U.S. service members participate in a knowledge exchange with women in the Djiboutian Coast Guard April 30, 2024, at Camp Doraleh during a Sea Sisters exercise. Sea Sisters, a portion of Exercise Bull Shark led by Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, is a joint training exercise between U.S. service members and ally and partner forces to strengthen personnel recovery capabilities and interoperability. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Lark Sine)

Members of the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), speak with a Burundi National Defence Force (BNDF) Soldier after arriving in Burundi, April 3, 2024. Visiting U.S. Soldiers joined their BNDF counterparts for several days of working together to enhance readiness for humanitarian assistance and disaster response. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua DuRant)

Members of the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), arrive in Burundi, April 3, 2024. Visiting U.S. Soldiers joined their Burundi National Defence Force (BNDF) counterparts for several days of working together to enhance readiness for humanitarian assistance and disaster response. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua DuRant)

Sgt. Jesse Rinker, a member of the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), demonstrates proper application of a tourniquet to Burundi National Defence Force (BNDF) Soldiers, April 5, 2024, at Medubugu, Burundi. Visiting U.S. Soldiers joined their BNDF counterparts for a full day of demonstrations and practical exercises focused on emergency field medical care and casualty evacuation. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua DuRant)

A U.S. Air Force Pararescueman, assigned to 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, demonstrates proper use of a litter to Burundi National Defence Force (BNDF) Soldiers, April 5, 2024, at Medubugu, Burundi. Visiting U.S. Soldiers of the East Africa Response Force, along with other service members, joined their BNDF counterparts for a full day of demonstrations and practical exercises focused on emergency field medical care and casualty evacuation. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua DuRant)

Keith Gilges, the Charge d’Affaires of Burundi, joins senior Burundian officials for a tour of the C-130 aircraft that brought visiting U.S. Army Soldiers of the East Africa Response Force to Burundi, April 3, 2024. The visiting U.S. Army Soldiers joined the Burundi National Defence Force to work together to enhance readiness for humanitarian assistance and disaster response. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua DuRant)

Sgt. Jesse Rinker, a member of the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), demonstrates proper application of a bandage to Burundi National Defence Force (BNDF) Soldiers, April 5, 2024, at Medubugu, Burundi. Visiting U.S. Soldiers joined their BNDF counterparts for a full day of demonstrations and practical exercises focused on emergency field medical care and casualty evacuation. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua DuRant)

Members of the East Africa Response Force (EARF), assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), arrive in Burundi, April 3, 2024. Visiting U.S. Soldiers joined their Burundi National Defence Force (BNDF) counterparts for several days of working together to enhance readiness for humanitarian assistance and disaster response. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua DuRant)

Members of the Burundi National Defence Force (BNDF) carry a team member during a casualty evacuation and medical knowledge exchange, April 5, 2024, at Medubugu, Burundi. Visiting U.S. Soldiers joined their BNDF counterparts for a full day of demonstrations and practical exercises focused on emergency field medical care and casualty evacuation. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua DuRant)

A U.S. Air Force Pararescueman, assigned to 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, demonstrates proper use of a litter to Burundi National Defence Force (BNDF) Soldiers, April 5, 2024, at Medubugu, Burundi. Visiting U.S. Soldiers of the East Africa Response Force, along with other service members, joined their BNDF counterparts for a full day of demonstrations and practical exercises focused on emergency field medical care and casualty evacuation. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Joshua DuRant)

U.S. Marine Corp. General Michael Langley passes the CJTF-HOA flag to U.S. Army Brigadier General Brian T. Cashman at the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa change of command ceremony, Camp Lemonnier Djibouti Apr 27, 2024. CJTF-HOA is a dynamic; joint and multinational operational headquarters; ensuring a strategic partnership with Djibouti; responds to crises; and supports operations throughout East Africa in order to enhance stability and prosperity.(U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cambrin Bassett)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jamelle Shawley passes the CJTF-HOA flag to U.S. Marine Corp. General Michael Langley at the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa change of command ceremony, Camp Lemonnier Djibouti Apr 27, 2024. CJTF-HOA is a dynamic; joint and multinational operational headquarters; ensuring a strategic partnership with Djibouti; responds to crises; and supports operations throughout East Africa in order to enhance stability and prosperity.(U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Senior Airman John Macera)

U.S. Marine Corp. General Michael Langley leads the armed forces melody at the change of command ceremony between U.S Army Maj. Gen. Jamelle Shawley and U.S. Army Brigadier General Brian T. Cashman, Camp Lemonnier Djibouti Apr 27, 2024. CJTF-HOA is a dynamic, joint and multinational operational headquarters, ensuring a strategic partnership with Djibouti, responds to crises, and supports operations throughout East Africa in order to enhance stability and prosperity.(U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Senior Airman John Macera)

U.S. Marine Corp. General Michael Langley speaks at the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa change of command ceremony, Camp Lemonnier Djibouti Apr 27, 2024. CJTF-HOA is a dynamic; joint and multinational operational headquarters; ensuring a strategic partnership with Djibouti; responds to crises; and supports operations throughout East Africa in order to enhance stability and prosperity.(U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Senior Airman John Macera)

Soldiers from Impact Company, 328th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment belonging to Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard deliver medical equipment to Djibouti Adventist Health Center, April 7, 2024, Djibouti City, Djibouti.

Soldiers from Impact Company, 328th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment belonging to Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard deliver medical equipment to Djibouti Adventist Health Center, April 7, 2024, Djibouti City, Djibouti.

Soldiers from Impact Company, 328th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment belonging to Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard deliver medical equipment to Djibouti Adventist Health Center, April 7, 2024, Djibouti City, Djibouti.

Soldiers from Impact Company, 328th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment belonging to Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard deliver medical equipment to Djibouti Adventist Health Center, April 7, 2024, Djibouti City, Djibouti.

Soldiers from Impact Company, 328th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment belonging to Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard deliver medical equipment to Djibouti Adventist Health Center, April 7, 2024, Djibouti City, Djibouti.

Soldiers from Impact Company, 328th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment belonging to Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard deliver medical equipment to Djibouti Adventist Health Center, April 7, 2024, Djibouti City, Djibouti.

Soldiers from Impact Company, 328th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment belonging to Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard deliver medical equipment to Djibouti Adventist Health Center, April 7, 2024, Djibouti City, Djibouti.

Soldiers from Impact Company, 328th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment belonging to Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard deliver medical equipment to Djibouti Adventist Health Center, April 7, 2024, Djibouti City, Djibouti.

U.S. Marine Corp. General Michael Langley leads the armed forces melody at the change of command ceremony between U.S Army Maj. Gen. Jamelle Shawley and U.S. Army Brigadier General Brian T. Cashman, Camp Lemonnier Djibouti Apr 27, 2024. CJTF-HOA is a dynamic, joint and multinational operational headquarters, ensuring a strategic partnership with Djibouti, responds to crises, and supports operations throughout East Africa in order to enhance stability and prosperity.(U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Senior Airman John Macera)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jamelle Shawley passes the CJTF-HOA flag to U.S. Marine Corp. General Michael Langley at the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa change of command ceremony, Camp Lemonnier Djibouti Apr 27, 2024. CJTF-HOA is a dynamic; joint and multinational operational headquarters; ensuring a strategic partnership with Djibouti; responds to crises; and supports operations throughout East Africa in order to enhance stability and prosperity.(U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Senior Airman John Macera)

Soldiers from Impact Company, 328th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment belonging to Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard deliver medical equipment to Djibouti Adventist Health Center, April 7, 2024, Djibouti City, Djibouti.

Soldiers from Impact Company, 328th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment belonging to Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard deliver medical equipment to Djibouti Adventist Health Center, April 7, 2024, Djibouti City, Djibouti.

U.S. Marine Corp. General Michael Langley passes the CJTF-HOA flag to U.S. Army Brigadier General Brian T. Cashman at the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa change of command ceremony, Camp Lemonnier Djibouti Apr 27, 2024. CJTF-HOA is a dynamic; joint and multinational operational headquarters; ensuring a strategic partnership with Djibouti; responds to crises; and supports operations throughout East Africa in order to enhance stability and prosperity.(U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Cambrin Bassett)

U.S. Marine Corp. General Michael Langley speaks at the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa change of command ceremony, Camp Lemonnier Djibouti Apr 27, 2024. CJTF-HOA is a dynamic; joint and multinational operational headquarters; ensuring a strategic partnership with Djibouti; responds to crises; and supports operations throughout East Africa in order to enhance stability and prosperity.(U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Senior Airman John Macera)

Soldiers from Impact Company, 328th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment belonging to Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard deliver medical equipment to Djibouti Adventist Health Center, April 7, 2024, Djibouti City, Djibouti.

Soldiers from Impact Company, 328th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment belonging to Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard deliver medical equipment to Djibouti Adventist Health Center, April 7, 2024, Djibouti City, Djibouti.

Soldiers from Impact Company, 328th Forward Support Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment belonging to Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard deliver medical equipment to Djibouti Adventist Health Center, April 7, 2024, Djibouti City, Djibouti.


CJTF-HOA & Camp Lemonnier Host K9 Veterans Day 5K & Military Dog Demonstrations By SSgt Juan Paz Date: March 23, 2024 DJIBOUTI, East Africa – Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and Camp Lemonnier Working Dogs commemorated K9 Veterans Day on March 16, 2024, with a series of impactful demonstrations highlighting the invaluable role of military working dogs (MWDs) in East Africa. Service members stationed at Camp Lemonnier engaged in a spirited 5K run, setting the stage for a showcase of precision and discipline by the highly trained K9 units. From detection training to patrol work and obedience drills, attendees witnessed the unwavering dedication and readiness of these canine teams. "Maintaining operational readiness is paramount in this dynamic environment," remarked Senior Airman Tessa Spare, a seasoned military working dog handler with CJTF-HOA. "Our continuous training ensures that we are prepared to face any threat, anywhere." Integral to their readiness is the capability of handlers to administer immediate medical care to their K9 partners in the field. Trained in K9 Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), handlers play a critical role in ensuring the well-being of their canine companions and optimizing force posture and capabilities. The event also served as a solemn tribute to K9 Veterans Day, honoring the service and sacrifice of military working dogs past and present. “We as handlers know the sacrifices our K9s make” Spare reflected. “They do everything they can do to protect us. So when they retire, it's our turn to take care of them and give them the best retirement they can and K9 Veterans Day is one way we get to honor them.” As the event concluded, the resounding message echoed: readiness is non-negotiable, and the bond between service members and their K9 counterparts is unbreakable. Together, they stand as a testament to the commitment to peace and security in the Horn of Africa. CJTF-HOA's presence in East Afric

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa commanding general, places a patch on Command Sgt. Maj. Jed Lundell during the transfer of authority in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on April 4, 2024. This ceremony marks the transfer of 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade to 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade at Combined Joint Task Force- Horn of Africa. (U.S. Army photo by Specialist Miriam Esparza)

U.S. Army Soldiers from 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and 111th Brigade Signal Company from South Carolina National Guard stand for transfer of authority to 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade from Utah National Guard at Camp Lemonnier,Djibouti, on April 4, 2024. This ceremony marks the transfer from the 218th MEB to 204th MEB in the Combined Joint Task Force- Horn of Africa. (U.S. Army photo by Specialist Miriam Esparza)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commanding general, speaks during a Transfer of Authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 1, 2024. Shawley highlighted the accomplishments of the outgoing 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina National Guard, and welcomed the incoming 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Utah National Guard. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Kamisha Jordan)

U.S. Army Col. Kenneth Snow, 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade commander and outgoing Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa chief of staff, speaks during a Transfer of Authority at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 1, 2024. The 218th MEB was the fifth Maneuver Enhancement Brigade to assume authority over the CJTF-HOA mission. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Kamisha Jordan)

Leaders from the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Utah National Guard, case their brigade colors during a Transfer of Authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 1, 2024. The Transfer of Authority ceremony is a time-honored event which signifies the changing of deployed units in the field. (U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Kamisha Jordan)

(U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Jalen Miller)