CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti -- The Command Logistics Element, Marine Central Command, assumed control of base operations here Feb. 9 with the arrival of the last 90 members of the unit.
The Command Logistics Element is comprised of approximately 300 Marines and sailors from the 4th Force Service Support Group, New Orleans, La.; Military Police Detachment, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Belle Chasse, La.; and Company A, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment, Grand Rapids, Mich.; among others.
The Command's members include logisticians, supply specialists, communication's specialists, military police, medical personnel and a reinforced infantry company.
Many of the unit's Marines are reservists who were recently activated in support of the global war against terrorism. While at Camp Lemonier, CLE will operate in direct support of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.
The mission of CJTF-HOA is to detect, disrupt and defeat transnational terrorist groups in the region and support coalition partner efforts to deny the opportunity for the reemergence of terrorist networks in the Horn of Africa region.
"We will succeed," said Col. Mario LaPaix, commanding officer, CLE, "by maintaining a high security presence-internally and externally."
LaPaix formally assumed command of Camp Lemonier, Jan. 26 after the initial members of the CLE arrived here. As commanding officer he places a high priority on working with the local community.
"We will continue to expand our community relations efforts," Lapaix said. "We want to fortify a good relationship between the local community and our presence here."
There are currently more than 1,300 military personnel, from all U.S. services, at Camp Lemonier, as well as representatives from coalition partners working in the region. CLElement is responsible for daily operations aboard the camp including engineering, communications, supply and security.