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Seabees Return From Philippine Humanitarian Project

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070306-01
Release Date: 3/6/2007 7:13:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Coveny, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 returned to Okinawa, Japan, on Feb. 24, after participating in a three-week community relations project in the Philippines known as Project Friendship.

The humanitarian assistance/community service project was a joint effort involving members of the Philippines army, Seabees from NMCB 3, members from U.S. 7th Fleet, Sailors from USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) and Marines from Wing Support Squadron 172 out of Okinawa, Japan.

The joint task force, which took the name Team Engineer, participated in the construction of nine projects in three different cities across the Philippines meant to improve the quality of life for school children while at the same time forging new relationships.

Boarding the ship carrying their sea bags, tools and construction skills was a new experience for many Seabees from NMCB 3.

“It was my first time on a ship,” said Construction Electrician 3rd Class Joseph Mackey. “I learned a great deal about what it’s like to be on the ship.”

The Seabees felt more at home once the Blue Ridge pulled into Manila, Philippines, knowing their work was about to begin. Upon their arrival, 12 Seabees along with 41 Marines flew to General Santos City to begin work on three projects. Two Seabees and two Marines stayed in Manila to do construction work at a high school and a learning center.

Manila High school was damaged during an earthquake and was in need of new classrooms for students. Team Engineer built new walls, teacher platforms, and cleaned and painted the building.

The Trichet Learning Center, a school for the mentally and physically disabled, was in need of new furniture and therapy aids such as parallel bars, sitting aids and balance beams. These aids were prefabricated by the Seabees in Okinawa and installed by the crew in Manila.

“It was terrific to work hand-in-hand with the Philippine military, especially the Philippine seabees,” said Builder 2nd (SCW) Class Michael Saine. “It was a new experience, and it was difficult to leave these children. It’s hard not to be emotional.”

The ship’s second port visit was in Cebu, where work was accomplished at Lo-ok High School, Lo-ok Elementary School, Canjulao Elementary School and Tiangue School, all damaged by weather. They also completed general maintenance such as patching, painting and caulking.

While Blue Ridge was in Manila and Cebu, the majority of Team Engineer worked nine days on three different project sites in General Santos City that included Bawing Elementary School, Bawing High School and Changco Primary School. When Blue Ridge pulled in, crewmembers joined in the efforts.

Renovations to Bawing Elementary and High School enhanced the appearance and functionality of twenty classrooms. This effort consisted of applying more than 300 gallons of paint, more than forty bags of cement for stucco and plaster work, and repairing and replacing three toilets, three doors and one roof.

Changco Primary School was a construction project completed in seven days from the ground-up. Team Engineer built a seven-meter (21 foot) by 18-meter (54 foot) building that contains two classrooms and restrooms. This effort included constructing the roof, walls, plumbing, electrical, septic tank and finishing work.

“This has been our long dream to have this building,” said Changco Principal Harry Villanueva during a Feb. 18 ceremony in which the building was officially turned over to the school.

“For almost eight months we were in that building,” he said in reference to the dilapidated building with dirt floors that served the school. “Thank you, thank you. Words are not enough to say thank you for all of the generosity that you have extended to us.”

During Team Engineer’s stay in General Santos City, they resided at the Philippine army’s 548th Engineering Construction Battalion’s camp. Tents, food, water and transportation were all contracted.

“I feel like this is one of the greatest experiences of my life,” said Utilitiesman 1st Class Marvin Woods, assistant officer in charge of the Bawing Elementary School project. “After 16 years in the Navy, this is the best job and feeling of accomplishment I’ve ever had.”

After the turn over ceremony of the Changco Primary School was complete, the Seabees and Marines from Team Engineer once again boarded the USS Blue Ridge. Their deployment lasted another five days and included a short liberty stop in Singapore. The Marines and Seabees flew back to Okinawa on Feb. 24, and Team Engineer was disbanded.