• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

NMCB 3 Steelworkers Improve Naval Station Rota Water Treatment Facility

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100107-04
Release Date: 1/7/2010 10:58:00 AM

By Builder Constructionman Apprentice Jacob Kusay, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Eleven Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 recently began work on a galvanized steel catwalk as an improvement project for the Naval Station Rota, Spain, water treatment facility.

These Seabees are tasked with constructing a 180-foot long catwalk, allowing easier access for maintenance and repair of the local water filtration system. The project is unique because it is executed almost exclusively by battalion steelworkers. For most of the crew it is the first project of this magnitude they have worked on and thus is a great opportunity to learn. This project helps ensure the proper function and longevity of the Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) water filtration system, which supplies water to Naval Station Rota and the surrounding area.

"Most rates in the Seabees have had plenty of jobs that are specific to their rate, but the SWs have not had as many as they would like," said Steelworker 2nd Class (SCW) David Aanenson. "We all love welding and commonly refer to this project as a steelworker's dream."

To facilitate faster and more efficient construction, the crew began prefabricating the walkway, railing, and staircase at an enclosed warehouse near the battalion headquarters at Camp Mitchell. This will allow the crew to assemble the structure rapidly when all of the components are finished. Most prefabrication will be completed by NMCB 3, and the final assembly will be turned over to NMCB 7 for installation.

"Working indoors is great because we are not affected by the weather," said Steelworker Constructionman (SCW) Bernard Barbuto, the project safety supervisor. "When other projects are delayed, we are able to continue working every day."

Each day, the troops get the opportunity to increase their welding proficiency and improve upon their steelworker skillset. The experience they gain not only makes them better steelworkers, it also makes them better Seabees.

"The senior troops can use their leadership skills, experience, and technical knowledge to teach junior troops how to be a steelworker," said Steelworker 1st Class (SCW) Michael Freeman, project supervisor.

The opportunity for senior troops to train junior troops is essential to the success and readiness of the battalion.

"The hands-on experience the younger steelworkers are learning is essential for them to better themselves as a steelworker as well was a Seabee," said Freeman.

Senior troops will benefit from this project just as much as the junior troops. Hands-on experience is one of the most beneficial ways for a Seabee to learn their rate, and it is also allows senior troops to learn to be effective leaders.

NMCB 3 is one of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command's warfighting support elements, providing host nation construction operations and security in support of overseas contingency operations.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb3/.