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Drilling Wells, Building Schools in the Horn of Africa

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070725-19
Release Date: 7/25/2007 2:14:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mary Popejoy, Commander Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Public Affairs

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti (NNS) -- A detachment of Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 have been deployed to the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) area of operation since Feb. 5, conducting well-drilling operations, school-building projects and other quality of life projects throughout East Africa.

The Det. Horn of Africa Seabees, more than 130 strong, are currently in Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya providing each community with much-needed assistance to improve the quality of life in each area.

Each project the Seabees have taken on aligns with the task force’s mission of preventing conflict, promoting regional stability and protecting coalition interests in order to prevail against extremism. This mission is accomplished by partnering with nations on humanitarian assistance, civic action programs such as school and medical clinic construction and water-development projects.

“I am very proud of each and every member of my team because they not only have built structures, but have formed friendly bonds that will mentally form lasting impressions with those they’ve helped,” said Lt. Edward Miller, officer in charge. “Our efforts not only make the host nation populace appreciate our efforts, but the efforts their government is making to better their lives.”

As part of improving the different locations throughout the Horn of Africa, the Seabees are currently working with the Abiot Emerja and Charichcho schools in Ethiopia where they are building concrete masonry units. These units will be used to house office spaces, classrooms, a library and latrines. The Seabees will also help improve ground drainage, install shelving units and provide electricity to the new and existing structures.

In Kenya, they’re doing several projects such as replacing a deteriorating boat ramp, renovating and completing Southwest Asian-style huts and installing air handlers. The Seabees are also conducting water well drilling operations in cooperation with the Kenyan Ministry of Water.

Closer to home in Hol Hol, Djibouti, the Seabees have demolished a portion of the existing deteriorated school structure and began partial reconstruction of the school house. Work includes replacing all windows, doors, wood-style ceiling tiles, installing new ceiling fans and a block structure with four Turkish-style pit toilets.

“Many of the projects throughout the Horn of Africa are completed by local contractors, so when the Seabees take on a task there are less people and it might take longer, but it will be of better quality and have a more positive impact on the community,” said Miller. “We bring our specialty skills and our American building standards, so we’re going to make sure what we build lasts a long time and doesn’t pose any safety concerns.”

For Builder 2nd Class Gabriel Kelly, building structures in a country such as Africa offers personal satisfaction.

“It is very rewarding to be able to use the skills I have and provide a better way of life for the people who use the facilities in the future,” Kelly said.

According to Builder 1st Class (SCW) Michael Cadoret, project manager for Camp Lemonier, the end result of each project makes it completely worthwhile.

“The best part of any project is seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and how happy they are to have a new and improved building for them to use,” Cadoret said.

Leaving the community with a good impression of the U.S. military is an important and critical part of every mission.

“We want them to know Americans are good people and we’re here to do good things that will benefit the area in many ways,” said Cadoret.

When it is time for NMCB-133 to depart in mid-August, the Seabees can be proud of their individual and team successes.

“When this deployment wraps up, we’ll feel good about what we’ve accomplished here because we as a team have grown personally and professionally by doing these great projects and improving Africa, one project at a time,” said Miller.