U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and AFRICOM senior leaders, conducted a series of high-level visits to Africa with stops in Ethiopia, Somaliland and Puntland, Nov. 23-27, 2025. The visits were part of an East Africa trip aimed to strengthen America’s strategic approach to confronting terrorism through mutual engagement, stronger cooperation, and aligned security priorities.
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Matthew Brown, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa commanding general, presided over the CJTF- HOA change of responsibility from U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Ted Braxton, outgoing CJTF- HOA command senior enlisted leader, to U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Mike Brown, incoming CJTF-HOA CSEL, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Aug. 11.
United States Africa Command, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, and the Kentucky Army National Guard teamed up with Djiboutian forces for a cybersecurity and radio communications fundamentals skills-sharing initiative that blended instruction, live demonstrations, and practical exercises.
The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Multinational Coordination Cell hosted a tabletop exercise with French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and South Korean partners June 23-26 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
I joined the U.S. Army at 18 years old, straight out of high school. In fact, I enlisted while I was still a senior. My decision was driven by more than a sense of duty — it was deeply personal.
Fast forward to today, I am proudly serving my country overseas with the Arizona Army National Guard. I am in an administrative role for the Transportation Motor Pool unit, which is in charge of managing a large fleet of vehicles, most of which are sourced from local Djiboutian contractors.