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Seabees Build Constructive Relationships

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080529-06
Release Date: 5/29/2008 2:52:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Coveny, 22nd Naval Construction Regiment Public Affairs

TAQADDUM, Iraq (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 are building more than berthing spaces, they have developed new friendships with a group of Ugandan workers, during the construction of a berthing project at Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq.

A crew of 18 Seabees from NMCB 3 are constructing four berthing huts that will eventually alleviate crowded conditions for Ugandan security personnel.

It will take the Seabees 41 days to complete. Once completed, the four berthing huts will house 72 people and enhance the quality of life for Ugandan security personnel. Currently more than 400 people live in cramped conditions with little to no privacy.

Builder 3rd Class Richard Martin is the project crew leader for the Ugandan berthing project and has 17 Seabees working on his crew.

Although he is still a junior Seabee, his responsibilitiesis helping him to develop his leadership skills.

"This is my first experience as a crew leader especially on a project this large," said Martin. "I always wanted to work in construction, and be the one to run the show. It is something I dreamed of and now I am here running this project."

During their off time, Ugandan security personnel like to see how the project is coming along. They make conversation with the Seabees during their breaks and discuss what life is like back home.

"I've learned a lot of new things about their culture," said Builder Constructionman Apprentice Sunni Jenson. "Before a Ugandan man can be married, he must own 20 cows. That's why some of them are here, so they can earn enough money to buy their 20 cows"

At first Jenson was surprised when he saw the Ugandans reaction when he told them that they (the Seabees) saved money to buy a wedding ring.

"They started laughing," said Jenson. "They could not understand the value of the ring."

Hakim Bwanika, a Ugandan security guard whose been working in Iraq for six months, noted he is looking forward to living in their new berthing spaces.

"This will make life much better for us," said Bwanika. "Everyone will have more space because we are a little too close right now."

The new friendship the Seabees have developed has made their mission even more valuable, as they know that their finished product will help improve the quality of life of their new friends.

"We don't normally get to meet the people who move into the buildings we construct," said," Jenson. "But it's a rewarding feeling. The Ugandans are very appreciative of what we are doing for them, and that's enough to make me feel proud to be a Seabee."

Seabees from NMCB 3 are providing general engineering and contingency construction support to Multi National Force-West in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

For more news from Naval Mobile Constrution Battalion 3, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb3/.

For more news from 22nd Naval Construction Regiment, visit www.navy.mil/local/22ndNCR/.