Seabees Help Assemble Expeditionary Medical Facility

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS121012-22
10/12/2012

By EACN Jacob Graff, Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303 Public Affairs

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (NNS) -- Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Units 303 (CBMU 303) and 202 participated in the Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) exercise for 10 days in late August, at the Naval Expeditionary Training Center Institute (NEMTI) on Camp Pendleton, Calif.

Working alongside shipmates from 202, their counterparts from the East Coast, and the medical team, the Seabees completed all requirements four days ahead of schedule.

Many of the Seabees had little or no experience with the new type of temper tents that made up the training facility, but the everlasting "Can Do" attitude coupled with the experience of a few Seabees and hospital corpsmen were the only things necessary to accomplish the job.

"Having done this throughout my career it has become second nature, so I was able to show the students the ins and outs of retrograding quickly and safely" said Equipment Operator 2nd Class (SCW) Travis J. McClain as he instructed his fellow Seabees how to disassemble the tents.

Proper temper tent construction and deconstruction was only part of the focus. The trainees were also introduced to a new type of tent insulation: COLPRO. COLPRO is newly developed type of temper tent lining designed with ventilation and air filtration systems which would provide protection and decontamination in the event of a nuclear, biological, or chemical attack. Once educated on the proper construction and deconstruction, they learned how to install everything the occupants of the tent would need in order to survive several days inside without any outside contact. This included hanging lights, electrical cords and boxes, A/C and air filtration units, and an interior water bladder.

Participation in this exercise improved the remarkable capabilities of the United States Navy's Seabees and showcased their ability to provide responsive support in diverse situations. The training provided knowledge and experience that few Sailors have at this point.

CBMU 303 provides contingency public works support for advance bases and expeditionary medical facilities, expeditionary support for NCF Higher HQ, line haul and equipment maintenance; general engineering, construction support and humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery to various Navy Regional Commanders.