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First and Finest Paves the Way for OEF

Navy Newsstand

12/14/2002 1:56:00 AM

By Chief Journalist Daniel Pearson, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 Public Affairs

BASILAN, Philippines (NNS) -- Deployed where there is no rear area, Seabees from U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 (NMCB-1) repaired roads and built bridges in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

On Basilan, Republic of the Philippines, island refuge of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group, the Seabees did more than improve access to remote areas of the island for the Philippine military. They enhanced living conditions for the people of Basilan.

During their time on Basilan, NMCB-1 Seabees repaired 18 kilometers of road around the island. "Before we got here, the road was almost impassable," said Equipment Operator 1st Class (SCW) Scott Daniels. "The buses used to empty out at the bottom of the hill, and the passengers would have to push the bus up the hill."

From the time they arrived in June until the last 'Bees departed in September, they also completed three bridges begun by NMCB-4, constructed a 25-by-35 foot timber pier and drilled three deep water wells.

All of these projects supported the antiterrorism efforts of the U.S. and Philippine military forces, but they also built good will by improving the day-to-day quality of life of the people of Basilan.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Donald Wurster, Commander, Joint Task Force 510 (JTF-510), said that the Seabees "were pivotal in JTF-510's strategy of defeating local support for the enemy."

The road improvements also cut travel time around the island by more than half, if the roads weren't impassable due to the heavy rains.

"Overall, it was great," stated Builder 3rd Class (SCW) Charles McPherson. "We got everything done we were tasked with, and the locals loved us for helping them with their roads and bridges and putting in water wells."

"When we were in a convoy, it was like being in a parade," added Builder 2nd Class (SCW) Jake Pittman. "They would come out beside the road and scream and wave. They were sad to see us go."