOB transfers air operations mission to 2-130th AOB
3/17/2023
The 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation, Airfield Operations Battalion (AOB), transferred authority of the air operations mission to 2nd Battalion, 130th Aviation (AOB) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 20, 2023.
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.
U.S. service members and base personnel attended a Djiboutian crafts bazaar featuring cultural art and craftwork from local vendors and artisans Nov. 19, 2022, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
CJTF-HOA, partners build school library in Djibouti
10/13/2022
Members of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), the United States Embassy Djibouti, and international partners and allies celebrated the opening of a Library at the Balbala 7 School, Djibouti, Oct. 4, 2022.
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and Camp Lemonnier Public Affairs Directorates conducted a knowledge exchange from Aug. 29-31, 2022, with Djib-Live TV, RTD: Téĺé Djibouti, Agence Djiboutienne d'Information - ADI, and Journal La Nation, in coordination with U.S. Embassy Djibouti and Ministère de la Communication, chargé des Postes et des Télécommunications.
U.S. donates 24 armored vehicles to support allied troops in Somalia
8/17/2022
Mogadishu, Somalia - U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), visited foreign partners in Mogadishu, Somalia, Aug. 3, 2022, to hand over 24 Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the ATMIS Headquarters.
CJTF-HOA Engineers, Civil Affairs expands PK12 Field Hospital in Djibouti
7/27/2022
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), joined the Honorable Mr. Jonathan Pratt, U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti, and Dr. Ahmed Robleh Abdilleh, Ministère de la Santé de Djibouti, to speak at the opening of the expansion of Djibouti’s Ministry of Health’s PK12 Field Hospital in Balbala, Djibouti, July 20, 2022.
712th Engineer Support Company transfer authority in Horn of Africa
6/16/2022
The 712th Engineer Support Company (ESC), from South Carolina, transferred responsibility of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) engineering mission to the 319th Engineer Support Company, from Texas, during a ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 14, 2022. The engineering company works on a variety of construction projects with partner nations throughout CJTF-HOA’s area of interest.
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.
US Military tracks, fights pathogens in East Africa
5/23/2022
COVID-19 reminded the world of the danger unknown pathogens can present to the world, as the disease swept across the globe, shutting down entire societies in the early days of the pandemic.
For many of us, pathogens are not a common consideration, or at least not at the microscopic level. There are however a select few people and organizations dedicated to identifying, observing, and analyzing this very topic.
Lt. Cmdr. Rebecca Pavlicek, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. – 3 (NAMRU-3) director of the microbiology laboratory at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, is one of those people.
US military, Djiboutians champion Women, Peace and Security at co-hosted event
5/10/2022
U.S. leadership with the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) co-hosted a Women, Peace and Security (WPS) workshop with the Djiboutian Ministry of Women and Family at the Palace Kempinski, Djibouti, May 8, 2022.
The participating parties, including members of the Djiboutian Ministry of Women and Family, CJTF-HOA, and U.S. Embassy Djibouti, used the venue to initiate an update to Djibouti’s WPS National Action Plan (NAP). The NAP serves as a binding document for integration of WPS principles, including how they will be prioritized and governed within Djibouti.
Tropical medicine course brings together allied, U.S. medical professionals in Djibouti
3/23/2022
The Combined Joint Task Force- Horn of Africa surgeon cell hosted partners and other U.S. military medical professionals during a Military Tropical Medicine Course (MTMC) here March 1-3, 2022.
The course provided participants with the most recent knowledge and skills to address infectious and communicable diseases commonly found in East Africa.
CA Soldiers, Djiboutians work together to treat livestock
3/23/2022
U.S. Army Civil Affairs East Africa Soldiers partnered with the Djiboutian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries to conduct a veterinary civic action program (VETCAP) March 16, 2022, in a small Djiboutian village, Hindi.
The team treated the goats and sheep for intestinal parasites and gave them a multivitamin injection, oral de-wormer and sprayed them for ecto-parasites. Additionally, animals with infections or upper respiratory diseases were treated with the appropriate antibiotics, ticks were collected for disease surveillance testing and stool samples were taken for intestinal parasite testing.
French Forces in Djibouti (FFDJ), alongside U.S. service members with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and units from Camp Lemonnier, participated in the French-led Exercise WAKRI 22, March 13-15, 2022.
Djibouti, U.S. strengthen partnership through medical knowledge exchange
2/2/2022
More than 40 U.S. service members from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and the Djiboutian Gendarmerie came together for a medical knowledge exchange of casualty care practices at the Gendarmerie compound in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Jan. 17- 20, 2022.
The exchange allowed both parties to share their medical practices and tactics, while strengthening bonds between the Gendarmerie and the CJTF-HOA service members.
From Iron Gray to Red Dragon: National Guard infantry units support East Africa mission
1/12/2022
U.S. Army National Guard battalion, 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Task Force Iron Gray, cased the unit's regimental colors to signify handing responsibility for the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s security forces mission over to the 1-116th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Red Dragon, during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 8, 2022.
U.S. Army hosts Joint Expeditionary Mountain Warfare Course in Djibouti
12/21/2021
Five U.S. Army Mountain Warfare School instructors with the Vermont Army National Guard travelled to Djibouti to teach a five-day Joint Expeditionary Mountain Warfare Course to service members from France’s 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment (5e RIAOM) at the Arta Range Complex, Dec. 12-16, 2021.
CJTF-HOA strengthens personnel recovery mission in East Africa
11/22/2021
The PRCC at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), conducts personnel recovery and casualty evacuation for U.S. and joint partners in East Africa.
To test their response time and demonstrate their capabilities, the PRCC conducted a full casualty evacuation exercise from start to finish. More importantly, the exercise served to examine their system for deficiencies.
CJTF-HOA hosts inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti
9/30/2021
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 Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa's inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021.
U.S. military medical teams work to reach full vaccination goals in East Africa
8/27/2021
U.S. Army medical personnel with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) traveled to Camp Simba, Kenya, to administer COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with Department of Defense policy and guidance to help reduce the burden of COVID-19 in high-risk populations and simultaneously mitigate risk to military operations.
All Smiles: Civil Affairs Soldiers teach oral hygiene class in Djibouti
8/16/2021
On Aug. 11, 2021, U.S. Army Sgt. Stovall Volanta, a dental hygienist with the functional specialty team, and her team partnered with teachers with the Association des Femmes de We’a to conduct an oral hygiene class for Djiboutian schoolchildren.
The class is part of the Department of Defense’s Women, Peace and Security (WPS) initiative, which aims to promote the safety, equality and meaningful contributions of women around the world, and positively affect local community organizations while enriching foreign relationships.
Djiboutian Cleric leads Ramadan prayers for CJTF-HOA military members
4/30/2021
Imam Hassan Ahmed Migane, and other prominent Djiboutian Muslim leaders, led a Muslim Maghrib sunset prayer for Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) service members to close out the day’s Ramadan fast at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 28, 2021.
U.S., French forces conduct joint artillery training
2/8/2021
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the East Africa Response Force (EARF) in support of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and French Soldiers assigned to the 5th Overseas Intermarines Regiment (RIAOM) participated in a live-fire joint artillery training event at the Djiboutian Range Complex, Djibouti, Feb. 2, 2021.
Recently, the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) Staff Judge Advocate office stepped in to provide critical training to the Armed Forces of Djibouti (FAD) Bataillon d’intervention rapide (BIR), on behalf of the Defense Institute for International Legal Studies (DIILS).
Nearly 200 Soldiers from the 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB), of Sioux Falls, South Dakota Army National Guard became the new headquarters staff after arriving at Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), Sept. 25, 2020.
