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Seabees Pair Up With Korean Counterparts

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120326-19
3/26/2012

By Builder Constructionman John Washburn, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40 Public Affairs

CHINHAE, Korea (NNS) -- Seabees from U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40, Detail Chinhae participated in Exercise Foal Eagle with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy Engineers from March 5-9, 2012 at ROK 2nd Fleet Naval Base in Pyeongtaek, Korea.

The exercise's objective was building better relationships between the U.S. Forces and Korean Navy counterparts through the construction of contingency structures. Working shoulder to shoulder the allies built a heavy timber bunker and a 15-foot timber tower. Progress was slow to start, but once the projects started moving the construction work seemed to eliminate the language barrier.

"Working with the ROK navy was very rewarding," said Equipment Operator 2nd Class Clint Burch about his experience during the exercise, "I am glad we were able to develop their contingency construction skills that can be used in the future."

The ROK navy engineers took charge of the timber tower and completed it at a rapid pace and quickly assembled the base and erected the tower after just one day of construction. U.S. Navy Seabee Builder Constructionman Songlim Lee, a South Korean native, proved herself to be a very valuable member of the team by translating for both groups.

"It was a very great opportunity for me to participate in the exercise with the ROK navy. I am glad I could help people with my language skills," said Lee.

The second contingency project was the heavy timber bunker with Builder Constructionman Shane Slowiak as the crew leader. The timber bunker was 24-foot long by ten foot wide and was constructed by a crew of four Seabees and eight ROK navy engineers.

"It was a great experience for me to be able to learn the culture first hand and at the same time be able to show them ours while working together to accomplish the same mission," said Slowiak.

Overall the mission was a complete success due to the great teamwork exhibited by everyone involved. As a result of the exercise and the efforts of all involved, the relationship between the Seabees and the ROK Navy was strengthened significantly with both units able to share each other's construction practices and culture.
NMCB 40 is the Naval Construction Force's 2011 Pacific Fleet Battle "E" and Peltier Award wining Seabee Battalion.

The Battalion deployed throughout the U.S. Pacific Command in November 2011, and is scheduled to return to Port Hueneme, Calif. in Summer 2012. "Fighting 40" deployment locations include Okinawa, Sasebo, and Yokosuka, Japan, Guam, Korea, the Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand, Timor Leste, Diego Garcia, and Palau.