DJIBOUTI, Djibouti – Service members from the 6th Engineer Support Battalion will be returned to Tucson from deployment Oct. 2.

During their deployment the members were assigned as part of the 8th Provisional Security Company, Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, in conjunction with the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.

The Marines provided 24-hr security for more than 2,000 U.S. military, civilian, and contractor personnel as well the camp’s foreign national forces; manning the camp’s Combat Operations Center and Entry Control Points.  In addition they served as a Quick Reaction Force for the US Embassy in Djibouti when required and protected U.S. ships while they utilized the Port of Djibouti.

6th Engineer Support Batallion 92 Redeployment

During their deployment a few of members were able to utilize their civilian job skills and apply them to their security operations.  Chief Warrant Officer 4 John Parris, a local Tucson Police Officer, was in charge of Port Security for the largest shipping ports in the region and GySgt Manuel Gonzales who served as the Martial Arts Instructor Trainer for entire company.  

The battalion also joined other members of the company, to participate in local civil affairs projects.  The members visited local orphanages, handed out soccer balls and joined in the games with the children.  They also participated in school improvement projects and helped bring U.S. Air Force bands to local communities.

The mission of CJTF-HOA is to conduct unified action with local military forces and government representatives in the Horn of Africa to prevent conflict, promote regional stability, and build regional security capacity.

The service members of CJTF-HOA, headquartered in Djibouti, focus on fostering regional security through capacity building, improving maritime security and safety, and developing military leaders through professional military education and training.  The Task Force’s goals contribute to United States Government efforts to help Africans solve African challenges.