Can Do Spirit in Djibouti
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100520-01
5/20/2010
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Patrick Gordon, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7 Public Affairs
CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7 have been lending their support and expertise to Camp Lemonnier and the surrounding communities in Djibouti since relieving NMCB 3 in February.
Seabees first arrived in Djibouti in 2005, and the camp's expansion is largely due to their efforts. But camp construction and maintenance is only part of the Seabees' job here.
"Our main objective here is humanitarian projects," said Engineering Aide 2nd Class Gregg Morris of Pawtucket, R.I. "Normally, Seabees go on six month deployments, but NMCB 7 is currently on a 10 month deployment. I think we can really do a lot of good in the community with that extra time."
Morris mentioned that the current deployment is one of the longest that the Seabees have done in years.
Working alongside Djiboutians, Seabees are currently tackling several projects, including construction of a school in Comoros and a water distribution concrete pad in Naghad, Djibouti. Most recently, NMCB 7 has been preparing to drill water wells in Ethiopia.
But once a project is complete, the Seabees job is only half done.
"As Seabees, we really split our time between initial construction and maintenance," said NMCB 7 public works crew supervisor Steelworker 1st Class Lynnette King of Cleveland, Ohio. "If we build a structure, it is under our maintenance for a year."
"Seabees can do it from the ground up across the board," said King. "It really feels great to be a part of a team that does so much for people who have so little. It's rewarding and really makes you thankful, too."
NCMB 7 is homeported at the Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss., home of the Atlantic Fleet Seabees, and is currently the East Coast's Battle "E" Seabee battalion.
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