News>3rd Air Force commander visits Camp Lemonnier
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CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin, 3rd Air Force commander, and Airmen recite the Airman’s Creed during an Air Force Commander’s Call at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s building 11 Degrees North June 26, 2012. Franklin visited Camp Lemonnier to meet with leadership of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa as well as other U.S. Air Force assets and spoke to Airmen about how to make the most of their time while deployed to Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lael Huss)
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Craig A. Franklin, 3rd Air Force commander, speaks to Airmen during an Air Force Commander’s Call at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s 11 Degrees North building June 26, 2012. Franklin gave Airmen advice on how to make the most of their time while deployed to Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lael Huss)
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin, 3rd Air Force commander, speaks to Airmen during an Air Force Commander’s Call at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation’s 11 Degrees North building June 26, 2012. Franklin spoke about making the best of one’s time while deployed by continuing education opportunities, volunteerism and diplomacy. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lael Huss)
CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Craig A. Franklin, 3rd Air Force commander, is greeted by Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa personnel upon his arrival here June 25, 2012. Franklin visited Camp Lemonnier to meet with CJTF-HOA leadership and other U.S. Air Force assets. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Lael Huss)
by Senior Airman Lael Huss
Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Public Affairs
6/28/2012 - CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti -- U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Craig A. Franklin, 3rd Air Force commander, visited Airmen assigned to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa and other U.S. Air Force assets here June 25-26.
Third Air Force plans, deploys, employs, sustains and redeploys Airmen supporting combatant commanders in Africa and Europe.
While here, the general met with CJTF-HOA Commander, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Rob Baker, and toured several Air Force tenant units located at Camp Lemonnier. He also attended the Air Force Commander's Call June 26, where he presented two airmen with the Air Force Commendation Medal for demonstrating exemplary wingmanship and leadership qualities for heroic acts.
Franklin then gave Airmen advice on how to make the most of their time while deployed to Djibouti.
"I think the secret to deployments is not to count the days ... but rather get up every day and say 'I'm going to make this day count,'" said Franklin.
He stressed the importance of military members making improvements to their work area and leaving the deployed environment a better place for personnel rotating in after them.
"The focus should be 'what can I contribute to the joint fight here, to the joint effort here ...' and particularly to [helping] the people in the eastern portion of Africa in support of [CJTF-HOA]," said Franklin.
He also touched on the significance of staying physically fit and taking the opportunity to pursue higher education during a deployment.
"Being on one of these deployments is an opportunity to turn over a new leaf and get in shape," said Franklin. "It's (also) a great time to knock out some college courses whether for your bachelor's or master's degrees. You'll see you're education aspects skyrocket significantly."
Stressing the importance of being diplomats to the Djiboutian people and giving back to the local community whenever possible, Franklin said, "treat your Djiboutian hosts and co-workers with respect and kindness so we don't wear out our welcome here to our host nations."
In closing, Franklin also commented on the importance of familial support and expressed his appreciation to the families and friends of the deployed military members serving in Africa.
"I know it's a stretch on families to be deployed," said Franklin. "Please thank [your families] on my behalf for their service as well. We couldn't do it without [their] support."
