Inezgane, Morroco. (June 13, 2023): In this photo by Sergeant Cameron Boyd, Army Chief Warrant Officer Brandon Delgado, an HH-60M Blackhawk pilot for the 1-111th Aviation Regiment, 78th Aviation Troop Command, Georgia Army National Guard, goes through preflight inspections prior to taking command of the aircraft during Exercise African Lion 23.

African Lion 23 is the U.S. Africa Command's largest joint annual exercise hosted by Morocco, Ghana, Senegal, and Tunisia. Approximately 8,000 troops from 13 nations and NATO participated in realistic combat training events held in austere environments across Africa. The 1-111th Aviation provided aerial medical evacuation services to ensure the safety of participants during the exercise.

This year’s African Lion featured multiple combined arms live fire exercises, sea maneuvers, and simulated air combat involving F-16 Fighting Falcons and bomber aircraft. Paratroopers conducted a forced entry field exercise and there were two chemical, nuclear, and biological training sessions to integrate U.S. and African nation capabilities against chemical attacks. Finally, American troops held several humanitarian civic assistance programs to benefit less fortunate citizens on the African continent.

In a series of cultural exchanges, the Moroccans and Americans presented a musical show featuring the African Republic and 23rd Utah State Army bands.