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thedrifter
10-04-03, 06:38 AM
Camp Lemonier raises own standard
Submitted by: Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa
Story Identification Number: 20031038133
Story by Sgt. Bradly Shaver



CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti(October 3,2003) -- Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa recently received its "Battle Standard" which represents the presence of American forces in the Horn of Africa supporting the counter-terrorism mission.

The need for a Battle Standard was first brought to the attention of the CJTF-HOA commander, Marine Brig. Gen. Mastin M. Robeson, by Marine Sgt. Maj. William Hunt, CJTF-HOA sergeant major.

"The new standard is a desert sand colored flag with the CJTF-HOA Crest on the front," said Hunt. "Anyone who has logged onto a computer or read the Horn Courier here knows exactly what the crest looks like.

"The crest is a symbol of all the hard work the men and women of the CJTF-HOA, regardless of their branch of service, have done to make Camp Lemonier what it is today," continued Hunt. "The new flag will represent American forces here at Camp Lemonier for as long as we have a presence in the Horn of Africa."

The flag was hand finished by Ann's Enterprises, Inc., a civilian company from Pittsburgh. After several businesses attempted to purchase the request from CJTF-HOA, Ms. Ann won the bid and reduced the cost to half price, for patriotic reasons.

According to Hunt, the history behind the HOA Crest originated in November 2002, while the CJTF command element was aboard USS Mt. Whitney. Every color and symbol on the flag has a meaning.

"The African spears represent the tribal heritage and warrior spirit in Africa. The shield shows we are the defenders of freedom and the protectors and defenders against terrorism. The five stars represent the Southern Cross, a constellation eagerly sought by travelers from the North, which can only be seen south of the equator. The torch is the light of liberty, representing freedom and hope, and the hand holding the torch is people stepping forward to light and lead the way of freedom. The number two is for the partnership that is needed to move forward in the war on terrorism, and finally, the color of the flag, desert sand, is our presence in the Horn of Africa," explained Hunt.

"The original design of the crest was based off inputs from all forces in the CJTF command element," said Marine Sgt. Christopher Santiago, protective service detail. "You can see the flag has common colors that unite all service members in the Horn of Africa. The blue lettering 'Combined Joint Task Force' represents the Air Force and the green lettering Horn of Africa represents the Marine Corps. The black boundaries throughout the region represents the Army, and the surrounding water and sea represents the Navy."

"The new flag demonstrates the power that has been established in the CJTF-HOA," said Navy Operation Specialist 2nd Class Marvin Barnes, HOA regional interface control officer.

"It standardizes the respect and responsibility the service members stationed at Camp Lemonier have for the future Marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen that serve in the Horn of Africa," said Marine Sgt. Matt Mancebo, commander's assistant driver.

The CJTF-HOA standards will be used for ceremonial purposes at Camp Lemonier and be carried on the same occasions as the national colors.


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20031038188/$file/DSC_0241-lowres.jpg

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa recently received its "Battle Standard" which represents the presence of American forces in the Horn of Africa supporting the counter-terrorism mission. Photo by: Sgt. Bradly Shaver

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/9798AD88B9B7A08385256DB400431D10?opendocument

Sempers,

Roger
:marine: