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NMCB 5 Seabees Begin Renovations in Ethiopia

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061003-24
Release Date: 10/3/2006 3:20:00 PM

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW) Daniel Sanford, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

CAMP HURSO, Ethiopia (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 Seabees arrived in Ethiopia, Sept. 26, to begin renovations at Camp Hurso.

The five-man team from NMCB 5 will replace the camp’s 1,300 foot perimeter fence and install new lighting. They will also renovate classrooms and relocate the camp’s flag pole to the main gate so it’s more visible upon approach.

“The fence project is extremely important because it’s vital to camp security,” said Utilitiesman 2nd Class (SCW) Terrence Bell, NMCB 5’s Camp Hurso project supervisor. “I also think moving the flagpole is important because it shows our support here.”

The Seabees arrived before many of their materials did but within the next few days, the remaining supplies should be delivered and main construction will begin. In the meantime, the Seabees are doing a lot of prep work and even picking up a few side projects along the way.

“Right now I’m putting together a makeshift ping-pong table out of plywood for the service members stationed here,” said Builder 3rd Class (SCW) Kat Matte. “However, once we have all our supplies, that will be our main focus.”

The camp is based within the perimeter of the Ethiopian Military Training Academy, which is operated by U.S. service members who teach military-to military training to Ethiopian soldiers. The course emphasizes leadership and unit-level infantry tactics. It also teaches soldiers logistical concepts such as inventory management and support.

NMCB 5’s detachment expects to be on station for three months in order to complete the project.