Seabee’s reap refreshing and cost efficient results

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

12.17.2013

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28

By U.S. Navy Builder 2nd Class Shaketha Brown

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - During a time when being cost effective is important, Seabees with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28 offer a money saving solution while deployed to Afghanistan.

Although other military units have tried different methods, the Seabees slogan “can do” reined true for them recently. A joint effort between NMCB 28 and their predecessors, NMCB 15, resulted in one of Afghanistan’s deepest water well to date to the coalition military side of the Kabul International Airport.

This well is projected to support all water needs on the KAIA military base and is estimated to save NATO forces millions of dollars in the coming years.

The mission, first tasked to NMCB 15, was given the impromptu label of "impossible;" however, the Seabees don’t like using that word in their vocabulary. NMCB 15 worked diligently on the initial plans and broke ground for the construction. NMCB 28 followed behind and assumed responsibility of the project, making minor adjustments as they went until the project was completed.

The well, approximately 1280 feet in depth, is one of the deepest wells in Afghanistan. It has the capability to produce 61,000 gallons of water per day, at 42 gallons of water per minute. With temperatures in Afghanistan reaching incredible heights during the summer, the 55 degree potable water produced by the well will offer a refreshing solution.

The well has been constructed to house two delivery methods, or ports. One port has the capability to fill a 20,000 gallon water bladder that can then be transported by various vehicles. The second port is an upward spout designed to fill water trucks.

Theses ports are in a portable water pump house constructed by NMCB 28 Seabees. One of the concrete pads placed by the Seabees was created as a solution to environmental protection plans being implemented in the area.

The Seabees of NMCB 28 have shown through their determination and the intensive labor put into the project, they “can do” what others have said will not work.

• Date Taken: 12.17.2013
• Date Posted: 12.23.2013 00:17
• Story ID: 118579
• Location: KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF