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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Image

The U.S. Army Civil Affairs Battalion assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa conducted a transfer of authority ceremony Feb. 12, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The 415th Civil Affairs Battalion arrived in Djibouti June 11, 2015, and has been working hand-in-hand with the local Djiboutian populace, authorities, Djibouti Armed Forces, and other integral organizations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton/Released)

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Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton 

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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Image

U.S. Army Soldiers from the incoming 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion salute during the transfer of authority ceremony Feb. 12, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. As the two units stood side by side in separate formations, the 415th CA BN sheathed their unit colors while the 403rd CA BN unfurled theirs, signifying the transfer of authority. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton/Released)

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Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton 

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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Image

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Betty Cummisky, 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion commander, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Tamara Edwards, 403rd CA BN command sergeant major, unfurl their unit colors during a transfer of authority ceremony Feb. 12, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Unfurling the unit colors signified the transfer of authority from the 415th CA BN, which is now preparing to redeploy home. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton/Released)

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Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton 

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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Image

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion stand at ease during a transfer of authority ceremony Feb. 12, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. They will continue to build on a strong foundation with local military forces, civilian populations and civilian authorities, as well as advise the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commanding general on the civil environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton/Released)

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Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton 

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Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Image

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Betty Cummisky, 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion commander, speaks during a transfer of authority ceremony Feb. 12, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. They will conduct military-to-military and civil-military engagements to strengthen partner nation capacity and continue to build on the strong foundation established by the departing 415th CA BN. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton/Released)

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Photo by: U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton 

Two U.S. Army Civil Affairs Battalions assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa conducted a transfer of authority ceremony Feb. 12, 2016, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.

The 415th Civil Affairs Battalion arrived in Djibouti June 11, 2015, from Kalamazoo, Mich., and has been working hand-in-hand with integral organizations, including the local Djiboutian populace, authorities, and Djibouti Armed Forces.

The incoming 403rd CA BN from Mattydale, N.Y., will now assume responsibility for all civil affairs duties within the East African region in support of the CJTF-HOA mission.

As the two units stood in formations side by side, the 415th CA BN sheathed their unit colors while the 403rd CA BN unfurled theirs, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Betty Cummiskey, 403rd CA BN commander, assumed command.

“Since the notification of this mission, the Soldiers of the 403rd have trained extensively and shown the professionalism and motivation to meet and exceed the operational needs within the combined joint operations area,” Cummiskey said.  “We resolve to further the efforts of the previous Civil Affairs Battalions in order to support the CJTF.”

The 403rd CA BN will conduct military-to-military engagements to strengthen partner nation capacity. They will also continue to build on a strong foundation with local military forces, civilian populations and civilian authorities, as well as advise the CJTF-HOA commanding general on the civil environment.

“I would like to thank Col. Christopher Dziubek, Command Sgt. Maj. Scott Schultz and the Soldiers of the 415th CA BN for their continued partnership and ongoing effort in the continuation of civil affairs missions throughout East Africa,” Cummisky concluded. “Their guidance, support and demonstrated resilience are a testament to the organization’s professionalism and dedication to the joint task force.”