Ambassador Robert Scott, Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement, U.S. Africa Command and Brig. Gen. Shawn Holtz, Deputy Director for Strategy, Engagement, and Programs, U.S. Africa Command meet with the lead for Madagascar delegation during a pull aside at the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Nairobi, Kenya, May 30, 2025.
The 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD25) brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, as well as fostering expertise-sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 advances regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by promoting cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability. (U.S. Africa Command photo by Libby Weiler, AFRICOM Public Affairs)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, speaks to attendees during a closing ceremony at the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) in Nairobi, Kenya, May 29, 2025.
The 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD25) brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, as well as fostering expertise-sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 advances regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by promoting cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability. (U.S. Africa Command photo by Libby Weiler, AFRICOM Public Affairs)
Maj. Gen. Garrick Harmon, Director, Strategy, Engagement, and Programs, U.S. Africa Command, speaks at the State Partnership Program (SPP) Adjutant Generals Conference in Nairobi, Kenya May 27, 2025. The SPP Adjutant General Conference unites National Guard Bureau leaders and Adjutant Generals from AFRICOM partner states aligning state-level partnerships with combatant command strategies and solutions to shared challenges across Africa, underscoring the SPP's role in advancing defense objectives and promoting broader military-to-military cooperation.
The 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD25) brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, as well as fostering expertise-sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 advances regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by promoting cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability. (U.S. Africa Command photo by Jason Johnston, AFRICOM Public Affairs)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander of the U.S. Africa Command, speaks to U.S. National Guard leaders during the State Partnership Program (SPP) Adjutant General Conference at the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, May 27, 2025. U.S. National Guard leaders attended the State Partnership Program (SPP) Adjutant General Conference during the African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) 2025 to integrate states with combatant commands’ strategy and share best practices.
The ACHOD 2025 brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, as well as fostering expertise-sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 advances regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by promoting cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Julia Ahaesy)
U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, speaks at the State Partnership Program (SPP) Adjutant Generals Conference in Nairobi, Kenya May 27, 2025. The SPP Adjutant General Conference unites National Guard Bureau leaders and Adjutant Generals from AFRICOM partner states aligning state-level partnerships with combatant command strategies and solutions to shared challenges across Africa, underscoring the SPP's role in advancing defense objectives and promoting broader military-to-military cooperation.
The 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD25) brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, as well as fostering expertise-sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 advances regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by promoting cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability. (U.S. Africa Command photo by Jason Johnston, AFRICOM Public Affairs)
His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces (front-center), Chargé d’Affaires Marc Dillard, U.S. Embassy Nairobi, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander U.S. Africa Command, U.S. Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, and various African Chiefs of Defense and representatives from 38 countries pose for the official group photo of the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense conference, May 28, 2025.
The 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD25) brings together Chiefs of Defense from 37 African countries, U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Special Operations Command Africa, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and U.S. Army Africa in Nairobi, Kenya. ACHOD25 provides an opportunity for senior military officials from across Africa to discuss topics such as countering transnational threats, strengthening U.S. and African partnerships, as well as fostering expertise-sharing and alliances. ACHOD25 advances regional stability and collective defense, supporting U.S. national security by promoting cost-effective, African-led solutions that minimize direct U.S. military involvement while enhancing global stability. (U.S. Africa Command photo by Jason Johnston, AFRICOM Public Affairs)
The AFRICOM chaplain delegation, led by U.S. Army Chaplain Colonel Karen Meeker, concluded a series of meetings with key religious leaders in Cairo, Egypt, including His Holiness Theodoros II, Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, to foster peace and stability across the continent, March 17, 2025. Hosted at St. Nicolas Church, the delegation discussed shared values of resilience and service with diverse faith leaders, recognizing their critical role in supporting vulnerable communities through schools, hospitals, and orphanages in conflict zones. This engagement laid the groundwork for Strategic Religious Leader Engagement (SRLE), including a collaboration with an Egyptian university to train chaplains and religious leaders in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, positioning Egypt as a regional hub for interfaith training. By leveraging the Patriarch’s extensive influence and AFRICOM’s expertise in ethical guidance, this partnership underscores the importance of addressing social, economic, and religious factors to achieve lasting security, with plans for continued collaboration to promote unity, resilience, and mutual understanding across Africa. U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands. The command is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, and security cooperation, and conducts crisis response on the African continent to advance U.S. interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity. (US. Navy photo by Courtesy Contributor)
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Justin Belford, an exercise planner with 7th Mission Support Command, introduces key planning concepts to participants of exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 10, 2025. The introduction session set the stage for multinational collaboration ahead of the official opening ceremony. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025.
(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Trish Basile, Chief of the Kenya United States Liaison Office (KUSLO), and Col. Jonathan Rungwe, Commandant of the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS), welcome a Swiss service member with a handshake during the opening ceremony of Exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at HPSS in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 10, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Brigadier Gen. Paul Koech, chief of training at Kenya Defence Headquarters, formally opens exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) by signing a proclamation at the Humanitarian Peace Support School (HPSS) in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 10, 2025. U.S. Army Lt. Col. Trish Basile, chief of the Kenya U.S. Liaison Office (KUSLO), and KDF Col. John Rongoei, commandant of HPSS, stand together as witnesses during the signing ceremony at HPSS. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Reneka Redmond, right, division chief of Rule of Law, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Robert Knipfer, a gender focal point with the 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, 621st Contingency Response Wing, show off their unit patches during the initial planning event for exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) in Vicenza, Italy, Jun. 11, 2024. JA25 is U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa, running from Feb. 10-21, 2025. Led by SETAF-AF, and hosted in Kenya, this year's exercise incorporates personnel and units from over 20 nations. JA25 builds readiness for the U.S. joint force, prepares regional partners for UN and AU mandated missions, and increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance, disaster response and crisis response. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
Forrest McKinley, exercises contractor for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), speaks U.S. Army Lt. Col. Reneka Redmond, left, division chief of Rule of Law, SETAF-AF, U.S. Army Maj. Teisha Barnes, SETAF-AF civil affairs officer with Civil Military Operations (G39, CMO), and U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Robert Knipfer, a gender focal point with the 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron, 621st Contingency Response Wing, during the initial planning event for exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) in Vicenza, Italy, Jun. 11, 2024. JA25 is U.S. Africa Command's largest exercise in East Africa, running from Feb. 10-21, 2025. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), and hosted in Kenya, this year's exercise incorporates personnel and units from over 20 nations. JA25 builds readiness for the U.S. joint force, prepares regional partners for UN and AU mandated missions, and increases multinational interoperability in support of humanitarian assistance, disaster response and crisis response. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Joe Legros)
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Brig. William Kamoiro, KDF exercise director for Justified Accord 2025 (JA25), addresses multinational partners during JA25 at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Center in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 11, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kylejian Francia)
A U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) instructor, along with experts from U.S. Africa Command’s (USAFRICOM) Technical Support Group, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, provides chemical and biological hazard training to Kenyan Disaster Response Battalion personnel during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 13, 2025. The training included laboratory setup identification, protective measures and safe sampling techniques to mitigate risks associated with hazardous materials.
JA25 is the premier USAFRICOM exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers conduct a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) reconnaissance exercise during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 18, 2025. Equipped with protective gear and detection equipment, the soldiers systematically searched a simulated hazardous environment to identify and mitigate potential threats.
JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro
A Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldier uses a detection wand to scan another KDF member for potential contamination during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) training at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 18, 2025. Conducted as part of exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25), the training enhances KDF personnel’s ability to detect and mitigate hazardous threats in operational environments.
JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)
A U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) instructor, along with experts from U.S. Africa Command’s (USAFRICOM) Technical Support Group, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, provides chemical and biological hazard training to Kenyan Disaster Response Battalion personnel during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 13, 2025. The training included laboratory setup identification, protective measures and safe sampling techniques to mitigate risks associated with hazardous materials.
JA25 is the premier USAFRICOM exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)
Keith Weatherspoon Jr., a chemical-biological software integrator with U.S. Africa Command’s (USAFRICOM) Technical Support Group, conducts training on chemical and biological warfare for Botswana Defence Force (BDF) partners and U.S. service members during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 17, 2025. In this session, Weatherspoon explained a fentanyl lab scenario and mustard agent synthesis to enhance participants’ understanding of hazardous material threats and response procedures.
JA25 is the premier USAFRICOM exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)
Kenyan Disaster Response Battalion personnel conduct radiological detection training using a controlled source provided by the Kenyan Nuclear Regulatory Association during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Humanitarian Peace Support School in Nairobi, Kenya, Feb. 14, 2025. Under the guidance of U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) instructors and U.S. Africa Command’s (USAFRICOM) Technical Support Group specialists, participants learned how to pinpoint radiological material safely, assess exposure risks and implement protective measures. The training builds upon more than a decade of U.S.-Kenya cooperation in strengthening chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) response capabilities.
JA25 is the premier USAFRICOM exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Solomon Navarro)
250226-F-UN699-1053: Two U.S. Army joint terminal attack controllers conduct reconnaissance of the Libyan desert alongside Libyan pilots in preparation for a B-52H Stratofortress bomber task force demonstration to promote the process of reunification of Libyan military and security institutions, conducted near Sirte, Libya, Feb. 26, 2025. These missions enhance joint force lethality and deter aggression by highlighting the U.S. ability to project power globally for the collective defense and security of the U.S. homeland, partners and allies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jake Carter)