Special Delivery: U.S. forces provide tools for AMISOM mission

Photo By Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton | U.S. Army Capt. Mike Smith, Combined Joint Task Force- Horn of Africa Military Coordination Cell logistics representative, guides a forklift to pick up crates of tires in Mogadishu, Somalia, Sept. 12, 2016. Both African Union Mission in Somalia members and U.S. forces worked together to get all supplies stored in containers for use in dry locations, as weathering and rain can damage supplies exposed to the elements. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton)  

SOMALIA

09.13.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Raughton 

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

American forces recently delivered supplies to African Union Mission in Somalia partners in Mogadishu, Somalia, Sept. 13, 2016, to help keep them equipped and ready to fight al-Shabaab.

The Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa J3 Military Coordination Cell facilitated the logistics to receive a large cargo delivery to be distributed from the U.S. to AMISOM troop contributing countries.

The requested cargo and supplies included vehicle tires, maintenance parts, power generators and other supplies.

Burundi National Defense Force Capt. Ndikumana, AMISOM contingent team leader, expedited the receiving of supplies by performing inventory as products arrived at a staging area, and translated between French and English for Burundians and Americans, respectively.

“The MCC and Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa helps us with logistics support and transportation,” Ndikumana said. “We have many positions [in Somalia], so the power generators will help us conduct our mission.”

Ndikumana said that MCC support and guidance is invaluable and he looks forward to continuing the working relationship. As Somalia has little infrastructure, unpaved roads and uneven terrain wear on vehicles’ suspension and tires over time, Ndikumana added that he’s thankful for replacement parts to repair damaged Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. The MRAP vehicles are vital to keeping AMISOM forces safe from roadside bombs planted by al-Shabaab throughout Somalia.

Each TCC that requires material support makes a request with the Office of Security Coordination, a U.S. Embassy agency, which then works with other agencies in the U.S. Department of State, Department of Defense, and others to allocate funding, produce and implement a plan to acquire the requested items, and ship them to the TCCs in Somalia.

Establishing and maintaining an effective supply chain is crucial for AMISOM as it carries out its mission in Somalia.

“With the TCCs being branched out in different sectors, they’re able to establish a post and see where the enemy combatants are, and organize for the elimination of al-Shabaab,” said Capt. Mike Smith, MCC logistics representative. “This helps those local towns to grow into an independent society where they won’t have to worry about attacks.”

• Date Taken: 09.13.2016
• Date Posted: 09.19.2016 05:41
• Story ID: 209939
• Location: SO