NMCB 40 Detail Guam Improves Quality of Life for Others
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS090309-17
Release Date: 3/9/2009 9:44:00 PM
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (AW/SW) Anthony Briggs Jr., Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40 Public Affairs
GUAM (NNS) -- Members from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 40 Detail Guam continue to make operational readiness and quality of life improvements throughout Naval Base Guam.
The 170-member detail left Port Hueneme, Calif., early Jauary for a scheduled seven-month deployment to provide engineering support to the area.
With the rest of NMCB 40 deployed throughout the Pacific Command Area of Operation, Lt. Cmdr. Al Hutchison, detail officer in charge, explained that Guam is functioning like the command's main body, located in Okinawa, Japan.
"Guam is unique because we are a detail operating at a main body site, Camp Covington," said Hutchinson. "We receive support from main body with administrative, legal and personnel issues. With today's technology, main body is only a mail drop, phone call or e-mail away. We constantly keep in touch at every level to ensure adequate communication as we face very similar issues."
The project list for NMCB 40 Detail Guam takes advantage of the entire Seabee skill set.
The Fire Break Road Project, located at the Naval Base Guam fuel farm, is a 1.2-mile road that stretches along the boundary of the fuel farm and serves as an alternate road for fire trucks and other emergency vehicles.
"The fuel farm belongs to the Navy, but it serves as the main fuel supply for the entire island," said Senior Chief Equipment Operator (SCW) James Jones, the detail's operations officer. "The road will give emergency vehicles quick access to the fuel storage tanks and the pump house located in the hills above the fuel farm."
The second project at the fuel farm has the Seabees building a concrete and steel beam structure to enclose the tanker truck filling station. The existing steel tubing and canvas structure often suffered damage from the storms that frequented the island. The work area is near existing overhead power lines, so the Seabees will bring the concrete to the location using wheelbarrows instead of a concrete pump truck.
Another of the other large-scale projects is a 2,268-foot solar-powered lighted walkway at Polaris Point.
According to project chief, Chief Builder (SCW) Kimberly Silva Gibson, the walkway is a testament to the Seabees spirit of "can do."
"I am proud of the crew's motivation and work ethic. They go out every day with a great attitude, and they are excited to get to work," said Gibson. "They are using their resources well and solving challenges that come up. They are thinking on their feet, doing good quality work and taking advantage of every opportunity to train and build their skills"
The project utilizes state-of-the-art solar powered panels, spaced 15 feet apart along the walkway. These panels, mounted on top of each light, were manufactured for the hot and humid tropical climate.
The last major project is the MWR boat tie down facility. The site is a 240-foot by 40-foot concrete pad for boat storage. The facility will also be a securing area for boats during typhoons.
Along with the hard work, Detail Guam takes full advantage of liberty on a tropical island. Many are taking part in a scuba certification class taught by MWR. Others are taking advantage of the MWR tours or enjoying a day at Gab Gab beach.
The members of Detail Guam, along with the rest of NMCB 40, will return to their homeport in mid-August.
For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb40/.
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