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Seabees Provide Medical Assistance in Romania

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081228-01
Release Date: 12/28/2008 10:54:00 AM

By Builder 3rd Class Sherry Clark, NMCB 4 Public Affairs

SINOE, ROMANIA (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 worked renovated a medical clinic in the village of Sinoe, which opened its doors to the people on Dec. 11.

The Seabees began the project in September, renovating the concrete floors with new ceramic tiles and vinyl. They also installed plumbing, a septic system and electricity, which the building did not have for more than 10 years. All the windows and doors were replaced with new ones, and all the walls were repaired, sanded, and re-painted. In addition to the remodeling, the Seabees were able to get some furniture for the clinic to include desks, medical cabinets, beds, and other necessities for clinic.

"This project was tough, and there were many things that had to be done in order to make it suitable for a medical clinic," said crew leader, Construction Electrician 2nd Class (SCW) Neal Walker. "We completely renovated the building so the doctor has everything she needs!"

The existing clinic was built in the late 1930's and was in dire need of maintenance.

"The people here in Sinoe needed a clean, safe medical clinic available to them, and I am excited to be part of this project," Utilitiesman 3rd Class Devin Boyette said.

The town Mayor, Gheorghe Grameni, and Constanta County Commissioner, Danut Culetu, attended the ceremony and were very satisfied with the final results.

"There are over 1600 people living in Sinoe, a village with small economic power, and the village badly needed a clinic. There are poor people that cannot travel to get medical assistance. The clinic is equipped with everything it needs now, a treatment ward… even a bedroom for the doctor," said the mayor.

Daily the Seabees drove an hour to the project site and were able to experience Romanian hospitality as neighbors brought the Seabees fries, chicken soup and fish. The locals were thrilled their clinic was being renovated.

"It's a dream come true. I've been here for seven years, and even if I only come here for two days a week people have many problems, especially financial ones," said Nicoleta Craciun, the doctor of Sinoe village. "The locals are poor, they don't have health insurance and is hard for me too, but they need to be examined. This clinic did not even have [electric]power, and the situation is different now."

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