 During his time there, the Task Force completed over 300 counterdrug interdictions and support missions along the southwest U.S. border.Ayala was then stationed in Cherry Point, North Carolina as part of the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, where he held several positions, including commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, and the J4 Operations Officer supporting Operation Sea Signal (JTF-160) at Guantanamo Bay Cuba (refugee operations).In 2001, he was assigned to Headquarters, United States European Command in Stuttgart, Germany as its humanitarian assistance branch chief.