Somalia Deployment

[LemonBasil]

What can I include in a "care" package to U. S. Navy Sailor daughter who is to be in Somalia for at least seven months?

[LemonBasil]

Thank you, Concerned.  Seven months, in a tent, is a long time to be camping as far as I'm concerned.  Getting a CARE package together.  Going to visit a "Camping World" retailer for ideas, keeping items small, compact.

[CryptoDad]

Tents? Nothing that primitive at Camp Lemonnier. Try air conditioned shipping containers.

Containerized Living Units, known as CLUs.

[LemonBasil]

Well, that sounds to be a lot better than what she and another have told me.  And there is absolutely no way to communicate with her except the snail mail.  I wouldn't even know how to inform her of a family emergency!

[Anti M]

In case of emergency, you call the Red Cross.  You'd need her SSN, they contact her command, and the command sends someone to break whatever bad news there is to her in person.  This is for dire emergencies, of course.

[CryptoDad]

CLUs at Camp Lemonnier

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/installations/camp_lem...

Living Quarters

Staff members assigned to Camp Lemonnier are berthed in facilities known as Containerized Living Units or “CLUs". The standard CLU is much like the shipping containers or CONEX boxes you might have seen being pulled by trucks or down at the port being loaded onto container ships. The CLUs can be stacked and arranged neatly to form their own sort of community here at the camp.

Each unit typically has a door on one end, with a window and a robust air conditioner. Inside, units may have a bathroom with shower to the other end with a wall and door separating it from the main living compartment where your bed, desk and sea chest are found. The walls are paneled and the floors are linoleum for easy cleaning.

E-7 and above will typically be entitled to their own room with shower and bathroom facilities shared with another person. Some units for mid to senior officers will have their own bathroom facilities. E-6 and below will share a room and use community shower facilities. Keep in mind that your assignment to quarters may require some flexibility since personnel are rotating on a nearly continuous basis.

Standard electrical power comes from 220 volt outlets which is higher than the 110 volt system used in the U.S. If you bring portable electronic items, make sure they are suitable for the 220 system. Many of today’s electronics are dual use for both 110 and 220 systems; check the back of the plug to confirm. If you bring a dual-voltage item, be sure to bring a universal adaptor kit to configure the plug for use here in Djibouti.

Linens are provided by billeting when you check in and can be exchanged weekly. Potable drinking water is available in many areas around the base.

Internet connectivity varies depending on your billeting assignment. Some CLUs typically reserved for senior personnel will have hard line ADSL connections next to your desk. Most CLUs will rely on the wireless Internet service available here at Camp Lemonnier.

Connecting to the wireless network inside your CLU can be a challenge and many people will bring a wireless antenna to post outside their CLU; you can also buy one from someone rotating out. There are a number of solid wireless hotspots located throughout the camp for you as well.

[CryptoDad]

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/installations/camp_lem...

Staying Connected

Like most military deployments, reporting to Camp Lemonnier means separation from family and friends. Being separated does not mean you need to be disconnected from the birthday parties, school activities, anniversaries and other important happenings going on back home.

Thanks to the ever-growing array of communication tools, your ability to share your experiences with people back home is easier than ever. To help you stay in touch, here are some tips you can work to set up before you leave home to make the distance seem just a bit shorter:

• Bring your laptop computer. Many people coming to Camp Lemonnier use their laptop computer to access personal e-mail accounts, blogs, video Webcasting, and other social media sites during their off hours. Internet connections, including WiFi, are available in the MWR facilities here at the camp. Bandwidth can be limited to run some of these programs, especially during peak hours of Internet use.
• Set up a photo sharing site. Want to show people where you are and what you’re doing during your time here? Set up an account on a photo sharing site like Flickr where you can upload your personal photos so family and friends can see them back home.
• Use your social media accounts. Thanks to the Internet access available here at Camp Lemonnier, you can continue to use your Twitter, Facebook and other social media accounts to provide updates on what’s happening during your deployment. Just remember that everything you post should adhere to acceptable operational security practices.
• Pre-address some envelopes and cards. In a world of electronic communication, there is still something special about a handwritten card or letter. Before you leave for Camp Lemonnier, write out your name and address and put postage stamps on some plain envelopes or blank cards. This way you make it a bit easier for family and friends to write out a note or card, place it in the envelope, and drop it in any U.S. Postal Service mailbox to send you a little something from home. Your Camp Lemonnier sponsor should be able to provide your unit’s mailing address prior to your arrival.
• Bring your own personal contact list. By bringing along a list of key names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses, you can also work to stay in touch with friends and family around the world while you are away.
   

 

[CryptoDad]

http://www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnreurafswa/installations/camp_lem...

What to Bring

Important: You will likely be issued many of the items listed below during in-processing and prior to departure for Camp Lemonnier, including uniforms, boots, and a laundry bag . It is suggested that you do not buy any items listed below for your deployment until you have gone through all phases of gear issue. Check with your service-specific deployment center Web site for more details.

Your standard deployment pack-out should provide the necessary things you need to perform your job here at Camp Lemonnier. Coupled with the essential items provided by the camp, such as pillows and linens, and some personal items, you will be prepared to succeed here. A good list of suggested items you may use or need includes:

• Uniform items, including boots
• Undershirts – six to eight is a good number
• Underwear – six to eight
• Socks – six to eight pair
• PT gear – more than one set is best
• PT shoes
• Sunglasses
• Shaving kit
• Hair brush
• Medications
• Specialty toiletries – you can buy all of the basics (shampoo, soap, shaving cream, etc.) here at the Navy Exchange
• Towel – two at a minimum
• Washcloth – two at a minimum
• Shower shoes
• Checkbook
• American cash
• Medical and dental records
• Padlocks for your gear locker
• Laundry bag
• Civilian clothes and shoes. Many people set these aside and send them to Camp Lemonnier via the U.S. Postal Service
• Swimsuit

 

Many people include some other “nice to bring” things in their bags or they have family and friends send them. Here are a few suggestions on things you may want to plan for, keeping in mind that you have to carry whatever you bring:

• A laptop computer, bag and charger.
• An inexpensive digital camera
• Music, movies or an MP3 player – MP3 players can only be worn indoors or on the running track on base.
• A few photos of friends and family
• A few drawings or letters from your kids
• Books or favorite magazines

 

[LemonBasil]

CryptoDad!  Thank you ever-so-much!  I have been so very fearful of what to say and what to send to my Navy girl, that I haven't sent anything - yet.  You've lightened my anxieties.  Phew.

[LemonBasil]

Thank you, Anti M. 

[judy r]

In addition to AntiM's comments you will need ss# dob, command name (eg.USSMustin ddg87) type of emergency name of dr and phone# or if funeral name of the funeral home and phone#. I keeps# in phone directory at home not in my cell. 

[LemonBasil]

Thank you, Judy.  I don't have an emergency at present.  Was just wondering and this is excellent to know.  I don't have the command name, but I do have the other info without a Doc or funeral home info involved at this time - thank goodness.