Combat King II

Air Force personnel jump out of an HC-130J Combat King II during training over Djibouti, May 9, 2023.

Guard, active duty medical providers get back to basics with Ugandan counterparts

By Army Staff Sgt. Malcolm McClendon

Task Force Raptor

SINGO, Uganda  – An exchange of best practices in advanced combat medicine proved to be a welcomed, back-to-the-basics refresher for two experienced U.S. military medical providers.

Army Capt. Alexander Alba, a physician's assistant with Task Force Raptor, 3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, Texas Army National Guard, and Navy Lt. Cmdr. Guillermo Navarro, an emergency physician with Expeditionary Medical Facility, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, were invited by the Ugandan People's Defense Forces to participate in an Advanced Combat Medicine Seminar here, May 14–18.

"It was good to meet other medical providers and talk about medicine," said Alba. "The fact that they were service members from Uganda made the discussion even more interesting."

The medical providers from both countries shared their experiences and best practices for the advancements and breakthroughs in combat medicine.

"U.S. combat medicine has come a long way in the past 10 years. We've learned a lot from Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom," Alba said. "Ugandan combat medical professionals have also learned and evolved from the conflicts they've been involved in."

As Alba, Navarro and the Ugandan medical providers discussed complex medical practices such as applying chest tubes and surgical cricothyrotomy, or an incision to create a life-saving airway, they decided to take things back a notch.

"Medical technology has advanced so much and allowed us to save more lives than ever before," Alba said. "While discussing this, we brought up scenarios where maybe access to our modern day equipment wouldn't be available, so we decided to incorporate a session to discuss basic combat medicine."

The medical professionals traded their complex, high-tech training aids for simpler items.

"We practiced applying improvised tourniquets using sticks," Alba said. "We even discussed the basics of casualty evacuations using buddy carries."

After the week-long seminar discussing advanced medicine practices, Alba appreciated reviewing the basics.

"As advanced medical professionals we are always learning and keeping up with the ever-evolving medical practices," Alba said. "So to be able to share and revisit basic primary medical care with our Ugandan counterparts was a welcomed refresher and a reminder that these are just as important in saving someone's life."

Africom Will Maintain ‘Light Footprint’ in Africa

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

STUTTGART, Germany, June 12, 2012 – The United States has no plans to seek permanent bases in Africa, and, in the spirit of the new defense strategic guidance, will continue to maintain a “light footprint” on the continent, the top U.S. Africa Command officer said.

“In Africa, I would say a light footprint is consistent with what we need and consistent with the defense guidance,” Army Gen. Carter F. Ham told the House Armed Services Committee in February.

With no troops directly assigned to it, Africom relies heavily on its service components: U.S. Army Africa based in Vicenza, Italy; U.S. Air Forces Africa, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany; U.S. Marine Forces Africa and Special Operations Command Africa, both based here.

“It is that proximity to the theater that enables the agility we require,” Ham told Congress.

Africom has had its headquarters here since it initially stood up in 2007 as a subcommand of U.S. European Command before reaching full operational capability in 2008. Then-Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and the first Africom commander, Army Gen. William E. “Kip” Ward, agreed to defer any decision on its permanent location until 2012.

A congressionally directed review of alternate basing plans is under way, and is expected to be delivered sometime this year. None of the plans being developed involves relocating the headquarters to the African continent, Ham said.

While not expressing his own preferences, Ham said he believes Africom has “been very well served” by its Stuttgart headquarters. In addition to good facilities and proximity to an international airport with direct links to Africa, he noted, Stuttgart offers the operational advantage of being in the same time zone as many of Africom’s African partners. “We are on the same daily rhythm,” the general said.

In addition, he said, collocating Africom with U.S. European Command makes sense, promoting their tradition of working together as they share forces, resources and capabilities.

Ham also underscored the importance of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, the only permanent U.S. base in Africa. With about 2,000 U.S. personnel deployed there as part of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, many from the Army National Guard, it provides a stable platform for U.S. military operations in a critical part of the world, he said.

“It’s a great strategic location,” he told American Forces Press Service. “It facilitates not only our operations for U.S. Africa Command, but also U.S. Central Command and U.S. Transportation Command. It is a very key hub and important node for us, a good location that allows us to extend our reach in East Africa and partner with the countries of East Africa.”

Ham said he recognizes concerns among some African countries about an increased U.S. presence on the continent, but emphasized that cost alone would preclude the United States from establishing more permanent bases there.

Meanwhile, a new initiative that Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno announced last month could increase Africom’s engagement opportunities with no uptick in permanent staffing.

The Army plans to implement a regionally aligned force concept next year to better support combatant commanders, Odierno said. Africom is expected to be the first to receive these rotational forces as part of the pilot program to begin next year, followed by U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Central Command and U.S. Pacific Command.

Face of Defense: Airman Takes Weather Award Twice

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ryan Labadens

Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa Public Affairs

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti, April 18, 2012 – There's an old saying that lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place, but it did for one Air Force noncommissioned officer.

Tech. Sgt. Gregory Spiker, joint meteorology and oceanography operations weather forecaster, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, was named the 2011 Air Force Weather Noncommissioned Officer of the Year -- his second Air Force-wide weather award. His first one was the Air Force Battlefield Weather NCO of the Year for 2006.

Spiker's skill in the weather career field was obvious to his home-station supervisor, Air Force Capt. Drew Moore, 56th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight commander, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.

"He's topnotch at what he does," Moore said of Spiker. "He's energetic, motivated and very involved with the fighter squadrons here and what we do on the weather side. He's positive, has a good attitude and is a stellar NCO."

Spiker deployed here in November 2011.

"Here we're responsible for forecasting for the entire area of interest for the combined joint task force," Spiker said. "Any mission that's a CJTF-HOA mission, we're going to forecast for it."

Spiker said he took an interest in weather and natural science at an early age. He first found out about the weather career field from his recruiter before joining the Air Force 10 years ago and he's been doing it ever since.

"I had always been a natural sciences kind of person and more of the 'outdoorsy' type," Spiker said. "I wanted to do something different, and it seemed like the Air Force offered the most unique opportunity for me, so it really worked out."

His first two deployments were to Iraq in 2006 and 2007 to provide tactical weather support for the U.S. Army’s 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division Stryker Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Spiker said his service in a deployed environment contributed to him earning his first Air Force weather award and also played a part in his receiving the 2011 award.

One of his main responsibilities here includes setting up and maintaining tactical weather equipment used for collecting atmospheric data in the CJTF-HOA area of interest, Spiker said. His job takes him to other sites in Djibouti and several countries in and around the Horn of Africa in support of the CJTF-HOA mission.

Spiker is a “tremendous asset” and deserves the recognition, said his supervisor, Navy Cmdr. Douglas Wahl.

"He is proactive and one of the most-knowledgeable Air Force technicians and forecasters I've worked with,” Wahl said of Spiker. “It's obvious he takes great pride in his job and this award truly reflects the quality of his workmanship."

Even though Spiker was excited about winning the award, he said he knew his career field was more than just a one-man job -- it is a team effort. He praised the airmen in his shop at Luke AFB and the joint personnel he works with here for their excellent performance.

"I work with the most awesome people I've ever worked with in my career right now. They're all such hard workers," Spiker said. "I've always been lucky to be able to work alongside such great people.”

Sailor Found Dead at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti

From Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Public Affairs

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (NNS) -- A U.S. Navy Sailor assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Three (NMCB 3) was found dead as the result of a non-combat related incident at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, April 7.

The incident is under investigation. The Sailor's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

"The Camp is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our shipmates," said Capt. Scott Hurst, commanding officer of Camp Lemonnier. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Sailor's family during this difficult time."

NMCB 3 is deployed to the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, which conducts operations to enhance partner nation capacity, promote regional stability, dissuade conflict and protect U.S. and coalition interests.

Panetta to Reinforce Strong U.S.-Turkey Partnership

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

ANKARA, Turkey, Dec. 15, 2011 – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta arrived here today to reinforce the United States’ strong relationship with a critical security partner within the region and NATO.

Panetta traveled here after ceremonies in Iraq marking the end of the U.S. Forces Iraq mission, with stops also in Afghanistan and Djibouti.

In Ankara, the secretary will meet with President Abdullah Gul and Turkish defense leaders to thank them for their country’s leadership during a period of transition and change within the region.

“Turkey represents a key ally in the Middle East,” Panetta told reporters traveling with him.

In addition to being a strong NATO ally, Turkey is “extremely important to the ability to try to keep what is happening in the Middle East headed in the right direction,” he said.

“They can have an influence on what happens in Egypt, what happens in Iraq, what happens in Iran, what happens in Syria,” the secretary said.

Panetta noted that Turkey has taken a strong position in condemning Syria’s violent crackdown on protestors and calling for President Bashar Assad to step down.

“Turkey is coming on very strong in recent weeks in full alignment with our efforts and those of our key Arab and European partners,” a senior defense official traveling with Panetta told reporters.

The secretary also said he will commend Turkey’s decision to host the forward-based radar for the NATO missile defense system.

Panetta also is expected to thank the Turks for their contributions to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

Also during the visit, the secretary is expected to express the United States’ solidarity in its fight against the PKK terrorists and ways to continue that support as U.S. forces complete their drawdown in Iraq, the official said.

Echoing a theme he raised earlier this month, the secretary is likely to encourage Turkey to strengthen and, where necessary, build relations with key neighbors, including Israel, Armenia and Cyprus, the official said.

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits Naval Forces in Europe and Africa

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Stephen Oleksiak, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Adm. Mark Ferguson, vice chief of naval operations (VCNO), visited the Naval Support Activity (NSA) in Naples, Italy, Nov. 28, marking the final stop in a series of visits that included U.S. Central Command, U.S. European Command, and U.S. Africa Command visit over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Other stops included NSA Rota, Spain; NSA Souda Bay, Greece; and Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. During his visits, Ferguson met with senior leadership receiving briefs on current operations and base infrastructure. Accompanied by Chief of Naval Personnel and Navy Total Force Fleet Master Chief Scott Benning, VCNO also held all-hands calls with service members and answered questions at each location.

While in Rota, Ferguson met with Capt. Scott Kraverath, commanding officer of Naval Station Rota, to discuss the plans for stationing four Aegis ships in support of ballistic missile defense there. They also discussed improving the installation to support the ships' crews and their families. "It's important for me to get over here and see the requirements to get [this base ready for the ships' arrival]," said Ferguson.

In Djibouti, VCNO toured Camp Lemonnier and met with Commander, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, Rear Adm. Mike Franken, and the base commander, Capt. Scott Hurst. He presented five awards and conducted one reenlistment before an all hands call, and then enjoyed a Thanksgiving Day meal with Sailors.

In Souda Bay, he toured the guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) and conducted a reenlistment for six Sailors prior to conducting an all hands call. Samuel B. Roberts' most recent deployment took her along the east coast of Africa in support of Africa Partnership Station 2011, an international security cooperation initiative aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.

"The Navy's never been more relevant, and we see that in our Sailors across the globe...be they in the western Pacific, doing counter drug operations off South America, operating in Africa Partnership Station, or in the Middle East," said Ferguson. "They're performing extraordinarily well and in demand, contributing greatly to the national strategy and defense of the nation."

Ferguson's visit to Naples included meetings with senior leaders from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, to discuss strategic issues within the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

He wrapped up the visit with one final all-hands call, where he thanked, not just the service members, but their families for all they do.

"I thank all of you for your leadership, for what you do every day and your service to the nation," said Ferguson. "I've been very impressed with the leadership, your attitudes, the facilities that you have, and I think this is a great place to serve. It's been a pleasure to be here, and I'd like to thank you and your families [for what you do]."

Benning answered Sailors' questions about perform-to-serve and the enlisted retention board. He also praised Sailors for their ability to accomplish a variety of tasks outside of their assigned ratings.

"We train across many spectrums and we prepare [ourselves], and honestly it's what the other [military] services love about our individual augmentee Sailors," said Benning. "[Our Sailors] can do more than one thing, and they can do more than one thing at one time, and that makes [our Sailors] a real commodity that they very much desire."

Sailors who attended the all-hands call appreciated the answers they received.

"The answers they gave us were very straight forward and up front," said Hospitalman Nathan Sichone. "I am confident that [Ferguson] will continue to get the job done and represent the Sailors to the best of his ability and meet the needs of the Navy."

This was Ferguson's first visit to Djibouti, Naples, Rota, and Souda Bay, as the vice chief of naval operations.

Face of Defense: Togo Native Returns to Africa as U.S. Soldier

By Air Force Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton

Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti, Oct. 5, 2011 – During a recent civil affairs mission through Djibouti, Army Reserve Cpl. Kwami Koto – information manager for Civil Affairs Team 4902 here -- was able to articulate his connection to the African continent and its people.

"You see those kids playing soccer barefoot?" he asked his team chief as their vehicle passed by children running around on a dirt field. "That used to be me."

Koto, a resident of Denton, Texas, was born in Togo, a nation in West Africa. In the wake of a military coup d'etat and cultural turmoil nearly 10 years ago, he and his wife fled their homeland as political refugees to seek asylum in the United States.

"Human rights in Togo were being systematically violated," he said. "As a journalist, I started writing about it, denouncing the military regime's abuses."

Koto and his family began to receive death threats. He weighed his options carefully: stay in Togo and likely be killed while reporting on the unfolding situation, or flee to America.

"I chose the latter," he said.

After coming to the United States, Koto went to work as a program manager for a marketing company. He attended graduate school in his free time, earning his master's degree in journalism in the spring of 2005. Four years ago, Koto decided to demonstrate his pride for his adoptive country and enlisted in the Army Reserve.

"It is a pride not only for myself, but for my family -- my parents and my entire hometown back in Togo," he said. "They are all proud to have a son who serves in the most prestigious, and by far the best, Army in the world."

Army Reserve officials decided Koto was best suited to build relationships with villages and government leaders throughout the Horn of Africa. To him, the journey has been an astonishing one.

"Thirty-five years ago, I was playing here as a kid -- kicking an orange because we couldn't afford a soccer ball," he said as a proud smile grew on his face. "Now I wear the uniform of a U.S. Army soldier. I never could have imagined it years ago. It's indescribable, the feeling I get when I travel to African villages and help bring about change."

As an Army civil affairs soldier, Koto said, returning to Africa has been a life-changing event for him.

"I had seen Americans before, when I was in Togo," he said. "I learned English from a Peace Corps teacher. I never forgot those lessons or the interactions I had with the Americans. I make sure to treat the people I meet now the way I want them to remember me."

Civil affairs soldiers assess and engage local leaders at both the village and government levels. They build relationships with the people through a spirit of cooperation facilitated by African leaders.

Army Reserve Capt. Justin Lev, chief of Team 4902, said having Koto on the team has been invaluable.

"From Day One, he's been working with us on understanding the African people," Lev said. "The reason we are able to work so well with them is because of Koto."

Lev added that Koto brings a unique perspective on Africa's potential to the team’s mission.

"The African people are very resilient to live the way they live. They are happy with what they have," Koto said. "However, I constantly wrestle with the way some of the African people accept their situation without trying to improve it. Every living thing has to grow and evolve. Africa, after 50 years of independence, is ready to move to the next stage of its development."

Koto said African development must begin with its people, noting that an infrastructure cannot be built if the people are living in squalor. The first step, he said, is to build long-term, positive relationships with the people of Africa. Whether meeting with a village elder, working with local residents to put up buildings or playing soccer with the children of Djibouti, Koto explained, he would love for people in the United States to see Africa the way he sees it.

"This is a land of opportunity," he said. "Africa presents people with both an opportunity to help and an opportunity to learn. Just like all the opportunities we have in the United States, the ones here should not be taken for granted."

Lev said working in civil affairs with Koto and seeing those opportunities presented on a daily basis has changed the way he views the world.

"When we travel to these villages, we see real examples of people living in extreme poverty," he said. "All of the standards we have in the United States don't apply here, but the people are happy. It really shows that happiness is achievable no matter what you have or where you are."

With another smile, Koto acknowledged what his commander said. As an American, who earned his citizenship in February 2009, he has strong and passionate feelings for both his home and adopted countries.

"I love Africa," he said. "I love it in the same way I love the United States: with my whole heart."