15 Task Force Wolfhound Soldiers naturalized at US Embassy in Djibouti
3/18/2023
U.S. Army Soldiers from the New York National Guard’s 27th Infantry Brigade Combat, who serve as Task Force Wolfhound while deployed to the Horn of Africa, became U.S. citizens in a naturalization ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti City, Djibouti, March 10.
1-58th AOB transfers air operations mission to 2-130th AOB
3/17/2023
The 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation, Airfield Operations Battalion (AOB), transferred authority of the air operations mission to 2nd Battalion, 130th Aviation (AOB) during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Feb. 20, 2023.
U.S. Service Members deployed to Horn of Africa complete grueling French Desert Commando Course
2/28/2023
Thirty-one U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers and one U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) earned the prestigious French Desert Commando Badge after completing the arduous French Desert Commando Course (FDCC) in Djibouti, Africa, Feb. 3.
Military deployments can be stressful. Military deployments to a remote base in East Africa can be even more stressful. Fortunately, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Timothy Harford, first sergeant for the 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron located at Manda Bay, Kenya is there to assist his Airmen and tenant units and provide them with the resources needed to accomplish their mission.
CJTF-HOA conducts first simulated joint FARP demonstration on African continent
2/28/2023
Elements of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and the 449th Air Expeditionary Group recently conducted a simulated joint branch Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) exercise. Not only was this a first for U.S. forces in the African continent, but it also provided an opportunity to practice Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts as well.
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) held a combat patching ceremony for Soldiers with the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, on Dec. 30, 2022.
New York Army National Guard unit hosts Norwegian Foot March in Horn of Africa
1/7/2023
Service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and multinational partners participated in a Norwegian Foot March at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Dec. 16, 2022.
404th MEB transfers responsibility of CJTF-HOA mission to 157th MEB
11/14/2022
The Illinois Army National Guard’s 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) transferred responsibility of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) headquarters staff mission to the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 157th MEB on Nov. 5, 2022, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
CJTF-HOA commanding general joins her Kenyan partners, U.S. service members for Norwegian Foot March
10/17/2022
For the first time, our Kenyan partners and U.S. service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) came together to participate in the Cooperative Security Location-Manda Bay Kenya Norwegian Foot March, near Camp Simba, Kenya, July 23, 2022.
CJTF-HOA, partners build school library in Djibouti
10/13/2022
Members of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), the United States Embassy Djibouti, and international partners and allies celebrated the opening of a Library at the Balbala 7 School, Djibouti, Oct. 4, 2022.
Be There: A service member’s journey overcoming suicide
9/29/2022
Although it is near the end of September, Suicide Prevention Month, it is important to keep awareness strong about suicide and to be there for fellow service members, family and friends throughout the year.
The following transcription is an interview with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) public affairs directorate and a Soldier who survived a suicide attempt and who is now supporting the CJTF-HOA mission.
Task Force Red Dragon conducts live-fire exercise with French Forces in Djibouti
9/9/2022
Task Force Red Dragon, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), conducted a Combined Arms Live-Fire Exercise (CALFEX) with French Forces in Djibouti near Arta, Djibouti, Aug. 22, 2022.
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and Camp Lemonnier Public Affairs Directorates conducted a knowledge exchange from Aug. 29-31, 2022, with Djib-Live TV, RTD: Téĺé Djibouti, Agence Djiboutienne d'Information - ADI, and Journal La Nation, in coordination with U.S. Embassy Djibouti and Ministère de la Communication, chargé des Postes et des Télécommunications.
U.S. donates 24 armored vehicles to support allied troops in Somalia
8/17/2022
Mogadishu, Somalia - U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), visited foreign partners in Mogadishu, Somalia, Aug. 3, 2022, to hand over 24 Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the ATMIS Headquarters.
Civil Affairs veterinarian participates in Exercise Shared Accord 22' in South Africa
8/12/2022
More than 75% of people in Africa rely on agriculture for their livelihood. Most of this is made up of livestock such as chickens, cattle, goats, sheep, camels and donkeys.
Without proper medical care, many of these animals will suffer from treatable diseases. The same can be said for domestic animals such as dogs and cats. For military veterinarians in Africa, part of their mission is to assist the local populace with the health of their animals and protect the public health from diseases that can be transmitted to humans.
U.S. Army Maj. Sage Umphries, a veterinarian assigned to the 353rd Civil Affairs Functional Specialty Team, stationed at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, recently participated in Exercise Shared Accord 2022, a joint and bilateral training exercise that took place in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Province July 11-27, 2022.
U.S. service members take part in joint-force marksmanship competition in Kenya
8/5/2022
CAMP SIMBA, Kenya – U.S. service members from the U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Air Force, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participated in a joint-force combined arms marksmanship competition July 20-25, 2022, at Camp Simba, Kenya.
The event hosted 52 participants with individual and team competitions using multiple weapon systems.
The matches simulated combat scenarios with competitors engaging targets from multiple distances and positions, with target transitioning, weapon manipulation, while combining all of those skills under the stress of time and accuracy.
On Wednesday, May 25th, 1st squad, 1st platoon, B Company, 1-116th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) were conducting an area security patrol outside of Camp Simba, in Manda Bay, Kenya. They responded to an automobile accident during the course of their patrol where they freed victims from an overturned vehicle and provided medical aid to individuals involved in the accident.
Camp Lemonnier Expeditionary Medical Facility partners with Civil Affairs to conduct Knowledge Exchange with Djiboutian nurses
7/30/2022
Members of Camp Lemonnier’s Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) collaborated with members of the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion, assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), to conduct a knowledge exchange event at the Dar El Hanan Hospital in Djibouti City, Djibouti, from June 30 to July 21, 2022.
Airfield Operations Battalion transfers authority in East Africa
6/17/2022
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 107th Aviation Regiment, Airfield Operations Battalion (AOB), transferred authority of the air operations here to the 1st Battalion, 58th AOB June 15, 2022.
The AOB provides air traffic control and airfield management functions at airfields throughout East Africa in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA). U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, commander of the CJTF-HOA, presided over the ceremony.
712th Engineer Support Company transfer authority in Horn of Africa
6/16/2022
The 712th Engineer Support Company (ESC), from South Carolina, transferred responsibility of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) engineering mission to the 319th Engineer Support Company, from Texas, during a ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 14, 2022. The engineering company works on a variety of construction projects with partner nations throughout CJTF-HOA’s area of interest.
Task Force Red Dragon hosts D-Day remembrance ceremony in the Horn of Africa
6/6/2022
U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), hosted a D-Day commemoration ceremony and ruck march June 6, 2022, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, to remember the sacrifices of Allied forces during the storming of the Normandy beachhead during World War II.
Japan-U.S. conduct first-ever combat care knowledge exchange in Djibouti
6/3/2022
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) soldiers conducted a Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TC3) medical knowledge exchange with Task Force Red Dragon, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), for the first time at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 27, 2022.
US Military tracks, fights pathogens in East Africa
5/23/2022
COVID-19 reminded the world of the danger unknown pathogens can present to the world, as the disease swept across the globe, shutting down entire societies in the early days of the pandemic.
For many of us, pathogens are not a common consideration, or at least not at the microscopic level. There are however a select few people and organizations dedicated to identifying, observing, and analyzing this very topic.
Lt. Cmdr. Rebecca Pavlicek, U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. – 3 (NAMRU-3) director of the microbiology laboratory at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, is one of those people.
Combined, joint task force in Africa welcomes first female commanding general
5/16/2022
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley assumed command of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa from U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Zana during a change of command ceremony May 14, 2022. Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) presided.
Department of State and Defense officials meet for 2022 East African Security Forum
5/13/2022
More than 50 US government interagency officials working in more than 10 countries throughout East Africa met together at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti for the 2022 East Africa Security Forum May 11, 2022. The forum provided a face-to-face platform for representatives with the U.S. State Department, Department of Defense, the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and the National Security Council. The discussions ranged from overarching long-term strategy to specific security threats in the region.
US military, Djiboutians champion Women, Peace and Security at co-hosted event
5/10/2022
U.S. leadership with the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) co-hosted a Women, Peace and Security (WPS) workshop with the Djiboutian Ministry of Women and Family at the Palace Kempinski, Djibouti, May 8, 2022.
The participating parties, including members of the Djiboutian Ministry of Women and Family, CJTF-HOA, and U.S. Embassy Djibouti, used the venue to initiate an update to Djibouti’s WPS National Action Plan (NAP). The NAP serves as a binding document for integration of WPS principles, including how they will be prioritized and governed within Djibouti.
French Forces in Djibouti (FFDJ), alongside U.S. service members with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and units from Camp Lemonnier, participated in the French-led Exercise WAKRI 22, March 13-15, 2022.
CJTF-HOA, Camp Lemonnier military engineers meet University of Djibouti faculty, students
3/1/2022
Seven U.S. military engineers from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, Camp Lemonnier’s Public Works Department, and the 712th Engineer Support Company toured the University of Djibouti’s Faculty of Engineering, Feb. 9, 2022.
The team met with engineering faculty, including Adoulkader Ibrahim Idriss, the dean of the engineering school. During the tour, they discussed their educational and working experiences while also learning about the school curriculum and facilities.
CJTF – Horn of Africa transfers responsibility from one National Guard MEB to another
2/28/2022
Soldiers from the Nebraska Army National Guard’s 67th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) transferred responsibility of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) mission over to the Illinois Army National Guard’s 404th MEB, Feb. 26, 2022.
As a dynamic operational headquarters, CJTF-HOA ensures a strategic partnership with Djibouti, responds to crises, supports operations, protects U.S. lives and enables the countering of violent extremist organizations throughout East Africa in order to enhance stability and prosperity. CJTF-HOA works with partner nations, coalition forces and interagency and intergovernmental organizations to achieve a unified effort.
Djibouti, U.S. strengthen partnership through medical knowledge exchange
2/2/2022
More than 40 U.S. service members from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and the Djiboutian Gendarmerie came together for a medical knowledge exchange of casualty care practices at the Gendarmerie compound in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Jan. 17- 20, 2022.
The exchange allowed both parties to share their medical practices and tactics, while strengthening bonds between the Gendarmerie and the CJTF-HOA service members.
From Iron Gray to Red Dragon: National Guard infantry units support East Africa mission
1/12/2022
U.S. Army National Guard battalion, 1-102nd Infantry Regiment (Mountain), Task Force Iron Gray, cased the unit's regimental colors to signify handing responsibility for the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa’s security forces mission over to the 1-116th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Red Dragon, during a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 8, 2022.
U.S. Army Soldiers with Task Force Iron Gray, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), and the 404th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), Civil Affairs East Africa, and U.S. Airmen with the 475th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron, visited the school Nov. 2, 2021, to donate the supplies, repair the school’s water system, and engage with students.
U.S. Army hosts Joint Expeditionary Mountain Warfare Course in Djibouti
12/21/2021
Five U.S. Army Mountain Warfare School instructors with the Vermont Army National Guard travelled to Djibouti to teach a five-day Joint Expeditionary Mountain Warfare Course to service members from France’s 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment (5e RIAOM) at the Arta Range Complex, Dec. 12-16, 2021.
CJTF-HOA strengthens personnel recovery mission in East Africa
11/22/2021
The PRCC at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), conducts personnel recovery and casualty evacuation for U.S. and joint partners in East Africa.
To test their response time and demonstrate their capabilities, the PRCC conducted a full casualty evacuation exercise from start to finish. More importantly, the exercise served to examine their system for deficiencies.
U.S., Kenya forces enhance partnership through integrated training
11/3/2021
For several months, U.S. Army Soldiers from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), have trained alongside Kenya Defence Forces to improve Soldier skills while building partner capacity necessary to counter violent extremists and address other security and stability threats in the region.
U.S. Discussion Groups strengthen English language skills in Djibouti
10/15/2021
After three months of guided conversation, 25 participants completed the latest U.S.-led English Discussion Group (EDG), and attended a culmination celebration at the National Institute of Public Administration training center in Djibouti, Oct. 13, 2021. The conversations are designed to increase the participants' confidence and competency in the English language to help them in their professional lives.
CJTF-HOA hosts inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti
9/30/2021
More than 30 women serving with Armed Forces Djibouti, Gendamerie, Republican Guard, National Police and Djiboutian Coast Guard joined U.S., Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Kenyan leaders for Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa's inaugural Women in Security Symposium in Djibouti City, Djibouti, Sept. 22, 2021.
U.S. military medical teams work to reach full vaccination goals in East Africa
8/27/2021
U.S. Army medical personnel with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) traveled to Camp Simba, Kenya, to administer COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with Department of Defense policy and guidance to help reduce the burden of COVID-19 in high-risk populations and simultaneously mitigate risk to military operations.
U.S., French forces conduct joint combined arms live-fire exercise in Djibouti
8/18/2021
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to various companies from Task Force Iron Gray, in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), and French Soldiers assigned to the 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment (5e RIAOM) participated in a joint combined arms live-fire exercise at the Djiboutian Range Complex, Djibouti, Aug. 11, 2021.
U.S. Army Civil Affairs works to empower women in Djibouti
7/6/2021
U.S. Army Soldiers with the Civil Affairs East Africa (CA-EA) functional specialty team as well as Soldiers assigned to the 404th CA-EA battalion, in support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), completed their final lessons of first aid and English at Solidarte Feminine July 1, 2021, in Djibouti City, Djibouti.
Airfield operations brings order to down-range airstrip
6/8/2021
When the Soldiers of the 2-111th Airfield Operations Battalion (AOB) found out they were deploying to Manda Bay Airstrip, Kenya, a recently reactivated camp, they knew there would be a lot of work to be done.
Since arriving, the Soldiers of the 2-111th AOB, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), have worked diligently to ensure the aircraft that fly in and out of Manda Bay Airstrip do so in a safe and efficient airfield.
Civil Affairs soldiers conduct English discussion groups in Djibouti
6/1/2021
U.S. Army Soldiers with Civil Affairs East Africa (CA-EA), a forward deployed element of Southern European Task Force - Africa (SETAF-AF) in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), participated in information exchanges called English discussion groups (EDG) at schools and learning centers in Djibouti.
Civil Affairs soldiers helped create an environment that encourages continued learning and potential economic growth in the local populace.
U.S., French forces coordinate in mass casualty exercise
6/1/2021
Members of the 776th Expeditionary Air Base Squadron conducted a combined medical evacuation exercise with French Allies on Chabelley Airfield, Djibouti, May 31, 2021. The exercise helped streamline patient transport operations with partner forces from Chabelley Airfield to Camp Lemonnier.
Soldiers promote education, build relations in Djibouti
5/25/2021
U.S. Army Soldiers with Civil Affairs, in support of Southern European Task Force Africa (CA SETAF-AF) and Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), assisted with a library dedication ceremony of a new PK-12 school library at Djibouti City, Djibouti, May 19, 2021.
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Terrence L. Koudelka, CJTF-HOA deputy commanding general, Liz Canellakis, public diplomacy officer for the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti, and the local school director joined the event, which celebrated the completion and handover of the U.S.-funded construction project.
Two U.S. Soldiers assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) provided updated communications equipment to the Burundi Army signal team in Bujumbura, Burundi, to reestablish the African Data Sharing Network.
CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI, May 15, 2021 – U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Lapthe C. Flora, the outgoing Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) commanding general, transferred responsibility to U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William L. Zana during a change of command ceremony. U.S. Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend, commander of the U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), presided over the ceremony.
Djiboutian Cleric leads Ramadan prayers for CJTF-HOA military members
4/30/2021
Imam Hassan Ahmed Migane, and other prominent Djiboutian Muslim leaders, led a Muslim Maghrib sunset prayer for Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) service members to close out the day’s Ramadan fast at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 28, 2021.
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) deployed forces to Gao, Mali, from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 30-31. The movement was the third time American forces demonstrated the ability to expeditiously deploy self-sustained operations in an austere environment and better interact with partner forces.
U.S., French forces conduct joint artillery training
2/8/2021
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the East Africa Response Force (EARF) in support of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and French Soldiers assigned to the 5th Overseas Intermarines Regiment (RIAOM) participated in a live-fire joint artillery training event at the Djiboutian Range Complex, Djibouti, Feb. 2, 2021.
U.S. Army Soldiers from Task Force Bayonet, assigned to the East Africa Response Force (EARF) in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), alongside Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, based out of Vicenza, Italy, traveled to Somalia as part of a security exercise to Mogadishu International Airport (MIA), Jan. 20-21.
An Airman deployed to the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) received a surprise Stripes for Exceptional Performers (STEP) promotion to the rank of technical sergeant in a ceremony at the command’s headquarters, Oct. 22, 2020, on Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Nearly 200 Soldiers from the 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB), of Sioux Falls, South Dakota Army National Guard became the new headquarters staff after arriving at Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), Sept. 25, 2020.
Manda Bay, BMA name facilities for fallen service member
5/29/2020
Two contingency locations within CJTF-HOA's combined joint operations area recently named facilities in honor of U.S. Army Spc. Henry J. “Mitch” Mayfield Jr.
