Continuing Promise Seabees Set for Success in Guatemala
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080508-27
Release Date: 5/8/2008 9:01:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Jarvis and Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Brian Gaines, USS Boxer Public Affairs
PUERTO DE SAN JUAN, Guatemala (NNS) -- Sailors from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 303 and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, embarked aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4), readied equipment for construction projects in Guatemala, May 6, as part of the Pacific phase of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.
CP is an equal partnership enabling American and Guatemalan civil engineers to share ideas to provide effective infrastructure solutions, while also building on long-term bonds.
Two of the largest projects are the Aldea Linares and Aldea El Higueral school renovations. The sites are in remote locations and require expert logistics to move large amounts of equipment, supplies and personnel.
"There is a big 'can do' attitude about these projects," said Builder 1st Class (SCW) Alejandro Palma, project manager for CBMU 303. "We've had about two weeks to prepare, but by utilizing proper planning we were able to make it happen in a short amount of time."
The planning involved moving trucks and heavy equipment from Boxer to shore, which was done utilizing landing craft utility vehicles piloted by Beach Master Unit (BMU) 1. In addition to the pre-fabrication work the Seabees performed while underway aboard Boxer en route to Guatemala, they purchased wood, sheet metal, and other supplies from local vendors and staged them until the time it will be needed.
Despite remote locations and humid tropical temperatures in the high 90s, the Seabees of CBMU 303 and NMCB 5 have combined in-depth planning and their "Can Do" attitude to set the stage for successful projects ashore.
"The heat and humidity doesn't matter," said Palma. "If there is a job that needs to be done, we're the guys to do it."
For more news from USS Boxer, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd4/.
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