The 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, transferred authority of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa headquarters staff mission to the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Utah Army National Guard, on April 1, 2024, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.

U.S. Marines with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (REIN) KC-130J Detachment "Bronco" conducted a joint refueling mission over Djibouti, Africa on March 25th.

DJIBOUTI- U.S. Army combat medics from Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard assembled on the tarmac to conduct joint medical evacuation cold-load training aboard a KC-130J aircraft at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 5, 2024. Medics participated in casualty evacuation operations by working with flight medical personnel and aircraft crew-members in the event that life saving measures and medical evacuation are requested. The purpose of the training is to ensure interoperability with key U.S. military assets to expedite patient transfers to and from an aircraft in the event life saving measures and medical evacuation are requested.

Our Women, Peace, and Security team hosted an International Women's Day ceremony in celebration of Women's History Month at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti on Mar. 7, 2024. Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa has spent the month celebrating the many contributions of women and highlighting the importance of inclusion in the Horn of Africa. (Department of Defense video by U.S. Army Sgt. Jalen Miller and U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Kevin Nious)

U.S. Army Spc. Angela Garcia, combat medic with Task Force Paxton, Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard conducts joint medical evacuation cold-load training aboard a KC-130J aircraft at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 5, 2024. The purpose of the training is to ensure interoperability with key U.S. military assets to expedite patient transfers to and from an aircraft in the event life saving measures and medical evacuation are requested. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Cpt. Amanda Mayer)

U.S. Army Spc. Kira Angstadt, combat medic, Task Force Paxton, Alpha Company, 2nd Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard conducts joint medical evacuation cold-load training aboard a KC-130J aircraft at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 5, 2024. The purpose of the training is to ensure interoperability with key U.S. military assets to expedite patient transfers to and from an aircraft in the event life saving measures and medical evacuation are requested. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Cpt. Amanda Mayer)

Soldiers from Task Force Tomahawk sit in the crowd during their transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Feb. 10, 2024. This ceremony marks the end of Task Force Tomahawk's tenure in the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, the outgoing security forces brigade turned over control to the incoming Task Force Paxton. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Jalen Miller)


CJTF-HOA & Camp Lemonnier Host K9 Veterans Day 5K & Military Dog Demonstrations By SSgt Juan Paz Date: March 23, 2024 DJIBOUTI, East Africa – Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and Camp Lemonnier Working Dogs commemorated K9 Veterans Day on March 16, 2024, with a series of impactful demonstrations highlighting the invaluable role of military working dogs (MWDs) in East Africa. Service members stationed at Camp Lemonnier engaged in a spirited 5K run, setting the stage for a showcase of precision and discipline by the highly trained K9 units. From detection training to patrol work and obedience drills, attendees witnessed the unwavering dedication and readiness of these canine teams. "Maintaining operational readiness is paramount in this dynamic environment," remarked Senior Airman Tessa Spare, a seasoned military working dog handler with CJTF-HOA. "Our continuous training ensures that we are prepared to face any threat, anywhere." Integral to their readiness is the capability of handlers to administer immediate medical care to their K9 partners in the field. Trained in K9 Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), handlers play a critical role in ensuring the well-being of their canine companions and optimizing force posture and capabilities. The event also served as a solemn tribute to K9 Veterans Day, honoring the service and sacrifice of military working dogs past and present. “We as handlers know the sacrifices our K9s make” Spare reflected. “They do everything they can do to protect us. So when they retire, it's our turn to take care of them and give them the best retirement they can and K9 Veterans Day is one way we get to honor them.” As the event concluded, the resounding message echoed: readiness is non-negotiable, and the bond between service members and their K9 counterparts is unbreakable. Together, they stand as a testament to the commitment to peace and security in the Horn of Africa. CJTF-HOA's presence in East Afric