Djibouti : Photos

Discover every day Photographs of the various countries of Africa and the Caribbean

All the photos are from the photo sharing website flickr

Use the left menu to choose a country.

Alors chef!

Djibouti 2009

Echange

Djibouti 2009

Accueil

Djibouti 2009

Eco-Dome Djibouti

Volunteers of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and the 418th Civil Affairs Battalion construct an Eco-Dome prototype Aug. 27 in Djibouti. The Eco-Dome was engineered by the California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture to provide comfortable, economical and sustainable building solutions for impoverished and natural disaster stricken-areas. The design ensures the structure will be resistant to earthquakes, fire, flood and hurricanes.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kathrine McDowell

Civil Affairs soldiers and camp service members from different branches began building an Eco-Dome prototype Aug. 24 as a model for possible future construction endeavors in Djibouti and the Horn of Africa.

Eco-Domes, igloo-type structures built from stabilized earth, sandbags and barbed wire, are an inexpensive alternative to constructing brick-and-mortar structures.

“The idea came from a corporation called Cal-Earth out of California,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua Erickson, Company C, 418th Civil Affairs Battalion, team sergeant. “There was a situation in an area we couldn’t get materials to, and this could work perfectly for it.”

The prototype, built by a Civil Affairs team and volunteer service members stationed at Camp Lemonnier, will allow CA teams to determine whether it is feasible to build in other locations around the region, and whether the approach is of interest to Djiboutians.

“We thought it would be foolish to build the first one for someone to actually live in,” Erickson said. “We wanted to see if we could actually do it and if it is something Djiboutians would like. This is us building one to show them and to get a little practical experience on how to build them.”

If Djiboutians express a positive interest in the earth architecture prototypes, the CA team will teach them how to build them. The structures can be used for schools, community centers and health clinics, Erickson said. One company in the city of Djibouti has already indicated an interest in learning the earth architecture construction skills, he said.

When built properly, Eco-Dome structures can stand up to the elements.

“It’s fireproof, windproof, waterproof and earthquake- proof,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Kenneth Carmichael, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa strategic communications planner. Properly constructed domes can withstand magnitude 8 earthquakes, he said.

“It’s highly soundproof, and there are low bearings on the whole structure so it’s not going to lean and tip over,” Carmichael said.

Adopting earth architecture construction techniques could help Djiboutians in at least two ways, according to Carmichael.

CJTF-HOA currently spends $300,000-400,000 building schools, clinics and other structures, Carmichael said, and Eco-Domes could add significantly to the utility of those funds.

An Eco-Dome structure 10 feet in diameter, such as the camp prototype, costs less than $2,000 to build. A larger structure, 18-20 feet in diameter, can be built for less than $4,000.

“The goal is to build for capacity,” Carmichael said. “This structure is two things: It can be a school or any type of structure they want to make, but secondly, it’s a skill. It’s expeditionary economics.”

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica

Official YouTube video channel: www.youtube.com/usarmyafrica

Eco-Dome Djibouti

U.S. Army Sgt. Amanda Broome, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Surgeon Cell animal care specialist, works on the construction of an Eco-Dome prototype with the 418th Civil Affairs Battalion Aug. 27 in Djibouti. The Eco-Dome was engineered by the California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture to provide comfortable, economical and sustainable building solutions for impoverished and natural disaster stricken-areas. The design ensures the structure will be resistant to earthquakes, fire, flood and hurricanes.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kathrine McDowell

Civil Affairs soldiers and camp service members from different branches began building an Eco-Dome prototype Aug. 24 as a model for possible future construction endeavors in Djibouti and the Horn of Africa.

Eco-Domes, igloo-type structures built from stabilized earth, sandbags and barbed wire, are an inexpensive alternative to constructing brick-and-mortar structures.

“The idea came from a corporation called Cal-Earth out of California,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua Erickson, Company C, 418th Civil Affairs Battalion, team sergeant. “There was a situation in an area we couldn’t get materials to, and this could work perfectly for it.”

The prototype, built by a Civil Affairs team and volunteer service members stationed at Camp Lemonnier, will allow CA teams to determine whether it is feasible to build in other locations around the region, and whether the approach is of interest to Djiboutians.

“We thought it would be foolish to build the first one for someone to actually live in,” Erickson said. “We wanted to see if we could actually do it and if it is something Djiboutians would like. This is us building one to show them and to get a little practical experience on how to build them.”

If Djiboutians express a positive interest in the earth architecture prototypes, the CA team will teach them how to build them. The structures can be used for schools, community centers and health clinics, Erickson said. One company in the city of Djibouti has already indicated an interest in learning the earth architecture construction skills, he said.

When built properly, Eco-Dome structures can stand up to the elements.

“It’s fireproof, windproof, waterproof and earthquake- proof,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Kenneth Carmichael, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa strategic communications planner. Properly constructed domes can withstand magnitude 8 earthquakes, he said.

“It’s highly soundproof, and there are low bearings on the whole structure so it’s not going to lean and tip over,” Carmichael said.

Adopting earth architecture construction techniques could help Djiboutians in at least two ways, according to Carmichael.

CJTF-HOA currently spends $300,000-400,000 building schools, clinics and other structures, Carmichael said, and Eco-Domes could add significantly to the utility of those funds.

An Eco-Dome structure 10 feet in diameter, such as the camp prototype, costs less than $2,000 to build. A larger structure, 18-20 feet in diameter, can be built for less than $4,000.

“The goal is to build for capacity,” Carmichael said. “This structure is two things: It can be a school or any type of structure they want to make, but secondly, it’s a skill. It’s expeditionary economics.”

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica

Official YouTube video channel: www.youtube.com/usarmyafrica

Joint Mission in Djibouti

U.S. Army Africa Commander, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, greets Rear Adm. Brian Losey, CJTF-HOA commander, on arrival at Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Aug. 16, 2010.

U.S. Army photo by Capt. Mickey West

On his first visit to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Aug. 17, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, who assumed command of U.S. Army Africa June 10, described the similarities and differences vis-a-vis his previous assignment as deputy commanding general of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan.

“Both theaters are about building relationships with a variety of personnel to include U.S. embassies, host nation — or nations in the case of Africa; it is about training the trainer, partnerships and capacity building,” said Hogg.

U.S. Army Africa stood up in 2008 as the Army Service Component Command for U.S. Africa Command to conduct sustained security partnering with African land forces to promote security, stability and peace.

“Here in Africa, we are at phase zero trying to prevent conflict from happening in the future versus trying to end a conflict that is ongoing,” Hogg said.

As he transitions into command, Hogg said he has specific objectives in mind. High on his priority list is setting up the command; assigning personnel into positions where they are able to support U.S. Army forces; putting procedures in place to make travel and communication more effective within Africa; and ensuring Soldiers are receiving the appropriate training requirements before deploying to CJTF-HOA.

CJTF-HOA focuses on building friendships and creating partnerships that lead to African solutions to African challenges. This will be accomplished by improving security, increasing stability and strengthening the region’s independence, Hogg said.

“It is not about kicking in doors or four-man stacks, it’s about working with the locals, building capacity and being in support of the U.S. embassies,” he said.

Unlike theaters such as Iraq or Afghanistan, the mission in Africa is non-kinetic. “It is the soft power that is being used, and it shows a different side of the Americans that the locals see and hear,” said Hogg.

Since CJTF-HOA was established in 2002, it has incorporated diplomatic missions and humanitarian projects into its operations to win “hearts and minds” in areas that may be susceptible to terrorist recruitment.

Departing CJTF-HOA, Hogg had a simple message for all service members: “Thank you for a job well done. This is not an easy environment, but the mission is a good mission and there is progress being made in this region.”

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica

Official YouTube video channel: www.youtube.com/usarmyafrica

Joint Mission in Djibouti

U.S. Army Africa Commander, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, greets Brig. Gen. James Owens, CJTF-HOA deputy commander, on arrival at Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Aug. 16, 2010. Army Africa Command Sgt. Maj. Gary J. Bronson is at left.

U.S. Army photo by Capt. Mickey West

On his first visit to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Aug. 17, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, who assumed command of U.S. Army Africa June 10, described the similarities and differences vis-a-vis his previous assignment as deputy commanding general of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan.

“Both theaters are about building relationships with a variety of personnel to include U.S. embassies, host nation — or nations in the case of Africa; it is about training the trainer, partnerships and capacity building,” said Hogg.

U.S. Army Africa stood up in 2008 as the Army Service Component Command for U.S. Africa Command to conduct sustained security partnering with African land forces to promote security, stability and peace.

“Here in Africa, we are at phase zero trying to prevent conflict from happening in the future versus trying to end a conflict that is ongoing,” Hogg said.

As he transitions into command, Hogg said he has specific objectives in mind. High on his priority list is setting up the command; assigning personnel into positions where they are able to support U.S. Army forces; putting procedures in place to make travel and communication more effective within Africa; and ensuring Soldiers are receiving the appropriate training requirements before deploying to CJTF-HOA.

CJTF-HOA focuses on building friendships and creating partnerships that lead to African solutions to African challenges. This will be accomplished by improving security, increasing stability and strengthening the region’s independence, Hogg said.

“It is not about kicking in doors or four-man stacks, it’s about working with the locals, building capacity and being in support of the U.S. embassies,” he said.

Unlike theaters such as Iraq or Afghanistan, the mission in Africa is non-kinetic. “It is the soft power that is being used, and it shows a different side of the Americans that the locals see and hear,” said Hogg.

Since CJTF-HOA was established in 2002, it has incorporated diplomatic missions and humanitarian projects into its operations to win “hearts and minds” in areas that may be susceptible to terrorist recruitment.

Departing CJTF-HOA, Hogg had a simple message for all service members: “Thank you for a job well done. This is not an easy environment, but the mission is a good mission and there is progress being made in this region.”

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica

Official YouTube video channel: www.youtube.com/usarmyafrica

Joint Mission in Djibouti

U.S. Army Africa Commander, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, greets American personnel on arrival at Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Aug. 16, 2010.

U.S. Army photo by Capt. Mickey West

On his first visit to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Aug. 17, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, who assumed command of U.S. Army Africa June 10, described the similarities and differences vis-a-vis his previous assignment as deputy commanding general of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan.

“Both theaters are about building relationships with a variety of personnel to include U.S. embassies, host nation — or nations in the case of Africa; it is about training the trainer, partnerships and capacity building,” said Hogg.

U.S. Army Africa stood up in 2008 as the Army Service Component Command for U.S. Africa Command to conduct sustained security partnering with African land forces to promote security, stability and peace.

“Here in Africa, we are at phase zero trying to prevent conflict from happening in the future versus trying to end a conflict that is ongoing,” Hogg said.

As he transitions into command, Hogg said he has specific objectives in mind. High on his priority list is setting up the command; assigning personnel into positions where they are able to support U.S. Army forces; putting procedures in place to make travel and communication more effective within Africa; and ensuring Soldiers are receiving the appropriate training requirements before deploying to CJTF-HOA.

CJTF-HOA focuses on building friendships and creating partnerships that lead to African solutions to African challenges. This will be accomplished by improving security, increasing stability and strengthening the region’s independence, Hogg said.

“It is not about kicking in doors or four-man stacks, it’s about working with the locals, building capacity and being in support of the U.S. embassies,” he said.

Unlike theaters such as Iraq or Afghanistan, the mission in Africa is non-kinetic. “It is the soft power that is being used, and it shows a different side of the Americans that the locals see and hear,” said Hogg.

Since CJTF-HOA was established in 2002, it has incorporated diplomatic missions and humanitarian projects into its operations to win “hearts and minds” in areas that may be susceptible to terrorist recruitment.

Departing CJTF-HOA, Hogg had a simple message for all service members: “Thank you for a job well done. This is not an easy environment, but the mission is a good mission and there is progress being made in this region.”

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica

Official YouTube video channel: www.youtube.com/usarmyafrica

Joint Mission in Djibouti

U.S. Army Africa Commander, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg (foreground), takes a question from Sgt. Derek Estes, 418th Civil Affairs Battalion, during a casual question and answer session joint service members during his first visit to Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Aug. 17, 2010.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Sheri Carter

U.S. Army photo by Capt. Mickey West
On his first visit to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Aug. 17, Maj. Gen. David R. Hogg, who assumed command of U.S. Army Africa June 10, described the similarities and differences vis-a-vis his previous assignment as deputy commanding general of Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan.

“Both theaters are about building relationships with a variety of personnel to include U.S. embassies, host nation — or nations in the case of Africa; it is about training the trainer, partnerships and capacity building,” said Hogg.

U.S. Army Africa stood up in 2008 as the Army Service Component Command for U.S. Africa Command to conduct sustained security partnering with African land forces to promote security, stability and peace.

“Here in Africa, we are at phase zero trying to prevent conflict from happening in the future versus trying to end a conflict that is ongoing,” Hogg said.

As he transitions into command, Hogg said he has specific objectives in mind. High on his priority list is setting up the command; assigning personnel into positions where they are able to support U.S. Army forces; putting procedures in place to make travel and communication more effective within Africa; and ensuring Soldiers are receiving the appropriate training requirements before deploying to CJTF-HOA.

CJTF-HOA focuses on building friendships and creating partnerships that lead to African solutions to African challenges. This will be accomplished by improving security, increasing stability and strengthening the region’s independence, Hogg said.

“It is not about kicking in doors or four-man stacks, it’s about working with the locals, building capacity and being in support of the U.S. embassies,” he said.

Unlike theaters such as Iraq or Afghanistan, the mission in Africa is non-kinetic. “It is the soft power that is being used, and it shows a different side of the Americans that the locals see and hear,” said Hogg.

Since CJTF-HOA was established in 2002, it has incorporated diplomatic missions and humanitarian projects into its operations to win “hearts and minds” in areas that may be susceptible to terrorist recruitment.

Departing CJTF-HOA, Hogg had a simple message for all service members: “Thank you for a job well done. This is not an easy environment, but the mission is a good mission and there is progress being made in this region.”

To learn more about U.S. Army Africa visit our official website at www.usaraf.army.mil

Official Twitter Feed: www.twitter.com/usarmyafrica

Official YouTube video channel: www.youtube.com/usarmyafrica