U.S. Army soldiers of the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) begin to board a C-130 aircraft load at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti to partner with the Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF) in exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25), Feb. 10, 2024. JA25 increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance and crisis response, prepares regional partners for United Nations and African Union missions and builds readiness for the U.S. joint force. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, this year's exercise incorporates personnel from 15 nations. JA25 is U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa, with approximately 1,500 participants. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)

U.S. Army soldiers of the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), arrives in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to partner with the Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF) in exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25), Feb. 10, 2024. JA25 increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance and crisis response, prepares regional partners for United Nations and African Union missions and builds readiness for the U.S. joint force. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, this year's exercise incorporates personnel from 15 nations. JA25 is U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa, with approximately 1,500 participants. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Knight)

A U.S. Army Soldier performs a rope climb as part of the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. The rope pull was one of five strength events that service members had to complete after a 2.5 mile run and were then graded on three different swimming events. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)

A U.S. Army Soldier participates in the diving portion of the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. This portion had Soldiers attempt to lift a weighted brick out of the water, drop it and bring it to the surface, aiming for a maximum of 10 dives. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)

U.S. Army Soldiers pose for a photo during the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. The tryouts were held to select personnel that will represent the U.S. in the FDCC, where they will test their mental and physical endurance. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)

A U.S. Army Soldier from Task Force Associator participates in the diving portion of the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. This portion had Soldiers attempt to lift a weighted brick out of the water, drop it and bring it to the surface, aiming for a maximum of 10 dives. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)

A U.S. Army soldiers prepares for the pull-up portion of the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. The tryouts were held to select personnel that will represent the U.S. in the FDCC, where they will test their mental and physical endurance. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)

U.S. Army Soldiers celebrate their completion of the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. The tryouts were held to select personnel that will represent the U.S. in the FDCC, where they will test their mental and physical endurance. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)

A U.S. Army Soldier performs a plank during the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. The tryouts were held to select personnel that will represent the U.S. in the FDCC, where they will test their mental and physical endurance. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Associator prepare for a 2.5 mile run during the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. For years, French forces in Djibouti have invited U.S. service members from Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa to participate in the competition that occurs later this year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)

A U.S Army Soldier assigned to Task Force Associator swims laps during the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. The FDCC is a physically intense course designed to test the emotional, mental and physical limits of an individual, and is hosted by the French Armed Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)

U.S. Army Soldiers swim laps for time during the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. The FDCC is a physically intense course designed to test the emotional, mental and physical limits of an individual, and is hosted by the French Armed Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Jeremiah Detwiler, assigned to Task Force Associator, evaluates Soldiers during the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. The evaluation for the FDCC tested endurance, upper body strength and involved rigorous swim training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)

A U.S Army Soldier assigned to Task Force Associator prepares for a swim qualification during the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. The FDCC is a physically intense course designed to test the emotional, mental and physical limits of an individual, and is hosted by the French Armed Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to Task Force Associator performs pull ups during the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. For years, the French forces in Djibouti have invited U.S. service members from Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa to participate in the competition that occurs later this year. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)

A U.S. Army Soldier performs push-ups during the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. The FDCC is a physically intense course designed to test the emotional, mental and physical limits of an individual, and is hosted by the French Armed Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

A U.S. Army Soldier performs a push-ups evaluation during the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. The evaluation for the FDCC tested endurance, upper body strength and involved a vigorous swim training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Associator prepare for the push up segment during the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. The French Army invites a select number of U.S. service members to participate in the FDCC where participants compete to earn a qualification badge upon successful completion of the course. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)

Two U.S Army Soldiers assigned to Task Force Associator qualify on rope climbing during the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. The evaluation for the FDCC tested endurance, upper body strength and involves rigorous swim training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Synsere Howard)

A U.S. Army Soldier performs pull ups during the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. The evaluation for the FDCC tested endurance, upper body strength and involved a vigorous swim training. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

A U.S. Army Soldier climbs a rope during the French Desert Commando Course tryouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 22, 2025. The FDCC is a physically intense course designed to test the emotional, mental and physical limits of an individual, and is hosted by the French Armed Forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

U.S. military personnel learn how to identify the triangle of avoidance to properly place an endotracheal tube during a canine tactical combat casualty care class at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Jan. 29, 2025. Students were taught how to use the triangle as a directory of tube placement. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)

U.S. military personnel learn how to insert an intravenous catheter during a canine tactical combat casualty care class at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Jan. 29, 2025. Students learned how to angle a needle and roll a vein to properly place the needle. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)

U.S. military personnel learn how to bandage an appendage wound during a canine tactical combat casualty care class at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Jan. 29, 2025. Students practiced proper placement and wrapping techniques on a demonstration dog simulating a real canine. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)

U.S. military personnel learn how to insert an endotracheal tube during a canine tactical combat casualty care class at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Jan. 29, 2025. Students in the class learned how to properly place a 10 mm tube into a canine’s mouth to allow airflow if needed in combat situations. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)

U.S. military personnel learn how to place an endotracheal tube during a canine tactical combat casualty care class at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Jan. 29, 2025. Students learned how to fill the tube with air to ensure no air escapes out of the canine’s lungs when the tube is in place. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)

U.S. military personnel learned about intraosseous catheters and tools used during a canine tactical combat casualty care class at Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, Jan. 29, 2025. The tool shown allows for the bone to be used to administer liquids and medications to animals with low blood pressure and inability to access the vein. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Micheala Maldonado)

A participant pins on their number before the Cross du Refuge Décan 10k at the Decan Wildlife Refuge, Djibouti, Jan. 31, 2025. The Refuge’s mission is to protect endangered animals, release them when possible, and currently has more than 100 species. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

A Decan Wildlife Refuge volunteer gives a speech for the Cross du Refuge Décan 10k at the Decan Wildlife Refuge, Djibouti, Jan. 31, 2025. The Refuge’s mission is to protect endangered animals, release them when possible, and currently has more than 100 species. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

Participants from Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa pose for a photo after running the Cross du Refuge Décan 10k at the Decan Wildlife Refuge, Djibouti, Jan. 31, 2025. Decan, a french acronym DÉCouvrir et Aider la Nature ‘discover and help nature’ was started in 2001 by a veterinarian to help animals with rehabilitation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

Participants run the Cross du Refuge Décan 10K at the Decan Wildlife Refuge, Djibouti, Jan. 31, 2025. Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa personnel participated in the run, this is the third time the Refuge has hosted the run through 30 acres of wildlife. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

Participants run the Cross du Refuge Décan 10K at the Decan Wildlife Refuge, Djibouti, Jan. 31, 2025. Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa personnel participated in the run, this is the third time the Refuge has hosted the run through 30 acres of wildlife. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

Protected goats watch as runners prepare for the Cross du Refuge Décan 10k at the Decan Wildlife Refuge, Djibouti, Jan. 31, 2025. Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa personnel participated in the run, this is the third time the Refuge has hosted the run through 30 acres of wildlife. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commander, middle, poses with other participants before the Cross du Refuge Décan 10k at the Decan Wildlife Refuge, Djibouti, Jan. 31, 2025. Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa personnel participated in the run, this is the third time the Refuge has hosted the run through 30 acres of wildlife. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

U.S. Army Capt. Daniel Roche, 152nd Engineer Support Company commander, New York National Guard, gives words of encouragement to his soldiers as he accepts authority of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa engineer mission during a Transfer of Authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 11, 2025. The ceremony is a military tradition representing a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a mission from one unit to the next. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

U.S. Army Capt. John Herring, 1151st Engineer Support Company commander, Alabama National Guard, and 1st Sgt. Carl Swanson, 1151st ESC, perform the casing of the colors during the Transfer of Authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 11, 2025. In total, the 1151st ESC completed over 120 engineering projects and made over 6.3 million dollars worth of force protection and mission enhancements throughout the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

U.S. Army Capt. John Herring, 1151st Engineer Support Company commander, Alabama National Guard, thanks soldiers and leaders for their hard work and support during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 11, 2025. In total, the 1151st ESC completed over 120 engineering projects and made over 6.3 million dollars worth of force protection and mission enhancements throughout the Horn of Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

U.S. Army Capt. Daniel Roche, 152nd Engineer Support Company commander, New York National Guard, and 1st Sgt. Adam Mcnamara, 152nd ESC, perform the uncasing of the colors during the transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 11, 2025. The ceremony is a military tradition representing a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a mission from one unit to the next. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) commanding general, speaks on the accomplishments of the 1151st Engineer Support Company, Alabama National Guard, during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 11, 2025. The ceremony is a military tradition representing a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a mission from one unit to the next. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) commanding general, joins the leadership of the outgoing Alabama National Guard, 1151st Engineer Support Company and the incoming New York National Guard, 152nd Engineer Support Company during a Transfer of Authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 11, 2025. The ceremony is a military tradition representing a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a mission from one unit to the next. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Joseph Bartoszek)