Photo By Pfc. David Hauk | Chief Petty Officer Jamie Warwick (left), and Petty Officer 1st Class Mark Galan...... read more read more
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COMMAND OUTPOST SENJARAY, Afghanistan — Working from sunrise to sundown and sometimes longer, Navy engineers, called Seabees, work hard until their mission is complete. At Command Outpost Senjaray, Seabees have been requested by the Army to help the Soldiers stationed there.
Living in austere conditions with little amenities for the past month caused the Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment to call the Seabees for help. The Seabees have been glad to lend a hand.
"We are going to be standing up 30 hardened buildings for the troops to live in and work in," said Chief Petty Officer Jamie Warwick, Naval Mobile Constructions Battalion 22.
The 4th Infantry Division Soldiers from Fort Carson, Colo., can't express their gratitude by pitching in to help as their mission requirements have them working six-hour shifts twice a day. Such a high operational tempo does not allow them the time to work on improving their own conditions.
The buildings under construction will not only provide better living conditions for the Soldiers when they are not out on mission, but will also provide additional safety.
"[The structures] are built to withstand small-arms fire and direct mortar attacks," said Warwick.
The buildings will also provide separation between the troops sleeping area and their work space. Currently, the troops are sleeping in the same tents they are working in, making it difficult to sleep or rest with others working two feet away.
Although the troops and the Seabees are eager to get the buildings up, the construction is proving to be a challenge.
Logistical problems with getting supplies to Senjaray can make it difficult, but the Army is doing a great job making sure we get the supplies we need to complete the project, said Warwick.
The Seabees also face obstacles presented by the environment, as well as not having all of the proper tools.
"It's a little bit difficult due to the terrain and some of the equipment," said Petty Officer 1st Class Mark Galan. "So far we have been able to adapt to every situation and work around the little things."
While adapting and overcoming is a familiar phrase and concept for Soldiers, who often see it as part of their job description, for these Seabees, working with the Army and the way Soldiers operate is something they haven't done before.
Warwick said this has been a new opportunity for the Seabees. Sometimes the terminology can be difficult, but it has been a learning experience and a good time.
The Soldiers have also enjoyed being around the Seabees and are impressed by their hard work.
"The Seamen have been great," said Company D 1st Sgt. Jack Robison. "They are like ants. Just turn them loose on a COP and there is nonstop activity until the work is done."
| Date Taken: | 11.30.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 12.09.2009 11:12 |
| Story ID: | 42490 |
| Location: | COMMAND OUTPOST SENJARAY, AF |
| Web Views: | 410 |
| Downloads: | 324 |
This work, Seabees and Soldiers work together to improve base, by PFC David Hauk, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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