Civil Affairs Team, Seabees Making a Difference in Obock
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080118-03
Release Date: 1/18/2008 1:08:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mary Popejoy, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa Public Affairs
OBOCK, Djibouti (NNS) -- A team of Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40 and Soldiers from Charlie Company 486th Civil Affairs Battalion (CA BN) Team 13 are working together in Obock to rebuild a slaughter house and the Waddi Primary School to promote stability in the region.
During their recent visit on Jan. 12, the Seabees were busy measuring the length of the projected wall so they could begin building the framework.
"The previous civil affairs team did an assessment of the original slaughter house and deemed it unsanitary, so they submitted a project request to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa and received approval," said Army Maj. Francisco Olivencia, 486th CA BN team leader, a native of Puerto Rico. "This new facility will allow the people of Obock to have a sanitary place for their meat. This project will improve the health, economy and stability in this area."
The Seabees started the project Nov. 27, 2007 and will turn over the project to their replacements NMCB-74 in February. Before that happens, the Obock Seabees are busy putting up the framework, window spaces and starting the cement block exterior.
"This is an opportunity for us to make a difference, make friends and support the [Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa] four P's: prevent conflict, promote regional stability, protect coalition interests and prevail against extremism with just one project," said Builder 2nd Class Johan Sanchez, NMCB-40 Obock Detachment officer in charge.
According to Equipment Operator 2nd Class Brian Becker, Obock crew leader, projects like this improves Djiboutian's perception of the U.S. military.
"It lets them know we're people, too, and we do care about people of other countries and we want to help Africans help Africa and improve stability here," said Becker.
The Waddi Primary School, which is about an hour-and-a-half away from Obock, receives regular attention as well as the slaughter house.
"This project started when we assessed the village to determine what they needed and what we're able to do to assist them," said Army Staff Sgt. Cynthia Ramirez, 486th CA BN Team 13 team sergeant.
To help the civil affairs team, the Seabees started repairing the school and cantina roofs Jan. 13 that were blown away by heavy wind. The CA team is adding pipe to the cistern, so water can flow into their clinic.
"Repairing the cantina roof will help the women who cook food in the heat and rain, and fixing the school roof will allow the students to use the classroom and continue their education," said Ramirez.
Construction Electrician 3rd Class Jay Zimmerman is excited to be a part of project from start to finish and see the impact it will have on the students and staff of Waddi Primary School.
"I am really enjoying helping out the CA team because unlike the slaughter house we'll be able to finish this project and see the impact it has on the community," said Zimmerman. "It's nice to see that education has its importance even in places like Djibouti."
And for one civil affairs team member, the most rewarding part about the job is the impact it has on the community.
"It's breathtaking to see smiles on their faces, and the satisfaction they get from a small gesture," said Ramirez. "They're very appreciative, and that makes us feel good."
Mohamed Ismael Dimbiyo, Waddi Primary School director, is grateful to the U.S. military for all their help.
"It is a dream come true for us to have the U.S. military here to repair the roofs and make life better for our students and teachers," said Dimbiyo. "Without their help, we may not have been able to fix the roofs and piping for the cistern as quickly as they did. We appreciate everything they do for us."
The NMCB-40 Seabees and 486th CA BN are part of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa mission to prevent conflict, promote regional stability, protect Coalition interests, and prevail against extremism in east Africa and Yemen through humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, consequence management, military-to-military training, civic action programs to include medical and veterinary care, school and medical clinic construction and water development projects.
For more news from Combined Joint Task Force -- Horn of Africa, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/cjtfhoa/.
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