Djibouti — The 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, transferred authority of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa headquarters staff mission to the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Utah Army National Guard, on April 1, 2024, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
The 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, South Carolina Army National Guard, transferred authority of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa headquarters staff mission to the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Utah Army National Guard, on April 1, 2024, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Their duties to CJTF-HOA encompass guaranteeing strategic alliances with Djibouti and other allied nations, addressing crises, and bolstering regional stability and peace. They serve as a pivotal support unit at headquarters, orchestrating and aiding in the achievement of mission objectives.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jami Shawley, CJTF-HOA commanding general, presided over the Transfer of Authority ceremony.
"To the 204th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, we welcome you. Your diversity, your expertise, your dedication, and your fresh energy. You carry on the legacy of the Army's Maneuver Enhancement Brigade" said Shawley.
Shawley recognized the work the 218th MEB accomplished during their time in the Horn of Africa.
"For the past nine months, you have been integral to a mission many Americans know nothing about," Shawley said. "The 218th has consistently demonstrated its ability to adapt and overcome any obstacle."
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Over the preceding 9 months, the 218th MEB provided extensive assistance to the CJTF-HOA mission, participating in diverse logistical operations, base management activities, and crisis response drills. This support wasn't limited to Djibouti alone; it extended to outposts across the Horn of Africa.
"I want to give thanks on behalf of the 218th to all that made our mission successful," said U.S. Army Col. Kenneth Snow, 218th MEB commander and outgoing chief of staff. "It's not hyperbole to say this has been a historic mission for the 218th. You worked at a high echelon and had a strategic role in the missions on the continent of Africa."
Tasked with maintaining operational readiness and providing support, the 204th MEB plays a crucial role in upholding the mission objectives set forth by CJTF-HOA. This deployment underscores the ongoing commitment of military forces to promote stability, security, and cooperation in the region, ensuring the safety and well-being of both local populations and broader strategic interests. By building upon the foundation laid by previous battalions, the 204th MEB contributes to the collective efforts aimed at addressing regional challenges, fostering partnerships with host nations, and enhancing regional security cooperation.
"We are proud to be the sixth MEB in rotation and look forward to carrying the legacy of the MEBs we have followed," said U.S. Army Col. Woodrow D Miner, commander of the 204th MEB and the incoming CJTF-HOA chief of staff. "Let's get to work."
