2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade strengthens ties in Ghana during medical readiness exercise

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ACCRA, Ghana - The 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (2nd SFAB), part of U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), participated for the first time in a medical readiness exercise (MEDREX) held from May 13-31 at 37th Military Hospital in Accra, Ghana.

The participation of the 2nd SFAB, a specialized force comprising approximately 120 advisors on up to 20 teams, marked a significant milestone. Their usual mission focuses on assessing, supporting, liaising and advising operations with allied and partner nations. However, their ability to strengthen relationships, provide confidence and build partner capacity made them an easy choice for inclusion in the medical readiness realm.

"For 2SFAB, it provides critical field experience and demonstrates our commitment to supporting partner nations in complex medical scenarios," said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Amber Hansen, 2SFAB's senior physician assistant. "Our participation in MEDREX Ghana aims to enhance medical readiness and capabilities through collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces. This exercise strengthens our partnership, fosters mutual trust and facilitates a valuable exchange of medical knowledge and best practices."

With frequent deployments throughout Africa, 2nd SFAB has proven to be a crucial enabler for executing security cooperation activities within the U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) area of responsibility.

Under the leadership of SETAF-AF, MEDREX Ghana facilitated the exchange of medical procedures and enhanced treatment capabilities among medical personnel from the U.S. military and partner nations. This exercise marked the fourth out of eight MEDREXs scheduled by SETAF-AF across the African continent in fiscal year 2024.

MEDREX Ghana was integrated into African Lion 2024 (AL24), the largest annual combined, joint exercise of USAFRICOM. Running from April 19 through May 31, AL24 spanned Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia, involving approximately 8,100 personnel from over 27 nations and contingents from NATO. The exercise enhanced the readiness and interoperability between U.S. and partner nation forces.

The MEDREX program, planned and executed by SETAF-AF, allows military health professionals from the U.S. and their African partners to exchange medical practices, procedures and techniques. This collaboration builds and strengthens treatment capabilities, resulting in lasting relationships between the partners.

Even for non-medical personnel, the impact of participating in such an exercise can make a difference.

"I might not be an expert in medical operations, but I can certainly appreciate the significance of our participation in the MEDREX," said U.S. Army Capt. Davon Brunes, a signal officer with 2nd SFAB. "This exercise is crucial in advancing medical readiness and capabilities through our collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces."

The 2nd SFAB is a purpose-built force that can concurrently deploy throughout 15 different countries. Focused on training partners in maneuver, fires, engineering and logistics, the inclusion of 2nd SFAB at MEDREX Ghana was a broadening, yet critical step.

"Participating in the MEDREX highlights our role in promoting stability and security through enhanced medical cooperation and readiness," added Hansen.

She also shared that 2nd SFAB's involvement underscores the importance of building resilient partnerships and showcases the unit's versatility in supporting a wide range of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

"This engagement also enriches our understanding of local communities and cultures, fostering goodwill and sustainable relationships," Hansen concluded.

About MEDREX

SETAF-AF conducts medical readiness exercises in Africa every year. These exercises join U.S, military medical units with partner nation military medical providers for clinics in Africa. The experience enhances the capabilities of military medicine for contingencies in Africa and around the world. The program also provides the opportunity for U.S. and African militaries to strengthen partnerships and promote U.S. interests in Africa.

Find more MEDREX photos, videos and media on DVIDS.

About 2nd SFAB

The 2nd Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB), assigned to U.S. Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) specializes in providing security force assistance and advisory support to African partner nations. Tasked with enhancing the tactical proficiency, operational capabilities, and overall effectiveness of African military forces, 2nd SFAB plays a pivotal role in strengthening defense partnerships across the continent.

About SETAF-AF

SETAF-AF providesU.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

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