MONROVIA, Liberia – Members of Operation Onward Liberty joined Armed Forces of Liberia soldiers and their families at Edward Binyah Kesselly Military Barracks to welcome home AFL soldiers from Operation Restore Hope, Sept. 25.

Approximately 200 AFL soldiers returned from the border of Côte d’Ivoire after a 90 day deployment conducting border security operations and a relief in place with other elements of the AFL.
Operation Restore Hope marks the largest forward deployment of AFL forces since they were re-formed in 2005. The AFL are acting as part of a Joint Task Force with the Liberian National Police and the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization to control the border of Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire in order to deny Ivorian Rebels the use of Liberian soil as a staging ground for attacks.

Family members and fellow soldiers cheered as the trucks carrying the returning men and women pulled into the base. The soldiers were in high spirits as well, cheering and chanting upon their return.

Once arrived, the soldiers gathered in formation to officially announce the successful return and hear some words of gratitude from distinguished speakers.

“We are proud of you,” said David Dahn, Liberian assistant minister of public affairs. “You have demonstrated great leadership.”

Mentors from OOL played a large role in preparing the troops for this deployment.

The mission of OOL began in 2010 and consists of approximately 50 service members from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and the Michigan Army National Guard who serve as mentors and advisers to AFL soldiers.

The successful return of AFL soldiers from this deployment marks a huge step towards OOL’s goal of helping to establish the AFL as a professional army that is operationally capable and a force for good among the Liberian people.

David Dahn recognized this accomplishment.

“This is the beginning of the force we are building,” said Dahn. “We are very proud of the OOL training. We will continue to support you to be a force for good, and can look back and say we owe it to America.”

Maj. Prince Johnson III, AFL assistant operations officer also addressed the group.

“I’m so proud of you for the progress you have made in such a short time,” said Johnson. “You have left the operational environment but we should not lose focus; the mission continues.”
Maj. Johnson then released the soldiers to celebrate with friends and family.

“Thank you for a job well done,” he said.

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