Camp Lemonnier: Hunting for Pirates and Terrorists in the Horn of Africa

Directly across the mouth of the Red Sea from Yemen is the small African nation of Djibouti. With a land area slightly smaller than Massachusetts and a population of just over a half million people, Djibouti would hardly seem to be a nation of much consequence.

Quite the opposite is true. I was able to interview U.S. Navy Capt. Bill Finn, commanding officer of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, about the base he commands, the tenant organizations operating from his base and the importance of Djibouti to the United States and its allies.

Djibouti is a desert nation, with most of its population living in urban centers. It contains the lowest point on the African continent, Lac Assal. This salt lake is 155 meters below sea level.

Camp Lemonnier is a military base leased from the government of Djibouti, located on the southwest side of the international airport in the capital. It is operated by the United States Navy and there are some 20 other military organizations (tenants) operating from the base. It is a key base for the anti-piracy efforts off Somalia and the anti-terrorist activities of the U.S. and its allies in East Africa.

The primary tenant aboard Camp Lemonnier is the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA). This unit is tasked by the U.S. Military's Africa Command to build relationships in the region and to assist the nation of the region in combating terrorism.

Many of the tenant units aboard Camp Lemonnier engage in humanitarian assistance projects throughout the region. Countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda have benefited from construction activities in their nations including bridges, schools and wells.

Camp Lemonnier is in the midst of a building cycle. Captain Finn noted that nearly all the original structures on the base are considered temporary. These are being replaced with enhanced, permanent buildings. The tents and cargo containers will be replaced with concrete buildings.

The Camp is also expanding the facilities on its side of the airport for aircraft parking. Along with the United States military, a number of allies use the airport as part of their anti-piracy efforts in the Gulf of Aden. Finn noted that the Japanese have around 150 personnel with aircraft as a part of their contribution to the mission.

The port of Djibouti is just to the north of the camp. Not only is it a vital shipping point for the land locked country of Ethiopia, it allows resupply of allied naval vessels. In addition, cargo unloaded there is then convoyed to Camp Lemonnier where it can be distributed by air.

Captain Finn noted that much of the material, such as concrete, for the work on the Camp is being supplied locally. The Camp also employs about 1,000 locals in various capacities. This is part of the Camp's mission to help the citizens and nation of Djibouti.

Djibouti is a former French colony. The French military maintain a significant presence in the country.