Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command visits Sailors in Djibouti

Courtesy Photo | Panamanian-flagged Motor Vessel Hayder contacted USS Cape St. George (CG 71) via bridge-to-bridge radio reporting it had been fired upon and illegally boarded Feb. 27 in the Northern Arabian Gulf. One of Cape's two Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) teams boarded the vessel and conducted a security sweep of the ship to verify that it was safe for the master and his 11 crewmembers to stay on board. Cape St. George deployed from Norfolk, Va., Nov. 7 as part of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 8 and is conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the 5th Fleet Area of Operations.  

CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI

03.08.2006

Courtesy Story

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CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti-- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, Vice Adm. Patrick Walsh, visited Sailors stationed at the Djibouti-based Camp Lemonier, Feb. 26, and conducted an all-hands admiral's call for the more than 200 Sailors assigned to the base.

Walsh praised the audience for their service in the region and stressed the important role they play.

"The work you do is on behalf of a very grateful nation," Walsh told his audience. "You represent us, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and the 5th Fleet, and I'm proud of the impression you're making in the region. We are here today to find out what you need, and to be part of your support and your success."

Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), headquartered out of Camp Lemonier, is made up of U.S. joint forces, the U.S. Department of State and more than two dozen coalition forces from around the globe. The group conducts operations and training to assist host nations establish a secure environment and enable regional stability.

Walsh stated that in recent weeks, Navy and coalition forces have engaged in a number of missions, including search and rescue operations for victims of the sunken ferry incident in Egypt, assisting in the search for escaped terrorists off the coast of Yemen, and the capture of ten Somali pirates.

While Walsh fielded a number of questions ranging from the standard of living to quality of life, most Sailors" concerns focused on how they could continue to make a difference.

"It was so impressive to see these Sailors concerned about the mission, the mission focus and the tools to get the job done," said Chief of Naval Operations-Directed Master Chief Kelly Schneider, who escorted Walsh during the visit. "That's a perfect reflection of the type of men and women that serve our country today."

Legalman 1st Class Denise Mix was delighted her question about a greater naval presence at Camp Lemonier was answered with a promise of future engagements. Mix, who's on her second tour in Djibouti, said she's impressed that Walsh flew down to Djibouti to speak with them personally.

"We're honored to have him here; it's so good to hear from the top down," she said. "He took the time to come down here, to keep our morale up."

Walsh also spent the morning at the official opening of the new Defense Fuel Supply Point located in Djibouti's Port of Doraleh. The refueling station will accommodate U.S. Navy and coalition ships operating in and around the Horn of Africa in support of maritime security operations.

• Date Taken: 03.08.2006
• Date Posted: 03.08.2006 16:35
• Story ID: 5645
• Location: CAMP LEMONNIER, DJ