US military medical personnel arrive in Morocco for joint medical mission at African Lion 2025

ANZI, Morocco – U.S. and Moroccan military medical teams launched the annual joint humanitarian medical mission in Anzi, Morocco, May 11 through May 23, as part of African Lion 2025 (AL25), marking the beginning of a multi-week effort to deliver essential care to local communities.

“We came here with a shared purpose and immediately began working as one team,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Lydia Christensen, a 151 MDG medical planner. “From setup to patient care, our coordination with the Royal Armed Forces has been seamless and mission-focused.”

By Maj. Marie Denson , U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa Anzi, Morocco May 16, 2025

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ANZI, Morocco – U.S. and Moroccan military medical teams launched the annual joint humanitarian medical mission in Anzi, Morocco, May 11 through May 23, as part of African Lion 2025 (AL25), marking the beginning of a multi-week effort to deliver essential care to local communities.

The operation is led by the 151st Medical Group (151 MDG), 151st Air Wing, Utah Air National Guard, working in partnership with the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco and supported by local Moroccan healthcare professionals. The mission falls under the framework of humanitarian civic assistance (HCA)—a component of AL25 that emphasizes both medical readiness and multinational cooperation.

The temporary field hospital is now operational and providing services such as general medicine, dental care, pediatrics, cardiology, radiology and laboratory diagnostics. The facility is staffed by a joint team of American and Moroccan military medical personnel, supported by Moroccan civilian translators and logistical staff.

“Many of the families we’ve seen have real medical needs,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Micah Smith, 151 MDG commander. “By working together, we are able to reach these individuals and provide immediate, meaningful care.”

The HCA portion of AL25 demonstrates the Utah National Guard and joint force dedication to positively impacting the health and well-being of local Moroccan communities. Operating the HCA Field Hospital strengthens partnerships alongside Morocco's Royal Armed Forces.

AL25 is the largest annual military exercise in Africa. It takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by U.S. Africa Command with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia.

Over the span of 18 days, U.S. joint forces, together with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, will treat thousands of local Moroccans, providing healthcare service at no cost to the individual.

“Our mission goes beyond healthcare. We diligently strive to strengthen our relationships with our Moroccan counterparts, build trust and enhance interoperability so that, heaven forbid, there is a disaster or other event, we can work effectively together.” said Smith. “All that we do here reflects what’s possible when our nations work together.”

Morocco is one of the U.S.'s closest and oldest allies, with the partnership dating back to the founding of the U.S. Every day, the depth and strength of that relationship grows.

With patients arriving from across the region, some walking hours to reach the site, the need for organized and efficient care is clear. In the first days of operation, thousands of individuals were seen by the team, and thousands more are expected as the mission continues.

“Our logistics teams—both American and Moroccan—have done an excellent job keeping the operation running smoothly,” said Christensen. “Each medical specialty, including the pharmacy and support areas, are operating at full capacity.”

This effort marks a continuation of Utah’s long-standing relationship with Morocco through the National Guard State Partnership Program, which began in 2003. The partnership has facilitated years of joint training, knowledge exchange and humanitarian missions.

About African Lion AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, and about 10,000 troops. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), on behalf of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), the exercise will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. AL25 is designed to restore the warrior ethos, sharpen lethality, and strengthen military readiness alongside our African partners and allies This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win.

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136th MDG

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Air National Guard

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