Thanksgiving Dinner with Vice Adm. Luke McCollum

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Marquis Whitehead | CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Rear Adm. Endel Lee, deputy chief of chaplains for Reserve Matters, enjoys a laugh with base chaplains while serving Thanksgiving dinner to forward-deployed service members and base personnel at Camp Lemonnier’s Dorie Miller Galley, Nov. 28, 2019. Camp Lemonnier is an operational installation that enables the U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marquis Whitehead)  

DJIBOUTI

11.28.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Orlando Quintero 

Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti

Vice Adm. Luke McCollum, chief of Navy Reserve, Rear Adm. Bruce Gillingham, surgeon general of the Navy, Rear Adm. Endel Lee, deputy chief of chaplains for Reserve Matters, and Navy Reserve Force Master Chief Chris Kotz spent Thanksgiving at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti serving dinner to forward-deployed service members and base personnel at the Dorie Miller Galley, Nov. 28, 2019.

McCollum’s focus was to spend time with service members and remind them their service is appreciated.
“Spending time with Sailors during the holidays is something I look forward to every year,” said McCollum. “It’s a way to say thank you because they are away from their own families. We hope being here enables them to share the spirit of support and hope it helps them go out and do amazing things for their country.”

This year, the Dorie Miller Galley at Camp Lemonnier prepared more than 3,600 pounds of turkey, 1,200 pounds of roasted duck, 1,900 pounds of prime rib and 400 pounds of salmon fillets in addition to the traditional fixings, pies, and desserts. The special menu was created for both lunch and dinner and more than 10,000 meals were served to service members, base personnel and distinguished guests throughout Thanksgiving Day.

“It took a week of planning, but it’s worth it,” said Chief Culinary Specialist Submarine Christopher Kittinger. “I love working with my team. The pride and passion they have to serve meals is contagious.”

Camp Lemonnier, located in the Horn of Africa, is an operational installation that enables the U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where and when they are needed to ensure security in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. The base houses more than 22 tenant commands comprised of service members from all branches of services, including the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

It is the primary base of operations for Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), which coordinates with international partners to maintain influence and protect U.S. interests by conducting military engagements to promote security cooperation as well as enabling crisis response to maintain operational access and strengthen regional stability. (Story by U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Orlando Quintero)

• Date Taken: 11.28.2019
• Date Posted: 11.28.2019 14:11
• Story ID: 353883
• Location: DJ