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Navy Seabees Reflect on Work in Haiti

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100816-01
8/16/2010

By Steelworker 2nd Class Anthony Rizzo, Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202 Detachment Jacksonville Public Affairs

COVENAS, Colombia (NNS) -- Navy Seabees aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), in support of the Continuing Promise 2010 and Partnership of the Americas mission, may only now understand the impact they had on the Haitians in Port de Paix, Haiti, during host-nation visit July 30.

Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7 and Construction Maintenance Battalion Unit 202 say they still recall the Haitian people saying, "We love America" and "God bless you."

Although repairing a building might not seem like a large effort to some people, the Seabees on board Iwo Jima say they understand the positive impact their work had on the Haitian communities.

"I was excited to get into the heart of the community with the work that we were sent to do to benefit the Haitians. Going into any foreign country or unknown area you always have safety concerns, but the Haitian people met us with open arms and were very happy to work with us," said Builder 2nd Class Thomas Camara of the L'Hospital Immaculle-Conception project. "The crew was extremely motivated to make this a successful project. Upon arrival the hospital was in very poor condition yet they were still treating people there. With the dedication of the Seabees, the Marine Corps Logistical Combat Element and the ship's crew, the project was completed a whole day ahead of schedule."

For most on board the ship, it is not the first time in Haiti, but for some this was the first time on a humanitarian mission to help the less fortunate.

"I was hoping to get everything done in the short period of time that we were given, and build a relationship with all those involved and the Haitian people. I was eager to work on the Northwest Christian Missions project," said Builder 3rd Class Jacob Bronson. "The locals were extremely gracious about what was finished with the operations, and the outcome was far surpassing the expectations of what they had in mind. All in all we were successful in the project and the building of our relations with the community."

Iwo Jima carried the Continuing Promise 2010 mission, and Seabees, Marines and ship's crew went into Haiti with a high operating tempo and positive attitudes.

"With all the entities involved, it was a proud moment for everyone to be able to make such a huge impact and better the way of life for such a small community. With all the hard work that everyone put forth, we made a stop in (Guantanamo Bay) Cuba for some much deserved down time to rest and recharge our batteries for the upcoming tasks in the remaining missions ahead," said Builder 3rd Class Cody Hoeck.