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NMCB 74 and NMCB 40 Work Together to Finish Ghana Medical Clinic

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080310-12
Release Date: 3/10/2008 1:19:00 PM

By Lt. Gareth Montgomery, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 Public Affairs

TEMA, Ghana (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 74, out of Gulfport, Miss., along with eight Seabees from NMCB 40, from Point Hueneme, Calif., are working together on African Partnership Station's (APS) premier Ghana, Africa project, the Ghana Medical Clinic in Tema.

Thirty kilometers east of Accra, these Seabees are working to complete a 2,000 square foot medical facility in time for the Ghanaian Independence Day on March 6. This year marks the 51st year of independence for Ghana, which was the first country in West Africa to gain independence. With the commissioning of the Unified Combatant Commander AFRICOM, APS demonstrates commitment on the part of the United States to the continent of Africa.

"It's a good feeling to be able to work on a project that's going to benefit the local population in Tema, Ghana," said Lt. Joe Clements, NMCB 40. "The Seabee motto, with compassion for others, 'we build, we fight,' fits well with what we are doing here. We are building with compassion for others while fighting the war on terrorism."

The medical facility will contain two medical wards, two treatment rooms, five bathrooms, a laboratory, a dispensary, an office and a covered waiting area. Located 50 meters east of the Tema Naval Base, the facility will treat the local civilian population as well as Ghanaian military personnel. Additionally, Project HOPE will donate equipment for the Ghanaian doctors to use in the facility.

Once the facility is complete, volunteers from Project HOPE will come in and install the donated medical treatment equipment, including training on operation and maintenance of the equipment.

"It feels good knowing that I am doing something for the local community," said Construction Electrician 3rd Class Joseph Otumfuor, NMCB 74. "I enjoy learning from the Ghanaians, including their methods of construction."

The additional eight personnel from NMCB 40 extended their normal six-month deployment to augment the 20 NMCB 74 personnel assigned to Detachment APS. The personnel from the battalions are also working with local military personnel from the 48th and 49th Ghanaian Engineer Battalions. A unity of effort and laser focus on the common goal of completing the medical clinic is demonstrated every day on the project.

The Seabees from both coasts are starting a legacy with this clinic and building the foundation of relationships for the United States in West Africa.

"Working together with NMCB 40 and the local Ghanaians as one team, one fight, proves that we can accomplish our tasking no matter where we are deployed," said Construction Electrician 2nd Class Christopher Piccirilli, NMCB 74. "The public has welcomed us with open arms and smiling faces, even when our country is at war. With projects like this medical facility, we can improve foreign relations with our allied countries, strengthening our alliances and striving for world peace."

"The project means a lot to us and we, the people of Ghana, appreciate what we all have done," said Corporal Richard Akuffo, 49th Engineering Battalion, Ghana. "The clinic will help a lot; it will help our children and our children's children. So, we say thank you to the Seabees for building unity between our countries so our friendship can last forever."

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb74/.