Djibouti — U.S. navy personnel at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ), together with members of Mixed Joint Activity Drive-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), CLDJ employees, tenant instructions, Djiboutian Armed Forces, and Allied and companion navy forces gathered Nov. 20, 2024, to have a good time Companion Appreciation Day.
CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI – U.S. navy personnel at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ), together with members of Mixed Joint Activity Drive-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), CLDJ employees, tenant instructions, Djiboutian Armed Forces, and Allied and companion navy forces gathered Nov. 20, 2024, to have a good time Companion Appreciation Day.
The annual occasion, now in its third 12 months below its present identify, highlights 22 years of collaboration and reaffirms america’ dedication to fostering partnerships, safety, and stability in Djibouti and throughout East Africa.
“I’ve been deeply impressed by the power of our partnership and the dedication of every collaborating nation to our shared mission,” stated U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti Cynthia Kierscht. “Our nations share an everlasting dedication to selling development and improvement throughout all sectors of society.”
The celebration featured quite a lot of navy and cultural demonstrations, together with a navy working canine exhibition, a conventional Japanese martial arts efficiency, and navy shows from U.S. and allied forces. A joint flyover by U.S. and French navy plane drew explicit consideration, whereas static shows showcased automobiles, plane, and weapon techniques. There was additionally a joint crew of U.S. Air Drive Pararescueman and French Paratroopers that carried out a free-fall soar from a U.S. Marine Corps C-130J “Bronco”. Service members from Djibouti, France, Italy, Japan, Kenya, South Korea, Germany, Spain, and the UK participated, reflecting a broad coalition devoted to regional safety and cooperation.
“Djibouti prolonged a welcoming hand once we wanted it essentially the most after the occasions of September 11, 2001,” stated Maj. Gen. Brian Cashman, commanding normal of CJTF-HOA. “Alongside the opposite values-based companions represented right here in the present day, we stay dedicated to our shared success by way of dignity, safety, prosperity, and stability.”
Beforehand referred to as Allied Appreciation Day, the occasion was rebranded in 2022 to raised replicate the inclusive deal with partnerships. CJTF-HOA’s mission to increase companion capabilities, strengthen protection establishments, and promote regional safety was central to the day’s actions. Army cooperation and capacity-building workout routines stay important in equipping African companions to handle regional safety challenges successfully.
CJTF-HOA operates to reinforce interoperability, deter battle, and safeguard mutual pursuits within the East Africa area. Headquartered at Camp Lemonnier, the command focuses on countering malign actors, bolstering collective safety forces, and responding to crises to advertise regional stability and prosperity. Camp Lemonnier helps U.S. service members, transient property, and 36 tenant instructions, together with CJTF-HOA, offering important operational capabilities for missions in East Africa and past.
