Greetings from the East African country of Djibouti and Camp Lemonnier, home to the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.

I have the wonderful privilege of working alongside the men and women serving our country in the Horn of Africa. The service members and civilians from many parts of our government and partner governments who make up the task force, do great work every day across a vast 13-country operating area roughly the size of the United States. Our focus is to develop and mature enduring military partnerships and capacities in the sovereign nations of East Africa in a way that stems violent extremism and contributes to long term stability. Close collaboration and active listening are key elements in all of our interactions.

I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of those assigned here is a high priority for me – their readiness is key to advancing a very important effort. I am equally concerned about the well-being of family members holding down the fort back home. I fully appreciate that duty here in Africa does not come without significant sacrifice, and the separation from loved ones that you endure is never easy. For many serving here now, this is the second, third, or fourth deployment, to include tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of you have taken on added responsibilities in caring for your children and households. We will ensure that each family knows where to get support, if needed. Camp Lemonnier recently established a Family Support Center that will make this more efficient and effective than it has been in the past.

I am committed to keeping you informed about CJTF-HOA. Through this website, and other social media venues, my staff and I will update you on the work that your Team is doing under US Africa Command. I look forward to your feedback and the interactive conversations we can have through this forum.

With respect and appreciation,
RDML Brian L. Losey, Commander