NMCB 3's DET 4 Strengthens Afghanistan Partnership

By Builder 2nd Class (SCW) Laura Miles, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 Public Affairs

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (NNS) -- A five-man team of Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3's Det. 4 from Bagram Air Base re-deployed Nov. 16 in support of Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force-Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A)'s partnership with Afghan National Army Special Forces.

The Seabees' mission is to plan, estimate and prepare for construction projects to be executed at Afghani Village Stability Platforms (VSPs).

These platforms are central tenets to General Petraeus' counterinsurgency strategy in that they focus the responsibilities of village security and stability on the villagers themselves, in partnership with and supported by CJSOTF-A.

The five-man team, led by Equipment Operator 2nd Class (SCW) Abel Wright, ensures that the construction crew that follows them to the VSPs will know the requirements and have the necessary tools, material and equipment to drastically improve the facilities on board the platforms.

When Wright's team arrived, they immediately began to work on quality of life projects for the Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) and greatly improved camp morale.

"We are really making a difference," said Wright. "I cannot remember the last time I felt this good about my job."

The team made small improvements to the camp, such as installing a new sewer line so the SOTF team members were not overusing their single latrine.

"It is amazing what the little things are that we take for granted," said Utilitiesman 3rd Class Benjamin Sanders. "It's those things out here that go a long way."

In addition to the sewer lines, the Seabees have installed more than a hundred light bulbs, constructed new desks and installed privacy walls within the MWR phone center.

As they provide the first look of future projects for the mission commanders, the Seabees will continue to provide camp improvement and boost morale for the SOTF team members through the spring and into the summer.

"It feels good to contribute to the big picture," said Builder 3rd Class (SCW) Nicholas Emmons, NMCB 3.

NMCB 3 is part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command's warfighting support elements, providing construction operations and security in support of overseas contingency operations.