San Clemente Seabees Making History
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS071108-02
Release Date: 11/8/2007 9:57:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW) Sarah E. Bitter, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (NNS) -- Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7 have been paving their way through naval history on San Clemente Island since Aug. 17.
For the first time, Seabees are working with civilian construction workers by restoring Ridge Road on the small island located between San Diego and Los Angeles.
NMCB-7 and their civilian counterparts are reconstructing 29 miles of road, which includes new asphalt, asphalt overlay, gravel asphalt pavement, concrete surface and crossovers.
"The civilian contractors are teaching our Sailors valuable techniques, such as how to operate six million pieces of equipment," said Lt. j.g. Charity Anderson, NMCB 7 officer in charge. "If this works, it is a springboard for future projects."
A Seabee explained how he is benefiting from working with civilians.
"It's really awesome that we are a part of history working with the contractors," said Builder 1st Class (SCW) Jason Etchison, NMCB 7 project supervisor. "It's a great learning experience for all the rates, and we have integrated with the civilians in every way. It is also nice to see how they work in the civilian world, versus the military."
The Ridge Road project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2008.
"It is great being able to teach these guys different things," said Tom Carson, contractor with Palomar Grading. "I love working with the military."
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