Seabees Celebrate Culture Day at Chuuk High School

Photo By Yamilet Perezrivera | 180406-N-HG710-0096 CHUUK, Federated States of Micronesia (April 6th, 2018) Seabees, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, Construction Civic Action Detail Federated States of Micronesia, partake in the final dance with students from all of the Chuuk State regions. NMCB-11 is forward deployed to execute construction, humanitarian and foreign assistance, and theater security cooperation in the 7th Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Builder 3rd Class Yamilet Perez)  

CHUUK, MICRONESIA, FEDERATED STATES OF

04.06.2018

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11

at the Chuuk High School Cultural Day on April 6th, 2018.
The event began with a quote by the Chuuk High School Principle, Mr. Jason Reiong, “Uptiw non eoreni, mamarita non eoreni manaweni eoreni” which translates to “Born in the culture, raised in the culture, and our lives evolve around the culture”. This is something that sits in all the hearts and minds of the Chuukese people and was perfectly captured by the program of events that followed. The events consisted of traditional dancing, coconut husking, basket weaving, coconut grinding, and fish identification skills; all of which included numerous high school students from different regions in Chuuk State. Each activity was followed by a performance by students from each of the regions in Chuuk. All the performances included beautiful songs and dances in the region’s traditional attire.
Several Seabees in attendance were asked about their experience and were excited to have been a part of the festivities. Builder 2nd Class Corey Hedman stated, “It was amazing to see the unique cultural differences of each region.” Builder 3rd Class Thomas Jobe stated, “It was an incredible opportunity to be a part of this day and we were honored to participate in the day’s activities”. Seabees engaged in a photo and cultural dance with the Northwest region students of Chuuk High School. Builder 3rd Class Yamilet Perez stated, “It was one of the many great experiences I have had since I have been on this island and look forward to be a part of more local events.”
The CCAD is in Chuuk to complete Humanitarian Assistance projects while providing support for the local community through apprentice training, military enlistment preparation, and basic community health assistance. The Civic Action project that the CCAD is tasked with is to build a new two-room classroom at Chuuk High School. The project is estimated to be completed on July 28th, 2018, providing the 875 students at Chuuk High School more space for classes and after school activities. The community relations aspect of the CCAD’s mission is being accomplished by conducting ASVAB training three days a week to the students at Chuuk High School, establishing an Apprenticeship Program to develop the technical expertise of the local community, teaching the High School students basic medical procedures such as C.P.R. and continuously participating in local events.
NMCB-11 is a Seabee battalion specializing in contingency construction, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. The battalion’s homeport is in Gulfport, Miss.

• Date Taken: 04.06.2018
• Date Posted: 04.30.2018 07:59
• Story ID: 275010
• Location: CHUUK, FM