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Seabees Build Camp at Al Qaim

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080822-16
Release Date: 8/22/2008 3:14:00 PM

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

AL QAIM, Iraq (NNS) -- Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 17 homeported at Fort Carson, Colo., recently finished construction of a camp at Al Qaim in western Iraq. The Camp will house Marines assigned to the Marine Transition Team (MiTT) that helps train the Iraqi Army.

"The central mission of this base is to house the Marines that will be training members of the 28th Iraqi Army," said Capt. Darryl Ayers, assigned to the 28th Brigade MiTT. "The Seabees of NMCB 17 did an outstanding job, more than we could ever expect, now all we have to do is move in and call it home."

Working in conditions in which temperatures ranged between 92-116 degrees, the Seabees built huts, erected many barriers, and maintained two bathrooms.

"The Seabees did a great job using the battle buddy system of monitoring each other to prevent heat injuries," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Molly Mead. "To counteract the heat, we adhered to a work/rest schedule, taking breaks depending on the heat index."

The heavy equipment operators did their fair share of earth moving on the project.

"We used three loaders, an excavator, four dump trucks and a D-8 dozer to cut out approximately thirty-thousand cubic yards of dirt," said Equipment Operator 2nd Class Omar Shariff White. "While working 10-hour days our major obstacle was a rock bed, but we overcame it by pushing dirt in the opposite direction to get underneath the rock."

"I learned a lot more about my trade," said Utilitiesman 3rd Class Christopher Ball. "Some days the heat was unbearable, but we managed to push our way through it to complete our mission. We installed 80 air conditioning units, and I must say, I have a new found appreciation for the weather I have at home."

The Seabees worked day and night for over a month to complete the project and in the famous "CAN DO" spirit, constructed a first class operational camp for the Marines.

The crew leader for the project, Equipment Operator 1st Class Curtis Scott of Nanakuli, Hawaii, commended the performance of his Seabees.

"The Seabees performance was outstanding. It brought joy to us knowing that we completed a job that will help the mission for our Marines."

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