By Ken | August 14, 2014

The Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces Gen. Julius Karangi was in the US sometime last month. His visit was as a result of the invitation by General Martin E Dempsey, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Armed Forces.

The main focus of the invitation was to visit selected Commands at Military Institutions around the United States, and discuss security issues of mutual interest to Kenya and the United States especially Somalia.

During the visit, Gen. Karangi honoured the men and women of the United States who lost their lives in line of duty and laid a wreath at the `Tomb of the unknown’ monument at Arlington Cemetery in Washington DC.

He also visited the Pentagon where he was received by his host General Martin E Dempsey and his wife Deanie Dempsey among other Senior General Officers. While at the Pentagon the CDF was awarded the prestigious Legion of Merit Medal in a colourful ceremony presided over by General Dempsey. This award was given in recognition of his efforts in stabilizing Somalia and degrading the capacity of Al-Shabaab.

Gen. Karangi was then taken to US – Mexico border, where he was briefed by the staff of El-Paso Border Patrol Sector who are charged with patrolling the Mexican border to curb illegal aliens and contraband. He was taken round to see the barriers and obstacles erected to deter these illegal entry.

Here are the photos.

Handing over the crest of the Kenya Defence Forces to the Commanding Officer of the Marine Corps Basic School.

The CDF being briefed on the scenarios that were demonstrated by a team of four Marine Corps Lieutenants who were attending The Leadership Reaction Course (LRC) at the Officer Candidate School, Quantico.

The CDF is welcomed by Major General James Buchannan, Commander Military District of Washington at the Arlington National Cemetery.

The CDF salutes the Kenyan flag held by three members of the United States Marine Corps signifying respect and honour for visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.

The CDF is briefed on mementos presented to the National Museum, Arlington

The CDF with Major General James Buchanan inside Arlington National Museum.

The CDF his spouse Mary Karangi and accompanying officers being seen off by Major General James Buchanan at the end of the wreath laying ceremony and tour of the museum.

The CDF presents the crest of the Kenya Defence Forces to the curator of Arlington National Museum

The CDF, Gen (Dr) Karangi is welcomed by his host General Martin E. Dempsey, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States and his wife Deanie Dempsey at the Pentagon.

Mrs Mary Karangi, is received by Mrs Deanie Dempsey, the spouse of General Dempsey.

The CDF (Dr) Julius Karangi inspects full guard of honour mounted by all the Services of the United States military on his arrival at the Pentagon.

The CDF in discussion with the Chairman of the US Joint Chief of Staff General Martin E. Dempsey.

The CDF (Dr) Julius Karangi is awarded the Legion of Merit Medal by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen Martin Dempsey for his efforts in stabilizing Somalia and the fight against Al-Shabaab.

Copy of the Legion of Merit Certificate

The CDF and the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff in a discussion after a luncheon hosted in honour of the CDF in the chairman’s private room.

The CDF alights from the Chairman’s Special Air Mission (SAM) C-20 plane at Fort Bliss, Texas.

The CDF escorted by Brigadier General Jon Lehr to El-Paso mobile briefing Van for the tour of El-Paso sector along the United States and Mexico border.

The CDF being briefed by Acting Assistant Chief Patrol Agent of El-Paso sector, Mr. Romiro Cordero at one of the barriers between the United States and Mexico border.

The CDF, General (Dr) Karangi rehearses on the procedures and the lift support equipment of the F-16 fighter jet at the Egress training facility of the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Airforce Base, Arizona.