Out of This World

Video by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester

Interview: New Hampshire wheeled vehicle mechanic discusses multinational sling load exercise at African Lion 2025

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

May 17, 2025 | 1:45

U.S. Army Sgt. Kyle Almonte, a wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to the 744th Forward Support Company, 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, discusses the unit’s role in a multinational sling load exercise alongside the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, using their CH-47 Chinook during African Lion 2025 (AL25) at Cap Draa, Tan Tan, Morocco May 17, 2025. Almonte spoke of how sling load training improves logistical agility, enhances interoperability with allied forces, and ensures rapid and efficient transport of critical supplies, strengthening readiness for future multinational operations. AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 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 video by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)