NMCB 1 Brings Runway Project on Final Approach

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Chadwick Runge | Utilitiesman constructionman Jimmy Dunn of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 loads concrete forms onto the back of a dump truck as a crew of Seabees prepares to put the finishing touches on a runway project at Camp Taqaddum, Iraq. After two years of work completed by numerous battalions, the 50-person detachment from NMCB 1 will complete an overhaul of one of the camp's runways later this year, which will finally bring the airfield back to full strength. NMCB 1 is deployed to several locations in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Micronesia providing responsive military construction support to U.S. Military operations. NMCB 1 is part of nearly 1,100 Sailors and Marines supporting critical construction efforts in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. (U.S. Navy photo/Petty Officer 2nd Class Chad Runge)  

AL TAQADDUM, IRAQ

12.21.2007

Courtesy Story

30th Naval Construction Regiment

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Chad Runge
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 – Public Affairs
CAMP AL TAQADDUM, Iraq - Dec. 7, the Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1, currently deployed to several locations in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Micronesia, made the final concrete placement -- to complete one of the Naval Construction Force's long-running projects; a complete overhaul of the runway system at Camp Al Taqaddum, Iraq.

Already one of the largest logistics hubs in the region, the airfield transfers passengers and millions of pounds of cargo daily. Upon completion of the project, Camp Al Taqaddum's airfield will be fully-operational for the first time since the coalition air strikes of Operation Desert Storm.

NMCB 1 is the fifth Battalion to tackle the project, which began April 16, 2006.

"Our portion of the runway repair project, valued at $2.1 million, totaled 1,330 man-days of the 22,000 man-day project," said Detail Officer in Charge Lt. j.g. Chris Casne. "The completion of this project will increase flight operation capabilities at Al Taqaddum Airfield will be significantly increased. Overall, the Seabees of NMCB 1 placed 2,159 cubic meters in just two short months."

A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for January 2008.

NMCB 1 is part of nearly 1,100 Sailors and Marines supporting critical general
engineering and construction efforts in the Al Anbar province of Iraq as part of 30th
Naval Construction Regiment (Forward).

• Date Taken: 12.21.2007
• Date Posted: 12.21.2007 14:05
• Story ID: 14912
• Location: AL TAQADDUM, IQ