Dear CVB Community,

Today, as we observe RED FRIDAY, we unite in unwavering support for our deployed troops, standing in solidarity with their courage and dedication to our nation’s defense.

Our commitment to our troops is reflected in the following articles we’ve published today:

1. “African Lion 2024: Celebrating Success in Ghana”: We highlight the successful conclusion of African Lion 2024, a multinational military exercise in Ghana, showcasing the professionalism and cooperation of U.S. and partner forces in enhancing regional security and stability.
2. “Tiger Strike 2024: Strengthening U.S.-Malaysia Military Cooperation”: We delve into the significance of Tiger Strike 2024, emphasizing how it reinforces military cooperation between the United States and Malaysia, fostering strategic partnerships and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region.
3. “Jet Fuel Spill on Okinawa Contained, Air Force Reports”: Providing updates on environmental incidents, we report on the containment of a jet fuel spill on Okinawa, underscoring the swift response and coordination of U.S. Air Force personnel in mitigating environmental impact and ensuring the safety of local communities.
4. “Iranian-Backed Houthis Launch Ballistic Missiles and Uncrewed Aerial Systems in the Red Sea”: We shed light on the ongoing threat posed by Iranian-backed Houthis, who launched ballistic missiles and uncrewed aerial systems in the Red Sea, highlighting the importance of countering destabilizing actions in the region.

As we wear red today, let’s not only express our gratitude but also reaffirm our commitment to supporting our troops wherever they may serve. Whether through operational exercises, environmental stewardship, or countering threats, our troops demonstrate unwavering dedication to protecting our freedoms.

Together, let’s stand strong in our support for those who defend our nation. Thank you to all our troops, past and present, for your service and sacrifice.

In solidarity,

Your friends at CVB

Successful Conclusion of African Lion 2024 in Ghana

TAMALE, Ghana — The Ghana segment of African Lion 2024 (AL24) concluded successfully, marking a significant milestone in international military cooperation and readiness. Running from May 13 to May 26, this exercise involved U.S. and Ghanaian forces in extensive training activities aimed at enhancing interoperability and mutual readiness.

This year’s exercise, part of the 20th anniversary of U.S. Africa Command’s premier annual combined, joint exercise, showcased various capabilities in land, air, maritime, and cyberspace domains. In Ghana, key activities included a multinational field training exercise led by the Maryland Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment. Additionally, a joint combined staff training on civil affairs and information operations was co-led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and the U.S. Marines 4th Civil Affairs Group (4th CAG). A complex staff exercise was directed by the 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade.

A notable highlight was the medical civic action program in Damongo, where U.S. Army soldiers from the 437th Civil Affairs Battalion, 354th Civil Affairs Brigade, 352nd Civil Affairs Command, along with 4th CAG, provided crucial medical services to local populations. This demonstrated the humanitarian aspect of the exercise and reinforced the strong ties between the U.S. and Ghana.

“Participating in African Lion 2024 has been an extraordinary experience,” said Alex Navarette, SETAF-AF lead exercise planner (G7) for the Ghana portion of AL24. “The collaboration and shared commitment between our U.S. and Ghanaian forces have not only enhanced our operational capabilities but also strengthened the bonds of partnership and mutual respect.”

Navarette concluded, “This exercise has truly exemplified the spirit of teamwork and the importance of maintaining readiness to address any challenge together.”

About African Lion

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual combined, joint exercise African Lion. This year’s exercise, taking place from April 19 to May 31, is hosted across Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia with over 8,100 participants from more than 27 nations and NATO contingents. The exercise aims to strengthen interoperability among participants and set the stage for strategic access.

About SETAF-AF

SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

For more details, follow SETAF-AF on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and DVIDS.

Tiger Strike 2024: Strengthening U.S.-Malaysia Military Cooperation

KUANTAN, Malaysia – From May 29 to June 6, 2024, members of the Malaysian and U.S. armed forces will participate in Tiger Strike 2024, a bilateral training exercise in Kuantan and Kuala Terengganu. The exercise aims to enhance joint combat readiness and amphibious capabilities, covering skills like amphibious operations, urban and jungle survival, reconnaissance, and multi-domain awareness.

Capt. Tate Robinson emphasized the strategic importance of this engagement with Indo-Pacific allies. Col. Sean Dynan highlighted the preparation for crisis response. The exercise will involve 300 Malaysian and 1,100 U.S. service members, promoting security and stability in the region.

Jet Fuel Spill on Okinawa Contained, Air Force Reports

May 29, 2024

A jet fuel spill at Kadena Air Base, home to the 18th Wing on Okinawa, was contained and cleaned up, according to the Air Force. The incident occurred during an equipment test on an E-3 Sentry, with rain washing approximately 50 gallons of fuel into an outflow that led to Kadena Marina. “Kadena Air Base responded to an on-base fuel spill during an equipment test on an E-3 Sentry,” the 18th Wing’s public affairs office stated. The marina hosts diving, snorkeling, and whale-watching boat trips. The fuel did not flow toward the Hija River. The prefecture’s Base Countermeasures Division discovered the spill during a post-maintenance inspection and confirmed some fuel flowed into a stormwater drain.

“We carried out visual investigations at six sites in the rivers surrounding Kadena Air Base yesterday and detected no contamination or odors,” a spokesman for the prefecture’s Environment Division said. The Okinawa Defense Bureau has been urged to implement preventative measures. Kadena’s E-3s, assigned to the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron, can hold about 21,000 gallons of fuel and support information gathering for Indo-Pacific operations.

Iranian-Backed Houthis Launch Ballistic Missiles and Uncrewed Aerial Systems in the Red Sea

**TAMPA, Fla., May 28, 2024** — In a significant escalation, Iranian-backed Houthi forces launched five anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBM) from Houthi-controlled regions in Yemen into the Red Sea. This aggressive action occurred between 12:05 p.m. and 1:40 p.m. (Sanaa time). The M/V Laax, a Marshall Islands-flagged and Greek-owned bulk carrier, reported being struck by three of these missiles. Despite the impact, the vessel continued its voyage, and no injuries were reported among U.S., coalition, or merchant ships in the vicinity.

In a related incident, between 10:04 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) forces successfully intercepted and destroyed five uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) over the Red Sea. These drones were launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen and posed an imminent threat to merchant vessels operating in the region.

USCENTCOM’s decisive actions were aimed at ensuring the safety and security of navigation in international waters. “These actions are taken to protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S., coalition, and merchant vessels,” a statement from the command said.

The M/V Laax, despite being hit, managed to proceed with its journey, underscoring the resilience of maritime operations in the face of such threats. The incident highlights the ongoing risks in the Red Sea region and the persistent threat posed by Houthi forces to international maritime traffic.

This aggressive posture by the Houthis, backed by Iran, adds to the ongoing tension in the region, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and robust defensive measures to protect vital shipping lanes. The international community remains alert to these threats, and actions such as those taken by USCENTCOM are crucial in maintaining the security of global maritime routes.

### About USCENTCOM
U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) is a combatant command of the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia. It plays a critical role in maintaining stability and security in its area of responsibility, which includes the Red Sea.

For more information, visit the [USCENTCOM website](https://www.centcom.mil).

—

This expanded account provides a comprehensive overview of the events, emphasizing the response measures and the strategic importance of maintaining secure maritime operations in the Red Sea region.