SECNAV visits Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class David Wyscaver | 171124-N-WF604-206 CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti -- Richard V. Spencer, The Secretary of The Navy, spoke to Sailors and Marines forward deployed to Camp Lemonnier and answered questions during an All Hands Call ceremony at 11 Degrees North on Nov. 24. Camp Lemonnier is the United States’ only enduring forward operating base on the African continent and is one of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, installations that conducts eight line of operation to keep the bases operating. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Wyscaver/Released)  

DJIBOUTI

11.24.2017

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class David Wyscaver 

Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti -- The Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer visited Camp Lemonnier Nov. 23 -24 where he had the opportunity to meet with installation leadership and speak to service members as part of a multinational tour of the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Camp Lemonnier’s 11 Degrees North facility provided an opportunity for service members to interact and ask questions to Mr. Spencer during an all hands call. After presenting six Sailors with end of tour awards and reenlisting a Marine, Spencer addressed the audience on topics including the future of the Navy, the importance of Camp Lemonnier, active and reservist benefits, resources, and other essential mission readiness areas before thanking all for their service and dedication.

“People are what makes the whole organization, the whole Department of Defense and the fight that we deliver work,” Spencer said. “It’s the human being that makes the whole system work and that’s all of you.”

During his visit, he was accompanied by his wife Mrs. S. Pauline Finch Spencer. Mrs. Spencer toured a variety of Camp Lemonnier’s facilities while on base, including the enlisted barracks, Fitness Center, Navy Exchange, galley, Expeditionary Medical Facility, chapel and education center. The tours helped provide an overview of Camp Lemonnier and its mission, while Mrs. Spencer received firsthand insight on capabilities and mission readiness from installation leadership.

Mr. Spencer and his wife also joined service members for a breakfast and lunch during their time onboard Camp Lemonnier, which provided a great opportunity to interact and speak to military members forward deployed to the installation.

Before departing Camp Lemonnier, Spencer left service members with some memorable final words.

“Ladies and gentleman thank you for doing what you’re doing,” Spencer said. “It was great coming out here to be with you all. What you’re doing here is terrific. This is one of the most active AOR’s on the map. What you’re doing here is taking the battle out every day and it’s well-known and appreciated. You’re commended for your jobs and execution of operations here. With that, I would like to give my heartfelt thank you. God Bless America and the Navy and Marine Corps team.”

Spencer was sworn in as the 76th Secretary of the Navy on Aug. 3, 2017. A Connecticut native, Spencer graduated from Rollins College in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served as an H-46 pilot until 1981 before departing active duty to enter the private finance sector.

Camp Lemonnier is one of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, installations that conducts eight lines of operation to support air operations, port operations, safety, security, housing, MWR, Fleet and Family Support and what is called the core: the fuels, water and power that keep the bases operating.

Camp Lemonnier’s mission includes enabling joint warfighters operating forward and to reinforce the U.S. – Djibouti relationship by providing exceptional services and facilities for the tenant commands, transient U.S. assets and service members.

• Date Taken: 11.24.2017
• Date Posted: 11.27.2017 07:50
• Story ID: 256485
• Location: DJ