Kansas Soldiers Assume Force Protection Mission at Camp Lemonnier

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shawn Graham, CJTF-HOA Public Affairs

The 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 137th Infantry Regiment, Kansas National Guard

conducted a Relief in Place and Transfer of Authority with the 1st Battalion 65th Infantry

Regiment, Puerto Rico National Guard June 24 at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The 2/137 CAB

assumed the lead in force protection and watch standing duties at the camp.

Relief in Place and Transfer of Authority (RIP/TOA) is the process where one battalion

takes the place of another. Over the next several days, each member of the oncoming team will

spend their time following around his counterpart trying to absorb every aspect of that job.

Army Maj. Albert Irizarry, 1/65th Infantry Regiment battalion commander, said that duty

at Camp Lemonnier was a great experience for the battalion’s leadership.

“This ceremony was symbolic,” said Irizarry. “It means a lot for us and it validates our

soldier’s sacrifices and hard work. The men and women of the Puerto Rico National Guard met

the challenges head on and they should be commended.”

Irizarry also said that the 2/137th CAB has been learning local procedures and preparing

to fully assume force protection and watch standing duties.

Army Lt. Col. Greg Mittman, 2/137th CAB battalion commander, said that he was excited

to assume his duties and responsibilities in Djibouti. He also said that Africa presents challenges

unlike any he experienced on his previous deployments to Iraq or Afghanistan.

 “The Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa mission is different because we are not

involved in a kinetic environment,” said Mittman. “We are here to be diplomats and strengthen

our partnership with the Djiboutian people.”

“Our soldiers want to develop a bond with the people of this country and experience their

rich history and culture,” said Mittman. “Most Americans will never get an opportunity to visit a

place so rich in culture.”

Command Sgt. Maj. Troy Hester said that every soldier was ready to get the deployment

started.

“The HOA mission is a unique opportunity to share and learn from our capable

Djiboutian partners and teammates,” said Hester.

“We have an opportunity to represent the great state of Kansas, our parents and show

people the things that make America so strong: Our strong desire to help people all over the

world.”

U.S. Navy Capt. John Dixon, CJTF-HOA chief of staff, lauded the 1/65th Infantry

Battalion for their hard work and perseverance throughout the past year. He also welcomed the

incoming 2/137th CAB.

“This duty is the best expeditionary duty you will ever have,” said Dixon. “The quality

of life in Djibouti is pretty high and there are a lot of opportunities to better yourselfs and excel

as a group.”
 Mittman said that the soldiers were already fond of the services provided at Camp

Lemonnier.

“Everyone likes the gym, Wi-Fi and the galley,” said Mittman. “Camp Lemonnier has a

lot of things that remind you of home. Our soldiers have already contacted loved ones back

home and let them know that things are fine here. The camp is taking care of them.”