Photo By Cmdr. Desiree Woodman | 180211-N-ZL684-994 CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Rear Adm. W. Michael "Sky" Crane,...... read more read more
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CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Rear. Adm. W. Michael "Sky" Crane, Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve and Deputy Commander, Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet, visited Sailors deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Feb. 9-11, 2018.
During his visit, Crane spent two days with the members of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron EIGHTY FIVE (HSC-85) "Firehawks". HSC-85 is a Navy Reserve helicopter squadron based out Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, California and is currently forward deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The unit is a personal recovery task force and the only one of two squadrons in the United States Navy dedicated to Special Operations.
“The mission that you all are doing here is critical,” said Crane. “You are not only representing the Navy while being forward deployed, but you are representing our nation as well. By doing the work that you do, day in and day out, it helps the U.S. continue to engage with our allies in the region.”
Crane provided insight on current and future operations during an All Hands Call that took place on Feb. 11 with Navy Reserve personnel. He mentioned how pleased he was of the Navy Reserve support and positive impact Sailors provide to Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Central Command (CENTCOM) in the region.
“The commitment that you give to our nation and our Navy is appreciated, but I also want to thank the commitment that your family has given as well,” said Crane. “They may not realize it, but they have given to our nation and our Navy and it is most appreciated.”
During an office call with the Camp Lemonnier Commanding Officer, Capt. Nancy S. Lacore, Crane had the opportunity to learn more about the installation, its service members, and the tenant commands that provide operational support in the region.
“The Sailors at Camp Lemonnier are top notch,” said Crane. “It’s not just one group of Sailors, but both active duty and reserve service members. “While being out here, it’s impossible to tell the difference between the two. I am both impressed by what you do and the amount of effort that you put into doing it.”
Reservist make up over 70% of the personnel deployed to Camp Lemonnier. Many have civilian jobs in the United States and will return to those jobs after a seven to twelve month deployment.
“The support of our civilian employers is needed and valued,” said Crane. “Having a job to return to after deployment is a big deal for us reservists. So, when you get back home, nominate your employer for being a good supporter of the guard and reserve. By nominating them, their support can be recognized and honestly, they should be recognized.”
Camp Lemonnier is one of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, installations that conducts eight lines of operation to support air operations, port operations, safety, security, housing, MWR, Fleet and Family Support and what is called the core: the fuels, water and power that keep the bases operating.
Camp Lemonnier’s mission includes enabling joint warfighters operating forward and to reinforce the U.S. – Djibouti relationship by providing exceptional services and facilities for the tenant commands, transient U.S. assets and service members.
| Date Taken: | 02.15.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 02.15.2018 08:57 |
| Story ID: | 266108 |
| Location: | CAMP LEMONNIER, DJ |
| Web Views: | 429 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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