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Sunset, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brandon Harrison

Three U.S. Army Africa Soldiers deployed to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Sept. 11-19 to support U.S. Army Europe’s G-4 branch in conducting Quality Assurance Inventory and Serviceability Inspections of munitions under the control of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.

The USARAF team accompanied and worked with William M. Ross, a Quality Assurance Specialist Ammunition Surveillance manager with USAREUR G-4.

“He worked side by side with us, pulled ammo boxes and inspected them, just like we did,” said Staff Sgt. Shawn A. Moldenhauer, USARAF G-4 Munitions Branch.

The mission was to validate ammunition supply serviceability and to help dispose of unserviceable munitions. Future inspections will likely be every six months going forward, Moldenhauer said.

“It went very well,” said Moldenhauer. “They helped us out with everything we needed, or at least they helped us find a solution. I guess the biggest thing was getting the correct paperwork, to see what our assets are. With the USARAF role changing every day, we’re just trying to help out any way we can down on the continent.”

“For me it was a great experience, handling ammo in the Horn of Africa, because I was actually doing my job,” said Sgt. Brandon Harrison. “Being there I got a chance to really get in depth on handling and inspecting ammunition. Working alongside of Sgt. 1st Class Febles, Staff Sgt. Moldenhauer and Mr. Ross, I learned a lot of useful information that couldn’t be taught in AIT and ALC.”

The mission was Harrison’s second to Africa, having deployed in November 2009 in support of Natural Fire 09 in Uganda. The inspection mission was more intense “because of the short suspense in completing the mission,” he said.

“It was hot; very hot,” said Moldenhauer. “We worked very long, hot days, from sun up to sun down. The camp itself is wonderful. I had a great time down there. I’d like to go back. We didn’t get to see a whole lot out in town because we were so busy, but everybody at CJTF was very welcoming. They were glad to have us there,” Moldenhauer said.

It was a first deployment to Africa for Moldenhauer, who hails from Milwaukee, Wis., and has been with USARAF since August of 2009.

Hopefully it will not be the last.

“I’m happy to be here, and I’m ready to go back,” he said.

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