Gutierrez Arrives In Djibouti

Camp Lemonier, Horn of Africa – After 24 plus hours of plane fights and delays, HM2 Gutierrez finally arrived at Camp Lemonier, Djibouti, Horn of Africa on Saturday, March 4th marking the beginning of planned six month rotational deployment with a Marine Security Company out of Camp Pendleton, California.

This journey to Africa marks a first for Petty Officer Gutierrez as it is his initial visit to this continent.

The legs of the journey, which lead him here, are few. There was a brief stay for fuel in Bangor, Maine. Despite being unable to take in the cool and snowy Thursday evening, there was much fun and relaxation to be had. Many of the Marines spent their time buying miscellaneous gifts, sundries and comfort items from the airport gift shop, taking in a quick snack at the lounge or settling down to email and internet connections while waiting for the plane to resume its journey.

Once airborne again, the flight commenced to Frankfurt, Germany. There the band encountered less than favorable weather conditions that forced the delay of their arrival in Djibouti. Despite the airport staffs best efforts to de-ice the aircraft and get it airborne once again, Mother Nature and her continued dusting of snow was victorious in grounding all flight traffic to a halt.

After an 8-hour delay, the group was airborne once again. Traveling all night long, the weary band of brothers arrived on Djiboutian soil on the mid-morning of 04 March 2006.

The group was greeted by the advance party and quickly shuttled off to base where they received a rousing welcome of thanks from the current post security company to which they will be relieving shortly.


Originally published 08 March 2006 on the blog "Totum dependeat (Let it all hang out!)"