Cutlass Express 2016

By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Victoria Sneed
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

Port of Djibouti, February 3, 2016

A Djibouti Marine searches a vessel suspected of illicit activity during a visit, board, search and seizure scenario as part of the 2016 Cutlass Express exercise near the Port of Djibouti, Feb. 3, 2016. The goal of the exercise was to strengthen regional cooperation and help address challenges that no single nation is capable of tackling alone.

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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.

Incoming EARF completes validation, demonstrates crisis response capability

Soldiers from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, board a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 75th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron Feb. 13, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Members of the U.S. Army’s Bravo Company 3-15, from Fort Stewart, Georgia, completed a validation exercise displaying their ability to assume responsibility from Alpha Company 3-15, as the East Africa Response Force assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Peter Thompson)

February 17, 2016

Within hours of being notified, CJTF-HOA’s East Africa Response Force prepared dozens of Soldiers and tons of supplies for takeoff during an emergency response exercise, validating the EARF’s rapid response capabilities.

Sniper platoons from the 11th MEU and French Marines conduct bilateral training during Exercise Alligator Dagger

U.S. Marine Corps members with Scout Sniper Platoon, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), focus downrange during exercise Alligator Dagger, Dec. 13, 2016, at Arta Plage, Djibouti. The unknown distance course was part of bilateral training with the 3rd Infantry French Marines Sniper Platoon. The exercise allows opportunities for the 11th MEU to maintain their respective skills and proficiencies. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Penny Snoozy)

January 1, 2017

ARTA, Djibouti – The Arta Plage training grounds were quickly filled with 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) members during amphibious landings from Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), earlier this month, near Djibouti. Once on shore, the Marines wasted no time initiating training events associated with the month long Exercise Alligator Dagger.

Exercise Cutlass Express 2016 bolsters maritime security

Participants from Sudan, Rwanda, Kenya, and Djibouti stand in formation during the opening ceremony of exercise Cutlass Express 2016 at the Djibouti Navy Base, Djibouti, Feb. 1, 2016. More than 450 personnel from 18 countries coordinated at two locations for the fifth iteration of the maritime exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Victoria Sneed)

February 9, 2016

Naval and Coast Guard personnel from across the globe joined together to train in waters off the Port of Djibouti, Jan. 31 to Feb. 5, 2016, as part of exercise Cutlass Express 2016.

Seven nations gather in Djibouti, honor the fallen during Armistice Day ceremony

The flag of the French Somali Battalion is displayed during the Armistice Day ceremony at the French Marine Base, Nov. 11, 2015. Troops from the Horn of Africa and Yemen carried the flag through both world wars.

November 12, 2015

For nearly 100 years nations have annually commemorated the end of World War I on Nov. 11, with an Armistice Day ceremony. The French Marine Base in Djibouti held a ceremony that remained faithful to the heritage and tradition of military service to honor those who were lost in WWI.