After 14 months, I am finally leaving the wonderful African country of Djibouti. First of all, let me say that Djibouti is not in Hell, but you can see it from
here. Djibouti is in the area called by some "The Horn of Africa". After you have been here, you really know it is in the "Armpit of
Africa".
I have been working at a "Naval Expeditionary Base". Compared to the Army or Air Force, what the Navy doesn't know about operating an expeditionary base would fill volumes. First of all they need to recognize that this place is NOT a ship. I suppose I am biased, though. I previously worked at an ISAF base whose procedures were about 3 times better than any US base.
I might miss a few things here, though. Eating from paper plates, drinking from styrofoam cups, and using plastic utensils. Then smelling the stench when these items are burned every night. I might also miss the aroma of a port-a john in the 115 degree summer heat. Or the smell of diesel exhaust covering the entire compound when the winds are calm. Or going to work in the at 0800 when the temperature is already 95. Then again, I might not miss them.
It has been quite an experience working with the Marines and Navy. After a 30+ year career in the Air Force, and working with some very sharp Airmen, I can only shake my head at the competence of the troops I had to work with here. Recruiting standards aren't what they used to be.
This forum has been very interesting reading while I've been here. In the future I hope to be able to participate in a more timely manner. I didn't feel right about coming back from downrange and trying to jump into a 4 day old thread. So thanks to everyone here for some interesting diversion and I hope to join in more in the future.
I have been working at a "Naval Expeditionary Base". Compared to the Army or Air Force, what the Navy doesn't know about operating an expeditionary base would fill volumes. First of all they need to recognize that this place is NOT a ship. I suppose I am biased, though. I previously worked at an ISAF base whose procedures were about 3 times better than any US base.
I might miss a few things here, though. Eating from paper plates, drinking from styrofoam cups, and using plastic utensils. Then smelling the stench when these items are burned every night. I might also miss the aroma of a port-a john in the 115 degree summer heat. Or the smell of diesel exhaust covering the entire compound when the winds are calm. Or going to work in the at 0800 when the temperature is already 95. Then again, I might not miss them.
It has been quite an experience working with the Marines and Navy. After a 30+ year career in the Air Force, and working with some very sharp Airmen, I can only shake my head at the competence of the troops I had to work with here. Recruiting standards aren't what they used to be.
This forum has been very interesting reading while I've been here. In the future I hope to be able to participate in a more timely manner. I didn't feel right about coming back from downrange and trying to jump into a 4 day old thread. So thanks to everyone here for some interesting diversion and I hope to join in more in the future.
