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AFRICOM commander, senior enlisted leader conduct trip to East Africa

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, wrapped up a five-day visit to East Africa in mid-January 2021, which included stops in Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya as well as to the USS Makin Island, operating off the coast of Somalia. The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit have operated off the coast of Somalia since Dec. 21 as part of the Joint Forces Maritime Component Command for Joint Task Force – Quartz.

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Photo by: Col. Jackie Breeden 

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Commander, command senior enlisted leader conclude visit to East Africa

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, speaks to a group of service members during an award ceremony at an airfield in East Africa, Jan 15, 2021. Townsend traveled to East Africa to review future posturing of U.S. forces with key leaders in support of Operation Octave Quartz in preparation for the next phase of operations in East Africa.

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Photo by: Sgt. Brandon Julson 

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Commander, command senior enlisted leader conclude visit to East Africa

Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, congratulates a service member during an award ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Jan. 15, 2021. Thresher was part of a five-day visit to East Africa with U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command. During the trip, Thresher recognized U.S. forces and spoke with partner military leadership about training possibilities.

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Photo by: Sgt. Brandon Julson 

U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command, wrapped up a five-day visit to East Africa, which included stops in Djibouti, Somalia and Kenya as well as to the USS Makin Island (LHD 8), operating off the coast of Somalia. Townsend was accompanied by the Command Senior Enlisted Leader, Sgt. Maj. Richard Thresher. 

The trip, which was Townsend’s first visit to the African continent in 2021, demonstrated U.S. Africa Command’s commitment to East African partners and provided the commander with the opportunity to visit Joint Task Force – Quartz, the organization tasked with overseeing the repositioning of U.S. forces while meeting with commanders, forces, and partners in the region.

"Our strategy in East Africa relies on partnerships,” Townsend said. “East African and international partners are working toward a secure environment in Africa that enables political and economic development. U.S. Africa Command continues to do its part."

Africa faces threats from terrorist groups such as the Al-Qaeda affiliated al-Shabaab. It has also emerged as a front for global power competition where both China and Russia are using aggressive diplomatic, economic and military means to expand their access and influence. 

While in Djibouti and Kenya, Townsend and Thresher recognized U.S. forces in the region and the effect their actions have on mission success in East Africa, underscoring that U.S. forces in East Africa remain poised to respond to threats, deter aggression and support partners while advancing U.S. and regional security.   

“U.S. Africa Command assists, supports, and strengthens partnerships and security in Africa. Our professional U.S. military forces are trusted and respected by our African partners and help advance mutual interests and security every day,” said Thresher. “We take pride in this critical mission for America.”

Thresher’s participation on the trip highlighted the emphasis for the need for professional, well trained enlisted corps for partner forces and how it is foundational for any nation’s military success. He recognized U.S. forces and spoke with Somali military leadership about training possibilities. U.S. Africa Command training continues to remain a competitive advantage in an era of global competition.