TEANECK, N.J.—About 300 members of New Jersey’s National Guard on a nine-month deployment in Africa were welcomed home Nov. 30 by U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, who called their security efforts a “crucial role” in America’s continuing fight against terrorism.
The 280 members of the state’s National Guard 2nd battalion, 113th Infantry Regiment, spent nine months in East Africa stationed at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti as part of the
Combined Joint Task Force—Horn of Africa. They were honored in an official welcome-home ceremony at Teaneck National Guard Armory, Teaneck, by family members and dignitaries, including Gottheimer, state Assemblyman Gordon Johnson, top Army officials and aides to U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez.
‘U.S. response to 9/11’
U.S. Army officials said the Horn of Africa effort, which started under Operation Enduring Freedom, is part of America’s response to the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.
The African base provides a strategic outpost for related U.S. assistance and operations to African and Middle Eastern nations. It was established in December 2002.
Camp Lemonnier is located on the strategic Gulf of Aden, a gateway to the Red Sea and Suez Canal, across the Bab al-Mandab Strait from Yemen.
The Combined Joint Task Force—Horn of Africa is the only permanent U.S. military base in Africa.
The New Jersey National Guard officers, based in Teaneck and officially known as Task Force Warrior, took over joint force operations on March 15, 2019 from the Texas Army National Guard, 1st Battalion, 141st Infantry Regiment, known as Task Force Alamo.
Over their deployment, the 280 New Jersey National Guard members engaged in a variety of operations including drilling wells for clean water, building schools, and improving roadways and medical facilities.
Other efforts included working with partner nations to improve regional/national stability and security, engineering and humanitarian support, and civilian programs to improve medical, dental and veterinary care, security training for border and coastal areas, and improvised explosive detection training.
All told, approximately 1,800 U.S. military, civilians, and representatives of coalition and partner nations comprise the combined joint task force in the Horn of Africa.
The combined task force’s operations—to secure and protect U.S. personnel and property—encompassed an area nearly half the size of the continental United States, according to published reports.
The New Jersey battalion returned on Nov. 29.
“I know that the 2nd Battalion of the 113th Infantry represents the best of our citizen-force. You come together from nearly every station and walk of life for a common purpose: to defend the United States of America and everything we represent—our democracy, our freedoms, our strength, and all of our opportunities. E pluribus unum—out of many, one,” said Gottheimer, who represents New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District.
“When the United States and our allies face increasing challenges in Africa and the Middle East nearly every day, it is imperative that we continue to demonstrate strength and offer stability in these crucial theaters. That is why your efforts at the Combined Joint Task Force—Horn of Africa are essential. You all have played a crucial role in that, and you’ve had a direct, positive impact on this nation and on the security of our allies,” said Gottheimer.
In October 2008, responsibility for the Combined Joint Task Force was transferred to the United States Africa Command, known as USAFRICOM, which assumed authority over the U.S. forces in the region.
More information about Joint Task Force activities can be found at: www.hoa.africom.mil.
Photos courtesy U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer
