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CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) flies over Moroni, Comoros, Jan. 26, 2026. The aircraft flight was in direct support of an emergency deployment readiness exercise to refine Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s ability to respond to crises across the African continent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 2 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
U.S. Marine Corps, Staff Sgt. Austin Grosz, a night system instructor with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced), guides a hoist cable as U.S. Air Force pararescuemen assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron conduct joint rescue training in Comoros, Jan. 26, 2026. U.S. Africa Command, and Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, is eager to begin new dialogue and explore relationships with strategic partner militaries that promote regional security and independence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 3 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey lands in Comoros, Jan. 26, 2026. The Osprey provides U.S. Africa Command unique vertical lift capabilities that enable rapid crisis response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
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CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
Comorian military members tour the MV22-B Osprey in Moroni, Comoros, Jan. 23, 2026. The Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s engagement highlights the importance of cooperation between Comoros and the United States to enhance readiness, mutual understanding, and long-term security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 5 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
A U.S. Air Force pararescueman assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron prepares for a joint training exercise in Comoros, Jan. 26, 2026. The aircraft was operated by U.S. Marine Corps aircrew with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) in support of personnel recovery training for Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa.
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 6 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey and a KC-130J with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) fly in conjunction over Moroni, Comoros, Jan. 26, 2026. The aircraft flight was in direct support of an emergency deployment readiness exercise to refine Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s ability to respond to crises across the African continent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 7 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, descend from a MV-22B Osprey during a fast rope training exercise in Comoros, Jan. 23, 2026. The Osprey provides U.S. Africa Command unique vertical lift capabilities that enable rapid crisis response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 8 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) flies over Moroni, Comoros, Jan. 26, 2026. The aircraft flight was in direct support of an emergency deployment readiness exercise to refine Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s ability to respond to crises across the African continent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 9 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
U.S. Marine Corps pilots with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) fly an MV-22B Osprey over Moroni, Comoros, Jan. 26, 2026. The aircraft flight was in direct support of an emergency deployment readiness exercise to refine Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s ability to respond to crises across the African continent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 10 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) flies over the Mozambique Channel, Jan. 23, 2026. Ospreys demonstrate the long-range mobility and sustainment capabilities critical to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s mission set. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 11 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
Two U.S Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa fly in conjunction with the French Armed Forces in the Southern Indian Ocean frigate FS Floréal over the Mozambique Channel, Jan. 24, 2026. The engagement highlighted enduring U.S.-French defense cooperation and CJTF-HOA’s ability to integrate air and maritime capabilities across the Western Indian Ocean. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
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CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) refuels from a KC-130J over the Mozambique Channel near Comoros, Jan. 23, 2026. MV-22B Ospreys demonstrate the long-range mobility and sustainment capabilities critical to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s mission as air-to-air refueling enables joint and partner forces to project power, sustain distributed operations, and rapidly respond across vast distances - maintaining readiness, supporting security cooperation, and ensuring operational reach throughout the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 13 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
U.S. service members pose for a photo with local community members in front of an MV-22B Osprey in Moroni, Comoros, Jan. 26, 2026. The engagement underscores the value of continued cooperation between the Union of the Comoros and the United States to strengthen readiness, build mutual understanding, and reinforce long-term regional security. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 14 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) flies over Moroni, Comoros, Jan. 26, 2026. The aircraft flight was in direct support of an emergency deployment readiness exercise to refine Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s ability to respond to crises across the African continent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 15 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
U.S. Marine Corps members with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinrforced) engage with members of the Comorian military in Moroni, Comoros, Jan. 23, 2026. Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa’s engagement strengthens enduring, mutually beneficial partnerships across the Western Indian Ocean, supports African-led security initiatives, enhances partnerships, and contributes to long-term regional stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 16 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
Two U.S Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys fly in conjunction with the French Armed Forces in the Southern Indian Ocean frigate FS Floréal over the Mozambique Channel, Jan. 24, 2026. In the Union of the Comoros, U.S. service members trained side-by-side with the Comorian Defense Force, strengthening shared security objectives, synchronizing operational procedures and enhancing collective readiness across the Western Indian Ocean. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
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CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) flies over Moroni, Comoros, Jan. 23, 2026. Ospreys demonstrate the long-range mobility and sustainment capabilities critical to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s mission set. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 18 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
Two U.S Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys fly in conjunction with the French Armed Forces in the Southern Indian Ocean frigate FS Floréal over the Mozambique Channel, Jan. 24, 2026. The flight supported a combined maritime patrol conducted by U.S. Africa Command and FAZSOI, integrating MV-22 Osprey and KC-130J aircraft with French naval forces to reinforce maritime security, freedom of navigation and regional stability in waterways critical to global trade. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 19 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
A KC-130J assigned to the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) flies over Moroni, Comoros, Jan. 26, 2026. The aircraft flight was in direct support of an emergency deployment readiness exercise to refine Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s ability to respond to crises across the African continent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 20 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
A U.S. Marine MV-22B Osprey with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reiforced) flies over Moroni, Comoros, Jan. 26, 2026. The Osprey demonstrates the long-range mobility and sustainment capabilities critical to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’’s mission set. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Photo 21 of 22
CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey and a KC-130J with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) fly in conjunction over Moroni, Comoros, Jan. 26, 2026. The aircraft flight was in direct support of an emergency deployment readiness exercise to refine Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s ability to respond to crises across the African continent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
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CJTF-HOA Executes Exercise to Comoros, Demonstrating Theater Reach and Integrated Regional Partnership
A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) lands in Comoros, Jan. 26, 2026. The aircraft flight was in direct support of an emergency deployment readiness exercise to refine Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa’s ability to respond to crises across the African continent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari)
Photo by: Senior Airman Michelle Ferrari
Combined Joint Task Force–Horn of Africa conducted an Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise in the Union of the Comoros, Jan. 23–26, 2026. The rapid-response training event tested how quickly forces can prepare, deploy and begin operations during a crisis while practicing joint aviation deployment and strengthening regional partnerships across the Western Indian Ocean.
The exercise integrated U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey aircraft with KC-130J Super Hercules aerial refueling and airlift support, demonstrating CJTF-HOA’s ability to deploy forces over long distances and operate away from home base while rehearsing alert, marshal and launch procedures alongside personnel recovery and contingency response scenarios.
“The MV-22 Osprey is an extremely capable aircraft on its own,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Charles Russell, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 162 (Reinforced) pilot. “When integrated with the KC-130J, aerial refueling significantly expands our operational reach, allowing us to operate far beyond the aircraft’s organic range and respond wherever needed.”
Pararescue forces also closely trained with the aviation teams, improving their ability to recover personnel and evacuate casualties using landing, hoist or fast-rope methods. While the aircraft demonstrated extended range and flexibility, mission success began on the flight line. Behind the scenes, maintainers ensured the aircraft were mission-ready by completing inspections, configuring systems and verifying communications before departure.
“The mission can’t be executed without the maintenance team,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Issachar Beechner, VMM-162 (Rein) MV-22B pilot. “There is absolute trust between pilots and maintainers. Our readiness depends on their precision.”
From avionics Marines verifying encrypted communications to crew chiefs configuring aircraft for specific mission sets, maintainers ensured readiness under compressed timelines.
“If we don’t know the mission, we can’t always do the maintenance to set up for it,” said U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Victor Estes, VMM-162 (Rein) MV-22B crew chief. “We install what we need to make the aircraft as mission capable as possible.”
The coordination required between aircrew and maintainers extended beyond preflight inspections. That same level of coordination continued in the air, where multiple crews and aircraft worked together to execute the mission.
“The KC-130 and MV-22 together make an unbeatable team,” Russell said. “It takes precise coordination between the crew chiefs, loadmasters and pilots in both aircraft to make the mission successful.”
Beyond demonstrating aviation capability, the EDRE strengthened partnerships with the Comorian Defense Force as U.S. and Comorian service members trained side by side, exchanging best practices, synchronizing operational procedures and reinforcing shared security objectives while building relationships that enhance collective readiness and regional stability.
At the same time, U.S. Africa Command partnered with the French Armed Forces in the Mozambique Channel to conduct a maritime patrol. The French ship FS Floréal operated alongside MV-22B and KC-130J aircraft, highlighting multinational coordination in a key global trade route. Exercises like this help maintain readiness, improve coordination with partners and ensure forces are prepared to respond to crises, humanitarian needs or security challenges in the region.
“This exercise demonstrates that CJTF-HOA remains ready, responsive and reliable,” Russell said. “Our ability to rapidly deploy combat-ready forces alongside trusted partners reinforces regional stability and ensures we can respond decisively to crisis or contingency.”
As aircraft departed Comoros at the conclusion of the exercise, the operation marking the completion of CJTF-HOA’s forward-deployed joint training in the Horn of Africa and Western Indian Ocean.
