Seabees build PEB in Preparation for Upcoming Deployment

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120622-03
6/22/2012

By Sue Brink, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast Public Affairs

MERIDIAN, Miss. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian Public Works Officer inspects project completed by Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 74 based in Gulfport, Miss. June 11.

"Projects like this help Seabees build on their skills," said Lt. Cmdr. Lance Coe NAS Meridian Public Works officer. "This was perfect timing for their upcoming deployment."

The project, for the Meridian security forces, is a pre-engineered building (PEB) intended to be a shelter at the shooting range.

"Building this PEB is a great learning experience for me right before deployment where I'll be working on building a couple more," said Builder 3rd Class Builder Joseph Morales. "Homeport projects like this are a vital training tool in the preparation needed in order to be ready for deployment when timeframes are tighter and logistics are more difficult."

This is the first time that Seabees have operated on Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian in more than 10 years.

"Having the Seabees here has been a great opportunity for the base and we look forward to having them return for future projects," said Coe.

Coe stated that there are already several more projects on file in Meridian for Seabees in the future.

"The Seabees from NMCB 74 have been great ambassadors for the whole Seabee community," said Coe.

"This has been a great crew to work with," said Construction Electrician 1st Class Daniel Harper, project supervisor. "They are always willing to work hard and learn new things."

This was a great opportunity for the crew since none of them has ever built a PEB before. Despite this, the crew charged ahead and completed the project ahead of schedule showing the true meaning of "Can Do."