NAVY SEABEES

Comment

Comment by steve on February 14, 2009 at 9:30am

thank you for the articles,much appreciated.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on February 13, 2009 at 8:46pm

A couple of articles you parents might find interesting:

Deployed Seabees Accomplish Public Works Projects
Story Number: NNS090213-09
Release Date: 2/13/2009 2:13:00 PM


By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SCW/SW/AW) Ronald Gutridge

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 have been tasked with many types of construction projects in various countries in East Africa, while deployed to the Horn of Africa (HOA) including the public works projects on board Camp Lemonier.

The equipment operators (EOs) were presented with many challenging opportunities to display their skills. One such project included repairing a running trail severely damaged after a storm. The EOs repaired the trail by adding several tons of fill and compacting, rolling, and replacing gravel that had been washed away. This provided a safe running surface for all personnel currently assigned to Camp Lemonier.

"I was taught the very basics of the equipment we [the Seabees] operate at 'A' school," said Equipment Operator Constructionman Apprentice Thomas Carroll of NMCB 4. "But now, from the knowledge I have gained on this deployment, I am fully confident that I can accomplish any task utilizing the equipment I am qualified to operate."

Steelworkers (SW) were also in high demand. An 11-foot chain link fence was constructed around the perimeter of the hazardous materials (hazmat) area. The frame for the fence called for the typical bolt together assembly type, but that would not meet the needs of fully securing the area. A decision was made to weld each section of the frame instead of bolting it together. Each section was carefully measured, fitted and welded into place, making the frame much more durable to support the chain link and withstand the harsh African weather for years to come.

"It is very important that the [hazmat] fence be constructed properly," said Steelworker 3rd Class Troy Franklin of NMCB 4. "The safety of the personnel throughout the camp depends on our quality of work, work that will last long after we are gone.

The builders (BU) of NMCB 4 Det. HOA also completed several upgrades around the camp. The Emergency Medical Facility ambulance driveway pad was replaced. The existing pad was deteriorating causing a driving hazard for the ambulances. The BUs teamed up with the EOs and started demolition on the pad. Once all the rubble was removed, a solid foundation of rebar and concrete was placed producing a new, safe ambulance driveway pad.

Builders were also needed to upgrade the area around the temporary berthing tents or "surge tents." The surge tents provide berthing for personnel in transit to and from the camp. There wasn't anything between the tents to walk on but dirt and rock. This created a huge problem when it rained, turning everything into mud.

"Not having a solid surface to walk on increases the chance for accidents and injuries, which affects the operational readiness of the detachment," said Builder 1st Class (SCW) Bruce Spradlin, NMCB 4 Det HOA Safety Supervisor. "Also, everybody trying to get to the latrine or showers while it is muddy makes a mess in both the tents and the bathroom facilities."

Seabees remedied this problem by constructing concrete sidewalks between all of the tents and leading to the latrine facilities. A semi-rough surface was applied to the sidewalks, vastly reducing the chance of slips and falls and creating a safe walkway.

As the Seabees of NMCB 4's Detachment HOA continue forging relationships, supporting development and promoting regional stability within the Horn of Africa, they will also continue to improve the moral and quality of life on board Camp Lemonier by providing safe, on time, quality construction.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb4/.



Seabees Receive Visit from Commander, U.S. Africa Command
Story Number: NNS090213-01
Release Date: 2/13/2009 6:08:00 AM


By Lt. Eric L. Martens, Detachment Horn of Africa, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4

MORONI, Union of Comoros (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. Africa Command, visited with the Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 in Moroni, Comoros Jan. 21.

Gen. William E. Ward met with a detail of 13 Seabees from NMCB 4, based out of Naval Base Ventura County, Calif., who have been deployed to Comoros since early August 2008 constructing the Hamramba Primary School.

Detail Comoros is constructing two, three-room classroom buildings and a latrine in Moroni. When completed, the school will accommodate approximately 250 students attending the U.S. equivalent of high school and junior college. The Seabees have completed all of the work by hand, excavating lava rock and placing the concrete foundations for the two buildings bucket by bucket. The building has been under construction since 2007 and will be completed later this year by NMCB 11. The school is being completed as a U.S. military humanitarian civic assistance project in support of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa.

After arriving to the site, Ward and Sgt. Major Mark Ripka were given a project tour by Builder 1st Class (SCW) Adam Beardsley, project supervisor. Ward was very interested in the project and was exceptionally impressed with the quality construction completed by the crew.

"He was extremely down to earth and easy to talk to, I was tremendously impressed that he took the time to visit our Det site" said Beardsley.

"With someone of his rank to come and say the work looks good and that we are making a difference really makes you feel good about what you are doing." added Builder 3rd Class Lance Shaw, project crew leader.

Ward was only scheduled to be onsite for approximately 30 minutes but ended up spending two hours on-site with the crew. He spent time speaking to each Seabee individually, shaking hands, sharing jokes, and he even spent time laying CMU block for one of the classroom buildings with the crew.

Builder Constructionman Justin Yascavage, who is on his first deployment, met the general.

"This was the first time I've ever met a general, let alone a four-star general. I was really nervous."

Before Ward left, he personally thanked each and every crew member for the outstanding work they have been doing and awarded them each with his command coin.

"It was a very memorable experience; that was the first time anything like that has happened to me. That's the first coin I've ever received and it was from a four-star general," stated Equipment Operator Constructionman Jimme Snaric.

The Seabees of NMCB 4's Detail Comoros will likely not forget their project visit from Commander, United States Africa Command. Their friends and families back home can be extremely proud of the work they have accomplished supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa. Although they only have a few short weeks left on site before turning the project over the NCMB 11, they will continue to press forward and accomplish their mission of forging relationships, supporting development and promoting regional stability within the Horn of Africa.

Detail Comoros is part of NMCB 4 Detachment Horn of Africa which is currently on a six month deployment in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb4/.

Comment by steve on February 13, 2009 at 10:48am

good day laurie.Yes she is hanging in there pretty good.This is the third young-un to leave home in the last 5 years so we are kinda used to it.I think the only problem is that in this situation there is no communications back home.I believe this situation is almost tougher on the other 3 kids than it is on my wife and i.
Should know here in the next couple of days which group he is in and then i think things will be a lot better on everyone concerned.
You said you had 1 son going into the seabees,what does your other child do?I hope your seabee enjoys operating heavy equip. as much as i have over the last twenty years.Makes going to work every day so much easier when you do a job that you really enjoy.
Well you have a good day and i will talk at ya later.Take care.

Comment by Laurie on February 13, 2009 at 4:15am

Steve, Tell mom to hang in their, BC is very hard on us mom's. It really does help, if she can join Navyfor moms and find the PIR date group. It helped me get through . I have 2 sons in the Navy. Didn't know about the groups until my second son went through last summer. Makes not hearing from them except once a week so much easier. We even had several stalking the mailman comments. Great place to be. We all share the pride for our children, and sometimes the rough times that they go though. We are all here to support each other.

Comment by steve on February 12, 2009 at 6:42pm

hi laurie, my son will be classified as a steelworker. He will be a structural welder.It has been his dream for years.His "A"school is going to be in california i think,but as anything with the military,everything is subject to change.He just got to BC. on Tuesday eve so his mom and i are just starting down the NAVY road.I started my military life in" Ft.lost in the woods misery",but that was many,many years ago.Hope he likes it there.Still not sure where my sons reg. duty station will be,but i believe he was gonna try for Ft. lewis or bangor naval base.

Comment by Laurie on February 12, 2009 at 3:05pm

Congrats to you and your son. My son did his "A" school at Ft. Leonardwood, Mo. He is an E.O. Where will you son be going to "A" school? My son really likes being a Seabee. He is homeported in Gulfport and loves it there.

Comment by steve on February 12, 2009 at 2:09pm

my son is just starting bc,but once he is done his 'A' school will be seabees in cali. i believe as a welder.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• …
• 34
• 35
• 36
• Next ›
• Page