CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – Logistics Specialist 1st Class David A. Freeman serves as lead petty officer for the Consolidated Hazardous Material Reutilization and Inventory Program or CHRIMP at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.

Camp Lemonnier is the only enduring U.S. military base on the continent of Africa. The base sustains superior service to support combat readiness and security of ships, aircraft, detachments and personnel for regional and combatant command requirements. The base provides stability in the Horn of Africa and fosters positive U.S.- African Nations relations.

Freeman’s department recognized him as Member in the Spotlight for October 2020. He is responsible for monitoring all the new and stored Hazardous Material on camp. He also serves as lead petty officer for his watch duty section and as a training petty officer for camp.

He is a resident of Huntsville.

“My parents were big on rules and regulations of the house,” Freeman said. “Rules, like ‘If the sun is up, so are you,’ shaped me into someone who I feel is very successful in the Navy.”

“The U.S. Navy requires the best to keep our fleet ready for any test that comes before us,” Captain Kyle Schuman said. He is commanding officer of Camp Lemonnier. “Petty Officer Freeman is the epitome of these standards and represents sailors who personify the fighting spirit of America.”

Freeman has completed 11 deployments. “Seven of my deployments were while on active duty and four as a reservist,” Freeman said. “With that much time, comes time away from my wife and daughters. It’s always hard to be away from them. Fortunately, they’re all strong women that support me in all that I do.”

Freeman is proud that he and several family members have served in the Navy. “We are a sailor’s family of several generations,” he said. “It’s the family business to defend freedom, which is ironic considering our surname, is ‘Freeman.’”

“Community shapes the world we live in and the things we do,” Freeman said. “My father has always said, ‘Don’t get into the car if you don’t like the community driving it.’”

The Media Outreach Department with the Navy Office of Community Outreach in Millington, Tenn. produces these profiles. Petty Officer 2nd Class Natalia Murillo researched this article. For more information, visit outreach.navy.mil, Facebook/Navy Outreach, Twitter @NavyOutreach or Instagram @US_Navy_Outreach.