Seabees from NMCB 17 build compound

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Kenneth Robinson | Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas and Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Vargas both assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion - 17 check the square of a South Western Asia hut foundation. The foundation is a unique design created by NMCB-17 builders consisting of 4x4s and 25 load bearing post versus standard SWA hut 15 post construction. NMCB-17, also known as the "Desert Battalion" homeported at Fort Carson, Colo., is deployed to Iraq and other areas of operations supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.  

FALLUJAH, IRAQ

09.03.2008

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenneth Robinson 

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 17

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Kenneth Robinson
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion - 17

FALLUJAH, Iraq - Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion - 17 are working to convert an area just outside Camp Fallujah that was once used as a vacation resort for the rich and famous Iraqis, into a Marine Corps combat outpost.

The site will become the COP for Marines and other units assigned to the Al Anbar province of western Iraq. The Seabees constructed a fire base, Southwest Asia huts, platforms for a communications center, super SWA huts, and a training compound.

"I felt a great sense of purpose working to rebuild a once glimmering site into something usable for the future of all Iraqis." said Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Vargas. "The facilities we provided will save lives and we did excellent work. My crew completed two projects, a super Southwest Asia hut and sensor Southwest Asia huts ahead of schedule and we were able to help on the Shock Trauma Platoon project."

NMCB-17, homeported at Fort Carson, Colorado also know as the "Desert Battalion" have been supporting the Marine Corps by providing construction skills that the Seabees possess since setting foot in Iraq over 5 months ago.

"Throughout the construction phase, the Seabees did a great job", said Petty Officer 1st Class Rich Harlan, quality control inspector for the project. "The work conditions, environment and the materials created many challenges, but the Seabees of NMCB-17 overcame them with a can do attitude, and were able to produced high quality products."

In addition to this project, the Seabees of NMCB-17 are involved in several other construction projects across the Al Anbar province of Iraq

• Date Taken: 09.03.2008
• Date Posted: 09.03.2008 10:08
• Story ID: 23159
• Location: FALLUJAH, IQ