View Gallery

Gallery contains 4 images

×

Photo 1 of 4

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn

U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant Ted Braxton Jr., command senior enlisted leader of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, shares his aspirations as the new CSEL at a change of responsibility ceremony Oct. 8, 2024 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Braxton served as the 449th Air Expeditionary Group SEL at Camp Lemonnier in 2021. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)

Download image

Photo by: Tech. Sgt. George Keck 

Photo 2 of 4

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn

U.S. Coast Guard Command Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Koch, former command senior enlisted leader of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, reflects on his time as CSEL at a change of responsibility ceremony Oct. 8, 2024 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Koch was the first U.S. Coast Guard Sentinel to serve in this capacity at Camp Lemonnier. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)

Download image

Photo by: Tech. Sgt. George Keck 

Photo 3 of 4

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn

U.S. Army Major General Brian Cashman, commander of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), presents the command guidon to U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant, command senior enlisted leader of CJTF-HOA, at a change of responsibility ceremony Oct. 8, 2024 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Change of responsibility ceremonies symbolize heritage and reinforce the noncommissioned officer's authority and highlights their support to the chain of command. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)

Download image

Photo by: Tech. Sgt. George Keck 

Photo 4 of 4

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn

U.S. Coast Guard Command Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Koch, former command senior enlisted leader of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), relinquishes the command guidon to U.S. Army Major General Brian Cashman, commander of CJTF-HOA, at a change of responsibility ceremony Oct. 8, 2024 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. Change of responsibility ceremonies symbolize heritage and reinforce the noncommissioned officer's authority and highlights their support to the chain of command. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. George Keck)

Download image

Photo by: Tech. Sgt. George Keck 

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – U.S. service members deployed to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) welcomed their new command senior enlisted leader (CSEL) during a change of responsibility ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on Oct. 8, 2024.

U.S. Coast Guard Command Master Chief Petty Officer Michael S. Koch, outgoing CJTF-HOA CSEL, transferred responsibility to U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Ted R. Braxton Jr. The commanding general of CJTF-HOA, Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, presided over the ceremony.

Cashman thanked Koch for his steadfast service to CJTF-HOA and his constant support as CSEL. As CSEL, Koch was responsible for overseeing the command’s strength and readiness. His role involved not only providing leadership and guidance to enlisted personnel but also serving as a key advisor to the commanding general.

“Command Master Chief Koch has been a source of sound guidance and judgment that other leaders and I have relied on daily,” said Cashman. “His experience and insights helped shape the strategies that impact our personnel and our mission outcomes.”

Koch reflected on his time at CJTF-HOA and serving alongside its members and foreign partners.

“It truly was a privilege to work with all the men and women from all the different units and all our partners,” Koch said. “What an amazing team of dedicated joint-service members.”

Braxton, who previously served as the 449th Air Expeditionary Group senior enlisted leader here in 2021, closed out the ceremony by sharing thoughts on his future role as the new CSEL.

“To the men and women of CJTF-HOA, you have my word that I will continue to lead with integrity, courage, and boldness,” Braxton said. “Together we will build bridges and relationships, overcome challenges, and pursue our shared goals as one team.”