Seabees Improve Beaches in Guantanamo
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS110114-04
1/14/2011
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Leona Mynes, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Public Affairs
GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 26's Gold Detachment placed bollards between the beach and the roadway at Cable Beach aboard Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Jan. 12-13.
Seven Seabees removed coral, cut pipe and installed posts in the ground to prevent automobile traffic from driving on the beach.
"The Environmental Department requested this work to keep people from driving on the beach during turtle nesting season," said Equipment Operator 2nd Class Eric Battease, the officer-in-charge at the naval station's Public Works Department Self Help Workshop. "We try to complete projects that make an impact on the community."
The project is one of many that the Seabees have completed in an effort to preserve the environment at Guantanamo's windward beaches, according to Mike McCord, the naval station's environmental director.
"That's where sea turtles have the potential to nest year-round," said McCord. "Sea turtles are an internationally protected species, and what we're trying to do is keep vehicle traffic from disturbing the nests."
The placement of bollards and a restricted traffic flow onto the naval station's beaches increases the probability of sea turtles laying eggs, said McCord.
"Guantanamo Bay is like a nature preserve," said McCord. "We have to be protective of the environment and nature that is provided to us."
NMCB 28 is on base supporting community-oriented construction projects for Naval Station Guantanamo Bay and tenant commands, including placement of bollards, repair of gates, removal of old picnic tables and planting trees at the base chapel.
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