CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti –
The Virginia National Guard’s Powhatan-based 180th Engineer Support Company officially begin their mission to support Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa with a transfer of authority ceremony Oct. 20, 2025, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. The 180th replaced the New York Army National Guard’s 152nd Engineer Support Company.
“To the senior leaders across CJTF-HOA and Camp Lemonnier, thank you for the support you’ve provided not only to the 152nd, but also in preparing the 180th for success,” said Capt. Catherine M. Bean, the 180th ESC commander in her TOA remarks. “We are eager to continue building on the strong foundation already established, and to uphold the high standards of discipline, safety and quality that this mission demands.”
In their first two weeks on the mission, Soldiers of the 180th partnered with Air Force and Marine Corps counterparts to move $750,00 worth of equipment to outstations and completed 28 engineer projects with a estimated $300,000 value in troop and labor costs.
Bean extended gratitude on behalf of the entire 180th ESC to the 152nd ESC and their leadership team.
“You have left an incredible mark across the Horn of Africa through your hard work, adaptability and dedication to excellence,” she said. “From fortifying force protection measures to supporting countless construction projects across multiple countries, you’ve set the bar high for what right looks like. It’s clear why your reputation preceded you, and we are honored to follow in your footsteps.”
She thanked the Soldiers of the 152nd for the warm welcome and smooth transition and said they paved the way for success
“You’ve completed your mission with honor, and your legacy will carry forward in the work we continue here,” Bean said.
Bean acknowledged the hard work the Soldiers of 180th put in to get them ready to assume the 152nd’s mission.
“You have trained relentlessly for this moment,” she said. “From the first formation of our mobilization to the long days at Fort Bliss and now here in Djibouti, you’ve demonstrated resilience, grit and pride in your craft.“
She told the Soldiers simply they were ready, and reminded them they don’t just build structures.
“We build trust, capability and partnerships that make this region and our world more secure,” she said. “Our impact will be measured not just in cubic yards or concrete pours, but in the professionalism and heart we bring to every task. Now it’s our turn to step up, dig deep and do the thing the way we always do: with pride, precision and purpose.”
She told the Soldiers of the 180th their chapter begins now.
“We will build, we will deliver, and we will return home stronger than we arrived,” Bean said.