CAPSTONE officers study Djiboutians, task force relationship

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente
  • CJTF-HOA Public Affairs
CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti (AFPN) --  Senior U.S. military officers and civilian equivalents traveled to Djibouti to learn about the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa mission as part of the Department of Defense CAPSTONE curriculum designed for newly appointed generals and flag officers Feb. 24.

Fourteen CAPSTONE fellows visited Djibouti to gain insight on the rapport being built between the United States and nations within the task force's combined, joint operating area during the overseas field study portion of the six-week course.

The visit included the CJTF-HOA mission brief during a working lunch on Camp Lemonier, followed by a helicopter ride to the Obock District where the brigadier generals, admirals and senior executive service Department of Defense employees visited the construction sites of a military pier and slaughter house. Another stop made by military leadership included the completed project of Obock District's largest medical facility, which was dedicated in December.

One flag officer was impressed with those charged with the tasks at hand and the rapport between CJTF-HOA and Djiboutians.

"I'm surprised by the optimism and hope that we've seen despite the poverty here," said Brig. Gen. Michael R. Moeller, U.S. Southern Command Headquarters Strategy and Policy director. "I'm most impressed with the spirit and cooperation between CJTF-HOA, coalition partners and the Djiboutian community."

General Moeller's opinion of CJTF-HOA's working relationship with the Djiboutian community was shared by his peers.

"The focus of the ambassador and CJTF-HOA commander on Djibouti to bring peace and stability to the entire region is remarkable," said Army Brig. Gen. Anthony J. Tata, Operations Joint Improvised Device Defeat Organization deputy director. "The projects being accomplished here are very impressive. The Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen are doing an excellent job to improve the quality of life in the Horn of Africa. They are accomplishing the right tasks - the mission to prevent conflict, promote stability and protect coalition interests in order to prevail against extremism."

Upon their return to Camp Lemonier, U.S. Ambassador to Djibouti W. Stuart Symington and Navy Rear Adm. Philip H. Greene Jr. bid farewell to the CAPSTONE attendees before departing Djibouti for southwest Asia.

"This was a great opportunity to share CJTF-HOA's mission to the senior leaders of our U.S. forces," said Admiral Greene. "Showing the CAPSTONE team a few of our project sites is an eye-opener to leadership of the great job our servicemembers are doing here, as well as accomplishing the mission."

CAPSTONE flag officers are divided into three groups to visit combatant commands. After spending a total of two weeks overseas visiting CENTCOM, Pacific Command and European Command, the 45 attendees will regroup at the Joint Warfare Center in Norfolk, Va., where they can discuss the knowledge they have gained from visiting task forces like CJTF-HOA. 

Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link)

View the comments/letters page