U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) commander, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, U.S. AFRICOM command senior enlisted leader, meet soldiers assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR) at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 17, 2022. Townsend and Thresher greeted the Soldiers as the leaders concluded their multi-country trip to East Africa. The 2CR traveled through Djibouti after finishing a rotation as the security forces at Camp Simba, Kenya. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Gauret Stearns)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) command senior enlisted leader, talks with soldiers assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR) at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 17, 2022. Thresher and U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, U.S. AFRICOM commander, greeted the Soldiers as the leaders concluded their multi-country trip to East Africa. The 2CR traveled through Djibouti after finishing a rotation as the security forces at Camp Simba, Kenya. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Gauret Stearns)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) command senior enlisted leader, talks with soldiers assigned to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR) at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 17, 2022. Thresher and U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, U.S. Africa Command commander, greeted the Soldiers as the leaders concluded their multi-country trip to East Africa. The 2CR traveled through Djibouti after finishing a rotation as the security forces at Camp Simba, Kenya. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Gauret Stearns)

The Armed Forces of Djibouti (FAD) Bataillon d'intervention rapide (BIR) arrives at Quaid Range, Djibouti, Feb. 9, 2022. The BIR is a FAD advanced infantry battalion that trains and serves as a quick reaction force to accomplish specified tasks directed by its higher command in the Djiboutian army. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Blake Wiles)

U.S. Marine Corps Marines with Marine Air Control Group Detachment East Africa Air Combat Element and U.S. Army Soldiers with 1-107th Air Operations Battalion conduct a joint command and control exercise at Quaid Range, Djibouti, Feb. 8, 2022. The multi-day exercise demonstrated the MACG’s ability to rapidly conduct command and control operations in a forward deployed location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Blake Wiles)

U.S. Marines with the Marine Air Control Group Detachment East Africa Air Combat Element, fill sandbags during a joint command and control exercise at Quaid Range, Djibouti, Feb. 8, 2022. The multi-day exercise demonstrated the MACG’s ability to rapidly conduct command and control operations in a forward deployed location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Blake Wiles)

U.S. service members work with Djiboutian Bataillon d'intervention rapide (BIR) to construct a high frequency signal antenna during a joint command and control exercise at Quaid Range, Djibouti, Feb. 9, 2022. The members of the BIR used this exercise as an opportunity to demonstrate their effectiveness in a field environment and establish standard operating procedures for future use. The multi-day exercise demonstrated the Marine Air Control Group Detachment East Africa Air Combat Element’s ability to rapidly conduct command and control operations in a forward deployed location. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Blake Wiles)

An MV-22B Opsrey tiltrotor aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (VMM-161) takes off at Quaid Range, Djibouti, Feb. 9, 2022. The Ospreys support the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) by providing personnel recovery and casualty evacuation of U.S. Forces throughout East Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Blake Wiles)

Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the East Africa Response Force (EARF), Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), set security positions during an air assault with the U.S. Marine Corps Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron-161 (VMM-161) in the Grand Bara Desert, Feb. 8, 2022. The EARF is postured to respond to a broad range of military operations to provide limited-defense crisis response in the region, including support for non-combatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, recovery capabilities of aircraft and personnel, support to U.S. embassies and other missions as directed. The EARF is augmented by U.S. Marine Corps aviation assets that transport and insert ground forces wherever they are needed throughout the region, supporting crisis response through seamless and immediate force deployment capabilities across vast distances. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the East Africa Response Force (EARF), Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), set security positions during an air assault with the U.S. Marine Corps Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron-161 (VMM-161) in the Grand Bara Desert, Feb. 8, 2022. The EARF is postured to respond to a broad range of military operations to provide limited-defense crisis response in the region, including support for non-combatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, recovery capabilities of aircraft and personnel, support to U.S. embassies and other missions as directed. The EARF is augmented by U.S. Marine Corps aviation assets that transport and insert ground forces wherever they are needed throughout the region, supporting crisis response through seamless and immediate force deployment capabilities across vast distances. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the East Africa Response Force (EARF), Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), set security positions during an air assault with the U.S. Marine Corps Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron-161 (VMM-161) in the Grand Bara Desert, Feb. 8, 2022. The EARF is postured to respond to a broad range of military operations to provide limited-defense crisis response in the region, including support for non-combatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, recovery capabilities of aircraft and personnel, support to U.S. embassies and other missions as directed. The EARF is augmented by U.S. Marine Corps aviation assets that transport and insert ground forces wherever they are needed throughout the region, supporting crisis response through seamless and immediate force deployment capabilities across vast distances. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the East Africa Response Force (EARF), Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), conduct integration training and flight familiarization with U.S. Marine Corps Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron-161 (VMM-161) aboard their MV-22 Ospreys at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 8, 2022. The EARF is postured to respond to a broad range of military operations to provide limited-defense crisis response in the region, including support for non-combatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, recovery capabilities of aircraft and personnel, support to U.S. embassies and other missions as directed. The EARF is augmented by U.S. Marine Corps aviation assets that transport and insert ground forces wherever they are needed throughout the region, supporting crisis response through seamless and immediate force deployment capabilities across vast distances. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

Virginia Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the East Africa Response Force (EARF), Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), prepare to board an MV-22 Osprey during an air assault with the U.S. Marine Corps Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron-161 (VMM-161) in the Grand Bara Desert, Feb. 8, 2022. The EARF is postured to respond to a broad range of military operations to provide limited-defense crisis response in the region, including support for non-combatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, recovery capabilities of aircraft and personnel, support to U.S. embassies and other missions as directed. The EARF is augmented by U.S. Marine Corps aviation assets that transport and insert ground forces wherever they are needed throughout the region, supporting crisis response through seamless and immediate force deployment capabilities across vast distances. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to C Company, Maneuver Company Advisor Team 2130 and Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, support a Machine Gun University competition between Djiboutian Battalion Intervention Rapadie machine gun teams at Ali Oune, Djibouti, Jan. 26, 2022. The competition consisted of a five-mile road march, timed deliberate emplacement and engagement from a support by fire position and the gun teams engaging targets on a live-fire range for time and accuracy. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to C Company, Maneuver Company Advisor Team 2130 and Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, support a Machine Gun University competition between Djiboutian Battalion Intervention Rapadie machine gun teams at Ali Oune, Djibouti, Jan. 26, 2022. The competition consisted of a five-mile road march, timed deliberate emplacement and engagement from a support by fire position and the gun teams engaging targets on a live-fire range for time and accuracy. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, assist with a Machine Gun University competition between Djiboutian Battalion Intervention Rapadie machine gun teams at Ali Oune, Djibouti, Jan. 26, 2022. The competition consisted of a five-mile road march, timed deliberate emplacement and engagement from a support by fire position and the gun teams engaging targets on a live-fire range for time and accuracy. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, assist with a Machine Gun University competition between Djiboutian Battalion Intervention Rapadie machine gun teams at Ali Oune, Djibouti, Jan. 26, 2022. The competition consisted of a five-mile road march, timed deliberate emplacement and engagement from a support by fire position and the gun teams engaging targets on a live-fire range for time and accuracy. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to C Company, Maneuver Company Advisor Team 2130 and Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, support a Machine Gun University competition between Djiboutian Battalion Intervention Rapadie machine gun teams at Ali Oune, Djibouti, Jan. 26, 2022. The competition consisted of a five-mile road march, timed deliberate emplacement and engagement from a support by fire position and the gun teams engaging targets on a live-fire range for time and accuracy. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements

U.S. Soldiers assigned to C Company, Maneuver Company Advisor Team 2130 and Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, support a Machine Gun University competition between Djiboutian Battalion Intervention Rapadie machine gun teams at Ali Oune, Djibouti, Jan. 26, 2022. The competition consisted of a five-mile road march, timed deliberate emplacement and engagement from a support by fire position and the gun teams engaging targets on a live-fire range for time and accuracy. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to C Company, Maneuver Company Advisor Team 2130 and Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, complete a five-mile road march in support of a Machine Gun University competition between Djiboutian Battalion Intervention Rapadie machine gun teams at Ali Oune, Djibouti, Jan. 26, 2022. The competition consisted of a five-mile road march, timed deliberate emplacement and engagement from a support by fire position and the gun teams engaging targets on a live-fire range for time and accuracy. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to C Company, Maneuver Company Advisor Team 2130 and Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, support a Machine Gun University competition between Djiboutian Battalion Intervention Rapadie machine gun teams at Ali Oune, Djibouti, Jan. 26, 2022. The competition consisted of a five-mile road march, timed deliberate emplacement and engagement from a support by fire position and the gun teams engaging targets on a live-fire range for time and accuracy. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

U.S. Soldiers assigned to C Company, Maneuver Company Advisor Team 2130 and Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, support a Machine Gun University competition between Djiboutian Battalion Intervention Rapadie machine gun teams at Ali Oune, Djibouti, Jan. 26, 2022. The competition consisted of a five-mile road march, timed deliberate emplacement and engagement from a support by fire position and the gun teams engaging targets on a live-fire range for time and accuracy. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements

U.S. Soldiers assigned to C Company, Maneuver Company Advisor Team 2130 and Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, support a Machine Gun University competition between Djiboutian Battalion Intervention Rapadie machine gun teams at Ali Oune, Djibouti, Jan. 26, 2022. The competition consisted of a five-mile road march, timed deliberate emplacement and engagement from a support by fire position and the gun teams engaging targets on a live-fire range for time and accuracy. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

Members of the Djiboutian Gendarmerie load a simulated casualty onto a truck during a medical knowledge exchange at the Gendarmerie compound in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Jan. 17, 2022. Civil Affairs Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa partnered with the Gendarmerie at their mobile unit for a four-day event which allowed both parties to share their medical practices and tactics through educational comparisons and hands-on practical application. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Gauret Stearns)

A member of the Djiboutian Gendarmerie provides simulated security during a training lane at a medical knowledge exchange at the Gendarmerie compound in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Jan. 17, 2022. Civil Affairs Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa partnered with the Gendarmerie at their mobile unit for a four-day event which allowed both parties to share their medical practices and tactics through educational comparisons and hands-on practical application. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Gauret Stearns)

A member of the Djiboutian Gendarmerie self-applies a tourniquet during a medical knowledge exchange at the Gendarmerie compound in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Jan. 17, 2022. Civil Affairs Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa partnered with the Gendarmerie at their mobile unit for a four-day event which allowed both parties to share their medical practices and tactics through educational comparisons and hands-on practical application. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Gauret Stearns)

A member of the Djiboutian Gendarmerie applies a tourniquet to a simulated injured individual during a medical knowledge exchange event at the Gendarmerie compound in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Jan. 17, 2022. Civil Affairs Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa partnered with the Gendarmerie at their mobile unit for a four-day event which allowed both parties to share their medical practices and tactics through educational comparisons and hands-on practical application. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Gauret Stearns)

A member of the Djiboutian Gendarmerie provides simulated security during a training lane at a medical knowledge exchange at the Gendarmerie compound in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Jan. 17, 2022. Civil Affairs Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa partnered with the Gendarmerie at their mobile unit for a four-day event which allowed both parties to share their medical practices and tactics through educational comparisons and hands-on practical application. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Gauret Stearns)

Members of the Djiboutian Gendarmerie observe a tourniquet application demonstration during a medical knowledge exchange at the Gendarmerie compound in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Jan. 17, 2022. Civil Affairs Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa partnered with the Gendarmerie at their mobile unit for a four-day event which allowed both parties to share their medical practices and tactics through educational comparisons and hands-on practical application. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Gauret Stearns)

Members of the Djiboutian Gendarmerie and a U.S. Army Soldier from the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), Civil Affairs East Africa, talk through a specific training lane during a medical knowledge exchange at the Gendarmerie compound in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Jan. 17, 2022. Civil Affairs Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa partnered with the Gendarmerie at their mobile unit for a four-day event which allowed both parties to share their medical practices and tactics through educational comparisons and hands-on practical application. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Gauret Stearns)

Members of the Djiboutian Gendarmerie and U.S. Army Civil Affairs Soldiers practice a two-person carry together during a medical knowledge exchange at the Gendarmerie compound in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Jan. 17, 2022. Civil Affairs Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa partnered with the Gendarmerie at their mobile unit for a four-day event which allowed both parties to share their medical practices and tactics through educational comparisons and hands-on practical application. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Gauret Stearns)

Members of the Djiboutian Gendarmerie practice tourniquet techniques with U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Edward Kovac, medic, 404th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), Civil Affairs East Africa, during a medical knowledge exchange at the Gendarmerie compound in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Jan. 17, 2022. Civil Affairs Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa partnered with the Gendarmerie at their mobile unit for a four-day event which allowed both parties to share their medical practices and tactics through educational comparisons and hands-on practical application. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Lynette M. Rolen)

Members of the Djiboutian Gendarmerie prepare to practice tactical drag techniques during a medical knowledge exchange at the Gendarmerie compound in Djibouti, Africa, Jan. 17, 2022. Civil Affairs Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa partnered with the Gendarmerie at their mobile unit for a four-day event which allowed both parties to share their medical practices and tactics through educational comparisons and hands-on practical application. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Lynette M. Rolen)

Members of the Djiboutian Gendarmerie practice tactical lift techniques during a medical knowledge exchange at the Gendarmerie compound in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Jan. 17, 2022. Civil Affairs Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa partnered with the Gendarmerie at their mobile unit for a four-day event which allowed both parties to share their medical practices and tactics through educational comparisons and hands-on practical application. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Lynette M. Rolen)

Members of the Djiboutian Gendarmerie are pictured with U.S. service members from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa following a medical knowledge exchange at the Gendarmerie compound in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Jan. 17, 2022. Civil Affairs Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa partnered with the Gendarmeries at their mobile unit for a four-day event which allowed both parties to share their medical practices and tactics through educational comparisons and hands-on practical application. CJTF-HOA, operating from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, regularly trains with and works alongside allied and partner nations, coalition forces and interagency/intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort in East Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Lynette M. Rolen)

Lt. Col. Frank Tantillo, commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Morgan, senior enlisted leader, 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Task Force Iron Gray, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), case the battalion flag during a transfer of authority ceremony, Jan. 8, 2022, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The furling of the regimental colors signifies the conclusion of the battalion's responsibilities and official transfer of the mission to the incoming battalion, 1-116th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Red Dragon. The task force serves as the standing security force element for CJTF-HOA, providing security, crisis response capabilities and building partnerships throughout East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Gauret Stearns)

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Task Force Iron Gray and the 1-116th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), salute during a transfer of authority ceremony, Jan. 8, 2022, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The transfer of authority signifies the official transfer of the security force mission from the outgoing 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Task Force Iron Gray, to the incoming battalion, 1-116th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Red Dragon. The task force serves as the standing security force element for CJTF-HOA, providing security, crisis response capabilities and building partnerships throughout East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Gauret Stearns)

Lt. Col. James Tierney, commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Duane Wolfe, senior enlisted leader, 1-116th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), unfurls the battalion flag during a transfer of authority ceremony, Jan. 8, 2022, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The uncasing of the regimental colors signifies the battalion's assumption of responsibility and official transfer of the security force mission from the outgoing 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Task Force Iron Gray. The task force serves as the standing security force element for CJTF-HOA, providing security, crisis response capabilities and building partnerships throughout East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)

Lt. Col. James Tierney, commander, 1-116th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), addresses attendees during a transfer of authority ceremony, Jan. 8, 2022, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The transfer of authority signifies the official transfer of the security force mission from the outgoing 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Task Force Iron Gray, to the incoming battalion, 1-116th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Red Dragon. The task force serves as the standing security force element for CJTF-HOA, providing security, crisis response capabilities and building partnerships throughout East Africa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements)