Photo By Master Sgt. Michele Hammonds | Spc. Simon Contreras checks to make sure the wood is level and straight. He helped...... read more read more
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By Master Sgt. Michele R. Hammonds
1st Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait – While most people slept, the Soldiers of the 863rd Engineer Battalion drilled, hammered and sawed wood as they built a covered deck for Navy personnel at a port in Kuwait July 6. They completed the three-day building project July 7.
It may seem unusual that Soldiers would be building a deck at night, but they did it in an effort to beat the heat. The daily temperatures in Kuwait average 120 degrees Fahrenheit and higher.
"Working at night is a huge benefit for us because we do not have to battle the heat during the day," said Sgt. Edward Smith, of the 863rd Engr. Bn., based out of Chicago, Ill. "Like right now, the temperature is running around 95 degrees and it is 10:30 p.m., so during the daytime temperatures push up 120 to 125."
Navy Capt. Peter C. Johansen, commanding officer of Mobile Sealift Operations Command Kuwait, also concerned about the rising temperatures, requested the covered deck be built to protect his staff from the harsh sun. Strong winds nearly ripped up the retractable awnings, which previously helped provide shade.
"The sun is pretty intense. It is routinely 120 degrees and we are working in steel boxes," he said. "If we can keep the sun rays off the boxes, it will protect us from the elements," said Johansen, who oversees cargo movement in and out of theater.
Five members of the 863rd Engr. Bn. set up the covered deck framing and continued into the night to finish up as much of the work as possible. Both Smith and Spc. Simon Contrerns climbed up on the roof, sawed wood, hammered and drilled into the night to complete the overhead framing for the deck.
"We are actually building a deck and a sunshade (cover) over the deck for a Navy compound. They are stationed right here on the port," said Sgt. Edward Padilla of Chicago's 863rd Engr. Bn. "Instead of being locked in the steel box all day they can sit on the porch and enjoy the outside a little bit."
Johansen said he was pleased about the progress of the project.
"They just got out here last night, and they already got the framing up. I think they are doing well," said Johansen.
Johansen and members of the 863rd Engr. Bn. are deployed here as part of the Third Army (Forward) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
| Date Taken: | 07.19.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 07.19.2007 13:21 |
| Story ID: | 11357 |
| Location: | CAMP ARIFJAN, KW |
| Web Views: | 131 |
| Downloads: | 113 |
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