The U.S. military's only enduring base in Africa held a change of command ceremony Aug. 16.

Capt. James H. Black took command from Capt. Geoffrey T. Colpitts during a ceremony presided over by Rear Adm. Rick Williamson, commander of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia.

Williamson spoke of Colpitts' many accomplishments during the past 11 months that have allowed critical missions in the region to continue.

"I am most grateful for the commanding officer we are celebrating today," said Williamson. "When we have faced our most difficult moments in the past year, when we have needed to reach into our reserves of stamina and intuition, none have done a better job than Capt. Geof Colpitts."

Under Colpitts' command, there have been several successes. A few of those achievements include the completion of the military working dog kennel and the AP-3C Orion aircraft hangar. The Dorie Miller Galley earned its' first "5-Star" accreditation and is in the running for the Capt. Edward F. Ney award, the highest honor a galley can receive in the Navy.

Colpitts also oversaw the creation of a brand new environmental initiative called "Enduring Footprints."

"This movement led to a belief that our impact to this incredible corner of the world meant something; our presence would leave Enduring Footprints in a location that saw the first footprints of humankind," Colpitts said. "Our [Enduring Footprints] program is aimed at reducing our negative impact to the environment and shaping our positive impact."

Colpitts' expressed his gratitude of the men and women who served under his command.

"It is an understatement to say that I am proud of what we accomplished together, of how our grand team works together and how there is no problem that we cannot overcome together," Colpitts said.

Camp Lemonnier's new commanding officer, Black, is a native of Winthrop, Maine, and during his speech ensured service members and tenant commands he would pick up where his predecessor left off.

"As Camp Lemonnier adjusts to a more enduring environment, you have my promise that we will continue to work with each of you, and to provide the support and assistance you require to accomplish your missions," Black said.

Black also gave praise to the Camp Lemonnier team, both military and civilian.

"You are the life's blood of this dynamic place," said Black. "Your willingness to bear the sacrifices required to be here in the service of your country is extraordinary. You are missing births, birthdays, sporting events, family reunions and much more. It is a goal of mine to ensure that your time here at Camp Lemonnier is rewarding both professionally and personally."

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/.