Deployment allows Yuma Marines to perform humanitarian mission

Yuma-based Marines participated in a humanitarian mission while on a recently completed eight-month deployment to the Horn of Africa.
 
Fifteen Marines from Marine Aircraft Group 13 and Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 worked with the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa supporting area and port security at Naval Base Camp Lemonier, Djibouti.
 
The Yuma Marines, who have since returned to Yuma, did more than provide the area with security.
 
More than 120 humanitarian missions were made to local villages. For example, a water well in Chebellier, Djibouti, was filled with infested algae and debris. The unit built a well cover to protect the water from the outside elements.
 
The battalion worked with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit to build a water distribution center in Nagad, Djibouti, as well as repair multiple schools in the area. In addition, the Marines gave school supplies, shoes and sports equipment to local schools.
 
Marines with the unit taught English classes for the national and military police and as well as children.
 
The most fulfilling experience of the deployment was the ability to teach at an orphanage to Djibouti girls, said Cpl. Sara Foley, MAG-13 intelligence analyst.
 Before reaching the country, the 15 Yuma Marines went through three months of pre-deployment training to revamp skills learned in Marine Combat Training as well as learn new ones.
 
Urban assault scenarios were a main part of the pre-deployment training, said Foley.
 
As an intelligence analyst, Foley used the same skills in country as she does stateside.
 
Djibouti is a key port for human traffickers to cross the Red Sea en route to the Middle East, said Foley, a Fort Worth, Texas, native.
 
The job in country changed dramatically from what they are used to in Yuma for others.
 
Pfc. Leon Farr, a powerline mechanic for Yuma-based Marine Attack Squadron 214, participated in mounted patrols, provided port security and trained with Djibouti military and police.
 
"It was pretty calm the entire time we were there. Occasionally, suspicious vehicle would take a picture of camp, and we would chase them to ask questions," said Farr, a Burleson, Texas, native.
 
The weather was especially challenging in September when the unit first arrived. The heat index was more than 130 degrees, said Farr, 21.
 
Lifelong memories developed during the few times of liberty the Marines were able to experience.
 
"I will never forget the first time I got to go scuba diving in the Red Sea. I couldn't believe how beautiful it was," said Foley, 24, who went to Iraq with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing in 2005.
 
Marines were able to experience Djibouti culture by going to the city and exploring the area.
 
Foley said in Iraq she was unable to really experience the country because operational tempo and security kept her on base most of the time. However, in Djibouti she was able to fight terrorism as well as experience a country.

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This story is reprinted from The Desert Warrior, the newspaper of  Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.