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First Djiboutians Graduate Camp Lemonnier Firefighter Training

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100224-03
Release Date: 2/24/2010 4:28:00 PM

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Frank Montellano, Camp Lemonnier Public Affairs

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (NNS) -- Several Djiboutians completed an intensive U.S. firefighter course and graduated at Camp Lemonnier Fire Station Feb. 20.

The seven firefighters are the first Djiboutian local nationals to complete the training at the camp.

The training, led by Camp Lemonnier Fire Department firefighter and trainer Greg Fox, was overseen by Durant Cephers, Camp Lemonnier fire chief.

"Seven have completed the whole course in order to obtain the certification approved by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)," said Cephers. "We called these guys the 'Magnificent Seven,' because they were the ones who were able to endure the arduous training."

Training for the Djiboutian firefighters began with displays of firefighting techniques, and included numerous exercises in which controlled blazes were combatted, a search and rescue curriculum, and forced entry training used to save the lives of trapped individuals.

"The IFSAC certificate enables these young Djiboutians to work not only at Camp Lemonnier but also in any other military base of the Department of Defense [DoD] around the world just like their American, Nepalese and Ecuadorian colleagues here," Cephers said.

Attendees at the graduation included Deputy Commander, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. James D. Owens; Camp Lemonnier Commanding Officer, Capt. William Finn; and Commandant Mahamoud Moussa Mahamoud of the Djiboutian Civil Protection Service.

Finn reaffirmed Camp Lemonnier's commitment to maintaining positive relationships with Djiboutians.

"One of the promises that I made to members of the Djiboutian government, as well as the business community, was that Camp Lemonnier was a part of the team here in Djibouti," Finn said. "We would not be here without the permission and cooperation and the great relationship that we have with the Djiboutian government."

Mahamoud thanked Cephers and his staff for bringing together the fire department of Camp Lemonnier and Fire Station of Djibouti.

"I know that it's been hard a hard two-and-a-half years of training and hardships," Mahamoud said. "I know that you will be doing a good job and I am sure and convinced that you will be able to meet the challenges and that you will be good firefighters of Camp Lemonnier."

Camp Lemonnier provides, operates and maintains superior service to meet the needs of regional tenant commands, and facilitate operations in the Horn of Africa, while promoting positive relations between the United States and African nations.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnre/.