Strengthening Alliances in the Horn of Africa: The Bull Shark Exercise
By Army Staff Sgt. Apolonia Gaspar
In early May 2025, the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF HOA) gathered forces from multiple nations for the semiannual Bull Shark exercise in Djibouti. This collaborative endeavor aimed to enhance communication and cooperation among international allies, showcasing a commitment to regional security. The exercise, held from May 5-6, involved not just military personnel but also symbolized a united front in addressing global challenges.
Multinational Collaboration
Bull Shark 25-2 effectively tested the interoperability of the host nation and its partners by simulating diverse personnel recovery scenarios. Participating units included various branches of the U.S. military, the Djiboutian armed forces, the Djiboutian coast guard, French military personnel stationed in Djibouti, the Japan Self-Defense Forces, and the Spanish navy. Observers from the Spanish Air Force Orion Detachment and an Italian military base added further layers to the collaborative experience.
The exercise wasn’t merely focused on operational protocols; it prioritized human connections. “Bull Shark wasn’t just about procedures and protocols; it was about the people,” U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Andrew Ballenger remarked. He emphasized the importance of building trust among the nations involved and understanding each partner’s capabilities.
Logistical Challenges and Training
Executing the Bull Shark exercise demanded intricate logistical coordination. U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Ballenger noted that training as a joint force is crucial for grasping how each element functions. The ability to communicate effectively amidst a multinational setting ensures that all units can work together coherently, especially in high-stress situations.
The Djiboutian coast guard commander, Col. Wais Omar Bogoreh, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort. His sentiments underscored the importance of joint exercises in enhancing maritime security and building lasting partnerships among nations.
Simulating Realistic Scenarios
The exercise commenced with a notional maritime rescue, where the Djiboutian coast guard expertly extracted personnel from the water while maintaining open lines of communication with the multinational command. This scenario set the stage for a dynamic setting where real-world challenges were addressed in controlled conditions.
EU naval forces showcased their skills through hoist operations conducted from a Spanish SH-60R Sea Hawk, reinforcing the concept of teamwork across different branches and nations. “This exercise presented us with realistic challenges, from simulated search and rescue operations to testing interoperability of communication systems,” Ballenger recounted.
Ground Operations
The land component of the exercise involved security forces from the task force collaborating with other participants to manage a simulated land rescue on a private beach, as well as addressing a notional aircraft crash at a second site. This segment required evaluating casualties and testing communication methods, adding complexity to the operations.
U.S. Army Col. Jason Inskeep emphasized the necessity of understanding the capabilities of partner nations, stating, “You have to learn how to work with them, how to communicate with them, and understand what their service members can do with their equipment.” This acknowledgment of diversity in capabilities is fundamental to achieving mission success.
Advanced Capabilities on Display
The exercise also included scenarios involving simulated personnel injuries, which necessitated the deployment of U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 and pararescuemen from the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron. The Osprey’s versatile capabilities, allowing for vertical takeoff and landing, combined with high-speed cruising performance, significantly enhance personnel extraction efforts.
Brig. Gen. Ballenger remarked on the utility of exercises like Bull Shark in fostering collaboration among partner nations, thereby working towards shared goals of regional security. He highlighted the essential skills gained through such exercises, reinforcing the strategic necessity to address emerging threats.
The Essence of Partnership
The seamless integration observed among partner nations received high praise. Brig. Gen. Ballenger noted that participants showcased their technical expertise and ability to adapt to varying circumstances. “These moments were the result of dedicated professionals working together, adapting to circumstances and prioritizing a common goal,” he stated.
Exercise planners continuously aim to enhance the complexity of Bull Shark, providing more opportunities for partners to learn how to navigate communication obstacles. This approach ensures that when real-world emergencies arise, participant nations are prepared to respond collaboratively and effectively.
A Commitment to Regional Stability
U.S. Army Sgt. Richard Dahlby pointed out the unpredictable nature of emergencies. “In the event of an emergency, you never know who you’re going to need to help or who may be helping you,” he explained. Understanding how to complete tasks together elaborates on the importance of these multinational exercises.
Brig. Gen. Ballenger reiterated the mission of CJTF HOA, which focuses on promoting regional stability and protecting both U.S. and coalition interests throughout East Africa. He remarked that Bull Shark serves not merely as an ending point but as a foundational step toward building a stronger, more resilient partnership among nations working together for a common cause.
