USS Makin Island ARG/15th MEU arrives off Somali Coast

201218-M-UY835-1052 INDIAN OCEAN (Dec. 18, 2020) – U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning IIs with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 164 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit prepare to land on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). The F-35Bs provide close air support to Operation OCTAVE QUARTZ. The mission of OOQ is to reposition U.S. DOD forces in Somalia to other East Africa operating locations while maintaining pressure on violent extremists and supporting partner forces.

By Cpl. Patrick Crosley , Joint Task Force-Quartz Indian Ocean Dec 22, 2020

Download full-resolution image

Somalia

operation octave quartz

special operations command - africa

indian ocean

Joint Statement from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger

The effective cooperation and communication between the U.S. and Nigerien armed forces ensured that this turnover was finished ahead of schedule and without any complications.

First C-17 Withdrawal Flight Departs from Niger

Joint Statement from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger

This significant transition began with the departure of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from Air Base 101 in Niamey on June 7, 2024.

Joint Statement from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger

The effective cooperation and communication between the U.S. and Nigerien armed forces ensured that this turnover was finished ahead of schedule and without any complications.

First C-17 Withdrawal Flight Departs from Niger

Joint Statement from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger

This significant transition began with the departure of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from Air Base 101 in Niamey on June 7, 2024.

Joint Statement from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger

The effective cooperation and communication between the U.S. and Nigerien armed forces ensured that this turnover was finished ahead of schedule and without any complications.

First C-17 Withdrawal Flight Departs from Niger

Joint Statement from the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger

This significant transition began with the departure of a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III from Air Base 101 in Niamey on June 7, 2024.

United States Africa Command

USS Makin Island ARG/15th MEU arrives off Somali Coast