Service members from Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa have deployed to assist with search-and-rescue operations of Yemeni Air Flight 626, an Airbus A310 that crashed on June 30, 2009 in the Indian Ocean 10 kilometers off shore during its final approach to the Comoros airport.

The U.S. Embassy for Madagascar and Comoros requested assistance from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) to provide search-and-rescue assistance to the Comoros government.

Members of CJTF-HOA, including support personnel and a "Guardian Angels" search-and-rescue team from the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, will work with French Forces Comoros, the Comoros Coast Guard, and Comoros National Police to aid in rescue efforts and continue the search for possible survivors. CJTF-HOA also has sent one HC-130 aircraft. A U.S. Navy team of engineers, already working Comoros before the crash, also will assist.

The 617th Air and Space Operations Center at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, which supports U.S. military activities in Africa, also is assisting in the search-and-rescue effort.

The assistance offered by the U.S. military to the government of Comoros operations reflects the U.S. commitment to work with African nations toward shared security objectives.

The mission of CJTF-HOA, headquartered in Djibouti, is to conduct unified action with local military forces and government representatives in the Horn of Africa to prevent conflict, promote regional stability, and protect coalition interests in order to prevail against extremist activities.

The service members of CJTF-HOA, headquartered in Djibouti, focus on fostering regional security capacity, improving maritime security and safety, and developing military leaders through professional military education and training.