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Seabees Build Relationships in Sao Tome and Principe

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060311-13
Release Date: 3/11/2006 6:27:00 PM

From USS Emory S. Land Public Affairs

GULF OF GUINEA, West Africa (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7, homeported in Gulfport, Miss., and currently deployed aboard USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), disembarked March 10 for a community relations project on the small island nation of Sao Tome and Principe.

During their month-long stay in West Africa, the Seabees will be renovating a local high school’s gym floor, along with other projects to improve the student’s educational needs.

Commander, Task Force 60.5, Capt. Thomas Rowden said part of the Navy’s effort is to show the high school students that the Seabees are here to assist and make life better for them.

“It’s about building relationships with the countries and militaries," said Rowden. “Ultimately what we would like is the countries down here to band together and work together for a secure maritime domain.”

Construction Electrician 3rd Class Ed Donnelly said some of the other projects they will be performing is refurbishing the exterior of the buildings, and installing mosquito netting. He added that the experience will be a good opportunity for him and his battalion.

“I am looking forward to the project. It is definitely a worthwhile cause,” he said.

The Seabees spent the last few months preparing their supplies, tools and material for this project. They brought everything needed to sustain them throughout the project, from personal items to construction equipment. Among the items packed were meals ready to eat (MRE), camping gear, cases of bottled water, lumber and other construction gear.

Once the project is complete, the Seabees will once again deploy on Emory S. Land, which is currently deployed to the Gulf of Guinea region. This is the second year the ship and its crew has deployed to the region with embarked mobile training teams designed to bolster existing capabilities within each of the partner nations.

During the deployment, the crew and trainers will focus on a number of bilateral maritime safety and security training opportunities. Their efforts will focus on maritime domain awareness, leadership development, natural disaster response, and medical and awareness and disease prevention. Gulf of Guinea nations participating and observing in this year’s deployment include Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon, Congo and Angola.