By CEC (SCW) Erik K. Dries Sr
CBMU 303 Detachment Pearl Harbor
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - On Dec. 26, 2012, Seabees from CBMU 303 Detachment Pearl Harbor got a rare opportunity to meet their commander in chief. President Barack Obama greeted the sailors at his vacation home with a firm hand shake and a warm smile. For the second consecutive year, the Seabees were asked to provide force protection engineering support for the president during his annual vacation retreat to the Island of Oahu, Hawaii. CBMU 303’s quick response and impressive results in 2011 paved the way for the U.S. Secret Service to request the unit by name to handle this year’s visit.
Although they didn’t have much notice, and the details of the requirements could not be disclosed in advance, the Seabees completed the highly sensitive, time restricted projects in typical can-do style. Officer-in-charge and Kailua, Hawaii, native, Senior Chief Jim Dolan, praised his sailors by saying, “Everybody worked hard, and they worked together to accomplish the mission. Seabees thrive on challenge, and we strive to exceed expectations.”
Dolan asked the president if he would pose for a photo with the sailors; what he got was much more than he expected.
Obama gave the Seabees the gift of his time. The president showed genuine interest as he spoke to each sailor individually and extended a heartfelt handshake. He commended the Seabees on their work and thanked them for their service before posing for a photo with the group. It was a Christmas memory none of the Seabees will soon forget.
Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303 conducts construction readiness training and provides construction engineering support to various regional commanders.
Date Taken: | 12.26.2012 |
Date Posted: | 01.08.2013 16:01 |
Story ID: | 100122 |
Location: | PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII, US |
Web Views: | 441 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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