STUTTGART, Germany – Air Force Lt. Gen. James Vechery, deputy commander, U.S. Africa Command, addresses attendees of the AFRICOM Public Affairs Communicators Symposium, July 31, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Grady Jones, AFRICOM Public Affairs)

STUTTGART, Germany – Air Force Col. Christopher Karns, director, Public Affairs and Communication Synchronization, U.S. Africa Command, addresses attendees of the AFRICOM Public Affairs Communicators Symposium, July 31, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Grady Jones, AFRICOM Public Affairs)

STUTTGART, Germany – Air Force Lt. Gen. James Vechery, deputy commander, U.S. Africa Command, addresses attendees of the AFRICOM Public Affairs Communicators Symposium, July 31, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Grady Jones, AFRICOM Public Affairs)

A Somali Soldier assigned to the 3rd DANAB maintains a watchful eye during a short security halt a on patrol near the town of Wanla Weyn, Somalia, July 22, 2019. The U.S. maintains a whole-of-government approach to supporting Somalia through diplomacy, development and defense.

Major General Patrick J. Hermesmann , the incoming commander of Marine Forces Europe and Africa, receives the organizational colors from Maj. Gen. Russell A.C. Sanborn, the outgoing commander, during the change of command ceremony on the Devil Dog Field on Panzer Kaserne in Boeblingen, Germany, July 9, 2019. Sanborn, who commanded MARFOREUR/AF since July 2017, presided over several initiatives that grew the headquarters as a dynamic warfighting institution, to include increasing NATO capacity for allied amphibious operations; enhanced naval and amphibious integration into plans, operations and exercises; the expansion of the Marine Corps cold-weather and mountain-warfare rotational training presence in Norway's high north; and responsibility for US forces participating in Exercise Trident Juncture 2018, the largest NATO military exercise since the end of the Cold War. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Menelik Collins/Released)

The Spearhead-class expeditionary transport ship USNS Carson City (T-EPF 7) departs Naval Station Rota, Spain, in support of the ship’s 2019 Africa Partnership Station (APS) deployment, July 2, 2019. As part of the U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) APS mission, Carson City will visit five Gulf of Guinea nations to work alongside partners to provide host nation-identified, needs-based assistance such as medical services, small boat repair and maintenance, maritime law enforcement, and the completion of community building projects. APS is NAVAF’s flagship maritime security cooperation program focusing on maritime safety and security through increased maritime awareness, response capabilities, and infrastructure.

Capt. Frank Okata, commodore of Task Force 63, addresses military personnel, international partners, and civilian mariners aboard the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Carson City (T-EPF 7) in port Naval Station Rota, Spain, in preparation for the 2019 Africa Partnership Station (APS) deployment, July 1, 2019. As part of the U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVAF) APS mission, Carson City will visit five Gulf of Guinea nations to work alongside partners to provide host nation-identified, needs-based assistance such as medical services, small boat repair and maintenance, maritime law enforcement, and the completion of community building projects. APS is NAVAF’s flagship maritime security cooperation program focusing on maritime safety and security through increased maritime awareness, response capabilities, and infrastructure.

Mr. Russell Schiebel, U.S. Dept. of State - Acting, Deputy to the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement

Attendees listen to a brief on the upcoming changes to the military health system during day one of the 2019 U.S. Africa Command Command Surgeon Synchronization Conference May 28, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. The conference brought together medical professionals from across the command, and interagency and foreign partners, to enable collaboration and to discuss areas of concern within the medical enterprise in Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher Hurd/Released)

Air Force Maj. Gen. Lee E. Payne. DHA assistant director for combat support, talks to attendees of the 2019 U.S. Africa Command Command Surgeon Synchronization Conference May 28, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. Payne discussed upcoming changes to the military health system and what that means for patients and providers. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher Hurd/Released)

Air Force Col. Krystal Murphy, acting AFRICOM command surgeon, speaks to attendees of the 2019 U.S. Africa Command Command Surgeon Synchronization Conference May 28, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. Murphy talked about the importance of building relationships during the conference. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher Hurd/Released)

Air Force Lt. Gen. James C. Vechery, U.S. Africa Command deputy to the commander for military operations, speaks to attendees of the 2019 AFRICOM Command Surgeon Synchronization Conference, May 28, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. Vechery spoke about utilizing the medical field for future engagements with African partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher Hurd/Released)

JINJA, Uganda--Soldiers from Uganda People’s Defence Force work to set up the frame of a UN-standard level-2 mobile treatment facility at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capabilities Center in Jinja, Uganda, May 13, 2019, as a part of vendor training under the African Peacekeeping Rapid Response Partnership program.

JINJA, Uganda--A UN-standard level-2 mobile treatment facility stands in the motor pool of the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capabilities Center in Jinja, Uganda, May 16, 2019. Soldiers from Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) recently conducted training on efficiently and effectively setting-up, taking down and operating the mobile hospital at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capabilities Center in Jinja, Uganda, May 6-17, 2019, as a part of vendor training under the African Peacekeeping Rapid Response Partnership program.

JINJA, Uganda--1st Lt. Vincent Nzayisenga, medical clinic officer, Uganda People’s Defence Force, gives directives to UPDF soldiers about the layout of a UN-standard level-2 mobile treatment facility, May 15, 2019, during the vendor training event at the URDCC motor pool, Jinja, Uganda.

JINJA, Uganda--1st Lt. Vincent Nzayisenga, medical clinic officer, Uganda People’s Defence Force, gives directives to UPDF soldiers about the layout of a UN-standard level-2 mobile treatment facility, May 15, 2019, during the vendor training event at the URDCC motor pool, Jinja, Uganda.

JINJA, Uganda--A UN-standard level-2 mobile treatment facility stands in the motor pool of the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capabilities Center in Jinja, Uganda, May 16, 2019. Soldiers from Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) recently conducted training on efficiently and effectively setting-up, taking down and operating the mobile hospital at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capabilities Center in Jinja, Uganda, May 6-17, 2019, as a part of vendor training under the African Peacekeeping Rapid Response Partnership program.

JINJA, Uganda--A UN-standard level-2 mobile treatment facility stands in the motor pool of the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capabilities Center in Jinja, Uganda, May 16, 2019. Soldiers from Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) recently conducted training on efficiently and effectively setting-up, taking down and operating the mobile hospital at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capabilities Center in Jinja, Uganda, May 6-17, 2019, as a part of vendor training under the African Peacekeeping Rapid Response Partnership program.

JINJA, Uganda--Soldiers from Uganda People’s Defence Force work to set up the frame of a UN-standard level-2 mobile treatment facility at the Uganda Rapid Deployment Capabilities Center in Jinja, Uganda, May 13, 2019, as a part of vendor training under the African Peacekeeping Rapid Response Partnership program.

In 2019 four African partner nations, Ghana, Senegal, Uganda, and Rwanda, were provided with the training and equipment to efficiently and effectively set-up, take down, and operate an UN-standard level-2 hospital through the African Peacekeeping Rapid Response Partnership program. Of these four partner nations, three countries are now deploying their hospitals as part of their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi talks to U.S. Africa Command senior leaders and key personnel during a visit April 13, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. A group of congressional delegates including Pelosi visited AFRICOM to gain insight on the command's operations and activities supporting the U.S. strategy for Africa. (U.S. Army photo by Nate Herring/Released)

Marine Corps Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, commander, U.S. Africa Command, speaks to a congressional delagation during a visit April 13, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. The delegation which included Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi visited AFRICOM to gain insight about the command's operations and activities supporting the U.S. strategy for Africa. (U.S. Army photo by Nate Herring/Released)

Marine Corps Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, commander, U.S. Africa Command, and his wife Gail Waldhauser greet Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi during a visit April 13, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. Pelosi along with a congressional delegation visited AFRICOM to gain insight about the command's operations and activities supporting the U.S. strategy for Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher Hurd/Released)

Chief Master Sgt. Ramon Colon-Lopez, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. Africa Command, greets Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi during a visit April 13, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. Pelosi along with a congressional delegation visited AFRICOM to gain insight about the command's operations and activities supporting the U.S. strategy for Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher Hurd/Released)

Marine Corps Gen. Thomas Waldhauser, commander, U.S. Africa Command, greets Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi during a visit April 13, 2019 in Stuttgart, Germany. Pelosi along with a congressional delegation visited AFRICOM to gain insight about the command's operations and activities supporting the U.S. strategy for Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher Hurd/Released)

190318-N-RG482-0265 Military members from the Cameroonian Armed Forces participate in a visit, board, search and seizure drill aboard a Nigerian training vessel during exercise Obangame Express 2019 in Lagos, Nigeria, March 18, 2019. Obangame Express, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, information-sharing practices, and tactical interdiction expertise to enhance the collective capabilities of Gulf of Guinea and West African nations to counter sea-based illicit activity.

Members of the Gambian navy conduct clearing techniques during a simulated drug smuggling and human trafficking scenario aboard the Gambia Navy’s patrol vessel, GNS Kunti Kinte during Exercise Obangame Express 2019 in Banjul, Gambia, March 18. Exercise Obangame Express, sponsored by U.S. Africa Command, is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, information-sharing practices, and tactical interdiction expertise to enhance the collective capabilities of Gulf of Guinea and West African nations to counter sea-based illicit activity.

Colonel Gabriel Udoh Akpan receives his Certificate of Participation from Mr. Mark D. “Max” Maxwell on the final day of the Accountability Colloquium VI in Lilongwe, Malawi, on February 28, 2019. The Accountability Colloquium is an annual event hosted by United States Africa Command’s Office of Legal Counsel that seeks to create a collaborative forum for military commanders and their legal advisors to exchange information on topics related to African military operations. This iteration featured over 80 participants from 30 African nations. (DoD Photo by U.S. Army Sergeant Edward A. Salcedo)

Captain Sunday Michael Akinkunmi salutes Brigadier General Dan Kuwali before receiving his Certificate of Participation for attending the Accountability Colloquium VI in Lilongwe, Malawi, on February 28, 2019. The Accountability Colloquium is an annual event hosted by United States Africa Command’s Office of Legal Counsel that seeks to create a collaborative forum for military commanders and their legal advisors to exchange information on topics related to African military operations. This iteration featured over 80 participants from 30 African nations. (DoD Photo by U.S. Army Sergeant Edward A. Salcedo)

Changwe Mandishi translates English-language speakers’ questions and speeches into French during the Accountability Colloquium VI in Lilongwe, Malawi, February 26, 2019. The conference, which features delegates from 30 African countries, is presented in English, French, and Portuguese, with translation service occurring in real time. (DoD Photo by U.S. Army Sergeant Edward A. Salcedo)

The gathered delegates to the Accountability Colloquium VI in Lilongwe, Malawi, on February 28, 2019. The Accountability Colloquium is an annual event hosted by United States Africa Command’s Office of Legal Counsel that seeks to create a collaborative forum for military commanders and their legal advisors to exchange information on topics related to African military operations. This iteration featured over 80 participants from 30 African nations. (DoD Photo by U.S. Army Sergeant Edward A. Salcedo)

Delegates to the Accountability Colloquium VI talk to each other about a recent presentation during a short break on February 27, 2019. The Accountability Colloquium is an annual event hosted by United States Africa Command’s Office of Legal Counsel that seeks to create a collaborative forum for military commanders and their legal advisors to exchange information on topics related to African military operations. This iteration of Accountability Colloquium is being hosted in Lilongwe, Malawi. (DoD Photo by U.S. Army Sergeant Edward A. Salcedo)

Delegates to the Accountability Colloquium VI in Lilongwe, Malawi, take notes on a presentation being given on Future Conflicts in Africa and Legal Challenges, February 26, 2019. The Accountability Colloquium is an annual event hosted by United States Africa Command that seeks to create a collaborative forum for African legal professionals and military commanders to exchange information on topics related to African military operations. (DoD Photo by U.S. Army Sergeant Edward A. Salcedo)

General Officer delegates to the Accountability Colloquium VI listen to a presentation being given in Lilongwe, Malawi, February 27, 2019. From right: Brigadier General Dan Kuwali, Malawi; Brigadier General Victor Mwita Kisiri, Tanzania; Brigadier General (Ret) Cyprien Ndikuriyo, Burundi; Major General Ramanka Josias Mokaloba, Lesotho; Brigadier General Sabino Jamba Machado, Angola; Brigadier General Cosmas Bretu Alhassan, Ghana; Brigadier General Posa Alphonce Stemere, Lesotho; (obscured) Brigadier General Mary Chaifullo, United States of America. (DoD Photo by U.S. Army Sergeant Edward A. Salcedo)

A group photo of the delegates to Accountability Colloquium VI in Lilongwe, Malawi, February 27, 2019.

The female delegates to the Accountability Colloquium VI pose with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Malawi Virginia Palmer in Lilongwe, Malawi, February 26, 2019. While militaries around the world are still heavily male-dominated, women have made large strides in breaking gender-based barriers in recent years. From left: Sandra Franzblau, Attorney Advisor with United States Africa Command’s Office of Legal Counsel; Major Wendi Sazama, United States of America; Brigadier General Mary Chaifullo; Captain Momosa Mary Griffiths; Ambassador Virginia Palmer; Lieutenant Beene Mudenda Mutinda; Captain Thomasin Tumpale Gondwe; Mtendere Gondwe, Representative from the African Union; Lieutenant Colonel Laura Roman.

Brigadier General Dan Kuwali of the Malawi Defense Force gives the overview of the Program Goals at the beginning of Accountability Colloquium VI, held in Lilongwe, Malawi, on February 26, 2019. The Accountability Colloquium seeks to address issues related to accountability under the Law of Armed Conflict, as well as facilitate discussions related to military justice, command responsibility, and United Nations and African military operations. (DoD Photo by U.S. Army Sergeant Edward A. Salcedo)

Sandi Franzblau, Attorney Advisor with the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) Office of Legal Counsel, greets delegates on the second morning of the Accountability Colloquium VI, held in Lilongwe, Malawi, February 27, 2019. The Accountability Colloquium is an annual event hosted by USAFRICOM that seeks to create a collaborative forum for African legal professionals and military commanders to exchange information on topics related to African military operations. (DoD Photo by U.S. Army Sergeant Edward A. Salcedo)

U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Malawi Virginia Palmer gives her opening remarks to delegates from over 30 African nations attending the Accountability Colloquium VI in Lilongwe, Malawi, February 26, 2019. The Accountability Colloquium is an annual event hosted by United States Africa Command’s Office of Legal Counsel that brings together African military commanders and their legal advisors. (DoD Photo by U.S. Army Sergeant Edward A. Salcedo)

Djiboutian citizens gather to greet Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa leadership, U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and Djiboutian government leaders during the Ali Oune Medial Clinic ribbon cutting ceremony in Ali Oune, Djibouti, Jan. 31, 2019. The clinic, which the Seabees have been working to complete for five months, is intended to enhance the Ministry of Health for Djibouti’s ability to provide basic medical, birth and after care to the Ali Oune village and its more than 1,000 residents and rural neighbors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Shawn Nickel)