Company C, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry, Lewis Run, served as part of Task Force Paxton spending nine months providing operational security and crisis response across outstations in the Horn of Africa. This month they returned home transferring authority to the 111th Infantry Regt., also with the 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard.
“The Horn of Africa rotation allowed the unique opportunity for Soldiers of Task Force Paxton to work in a Joint environment,” said Lt. Col. Eric Ponzek, commander Task Force Paxton. “Carnage Company (company C’s nickname) worked closely with Air Force, Navy, and Marines while stationed in Djibouti and Somalia. They partnered with the Djiboutians, French, Italian and Japanese forces. I am very proud of the leadership and soldiers and their work with our allies.”
Last month U.S. Africa Command Chief, U.S. Marine, Gen. Michael Langly said in a Voice of America, Africa, interview that the ISIS threat in Somalia has grown two-fold in the past year. Ponzek said he stressed the importance of resiliency and the fight against complacency.
“They had a difficult mission,” said Ponzek. “They had to deal with the unforgiving environment 24/7 and remain prepared for any threats.”
“The overall mission of Carnage Company was area defense of Camp Lemonier, Djibouti,” said Carnage Company Commander, Capt. Matt Cirell. “This base is owned by the U.S. Navy and our unit augmented their security forces of Camp Lemonnier in support of operations in East Africa and contingency operations [missions if called on]. This included defending Camp Lemmonier from all ground and aerial threats.”
“One accomplishment of the unit was participating as the decisive operation during a training exercise called “Exercise Bull Shark,” said Cirell. “Third platoon led by First Lt. Tyler Glunt and Sgt. First Class Jonathan McCune participated in a multi-day combined arms training exercise involving the Djiboutian Army, the French Army, and small units from Spanish Special Operations units. This exercise involved training in ground assault operations, air assault operations and medical evacuation operations.”
“I could not be more proud of the Soldiers of Carnage Company,” said Cirell. “They all answered their nation’s call to service which speaks volumes about their commitment to their duty. Many Soldiers, like Sgt. First Class Hoskinson had to perform jobs for which they were given no training or guidance. They simply adapted to their environment, and they got the job done.”
