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CJTF-HOA Commander attends French CAPEX

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 200332155651
Story by CJTF-HOA Public Affairs

DJIBOUTI(March 21, 2003) -- Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) Commander, Maj. Gen. John F. Sattler, attended a French armed forces capabilities demonstration Tuesday at the French garrison facilities here.

The live-fire "Steel Storm" demonstration at the French Marine Battalion's Koron training range highlighted the proficiency of the nearly 3,000 French ground, naval and air forces stationed at the garrison in Djibouti.

Sattler, invited by Brig. Gen. Gerard Pons, Commander, French Forces, Djibouti, attended the event along with Brig. Gen. Sheikh Ibrahim Zakaria, Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of Djibouti and representatives from the United States Embassy, Djibouti.

Understanding that French forces have maintained a presence in Djibouti for several decades, Sattler commented on the newly formed relationship here between French and CJTF-HOA forces saying, CJTF-HOA enjoys a cooperative relationship with French forces in Djibouti.

Sattler also stated that CJTF-HOA intends to be a contributing partner to the safety, security and welfare of all personnel in Djibouti - locals, other Coalition military forces and French and CJTF-HOA forces alike.

French forces, forward deployed in several African nations, actively participate in the defense of the Republic of Djibouti.

The CJTF was formed to oversee operations in the Horn of Africa region for U.S. Central Command, in support of the Global War on Terrorism, arriving here in December 2002.

The mission of CJTF-HOA is to detect, disrupt and defeat transnational terrorist groups in the Horn of Africa region. CJTF-HOA is also working closely with coalition partners to establish conditions leading to long-term stability within the region, thus denying the opportunity for reemergence of terrorist networks.

During Steel Storm, French garrison troops displayed expertise in infantry and armored reconnaissance operations, artillery firing, ground-to-air defense techniques, engineering and aviation tactics.

Following the demonstration, Pons hosted an evening social gathering attended by Sattler, Zakaria and other military and civilian leaders from several countries, all currently working together in Djibouti.

In commenting on the reception of CJTF-HOA in the region, Sattler said he was pleased and encouraged by the tremendous level of cooperation received from all partners. He also noted that, to date, CJTF-HOA personnel have visited every sovereign nation in the region to meet with military leaders and have met with heads of State in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Yemen.

Regarding partnership with Djibouti, Sattler commented that he felt CJTF-HOA has established an excellent relationship with Djiboutian leaders. He went on to say, the government of Djibouti has been a strong ally, vocal supporter and leader in the Global War on Terrorism in the region.

The CJTF headquarters numbers about 400 and currently operates from one of the U.S. Navy's most sophisticated command and control ships, USS Mount Whitney, in the Gulf of Aden. CJTF-HOA also has nearly 1,300 personnel stationed ashore at Camp Lemonier in Djibouti and a small number of liaison personnel working in other parts of the region.

For its mission, CJTF-HOA defines the Horn of Africa region as the total airspace, land areas and coastal waters of Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Yemen.