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NMCB 4 Mechanics Tune-Up GTMO CESE

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080923-26
Release Date: 9/23/2008 6:24:00 PM

From Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, Det. Guantanamo Bay, Cuba Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- There is always plenty of work for Seabees to do on deployment, and in the midst of it all, the construction mechanics of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, are upgrading their civil engineering support equipment (CESE).

Since the beginning of deployment, the construction mechanics have worked to improve the processes around the Alfa shop. Whether it is making sure maintenance paperwork is filled out correctly, learning the nuances of the automated part ordering system or doing detailed inventories of all of their parts and equipment, these "Alfa Dawgs" are making sure NMCB 4 meets Naval Construction Force guidelines.

After a successful battalion equipment evaluation program with NMCB 74, the mechanics felt the pressure to get equipment up and running for active projects while completing all of the maintenance checks that needed to be accomplished.

"We have the chance to make a real difference here," said Construction Mechanic 1st Class (SCW) Kenneth TerLaan, the work center supervisor.

The weather also threw the mechanics a few curve balls. Tropic storms and hurricane threats sent the base into Condition of Readiness I several times, requiring all non-essential personnel to remain in their homes until the storm passed. However, maintenance schedules are not slowed down by Mother Nature. A day missed is like falling a day behind on maintenance.

"We'll catch up," Terlaan said optimistically, "We may have to work a little later and a little harder, but we'll get there."

The mechanics all agree they relish the challenge of the difficult tasks ahead.

"It wouldn't be rewarding if it wasn't hard," Construction Mechanic 3rd Class William Worley philosophically laments. "By the end of deployment this CESE will be running as well as I do on my PRT!"

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb4/.