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U.S. and Philippine Seabees Work Together in Palawan

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080530-03
Release Date: 5/30/2008 1:03:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Dan Meaney Commander, Destroyer Squadron 1 Public Affairs

PALAWAN PROVINCE, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133, homeported in Gulfport, Miss., arrived in Puerto Princess, Palawan, a Republic of the Philippines, May 25, and began unloading supplies to help rebuild an elementary school.

The school is in the tiny fishing village of Narra, and will be the beneficiary of an engineering civil action project (ENCAP) that is part of this year's Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises.

After a fire destroyed the building, the town was left with limited school space. The Philippine Seabees arrived first and prepared the site by clearing the rubble and preparing the concrete slab for rebuilding.

The U.S Seabees then brought many of the tools and building material that will be used in the project.

"This is a great opportunity for us to work with our Philippine Seabee counterparts," said Lt. Ken Sowell, the officer in charge. "CARAT lets us train together. We have things to learn and teach the people of Narra about the benefits of getting a new elementary school. It's really a win-win situation for everyone."

The stop in the Philippines marks the first phase in this year's annual exercise. Each CARAT phase consists of operational training at sea and ashore, which affords Sailors the opportunity to get involved with various community relations projects and ENCAPS.

Rear Adm. Nora Tyson, commander, Task Force 73, and CARAT's executive agent noted this year's CARAT exercise presents all the participants with an opportunity to continue to build upon our longstanding partnership.

"It is always a great pleasure to work alongside our Philippine partners," said Tyson.

The U.S. CARAT task group is under the leadership of Commander, Destroyer Squadron 1, Capt. Mike Selby, and consists of four ships: The dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46); the guided-missile frigates USS Jarrett (FFG 33) and USS Ford (FFG 54); and U.S. Coast Guard cutter Morgenthau (WHEC 722).

Nations participating in CARAT 2008 include Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore Thailand and the U.S. Approximately 1,400 U.S. personnel will take part in CARAT.

CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually throughout Southeast Asia between the U.S. and several nations throughout the region. CARAT is designed to enhance regional cooperation, promote understanding between participating military forces, and continue to develop operational readiness of participating forces.

For more news from Commander Task Force 73, visit www.navy.mil/local/clwp/.