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DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti – A team of Soldiers and an Airman from the Kentucky National Guard (KYNG) recently completed a subject matter expertise exchange with key Djiboutian organizations to bolster disaster preparedness, July 31 through Aug. 9, 2025.
The team, led by U.S. Army Lt. Col. Daniel Cooper, included Lt. Col. Timothy Crabtree, Maj. Jason Spayd, 2nd Lt. Samuel Feldman, and U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Dylan Rhodes. Over the course of several days, they engaged with members of the Djiboutian Armed Forces (formally referred to as Forces Armées Djiboutiennes, or FAD) and the executive secretariat for risk and disaster management (SEGRC).
Because of Djibouti’s vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly flooding, the team focused on building capacity for national disaster preparedness.
The KYNG team provided subject matter expertise specific to the Guard’s role in emergency management. They discussed several key concepts such as the structure of Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM), the organization’s All-Hazards Framework, and the procedures for deploying the National Guard in domestic operations.
The team also visited the SEGRC to discuss the construction of a new Djiboutian Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Guardsmen shared insights based on their experience with the KYEM EOC to inform the layout and operational effectiveness of the new facility.
Guardsmen also used their expertise to address one of the Djiboutians’ biggest challenges – emergency communications. The team was able to share techniques and lessons learned to help identify potential solutions for improving reliability of crisis communications.
Another significant part of the exchange pertained to Search-and-Rescue (SAR) capabilities, and the critical role SAR plays in disaster response. Members of the FAD recognized the opportunity for continued collaboration and a strong desire for future engagements to enhance SAR capabilities.
This exchange reinforces the power of international partnerships in enhancing global disaster preparedness by strengthening relations between the KYNG and Djibouti, and provided a valuable learning opportunity for both sides.
“Meeting with the SEGRC expands our sphere of influence outside of our military relationship, which promotes the cooperation between the two entities,” said Spayd.
Partnerships such as these between the National Guard and partner nations continue to be invaluable, enhancing readiness for future domestic operations across the globe through shared best practices and lessons learned. The KYNG will continue to foster collaborative and enduring relationships that build partner nation capacity and interoperability.
| Date Taken: | 11.24.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.24.2025 10:54 |
| Story ID: | 552191 |
| Location: | DJ |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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