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DESRON 60 Commander Visits Deployed Seabees in Rota

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081211-24
Release Date: 12/11/2008 12:55:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Ebalo, Naval Station Rota Public Affairs

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Seabees forward deployed in Spain received a special visit from the commander of Destroyer Squadron 60 (DESRON 60) at Naval Station (NAVTSA) Rota's Camp Mitchell Dec 4.

Capt. Cindy Thebaud, DESRON 60 commodore, met with approximately 15 Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4(NMCB 4) and thanked them for their efforts on a three month community relations project in Sao Tome.

"You guys did and excellent job," said Thebaud. "I've heard nothing but great things about your project, this is just another example of the Seabees making a difference in Africa and while I couldn't make it down there to see you in action I'm honored to meet you on your return."

During their deployment, NMCB 4 Sailors worked with the Sao Tomean Coast Guard and constructed one living facility and jail cell as well as helping renovate a base gate and security building. The Seabees worked tirelessly with limited tools and materials to complete their construction projects for their Sao Tomean counterparts.

Thebaud said the challenges these Sailors faced and the solutions they came up with will benefit Americans and Africans alike in the future.

"Your work has not just helped the Sao Tomean Coast Guard, it has helped us to learn how we can assist our allies in Africa," said Thebaud. "Your feedback is valuable for planning future projects and Africa Partnership Station."

"It's great to get that pat on the back and the job well done especially from our commodore," said Binion. "Many of the things we do and the projects we work on are behind the scenes and they sometime go unnoticed, but now I know and I'm glad my junior guys know that we are appreciated," Engineering Aide (SCW) 2nd Class Adam Binion, NMCB 4 Detachment Sao Tome safety and quality control officer.

Steelworker (SCW) 3rd Class Siamac Moghaddam was thankful for the opportunity to help.

"Wherever I go in the Navy I will take this experience with me," said Moghaddam. "I was able to use my skills to help others have a better quality of life. The Sao Tomeans loved us for our work and they showed it by interacting with us and becoming our friends, I'm very proud of my work and my service."

For more news from Naval Station Rota, Spain, visit www.navy.mil/local/rota/.