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Seabee Construction in Afghanistan Builds a Foundation of Success

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081111-04
Release Date: 11/11/2008 7:02:00 AM

By Ensign Eric Truemper, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 Public Affairs

AFGHANISTAN (NNS) -- More than 80 Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 started their deployment to eastern Afghanistan, Oct. 25, in support of Central Command construction requirements.

This detachment including builders, construction electricians, steelworkers, corpsmen, information technology specialists and yeomen has constructed 11 Super "B" huts at two different forward operating bases (FOB) for NATO forces.

The work the Seabees have done had them swinging hammers and running saws throughout the day from sunrise till dusk, seven days a week. The Seabees knew the faster they built the barracks, the faster they could get the soldiers out of their tents and into better living conditions.

"We had guys moving into these houses when we did't even have the power set up yet, and they were extremely happy because they were not sleeping on the ground," said Utilitiesman 1st Class Leslie Cowan. "It was great to know that we made a difference in their quality of life."

When the warfighters returned from a long mission they wanted to be able to unwind and decompress. The Seabees made this possible. The quality-of-life improvements they made pay immediate dividends as seen on the warriors' faces when they entered their new facility.

"It makes me feel really good knowing that they have a place with some climate control and a place to lay thier heads after a hard day," said Builder 3rd Class Heather Olsen.

While in Afghanistan, the Seabees are scheduled to construct office spaces, helicopter landing zones and equipment repair facilities.

"It makes me feel really proud to actually be doing something that directly impacts the war effort," said Builder 3rd Class Justin Wesoloski.

Currently, these Seabees are at their third FOB site continuing construction efforts.

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