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MARCENT Djibouti Reserve Force Transitions with IIMEF

Marine Corps News

Release Date: 7/30/2003

Story by Cpl. Matthew J. Apprendi

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti(July 30) -- After successfully wrapping up more than six months of deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the Command Logistics Element, Marine Central Command is in the process of passing its control here to the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force.

The beginning stages of the transition between the two forces started July 20. The 1st wave, encompassing 55 Marines and sailors of the CLE, departed Djibouti July 23 and are currently demobilizing at Camp Lejeune, N.C., from active duty to return to their reserve status.

The following units and other individual augmentees make up the CLE: Approximately 300 activated Marines and sailors from 4th Force Service Support Group, New Orleans, La.; Military Police Detachment, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing , Belle Chasse, La.; and Company A, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, Grand Rapids, Mich.

The CLE took over base operations Jan. 26 providing a "safe haven" for Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa to complete their mission of detecting, deterring and defeating transnational terrorism in the Horn of Africa. The region is defined as Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea, Yemen, the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and coastal waters of the Indian Ocean.

"Overall, it's been a good experience. I can go home now and know I've done my part in the Global War on Terrorism," said Marine Sgt. Christian B. Tomey, wire chief, CLE, a mobilized reserve from his Greensboro, N.C., based unit.

As managers of the camp, it was the CLE's responsibility to ensure Camp Lemonier was capable of supporting additional personnel upon CJTF-HOA's transition ashore from their flagship USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC-20) and the arrival of new units. During CLE's tenure, the camp has increased from approximately 1,200 to 1,800 personnel.

They accomplished this by renovating the 88-acre former French Foreign Legion post that the U.S. leases from the Djiboutian government. Those renovations, to include constructing additional living quarters, work areas and communication lines before the mid-May transition, turned Camp Lemonier into the CJTF's expeditionary headquarters.

"To our present date, a lot of good things have been completed by the CLE, we will maintain that high level of situational awareness and continue increasing our force protection capabilities," said Col. Michael R. Pannell, who took command of the CLE from Col. Mario LaPaix July 15.

On a day-to-day basis, the CLE provided a variety of specialties which included logistical, communication, medical and security of the base as well as a civil affairs section to support coalition members aboard the camp and also outlying villages in Djibouti.

Since day one, the CLE's Civil Affairs section was at the forefront of completing civil-military operations, according to Army Sgt. 1st Class Steven Ruscitto, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the CLE's Civil Affairs section. They coordinated Medical Civil Action Programs, delivered vital supplies and completed numerous construction projects in villages throughout Djibouti.

"From the beginning, we completed our mission of building a strong relationship with our neighbors (Djiboutians)," Ruscitto said. "I attribute our success to all the service members here who supported us in our civil affair's projects."

In the beginning, this was achieved with only three civil affair's soldiers and service members who volunteered their time before a composite company from 478th Civil Affairs joined CJTF-HOA in April.

"I firmly believe in building a strong relationship with Djibouti and its people," said LaPaix. "By completing this, you win over their hearts and minds. Thanks to the government of Djibouti and to its people for the partnership and support as we (task force) prosecute the Global War on Terrorism."

LaPaix explained that task force and host nation interaction resulted in much more than a friendship. It built an unwavering support for the U.S.'s presence here to destroy terrorist cells in the region. Through civil operations, the CLE has gained the trust of village's across the Republic of Djibouti.

They spearheaded projects in Damerdjog, Douda and Chabelle - to name a few - which resulted in the remodeling of medical clinics, schools, constructed food storage facilities and irrigation systems. Throughout the week, CLE members delivered wood and food to village's inhabitants.

"It's been a team effort all around, everybody realized what had to be done to complete our mission. Our success derives from our small unit levels," said Marine Lt. Col. Robert A. Knief, executive officer of the CLE.

The CLE has also built a working relationship with the host nation of Djibouti by hiring more than 800 local workers to support construction projects and aiding in daily operations to include laundry and cleaning services aboard the camp.

Along with civil-military operations, the CLE provides force protection for Camp Lemonier and CJTF-HOA.

CLE's force protection developed patented security measures that supplied the CJTF with a "safety blanket" to complete their mission. They did this by using their unit's assets, as well as building a working relationship with French and Djiboutian military, which resulted in enhanced security measures for the base.

"Force protection's insight and Company A's diligence protected our (task force) interests," LaPaix said.

The CLE has laid the foundation for the new force to continue improving and building the coalition's presence to destroy terrorism in the region and continue to fortify an even stronger relationship with local inhabitants, LaPaix said.