Ribbon Cutting Ceremony On Camp Taqaddum

AL TAQADDUM, IRAQ

01.22.2008

Courtesy Story

30th Naval Construction Regiment

✔ ✗ Subscribe

4

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Chad Runge
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 – Public Affairs

AL TAQADDUM, Iraq – On Jan. 8, a detachment of Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 and Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272, currently deployed to Camp Taqaddum, Iraq, held a ceremony to officially close the books on one of the Naval Construction Force's longest running projects: a complete repair to the TQ airfield, which consists of two 13,000 feet runways and miles of taxiways.

Presiding over the ceremony were, Marine Brig. Gen. J.A. Kessler, commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), Marine Brig. Gen. Timothy C. Hanifen, commanding general of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) and Navy Capt. Hans Probst, Commander 30th Naval Construction Regiment (Forward). Each spoke of the importance of the work that had recently concluded.

"We're out here today to celebrate the Seabees' accomplishment and partnership with the Marine Corps in finishing repairs on the Taqaddum runway," said Probst.

Already transferring up to two million pounds of passengers and cargo daily, the TQ airfield is one of the largest logistics hubs in the region, which is a huge boost to strategic and operational capabilities for coalition forces.

"This will mark the first time in more than two years that both 13,000 foot runways are open and operational at the same time," he added.

The Seabees from NMCB 1 played an enormous role in bringing the project to such a grand finale.

"The Seabees that were here during this time were able to accomplish what four regiments and five NMCBs were participating in to complete," said Probst. "NMCB 18 took the initial tasking in 2005, the work kicked off in January 2006 with NMCB 133, then NMCB 74, NMCB 25, NMCB 4 and NMCB 1 finished the job on Jan. 8, 2008."

"We were the fifth battalion to work the project so a lot of Seabee effort went into this," said NMCB 1's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Dean Tufts. "I am very proud that my Seabees were able to finish the massive Taqaddum airfield repair project one month ahead of schedule."

The Seabees on the project site knew the importance of their work, which pushed them through to the completion.

"The project was the MEF's (Marine Expeditionary Force) number one priority because TQ is one of the main logistics hubs into Iraq," he added. "And now, for the first time in over two years, both TQ runways are completely open and operational."

The renovation of the airfield was no small feat.

"NMCB 1's portion of the Runway Repair Project, valued at $2.1 million, totaled 1 330 man days of the 13,000 man day project," said detail officer in charge Lt.j.g. Chris Casne. "The completion of this project will increase flight operation capabilities at the airfield. Overall, the Seabees of NMCB 1 placed 2,159 cubic meters of concrete in just two short months."

The Bees had put their blood, sweat and tears into the project over the last two years, and people took notice.

"I am extremely proud of the effort and ingenuity that my Seabees put forth to bring this monumental project to a close," Probst said. "The fact that this airfield is now fully operational speaks volumes to the hard work, dedication and teamwork of the five active and reserve battalions that worked on this airfield."

Camp Taqaddum officials could not be more pleased with the final product.

"I've had three Seabee detachments here during the last 11 months and they have all been superb," said Col. Barry Pearson, 2nd Marine Air Wing (Forward), Taqaddum Airboss. "I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of Sailors to work with. There is no better example of the concept of "one team, one fight."