NMCB 133 Seabees, Korean Counterparts Train at Ulchi Freedom Guardian
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS110901-03
9/1/2011
By Builder 1st Class Bo R. Hartley, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 Public Affairs
CHINHAE, Korea (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133's Detail Chinhae worked side-by-side with Republic of Korea (ROK) Seabees to construct a 20-foot tall heavy timber observation tower at the ROK Naval Academy Aug. 24-26.
While more than 3,000 military personnel took part in Ulchi Freedom Guardian, an annual joint forces defensive exercise across the Korean peninsula, four U.S. Navy Seabees spent two days providing both formal and on-the-job training to their Korean counterparts. Members from both forces constructed the tower, then disassembled and transported the tower to the ROK Facilities Battalion Compound for reassembly.
Though faced with language and cultural barriers, the Seabees and their Korean neighbors learned that friendships are built by swinging hammers side-by-side while focusing on the mission.
To further strengthen their new friendship, the detail hosted their ROK counterparts at the Chinhae Navy Base for a tour that included a visit to the Seabee project site, office spaces and berthing facilities. They then returned to the ROK Facilities Battalion compound for a friendly mixed soccer match followed by an authentic Korean lunch.
"I had a blast and it was a great way to conclude a successful exercise" said Chief Builder Ben Corbett, the detail's assistant officer-in-charge.
Ulchi Freedom Guardian focuses on operability between the Republic of Korea and U.S. military forces to enhance combat readiness in Korea.
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