Seabees Ease Typhoon Victims' Burden
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS070626-16
Release Date: 6/26/2007 5:07:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Olay, USS Peleliu Public Affairs
GUINOBATAN, Philippines (NNS) -- Sailors from Naval Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7, Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1 and Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14 began renovating a large bathroom and shower facility at a Typhoon Evacuation Center in Guinobatan on June 21.
The project is part of this summer’s Pacific Partnership humanitarian mission by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Converted from a sports training facility, the Travesia Holding Center began taking in displaced citizens from the region immediately after Typhoon Reming left thousands homeless in late November, explained Virgie Oxima, a social worker with Guniobatan’s Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The nearly two-week project will see the installation of new toilets, urinals and sinks, as well as new electrical work, painting and the complete rehabilitation of the building’s roof, said Chief Utilitiesman (SW) Clinton Lyons, lead chief petty officer in charge of the project.
“Humanitarian work is another one of our skill sets ... especially after natural disasters,” said Lyons.
He added that such projects are very fulfilling because the Seabees get to see their work through to completion rather than having to pass it on to another battalion as is often the case with larger projects.
“We like doing projects like this because [we] get to see how people enjoy it,” he said.
Presently, the nearly 1,400 evacuees staying at the center rely on hand pumps from underground wells to gather water for bathing, dish washing, and other tasks.
“I think it’s important to be here because, these people need our help and our skills,” said Hull Technician 3rd class Nelson Gonzalez, a Peleliu Sailor who volunteered his time on the project because of his background in welding, plumbing and other skills.
As the evacuation center project comes under the auspices of Pacific Partnership 2007, the Seabees are teaming with their counterparts from the Philippine Navy and Army, as well as with civilian engineers from India.
“It’s kind of nice to see that they get the same training as we do,” Lyons said of the Filipino Seabees. “We can learn things from them, they can learn from us, and it’s a good thing for the troops.”
“I’m very glad that the Americans and the other contingent from different countries came here,” said Ensign Enrico Payongayong, who is officer in charge of the project for the Philippine Navy. “We are very thankful for the support.”
Once the facility’s renovation is complete, the Seabees will move on to building permanent housing for the evacuation center’s residents, according to Lyons.
“It makes you feel like you’re doing something worthwhile. We’re here making a difference,” said Lyons. “You actually get to see the smiles on the faces and see what we’ve actually done. It’s outstanding.”
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