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Seabees Construct the Walela Apita Low Water Crossing

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090116-21
Release Date: 1/16/2009 3:07:00 PM

By Construction Electrician 3rd Class Jennifer McGhee, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4 Det. Horn of Africa

LIRA, Uganda (NNS) -- Seventeen Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, Det. Horn of Africa, currently deployed to Lira, Uganda, are not alone at this project site. They are joined by additional engineers that are indigenous to Uganda.

The Walela Apita Low Water Crossing, being constructed in Uganda, will provide the residents of the Walela village easy access to the entire village, including the primary schools and health care centers. But the project is not just benefiting the locals; it is a learning experience for the Seabees and Ugandan People's Defense Force (UPDF) engineers as well.

"I am very excited to take part in such an important and challenging project," said Builder 2nd Class Robert Gurin. "I believe establishing relationships between the local populous, UPDF and the Navy Seabees will allow us to show how skilled and versatile the Seabees are, while building a friendly image for U.S. forces."

Before the bridge construction could begin, NMCB 4's Alfa Company equipment operators diverted a local river and pumped water from the construction site. Rock was then placed and compacted to make a solid foundation for the bridge.

Builders and steelworkers, led by Steelworker 2nd Class (SCW) Taylor Reed began prepping the site for concrete placement for the construction of a bridge. Using their technical skills these Seabees will systematically piece together a culvert bridge, providing a safe and secure means of a low-water crossing for the local populace.

"We are doing outstanding work," said Reed. "The crew is very motivated and fortunate to have the opportunity to share their construction skills."

Working side by side to complete the bridge has taught both crews a lot and has been a great experience for all. Many of the Seabees are learning words and phrases from the native Ugandan language, helping to bridge the language barrier.

"They've got awesome personalities and good work ethic. They are very eager to learn, and I've enjoyed working with them," said Steelworker 2nd Class Jessica Stager, project safety supervisor.

"It is a very good chance for us working with the Seabees," said Mike Cherop, UPDF engineer. "They have very good ideas and we have a good time interacting with them [Seabees] for the first time."

The Walela Apita Low Water Crossing is a great project for NMCB 4 personnel and the UPDF engineers to be working together to complete. Both crews and the locals living in the Walela area are all very eager to see this project in its final form, which is scheduled to be completed in late February. Seabees of NMCB 4 are excited to be doing a project with the Ugandan engineers that will immediately have a positive effect on the local population.

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