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69-630: Camp Lemonnier is a United States Naval Expeditionary Base, situated next to Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport in Djibouti City , and home to the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) of the U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM). It is the only permanent U.S. military base in Africa. The camp is operated by U.S. Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia; CJTF-HOA is the most notable tenant command located at

138-471: A C-17 Globemaster III detachment. Other Customs inspections for exotic organisms is the responsibility of the Navy Logistics team. Djibouti%E2%80%93Ambouli International Airport Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport ( Arabic : مطار جيبوتي الدولي , French : Aéroport international Ambouli ) ( IATA : JIB , ICAO : HDAM ) is a joint civilian/military-use airport situated in

207-454: A Cuban special operations unit who were attempting to sabotage US POL stockpiles located on the base). On alternating with US Army security elements, FAST conducted operations including combat and security patrols in the battle space, and establishing ambush positions along known avenues of approach. During one incident in April 1988, a Marine Corporal, an 0331 augment from the 2nd Marine Division,

276-464: A U.S. Marine heavy-lift helicopter ( CH-53 ) detachment, a U.S. Marine assault-support MV-22 Osprey detachment, a U.S. Marine Aerial Refueler Transport KC-130J detachment, a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon detachment (technically a part of the US Navy's 6th Fleet – Commander Task Force 67), USAF aircraft include HC-130P COMBAT KING or HC-130J COMBAT KING II, HH-60G Pave Hawk , C-130J Hercules and, at times,

345-465: A UAV and its AGM-114 Hellfire missile crashed in a Djibouti suburb. In May 2014, U.S. President Obama and Djiboutian President Guelleh agreed on a 20-year extension of the American lease, at $ 63 million a year in rent – about double its previous rate. The US is in the process of expanding the base and plans to spend $ 1.4 billion upgrading the facility over the next two decades. In 2017, China opened

414-719: A base nearby, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Support Base in Djibouti . In May 2018, the United States Air Force said military grade lasers had been aimed at the eyes of its pilots and the incidents had originated on the Chinese base. China denied that they were the source of the lasers, stating that they abide by international law. Camp Lemonnier became the hub for black and white SOF operations into nations such as Somalia and Yemen. Also based there

483-563: A detachment from the 2nd Light Armored Infantry (LAI) Battalion, another new USMC unit, conducted several joint combat missions together. The 2nd LAI det. provided speed, armored protection, and heavy firepower, while 1st FAST provided CQB skills necessary for operating in the tight confines of an urban environment that was seen during the invasion. During Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield , FAST marines provided additional security to US naval installations in Bahrain . In January 1991,

552-554: A long term facility, the camp built a billeting area with rows of Containerized Living Units (CLUs) with concrete sidewalks and gravel roads. As the CLU area expanded, the camp population moved from tents into the more durable berthing facilities. On 1 October 2008, responsibility for the task force was transferred from the United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) to United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) as

621-563: A private source who threatened to sell them to Al-Shabaab if their demands were not met. As of May 2013, the US had prepared plans for a $ 1.4 billion expansion of the base and to increase its special forces there to more than 1,000. In 2013, the Predators and Reapers operating from Camp Lemonnier were moved to "a remote desert airstrip" [later identified as Chabelley Airport ]. The move increased operational security and allayed local fears after

690-656: A squadron of USAF McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagles arrived at the base. They flew numerous combat missions into Yemen in support of both Yemeni government forces and unilateral strikes directed by JSOC and the CIA targeting cells. Along with the UAVs and F-15Es, surveillance flights were conducted by U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command U-28As , that were outfitted with sophisticated signals intercept equipment and optical sensors, which can provide real-time intelligence for ground operators. Prior to that, both CIA and JSOC had used

759-630: A trash dump. Some buildings that were closer to the Djiboutian Air Force controlled side of the airport were in better shape and required minimal renovation. As a result, the CJTF-HOA staff remained aboard the USS Mount Whitney as the U.S. Army (Bravo Company, 46th Engineer Battalion (CBT)(HVY) ) began renovations. (Camp Physical Security was first established by Marines from 2D Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST Co) and

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828-420: Is U.S. Air Force component to CJTF-HOA and is assigned to Camp Lemonnier. The 449th AEG is currently composed of HC-130P Hercules COMBAT KING or HC-130J COMBAT KING II aircraft assigned to the 81st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron and pararescuemen assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron. While deployed the group performed both combat and civil search and rescue missions. Aircraft detachments include

897-700: Is known to include M4 rifles, M4/M-203 40 mm grenade launchers, Modified M-14 rifles with specialized stocks to make them Designated Marksmen Rifles (DMR which has a composite stock and fixed magnification scope) or Enhanced Marksmen Rifle (EMR which has a SAGE stock with a specialized scope known as the Scout Sniper Day Scope or SSDS), Beretta M9A1 9mm pistols, Remington 870 shotguns, Benelli M1014 semi automatic shotgun, M-249 5.56mm Squad Automatic Weapons (SAWs), M-240B 7.62mm MMGs, Browning .50 Cal. HMGs, MK-19 40mm HMGs (automatic grenade launchers). All these weapons can at any time be outfitted with

966-687: Is located in the town of Ambouli on the southern side of the Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport , between the runway overflow areas and a French military munitions storage facility. After use by the French Foreign Legion , the facility was operated by the Djibouti Armed Forces . Lemonnier originally belonged to the French military, and was named after General Émile-René Lemonnier . Commander of

1035-519: Is located south of Djibouti City and its runways run east–west, an airliner's landing approach is usually directly over the conurbation of the capital, when the wind is from the west. In 2010, the airport served 176,861 passengers. In addition to its use as a civilian airport, the airport hosts a military presence from a number of countries. Military traffic makes up approximately 75% of the airport's total traffic volume. According to military officials, US military flights comprised over 50 percent of

1104-588: Is operated by Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, which is responsible for its expansion, upkeep, and logistics support. Tenant units include the U.S. Marine Security Forces which provides the camp's external security, the CJTF-HOA commander and staff, a U.S. Navy Seabee battalion which conducts water-well drilling operations, U.S. Army units which provide additional security, military training, and Civil-military operations support, and several aircraft detachments. Past tenant units have included

1173-533: Is the SOCCE-HOA (Special Operations Command and Control Element-Horn of Africa) – which commands all SOCOM units assigned to training or operational missions in the region including elements of JSOTF-TS (Joint Special Operations Task Force-Trans Sahara) and Naval Special Warfare Unit 10. It also supervises a rotational detachment of US Army Special Forces which conducts foreign Internal Defence training in counterinsurgency in Djibouti. Ground forces Camp Lemonnier

1242-611: The Gulf of Aden , into facilities at Camp Lemonnier on 6 May 2003. In early July 2006, the U.S. and Djiboutian governments also announced that a lease agreement had been signed to expand Camp Lemonnier from 88 acres (360,000 m) to nearly 500 acres (2 km). The term of the lease was for five years, with options to renew. As part of the lease and expansion, physical improvements to the camp included fencing, additional billeting to replace existing tents, and compliance with various U.S. force protection standoff requirements. On 1 July 2006,

1311-479: The Suez Canal . As a result, the country hosts many other foreign military bases, including a Chinese naval base , a French airbase, an Italian Support Base and a Japanese base . The United States Pentagon has accused the Chinese of targeting U.S. military aircraft with a high-powered laser near its Chinese military base in Djibouti. Unlike French troops, who are allowed to enter Djibouti city and interact with

1380-512: The U.S. Marine Corps turned over responsibility for Camp Lemonnier to the U.S. Navy in a brief change of command ceremony. U.S. Navy Captain Robert Fahey assumed command of Camp Lemonnier from U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Gerard Fischer. In January 2007, it was announced Camp Lemonnier would be expanded from 97 acres (0.39 km) to nearly 500 acres (2.0 km). As part of the process of moving Lemonnier from an "expeditionary" base to

1449-654: The United States Marine Corps that is capable of rapidly deploying to immediately improve security at United States Government installations worldwide, and are also capable of deploying as an infantry quick reaction force. Additionally, the unit provides High Threat Protection to high ranking officials and diplomats in austere environments. Established in 1987, FAST companies provide a limited-duration, expeditionary security force to protect vital naval and national assets and personnel. FAST maintains forward-deployed platoons at various naval commands around

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1518-617: The 23rd Special Tactics Squadron. A Marine Corps FAST team was the secondary force to occupy Camp Lemonier in June 2002, providing security while Army Special Forces Logistics specialists (SOT-A) planned the development to receive more forces. Initial Command and Control was established under SOCCENT by a US Air Force Special Operations command element. The initial US combat forces started with Air Force MC-130s and MH-53s who redeployed from Jacobabab, Pakistan, followed shortly by 7th SFG soldiers and an Army Tank Support Battalion for base support. While

1587-469: The 30,000 departures and arrivals in 2014. Civilian air-traffic controllers hired by the Djiboutian government monitor the airspace over Camp Lemonnier's runways, unlike other major US military bases. US consultants stationed at the base reported that over a three-month period, the controllers made an average of 2,378 errors per 100,000 aircraft operations, an error rate reportedly 1,700 times greater than

1656-681: The 3rd Brigade of the Tonkin Division, led with fierce energy the resistance to the Japanese coup d'état in French Indochina . In 2009, after years of misspelling, the U.S. Navy officially changed the camp's name to properly reflect the spelling of General Lemonnier's name. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks , the U.S. decided to increase counter-terrorism efforts. At first, this was limited to focused attacks, but in 2002

1725-536: The Chief of Naval Operations. They also ensure nuclear material on submarines is not compromised when the vessels are docked. Since their inception, FAST Company marines have seen a heavy operations tempo, being deployed to participate in numerous training, security, and combat operations. In 1988, elements of 1st FAST had been deployed to Rodman Naval Station , Panama as a response to a number of incursions by unknown intruders (the intruders were believed to be members of

1794-625: The FAST companies (FMF LANT and FMF PAC) were established in 1987 to provide a more mobile force under their respective FMF CG's, the battalions were consolidated and re-organized as Marine Corps Security Force Regiment on 16 December 1993. The new regiment assumed control of all security force companies and detachments globally. In 1998, numerous companies and detachments were deactivated due to force reductions and realignments; two FAST companies were established to take their place. The Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team ( FAST ) platoons are an elite unit of

1863-592: The Middle East. During the attack on the U.S consulate in Benghazi, Libya on September 11, 2012, a FAST Platoon was deployed to the country to assist in combat operations. Fast Platoons from FASTCENT assisted in Operation Ocean Shield on October 11, 2016, to assist in the counter piracy campaign against Somali pirates and Houthi Rebels from Yemen. There are currently three FAST companies in

1932-459: The Pacific and Indian Ocean AOR. The first and second platoons were trained and commanded by former guard officers and staff NCO's from Marine Barracks Naval Weapons Station Concord, who were already qualified under Navy Technical Proficiency Inspection (NTPI) standard and had several years experience as nuclear weapons couriers. The first operational deployment of a FAST Platoon from MCSFBN (PAC)

2001-472: The U.S. Marine 8th and 9th Provisional Security Force (PSC), U.S. Army 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery Regiment , U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment , U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Air Force First Red Horse Group, U.S. Army 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army 3rd Squadron, 124th Cavalry Regiment, and U.S. Army 2nd Battalion, 138th Field Artillery Regiment. Aviation units The 449th Air Expeditionary Group

2070-544: The U.S. government realized that to reduce extremism would require long term engagement with the local governments and populations. As a result, it established the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa to conduct stability operations in the area. In November 2002, the CJTF-HOA staff, a Marine-based organization, arrived off the coast of Djibouti aboard USS  Mount Whitney , a naval command ship. Djiboutian workers were instrumental in preparing

2139-431: The US Navy and Marine Corps with a dedicated force protection and anti-terrorist unit. The late 1970s and early 1980s were a high water mark for US military anti-terrorist efforts. A series of deadly attacks directed at Americans highlighted the requirement for security forces capable of countering terrorist threats against military units. The President issued a directive ordering US security agencies and all branches of

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2208-606: The US Navy and Marines conducted Operation Sharp Edge , the noncombatant evacuation operation of US and foreign nationals from Liberia . FAST was deployed to relieve the Marine Amphibious Readiness Group that was providing security at the US embassy in Monrovia , Liberia. Shortly after the conclusion of Vigilant Warrior , USCENTCOM found itself involved once again in Somalia , this time to cover

2277-694: The US and a training company. All Companies A,B, and C are located at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown , Yorktown, Virginia. These companies operate under the control of the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment located on Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Virginia, The Security Force Regiment Training Company is located on Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Northwest Annex (NSA Northwest), in Chesapeake, Virginia. Each company includes almost 400 marines, task-organized based upon mission. All Marines assigned to FAST must have completed

2346-467: The US government also signed a new twenty-year lease with the Djibouti authorities to maintain its military base at the airport. Since 2016, U.S. Navy air traffic controllers have been volunteering their time to teach English to new Djibouti controllers, and this collaborative initiative has seen tremendous safety improvements over the past few years. Marine Corps Security Force Regiment#Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) companies The unit

2415-503: The US standard. US federal aviation experts suggested that an unprofessional attitude on the part of the controllers potentially imperiled American military and civilian flights to and from the airport. In 2013, FAA officials asserted that the controllers' lax attitude, which allegedly included barring drones from taking off or landing, stemmed from a belief on their part that the US drones were unreliable aircraft and dangerous weapons aimed at killing Muslims. The Djibouti government dismissed

2484-495: The air controller safety allegations as exaggerations or fabrications. US Ambassador to Djibouti Tom Kelly likewise indicated that, after asking for further improvements in aviation, progress was being registered at the airport. U.S. Navy Captain Kevin Bertelsen, the commanding officer at Camp Lemonnier, described work at the air base as challenging, but similarly indicated that conditions there had been ameliorated. In 2014,

2553-548: The appropriate strategic locations where they are most needed. Marines assigned to Naval Nuclear Weapons Stations are given an opportunity, if the Command allows them, to try out for RTT, which is colloquially referred to within the nuclear commands as simply "CQB Platoon," or just "CQB." Typically, only a small fraction of the marines who are permitted to try out (or “screen”) for the CQB Platoon are actually selected from

2622-456: The base as a temporary forward location for Predator and Reaper sorties. On 25 January 2012, US officials confirmed that US Navy SEALs had rescued two foreign hostages in Somalia , an American woman and Danish man, taking them to Camp Lemonnier. Demining workers, the captives had been abducted on 25 October 2011 in the north-central Galkayo area, allegedly by gunmen operating on behalf of

2691-917: The battalion at Mare Island near the end of August that year. The Marine Corps also established FAST Company (Pacific) on 3 August 1987. FAST Marines had participated in the Shallow Hawk 1-87 Riverine Exercise led by US Navy Special Boat Unit-11 a battalion-sanctioned a month earlier in July 1987 prior to the official battalion stand-up. The company comprised five 50-man platoons and assumed responsibility for temporary security of US Navy Nuclear Submarine refueling and defueling (RF/DF) sites; reinforcement of US Navy Nuclear Weapons security facilities; security of transportation of special weapons under contingency operations; and US Navy related nuclear accident-incident (i.e. Broken Arrow and Bent Spear) site security; as well as, reinforcement of US Navy Facilities and US Embassies in

2760-594: The continent. The latter air bases are smaller and operate from remote hangars situated within local military bases or civilian airports. Due to its strategic location, Camp Lemonnier also serves as a hub for aerial operations in the Persian Gulf region. Djibouti is strategically located by the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which separates the Gulf of Aden from the Red Sea and controls the approaches to

2829-636: The country and remove Panamanian military strongman, and the country's de facto leader, from power. Although primarily a US Army, and special operations forces mission, a select number of USMC units were to participate. One of the USMC units selected for the operation was 1st FAST Co. 1st FAST had been operating in Panama for some time providing security at US naval installations; conducting training exercises; and gearing up for any possible terrorist attack directed at USMC or USN facilities in Panama. 1st FAST along with

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2898-489: The facility as of 2008. Camp Lemonnier was originally established as garrison for the French Foreign Legion . The base was leased by Djibouti to the United States in 2002, along with the right to use the neighboring airport and port facilities. The base supports Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa (OEF-HOA) and is the centerpiece of a network of around six U.S. drone and surveillance bases stretching across

2967-410: The facility grew in the post-independence period after a series of renovation projects. In the mid-1970s, the airport was enlarged to accommodate more international carriers, with the state-owned Air Djibouti providing regular trips to its various destinations. Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport has a single terminal building, with one departure gate and one baggage carousel . As the airport

3036-598: The fall of 1987 at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. Three of the FAST platoons also participated in KENNEL LANCE BRAVO anti-terrorism exercises with and against US Navy SEALS at several CONUS Naval Bases in the San Diego and Oakland areas. The exercise was terminated with the Loma Prieta earthquake . 1st Platoon, FAST (FMF PAC) also deployed to Naval Station Hawaii during Fall 1988 on an RF/DF mission. Although

3105-419: The following training: Optional schools: During their training exercises, FAST makes extensive use of simulated ammunition or UTM. Si-munition and UTMs are like paintball ammunition, but it can be fired from weapons normally used by the unit instead of plastic guns. The USMC has seen fit to equip its FAST units with a wide array of weapons, and equipment to help them accomplish their mission. The FAST's arsenal

3174-423: The globe, and possesses US-based alert forces capable of rapidly responding to unforeseen contingencies worldwide. Each FAST company is equipped and trains with some of the most state-of-the-art weaponry and currently consists of around 500 marines. FAST companies maintain a high degree of readiness in order to conduct these short-notice, limited-duration contingency operations. The USMC's FAST companies provide both

3243-857: The grueling 2 week selection process. Those who are selected then have a 4 week long tactical spin-up (a period of intensive preparatory training), in which the CQB Platoon's current Operators help to get the newly selected candidates ready. If they successfully complete the combined 6 week long tryout and spin-up, also known as Assessment and Selection, the RTT candidates then report to USMC CQB School where they undergo an intensive 9 week advanced combat marksmanship and dynamic assault course, during which they are taught In-Extremis Hostage Rescue and Nuclear Counter-Proliferation. The marines and sailors who attend this school learn to violently recapture, or take back by force, United States personnel and property that has been stolen, taken hostage or otherwise compromised. If they pass

3312-502: The installation. The Marine Corps uses FAST Companies to protect forces when a threat level requires it. Other missions include infantry duties, Close Protection, and occasionally augmenting part of Maritime Raid Forces aboard Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU). Each company is well grounded in basic infantry skills. FAST Companies are primarily designed to conduct defensive combat operations, military security operations, and infantry operations. They also can be tailored for specific tasks from

3381-483: The intent was to move ashore, the Camp Lemonnier facilities which had not been in use for several years were in a state of disrepair. Some buildings were concrete shells and had been stripped of interior fixtures, pipes and wiring, while the roofs of several structures had collapsed. Goats roamed the property and birds had taken roost in several of the abandoned structures. The former swimming pool had been used as

3450-592: The latter assumed authority over the African theater of operations. By 2009, the base began expansion again. According to OSGEOINT, the base received a parallel taxi-way and a new auxiliary support apron. In the following year (2011), open source satellite imagery showed Camp Lemmonier with a new drone apron supporting the RQ/MQ-1 Predator. Furthermore, Camp Lemmonier has been described by The Economist as "the most important base for drone operations outside

3519-549: The liaison office relocated to Nairobi and the FAST platoon redeployed to Mombasa , Kenya , on 15 September 1994, with FAST redeploying to home station three days later. FAST Platoons also provided protection support for the transfer of Cuban migrants from Panama holding areas to Guantanamo Bay during Operation Safe Passage from January to February 1995. Following the 1996 bombing of a USAF barracks in Saudi Arabia, FAST marines responded. Elements of FAST Company arrived on

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3588-402: The locals, US troops may only leave Camp Lemonnier by special permission, and most of Djibouti City is off limits. However, in 2015 a US military investigation concluded that nineteen members of the U.S. National Guard, 775th Engineering Division, had sex with prostitutes at an off-base residence in Djibouti. Sex trafficking in, and around, Djibouti has been a persistent problem. Camp Lemonnier

3657-571: The military to enhance their capabilities in this field. In compliance with this directive, the USMC conducted a thorough evaluation of its security forces during the mid-eighties. Upon the study's completion, the Corps came to the conclusion that its current security procedures were inadequate to handle the security threats being posed against it. The Corps decided to form a new unit of highly trained elite Marines dedicated to defending both US Navy and Marine Corps assets from terrorist attack. The new unit

3726-476: The most advanced optics known today like ACOG, EoTech, AimPoint, various PEQ laser systems and night vision scopes. Almost all of FAST Company's missions are unknown, except by the members of that platoon. Charlie FAST Company from NAS Bahrain was sent to secure the embassy in Sanna Yemen in July 2011 just one year prior to the FAST's most recent mission that was known around the world and caught media attention

3795-519: The newly renovated 88-acre (360,000 m) camp for movement of the CJTF headquarters ashore. More than 1,200 local and third-country national construction and support personnel currently work at the camp. KBR administers the contract for facilities and support operations for the camp. Initial occupation of Camp Lemonier was cemented by Naval Special Warfare SEAl Team One Bravo, along with two Air Force Combat Controllers and two Air Force Pararescuemen from

3864-640: The processing center for transient Marines on the East Coast . In addition to providing gate security for the Norfolk Naval Base Complex and a security force for a nearby Service Storage Facility, Barracks Marines also served as ceremonial troops and provided security at the headquarters of United States Atlantic Fleet and provided administrative support to Marines stationed in various Naval commands in Norfolk area. The Norfolk Barracks

3933-766: The scene and secured several buildings within 10 hours. During Operation Fairwinds in late 1996, FAST Platoons provided security for Navy Seabees and USAF Civil Engineers, work sites, camp sites, and convoys in Haiti . In September 2001, a FAST platoon was deployed to New York City after the 9/11 attacks to provide security for the USNS Comfort. During Operation Iraqi Freedom , Operation Enduring Freedom , and Operation Inherent Resolve FAST Platoons from FASTCENT provided Combat/QRF support for MEU (Marine Expeditionary Units). High Threat Protection and Embassy missions were conducted routinely during these operations throughout

4002-463: The town of Ambouli , Djibouti . It serves the national capital, Djibouti . The airport is located approximately 6 kilometres (4 miles) from the city centre. It occupies an area of 10 square kilometers. In 1948, a hard runway and an air terminal were built on the Ambouli site, marking the creation of air base 188 in 1948, which was made official in July 1949. The runway was lengthened in the sixties,

4071-479: The two-month long USMC CQB school, they have officially earned the 8154 MOS, and they then report back to their Naval Nuclear Weapons Command where they spend several more weeks getting "broken in" by the platoon as new Operators. Upon successfully completing that phase, the candidates are formally admitted onto the Recapture Tactics Team. All RTT marines must attend the following schools to obtain

4140-713: The war zone of Afghanistan", with drones conducting missions in adjacent Yemen and Somalia. Neville wrote that "..in a separate secure compound within the camp, much like the SOF enclave in Bagram, are an estimated 300 JSOC personnel. There personnel comprise special operators, imagery and intelligence analysts, and a dedicated UAV cell. The UAV cell is commanded by a JSOC Major and tasks a flight of eight MQ-1 Predators conducting operations over Somalia, Mali, and Yemen. The Predators [have] been carrying out strike and surveillance missions from Camp Lemonnier since late 2010." In October 2011,

4209-527: The withdrawal of UNOSOM II in accordance with a United Nations decision to pull its forces out of that war ravaged country. After the withdrawal of US forces on 25 March 1994, the United States maintained a liaison office in Mogadishu in an attempt to further the process of political reconciliation in Somalia. Security for this office was provided by a FAST platoon. As conditions in Mogadishu deteriorated,

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4278-552: Was 1st Platoon, FAST Company (FMF PAC), on 1 September 1987 to reinforce security at Naval Weapons Station Concord. The second operational deployment of a FAST Platoon from MCSFBN (PAC) was 2nd Platoon, FAST (FMF PAC) to Naval Submarine Base Bremerton Washington in October 1987 for a nuclear fueling security (RF/DF) mission. 1st Platoon also provided RF/DF security for the decommissioning of the USS ; Seawolf  (SSN-575) during

4347-547: Was designated as the Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team, or FAST. Established in 1987, FAST Companies are equipped to perform security missions as directed by the Chief of Naval Operations . FAST Company marines augment installation security when a threat condition is elevated beyond the ability of resident and auxiliary security forces. They are not designed to provide a permanent security force for

4416-547: Was handed over to the 551st Military Police Company, 101st Airborne Division.) This involved building new concrete pads, maintenance facilities and living areas. In May 2003, Camp Lemonnier was livable and CJTF-HOA transitioned from the Mount Whitney to the camp. The pool was cleaned, refurbished, and opened in spring of 2003. Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) began moving all headquarters personnel and equipment from its flagship, USS Mount Whitney , in

4485-690: Was initially organized as the Marine Detachment, Naval Operation Base in 1920. It was re-designated as Marine Barracks, Norfolk in 1939. During World War II , Marines from the Norfolk Barracks provided security for several commands in the Tidewater area , including the Naval Station, Naval Air Station, and Naval Fuel Annex at Craney Island , and what is now Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek . The Barracks also acted as

4554-435: Was killed by rifle fire during a half-hour long fire-fight with a force of about 30 well-armed soldiers, who were suspected to be Cuban special forces. The FAST marines were successful in deterring further assaults, and on a number of occasions they captured infiltrators, attempting to gain entry to the base, under fire. On 21 December 1989 the US launched Operation Just Cause , the invasion of Panama. US forces were to secure

4623-502: Was on 12 September 2012. A FAST team 1 from Rota, Spain was sent to Libya in response to the 2012 US Consulate attack in Benghazi . The Recapture Tactics Team or RTT specializes In-Extremis Hostage Rescue (IEHR) and Nuclear Counter-Proliferation (NCP). RTT units are attached to Nuclear Weapon Stations aboard US naval installations and do not deploy. Whereas FAST Platoons deploy to areas in need of naval security operations, RTT has no need to deploy because they are already positioned in

4692-554: Was re-designated as Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Atlantic, on 1 April 1987, and exercised administrative control over security force companies and detachments afloat in the Atlantic region. FAST (FMF LANT) Marines engaged with "intruders" on 14 April 1988 at the Arraijan fuel farms near Howard Air Force Base in Panama during a two hour-long firefight. The former Marine Barracks at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, CA

4761-508: Was re-designated as Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, Pacific, FMF on 3 August 1987. The battalion exercised administrative control over security force companies and detachments afloat in the Pacific region such as the former Marine Barracks Concord, Marine Barracks Bangor, Marine Barracks Hawaii, Marine Barracks North Island, and Marine Barracks Yokusuka, Japan. Originally, Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific had direct operational command of MCSFBN, FMF, Pacific. CG FMF PAC visited

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