24th MEU, USS Iwo Jima host US Ambassador to Djibouti

GULF OF ADEN, AT SEA

02.18.2015

Story by Cpl. Joey Mendez 

24th Marine Expeditionary Unit

GULF OF ADEN—The U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Djibouti, Thomas P. Kelly III, visited Marines and Sailors from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) in the Gulf of Aden, Feb. 12, 2015.

Kelly, who was appointed as the Ambassador to Djibouti in June 2014, began the visit with a flight to the ship aboard a 24th MEU MV-22B Osprey, and was met by a host of MEU, ARG and ship leadership, to include Col. Scott F. Benedict, commanding officer, 24th MEU.

“It’s an honor to welcome Ambassador Kelly and his team to the Iwo Jima,” said Benedict. “The ARG/MEU, and particularly Marines, have a close and enduring relationship with the Department of State. It’s great to foster that relationship at every chance. In Djibouti in particular, we could not be more inextricably linked, making this opportunity even more special.”

After the ship’s bell rung eight times announcing Kelly’s arrival (a traditional rendering of honors for senior American officials) he was given a familiarization brief before joining Benedict and Navy Capt. Dana R. Gordon, commanding officer, USS Iwo Jima, on a tour of the ship.

The group proceeded to several different areas of the ship, such as the bridge, where the ship’s navigation takes place; the well deck, where amphibious landing craft are stored and launched; the medical and dental departments and the flag mess, where refreshments were served before an exchange of small gifts, which included a Iwo Jima baseball cap from the ships commander.

“We have a long-standing relationship with Djibouti that can only get stronger by taking advantage of opportunities like this one,” said Gordon.

After the four-hour visit, the ship’s bell rung another eight times to signal Kelly’s departure and another Osprey flight, this one returning him to Djibouti.

The 24th MEU and Iwo Jima ARG are deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

• Date Taken: 02.18.2015
• Date Posted: 02.18.2015 11:16
• Story ID: 154724
• Location: GULF OF ADEN, AT SEA