Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Kenneth Robinson | Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenneth O'Donnel of Boise, Idaho (L) stands with Marine,...... read more read more
By Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenneth Robinson
KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq - Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 17's "Tiger Team" are addressing quality of life issues for Marines in outlying areas of operation. The "Tiger Team", led by Chief E. Newlen Sutton, builder, has significantly improved the lives of the Marines in the field.
The Tiger Team is comprised of highly skilled Seabees with tools and materials who perform quality of life, safety and force protection upgrades to remote Marine outposts. In addition to Sutton, the team consists of project supervisor 1st Class David Blythe, construction electrician, Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenneth O'Donnell, builder, Petty Officer 2nd Class Bret Stageberg, utilitiesman, Petty Officer 3rd Class Willis Bonie, utilitiesman, and team mechanic, Petty Officer 2nd Class Timothy Furr, construction mechanic .
Each team member is not only an expert in their own rate, but is also proficient in all construction trades. They must make on the spot decisions, with limited materials and time, which will affect the lives of scores of Marines at each location.
"It was a pleasure to have the Seabees aboard our Combat Outpost in Western Iraq," said Master Sgt. Sean McBride, senior enlisted advisor at the outpost. Petty Officer 1st Class David Blythe had initially done a site survey to assess the functionality of the COP shower trailers. Once on site, he determined that the trailers were a health hazard because the water did not drain properly. Other major safety concerns included exposed wiring and the location of the water heaters in relation to the shower stalls. Blythe also noted that the initial plumbing was done incorrectly causing leaks which shut down one of the trailers," said McBride.
"What we have now, is essentially a totally re-furbished shower trailer. The impact on morale is huge. Marines coming from a long, dusty patrol can now shower and not have to worry about conducting personal hygiene using bottled water," said McBride.
"The Tiger Team's mission is to support coalition forces," said Blythe.
Currently, the team is working on re-siding a building, repairs at a Battle Aid Station, rehabilitation of a dining facility, and improving sanitation for a laundry facility. These projects will significantly improve health and sanitation for those that use these facilities.
"What the team does out here is what being a Seabee is all about. They are a team of highly skilled Seabees riding into the desolate wastelands in search of adventure and showers that don't drain," Sutton said with a grin.
Sutton reflected on his team, "In my twenty years of service, I have never known finer Seabees than those of Tiger Team Korean Village. It is an honor and a privilege to serve with each of them."
| Date Taken: | 06.12.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 06.16.2008 11:32 |
| Story ID: | 20518 |
| Location: | CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, IQ |
| Web Views: | 397 |
| Downloads: | 288 |
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