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Photo 1 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, inspect a reduced range practice rocket, alongside a CH-47 Chinook crew with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, ahead of a multinational sling load exercise at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). The exercise demonstrated the capability of aircraft to retrieve and deliver munitions. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
Photo 2 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
Members of a CH-47 Chinook crew with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces outfit a U.S. Soldier assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, during a multinational sling load exercise at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
Photo 3 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
U.S. Army Sgt. Kyle Almonte, a motor transport operator assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, guides a Royal Moroccan Armed Forces CH-47 out of the landing zone during a multinational sling load exercise at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
Photo 4 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
A Moroccan pilot with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces explains the process for using the static discharge wand to U.S. Army Sgt. Dylan Dibernardo, a wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, to ensure the aircraft is properly grounded for safe sling load operations at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
Photo 5 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
U.S. Army Sgt. Kyle Almonte, a motor transport operator assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, adjusts the sling legs on a reduced range practice rocket alongside a Royal Moroccan Armed Forces CH-47 Chinook crew member during a multinational sling load operation at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025 in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
Photo 6 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, discuss procedures with the crew of a Moroccan CH-47 Chinook, Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, ahead of a multinational sling load exercise at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). This exercise required this multinational team to stage an ammunition package on the landing zone for retrieval by Moroccan air assets, demonstrating how munitions can be transported. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
Photo 7 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, stage the sling legs and apex ahead of a multinational sling load operation alongside a CH-47 Chinook crew with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
Photo 8 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
A member of a CH-47 Chinook crew with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces guides a reduced range practice rocket, during a multinational sling load exercise alongside U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
Photo 9 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
U.S. Army Sgt. Kyle Almonte, a motor transport operator assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, adjusts the sling legs on a reduced range practice rocket alongside a Royal Moroccan Armed Forces CH-47 Chinook crew member during a multinational sling load operation at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
Photo 10 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
The crew of a CH-47 Chinook with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces inspect a reduced range practice rocket, ahead of a multinational sling load exercise with U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
Photo 11 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, sling load a reduced range practice rocket to a Moroccan CH-47 Chinook during a multinational sling load operation at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
Photo 12 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
A Royal Moroccan Armed Forces CH-47 Chinook pilot discusses safety with U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, ahead of a multinational sling load exercise at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
Photo 13 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. Kyle Almonte, a motor transport operator with the 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard walks through the rotor wash of a Moroccan CH-47 Chinook as it lands at Cap Draa, ahead of sling load operations at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
Photo 14 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
A member of a CH-47 Chinook crew with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces guides a reduced range practice rocket during a multinational sling load exercise alongside U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
Photo 15 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, sling load a reduced range practice rocket to a Moroccan CH-47 Chinook during a multinational sling load operation at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in Tan Tan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
Photo 16 of 16
U.S. Army Southern European Task
The crew chief of a CH-47 Chinook with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces observes the landing zone during a multinational sling load exercise conducted alongside U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations - preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)
Photo by: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester
TAN TAN, Morocco – Soldiers assigned to the 744th Forward Support Company (744TH FSC), 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard partnered with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), for a sling load exercise, May 17, 2025, at Tan Tan, Morocco, during African Lion 25.
The Royal Kingdom of Morocco was recently approved to purchase High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and related equipment, and the exercise demonstrated air transportation of munitions for the system. U.S. Army Sgt. Jeff Splain, a motor transport operator with the 744th FSC led his soldiers through the training event where the FAR, using their CH-47 Chinook, flew into the training area, retrieved a reduced range practice rocket pod, departed, and then returned the pod to the landing zone.
“My team spent five days rehearsing concepts of this operation,” Splain said. “We brainstormed with the pilot and his crew what the best way to hook up the pod was, keeping safety in mind.”
Military operations require a combined force, which demands rigorous training as teams integrate with allies and partners. This ensures combat experience and readiness to dominate and win on contemporary battlefields. The multinational team worked together to determine the best way to complete the sling load by inspecting the pod, sling legs and apex, as well as the individual hookup equipment which includes the static discharge wand; keeping safety at the forefront of the mission.
U.S. Army Sgt. Kyle Alomonte, a motor transport operator with the 744th FSC played a key role in ensuring safety.
“My role is the ground guide for the aircraft,” said Alomonte. “Guiding the aircraft above the pod … as we have individuals under the aircraft hooking it up. It’s my job to make sure we do it as safely as possible.”
After the best course of action was determined, the teams took their respective places on the landing zone, completing two successful hookups.
“This sling load exercise was a great success. It was a culminating event following months of training on both sides,” said Splain. “I’m very proud of my team and what they’ve done, and the knowledge they’ve shared with our Moroccan partners. There’s been no other training I've done so far that’s comparable to this.”
About African Lion
AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win.
For all photos, videos and article throughout the exercise, visit the African Lion feature page on DVIDS.
About SETAF-AF
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.
Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS.
