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CJTF-HOA Small Craft Det Teaches Djiboutian soldiers

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 20033141731
Story by Cpl. Paula M. Fitzgerald

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti(March 14, 2003) -- The Marines of the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Small Craft Detachment are sharing their knowledge and helping to cultivate a strong relationship between American and Djiboutian military forces here.

For several weeks, members of the detachment have been teaching soldiers from the Djiboutian naval forces about small boat handling, maintenance and combat formations.

According to Lt. Abdi Ali God, a Djiboutian maintenance and logistics officer, "Right now, we have four Zodiac boats that were given to us by the United States."

Typically, the rubber boats are used to provide 24-hour security to the Djibouti port, where many international and commercial vessels are moored.

"If something were to happen to any of the civilian boats, we would provide assistance," added God.

In order to improve the soldiers' small boat handling skills, Sgt. Erick J. Hodge and his team taught the Djiboutians how to employ various combat formations utilizing the Zodiacs.

"We use boat formations on the water for fire support like infantrymen do during a patrol. Will the Djiboutians ever use the formations for that? Probably not," said Hodge, the detachment's noncommissioned-officer-in-charge. "Mainly, what we wanted to accomplish was to give the Djiboutians some time in the boats. Teaching them formations just made the process easier."

Before venturing to the water, the detachment taught the soldiers several hand and arm signals that represent each formation. The soldiers were broken into groups and practiced the signals on land.

During the training, the soldiers were attentive and eager to impress their American counterparts.

"Our unit is important because we have the ability to respond very quickly to an emergency if need to be, but we always want to improve," said God. "We appreciate the Americans for coming out here because they have a lot of knowledge that they want to come share with us. They are highly motivated."

The training, which is scheduled to last three weeks, is also a good learning opportunity for the Marines.

Hodge, of Port Huron, Mich., admitted, "It's amazing to me how much military discipline these guys have. Everyday, we learn from each other."