CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – Yeoman 1st Class John Paul Jones, a native of Grimes, Iowa, was recognized as the Camp Lemonnier Member in the Spotlight, September 30, 2019. Located in an austere environment, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti is a U.S. Navy base located in the Horn of Africa and is the only enduring U.S. military base on the continent of Africa.
“I am extremely proud of Petty Officer Jones and congratulate his on his nomination as the Camp Lemonnier Sailor petty officer in the Spotlight,” said Master Chief Andy Gray, command master chief of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. “It’s not easy being deployed from home to an environment like the one we have his, but Petty Officer Jones exemplifies the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment and is an outstanding representative of our command and our nation.”
Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti provides, operates, and sustains superior service in support of combat readiness and security of ships, aircraft, detachments and personnel for regional and combatant command requirements, enabling operations and providing stability in the Horn of Africa while fostering positive U.S.-African Nations relations.
Jones, a 2008 graduate of Madrid High School in Madrid, Iowa, credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Madrid.
“Professionally, I have been able to expand my knowledge and work with all sorts of diverse people from all different backgrounds,” said Jones.
A key element of the Navy that the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is dependent upon the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, 80 percent of the world’s population lives near a coast, and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“We demand the highest standards from our sailors both professionally and personally,” said Capt. Ken Crowe, commanding officer of Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti. “Petty Officer Jones is the epitome of these standards and his exemplary behavior is an example of how all military members should carry themselves every day as an ambassador of the United States of America at home and abroad.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Jones is most proud of receiving his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Pin while assigned to Camp Lemonnier.
“Studying, in addition to long active duty days, took so much time away from family and friends,” said Jones. “Mustering the strength to work through it all paid off in the end.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Jones and his sailors stationed at Camp Lemonnier know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I have learned so much working in a joint environment and have made many new friends,” said Jones. “This deployment to Camp Lemonnier has also allowed me to grow my children's college funds and retirement fund.”