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Bull Shark: U.S., Partners Train to Respond Together

May 13, 2025 |DOD News

Soldiers conducted hoist operations, patrols and provided simulated security and real-world communications during Exercise Bull Shark 25-2 at Arta Beach, Djibouti.

An aircraft causes dirt to rise in the air as it takes off near mountains under a blue sky.
An aircraft causes dirt to rise in the air as it takes off near mountains under a blue sky.
Bull Shark
A Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey conducts air infiltration operations during Bull Shark at Arta Beach, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. The exercise was designed to enable joint training between like-minded partners throughout East Africa and increase crisis response and personnel recovery skills through continued practice.
Download: Full Size (1.06 MB)
Credit: Army Staff Sgt. Ivan Mendez-Roman
VIRIN: 250506-Z-PT070-1021
An airman carries a dummy through a desert-like area as sand blows around them.
An airman carries a dummy through a desert-like area as sand blows around them.
Bull Shark
An airman recovers a simulated casualty during Bull Shark at Arta Beach, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. The exercise was designed to enable joint training between like-minded partners throughout East Africa and increase crisis response and personnel recovery skills through continued practice.
Download: Full Size (1.75 MB)
Credit: Ivan Mendez-Roman, Army
VIRIN: 250506-Z-PT070-1031
An airman is hoisted by an aircraft against a cloudy, blue sky.
An airman is hoisted by an aircraft against a cloudy, blue sky.
Bull Shark
An airman conducts hoist operations out of a Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey during Bull Shark at Arta Beach, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. During the exercise, service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa and partner nations demonstrated agility and interoperability through joint maneuver, communication and casualty evacuation drills.
Download: Full Size (1.31 MB)
Credit: Army Staff Sgt. Ivan Mendez-Roman
VIRIN: 250506-Z-PT070-1029M
An airman and a dummy are hoisted to an aircraft, not pictured, above sand in a hazy environment.
An airman and a dummy are hoisted to an aircraft, not pictured, above sand in a hazy environment.
Bull Shark
An airman recovers a simulated casualty during Bull Shark at Arta Beach, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. The exericse was designed to prepare U.S. and partner nation units to respond rapidly in a joint environment to humanitarian emergencies and regional security threats.
Download: Full Size (1.69 MB)
Credit: Ivan Mendez-Roman, Army
VIRIN: 250506-Z-PT070-1032M
A Spanish service member stands next to a tree while looking at a ship as it transits a body of water.
A Spanish service member stands next to a tree while looking at a ship as it transits a body of water.
Bull Shark
A member of the Spanish Special Operation Maritime Team Unit provides security at a simulated crash site during Bull Shark at Arta Beach, Djibouti, May 6, 2025. The exercise was designed to enable joint training between like-minded partners throughout East Africa and increase crisis response and personnel recovery skills through continued practice.
Download: Full Size (1.15 MB)
Credit: Army Staff Sgt. Ivan Mendez-Roman
VIRIN: 250506-Z-PT070-1027M
The semiannual exercise is led by the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, alongside Djiboutian, French, Japanese and European Union naval forces.

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Download: Full Size ({{filesize}})
Credit: {{photographer}}
VIRIN: {{virin}}
A soldier talks on the phone as another holds a journal open while they sit under a netted tent in a desert-like area.
U.S. and Spanish troops hold a dummy in a desert-like area as sand blows around them.
A soldier in tactical gear walks through a field.
Service members exit an aircraft in a desert-like area as sand blows around them.
Spanish service members walk in a desert-like area with mountains in the distance.
Two soldiers kneel with weapons in a desert-like area with mountains in the background.
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The exericse strengthened communication and collaboration among international partners and allies throughout East Africa and to increase crisis response and personnel recovery skills.

Service members also demonstrated agility and interoperability through joint maneuver and casualty evacuation drills.

Spotlight: U.S. Africa Command
News: U.S. Strengthens Alliances, Collectively Boosts Regional Security Capabilities in East Africa
Bull Shark Exercises partnerships Africa Command Djibouti

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