Djibouti VMM-161, 15th MEU, H-1 Det, Cobra

Djibouti VMM-161(REIN) 15th MEU (ACE) H-1 Det Cobra (Version 1) vintage style art.

VMM-161(REIN) H-1 Det or “DET 1”, originally out of HMLA-169 “Vipers” from Camp Pendleton, CA joined VMM-161 to become the H-1 Detachment for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit Aviation Combat Element (MEU ACE). During their 2015 deployment they have been based off the USS Anchorage (LPD-23) and have spent the majority of their time at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. They currently fly the H-1 upgrade aircraft (AH-1Z and UH-1Y).

Camp Lemonnier is a United States Naval Expeditionary Base, situated at Djibouti’s Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport and home to the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa of the U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM). It is the only permanent US military base in Africa. The camp is operated by U.S. Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia; CJTF-HOA is the most notable tenant command located at the facility as of 2008. It was established as the primary base in the region for the support of Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa (OEF-HOA). After negotiations between March and May 2001, the Djiboutian government allowed for the base’s use by the U.S., providing for demining, humanitarian, and counter-terrorism efforts, and it now serves as the location from which U.S. and Coalition forces are operating in the Horn of Africa. The access agreement made by officials from the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti with the Djiboutian government allows for use of the camp, as well as a nearby airport and port facilities.

To see Version 2 of this art (Huey out front) click HERE