Seabees Lay Foundations in Continuing Promise 2008
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080514-02
Release Date: 5/14/2008 7:14:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Ernesto Hernandez Fonte, 30th Naval Construction Regiment Public Affairs
PORT HUENEME, Calif. (NNS) -- Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 303 and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 deployed with USS Boxer (LHD 4) in support of Continuing Promise 2008 to Central and South America, April 28.
Continuing Promise's Pacific Phase is one of two Humanitarian and Civic Assistance deployments planned for Latin America in 2008, the second will be conducted by the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) later this year.
The goal of Continuing Promise is to send a strong message of U.S. compassion, support and commitment to Latin America. The U.S., partner-nation governments and non-governmental organizations unite in Continuing Promise to provide humanitarian assistance.
The operation is also a chance to train for disaster relief missions by training with Latin America's nations on disaster preparedness.
"Continuing Promise 2008 reflects our commitment to work with our partner nations in pursuit of ways in which we can help those less fortunate in Latin America," said Rear Adm. James W. Stevenson Jr., commander of United States Naval Forces Southern Command who is responsible for Central America, the Caribbean and South America. "We are pleased to have Seabees participating in Continuing Promise 2008 and are confident they will contribute significantly to its success."
Seabees are slated to participate in 11 humanitarian assistance projects throughout the region using their wide range of construction capabilities to conduct building renovations and upgrades, provide water and electricity construction and repairs, and drainage projects.
"Seabees, during Continuing Promise 2008, are a critical component of the crew of USS Boxer and USS Kearsarge that provide humanitarian assistance," said Stevenson. "Their engineering expertise will ensure the completion of key infrastructure projects, including the construction or renovation of schools and health clinics."
During the 62-day deployment with the Boxer, Seabees will provide engineering support and non-governmental agencies will provide health care and health education.
The Boxer's capabilities as a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship make it ideal for rapid humanitarian assistance missions. The capacity to carry large amounts of supplies and "ship-to-shore" capabilities using assorted helicopters and landing craft make the Boxer a good match to support the Seabees heavy equipment.
"Our embarked Seabees bring a robust capability to our team, and I'm really looking forward to seeing their work," said Capt. Peter K. Dallman, commander of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5 and mission commander for the Pacific phase of Continuing Promise 2008. "The team is eager and ready to go."
For the Seabees the operation is a chance to experience shipboard life. Typically stationed on land, Seabees seldom embark ships and experience life at sea.
"Being aboard the Boxer while underway has been a great experience," said Lt. Micah Kiletico, Continuing Promise 2008 Seabee officer in charge. "The Boxer is from top to bottom an outstanding crew and has provided us with top notch costumer service making us feel welcomed aboard."
Seabees will participate in projects with several countries including Guatemala, El Salvador, and Peru. These projects include building and repairing numerous schools and clinics. The Seabees will also bring in power lines and water lines to improve the lives of the locals, many times providing water and electricity to places that had never received these services.
"In Guatemala some children don't go to school on rainy days because they basically don't have a roof," said Kiletico. "By providing simple improvements to current living conditions, I hope that the local communities will always remember that Americans are compassionate people."
Seabees will work on three roofing projects at schools in Guatemala. In El Salvador, they will work on improving the educational environments of nearly 1,600 students. In Peru, they will upgrade existing facilities that provide services to nearly 8,000 students.
"We are putting roofs along with lights over kid's heads and building furniture for them," said Steel Worker 2nd Class (SCW) Ismael Alvarez, CBMU 303 Crew Leader. "I hope we improve their educational environment and help build a positive attitude towards the U.S. with our professionalism and work."
Operations like Continuing Promise continue to illustrate the compassion of the U.S. for the people of the region. Deploying Seabees to the region and the humanitarian projects they complete provide a tangible, highly visible, and meaningful symbol of the U.S. commitment to the people of the area.
"These projects will help improve the quality of life for thousands of citizens from nine nations and leave an indelible mark in their communities symbolizing the strong friendship that exists between their country and ours," said Stevenson.
Seabees will participate in more than nine exercises totaling 35 projects through 15 countries in the Pacific continuing to support humanitarian efforts in 2008.
For more news from 30th Naval Construction Regiment, visit www.navy.mil/local/30NCR/.
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