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Seabees Provide Needed Water For Troops In Iraq

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS041027-03
Release Date: 10/27/2004 12:01:00 PM

From Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 Public Affairs

AL ANBAR, Iraq (NNS) -- U.S. Navy Seabees deployed to Iraq are improving the quality of life for their fellow military personnel in the region.

Seabees from Task Force Echo, comprised of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 and NMCB 23, are currently making upgrades and repairs to a water pump station that serves all military and civilian personnel aboard a major coalition forces camp, as well as nearby farmers in the local Iraqi community.

The availability of water is fundamental to everyday basic needs such as cooking, showers and laundry.

"This pump station is critical to our operations here," said Chief Builder (SCW) William Wright, of NMCB 4. "Our Seabees and Marines are doing an outstanding job keeping the camp supplied with fresh water. Everyone on the base owes a great deal to these guys."

While the Seabees are busy at work, Marines provide security for the pump house, which had been in a state of disrepair after an attack by enemy forces attempting to disrupt water services to the camp.

Working together, Task Force Echo Seabees quickly completed a comprehensive overhaul and installed three new pumps and meters. Bravo/Charlie ("Barley") Company Commander Ensign Dwight Roberson attributed the success of the project to the "Can-Do" spirit of the Seabees who worked on the project, specifically mentioning Pump House Project Leader Utilitiesman 1st Class Sean Stewart.

"Stewart and the Seabees under him deserve the credit for keeping the camp supplied with water," said Roberson. "Without their leadership and expertise, the camp would be without water for regular showers and other normal conveniences the average American takes for granted."

Also benefiting from the extensive work and ample supply of water, local farmers are able to irrigate their crops and feed their families. The valuable Seabee work demonstrates to the Iraqis that U.S. forces care and live every day with the Seabee motto of, "with compassion for others, we build, we fight...for peace with freedom."