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Sailors Strengthen Relationships Between U.S. and Palau

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091118-08
Release Date: 11/18/2009 4:56:00 PM

By Oyaol Ngirairikl, Joint Region Marianas

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Sailors with Detachment Civic Action Team (DET CAT) Palau completed a construction project at an elementary school in Angaur Nov. 4.

DET CAT Palau consists of a team of 13 Seabees from U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1.

The project scope consisted of constructing a 288-square-foot block restroom facility for Angaur Elementary School. The facility has restrooms for boys and girls and an auxiliary restroom with a shower. The project is located on the remote island of Angaur, an island-state of the Republic of Palau. Angaur is 35 miles south of the main island and is accessible only by boat.

"It is truly a rewarding feeling to know that my team is directly helping and supporting the people in the Republic of Palau," said Lt. j.g. Russell Dotson, officer in charge of DET CAT Palau.

The DET CAT program in the Republic of Palau is a joint-service humanitarian initiative under U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM). The mission of the Civic Action Team program is twofold — providing infrastructure development and humanitarian assistance as well as maintaining a positive U.S. military presence.

PACOM provided $50,000 in materials to the project, which benefits more than 30 students and teachers. Sailors completed the project in approximately four months.

Dotson said the Civic Action Team greatly enhances the relationship between the United States and the Republic of Palau.

"My team's role in Palau helps maritime strategy by continually providing a positive U.S. military presence," he said. "Our positive presence in the community is noticed in our construction program, community relations program, apprentice training program, and our civic action medical program."

Dotson said serving in Palau also gives Sailors an opportunity to learn about a new culture.

"The team is consistently asked to participate in the local functions and many customs and traditions. The people of Palau treat us as one of their own," Dotson added. "It is vital that each team represent to U.S. military in a positive way so we can continue to build upon our close relationship with the Republic of Palau."

The team is scheduled to start one of their biggest projects this month, a 2,400-square-foot police and fire substation. The substation will be built on the western side of the main island of Babeldaob. Construction is expected take one year to complete. The project is estimated to cost $395,000.

"The project will benefit the entire Justice department and the local population of the western states located on the island of Babeldaob," Dotson said.

Dotson added the construction team in Angaur said local residents continue to tell them how much their work is appreciated.

"Those little comments from the local populace lets us know that we are making a difference in their lives," he said. "This has truly been a humbling experience for my team."

In addition to construction work, DETCAT also runs an apprenticeship program and a medical clinic, which supports Palau's developing medical infrastructure. Both programs aim to improve quality of life for residents.

DET CAT Palau operates out of Camp Katuu, located in Airai State on the island of Babeldaob. The camp has administrative offices, a galley, medical facility, warehouses and workshops, a small gym and the island nation's only theater.