Deputy Commander

By CJTF-HOA Public Affairs

January 22, 2017

Brigadier General Phil Purcell is the Deputy Commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. In this position, he supports the CJTF-HOA Commander to counter violent extremism in East Africa. General Purcell is also responsible for developing relations with senior military leaders in African partner nations and directing CJTF staff and subordinate commanders’ support to deployed personnel and units of all Services across the Horn of Africa.

Download full-resolution

We suggest

U.S. Marines strengthen Djiboutian Army by leading joint bilateral academy course in Africa

U.S. Marine Cpl. Payton Martin of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit helps Abdo-Salam Yacin, a Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD) soldier, observe the use of the guidon during the U.S. Marine Corps Corporals Course held by Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 7, 2017. FAD participation in the CJTF-HOA Joint Corporals Course denotes the important occasion of an African military taking part in this curriculum. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andria Allmond)

October 11, 2017

The U.S. Marine Corps is arguably one of the most revered institutions within the U.S. Department of Defense. So, when Combined Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) leadership recently welcomed members of the Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD) into the U.S. Marine Corps Corporals Course, it was a distinct honor.

Regional Senior Mission Leaders Course in Kenya concludes 13th iteration

U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Trey Wheeler answers a participant’s question during the Regional Senior Mission Leaders Course at the International Peace Support Training Centre in Karen, Kenya, Feb. 17, 2016. As part of the two-week course, attendees from 13 countries, including Burundi, China, Comoros, Denmark, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and the U.S., participated in a panel discussion featuring visiting senior leaders from prominent organizations working in East Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Victoria Sneed)

February 26, 2016

Military, government and police officials from 13 countries gathered for the 13th Regional Senior Mission Leaders Course at the International Peace Support Training Centre in Karen, Kenya, Feb. 15-26, 2016.

"Thoughts From the Running Trail" – Stepping Up!

April 7, 2014

You’ve probably heard Gen Grigsby or SgtMaj Skinner talk about the fact that they view CJTF-HOA as a leadership factory. They believe, as do we, that our most important job as military leaders is to prepare future leaders to eventually take our places. That has always been the way of the military and it ensures the survivability of our units in combat and the vitality of our services over time. Someone always has to be ready to step up and take charge, regardless of why the previous leader is no longer able to serve.

CJTF-HOA Leaders Recognize Service Members during All Hands

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s Senior Enlisted Leader, Command Master Chief Karl W. Parsons, presents a quarterly award plaque and certificate to U.S. Army Spc. Emmett M. Ryan, communications specialist for CJTF-HOA, on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Oct. 20, 2018. Ryan was recognized as the CJTF-HOA Junior Service Member of the Quarter during a CJTF-HOA all-hands call. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Scott Jackson)

October 23, 2018

CJTF-HOA’s commanding general, Maj. Gen. James D. Craig, and CJTF-HOA’s Senior Enlisted Leader, Command Master Chief Karl Parsons, presented quarterly awards, thanked galley employees and praised members of the CJTF-HOA staff.

Djibouti, U.S. Service Members Learn Side-by-Side During Joint Corporals Course

U.S. service members look over a map as part of land navigation training during a Joint Corporals Course hosted by Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa at Camp Lemonnier, Jan. 11, 2018. The Joint Corporals Course is designed to provide junior service members with the knowledge and skills necessary to assume leadership roles of greater responsibility as a non-commissioned officer, as well as strengthen bonds between participating militaries. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Allyson L. Manners)

February 2, 2018

Service members from Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Armed Forces (FAD), and Marines from across East Africa have successfully completed the Joint Corporals Course.