CLDJ Sailors celebrate the Navy’s 243rd Birthday

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Shannon D. Barnwell | CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – Camp Lemonnier Commanding Officer, Navy Capt. Charles J. DeGilio (left), poses for a cake cutting performed by the oldest and youngest Sailors in attendance at a Navy Ball, 63-year-old Capt. Timothy S. Roush and 21-year-old Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Genevieve Boucher, celebrating the U.S. Navy’s 243rd birthday at the the base multi-purpose facility, Oct. 13, 2018. On 13 October 1775, the Navy was established by a resolution of the Continental Congress. The theme for this year's celebration is Forged By The Sea.  

CAMP LEMONNIER, DJIBOUTI

10.13.2018

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Rullo 

Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti –Service members, base personnel and coalition partners celebrated the U.S. Navy's 243rd birthday by hosting a Navy Ball, Oct. 13, 2018, at the base multi-purpose facility.
The Navy Ball is the annual event that celebrates the heritage, history, and more specifically, the day the Continental Congress established the United States Navy, Oct. 13, 1775. This year’s Navy Ball theme is Forged by the Sea.
Camp Lemonnier’s Commanding Officer, Navy Capt. Charles J. DeGilio, delivered the keynote address. In his remarks he said that throughout its history, Camp Lemonnier has evolved and adapted to ever increasing mission demands.
“Camp Lemonnier overlooks one of the most important maritime chokepoints in the world, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait,” DeGilio said. “By linking the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea, it has become the fourth busiest waterway anywhere – we have a role in maintaining peace and stability in the region.”
Traditional parts of the ball were conducted and included a Marine Corps honor guard parading the colors, the national anthem sung by Army Spc. Detrice Mitchell, and a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Remembrance Table Ceremony.
A cake cutting was performed by the oldest and youngest Sailors in attendance, 63-year-old Capt. Timothy S. Roush and 21-year-old Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Genevieve Boucher.
DeGilio said he was proud of the forward-deployed Sailors at Camp Lemonnier and their contribution to the Navy’s overall mission.
“It is because of all of you that we are able to keep the seas open and keep America free,” DeGilio said.
Camp Lemonnier is one of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia installations that conducts six lines of operation to support air operations, port operations, safety, security, quality of life, and what is called the core: fuels, water and power that keep the base 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: 10.13.2018
• Date Posted: 10.15.2018 10:51
• Story ID: 296448
• Location: CAMP LEMONNIER, DJ