Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Larry Foos
11.226.2009 CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – Adm. J. C. Harvey Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, addressed Navy Individual Augmentee and Global War on Terror Support Assignment Sailors at Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa Nov. 24, saying they are making an "outsized" impact on the African continent. As part of his first tour visiting forward deployed Sailors since taking command last July, Harvey was impressed by CJTF-HOA's ability to operate effectively in such a large region with relatively few personnel.
"CJTF-HOA's mission is extremely important to us," Harvey said. "In terms of presence on this continent, your ability to engage with
other military here adds to the overall stability and security of this region, which eventually translates to greater security for the United States."
With fewer than 3,000 military personnel, CJTF-HOA's primary mission is a non-kinetic approach to counter violent extremism, and Harvey sees that approach as the future for other regions. "You are on the cutting edge. What happens here is going to happen elsewhere," he said.
One of Harvey's objectives was to hear from the approximately 700 Sailors currently deployed at CJTF-HOA, and to learn about their IA experiences. Djibouti was also an important stop for the Fleet Forces commander because of its strategic location and seven-year history operating as a joint task force.
"A lot of Fleet Forces Sailors and units have come through here. So I think it is important part of my job to understand the conditions on the ground here, the mission that we're asking these Sailors to do. And to do what I can to make sure they're properly prepared for that mission," Harvey said.
The Navy is making an even bigger contribution to contingency operations the past two years, which includes an average of 20,000 IA and GSA Navy Active and Reserves currently deployed, according to Harvey. He will be making stops throughout the Middle East to visit those deployed on the war effort during this trip.
Before he left Djibouti, Harvey made a point to tell the deployed Sailors what it meant to visit them and to the region. "I am humbled every day by the capacity you have for service, a profoundly good service. It is profoundly good for the Navy, and good for this region, that is so desperately in need of help."
With fewer than 3,000 military personnel, CJTF-HOA's primary mission is a non-kinetic approach to counter violent extremism, and Harvey sees that approach as the future for other regions. "You are on the cutting edge. What happens here is going to happen elsewhere," he said.
One of Harvey's objectives was to hear from the approximately 700 Sailors currently deployed at CJTF-HOA, and to learn about their IA experiences. Djibouti was also an important stop for the Fleet Forces commander because of its strategic location and seven-year history operating as a joint task force.
"A lot of Fleet Forces Sailors and units have come through here. So I think it is important part of my job to understand the conditions on the ground here, the mission that we're asking these Sailors to do. And to do what I can to make sure they're properly prepared for that mission," Harvey said.
The Navy is making an even bigger contribution to contingency operations the past two years, which includes an average of 20,000 IA and GSA Navy Active and Reserves currently deployed, according to Harvey. He will be making stops throughout the Middle East to visit those deployed on the war effort during this trip.
Before he left Djibouti, Harvey made a point to tell the deployed Sailors what it meant to visit them and to the region. "I am humbled every day by the capacity you have for service, a profoundly good service. It is profoundly good for the Navy, and good for this region, that is so desperately in need of help."
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