U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. James R. Kriesel, deputy commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, stands at attention as the graduating class of the Burundi National Defence Force Senior Command and Staff College enters in Bujumbura, Burundi, July 19, 2019. The class consisted of 28 students from four countries in the East African Community countries. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Codie Trimble)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. James R. Kriesel, deputy commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, greets Burundi National Defence Force Lt. Gen. Prime Niyongabo, BNDF chief of defence, at the BNDF Senior Command and Staff College (SCSC) in Bujumbura, Burundi, July 19, 2019. The mission of the Burundi SCSC is to develop professional knowledge, skills in leadership, art and science of war to senior officers to enhance their capabilities in both command and staff duties at formation level and above. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Codie Trimble)

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Carns, command senior enlisted leader (CSEL), Combined Joint Task Force—Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), provides closing remarks after receiving CJTF-HOA CSEL responsibilities at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 22, 2019. Carns enlisted in the Army in July 1992 as an Infantryman from Indiana, Pa., and has served in every key leadership position in the Infantry from team leader to command sergeant major. (U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael Turello, commanding general, Combined Joint Task Force—Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), provides comments during a change of responsibility at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 22, 2019. As the commander of CJTF-HOA, Turello officiated the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Carns, incoming command senior enlisted leader (CSEL), Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), assumes responsibility as CSEL by accepting the unit colors from U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael Turello, commanding general, CJTF-HOA, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 22, 2019. The passing of the colors symbolizes the transfer of responsibility and authority from outgoing CSEL U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Vito Harris, to incoming CSEL, Carns. (U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael Turello, commanding general, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), center, presides over the change of responsibility ceremony between incoming CJTF-HOA command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn Carns, and outgoing CSEL, U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Vito Harris, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 22, 2019. The CSEL is the principal advisor to the commander and bears the special responsibility of guardianship for all. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael D. Turello, commanding general, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), right, presents Italian navy Capt. Liborio Palombella, deputy commander, Italian Navy Training Center, left, with a gift after his visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 15, 2019. Palombella visited Camp Lemonnier to learn about the CJTF-HOA mission and its contributions to East Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael Turello, commanding general, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), center, poses for a photo with Italian Rear Adm. Giovanni Piegaja, deputy operation commander, Operation Atalanta, center right, and other service members from CJTF-HOA, Camp Lemonnier and Operation Atalanta at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 21, 2019. Piegaja and members of his staff visited CJTF-HOA to discuss the Atalanta mission and strengthen the partnership between CJTF-HOA and Operation Atalanta. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gabrielle Spalding)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael Turello, commanding general, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), greets Italian Rear Adm. Giovanni Piegaja, deputy operation commander, Operation Atalanta, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 21, 2019. Piegaja and members of his staff visited CJTF-HOA to discuss the Atalanta mission and strengthen the partnership with CJTF-HOA. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gabrielle Spalding)

CJTF-HOA Command Senior Enlisted Leader Biography

U.S. Army Maj. Erik Buendia, 403rd Civil Affairs (CA) Battalion commander, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), provides remarks during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 9, 2019. The 411th CA Battalion assumed civil affairs responsibilities for CJTF-HOA from the 403rd CA Battalion. Civil Affairs Soldiers are the governance and foreign-culture experts of the Army. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Cecil Piazza, 411th Civil Affairs Battalion commander, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), speaks to his Soldiers during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 9, 2019. The 411th CA Battalion assumed civil affairs responsibilities for CJTF-HOA from the 403rd CA Battalion. Civil Affairs Soldiers are the governance and foreign-culture experts of the Army. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

Irvin Hicks Jr., Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) foreign policy advisor (POLAD), left, and U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael D. Turello, commanding general, CJTF-HOA, center, greet Dr. Mohamed Ali-Nur Hagi, Somalia ambassador to Djibouti, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 8, 2019. Hagi visited Camp Lemonnier to learn about the CJTF-HOA mission and its contributions to East Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Cecil Piazza, 411th Civil Affairs (CA) Battalion commander, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), and U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Ryan Whitson, 411th CA Battalion command sergeant major, assigned to CJTF-HOA, unfurl their unit’s guidon flag during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 9, 2019. The 411th CA Battalion assumed civil affairs responsibilities for CJTF-HOA from the 403rd CA Battalion. Civil Affairs Soldiers are the governance and foreign-culture experts of the Army. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 403d and 411th Civil Affairs (CA) Battalions, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), sing the U.S. Army song during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 9, 2019. The 411th CA Battalion assumed civil affairs responsibilities for CJTF-HOA from the 403rd CA Battalion. Civil Affairs Soldiers are the governance and foreign-culture experts of the Army. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 403rd and 411th Civil Affairs (CA) Battalions, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), salute during the national anthem at a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 9, 2019. The 411th CA Battalion assumed civil affairs responsibilities for CJTF-HOA from the 403rd CA Battalion. Civil Affairs Soldiers are the governance and foreign-culture experts of the Army. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael D. Turello, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), left, poses for a photo with Anke Holstein, Ambassador of Germany to Djibouti, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 3, 2019. While visiting Camp Lemonnier, Holstein learned about the CJTF-HOA mission and toured the installation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Michael D. Turello, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), right, greets Anke Holstein, Ambassador of Germany to Djibouti, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 3, 2019. While visiting Camp Lemonnier, Holstein learned about the CJTF-HOA mission and toured the installation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Air Force Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, speaks with Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and Camp Lemonnier leadership at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 7, 2019. While visiting, Lengyel toured the installation and learned about the various missions that take place on Camp Lemonnier. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Air Force Col. James Bermudez, left, force surgeon assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), and U.S. Army Maj. Lakesha Williams, right, public health nurse for the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, assigned to CJTF-HOA, speak with Onkar Singh Dogra, center, a doctor at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Nairobi, during a CJTF-HOA tour of AKUH, Nairobi, Kenya, July 2, 2019. CJTF-HOA service members toured AKUH as part of a partnership to use neurosurgery services and expertise in case of emergency in East Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nick Scott)

U.S. Air Force Col. James Bermudez, left, force surgeon assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), and U.S. Army Maj. Lakesha Williams, center, public health nurse for the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, assigned to CJTF-HOA, pose with Onkar Singh Dogra, right, a doctor at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Nairobi, during a CJTF-HOA tour of AKUH, Nairobi, Kenya, July 2, 2019. CJTF-HOA service members toured AKUH as part of a partnership to use neurosurgery services and expertise in case of emergency in East Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nick Scott)

U.S. Air Force Col. James Bermudez, left, force surgeon assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), and U.S. Army Maj. Lakesha Williams, right, public health nurse for the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, assigned to CJTF-HOA, speak with Onkar Singh Dogra, center, a doctor at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Nairobi, during a CJTF-HOA tour of AKUH, Nairobi, Kenya, July 2, 2019. CJTF-HOA service members toured AKUH as part of a partnership to use neurosurgery services and expertise in case of emergency in East Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nick Scott)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) soldiers grapple during a combatives exchange at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 1, 2019. The purpose of the joint exchange was to share Japanese combative techniques and forge relationships between CJTF-HOA and the JGSDF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Command Sgt. Maj. Kentaro Nakazato, command sergeant major of the 16th infantry regiment company, leads karate-style striking practice during a combatives exchange with Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 1, 2019. The purpose of the joint exchange was to share Japanese combative techniques and forge relationships between CJTF-HOA and the JGSDF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) soldiers pose for a group photo after a combatives exchange at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 1, 2019. The purpose of the joint exchange was to share Japanese combative techniques and forge relationships between CJTF-HOA and the JGSDF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II) (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Army Spc. Davin Gould, infantrymen, 101st Division, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Warrior, assigned Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), is dressed in traditional jukendo attire during a combatives exchange with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 1, 2019. The purpose of the joint exchange was to share Japanese combative techniques and forge relationships between CJTF-HOA and the JGSDF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II) (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) soldiers grapple during a combatives exchange at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 1, 2019. The purpose of the joint exchange was to share Japanese combative techniques and forge relationships between CJTF-HOA and the JGSDF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Joseph Presti, platoon leader 101st Division, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Warrior, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), practices a rear-naked choke with a Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) soldier during a combatives exchange at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, July 1, 2019. The purpose of the joint exchange was to share Japanese combative techniques and forge relationships between CJTF-HOA and JGSDF. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

Irvin Hicks Jr., foreign policy advisor (POLAD) for Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), briefs CJTF-HOA service members at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 27, 2019. Hicks briefed about his duties as the POLAD and how he contributes to the CJTF-HOA mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

Irvin Hicks Jr., foreign policy advisor (POLAD) for Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), briefs CJTF-HOA service members at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 27, 2019. Hicks briefed about his duties as the POLAD and how he contributes to the CJTF-HOA mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. J.D. Strong II)

U.S. Air Force Col. James Bermudez, center left, force surgeon assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), and U.S. Army Maj. Lakesha Williams, center, public health nurse for the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, assigned to CJTF-HOA, speak with Simbaraizye Deo, a doctor and chief of emergency services at Kamenge Military Hospital, as he demonstrates one of the hand washing stations at the Kamenge Military Hospital, Bujumbura, Burundi, June 17, 2019. The 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, CJTF-HOA, and military personnel and doctors from the Kamenge Military Hospital conducted an Ebola preparedness subject matter expert exchange as a precautionary measure for personnel near the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nick Scott)

Nursing students practice measuring vital signs at the Kamenge Military Hospital, Bujumbura, Burundi, June 17, 2019. The 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, and military personnel and doctors from the Kamenge Military Hospital conducted an Ebola preparedness subject matter expert exchange as a precautionary measure for personnel near the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nick Scott)

Personnel from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and the Kamenge Military Hospital practice doffing hazardous material suits at the Kamenge Military Hospital, Bujumbura, Burundi, June 20, 2019. The 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, CJTF-HOA, and military personnel and doctors from the Kamenge Military Hospital conducted an Ebola preparedness subject matter expert exchange as a precautionary measure for personnel near the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nick Scott)

U.S. Air Force Col. James Bermudez, right, force surgeon assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA); U.S. Army Capt. William Brant, center, team chief for the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, assigned to CJTF-HOA; and Burundi National Defence Force Maj. Jerome Irankunda, left, microbiologist and chief of laboratory services at the Kamenge Military Hospital, practice the donning of hazardous material suits at the Kamenge Military Hospital, Bujumbura, Burundi, June 20, 2019. The 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, CJTF-HOA, and military personnel and doctors from the Kamenge Military Hospital conducted an Ebola preparedness subject matter expert exchange as a precautionary measure for personnel near the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nick Scott)

U.S. Army Maj. Lakesha Williams, right, public health nurse for the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), assists hospital personnel with the donning of a hazardous material suit during a presentation at the Kamenge Military Hospital, Bujumbura, Burundi, June 18, 2019. The 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, CJTF-HOA, and military personnel and doctors from the Kamenge Military Hospital conducted an Ebola preparedness subject matter expert exchange as a precautionary measure for personnel near the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nick Scott)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. James R. Kriesel, deputy commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, center, is briefed by leaders from M&C Saatchi, a government contractor, in London, June 7, 2019. Kriesel visited the U.K. to build relations with leaders across the Ministry of Defense and familiarize himself with the partner nation’s information exchange policies, which is mission essential in support of national objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. James R. Kriesel, deputy commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, left, shake hands with Brig. John Ridge, chief of joint force operations at Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ), at PJHQ, June 5, 2019. Kriesel visited the U.K. to build relations with leaders across the Ministry of Defense and familiarize himself with the partner nation’s information exchange policies, which is mission essential in support of national objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. James R. Kriesel, deputy commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, left, stops to thank a vacationing U.S. Air Force veteran for his service while walking near 10th Downing Street in London, June 7, 2019. Kriesel visited the U.K. to build relations with leaders across the Ministry of Defense and familiarize himself with the partner nation’s information exchange policies, which is mission essential in support of national objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel)

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. James R. Kriesel, deputy commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, center, U.K. Army Maj. Gen. Nick Borton, commander of the 3rd British Division, left, and Brig. John Ridge, chief of joint force operations at Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ), pose for a photo at PJHQ, June 5, 2019. Kriesel visited the U.K. to build relations with leaders across the Ministry of Defense and familiarize himself with the partner nation’s information exchange policies, which is mission essential in support of national objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel)

Members from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and the Center for Global Health Engagement, Uniformed Services University, Maryland, pose for a photo during a Fundamentals of Global Health Engagement (FOGHE) course at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 11, 2019. The FOGHE is a three-day course to improve understanding of the full array of issues surrounding and shaping global health engagements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Franklin R. Ramos)