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Seabees Answer the Call for Local Romanian Clinic

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080924-17
Release Date: 9/24/2008 4:03:00 PM

By Construction Electrician 2nd Class (SCW) Neal Walker, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 Public Affairs

SINOE, Romania (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 walked through a dilapidated medical clinic in Sinoe to gather measurements, digital pictures, and schematic ideas Sept. 11 in advance of major repairs.

Seabees repaired and renovated the health care facility, including providing indoor plumbing.

Originally a home built during the 1940's, the structure had transformed over the years from a home, to a post office, and into its present-day form of a clinic. Throughout the facility, stone heaters were the only means of warmth for doctor and patients during the harsh Romanian winters, the electrical system was outdated, and power had since been shut off to the building for more then 10 years. With no power, the clinic's doctor had only been able to work twice a week during daylight hours.

"The biggest concern I have is for the electrical system," said Builder 1st Class (SCW) Patrick Posey. "It needs to be updated, and safety features need to be installed. All of this will enable the doctor to use all of his medical equipment."

Sinoe's clinic had succumb to disrepair due to lack of public funding, and without that particular help, Gheorghe Grameni, mayor of Sinoe, was concerned that medical care for the local people would soon be nonexistent. Grameni welcomed the Seabees' help and volunteered his own workers in the town hall to help clean up the site and shut off utilities. Grameni also invited the Seabees to his home for dinner.

Once the Seabees finish the project, scheduled for completion Oct. 10, Grameni hopes the clinic's renovations will give Sinoe's people 24-hour emergency care. The capability will be a key health care improvement since the nearest medical facility outside of Sinoe is over an hour and a half away by car, and most people still use horse-drawn carriages.

"This is a very important project for the people of Sinoe with long-lasting effects. They will be able to gain so much when the project is completed. Most importantly, in the near future residents can seek immediate care at all hours of the day or night," said Lt. Anthony Haverly, NMCB4's officer in charge.

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