818th MSAS Advisors Train Djiboutian Air Force

U.S. Air Force Air Advisors assigned to the 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron graduate a class of Djibouti Air Force airmen during a mobile training team visit to Camp Lemonier, Djibouti in February 2026. The purpose of the training was to build partnership capacity and interoperability between the U.S. Air Force the Djibouti Air Force. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

818th MSAS Advisors Train Djiboutian Air Force

Djibouti Air Force airmen prepare a Cessna C-208B Grand Caravan during a mobile training team visit to Camp Lemonier, Djibouti in February 2026. The purpose of the training was to build partnership capacity and interoperability between the U.S. Air Force the Djibouti Air Force. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

818th MSAS Advisors Train Djiboutian Air Force

U.S. Air Force Air Advisors assigned to the 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron and 621st Contingency Response Group train a class of Djibouti Air Force airmen during a mobile training team visit to Camp Lemonier, Djibouti in February 2026. The purpose of the training was to build partnership capacity and interoperability between the U.S. Air Force the Djibouti Air Force. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Air Advisor Airmen train Djiboutian Air Force

Published March 18, 2026
By Tech. Sgt. Devin Rumbaugh
621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, NEW JERSEY --

U.S. Airmen assigned to the 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron trained Djiboutian air force airmen at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti throughout February 2026.

A team of 11 Airmen, representing nine different Air Force Specialty Codes, led the training, which focused on C-208 operations, maintenance, and intelligence gathering. The training also included an airworthiness assessment of the Djiboutian aircraft.

“The Mobile Training Team primarily focused on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and propeller maintenance, ensuring the air worthiness of the Djiboutian aircraft,” said Tech. Sgt. Mitchell Poppema, 818th MSAS Team Sergeant in upgrade. The air worthiness assessment was conducted so future iterations of this mission series can fly successfully.

In addition to maintenance and ISR, the Air Advisors trained pilots on ground procedures, planning, and preflight inspections.

“The Djiboutians are a willing and eager partner for U.S. cooperation and engagement with regards to ISR and C-208 operations,” said Tech. Sgt. Mika Pajas, 818th MSAS Team Sergeant Lead. “They effectively demonstrated their knowledge and skills.”

The training allows for further support for future operations throughout the Horn of Africa, enabling bilateral military and humanitarian cooperation.

“The MTT enhances Djibouti’s operational capacity by aligning partner nation proficiency with Global Partnership Strategy objectives, specifically fostering regional stability through partnership,” said Tech. Sgt. Messan Atayi, 818th MSAS Team Sergeant. “As sole U.S permanent base in Africa, our message is clear: The U.S is present as friend and Partner of choice so we can altogether fight violent extremist organizations and promote regional prosperity.”

This engagement underscores the strategic partnership between the United States and Djibouti, strengthening the capabilities of a key ally in a critical region. By building partner capacity, the U.S. Air Force helps ensure regional stability and enhances interoperability for future combined efforts.