All about CJTF-HOA

This is our third in a series of posts this week looking at some of AFRICOM’s component commands. Component commands are one part of a joint command like AFRICOM, which draws from all services and military specialties. Previously this week, we introduced you to U.S. Army Africa (USARAF) and U.S. Air Forces Africa. Today we look at our largest component, Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.

History & Location Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa was first established at Camp Lejeune, N.C., on Oct. 19, 2002, and was part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The task force moved to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti in May 2003.

Staff About 2,000 personnel are assigned to CJTF-HOA, including service members from each branch of the U.S. military, civilians, and representatives of coalition and partner countries.

Leadership Rear Admiral Michael T. Franken has served as the commander of CJTF-HOA since May 2011. His previous position was vice director, Strategy, Plans, and Policy (J5) at U.S. Central Command since 2008. Read his bio here.

Countries of focus The CJTF-HOA area of operations includes the countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Djibouti, and Seychelles. The CJTF-HOA area of interest includes Yemen, Mauritius, Madagascar, Mozambique, Comoros, Chad, Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan, Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

ALI ADDE, Djibouti (Feb. 9, 2012) – A local villager describes the usefulness and value of fresh water as U.S. Army Sergeant Major Richard Erickson, U.S. Army 257th Engineer Team, draws water from a well here, February 9. The 257th Engineer Team, in support of Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, is visiting Ali Adde to conduct analysis of wells drilled by the U.S. military to assess their performance. Site data will help shape future water well-drilling operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sergeant Joseph A. Araiza/Released)

Mission  CJTF-HOA conducts operations to enhance partner nation capacity, promote regional stability, dissuade conflict, and protect U.S. and coalition interests.

Supporting development CJTF-HOA works with U.S. government agencies, especially Department of State and USAID, to support development in a wide variety of ways, including building and renovating schools, clinics and hospitals and supporting water resource development and waste management.

Recent events:

Key Engagement between Kenyan, U.S. Senior Enlisted Leaders The event, held at Camp Lemonnier on March 26-29, 2012, was hosted by CJTF-HOA Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Master Sergeant James E. Davis. The purpose of the visit, according to Davis, was to build partner nation capacity with Kenya’s senior enlisted leadership by demonstrating how U.S. enlisted members use their roles and responsibilities and the chain of command to execute the mission and take care of their people. full story | photos

U.S. Army 490th Civil Affairs Battalion Teaches Field Sanitation at Camp Lemonnier “The course is designed to help unit commanders protect their soldiers from food-, water-, air- and insect-borne diseases, as well as noise and inhalation hazards. It also teaches you how to properly apply pesticides and inspect for general food sanitation,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Andre Moxley, 490th CABN FxSP preventive medicine non-commissioned officer and lead instructor for the course. full story | photos | video

Water drilling tests in Djibouti  “The wells are part of a study to determine if pulling water from a beach aquifer is a viable option for removing Camp Lemonnier from the Djiboutian Fresh Water Aquifer and leaving that resource solely for the Djiboutians,” said U.S. Army Captain Joseph Bzdok, 257th Engineer Team commander. full story | photos

Interested in learning more?  Visit the CJTF-HOA homepage or follow them on Facebook or Twitter (@CJTFHOA).