NMCB One Completes Airfield Passenger Terminal in Afghanistan

By Ensign Morgan C. Weber, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One Public Affairs

TARIN KOWT, Afghanistan (NNS) -- Seabee Detail Tarin Kowt from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1 successfully completed the Tarin Kowt Airfield Passenger Terminal in Afghanistan July 2.

The completed project will allow coalition forces, civilians and local Afghans to utilize an upgraded facility where they can comfortably await to board military and civilian aircraft disembarking from the airstrip.

The project was envisioned to replace an existing trailer facility, which had a leaky roof and a undersized waiting area. The new facility will comprise of two separate seating areas and four administrative offices. These added facilities will better serve to centralize the bases Movement Control Team and to facilitate the overflow of passengers arriving and leaving the base.

NMCB 26 passed on the project to NMCB 1 in early June 2011. When NMCB 1 started working on it, terminal still required a new roof, interior furnishing, electrical and door thresholds.

"The completion of this project will pay dividend to the Soldiers, Sailors and civilians that can now have a relaxed, easy-to-use, one-stop location to schedule and await flights throughout the country of Afghanistan," said Builder 2nd Class (SCW) Ricky Merling, the crew leader for the project.

Later in 2011, the Tarin Kowt detail is scheduled to complete several additional projects, including new medical evacuation crew offices, crew chief offices and combat aviation brigade headquarters and maintenance buildings.

"The men and women of NMCB 1 are incredibly skilled and, without a doubt, these projects will not only improve the base, but will leave a lasting contribution on the country of Afghanistan," said Chief Utilitiesman (SCW) Duane Jerry.