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NMCB 11 Completes Navodari Nursery Project; Gives Back to Host Nation

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090403-29
Release Date: 4/3/2009 5:43:00 PM

By Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class J.C. Montgomery

NAVADORI, Romania (NNS) -- In February 2009, personnel from the U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 arrived in Romania for their anticipated deployment and hit the ground running.

Detachment (Det.) Romania eagerly took over the Navodari Nursery project from NMCB 4 and completed it on March 17. Navodari is located 10 kilometers north of Constanta, Romania and is 20 minutes away from the detachment's main base, Mihail Kogãlniceanu Air Base.

NMCB 4 completed the suspended ceilings, lighting and laminate floors for the two nursery rooms and completed half of the tiling for the bathrooms and laundry rooms. Det. Romania completed the tiling, painting, and installation of plumbing.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 18 was conducted amidst a large crowd of parents, nursery caretakers, and the mayor. The ceremony consisted of a prayer from the Eastern Orthodox priests and opening remarks by the project crew leader, Builder 3rd Class Shannabeth Paine.

Navodari Mayor Nicolae Matei and Lt. Ross Pitcairn, Det. officer in charge, spoke about the project. Matei was grateful for the Seabee's work and the funding provided by the U.S. government. Following the ceremony, the school director, Maria Filip, provided baked goods that were from the local stores.

The crew was initially led by Builder 2nd Class (SCW) Van Der Puy, who took on the project with determination and hard work. The crew consisted of Builder Constructionman (SCW) Erlgen Aquino, Utilitiesman Constructionman Rena Hach, Builder 3rd Class Shannabeth Paine, and Builder Constructionman Carrie Williams.

The crew ran into a few challenges, but with the right interpreter and determination, they were able to figure out what to do and the best way to do it. It gave them a chance to show the Romanians what the Seabees are all about and a chance for the Seabees to learn about Romanian culture. Seabees also had the opportunity to work closely with some of the Romanian plumbers and city workers.

Det. Romania's mission is to support Joint Task Force-East with the theater security cooperation. The Seabees assist local mayors in renovating public buildings like schools or clinics. The next Seabee rehabilitation projects include replacing fences for the Mihail Kogalniceanu middle school and kindergarten, renovating the kindergarten buildings in Sacele and Corbu, and renovating an orphanage in Tulcea.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb11.