U.S. Navy Sailors forward deployed to Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti volunteer their time to teach 'would be' Djiboutian air traffic controllers aviation English.

Air Operations Officer Navy Lt. Matthew Daniels said the training helps in fulfilling a promise made to assist in the vetting of prospective hires and in keeping to the three tenants of air traffic control.

"The three tenants of air traffic control are to execute our mission by providing for the 'safe, orderly, and expeditious' flow of traffic," Daniels said.

Daniels stated this includes coalition aircraft and their missions.

The goal of the United States Navy air traffic controllers teaching the course is to prepare their students for the Air Traffic Controller School in Nairobi. The curriculum is in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The classes are given three times a week and are comprised of 16 students. Most of the students are already employees of the Djiboutian Airport.

Air Traffic Controller 1st Class (AW/SW) Robert Raley covers aviation safety and capabilities, conducts scenario-based training, and stresses the importance of safety to the students.

"Teaching Djiboutians English impacts safety tremendously and the best thing about it is knowing that I am playing a hand in bettering this country's ability to be better at air-traffic control," Raley said.

The training has been very rewarding for the Sailors involved.

The U.S. controllers perform their job on two fronts -- as ground controllers for all airfield movements and as liaisons to the Djiboutian air traffic controllers.

"English is the universal language of air traffic control," Daniels said.

Improving aviation standards is very important to Djibouti and the United States. The airspace is truly a co-use airspace and airport. Fully trained and qualified Djiboutian air traffic controllers in the English language are essential to interoperability and safety.

Ambouli Airport and Camp Lemonnier leadership have developed a strong and mutually beneficial relationship over the past year. This includes ensuring safety on the airfield. Due to that relationship, along with positive actions taken by the airport's leadership, there has been tremendous improvements in air traffic control at Ambouli.

Taking on this challenge has brought much pride to the Camp Lemmonier Air Operations Department.

"In an environment and airspace as challenging as the Horn of Africa, we are extremely proud of our air traffic controllers for taking the initiative upon themselves to reach out to the host-nation controllers and volunteer their time to help improve their English-speaking skills." Daniels said.

Camp Lemonnier provides, operates and sustains superior service in support of combat readiness along with security of ships and 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.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, visit www.navy.mil/.