U.S. Army Spc. Phantajia Smith, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa radio maintenance specialist, adjusts a radio system during a communications exercise at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 24, 2023. Communications troops host a monthly communications exercise, testing networks and communications across a range of means, to ensure no matter what happens, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa stays in constant contact with those conducting missions. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
U.S. Army Spc. Phantajia Smith, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa radio maintenance specialist, configures a radio antenna during a communications exercise at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 27, 2023. Communications specialists are functional experts in the realms of fixing and providing the technology for anyone leaving the confines of Camp Lemonnier. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
U.S. Army Spc. Chase Davis, left, and U.S. Army Spc. Sean Carney, both Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa radio maintenance specialists, check their signal strength during a communications exercise at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 27, 2023. The Expeditionary Communications Directorate’s mission is to provide CJTF-HOA the best military advice on equipment and capability while advancing cyber defense, and joint and coalition interoperability, thus enabling the joint force to develop, maintain, and strengthen strategic access and influence in Djibouti, operations throughout East Africa, and regional security. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Gentile)
Chief Petty Officer Initiation course selectees perform physical training at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 28, 2023. The CPO trainers used a variety of methods to instill camaraderie and teamwork into the course selectees to prepare them for the rank of CPO. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Douglas Lorance)
Chief Petty Officer Initiation course selectees perform a team building exercise at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 28, 2023. Selectees were required to answer questions about U.S. Navy history in order to reduce the water in their buckets and were encouraged to rely on each other’s shared knowledge. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Douglas Lorance)
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Justin Taykowski receives the U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer hat as part of the Chief Petty Officer Initiation ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, November 29, 2023. The gold fouled anchor is the symbol of the Chief Petty Officer, representing stability and security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Maria A. Olvera Tristan)
Chief Petty Officer Initiation course selectees perform a firefighting training exercise at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 28, 2023. The exercise simulated a fire breaking out on a sinking ship while the selectees were tasked with finding a simulated injured Sailor to safely extract as they evacuated. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Douglas Lorance)
Senior Chief Samson Desta speaks to CPO Initiation course selectees after physical training at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 28, 2023. The six week course consisted of education, team building exercises, and various other forms of training to ensure they are ready for the responsibility of the U.S. Navy rank of Chief Petty Officer and was open to all military branches. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Douglas Lorance)
Chief Petty Officer Initiation Course selectees conduct morning workouts at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 28, 2023. The six-week course consisted of education, team-building exercises, and various other forms of training to ensure they were ready for the responsibility of the rank. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Douglas Lorance)
Chief Petty Officer Initiation course selectees perform a formation run at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 28, 2023. The selectees had to maintain their formation throughout the duration of the run. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Douglas Lorance)
Chief Petty Officer Initiation course selectees perform a team building exercise at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 28, 2023. The exercise encouraged blindfolded selectees to work together and rely on both one another and their CPO trainers in order to accomplish their tasks. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Douglas Lorance)
Chief Petty Officer Initiation course selectees perform a firefighting training exercise at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 28, 2023. The exercise simulated a fire breaking out on a sinking ship while the selectees were tasked with finding a simulated injured Sailor to safely extract as they evacuated. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Douglas Lorance)
Chief Petty Officer Initiation course selectees perform a firefighting training exercise at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 28, 2023. The exercise simulated a fire breaking out on a sinking ship while the selectees were tasked with finding a simulated injured Sailor to safely extract as they evacuated. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Douglas Lorance)
Newly pinned chief petty officers stand at attention during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, September 29, 2023. The six-week course consisted of education, team-building exercises, and various other forms of training to ensure they were ready for the responsibility of the rank. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Maria A. Olvera Tristan)
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Marlon Smith receives the U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer anchor as part of the Chief Petty Officer Initiation ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, November 29, 2023. The gold fouled anchor is the symbol of the Chief Petty Officer, representing stability and security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Maria A. Olvera Tristan)
CLDJ Chief Petty Officers invite Joint service members into CPO Initiation
10/5/2023
The latest CPO Initiation at Camp Lemonnier Djibouti, included not only Sailors, but two Soldiers, an Airman, and a Marine. The top noncommissioned officers from each U.S. military branches were afforded the opportunity to participate in the traditional Navy training and be inducted into the CPO Mess upon completion. The candidates will be recognized as Chief Petty Officers not just at Camp Lemonnier, but across the entire Navy.
The Expeditionary Communications Directorate’s overall mission is to provide the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa with the best advice on equipment and capability while advancing cyber defense, and joint and coalition interoperability.
