Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Vice Adm. Mary Jackson visited Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti (CLDJ), Sept. 8-10, as part of her assessment of Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA) installations.

Camp Lemonnier is one of Region EURAFSWA's installations that conducts eight lines of operation to support air and port operations; safety; security; housing; Morale, Welfare and Recreation; Fleet and Family Support; and what is called the core: the fuels, water and power that keep the bases operating.

"Through our installations, the Navy is able to build and maintain critical relationships around the world, including here in the Horn of Africa," said Jackson. "As force multipliers, the shore leverages mission success of approximately 4,000 U.S., joint and allied forces military and civilian personnel who call Camp Lemonnier home."

This was Jackson's first visit to the region after taking command of CNIC earlier this year. She was accompanied by Rear Adm. Rick Williamson, commander of Region EURAFSWA, during her visit to the Camp Lemonnier, which enables operations in the Horn of Africa while fostering positive U.S.-African nation relations.

"Now more than ever, the security of our nation, people and allies requires the constant forward presence of our fleet and warfighters," said Jackson. "The Navy's capability of winning wars, deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of the seas would not be possible without the shore enterprise."

During her assessment, Jackson met with Camp Lemonnier leadership and walked through all of the installation's spaces, meeting with Sailors along the way to discuss operational capabilities and the importance of mission readiness.

"Like a destroyer, cruiser or carrier, our installations deliver a combat capability, and to do that we have to provide the fuel, water, electricity and support to the various combatant commanders' and fleet commanders' objectives throughout our area of operations," said Williamson.

Jackson's visit afforded the opportunity for CLDJ personnel to demonstrate how the base operates, its vast mission capabilities, strong host nation partnerships, and the dynamic asset of its strategic location within in the region.

This visit was focused on providing Jackson and CNIC headquarters staff with a comprehensive understanding of the unique environment and challenges in the EURAFSWA area of responsibility. Additionally, site visits will aim to convey the future growth and current capacity challenges throughout the region and provide an awareness of the value of mission speak and focus.

Camp Lemonnier is the United States' only enduring forward-operating base on the African continent. All branches of the U.S. military are represented on CLDJ, supporting multiple combatant commanders. It is a fast-paced, operational environment.

Camp Lemonnier's mission includes enabling joint warfighters operating forward and reinforcing the U.S.-Djibouti relationship by providing exceptional services and facilities for the tenant commands, transient U.S. assets and service members.

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