U.S. Navy Reservists supported an in-port replenishment of USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201), July 6. Patuxent is a Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler operated by the Military Sealift Command, used to support ships of the United States Navy.

The logistic specialists who assisted are forward deployed from across the nation. They volunteer and contribute to be a part of the mission and simultaneously grow professionally. These individuals are the Reservists and Army National Guardsmen who fill approximately 60 percent of the billets at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti -- the only permanent U.S. military base in Africa.

The team worked with the ship's master and crew to schedule the visit and confirm port availability. Other duties included pierside support, cargo preparation, and port security. Once the ship was moored and the gangplank secured, the passengers, mail, repair parts, cargo, and provisions began to flow from shore to ship, and conversely from ship to shore. The team typically moves 165 pallets, 15,000 pounds of mail, and 100,000 pounds of cargo for each replenishment.

Logistics Specialist 1st Class Mousa Barrie said the team played a vital role in coordination.

"I think we play a big role here on the ground to support the fleet, and without us here it would be hard for ships to accomplish their mission," Barrie said.

Patuxent delivers items to the fleet, supporting the fight for stability in the region.

The vast majority of the men and women filling the billets have volunteered for their roles. In fact, there are usually more volunteers than billets available. One reason there are so many people willing to serve is the opportunity to build skills and gain experience.

Mobilized Reservists are seamless partners to their active-duty counterparts. The growth opportunity represented by nearly a year of on-the-job training can be career enhancing. Most days present something new and the lessons learned are in the context of a real-world mission -- something classroom training can only approximate.

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.

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