NMCB 1 Detachment Drills Wells in Pohnpei
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS061114-06
Release Date: 11/14/2006 12:16:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chad Runge, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 Public Affairs
POHNPEI, Micronesia (NNS) -- Twenty-four Seabees attached to U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 left their homeport of Gulfport, Miss., this summer on a regularly scheduled six-month deployment to Pohnpei, Micronesia, where they are currently working hand-in-hand with the local government to expand the small island’s ability to develop reliable, high-producing water wells.
Although the island receives an average of more than 340 inches of rain each year, the water sources don’t offer consistently clean drinking water. The island population was recently ravaged by cholera and other life-threatening diseases from natural pollutants in the shallow surface waters.
“In the past, deaths have resulted on this island due to inadequate water availability and water cleanliness,” said Senior Chief Equipment Operator Roger Wiley, the detachment’s officer-in-charge. “This operation will assure something like that will never happen again.”
After completing six of the new water wells, the ‘Bees’ efforts were amplified by the local team of workers from the Pohnpei Utilities Commission (PUC), who will be responsible for the maintenance of these wells, and the creation of additional wells in the future.
“The locals are very helpful, and are willing to learn what we have to teach,” said Equipment Operator Constructionman Robert Weissenfluh. “They have changed very much since we have been working hand-in-hand. They have learned to be safer and properly handle how to drill efficiently. They are very helpful and are becoming more knowledgeable each day. I have had a great experience teaching and also learning from them.”
The bonds between the local community and the Seabees have grown stronger, as the groups often participate in activities together during their off-duty hours. The detachment also regularly hosts movie nights in the local villages to build upon their new friendships. Even as they work, the 'Bees can’t help but return hand salutes from the local children.
“Everywhere I go, the local people have been extremely friendly and respectful to me and my fellow Seabees,” said Utilitiesman Constructionman Travis Plumb. “I have felt very welcome in Pohnpei, which has made my time here much easier and a lot more enjoyable. I will truly miss this place and the people I have met when I leave here.”
The NMCB 1 team will continue helping the people of Pohnpei through the completion of their deployment.
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