Monday, April 25, 2011

Seabees Repair Road, Enable Marines to Complete Missions

By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class (SCW) Christopher Carson, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion THREE Public Affairs

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3, Det. Meerkat, completed a three-mile section of road outside of the protective walls of Camp Dwyer in Afghanistan April 15.

The Seabees deployed from Camp Leatherneck to Camp Dywer in February to repair its road and entry control point (ECP) that was heavily damaged during the seasonal rains this year.

The road repair was an improvement to conditions and made day-to-day travel easier for units who will use the road. Because all of the construction was outside the safety of Camp Dwyer, a Marine unit was on scene to provide security while the Seabees made the repairs.

For some of the Seabees, it was a unique experience.

"This is the first time I've been a detachment officer in charge," said Chief Equipment Operator (SCW) Deanna Robison. "It's been a challenging learning opportunity, but at the same time, it's been great fun working out here and training the troops."

"This project is a good change of pace for me," said Equipment Operator 1st Class (SCW) Peter Izarra. 'm usually the license examiner for the command, so going from a desk job to coming out here is great."

For some of the Seabees, this is their first deployment.

"Coming straight from 'A' school to deployment is kind of trial by fire," said Equipment Operator Constructionman Chase Kerbrat. "It has been beneficial though. I have already qualified on 10 different pieces of equipment and I'm almost done getting my Seabee Combat Warfare Qualification!"

The project took 45 days to complete and improved the tactical and strategic capabilities of the Marines operating out of Camp Dwyer.

NMCB 3 is an expeditionary element of US Naval Forces providing construction, engineering and security services in support of national strategy, Naval power projection, humanitarian assistance and contingency operations.

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