Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited service members forward deployed to the Horn of Africa and Camp Lemonnier, Feb. 8.

The second annual U.S.-Djibouti Binational Forum brought Blinken and other senior U.S. officials to Djibouti for a summit geared to strengthen strategic partnerships.

Heightened focus was on "Djibouti First," legislation that seeks to give preference to Djiboutian companies to win goods and services contracts at Camp Lemonnier.

U.S. Embassy Ambassador Tom Kelly accompanied Blinken to a meet and greet, small reception and a tour with service members deployed to Camp Lemonnier. The visit was one of several stops during Blinken's first tour to Djibouti.

Commander of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Mark R. Stammer introduced the State Department senior leadership and thanked all service members that were in attendance.

"For the President and Secretary of State, knowing you're here is an incredible sense of security," Blinken said. "It's great to see the kind of cooperation we have in Djibouti and it's an opportunity for those of us at the State Department to express gratitude for your service."

During the visit, Camp Lemonnier Commanding Officer Navy Capt. Geof Colpitts led Blinken and senior state leadership on a tour of the installation.

"Sharing our mission set with Mr. Blinken is vitally important to help show what the camp provides to its supported uniformed and civilian personnel," Colpitts said. "It also gives us the opportunity to showcase our current initiatives and projects that will further enhance base operations and future plans."

During his visit, Blinken took the time to talk to service members individually and thanked them for the excellent work being done on site.

"I know it can be tough being away from your family," Blinken said. "Your sacrifices don't go unnoticed. You each make a difference."

Additional leadership in attendance included Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Brian P. McKeon; U.S. Africa Command's Deputy for Military Operations Vice Adm. Michael T. Franken; Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs Rear Adm. Michael J. Dumont; Deputy Assistant Secretary, East Africa, Sudan, and South Sudan Shannon Smith; and U.S. Embassy Djibouti Ambassador Tom Kelly.

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 cliche requirements, enabling operations for the Horn of Africa while fostering positive U.S.-African nation relations. Camp Lemonnier is a U.S. Navy-led installation operated by Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia via U.S. Naval Forces Africa and Commander, Navy Installations Command.

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