The Djibouti Coast Guard hosted a closing ceremony for the 2026 Bull Shark exercise at the Naval Instruction Center in Doraleh on October 28, 2026. The event was attended by Colonel Wais Omar Bogoreh, Commander of the Djibouti Coast Guard, and Colonel Tony Hardy, Director of Training and Exercises for the US Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA). The exercise was a multi-domain, multilateral operation that aimed to enhance maritime security and safety interoperability among participating forces.
The Bull Shark exercise brought together a range of international partners, including the CJTF-HOA, the French and Japanese forces stationed in Djibouti, the European Operation ATALANTE, and the Royal British Navy and Kenyan Navy as observers. The participating forces conducted maritime, air, and land operations, including search and rescue scenarios, to simulate real-world maritime accidents and asymmetric threats. The exercise demonstrated the importance of cooperation and collaboration among partners in achieving effective interoperability.
The exercise was designed to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Djibouti Coast Guard and enhance cooperation with international partners. Colonel Tony Hardy praised the excellent relations between CJTF-HOA and its Djibouti partners, highlighting the strategic importance of Djibouti's location at the crossroads of three continents and the entrance to the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean.
Colonel Wais Omar Bogoreh emphasized the significance of the exercise in strengthening the Djibouti Coast Guard's operational capabilities and cooperation with international partners. He also highlighted Djibouti's efforts to enhance maritime security and safety in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden, a critical passage for global trade. The Colonel expressed gratitude to all participating forces for their contributions to the exercise's success.
The closing ceremony included a certificate-awarding ceremony and a family photo. The exercise demonstrated the commitment of participating forces to maritime security and safety in the region. The event showcased the importance of international cooperation in addressing maritime security challenges and promoting regional stability.
The Bull Shark exercise is a significant event in the region, promoting cooperation and interoperability among maritime forces. The exercise has contributed to enhancing maritime security and safety in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and Gulf of Aden, a vital shipping lane for international trade. The success of the exercise reflects the strong relationships between participating forces and their commitment to regional security.
The exercise concluded on a positive note, with all participating forces reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation and collaboration in maritime security.
Key points
- The exercise brought together forces from over 10 countries, including the US, France, Japan, and several European nations.
- The exercise focused on enhancing maritime security and safety interoperability among participating forces.
- The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Colonel Wais Omar Bogoreh and Colonel Tony Hardy.
