Article by Engineering Aide 3rd Class Lawrence Romang, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74
GULFPORT, Miss. - Preparing for the rainy season has not been an easy task for Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 74, Detail (DET) Niger. While the current weather usually produces highs in the hundreds with sparse, if any, cloud cover, the rainy season is fast approaching. To improve the functionality of the Niamey camp during the rainy season, the Seabees have been busy preparing the site for a different but equally imposing threat - the coming flash floods.
One of the many preparations being undertaken comes in the form of a raised deck for All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) parking. Builder Constructionman Alex Dubuisson had this to offer about the project: "Finding the materials for the deck was quite challenging. We scrounged the base for material using everything from scrap 2x12’s, to disassembling wooden pallets. In the end though, we found what we were looking for and finished the job." Exemplifying the “Can-Do” motto derived from the spirit of the Seabees, the deck now stands complete at a sturdy 2.5 feet tall, allowing the ATV’s to park safely above the camp’s flood lines.
Along with the deck project, the Seabees have also built numerous desks and shelving units for the purpose of keeping equipment and computers dry. Another, larger task included building a new floor in the Operations tent. The flooring will provide the Operations Department with a flat, dry, and elevated surface on which to perform their duties.
"The Air Force was really happy we finished the floor for them. Even though the rain is still a little ways away, I think they were nervous about it coming and flooding their stuff," said Steel Worker 1st Class, David Aanenson.
While the rains have yet to show themselves, the Seabees are ever vigilant, looking for ways to minimize the potential for the otherwise inevitable destruction of equipment and gear.
With its home-port in Gulfport, Miss., NMCB 74 is a 580-person Seabee Battalion currently deployed to multiple locations in U.S. Northern Command, U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility, providing general and contingency engineering support to Combatant and Component Commanders in order to enhance their operational capabilities across the full spectrum of military operations. Operating forward, NMCB 74 strives to capitalize on engagement opportunities and build lasting relationships, ultimately paving the way for future partnerships.
For more news and information on NMCB 74, visit the Command Facebook page at https://www.Facebook.com/#!/FEARLESS74.
| Date Taken: | 03.22.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 04.05.2014 02:58 |
| Story ID: | 124420 |
| Location: | GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI, US |
| Web Views: | 56 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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