Military

December 16, 2005
Release Number: 05-12-42


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


U.S. SEABEES TURNOVER OPERATIONS

U.S. Disaster Assistance Center Pakistan – The 140 U.S. Sailors of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 were formally recognized today by United States Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan Crocker, and Rear Admiral Mike LeFever, Commander of the U.S. Disaster Assistance Center Pakistan, for their important contributions to the ongoing U.S. earthquake relief efforts in Pakistan.

NMCB 74 is returning to their homeport in Gulfport, Mississippi, after successfully completing their seven-week humanitarian mission in Pakistan. They are being replaced by NMCB 4, a contingent of 40 SEABEEs from Port Hueneme, Calif.

At the request of the Pakistani Government, NMCB 74 deployed to Pakistan on October 27, 2005, to provide additional engineering and construction capability in the city of Muzaffarabad. During the past seven weeks, they have assisted in reconstruction projects around the city to include removing more than 32,539 cubic yards of debris – equal to 1,627 dump truck loads – from seven school sites. Additionally, the SEABEEs built community centers, housing shelters, field kitchens and sanitation facilities.

In November, they adopted the Miani Bandi village adjacent to the Muzaffarabad airport as part of the Pakistan Government’s “Adopt-a-Village” program. In addition to removing debris from the village, the SEABEEs build four new school structures and assisted the Pakistan Military and local homeowners in rebuilding 40 shelters.

The Sailors of NMCB 74 shared a similar circumstance with the Pakistani people. In August, many of the Sailors’ own homes were destroyed when Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast of the United States. They were deployed to Okinawa, Japan, at the time, and were unable to return home.

“It has been an honor to serve here in Pakistan,” said Lieutenant Jerry McNally, officer in charge of the SEABEE detachment. “We have been truly inspired by the courage and perseverance of the Pakistani people, and have made many friends. We won’t forget them.”

The Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 will complete the Miani Bandi Adopt-a-village project and begin new projects designated by the Government of Pakistan.

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