Recently, officials from AMISOM and the Interim South West Administration (ISWA) laid a stone marker on the site of an airport to be constructed in Barawe, Somalia signifying joint efforts for physical infrastructural development in the lower Shabelle region. (UPDF-Uganda Courtesy Photo)

Joyce Craig, Africa Contingency Operations Training & Assistance (ACOTA) African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Force Headquarters training course instructor, right, works with a Uganda People’s Defense Force officer on how to plan Civil military cooperation activities at the International Peace Support Training Center in Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 26, 2015. The course was designed to prepare staff officers from AMISOM contributing countries for possible assignment to AMISOM Force Headquarters, and part of that training included organizing civil military operations to build support and confidence among the Somali people. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet/released)

Kenyan Defense Force Maj. Balata Kotea, Africa Contingency Operations Training & Assistance (ACOTA) African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Force Headquarters training course attendee, updates a map of Somalia with the latest AMISOM and Al-Shabaab troop movements at the International Peace Support Training Center in Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 25, 2015. Kenya is one of the AU countries contributing to the forces in Somalia battling Al-Shabaab and the ACOTA course helps familiarize the attending officers with the military decision making process, so they can better advise and prepare solutions to the problems they might face in the field. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet/released)

U.S. Army Capt. Daniel Brown, Africa Contingency Operations Training & Assistance (ACOTA) African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Force Headquarters training public affairs mentor, left, and Edward Wilson, ACOTA instructor, right, act as media during a mock press conference at the International Peace Support Training Center in Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 25, 2015. The course was designed to prepare staff officers from AMISOM contributing countries for possible assignment to AMISOM Force Headquarters, and the public affairs mentors questioned AMISOM PA representatives to prepare them for the significant media presence in Somalia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet/released)

Kenyan Defense Force Col. Shadrack Othieno, Africa Contingency Operations Training & Assistance (ACOTA) African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Force Headquarters training course attendee, briefs the media during a mock press conference at the International Peace Support Training Center in Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 25, 2015. The course was designed to prepare staff officers from AMISOM contributing countries for possible assignment to AMISOM Force Headquarters, the public affairs training is to prepare PA teams for the significant media presence in Somalia. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet/released)

Kenyan Defense Force Maj. David Nzuve, Africa Contingency Operations Training & Assistance (ACOTA) African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) Force Headquarters training course attendee, briefs command staff officers during a culmination exercise at the International Peace Support Training Center in Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 26, 2015. The course was designed to prepare staff officers from AMISOM contributing countries for possible assignment to AMISOM Force Headquarters as a part of the command staff there, and as staff members the officers were asked to prepare daily briefings regarding the day’s events. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet/released)

Nineteen officers from the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) and Kenyan Defense Force (KDF) completed the 16th iteration of the U.S. Department of State’s Africa Contingency Operations Training & Assistance (ACOTA) Force Headquarters training course at the International Peace Support Training Center in Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 28, 2015. The course was designed to prepare staff officers from the African Union Mission in Somalia contributing countries for possible assignment to AMISOM Force Headquarters as a part of the command staff there. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet/released)

150728-M-ZZ999-148 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 28, 2015) U.S. Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, set up a support-by-fire position during sustainment training. Elements of the 15th MEU are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Eddy Arce/Released)

150729-M-TJ275-391 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 29, 2015) U.S. Marines with Light Armored Reconnaissance Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, engage targets in a fire-and-maneuver exercise during sustainment training. Elements of the 15th MEU are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Steve H. Lopez/Released)

150729-M-TJ275-262 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 29, 2015) U.S. Marines with Light Armored Reconnaissance Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, practice fire and maneuver in Light Armored Vehicles (LAV-25) during sustainment training. Elements of the 15th MEU are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Steve H. Lopez/Released)

150729-M-TJ275-259 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 29, 2015) U.S. Marines with Light Armored Reconnaissance Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, dismount a Light Armored Vehicle (LAV-25) and take their fighting positions during sustainment training. Elements of the 15th MEU are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Steve H. Lopez/Released)

150729-M-TJ275-293 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 29, 2015) A U.S. Marine with Light Armored Reconnaissance Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, engages his target in a fire-and-maneuver exercise during sustainment training. Elements of the 15th MEU are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Steve H. Lopez/Released)

150729-M-TJ275-030 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 29, 2015) U.S. Marines with Light Armored Reconnaissance Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, engage targets in a Light Armored Vehicle (LAV-25) during sustainment training. Elements of the 15th MEU are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Steve H. Lopez/Released)

150726-M-ZZ999-052 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 26, 2015) U.S. Marine Cpl. Daniel Molina establishes a battle-sight zero with his M4 carbine. Molina is a vehicle commander with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Elements of the 15th MEU are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Eddy Arce/Released)

150728-M-ZZ999-069 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 28, 2015) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Steven Benavidez prepares a Javelin shoulder-fired anti-tank missile system for use during sustainment training. Benavidez is a scout with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Elements of the 15th MEU are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Eddy Arce/Released)

150728-M-ZZ999-035 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 28, 2015) U.S. Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire an M240B machine gun at their targets during anti-tank sustainment training. Elements of the 15th MEU are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Eddy Arce/Released)

150726-M-ZZ999-148 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 26, 2015) U.S. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Michael Ramirez, left, ensures Lance Cpl. George Camden weapon is free of rounds after establishing a battle-sight zero. Ramirez is a platoon sergeant and Camden is a vehicle driver, both with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Elements of the 15th MEU are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Eddy Arce/Released)

150726-M-ZZ999-031 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 26, 2015) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Jake Kelley, middle, shows Marines their shot groups while Marines establish battle-sight zeros for their weapons. Kelley is a vehicle commander with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Elements of the 15th MEU are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Eddy Arce/Released)

150726-M-ZZ999-025 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 26, 2015) U.S. Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, establish their battle-sight zeros. Elements of the 15th MEU are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Eddy Arce/Released)

150726-M-ZZ999-041 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 28, 2015) U.S. Marine Cpl. Tyrone Watkins observes the impact area as Marines fire at targets simulating tanks. Watkins is a vehicle commander with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Elements of the 15th MEU are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Eddy Arce/Released)

150726-M-ZZ999-020 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 26, 2015) U.S. Marine Cpl. Joseph Monrreal, left, watches over Marines as they fire their weapons try establish a battle-sight zero. Monrreal was assigned as the personal safety officer during the course of fire and is a vehicle gunner with Combined Anti-Armor Team 1, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Elements of the 15th MEU are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Gunnery Sgt. Eddy Arce/Released)

150722-M-TJ275-167 ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 22, 2015) U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Zachary Palacio engages his target with an M240B squad automatic weapon during machine gun sustainment training. Palacio is a motor transport operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 15, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Steve H. Lopez/Released)

ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 22, 2015) A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires an infantry automatic rifle during a squad-attack exercise. The Marines of BLT 3/1 executed a series of attack and maneuver drills consisting of, machine gun, squad and night attacks. Elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jamean Berry/Released)

ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 22, 2015) A U.S. Marine with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit throws a practice grenade during a grenade accuracy exercise. Elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jamean Berry/Released)

ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 22, 2015) U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire AT-4 rockets during a rocket training exercise. Elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed conducting maritime security operations in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jamean Berry/Released)

ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 22, 2015) U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit fill sand bags to construct an entry control point at a cantonment area ashore during sustainment training. Elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Steve H. Lopez/Released)

ARTA BEACH, Djibouti (July 22, 2015) A U.S. Marine team leader with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, yells commands to his squad during a squad-attack exercise. The Marines of BLT 3/1 executed a series of attack and maneuver drills consisting of, machine gun, squad and night attacks. Elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit are ashore in Djibouti for sustainment training to maintain and enhance the skills they developed during their pre-deployment training period. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jamean Berry/Released)

A U.S. Marine HMMWV loads onto a U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) in Arta, Djibouti, July 20, 2015. Marine HMMWVs serve as command and control, troop transport, shelter carrier, towed weapons mover, and can be used as an ambulance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman)

A U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) approaches the USS Anchorage in Arta, Djibouti, July 20, 2015. The LCAC delivered U.S. Marines and equipment from the U.S. Navy vessel to Arta Beach, to do sustainment training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman)

A U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) approaches USS Anchorage in Arta, Djibouti, July 20, 2015. USS Anchorage is a transport dock ship, and is designed to transport and land elements of a landing force for expeditionary warfare missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman)

The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD-23) patrols the Gulf of Tadjoura as a Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) approaches its stern during a two week sustainment exercise for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Djibouti, Africa, July 20, 2015. USS Anchorage, also known as an amphibious warfare ship, and is designed to transport and land elements of a landing force for expeditionary warfare missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet)

A U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) departs a beach in Arta, Djibouti, July 20, 2015. LCACs for USS Anchorage delivered U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and their equipment for sustainment training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman)

A U.S. Navy Maritime Expeditionary Security Force member signals that it is safe for a U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) to leave the beach and travel back to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD-23) in Arta, Djibouti, July 20, 2015. LCACs for this military ship delivered U.S. Marines and equipment from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit for sustainment training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman)

A U.S. Marine Light Armored Vehicle (LAV-25) driver assigned to the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, awaits orders after disembarking from a U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) from the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD-23) as part of a two week training exercise at Arta Beach, Djibouti, July 20, 2015. The LAV-25 is a Marine Corps amphibious reconnaissance vehicle used for security, command and control, reconnaissance and assault. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet)

Crewmembers onboard a U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) help offload a fuel truck at Arta Beach, Djibouti, July 20, 2015. LCACs from the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD-23) helped deliver U.S. Marines and equipment from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit for sustainment training at the Djiboutian Armed Forces training range. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet)

U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit step off a U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) at Arta Beach, Djibouti, July 20, 2015. The Marines arrived in Djibouti from the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD-23) for two weeks of sustainment training which included, live fire exercises, and mounted vehicle patrols. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet)

U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit disembark from a U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) in Arta, Djibouti, July 20, 2015. The Marines came from USS Anchorage for two weeks of training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman)

A U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) sits on a beach in Arta, Djibouti, July 20, 2015, while U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit exited and their equipment were unloaded from the vessel. LCACs for USS Anchorage delivered U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and their equipment for sustainment training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman)

A U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) approaches a landing zone at Arta Beach, Djibouti, July 20, 2015. The LCAC is a hovercraft used by the U.S. Navy’s Assault Craft Units to transport and deliver personnel and equipment from ship to shore and across beaches and was in Djibouti as part of two week sustainment training exercise for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet)

A U.S. Navy Maritime Expeditionary Security Force member completes work on a signal flag as part of sustainment training preparations for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit at Arta Beach, Djibouti, July 20, 2015. Signal flags are used by security forces to alert oncoming U.S. Navy Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC), and other landing vessels, that the beachhead is safe and secure for landing and the offloading of personnel and equipment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet)