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NMCB 17 Builds Outpost, Gives Iraqis Keys to Facility

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080702-10
Release Date: 7/2/2008 4:41:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth W. Robinson, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 17 Public Affairs

CAMP ANAH, Iraq (NNS) -- After 28 days of construction, the Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 17, homeported at Fort Carson, Colo., turned the remote combat outpost (COP) located in Temporary Operating Area (TOA) Mameluke over to the Iraqi Army's 7th Division, 27th Brigade, 2nd Battalion, June 27.

"This outpost was needed to help assist the Iraqi Army in taking over responsibility for that area of operation", said Builder 1st Class Steven Vargas of Brea, Calif. "This is another free standing COP built from start to finish by an NMCB unit for the expressed purpose of the Iraqi Army in Iraq."

Construction on the COP began in May and continued day and night until completed in mid-June, when the papers were signed, and Lt. Scott Bender of Casa Grande, Ariz., turned over the key's to the Iraqi's Army 2nd Division 1st Company commander.

"The remote location of this project made it logistically challenging," said Bender. "While some companies had to wait for materials for their specific tasking, that didn't mean that they didn't assist in some other way. We had builders digging trenches, construction electricians setting floor joists, and equipment operators framing walls. Even our security element members would assist in construction when they were not on watch. This was truly a team effort and a great success for the battalion."

"It was a tough project", said Builder 1st Class Robert Pierce of Portales, N.M. "We had difficulties working in the intense heat and violent sandstorms."

The 60-member crew endured harsh working conditions as the searing heat rose well above 130 degrees. The Seabees switched from working in the daylight hours to working night shifts to avoid the unforgiving desert heat.

"The hardest part was getting over the heat and irregular working hours", said Engineering Aide 3rd Class Aaron Gloth of Phoenix, Ariz., who did surveying for the camp layout.

Seabees built Southwest Asia huts for berthing and training spaces, a command operations center and a dining facility. Beside the operational spaces, the Seabees also installed head facilities, showers and raised sentry posts.

"The Seabees of NMCB 17 performed outstanding. The thing that pleased me most was the teamwork. Every Seabee knew what they had to do and executed it in a professional manner," remarked Senior Chief Equipment Operator George Jones, assistant officer in charge, from Vail, Ariz.

"Even under the harsh conditions, the Seabees kept continuous focus on the mission at hand and delivered a professional, high quality product."

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