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USAFRICOM leaders visit Côte d’Ivoire, Togo

Source: United States AFRICOM

Gallery contains 4 images

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command stands in front of a Embassy of the United States sign

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, met with President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo.

In Côte d’Ivoire, Langley, Woods and U.S. Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire Jessica Davis Ba met with Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, Minister of Defense and State Téné Birahima Ouattara and Chief of Defense Staff Lt. Gen. Lassina Doumbia.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods, command senior enlisted leader, meet with Embassy staff in Côte d’Ivoire.

STUTTGART, Germany – U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Michael Woods, command senior enlisted leader, traveled to Côte d’Ivoire and Togo, July 24-27, to further cooperation between the United States and the two countries. In the past year, General Langley has prioritized travel to Africa to meet with partner nations.

The two met with host nation civilian and military leaders, U.S. State Department officials, and U.S. service members. 

“Côte d’Ivoire and Togo are on the front lines of addressing complex issues like the expansion of violent extremist organizations and maritime security threats in the Gulf of Guinea,” Langley said. “Security, stability, and economic prosperity in West Africa are interests shared by the United States and our African and international partners. We are stronger when we work toward these goals together.” 

“Service members from the United States and our counterparts in Coastal West Africa regularly partner in security initiatives and multinational AFRICOM exercises, like Flintlock and Obangame Express,” Woods said. “This week, we were able to highlight their professionalism and look to future security, training and professional military education cooperation.”

In Côte d’Ivoire, Langley, Woods and U.S. Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire Jessica Davis Ba met with Vice President Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, Minister of Defense and State Téné Birahima Ouattara and Chief of Defense Staff Lt. Gen. Lassina Doumbia. 

The leaders discussed Côte d’Ivoire’s role as a valued bilateral, regional and global leader in the promotion of economic prosperity. Further highlighted were the country’s efforts to counter the spread of violent extremism and Côte d’Ivoire’s leadership during regional multinational exercises. 

During the second leg of the trip in Togo, the leadership team and U.S. Ambassador to Togo Elizabeth Fitzsimmons met President Gnassingbé, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Brig. Gen. Tassounti Djato, and Minister of Security and Civil Protection Brig. Gen. Damehame Yark. They discussed Togo’s leadership in maritime security and whole-of-government efforts to bolster regional security.

Throughout their trip, Langley and Woods also met with U.S. Embassy teams and recognized U.S. service members for their accomplishments.

The United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM), alongside its African and interagency partners, is charged with the responsibility of enhancing security and stability in Africa to advance and protect U.S. national interests. For more information, visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil.

Les dirigeants de l’USAFRICOM visitent la Côte d’Ivoire et le Togo

Le général du Corps des Marines des États-Unis Michael Langley, commandant du Commandement des États-Unis pour l’Afrique, et le Sergent-Major du Corps des Marines des États-Unis Michael Woods, chef des sous-officiers du commandement, se sont rendus en Côte d’Ivoire et au Togo, du 24 au 27 juillet, pour renforcer la coopération entre les États-Unis et les deux pays partenaires. Au cours de la dernière année, le général Langley a donné la priorité aux voyages en Afrique pour rencontrer les dirigeants des pays partenaires.

Ils ont rencontré des dirigeants civils et militaires des pays hôtes, des responsables du département d’État américain et des militaires américains.

« La Côte d’Ivoire et le Togo sont en première ligne pour résoudre des problèmes complexes tels que l’expansion des organisations extrémistes violentes et les menaces à la sécurité maritime dans le golfe de Guinée », a déclaré Langley. « La sécurité, la stabilité et la prospérité économique en Afrique de l’Ouest sont des intérêts partagés par les États-Unis et nos partenaires africains et internationaux. Nous sommes plus forts lorsque nous travaillons ensemble vers ces objectifs. »

« Les militaires américains et leurs homologues de la côte ouest africaine s’associent régulièrement aux initiatives de sécurité et aux exercices multinationaux de l’AFRICOM, comme Flintlock et Obangame Express », a déclaré Woods. « Cette semaine, nous avons pu souligner leur professionnalisme et nous tourner vers la future coopération en matière de sécurité, de formation et d’enseignement militaire professionnel. »

En Côte d’Ivoire, Langley, Woods et l’Ambassadrice des États-Unis en Côte d’Ivoire Jessica Davis Ba ont rencontré le Vice-président Tiémoko Meyliet Koné, le Ministre de la Défense et d’État Téné Birahima Ouattara et le Chef d’état-major des armées, le Général de brigade Lassina Doumbia.

Au cours de la deuxième étape du voyage au Togo, l’équipe de direction de l’AFRICOM et l’ambassadrice des États-Unis au Togo, Elizabeth Fitzsimmons, ont rencontré le Président Gnassingbé, le Chef d’état-major général des Forces Armées, le Général Tassounti Djato, et le Ministre de la Sécurité et de la protection civiles, le Général Damehame Yark. Ils ont discuté du leadership du Togo en matière de sécurité maritime et des efforts pangouvernementaux pour renforcer la sécurité régionale.

Tout au long de leur voyage, Langley et Woods ont également rencontré les équipes des ambassades américaines et ont reconnu des militaires américains pour leurs réalisations.

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U.S. Forces provide assistance to Somalia National Army

Source: United States AFRICOM

At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike in a remote area near Hareeri Kalle, approximately 15 kilometers south of Galcad, Somalia against al-Shabaab terrorists.

The airstrike was in support of Somali National Army forces who were engaged by the terrorist organization.

Working with the Somali National Army, U.S. Africa Command’s initial assessment is that the U.S. airstrike killed 5 al-Shabaab terrorists and that no civilians were injured or killed.

U.S. Africa Command takes great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to promote a more secure and stable Africa.

Al-Shabaab is the largest and most kinetically active al-Qaeda network in the world and has proved both its will and capability to attack partner and U.S. forces and threaten U.S. security interests.

Somalia remains key to the security environment in East Africa. U.S. Africa Command’s forces will continue training, advising, and equipping partner forces to give them the tools that they need to degrade al-Shabaab.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of this operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operations security.

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Gen. Richardson meets with leaders in Ecuador as part of U.S. delegation

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

MIAMI – U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), visited Ecuador Jan. 22-25 as part of a U.S. delegation, led by Special Presidential Advisor for the Americas Christopher Dodd, that included meetings with President Daniel Noboa and other senior Ecuadorian leaders.

The delegation, which included Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Counternarcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Christopher Landberg, and other civilian and military officials, focused on strengthening U.S. cooperation and assistance to bolster Ecuador’s efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations in the wake of a recent surge in violence.

The trip was Richardson’s second to the country as SOUTHCOM commander.

On Jan. 22, the U.S. delegation met with President Noboa and his cabinet to coordinate and agree on effective security cooperation strategies. (MORE: White House readout of meeting with President Noboa and overview of U.S. Government assistance to Ecuador)

On Jan. 23, Richardson joined the delegation to meet with senior law enforcement and justice sector officials, as well as representatives of civil society at the forefront of the fight against corruption.

Richardson met with Minister of Defense Giancarlo Loffredo, Chief of the Joint Staff Rear Adm. Jaime Vela, and senior military leaders Jan. 24 to discuss efforts to strengthen defense cooperation.

On Jan. 25, the general met with men and women serving in the Ecuadorian Armed Forces during a visit to the 5th Infantry Brigade “Guayas” in Guayaquil. While there, Ricardson and U.S. Amb. Michael J. Fitzpatrick joined Ecuadorian Rear Adm. Vela as the United States donated security assistance vehicles and equipment to strengthen Ecuador’s law enforcement, military and disaster response institutions.

Security cooperation between the United States and Ecuador focuses on shared objectives and interests, including collaboration and information sharing to combat transnational criminal organizations, bilateral and multinational capacity building exercises, and humanitarian assistance missions. Other bilateral engagements include exchanges of experiences, conferences and training events on disaster preparedness, cyber defense, space cooperation, maritime security, aviation, human rights, communications and logistics.

The U.S. is committed to supporting the security of the Ecuadorian people.

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Coast Guard offloads more than $32 million in illegal narcotics

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

See originally posted USCG release

MIAMI – The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell offloaded more than 2,450 pounds of cocaine with an assessed street value of approximately $32.2 million in Miami, Tuesday. 

Coast Guard crews interdicted the illegal drugs in international waters of the Caribbean Sea during two separate cases.

“Thanks to the tremendous efforts of the Coast Guard crews and agency partners involved with this interdiction, Coast Guard Cutter Margaret Norvell brought these suspected smugglers and illicit contraband ashore for prosecution,” said Lt. Cmdr. Colin Weaver, Commanding Officer. “Coast Guard crews continue to deliver on our important missions of homeland and maritime security to save lives and thwart transnational criminal organizations operating in the Caribbean.” 

The following assets were involved in the interdictions: 

  • USCG Cutter Richard Dixon
  • USCG Cutter Dauntless
  • Joint Interagency Task Force South 

Along with the illicit narcotics, six suspected smugglers were apprehended and will face prosecution in federal courts by the Department of Justice. 

These interdictions relate to Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces designated investigations. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF program can be found here.  

Detecting and interdicting illegal drug traffickers on the high seas involves significant interagency and international coordination. The Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West, Florida conducts the detection and monitoring of aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs. Once interdiction becomes imminent, the law enforcement phase of the operation begins, and control of the operation shifts to the U.S. Coast Guard throughout the interdiction and apprehension. Interdictions in the Caribbean Sea are performed by members of the U.S. Coast Guard under the authority and control of the Coast Guard’s Seventh District, headquartered in Miami.  

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Strengthening Partnerships: “Sky Soldiers” achieve historic first at Colombia’s Lancero school

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

VICENZA, Italy — In a historic achievement, three U.S. Army paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade became the first non-special operations Soldiers to successfully complete Colombia’s prestigious Lancero school.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Raymond Colon, Sgt. Angel Partidas and Sgt. Darwin Guevara, all ‘Sky Soldiers with the brigade’s 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, overcame weeks of rigorous training in the jungles of Colombia to earn the Lancero badge.

Situated in Tolemaida, Colombia, the Lancero school serves as the initial tier of the Colombian special operations training program, drawing inspiration from the U.S. Army Ranger School. The curriculum is specifically tailored to impart skills in guerilla or irregular warfare, with a focus on jungle and mountain terrains.

“Since September, Staff Sgt. Colon, Sgt. Guevara and Sgt. Partidas have been part of Lancero’s international course,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Carlson, command sergeant major, 173rd Airborne Brigade. “They’ve endured and been tested in one of the hardest military schools in the world.”

The Soldiers underwent grueling conditions, including minimal sleep while conducting consecutive missions, throughout the intense 73-day course.

“It was an unforgettable experience,” said Guevara, one of the newest Lancero graduates.

To earn the esteemed title of Lancero, the paratroopers faced challenges such as scaling the mountains of Bogota, reaching altitudes exceeding 13,000 feet (almost 4,000 meters), and navigating a demanding 25-day jungle phase at Fuerte Amazonas II.

Instructors provided guidance on how to successfully manage the rigorous terrain, deal with insects and utilize the wildlife they encountered. Additionally, participants learned how to trap and kill wild game for survival.

Each of the graduates agreed that the Lancero school was one of the most mentally challenging courses they have encountered. These words take on stronger significance considering all three also don U.S. Army Ranger tabs on their uniforms.

There was debate over which school was more physically demanding, but they all agreed there were similarities.

“Just like [U.S.] Ranger school, you are hungry, you are tired, but you are still expected to perform,” remarked Colon.

Since its inception in 1956, the Lancero school has seen numerous U.S. soldiers graduate from its annual international course, held each September. But the most recent three graduates hold the distinction of being the first non-special operations Soldiers from the U.S.

The three ‘Sky Soldiers’ proudly carry the titles of American Lancero graduates No. 151, 152, and 153, marking a significant milestone in the enduring bond between the U.S. and Colombian militaries.

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SOUTHCOM Commander Visits Paraguay, Meets with President, Senior Defense Leaders

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

MIAMI – U.S. Army Gen. Laura Richardson, commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), visited Paraguay Dec. 11-14 and met with President Santiago Peña and other senior leaders to discuss the United States’ longstanding defense partnership with Paraguay’s Armed Forces. 

The general’s trip to Paraguay was her first as SOUTHCOM commander. The visit coincided with the 80th anniversary of the start of U.S.-Paraguay military cooperation – a partnership that reflects both nations’ commitment to regional security and democracy.  

During the bilateral meeting with President Peña and Richardson Dec. 12, both leaders discussed strengthening defense cooperation and joint efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations and cyber threats. 

Later, Richardson met with Minister of Defense Oscar Gonzalez and discussed regional security and efforts to deepen defense cooperation.  Also on Dec. 12, the general met with Paraguay’s Commander of the Military Forces, General EJ César Augusto Moreno Landaira, and senior defense leaders to discuss the enduring defense partnership between the United States and Paraguay and continued military-to-military cooperation. 

On Dec. 13, Richardson attended Paraguayan-hosted events focused on the growing contributions of women to peace, defense, and security missions worldwide. She also joined Minister Gonzalez, Amb. Marc Ostfield, and other senior leaders and dignitaries to commemorate the 80-year history of U.S.-Paraguay defense cooperation. 

A key objective during Richardson’s visit was to expand her knowledge of Paraguay’s Armed Forces and their important contributions to regional security and global peace. 

U.S.-Paraguay bilateral defense cooperation activities focus on areas of mutual interest, including capacity-building exercises, disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, cyber security, and human rights. 

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JTF-Bravo vets inoculate, deworm cattle in Humuya

Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras  –  

Joint Task Force-Bravo’s veterinary team worked alongside Honduran cattle ranchers to inoculate and deworm livestock in Humuya, Honduras, Dec. 12, 2023. 

During this engagement, the vet team inoculated and dewormed over 90 cattle – helping improve and increase the food stability in the region. 

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Readout of National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan’s Meetings with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand Srettha Thavisin and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met today in Bangkok, Thailand with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand. He also met with Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara.  Mr. Sullivan reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Thailand treaty alliance and partnership, and discussed opportunities to strengthen cooperation across a range of bilateral and global issues.  Mr. Sullivan emphasized U.S. commitment to expanding collaboration on trade and investment, accelerating the transition to a clean energy future, deepening our people-to-people ties, and broadening our security cooperation as we promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.  Mr. Sullivan affirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to ASEAN centrality, and welcomed the United States’ engagement with Thailand in ASEAN settings. The two sides also discussed the importance of democracy, human rights, and ensuring all citizens can freely participate in the political process.

Mr. Sullivan also discussed regional and global issues, including efforts to address the worsening crisis in Burma.  They discussed the importance of providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Burma, and welcomed efforts to advance meaningful implementation of the ASEAN Five Point Consensus. Mr. Sullivan also emphasized U.S. commitment to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas.  Mr. Sullivan welcomed plans to increase the pace of high-level U.S.-Thai engagement, including through the U.S.-Thailand Strategic and Defense Dialogue in February, through which U.S. and Thai officials will build on our 190 years of bilateral relations to further strengthen our alliance and partnership.

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USS Antietam departs Yokosuka after nearly 11 years of forward-deployed service

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

YOKOSUKA, Japan  –  

The Ticonderoga-class guided missile-cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) departed Yokosuka, Japan, on Jan. 26 to transit to its new homeport of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as part of a planned rotation of forces in the Pacific.

Antietam arrived on station at Yokosuka Naval Base in February 2013 to support operations within the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Before the cruiser departed for the final time, officers from its sister ship, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force guided-missile destroyer JS Kirishima (DDG 174), provided the crew of USS Antietam a plaque commemorating its time in Japan.

Antietam Sailors ceremonially manned the rails in service dress blue uniforms as the ship left Japanese waters.

“For more than a decade, USS Antietam enjoyed being part of the Yokosuka community,” said Capt. Victor Garza, commanding officer of USS Antietam. “Antietam was at the forefront of our nation’s efforts to protect peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. On behalf of the crew, I want to express my appreciation for our Japanese hosts, who have become our colleagues, friends and family. We’re proud of the relationships we built with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and with like-minded nations and navies throughout the region.”

During its time serving as part of U.S. 7th Fleet, Antietam completed numerous missions and patrols, including a 260-day deployment in 2020.

In 2023, the cruiser’s last full year as part of America’s Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Japan (FDNF-J), Antietam sailed nearly 34,000 miles, participated in the largest-ever Exercise Talisman Sabre alongside the Royal Australian Navy, and visited ports in Vietnam, South Korea, the Philippines and Palau.

Antietam is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70, the theater strike warfare commander and theater air and missile defense commander. CTF 70 is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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Regional Ambassadors Conference 2024

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

Adm. John C. Aquilino, Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, hosts the Regional Ambassadors Conference (RAC), at the USINDOPACOM headquarters in Hawaii on Jan. 22-24. The RAC brought together more than 30 ambassadors, military representatives and foreign policy advisors, for discussions aimed at enhancing U.S. interagency collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region. USINDOPACOM is committed to working with Allies and partners toward the shared vision of a secure, rules-based, and open Indo-Pacific region.