KWAJALEIN, Marshall Islands - Marshallese construction workers and U.S. Navy Seabees, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, construct a washroom facility in Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, Nov. 20, 2015.
The previous outdoor facility where local Marshallese bathed and washed up after a long day of work in a local landfill is being upgraded by NMCB 1 with a block building that will provide showers, restrooms, and a washer and dryer area.
“This project is a morale booster for the Marshallese workers,” said Lt. j.g. Cory Devonis, NMCB 1 officer in charge in Marshall Islands. “The existing shower is an outdoor faucet where local Marshallese can bathe and wash up after a long day work in the local landfill, however, being outside and open is not the most comfortable way to wash up after a long day of work. This facility allows the locals to freely wash up before heading home as well as providing washer and dryer services and restroom facilities.”
NMCB 1 has been working hand-in-hand with the local Marshallese workers on a project that began as a concrete placement and then developed into a building with a roof, walls, and a solid foundation.
“This is my first time working with military construction,” said Joel Aldea, lead carpenter and native of Manila, Philippines. “I have a good time talking to these guys. They work hard and are very polite to everyone.”
According to Builder 2nd Class Bryan A. Peter, this is a unique and fulfilling project due to the work being done with the local Marshallese.
“We joke, work, and laugh together,” said Peter, assigned to NMCB 1. “This is also a great site; I have learned a lot and also flexed my skills.”
NMCB 1 is a Seabee battalion that specializes in contingency construction, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. The battalion's homeport is in Gulfport, Miss.
The Naval Construction Force is a vital component of the U.S. Maritime Strategy. It offers deployable battalions capable of providing contingency construction, disaster preparation and recovery support, humanitarian assistance, and combat operations support.