Camp Mitchell Seabee statue flies again

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Michael Lindsey | Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74’s crane crew hoist a Seabee statue onto its pedestal located at the entrance of Camp Mitchell on Naval Station Rota, Spain. The statue was taken down and repainted by members of NMCB 74’s Junior Enlisted Leadership Organization who volunteered their off-duty time for the renovations. NMCB 74 will turn over Camp Mitchell to NMCB 5 later this month.  

ROTA, SPAIN

08.02.2011

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Lindsey 

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74

ROTA, Spain - Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74’s Junior Enlisted Leadership Organization completed renovations on the 10 ft. tall Seabee monument which stands at the main entrance to Camp Mitchell, Naval Station Rota, Spain.

On Jun. 29 the statue was crane lifted onto a low boy trailer and entrusted to members of NMCB 74’s JELO who planned the project and volunteered their off-duty time to sandblast, primer and paint the statue.

For over three decades, Camp Mitchell has been a home away from home for deployed NMCBs and it is not uncommon for battalions to do some home improvements during their stay. Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Hysong, construction mechanic, the president of the JELO, said this project was a great way to leave their mark before turning the camp over to NMCB 5 and heading home later this month.

“The monument is a symbol that is supposed to represent the Seabees and the condition of the paint was faded and rusty,” said Hysong. “We wanted the rehabilitation to be a direct reflection of the hard work and tireless efforts the Seabees provide worldwide.”

Cmdr. Richard Hayes, commanding officer NMCB 74, paid a visit to the crew once the monument was completed and praised the small crew for their hard work and creativity.

“This monument is a symbol of the Seabee legacy here on Naval Station Rota and I’m extremely proud of the hard work and dedication the JELO volunteered to ensure it is ready to stand watch over Camp Mitchell for many more years to come.”

During their deployment, the JELO raised $500 for the Rota Animal Welfare League, a local animal shelter on NAVSTA Rota, volunteered to cook and serve food for the battalion’s Memorial Day picnic and organized a battalion beach cleanup of Admiral’s Beach on NAVSTA Rota.

• Date Taken: 08.02.2011
• Date Posted: 08.11.2011 04:51
• Story ID: 75170
• Location: ROTA, ES