Japanese Minister of Defense Visits Camp Lemonnier
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS160818-06
Release Date: 8/18/2016 9:45:00 AM
By Lt. Desiree V. Woodman, Camp Lemonnier Public Affairs
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (NNS) -- Camp Lemonnier welcomed Japanese Minister of Defense Tomomi Inada to the Horn of Africa, Aug. 15.
The official visit to Camp Lemonnier gave Inada the opportunity to get a firsthand look at the installation expansion efforts. It was also an opportunity to meet key leadership, including the U.S. Embassy Charge d'affaires a.i., Christina Higgins; Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA) Rear Adm. Rick Williamson; and outgoing Camp Lemonnier Commanding Officer Capt. Geoffrey Colpitts.
Inada was greeted by the entire leadership staff upon her arrival to Camp Lemonnier. She was given a guided tour of the installation and its facilities. The final stop of the tour was at the Dorie Miller 5-Star Galley.
An exchange of gifts occurred at the conclusion of the tour. Williamson presented a rungu stick to Inada, which is a traditional wooden throwing club or baton bearing special symbolism and significance in certain East African tribal cultures. The stick also bore the region EURAFSWA coin on one side and the Camp Lemonnier commanding officer's coin on the other.
This was Inada's first trip to the Horn of Africa since she assumed office as minister of defense, Aug. 3.
Camp Lemonnier provides, operates, and sustains superior service in support of combat readiness along with security of ships, aircraft detachments and personnel for regional and combat command requirements, enabling operations for the Horn of Africa while fostering positive U.S.-African nation relations. Camp Lemonnier enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. and allied forces in support of Navy Region, Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia's mission to provide services to the fleet, fighter, and family.
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