Interpreter bridges cultural barriers between U.S. military and Djiboutian community

Across the world, building strong relationships takes good communication. But what happens when you don't speak the same language? Fatouma Omar Guedi is an interpreter for Civil Affairs Functional Specialty Team, Southern European Task Force – Africa. Fatouma speaks four languages fluently (English, Somali, Afar and French) and is learning more. Fatouma uses her knowledge to aid U.S. military humanitarian missions within Djibouti, Africa. The ability to overcome the language barrier between the U.S. and African partners is critical to building trust and goodwill between the U.S. and the Djiboutian community and governing officials. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Andrew Kobialka)



By Senior Airman Andrew Kobialka Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti Sep 09, 2021
More in Media Room
Bringing the Heat during Medical Cold Load Training
DJIBOUTI- U.S. Army combat medics from Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard assembled on the tarmac to conduct joint medical evacuation cold-load training aboard a KC-130J aircraft at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 5, 2024. Medics participated in casualty evacuation operations by working with flight medical personnel and aircraft crew-members in the event that life saving measures and medical evacuation are requested. The purpose of the training is to ensure interoperability with key U.S. military assets to expedite patient transfers to and from an aircraft in the event life saving measures and medical evacuation are requested.
Read more
CJTF-HOA & Camp Lemonnier Host K9 Veterans Day 5K & Military Dog Demonstrations
Service members stationed at Camp Lemonnier engaged in a spirited 5K run, setting the stage for a showcase of precision and discipline by the highly trained K9 units. From detection training to patrol work and obedience drills, attendees witnessed the unwavering dedication and readiness of these canine teams.
Read more
VMM-261 (REIN) KC-130J Detachment “Bronco”: Partners in the Skies of Djibouti
U.S. Marines with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (REIN) KC-130J Detachment "Bronco" conducted a joint refueling mission over Djibouti, Africa on March 25th.
Read more
More in Media Room
Bringing the Heat during Medical Cold Load Training
DJIBOUTI- U.S. Army combat medics from Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard assembled on the tarmac to conduct joint medical evacuation cold-load training aboard a KC-130J aircraft at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 5, 2024. Medics participated in casualty evacuation operations by working with flight medical personnel and aircraft crew-members in the event that life saving measures and medical evacuation are requested. The purpose of the training is to ensure interoperability with key U.S. military assets to expedite patient transfers to and from an aircraft in the event life saving measures and medical evacuation are requested.
Read more
CJTF-HOA & Camp Lemonnier Host K9 Veterans Day 5K & Military Dog Demonstrations
Service members stationed at Camp Lemonnier engaged in a spirited 5K run, setting the stage for a showcase of precision and discipline by the highly trained K9 units. From detection training to patrol work and obedience drills, attendees witnessed the unwavering dedication and readiness of these canine teams.
Read more
VMM-261 (REIN) KC-130J Detachment “Bronco”: Partners in the Skies of Djibouti
U.S. Marines with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (REIN) KC-130J Detachment "Bronco" conducted a joint refueling mission over Djibouti, Africa on March 25th.
Read more
More in Media Room
Bringing the Heat during Medical Cold Load Training
DJIBOUTI- U.S. Army combat medics from Task Force Paxton, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Pennsylvania National Guard assembled on the tarmac to conduct joint medical evacuation cold-load training aboard a KC-130J aircraft at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, March 5, 2024. Medics participated in casualty evacuation operations by working with flight medical personnel and aircraft crew-members in the event that life saving measures and medical evacuation are requested. The purpose of the training is to ensure interoperability with key U.S. military assets to expedite patient transfers to and from an aircraft in the event life saving measures and medical evacuation are requested.
Read more
CJTF-HOA & Camp Lemonnier Host K9 Veterans Day 5K & Military Dog Demonstrations
Service members stationed at Camp Lemonnier engaged in a spirited 5K run, setting the stage for a showcase of precision and discipline by the highly trained K9 units. From detection training to patrol work and obedience drills, attendees witnessed the unwavering dedication and readiness of these canine teams.
Read more
VMM-261 (REIN) KC-130J Detachment “Bronco”: Partners in the Skies of Djibouti
U.S. Marines with the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (REIN) KC-130J Detachment "Bronco" conducted a joint refueling mission over Djibouti, Africa on March 25th.
Read more