NORFOLK -- Dozens of sailors left Norfolk Monday for duty in the Horn of Africa.
After four months training in South Carolina and in Suffolk, they're ready to become part of Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, which works to get countries in that region to work together and prevent conflict.
The task force is in its eighth year and has provided clean water, schools, better roads and medical facilities in places like Djibouti.
Nearly half of that nation's 650,000 people are considered poor, according to the World Bank. 10-percent can't afford food. The annual per capita income in the nation is $780.00.
"I'm really looking forward to going out there and helping the people of Africa to sustain themselves and live a better life," said Sr. Chief Billy Filer, one of the 57 sailors who left today .
Lt. j.g. Matt Manskar says it's a once in a lifetime chance.
"I never thought I'd go to Africa in my life, especially with the Navy," he added.
Cdr. John Schaper said, "It's well worth it because it's a good mission, helping the people of Africa."
More than 1,500 people from each branch of the U.S. military, civilian employees, coalition forces and partner nations make up the CJTF-HOA organization, which helps the countries of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Mauritius and Yemen.
