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Seabees Pave the Way for Warfighters in Gulf

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081113-07
Release Date: 11/13/2008 5:52:00 AM

By NMCB 4 Alfa Company Public Affairs

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (NNS) -- Members of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4's Alfa Company are preparing to start several paving projects at military bases in the northern region of Kuwait to improve road conditions for Sailors, soldiers and civilians.

Alfa's tasking will be to repair the pavement at several locations at Khabari Crossing, which is an important junction that connects Kuwait to Iraq.

Seabees repair the road surface and redesign the speed bumps to facilitate a smoother transition for convoys traveling between the two countries.

Other projects in the region have Alfa Company constructing a new running track at Camp Buehring and a new basketball court and running track for Camp Virginia.

The projects contracted to Alfa Company play a critical role for all service members since it pertains to the troops' morale and welfare.

"It will provide recreational use for all the troops," Equipment Operator 2nd Class Michael Ivey stated.

A large number of Alfa Company's personnel are new to NMCB 4 and have had little exposure to paving projects. For these young Seabees their first experience of horizontal construction occurred during the battalion's current deployment to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, where the projects they were involved in required grading and compacting several areas to support the local customer. Upon completion of these particular projects, the troops received high praise from the Army for their work and greatly benefited from the experience.

"The projects here in AJ were good for the newer equipment operators so that they could gain a solid understanding on how projects are managed and what is expected of them, and because of them giving a 110 percent, the projects turned out really well," Equipment Operator 1st Class (SCW) Joie McCarty said.

Despite the high number of first-time deployers in Alfa Company, these Seabees make up for their inexperience through shear motivation and commitment to the mission.

"I have a team of highly motivated individuals that are dedicated to completing the task at hand," Ivey said.

"These paving projects will give them all a chance to gain experience in something they wouldn't normally get a chance to do," McCarty said.

Constructionman Jay Hogue is new to the Navy and to NMCB 4, arriving in Port Hueneme, Calif., just in time to deploy with the battalion. His enthusiasm is evident.

"I am looking forward to being involved in projects outside of Arifjan."

Alfa Company is scheduled to start the repairs at Khabari Crossing and the improvements at Camp Buehring in early November. NMCB 4 is currently on a six-month deployment to Arifjan, Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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